Table of contents for Issue 1076 in Closer

Appearing at the Invictus Games earlier this month to rapturous applause as she supported husband Prince Harry, Meghan Markle flaunted her star appeal as she hugged supporters and made her own heartfelt speech. And while her ongoing feud with the royals appeared to have taken a backseat, days later rumours began to circulate that Meghan, 42, was planning her biggest revenge move yet by penning her own explosive memoir. IMAGE Now, former BBC journalist Tom Bower, author of Revenge: Meghan, Harry And The War Between The Windsors, warns that Meghan looks set to unleash more “truth bombs” on the Royal Family. “Meghan's memoir will be better than Harry's and there's no doubt it will be worth an absolute fortune if she signs a contract. There will be a big readership…

She was the deserving recipient of Strictly Come Dancing’s first perfect 40 last series, going on to finish as a runner-up alongside partner Vito Coppola. And Fleur East is back with her Strictly family again this year – this time as a host on spin-off show, It Takes Two, alongside professional dancer Janette Manrara. Telling Closer that they'll bring a lot of humour, the singer, 35, says of their partnership, “We spent a lot of time together on tour and we're both very loud, very bubbly and we laugh a lot.” Janette welcomed her second child, Lyra Rose, with fellow Strictly star Aljaž Škorjanec in July – and Fleur is hopeful that their new addition will be visiting the It Takes Two studio with her mum. “I'm hoping [Janette] will…

When 51-year-old single mum Yasmin Shaheen Zaffar's only daughter, Verity, 19, left their home in Harrogate last year, she sank into grief. Yasmin, who's a neuro feedback therapist for redkitetherapy.com, explains, “In the run-up to her leaving I thought I'd be fine, I was excited for her to be starting a new journey. But it hit me like a ton of bricks when it happened. It had been just the two of us for years and we were so close. “At the beginning I was anxious, lying awake at night hoping she was safe. And then I just missed her so much. I didn't leave the house for two weeks. I stopped going to the gym, I sat on my own crying. I felt completely empty inside. I'd put so…

Unlike other jewellers, Amanda Booth's materials go beyond metals and precious gems, as the mum of three has a thriving business turning unusual items such as pet fur, breast milk – and even semen – into bespoke trinkets. There has been such a huge demand for Amandas unusual jewellery that she now earns up to £400,000 a year from them. She says, “My hobby has connected me with people from across the globe, and I'm honoured that people trust me to create art using their sentimental materials.” COMFORT Amanda started making jewellery in October 2021. She says, “Initially I picked it up as a hobby after struggling with anxiety and depression. It was the perfect creative outlet and it helped me to unwind after a busy day of parenting my…

SURVIVING THE PERIMENOPAUSE Claire swears by the following to support her through midlife: ● GINGER SHOTS – They really help my voice and ginger is good for your immune system ● TURMERIC CAPSULES AND SHOTS – Turmeric is good for inflammation ● VITAMIN D – I always take this, it helps to keep your bones strong ● COLLAGEN – It's said to be really good for your skin and joint pain ● WATER – It helps with everything, but I find it especially great for my voice Life IMPROVE YOUR MIND, BODY, RELATIONSHIPS & MONEY 14-PAGES OF EXPERT ADVICE!…

• TAKING SAGE SUPPLEMENTS These are really good for balancing hormones and I definitely think I've been feeling more balanced. • EATING MORE PROTEIN I realised my protein shakes contained a lot of sugar so I've been looking at getting more beans, pulses and broccoli into my breakfast and lunch to keep me fuller for longer. • REDUCING STRESS LEVELS I've made a rule that once I come home, there's no work, no emails. And I've felt so much happier since. I come home and spend time with my daughter and my family.…

FLAVOUR BOOST (Cornish Sea Salt additions, cornishseasalt.co.uk, £2.95) With two new flavours – chicken salt and Piri Piri salt – use these for rubbing over meat, sprinkling into soups, add to breadcrumbs or stir through dressings for a punchy taste sensation. RETRO TIPPLE (Castellore Dolce Amore Rosé, Aldi, £8.99) Flavours of raspberry, peach, strawberries, cherries and apricot mean this new rosé has been likened to “Fruit Salad sweets”. Perfect for those who like a sweeter drop! MAKE IT VEGAN Replace the yoghurt and feta with dairy-free alternatives and use maple syrup in place of honey.…

