Содержание выпуска: Issue 934 — Closer

For many of us, there may be empty seats at the table and fewer gifts and treats on the 25th - but we’ve surely learned this year to count our blessings and grab every bit of happiness we can. We want to help you do just that with this double issue, packed full of interviews, stories and inspiration to make the next couple of weeks special. We’ve spoken to Mrs Christmas herself - Mariah Carey - who reveals the moving truth behind her hit song, plus we’ve tracked down a real-life virgin birth story, which proves miracles can happen! With puzzles, recipes and a 14-day guide to the best TV, we hope there’s plenty to keep you company until we’re back here again on 29 December. Merry Christmas from your…

❛THEY WILL HAVE TO MAKE SACRIFICES TO COME TO A DEAL❜ There was little festive cheer when, just weeks before the Christmas holidays, Rebekah Vardy’s legal team delivered legal papers to court, detailing her evidence in her explosive libel case against Coleen Rooney. It was the latest stage in the now notorious WAGatha Christie drama, following Coleen Rooney’s shocking allegation that Rebekah Vardy’s Instagram account had leaked stories about her to the press. Both women have faced criticism during the ongoing feud, as critics have blasted their “petty argument” and the gross waste of money amid a global pandemic where millions of lives and jobs have been lost. In a recent preliminary hearing, Coleen, 34, was ordered to pay £23,000 in legal fees, and Rebekah, 38, is seeking £200,000 in…

SNOW ESCAPE “I have a lot of favourite Christmas traditions. We go to Aspen, which is my favourite place to celebrate Christmas because it’s always snowy and it’s one of the best places ever. It’s freezing cold, but it’s beautiful and you’re looking at the stars. It’s an incredible moment I love every year.” SANTA VISIT “We do all sorts of things, we go on a sleigh ride with the kids and my extended family. I cook, Santa Claus comes over - I know it sounds like I’m making it up, but it’s true - I know him personally, he’s my dude. It’s an extravaganza!” FAMILY GAMES “We play Taboo every year. Now sometimes, just to get the kids involved in writing and stuff, we’ll do Heads Up, which is…

Gynaecologist Dr Eleanor Rayner, who founded the Maternity Collective, says, “It is so important to raise awareness of vaginismus. So many women don’t, but it’s important for them to know that they aren’t alone, that doctors see women who suffer from it regularly and that there are very good and effective treatments. “There are two different types of vaginismus – primary and secondary. Primary is where the woman has never experienced penetration. Sometimes, there can be an element of trauma, but it’s not unusual for women to simply not know why they have it. Secondary can develop, for example, after a traumatic experience, such as a difficult childbirth. “Treatments vary. Sometimes a dilator is inserted into the vagina, starting small and then working up to bigger ones. These are not…

While this year has been one of the hardest yet for most of us, not even A-listers are immune to the impact of the pandemic. Rihanna maybe a superstar with a net worth of more £450 million and eight Grammy awards under her belt, but the singer, 32, spent her time just like the rest of us – baking and bingeing on box sets. “I love what I do – but I am always busy and quarantine gave me the time to do things I wouldn’t always have been able to do – watch an entire box set in a day, cook, go for walk. It’s important we do little things we enjoy and are kind to ourselves,” the pop star exclusively tells Closer. And, after spending so much time…

NO PARTIES, PLEASE “When I was younger, I used to love a really OTT New Year’s Eve with the girls. We’d all get drunk on a train and go out somewhere - usually in a different city each year - and get hammered. It would be a table in a night club, Champagne all night, the whole nine yards. Now I just can’t imagine anything worse.” BED BY MIDNIGHT “I think New Year’s Eve is overrated. My dream now is a cosy night in and bed by midnight. I’m at the age now where, after 12pm, I want to be in my slippers.” WINE WITH ERCAN “This year, I’ll probably make a nice meal, or get a great takeaway and share a bottle of wine with Ercan at home. If…

