Table of contents for Issue 861 in Closer

The best and worst of human nature are summed up in one of our real-life stories this week. Daniel’s twisted ex was so furious at being rejected that she threw acid over him while he slept – disfiguring and blinding him. It could have been the end of his life, yet he found love with the wonderful carer who helped nurse him back to health. They’re now married with a gorgeous little boy. Our reporter said Daniel was one of the loveliest people she’s interviewed, as he spoke of happiness and gratitude rather than bitterness or revenge. His story shows that while we can’t control life, there’s huge power in choosing what to focus on. And in the shallow age of social media, it also proves that real, meaningful love…

She leapt to her mum’s defence on Twitter last week, when Fathers4Justice accused Kerry of having “blood on her hands”. And pals say Molly – who moved to Ireland in 2017 to live with dad Brian’s family – has been her mum’s lifeline since George’s shock death. A source says, “Molly got on the first flight as soon as she heard the news, and hasn’t left her mum’s side. She’s been helping out with her younger siblings and keeping Kerry company. She’s so sad for her.” Kerry – who recently spent a week with Molly at a weight-loss bootcamp in Greece – has previously opened up about suffering abandonment issues after Molly left home at 15. After turning 16, Molly wrote a heartfelt text that Kerry posted on Instagram, which…

Celebrity and brand expert Nick Ede tells Closer , “The Kardashians’ lavish lifestyles and looks have been aspirational – fans have followed them and bought their products to emulate their lives. However, I believe the excessive spending is beginning to alienate them. It’s become vulgar and ashy and fans just cannot relate. On top of that, people – especially the millennial generation – have become more switched on about the environment and self-awareness and it’s off-putting seeing such materialistic behaviour. They need to stop showing off their immense wealth and think about putting across a more responsible image.”…

‘WE’RE STILL PAYING OFF HIS DEBTS – WE CAN NEVER TRUST HIM AGAIN’ When money went missing from Helen and Peter Wright’s* company account in June last year, they were horrified to discover it had been stolen by their 13-year-old son, Mark* – who had run up tens of thousands of pounds of debt on gambling sites. Helen, from Preston, says, “Our world was blown apart overnight. He was spending a lot of time in his room on his computer, but we thought he was just being a typical teenager.” Only child Mark lost £80,000 when he started gambling online using his parents’ company credit card. The couple ran a groundworks firm, and it wasn’t until their bank called to alert them to unusual activity on their account that they…

Katie Nicholl is a royal correspondent and was the first person to break the news of Prince William’s engagement to Kate Middleton in 2011. She says, “When you marry into the royal family, it’s not easy to give up your private life, but that is what you have to do. Meghan and Harry want to set a precedent for protecting their private lives, but they’re getting it wrong with their controlling ways and alienating the public. “William and Kate have gone to great lengths to make sure that, while they are public people with public roles – who are, let us not forget, funded by the British taxpayer – they also have clear boundaries. They have created a life in which their family does get privacy, and they have a…

Viewers witnessed Laura Anderson’s heartache and humiliation in the villa last year when her then-boyfriend Wes Nelson dumped her for Megan Barton-Hanson. Her next romance with Jack Fowler fizzled out, but things were looking a little rosier when she coupled up with Paul Knops – only for them to split shortly after the show ended. Last year, she began dating former Love Island star Max Morley, until they briefly split earlier this year, before reuniting, then calling it quits for good last week. Laura, 30, says, “The chances of finding love on the show are extremely slim. There are so many people in the world – what are the odds that your soulmate is going to be in the villa? I guess the show attracts a similar type of person,…

ANT AND LISA IN TENSESTAND-OFF ON THE DOORSTEP They’ve been embroiled in a bitter divorce since announcing their split in 2018, and now Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong have reportedly had yet another spat when coming face-to-face earlier this month. The TV presenter, 43, and his ex, 42, reportedly argued when Ant arrived at the West London property they used to share. Sources said Lisa refused to let him in. Ant and Lisa’s 21-year relationship – including 12 years of marriage – came to an end in late 2017, after Ant spent time in rehab for addiction to prescription drugs. And their split has been acrimonious since it came to light that Ant had begun dating Lisa’s friend and his former PA, Anne-Marie Corbett, with Lisa showing her disdain by…

I OFTEN APPEAR ON JEREMY VINE’S C5 SHOW. So on those days, a car will pick me up at 5:55am, and I set my alarm for an hour before. That gives me enough time to wash off my fake tan from the night before and have a cup of tea. I don’t usually eat early as I’m not really a breakfast person. I GET MY HAIR AND MAKE-UP DONE AT THE STUDIO. And after filming I’m back home for about midday. Then I’ll either check my emails, do paid Instagram posts, or sometimes I’ll do phone interviews on various debates or campaigns I’m working on. FOR LUNCH, I USUALLY HAVE A WRAP OR SALAD. I try to eat healthy for five days of the week, and then enjoy two days…