GBBO BAKER VAL STONES, 73, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND BAKING IS MY THERAPY… When I bake, I'm truly relaxed, it's so good for the soul and I love trying new things. When my mother was ill, I went home to care for her. I baked every day and filled the house with familiar scents that reminded us of our baking triumphs and disasters over the years. MY LOVE OF WALKING HAS BEEN IMPROVED BY 52 WAYS TO WALK BY ANNABEL STREETS… It's both a plan and a philosophy. I love walking. My passion for walking remains since childhood and I walked 60 miles on the Great Wall Of China for charity four years ago. Even now, with a new hip, I walk many miles in…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK JASMINE TOOKES Former Victoria's Secret Angel Jasmine looked effortlessly chic in a cream co-ord at the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Week Party earlier this month. The model teamed tailored shorts with an oversized blazer and a striped shirt to create a chic look that is perfect for a weekend brunch. We applaud the way the 32-year-old has completed the outfit with a simple belt and Perspex heels. IN THE NEWS … CHILDREN'S CHARITY COLLECTION Matalan's annual collaboration with children's charity Alder Hey is kitting out the family for the 10th year. The range, which will be in selected stores from 27 September, features cosy pyjamas for everyone, including your pup! We love the snuggle hoodie, which will be perfect for keeping warm once the winter chill…

TV WEEK: 30 SEPT-6 OCT NEW SERIES 1 BOILING POINT TENSE KITCHEN DRAMA SUN 1 OCT, 9PM, BBC1 The spin-off series from the excellent 2021 film Boiling Point starring Stephen Graham perfectly portrays the stresses (and there are plenty of them) of working in the kitchen of a busy restaurant, along with the personal troubles of the staff. At the end of the film, head chef Andy (Graham) had a heart attack, and the series starts with his deputy Carly (the brilliant Vinette Robinson) now running her own eaterie. Andy's unemployed and struggling with his alcohol issues, but trusty pastry chef Emily (played by Graham's wife, Hannah Walters) is trying to help him. It's an incredibly tense watch, but utterly brilliant. 2 STRICTLY COME DANCING / RESULTS THE VOTING BEGINS SAT 30…

OMG Lily, you are so right. And can we just say how much we HATE anyone who a) doesn't scrape their plate properly first and b) puts knives into the rack sharp side up. Cardi, given the choice between peace and quiet 8am-3.30pm, five days a week or no routine, we'll take routine EVERY time. Please don't let half-term come round too quickly! GRUMPY GRAM Giving side-eye that could literally kill, Helen wishes a slow, torturous demise on whoever created this frothy monster. Her designer outfit doesn't stand a chance!…

‘SHE WANTS TO MAKE SURE HE'S LOOKING AFTER HIMSELF AND IS ON TOP FORM AS A FATHER’ Liam Payne recently sent fans into a panic after being hospitalised for a serious kidney infection while on holiday with girlfriend Kate Cassidy – just weeks after cancelling his South American solo tour. And now, ex-partner Cheryl, 40 – with whom he shares son Bear, six – Liam, 30, is said to be intent on nursing the star back to health. The source says, “Cheryl has been beside herself with worry over Liam's health issues and feels she should be doing more for her son's dad. She knows Liam so well, and they've long had an agreement that family matters come first, so that's what Cheryl's mindset is now. Although they're exes, they've…

He's happily married to wife Jennifer Lopez – but last week, Ben Affleck raised eyebrows when he was pictured cosying up to his exwife Jennifer Garner in LA. Ben and Jennifer, both 51, were spotted hugging it out in a car and having an affectionate moment together, before smiling and parting ways. The two have been co-parenting together since their 2015 split, remaining close friends. COSY And now insiders say J-Lo, 54 – who was away in New York attending Fashion Week when the cosy reunion took place – has been left fuming at the snaps. A source says, “J-Lo's absolutely furious and feels like she's been blindsided by these pictures. Ben's been insisting they were completely innocent – and J-Lo does believe him – but he's also been unrepentant.…