He may have been paired with Karen Hauer on this year’s Strictly, but it’s his friendship with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice that’s had the biggest impact on reality star Jamie Laing. He reveals that his best mate and former Made In Chelsea co-star Spencer Matthews, 32, has even got a touch of the green-eyed monster over his budding bromance with Italian Gio, 30. Jamie tells Closer, “Spencer is always jealous! I love Gio, he’s my boy. I’ve been trying to set him up with one of my female friends so we can double date. I think every single person in the country fancies Gio, but not as much as he fancies himself! Or as much as I fancy him! But Spenny needn’t worry about it - he is still my…

With his good looks and smooth moves, HRVY, 21, had been a steady favourite throughout the series. Ahead of the semi-final, he told Closer he was feeling “a rollercoaster of energy and emotions”. But the singer and YouTube star - who has toured with the likes of Little Mix and The Vamps - is surprised by his popularity, as he feels there’s a “stigma” attached to being a social media star, although he says Strictly has helped to ease it. “When you come from an online world, you don’t really get taken as seriously, so it’s been a struggle,” he says. “But the fans have been lovely so, hopefully, I’ve made them proud.” HRVY - real name Harvey Cantwell - has been at the centre of romance rumours with contestant…

Their on/off relationship had the nation hooked for seven years after they first started dating on TOWIE, but following her latest public break-up with James “Arg” Argent - the longest time they’ve even been apart - Gemma Collins admits she’d love to meet somebody special to spend Christmas with. The TOWIE and Diva Forever reality star, 39, and Arg, 33, called it quits over summer after he reportedly told her he wanted to move to Spain and have an open relationship. NEW START Despite seemingly rekindling their romance in October, when they were spotted on a dinner date accompanied by Gemma’s young nephew, it now appears they have gone their separate ways once more. This month, Arg has celebrated being clean and sober for 11 months. His best pal, Mark…

After nine years off our screens, Gavin & Stacey was the knockout winner of the festive TV ratings war last year, as the Christmas special was watched by 17 million people. And Larry Lamb, who plays Gavin’s dad Mick Shipman, admits he wasn’t surprised by the show’s incredible comeback. “I can certainly believe it because I watched the whole thing unfold,” he explains from his Normandy home, where he’s been living since July. “After ten years of being asked by everybody about whether or not we’re going to do it again, you begin to realise just what an effect it had on the TV viewing public in Britain. “When something like that is such a big success, you realise you better be very careful if you start trying to do…

It’s now 1965 in Poplar, bringing with it a load of new sassy outfits for Trixie, played by Helen George. She tells Closer: “I’m really chuffed with Trixie’s wardrobe! I get to wear some amazing outfits; copies of original designs from the 1960s. It was a real treat after spending the previous six months in my pyjamas and not wearing heels!” And the COVID-19 restrictions have meant cast had to do a lot of their own make-up. She adds, “Normally the makeup bus is the hub of gossip, but only three of us were allowed on at a time and it was a lot quieter.” Does that mean less time getting preened? “No, I’ve always been high-maintenance,” she laughs. “It’s always been a long old haul! Although, I’ve got slightly…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK The five-day Christmas Covid bubble how will it work? We know this is going to be a holiday season like no other, but my advice would be to think of it as just an old-fashioned Christmas. Indulge in a frosty walk, a game of charades and a smaller, but equally delicious family lunch. Make a virtue of the fact it’s different and put the emphasis on the time you’re having together. If it’s smaller than usual, make it quality time. BE SENSIBLE If you manage to reduce social contact in the couple of weeks running up to the big day, that will make the time with your loved ones safer for all of you. There have been…

As 25 December rolls around, you may feel a sense of sadness about the way the world is, and the toll it has taken on your mental, physical and financial health. With this in mind, it is really important that you try to enjoy Christmas. MAKE A PLAN It may take a little extra planning and digging deep, but you can still make it special. Firstly, remind yourself that if key members of your family are missing, it is absolutely acceptable to feel a little sad, simply acknowledging this with your loved ones ensures that you automatically feel validated for your feelings. Then it is helpful to schedule a Christmas activity list, as when you have things to look forward to, it boosts wellbeing and means the whole family can…

CHRISTMAS EVE 3PM: This is when Christmas really begins for our family. Greg [Shepherd, who Billie married last year] and I always take the children [Nelly, six, and Arthur, three] to the local park to feed Santa’s reindeer. 4PM: The rest of Christmas Eve is spent prepping for the big day. I always make sausage rolls from scratch, and the children open their Christmas Eve boxes, which contain little treats, including sweets, games and pyjamas. 5:30PM: I love making memories and taking family pictures, so we all pose in our pyjamas in front of the tree. Nelly and Arthur always have matching sets from George at ASDA and I love being in a similar set, but Greg refuses to join in. One year, I did force him to wear an…

TRY FANCY FLORALS Tipped to be one of the festive bestsellers, this luxe option is a crowd-pleaser. With notes of bergamot and orange blossom and a heart of tuberose and jasmine, it’s a vibrant floral fragrance. You can also invest in a 150ml refill for an eco option to use when you run out. GIORGIO ARMANI MY WAY EAU DE PARFUM, FROM £55 FOR 30ML GET THAT WINTER ZEST Citrus notes aren’t what you traditionally associate with this time of year, but this fresh scent is surprisingly festive. Inspired by the aroma of mandarin peels and open fires, this unique combination has a wintry feel but is wearable all year round. L’OCCITANE VERVEINE MANDARINE EAU DE TOILETTE, £49 FOR 100ML FRESHEN UP! For something light but still juicy, try this…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU - EASY SUDOKU - MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS SPOT THE DIFFERENCE GUESS THE FILM STILL A) MEET ME IN ST LOUIS B) ;MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET NAME THE STARS 1) GIOVANNA FLETCHER 2) ALISON HAMMOND GUESS THE CELEB A) JAMIE FOXX B) JANE DANSON WORD LINK A) LEAVE B) RECORD C) ASH D) STOP E) BARLEY F)GARDEN 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…

❛AFTER ALL THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE PAST YEAR, SHE WANTS HAPPINESS IN 2021❜ She’s made no secret of her plans to have a second baby in the not-too-distant future - even hinting earlier this year how she was looking into using a sperm donor to add to her family as a single mum. Now Cheryl, 37 - who shares her three-year-old son, Bear, with ex Liam Payne, 27 - is said to be considering all her options in order to help her have a much-wanted sibling for Bear by this time next year. According to sources, her pal, Simon Cowell, 61 - who is recovering from a broken back - has even suggested she speaks with her former-X Factor co-judge, Natalie Imbruglia, 45 - who gave birth to baby son…

❛THE ROYAL FAMILY WILL MISS HIS FUN PRESENCE - AND HE’LL BE MISSING THEM❜ While this Christmas will be an unconventional one for most of us due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, it’s also going to be unlike any other for the royals. While the Queen and Prince Philip will isolate away from family at Windsor Castle for the first time in over 30 years, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will spend it thousands of miles away in their new home in sunny California. OLIVE BRANCH But despite the family being apart, royal expert Katie Nicholl tells Closer that she believes there will be olive branches extended between the fractured family, following major rifts with Harry, 36, and Meghan, 39. The couple - who controversially stepped back from royal life…

• It has amassed more than 3.2million digital downloads. The song is also the 11th highest-selling single of all time and has earned Mariah a cool £50 million. • The song was first released in 1994. In the UK, it originally reached Number 2, losing out on the Christmas Number 1 spot to East 17’s Stay Another Day. • The track became even more popular when it was featured in the movie Love Actually [2003], performed by the young Joanna (played by Olivia Olson) at a school concert. • It broke three Guinness World Records in 2019, 25 years after the song’s release: highest-charting holiday song on the Billboard U.S. Hot 100 chart by a solo artist, the most streamed track on Spotify in 24 hours (female), and the most…