She was last linked to The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, following her public break-up from actor Joe Alwyn. But it appears that Taylor Swift has already moved on, with reports that the pop icon has been “quietly hanging out” with American football superstar Travis Kelce, 33. What began as rumours was followed up by confirmation from Travis’ brother Jason, a fellow NFL player. Speaking on the WIP Morning Show about the rumours surrounding the Anti-Hero singer, 33, and his younger brother, he said, “I think things are going great and I think it's 100 per cent true.” Kansas City Chiefs player Travis revealed he tried to meet the singer during her Eras tour stop-off in Missouri. “I was a little butthurt that I didn't get to hand her one of…

When Karen McGill's cat Bagel struts round her neighbourhood, she attracts a lot of attention – mainly because of the sunglasses she wears. Ten-year-old Bagel suffers from a rare condition which means she was born without eyelids. It's something Karen, 55, was unaware of when she rescued the eight-week-old kitten from an animal shelter. But Karen has ensured Bagel's disability has not held her back, and her famous feline has even modelled during New York fashion week and boasts over 850,000 followers on Instagram. Karen says, “I really hope more people will consider adopting a pet with a disability. There is such a stigma around this, but Bagel's condition has enabled her to travel the world.” RARE CONDITION Karen, who lives in California, USA, adopted Bagel in 2013. She says,…

DON'T SWEAT THE RISKS There are often headlines about the risks of HRT, including a slightly raised risk of breast cancer, but Louise is keen to put your mind to rest. “We often think of HRT as a last resort, but that's a real shame. Not only does it replace your missing hormones, it also increases the density and strength of your bones. Most women globally die from heart disease and dementia, and we know HRT reduces risk of heart disease by about 50 per cent. The the longer a woman is without hormones, the greater the risk of dementia. HRT also reduces the risk of osteoporosis, which affects one in two women. Some people worry there's a link to breast cancer, but the HRT that's prescribed now hasn't been…

INSIDE DAVINA'S FRIDGE ● Butter ● Avocado ● Natural yoghurt ● Kefir ● Soy Sauce ● Ketchup ● Mayo ● Peppers ● Broccoli ● Watermelon ● Sugar snap peas ● Gem lettuce ● Parmesan ● Cheddar cheese ● Mozzarella ● Sausages ● Sweetcorn ● Salmon ● Chicken ● Onions ● Carrots ● Green beans ● Potatoes ● Raspberries ● Grapes ● Semi-skimmed milk VERDICT NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “Davina's fridge is packed with fruit, vegetables, dairy products and lean proteins like chicken and fish, which when combined with starchy, fibre-rich foods form the foundation of a healthy diet. It's great she snacks on nuts – they're packed with nutrients. She could easily introduce other plant proteins into her diet, too – tofu, beans, lentils and chickpeas are all great choices.”…

ALL ABOUT YOU! FEEL BETTER ABOUT AGEING Singer Ariana Grande has opened up about quitting lip filler and Botox to see her ‘well-earned cry lines and smile lines’. Anna applauds her perspective A riana Grande has said that she was “hiding” by having lip fillers and Botox, adding that she quit to see her “wellearned cry lines and smile lines”. It's a really mature and insightful statement. She recognised that by masking the lines in her face, she was hiding the experiences she's had. The more we laugh, the more we smile, the more we move our faces, the more expression marks we get, which is a wonderful testimony to how we live our lives. Worrying about looking different as we age can be referred to as gerontophobia – an…

We all want to take care of our skin and look our best, but with endless celeb ads and endorsements, not to mention influencers, convincing us to part with our cash for pricey products, it's hard to know what really works. So it's important to see through the hype. “High price doesn't always equate to effectiveness, and celebrity endorsements don't guarantee product efficacy,” says Medical Consultant Skin Expert Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme (@dr_ifeoma_ejikeme). “While some celebrities use the products they endorse, you should make decisions on what you purchase based on ingredients and scientific evidence. Prioritising products supported by reputable clinical studies is most important.” While you may assume goodquality ingredients supported by clinical studies would cost more, that isn't always the case. “The formulation and your skin's needs matter most…