ADELE “She doesn’t know the depth of my affection. She has no idea. The last album 21 spoke to me so much.” CARA DELEVINGNE “We get silly with each other. The first time we met was because she came up to me and slapped me on the bum. But myself and Cara are incredibly close... we know we can just pick up the phone and unload on each other... She is very special to me. KATY PERRY “She’s unbelievable, unbelievable! She is such a strong being. She wants to be there for me and I’m like, ‘Girl, I’m supposed to be there for you, don’t worry about me right now!’ She’s incredible like that.”…

My birthday is in December and I try to see people then, and I’ve had such wonderful times over the years. There are usually fabulous Christmas parties to go to, but it’s just nice to be with friends – that’s the marvellous thing. Actress Joan Collins throws the best parties – she loves Christmas and entertaining. She enjoys simple, delicious dishes everyone loves, plus lots of Champagne of course. She and her husband, Percy Gibson, are the most wonderful hosts. At home, we usually have a real Christmas tree and the mess it makes is so much, I’ve invested a lot of money in an absolutely incredible- looking fake tree. You’d never know it is not real and it has its lights attached. Christmas is only once a year, so…

Her sizzling chemistry with dance partner Giovanni Pernice dominated headlines throughout the series - and despite Ranvir Singh denying a romance, rumours persisted. Last month, Giovanni, 30, was heard telling the GMB host he loved her as they waited in the wings before dancing the American Smooth. And footage showed the dancer whispering “come on baby” in Ranvir’s ear during their Viennese Waltz last week. Ahead of the Strictly final, Ranvir admitted that she was captivated by the Italian dancer. Ranvir, 43, said, “Giovanni’s very patient… Even when it’s tricky, Giovanni’s like, ‘Come on, you’ve got to do this lift. It’s one, two, leg up.’ And I’m like, ‘OK, let’s do this’, whereas before, I was like, ‘Oh, no. I can’t do this.’ It’s about trusting that your body can…

In a touching post, Maisie Smith revealed that, until recently, she would have been too insecure to wear one of the skimpy Strictly outfits. The 19 year old said that she hated the cellulite on her legs, writing, “The past few years I’ve been VERY insecure about my legs. I covered them up as much possible… It’s taken me a while, but I’m starting to accept these aspects of myself that I’ve always seen as ‘flaws’”. Her post even prompted a surprise message from Khloé Kardashian, who praised the EastEnders star for her “envy-worthy” pins. Now, Maisie is slowly beating her body confidence worries and even told Closer that one of the perks of Strictly was being able to eat as much as she liked! She said, “Scott Maslen [ex-Strictly…

• ‘I’M BODY CONFIDENT’ “I’m more body confident than ever now as I’m approaching my 40th. At the end of the day, I’m an icon. No one believes the age that I am, I’m trying to ‘age reverse’ myself. I really am trying my hardest.” • ‘I’VE LOST A GREAT AMOUNT OF WEIGHT’ “I’ve lost about 3st. It’s been a great amount to lose, but I’ve still got a bit of a way to go, if I’m being honest. I still want to lose another 2-3st. If you walk and you go on a bike ride every day, then you can really lose weight.” • ‘I WANT TO STAY LOOKING YOUNG’ “I’ve achieved a lot. All of what I’ve done up to this date has been a warmup for the…

After spending three weeks in a derelict castle in north Wales, this mum of three had a beautiful welcome home. This former Apprentice star should be hired for her decorating skills. A magnificent mantelpiece for every day, especially Saturdays. On paper, this lucky-in-love star’s tree is 100% our type. This ex-Loose Woman shows off her sparkly side. The only way is pink and white for this Essex star. This model tree is just as fab as its owner and her footballer hubby. Festive foliage fit for a Faiery-tale. Xmas decorations done the Wright way, thanks to this power couple. This Welsh beauty ditched baubles for quirky heart-shaped wreaths. Not to be outdone by her famous brother, this reality star turns on the Essex glam. BILLIE FAIERS OLIVIA BOWEN ANDREA MCLEAN…

He’s known for his wacky outfits and risqué behaviour on Celebrity Juice with his famous pals, but TV presenter Leigh Francis - who presents the show as his alter-ego Keith Lemon - enjoys a quieter life at Christmas time with his family. Leigh, 47, is married to wife Jill Carter, and is a doting dad to their two daughters, Matilda, 11, and Dolly, nine, and the TV funny man is notoriously private. “I love Christmas. I never understand it when people say they hate it. You have a bit of time off, you see friends, you can get p****d every day without any guilt,” Leigh says. “It’s all about family. I always set up my camera phone so I can catch Santa coming down the chimney, but now no one…

For millions of us, Christmas will be very different this year, and surrogate mum Karina Ward is no exception. She would normally share the festive season with her family and her surrogate children, but thanks to COVID-19, she’ll be seeing them over FaceTime instead. Surrogate Karina has selflessly carried four babies for her closest friends. She had twins Lydia and Luca for her best pals Sue French, 53, and Paul Cecchini, 57, and then Isabella and Sophie for her friends Daniel and Hilario Fenwick-Diogo. Karina, who is mum to Jayden, ten, and Kayla, nine, says, “I think of the children as my extended family. I’m so proud of them. “For the past six years, Sue, Paul and the twins have flown over on Boxing Day from their home in Carlisle…

INSIDE DENISE’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Trifle • Chocolate coins • Sticky fig chutney • Chocolate desserts • Chicken stock • Brie • Broccoli • Potatoes • Chicken breast fillets • Boursin • Collection of chutneys • Lindt chocolates • Dairy Milk Snowman • Brussels sprouts • Mature Cheddar • Single cream • Blue cheese • Cream cheese • Butter spread • Mixed herbs • Grapes • Oat drink • Parsnips • Gin & tonic cans • Merlot wine • Ros wine DENISE Where do you do your festive food shopping? It’s a real mix, because I try to support our local food markets as much as possible. We have a great one in Chelmsford, with fruit and veg stands and an artisan baker. Everything else comes from the supermarket.…

UK researchers are testing Boots’ Dual Defence Nasal Spray (£5.99) to see if it can protect us from Coronavirus. They think it could be helpful thanks to a type of seaweed it contains that traps viruses and are testing it on 480 health workers. Half will be given the Boots nasal spray, to squirt up their noses three times a day, and the other half will get a dummy drug that won’t do anything. Then they’ll track how many people get ill with COVID-19 and how many don’t, plus the severity of the illness in those who contract it. The researchers expect to have results in March, which might seem like a long time to wait, but remember; the vulnerable have started getting vaccinated now, and the main goal is…

Ringing in this Christmas as a singleton? Don’t fret - I’m on my (gulp), sixth festive season without a proper partner and, for once, I’m pretty grateful. While this year has been incredibly hard for everyone regardless of their romantic situation, I know lots of couples whose relationships have been tested during the lockdowns as they struggled to spend so much time together in a confined space or were kept apart due to the restrictions. On the flip-side, I’ve also heard so many beautiful dating stories - even in the great British weather, singles have had hot chocolates in shop doorways, watched sunsets in the rain, enjoyed long chats over video and developed deep connections gradually. When the first lockdown was announced in March, dating app Hinge saw a 30…

WARMING VEGGIE SOUP Veg can be blitzed and turned into a hearty soup. Simply blend with some stock or a tin of chopped tomatoes. Adding in an onion can also boost the flavour, and you can even add in leftover potatoes or gravy. MOVIE NACHOS Making festive nachos is a great way of using up crisps and dip. “You could add shredded turkey on top and any cheese left over from your cheeseboard. Add some spring or red onions to the top, too. FESTIVE PASTA Leftover veg is really nice if you mix it with cooked pasta and some pesto. Grate some cheese on top and pop in the oven for five minutes. BOXING DAY OMELETTE You can make a seasonal omelette using your chopped veg, turkey - or your…