1 LUXE LEATHER Everyone –and we mean everyone – should own at least one blazer. They go with everything from jeans and a tee to a midi dress. This faux leather version from Abbey Clancy's F&F edit is a twist on a classic that's bound to sell out fast. BLAZER, £40; BODYSUIT, £14; TROUSERS; £23, ALL F&F AT TESCO; SHOES, STYLIST'S OWN 2  CREAM OF THE CROP When it's too soon for a long-length puffer but chilly enough to need a snuggly layer, why not opt for cropped? This red style will bring a dose of dopamine dressing to all your autumn looks, and it'll help accentuate your waist. 3 THE BOMB There's no doubt about it, the bomber jacket is the hero style of 2023. Grey is also one of…

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 competition of any nature included in Closer magazine (a “Prize Draw”) unless otherwise expressly stated in the Prize Draw Notice. By entering a Prize Draw, entrants agree to be bound by these Rules. 2. Each Prize Draw is organised by Closer magazine, part of H Bauer Publishing Limited of registered address Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6EA. In the event of a discrepancy between these…

She made her debut last week as the Strictly bombshell, after reportedly telling BBC bosses that she's ready to bring the sex factor to this year's show. Former Love Island star Zara McDermott 26, looked incredible on the dance floor with her hunky Italian dance partner, Graziano Di Prima, 29, during Saturday night's show. TORN APART After the pairings were announced, many took to social media to joke that Zara's boyfriend, Sam Thompson, 31, “must be sweating”, as they cruelly compared the Made In Chelsea star to the “6ft 4 Italian stallion” who recently married Giada Lini, 32. And while the couple were torn apart by Zara's infidelity after she cheated with music boss Brahim Fouradi during her stint on X Factor: Celebrity in 2019, pals say she's vowed not…

For the last two months Anneliese Colwell has been suffering panic attacks, waking up with a racing heart and often bursts into tears. The reason? Her 19-yearold daughter, Issy, has left home for university and Anneliese is suffering from Empty Nest Syndrome (ENS). Anneliese, a riding instructor who lives in Sherborne in Dorset with her husband Matt, 58, Issy, and their youngest daughter, Molly, 16, explains, “I'm so excited for her and I know she's ready for the next chapter in her life, and I was the one who encouraged her to go to university when she was wavering. But I'm going to miss her so much – we are very close and I love her company.” PURPOSE She adds, “I can't imagine her not being here to chat to.…

NEWS It's been six years since her divorce from her husband of 20 years, Jamie Redknapp, but Louise Redknapp finally appears to have found love again after making her relationship with younger man Drew Michael official last week. EXCITED Louise, 48 – who shares Charley, 19, and Beau, 14, with Jamie – is thought to have been dating businessman Drew, 39, for a few months, but has remained coy, recently saying, “It's so difficult with your personal life… it's all good.” And a source now tells loser that the former Strictly star's pals are thrilled for Louise, but that there's an element of wariness – as it's her first public relationship since her marriage ended. The source says, “Louise is feeling really excited about her new romance and is loving spending…

Two months have passed since Joe Manganiello filed for divorce from Sofía Vergara, with the couple calling it a “difficult decision” in a joint statement. But since high-spirited photos have emerged of the True Blood actor leaving the gym with actress and TV host Caitlin O'Connor – who was later spotted getting into his car – sources say that it's rubbed his estranged wife up the wrong way. A source says, “It's really tough for Sofía. She's been rolling her eyes and saying this is Joe acting like a baby – he's clearly trying to get a rise out of her by flaunting his new fling and looking for attention. Sofía insists publicly she couldn't care less, but she's not fooling anyone – this has been a major blow to…

Every morning when Hira Ahmed watches over her little girl's cot, she never takes for granted just how lucky she is. Hira, who has a condition called Bruck Syndrome – an autosomal recessive syndrome consisting of bone fragility and congenital joint contractures – always worried she'd never become a mum. But after undergoing a bonestrengthening treatment, Hira felt stronger and healthier than ever, and was shocked when she fell pregnant. She is now the proud mother of daughter Dua – and this was the first successful birth ever for a woman with Bruck Syndrome, which affects fewer than 50 people worldwide. AGONY Hira says, “I still can't believe Dua is mine. I feel like the luckiest person in the world!” Growing up, 29-year-old Hira, an insurance officer who lives in…