TOP TARTAN You can’t go wrong with tartan at this time of the year, and this cotton combo will do the job nicely. There are sets available for all the gang, too. M&S £25 FOR THE SET FESTIVE FUN For a grown-up take on novelty pyjamas, opt for this playful penguin design. Wear together, or team the bottoms with a colour-pop tee. CYBER JAMMIES £48 FOR SET FANCY FLORALS This silk-feel, feminine design is so chic, you’ll easily get away with pairing the shirt with jeans for a quick trip to the shops. JOHN LEWIS £45 FOR THE SET PASTEL PLEASER This watercolour- inspired two-piece has a calming feel, making it ideal for an at-home pamper session. We love the price, too. F&F £22 FOR SET WILD THING! Want to…

Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor has been throwing Instagram Kitchen Discos since the spring, inspiring us to do the same. The star’s home is filled with an eclectic mix of colour, lights and prints. Here’s our guide to the best copycat items to get the party started… DECORATE WITH COLOUR This framed festive print is a showstopper and it also lights up after dark. SAINSBURY’S, £15 No disco is complete without a mirror ball. These string lights do the trick. TALKING TABLES, £17 FOR 1.3M Paper pompoms are an eco-friendly alternative to balloons as they can be reused. PARTY DELIGHTS, £6.99 FOR A PACK OF THREE Mix up your cocktails with this holographic shaker - it will make a jazzy centrepiece on the table. HOMESENSE, £12.99 Neon lights instantly bring the party…

15-28 DECEMBER IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK Only you know what your soul has signed up for in the coming 12 months, but it looks pretty exciting. Your birthday chart is on fire! Expect to hear that it’s memorable, to say the very least. You can make massive new starts in any part of your life. Move forwards. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV-21 DEC What do you want for yourself now and in the year ahead? Be sure to make some New Moon wishes this week. The New Moon eclipse is in your sign. That’s about the biggest shout-out that you can get from the universe that it’s time for you to change your life. Find out more about Jupiter and Saturn at www.moonmessages. com/js2020 CAPRICORN…

Despite the pandemic, and admitting isolation had caused a spike in her anxiety levels, it’s been a positive year for Kerry Katona - especially as her boyfriend of two years, Ryan Mahoney, popped the question in August. Now friends say the star is looking forward to another happy year in 2021 - and having a much longed-for baby with her hunky fiancé. CAUTIOUS After accepting Ryan’s proposal during a family holiday to Spain, Kerry, 40, confessed she may even hire a surrogate to have a sixth child, because she cannot face “the danger, the hormones and the uncertainty” of another pregnancy following the traumatic birth of her fifth child, daughter Dylan-Jorge. A source says, “She’s been toying with the idea of surrogacy for a while, but when she started weighing…

It’s been 26 years since its release, but Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You only made it to Number 1 on the official UK chart last week. Although it’s the biggest-selling Christmas song by a female artist - having sold 16 million copies, and rumoured to have made Mariah around £50m in royalties - in the US, the hit single originally reached number six when it was released in 1994. But with the nation kick-starting the festive season early due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the song re-entered the charts in November before knocking Little Mix off the top spot. However, despite its popularity, Mariah has revealed there is heartbreak behind the song. In her new memoir, Mariah, 50, says she became obsessed with Christmas as her childhood…

THE BIG DINNER “I cook the full works – turkey, sprouts and pigs in blankets with stuffing balls. My mum makes this amazing Christmas cake every year – it’s absolutely gorgeous.” STUFFING SANDWICHES “One of my favourite things, excluding the big breakfast, glasses of Bellini and roast dinner, is to have a turkey and stuffing cranberry sandwich with a light layer of mayo so it’s not dry. It’s just the best on Christmas night.” BOXING DAY TURKEY “Turkey dripping on Boxing Day is delicious. It’s the fat that drips off the turkey and you set it aside until it’s gelified. Then you smear it on toast the day after Christmas. It is kind of like a full-fat heart attack on toast. Life is all about balance!”…

She might be a huge fan of Christmas, but this festive season is an extra-special time for Vicky Pattison because she’ll celebrate her second anniversary with her boyfriend. Vicky, 33, has said ex-TOWIE star Ercan Ramadan, 37, “taught me to love again” after she was left heartbroken when her ex-fiancé, John Noble, was seen getting close to another woman in 2018. “Our anniversary is 29 December - we’ll have been together two years so we’re very excited about that,” Vicky tell Closer. “Last year, Ercan spent Christmas with my family in Newcastle. This year, I’m not exactly sure what will be happening. It’s my turn to spend it with Ercan’s family, though, so we’ll go to his if we can. “It may just be me and him - with some…

With her big brown eyes, cascading dark blonde hair and hourglass physique, Jessica Castro is a dead ringer for singer Mariah Carey. And she’s made thousands performing as her celebrity double, earning up to a staggering £1,500 an hour. But while the festive season isusually incredibly lucrative for Jessica, the pandemic is taking a serious toll on her finances. FESTIVE HIT In “normal” times, she’d be busy raking in the cash, performing the superstar’s famous festive hit, All I Want For Christmas Is You at parties. But because of COVID-19 restrictions, her earning power has nosedived. Jessica, who is mum to son Arian, 12, says, “Last year, between mid-November and January, I took home almost £8,000. My diary is usually fully booked over the festive season, but this year it’s…

She’s been happily loved up with former Bake Off presenter Sue Perkins for more than seven years, moving into their first dream house together last year, after a ten-month renovation project. And Anna Richardson - who got together with Sue in 2013 at a mutual friend’s party in Devon, following her divorce from TV producer Charles Martin - reveals this could be their last “quiet” Christmas, as the couple are considering adoption. FOND MEMORIES Anna - who celebrated her milestone 50th this year - has been open about the fact she’s always longed to have kids. “I’m going to reach out and hope to start the adoption process. It’s something that’s really on my mind,” she tells Closer. “I’m sad that, as I’m careering headlong into my fifties, I haven’t…

He was a surprise hit on Strictly this year after wowing the judges with his enthusiastic dance moves, alongside his professional partner Oti Mabuse - and Bill Bailey has even managed to impress himself. As Closer went to press, the comedian was heading into the show’s semi-final. He laughed, “I’m quite dazed really. I’m stunned that I’ve managed to do as well as I have. It’s been quite a revelation. The whole thing is a very surreal whirlwind. I just don’t have time to think about anything else. It has been such a wonderful experience.” NOVELTY ACT When the contestants of series 18 were announced in August, Bill, 55, was expected to be the novelty act, and his debut routine, where he scored just 15 points from the judges, did…

He’s an ‘80s music icon, loved for hits such as Never Gonna Give You Up, She Wants To Dance With Me and, more recently, Angels On My Side, when he returned to the charts after 23 years. But, like all of us, Rick Astley has struggled with this difficult year. The pop star lives in Surrey with his Danish wife, film producer Lene, while their daughter Emilie, 28, is in Copenhagen - and they hope to be spending the festive period there together, if restrictions allow. Rick, 54, said the celebration will be low-key this year, explaining, “We are in the same boat as a lot of families - it’s difficult knowing what to do. It’s normally just immediate family at Christmas - sometimes Lene’s mum comes over from Denmark,…