DANIELLE ‘It was so hard – I'd rather give birth 5 more times!’ She faced torrential rain while taking part in a replica of the notoriously difficult UK Special Forces selection course, which saw her engage in combat, swim across rivers with a 25kg backpack and tightrope walk across the jungle. But Danielle Lloyd admits that the hardest challenge of all during her stint on gruelling TV reality show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins was leaving her five children and husband of four years Michael O'Neill back at home. Danielle, 39 – who shares sons Archie, 13, Harry, 12, and George, nine, with ex-husband Jamie O'Hara, and son Ronnie, five, and daughter Autumn, one, with Michael – reveals, “It was so difficult being away from the kids. I'd cry myself…

She made a name for herself in chart-topping ‘90s band Steps, and 22 years on Claire Richards is still selling out tours with the group and making waves as a solo artist. The singer – who has recently released her new solo album, Euphoria – laughs, “I'm loving it but it does mean all the focus is on me! But I feel like, especially at this period of my life, I'm being more adventurous with my outfits on stage, which I'm enjoying. I'm never going back to wearing combats and a bikini top because I'm not a teenager anymore, and it's great trying new things.” Claire, of course, is referring to the stage outfits she used to wear in the early days of Steps, where she topped the charts with…

First dates used to be terrifying. I remember building things up in my head after the initial flirting, stressing over my outfit and where we'd meet – there were also encouraging messages from friends, before, during and after the date. Now that apps have facilitated us all having more dates than ever before, the magic of it has diminished. I began to dread going on the first date, it all feels like a conveyor belt. I would prefer to dress casually and head to my local and I wouldn't bother telling my mates about it unless I thought it was going somewhere. What a shame – we should be excited to meet someone! Dating feels draining now, particularly as we seem to have become more and more selective without ever…

1) FIND THE FURNITURE There are many low-cost options in charity shops, car boot sales, second-hand websites or being given away. Look past excess dust, rough edges and chipped paint. 2) BE PICKY Make sure that your upcycled furniture will complement the room it's placed in. 3) FIND A WORKSPACE The space needs to be well-lit, spacious and well-ventilated (because of varnishes and paint). You'll also need the right tools, which include masking tape, paintbrushes, sandpaper, a tape measure and a power drill. 4) PREP FIRST This step is important to ensure a perfect result. Remove all the dust, old paint and grime. Gently sand the wood down so it feels smooth to the touch. Once there's no more peeling paint or dents, you can get creative! 5) PAINT PROPERLY…

Corrie newbie Steph Davies loves working with Street legend Jimmi Harkishin (Dev) so much she's got her own pet name for him. Former Hollyoaks star Steph, 30 – whose character Courtney has started an affair with Dev's son Aadi – tells Closer, “I absolutely love doing the scenes with Jimmi. Courtney calls him ‘Devvy’, I put it in myself in the scripts. I just did it in one of the takes and I was like, ‘I'm keeping this in!’ It's kind of stuck now. That's his new name to me.” FOLLOW OUR LIVE TWEETS OVER AT @CloserOnline…

LIBRA 23 SEP-22 OCT You're not one for angry outbursts, you're too sophisticated for that. What you do need to do, however, is to find a way to release any anger you're holding on to. Don't withhold true feelings in order to be pleasant. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope IF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK This is your time to step back from anything that prevents you from experiencing true happiness. This isn't about pointing the finger – it's about going deep within yourself, getting honest and letting go of old resentments that hold you back from joy.…

26 SEPTEMBER-2 OCTOBER TAURUS 20 APR – 20 MAY You could be chasing your tail in an attempt to solve various problems. As you do, remember that rest and reflection are also required. Twisting yourself into a pretzel to get everything done isn't an ideal state to be in. Make time to relax and let your intuitive side guide you. Visit Yasminboland.comfor your daily horoscope GEMINI 21 MAY – 20 JUN Harbouring resentment or anger is akin to drinking poison and expecting someone else to get sick. If you need more love, laughter and joy in your life, you've got to let bygones be bygones. Let go of any past hurt, real or perceived. The happiness you want is up to you. Visit Yasminboland.comfor your daily horoscope SCORPIO 23 OCT…