Saffron Drewitt- Barlow always gets up early to open presents with her family on Christmas morning. The 21-year-old will be joined by her parents, samesex fathers Barrie, 51, and Tony, 56, who split last year. Alongside Barrie will be his new partner, 25-year-old Scott Hutchinson - who is also Saffron’s ex-boyfriend - and their three-month-old daughter, Valentina Willow. The wealthy family will exchange lavish gifts, including a custom-made “Bentley baby” supercar for Valentina, and a Range Rover for Scott, before sitting down to a turkey dinner, cooked by a team of chefs. And despite the very unusual family dynamic this year, Saffron says there won’t be any awkwardness and insists she can’t wait for the big day. Saffron - who refers to Barrie as “Daddy” and Tony as “Dad” -…

Making Christmas dinner with all the trimmings might not be top of Helen Flanagan’s festive agenda this year. She’s pregnant with her third child, which is due in March, and the soap star revealed that extreme morning sickness has made her pregnancy a “real challenge” and left her “exhausted both physically and mentally”. CHILDHOOD TRADITIONS The former Coronation Street actress, 30, has “struggled to eat” after battling with hyperemesis gravidarum, a pregnancy complication that’s characterised by severe nausea, sickness and dehydration. But Helen, who is a doting mum to her daughters, Matilda, five, and Delilah, two, whom she shares with her footballer fiancé, Scott Sinclair - plans to make this Christmas extra special for them all. She says, “Everything is about the family and children. When you are a mum,…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY I hate the idea of anyone being alone on Christmas Day but, this year, you may have family members shielding, or with reservations about visiting. It is important to know that even for people on the shielding list, this is guidance, not law, so people have a choice. Even so, some relatives won’t be able to be physically present, so include them in other ways. If you can afford to, send them a hamper full of lovely treats. Set a place for them at the table so they can be fully present on a video call. They can eat their meal with you and you can even send them a cracker to pull. You could also host…

LOCKDOWN TAUGHT ME TO SLOW DOWN... I’ve always been an early riser, but I don’t race into work like I used to. Now, I allow myself to have breakfast and read the papers with a coffee. Once we get back to normal, it’s something I’ll maintain. I’LL ALWAYS BE HUNGRY FOR LIFE... I may be 57, but I’m not winding down. I love discovering new things. I started boxing three years ago and I’ve become obsessed with it. It’s mentally and physically demanding and is a de-stresser. I missed it during lockdown. MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION... is to travel solo, when it’s safe to go abroad. I’ve always wanted to take the train from New York to California. My family have laughed at the idea, as they think it’s boring, but…

GET HER LOOK ASHLEY ROBERTS, 39 Radio host Ashley Roberts has dominated daytime dressing with flair throughout 2020. The star wraps up in style in this gorgeous aviator jacket, which she teams with sweet sorbet shades. A perfect winter look. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! IMOGEN THOMAS KELLY BROOK MOLLIE KING SPOTLIGHT ON... MANGO’S PARTY PIECES This year’s festive season promises to be different than usual, but take this opportunity to swap your trusty loungewear for sparkle and glitz. Whether it’s a kitchen disco or virtual work drinks, this stylish collection from Mango is a guaranteed mood-booster. FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! Get into the festive spirit, just like these celebs, with classic red showstoppers… CHIC FRILLS Holly Willoughby, 39 TV presenter Holly rarely gets it wrong, and this look was…

SPOIL MUM Mini versions of products are a great way of testing out expensive brands. Try out two bestselling masks from Elemis’ excellent Superfoods range - they come housed in this stylish, reusable decoration, too. BAUBLE GIFT SET, £10 INDULGE YOUR BESTIE Treat make-up obsessives to this Nars duo. It contains a mini version of the cult classic, suits-all Orgasm highlighter, along with a full-size tinted lip balm, which is normally £23. NARS ORGASM LIP AND HIGHLIGHTER DUO, £20 THANK A TEACHER L’Occitane has four festive baubles full of mini goodies - this one contains a soap, body lotion and the brand’s hero hand cream from the much-loved shea butter range. L’OCCITANE SHEA BUTTER FESTIVE BAUBLE, £12 DELIGHT YOUR NEIGHBOUR Know someone who deserves a long, quiet soak? Gift them…