They’re one of the biggest bands in the world, and have toured the globe and partied with some of the hottest A-listers. But The Black Eyed Peas admit that, despite their superstar image, things are a lot more low-key backstage at their shows. Talking ahead of their British Summertime show last week, where they were due to perform alongside Robbie Williams, the band revealed that despite Robbie’s penchant for a party, it wasn’t likely to be boozy backstage due to their newfound love of healthy living. DRINKING TEA Rapper Taboo, 43, says, “It’ll be fun performing with Robbie and it’s my birthday that day, so it’ll be extra special – but there won’t be any alcohol. None of us drink, so there won’t be champagne. There’ll probably be tea; I…

She’s set to celebrate her 50th birthday next week, but pop icon Jennifer Lopez could pass for a woman half her age! The mum-of-two credits her flawless skin and honed abs to regular sweaty workouts and a strict diet of no alcohol and caffeine. But J-Lo isn’t the only 50-something celeb turning heads – this lot prove age is nothing but a number… Elle: ‘Ilisten to what my body needs’ She was called “The Body” at the height of her modelling fame in the ’90s. But 55-year-old Elle Macpherson is still as youthful as ever, and insists her vegan diet is responsible for her ageless beauty. The star – who is mum to Arpad, 21, and Aurelius, 16, – said recently, “For me, it is about living every day as…

GET HER LOOK PRIYANKA CHOPRA, 36 She’s only just returned from Sophie Turner’s wedding, but that didn’t stop Priyanka stealing the limelight in this gorgeous pink suit. Perfect for the summer, this co-ord will take you from the boardroom to the bar. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! IN THE NEWS... FIORELLI’S SUMMER COLLECTION If you’re looking for a designer bag without the hefty price tag, Fiorelli’s new summer collection is a worthy investment – and Closer readers can now get an exclusive 20% off any full-price items until 6 August. So get shopping!…

JUST LANDED GET SET! URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER SUMMER SOLSTICE MAKE-UP SETTING SPRAY WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT? The UK’s number-one setting spray is back with a limited-edition tropical twist. With notes of crushed pineapple, coconut and sea salt – it’s summer in a bottle. WHY WE LOVE IT: It really does set make-up in place for up to 16 hours. Ours looked fresh all day long, and the summer fragrance smelled delicious. It even comes in a mini 30ml, so it can be taken in your hand luggage for weekends away. GET THE LOOK... HEALTHY HAIR Get silky, shiny locks like Jessica and Amanda with these nourishing mask treatments ❶ VITAMIN HIT BLEACH LONDON BEER MASK £10 Remember the old wives tale about washing your hair in beer? This nifty…

Take a peek inside the TV presenter’s Surrey home – which she shares with hubby Chris and their two children. Get her elegant look for less with these high-street copies… STEAL HER STYLE…

SUMMER EATING CRAB AND ARTICHOKE SALAD SERVES 4 • 2 chunks bread, chopped into cubes • Bunch or bag of rocket • 1 head radicchio, chopped • 500g cooked crabmeat, tinned • 6 cherry tomatoes, halved • 4 artichoke hearts in oil, quartered • Handful flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped • 2-3tbsp extra- virgin olive oil • Grated zest and juice of 2 unwaxed lemons STEP 1 Toast the cubes of bread under the grill or in the oven until lightly browned to make croutons, then set aside. STEP 2 Divide the rocket and radicchio between 4 plates. Add a quarter of the crab meat to each plate. Top with a quarter of the cherry tomatoes, artichokes and parsley. STEP 3 Make a dressing with the oil and lemon juice and…

When I saw this headline – based on a study that asked 104 men about their sleep, and found those who stayed up late were less likely to have “normal” sperm – I wondered if they were just bingeing on Netflix, or if they also binge on food, beer or cigarettes, as those things impact sperm counts, too. LOOK BEYOND TV TIME Men who slept fewer than seven hours a night had a low sperm count or poorly formed sperm, which can struggle to swim and fertilise eggs. Sperm counts are definitely falling, in both quality and quantity, but that’s thanks to a combination of factors – not just watching TV late at night. CHANGE A FEW THINGS Many people claim chemicals are disrupting hormones, but I think there’s far…

LIGHTEN YOUR CAR LOAD Whether you’re heading to the beach for the day or enjoying a staycation, save on fuel. Check Petrolprices.com for the lowest prices in your area or en route to your destination. “Ditch unnecessary weight in the car – remove bike or roof racks you’re not using,” says money planner Warren Shute. “Check tyres are fully inflated, and drive at the speed limit to reduce fuel consumption. Air-con is more economic than open windows when driving fast, as the wind causes drag. Roll windows down again once off the high-speed roads.” GET CRAFT(Y) WITH BEER “Swap Pimm’s for Aldi’s Austin’s Summer Punch,” says consumer expert Sue Hayward. “It tastes just as good, but is only £4.99, compared with £16 for the real deal. Use own-brand mixers. For…

So, barging – was it enjoyable? I have to say, I’m not an outdoors person. When I was asked to do this my immediate thought was, “Oh dear, I don’t have any barging clothes”. But I loved it. There’s something about being in charge of a narrow boat… There was something very special about it – and we survived! What did you end up wearing? I think my nightmare is clothes, because I can never travel light. But I literally had nothing waterproof, or a posh jacket, or wellington boots. If I’m in London, I take a taxi. If it’s raining, I don’t get out of bed. So, I tried to buy the odd thing that would be right, but forget it – I just look like a wreck the…

THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN CANCER 22 MAY-22 JUN If you want to feel like a teenager again – or, contrariwise, if you want to sort things out and bring the love and commitment – loving yourself more will boost your love life. Catch our astrologer Yasmin Boland for her Full Moon eclipse Facebook Live at Moonmessages. com/fme719 LEO 24 JUL-23 AUG Your cosmic challenge is to find a balance between all your responsibilities and your own need for inner peace. In other words, you need to work out some routines that help you feel fully functional! It’s tedious, but you will feel happier. Catch our astrologer Yasmin Boland for her Full Moon eclipse Facebook Live at Moonmessages.com/fme719 VIRGO 24 AUG-23 SEP This Full Moon eclipse urges you to think…

‘IT’S HIT HER HARD – SHE’S STRUGGLING WITH HER EMOTIONS’ She looked broken as she stepped out for the first time following the death of her troubled ex-husband, George Kay, from a suspected cocaine overdose aged just 39. And insiders reveal heartbroken Kerry Katona fears the impact the tragedy will have on her children – especially her and George’s five-year-old daughter, Dylan-Jorge. Reports surfaced last week that George had been “broke and living with his parents”, with additional claims that Kerry, 38, rushed 250 miles from her home in East Sussex to visit his mum and dad in Warrington after hearing of his death. A source says, “Kerry’s heartbroken. It’s hit her hard and she’s struggling with her emotions, trying to get her head around it. She’s still in shock.…

She’s endured a turbulent relationship with her ex-husband Peter Andre since their bitter divorce over a decade ago – most recently labelling him a “b*** end” for banning their children – Junior, 13, and Princess, 11 – for appearing on her reality show, My Crazy Life and branding him a “glorified babysitter” in a drunken airplane rant. But last week, Jordan, 41, appeared to make a drastic U-turn when she sensationally claimed she and Pete, 45 – who recently celebrated his four-year wedding anniversary with wife Emily MacDonagh, 29 – would still be married if they hadn’t let cameras follow their romance. REGRETS Opening up about her regrets over being so fame-hungry during their four-year marriage, the former glamour model – real name Katie Price – revealed, “With Pete, I…

‘SHE DOESN’T WANT TO CONSTANTLY BE DREADING MORE STORIES COMING OUT‘ She was forced to endure yet more explosive claims about her husband Wayne Rooney from former escort Helen Wood last week after the release of her tell-all book A Man’s World. And insiders say Coleen Rooney – who is directly referenced in the book – is furious Helen, 32, is continuing to capitalise on Wayne’s name and wants to confront her. Days after the revelations, Coleen was spotted soaking up the sun on holiday – as pals claim she needed a change of scenery. In the book, Helen – who made headlines in 2010 when she claimed to have bedded the footballer in a threesome with call-girl pal Jenny Thompson – alleges that Wayne “regularly saw’” an escort who…

Charles and Liz Ritchie, from Yorkshire, set up the Gambling With Lives charity in 2018, six months after their son Jack took his own life, aged just 24, having battled a gambling addiction for seven years. Charles, a retired government researcher, says, “We welcome the news of NHS gambling clinics, but unfortunately it’s too late for our son. Jack started gambling aged 17, spending his dinner money at the bookies during lunch breaks – even though it was illegal for him to be there. Him and his friends all saw it as a bit of fun – that’s what the ads told them. “When he told us about his problem after about a year, we worked with him to put safeguards in place. But he continued to gamble online. He…

He was Princess Diana’s butler and confidante for 10 years, and Paul Burrell knows better than most the realities of royal life. He says, “Meghan has every right to a private life, as does Harry. While Meghan might be being seen to be breaking with traditions, she is also bringing in some badly needed modernism to the royal family. She is mixed race and divorced, and the qualities that she brings need to be embraced. While we want to see Archie, he is Meghan and Harry’s child, and it is their choice how they parent him. “However, in a public arena like Wimbledon, privacy is a difficult situation to control. Meghan needs to expect that fans will be interested in seeing her there. Princess Diana always knew that she was…

Series two winner, Cara De La Hoyde, married her co-star Nathan Massey earlier this month. They coupled up in the first week of the show and have 17-month-old son Freddie together. Cara, 29, says, “It is possible to find real love. You’ve got us, Camilla [Thurlow] and Jamie [Hewitt], Jess [Shears] and Dom [Lever] – all amazing couples. We don’t take anything seriously, that’s the key to a successful Love Island relationship. You’ve got to make each other laugh. Some people are in there for love. Amy [Hart] has just left and I think she’s a really genuine person. “Pretty much every year, the couples who have won got together on the first day – and now I think there is the pressure to team up from day one. Nathan…

‘I DIDN’T WANT TO HURT MY BOYFRIEND – BUT BABOONS WERE MY CALLING’ Samantha Dewhirst had a successful career, a loving family, and a boyfriend she planned to marry. But when she was offered the chance to look after baby baboons in South Africa, she made a snap decision that would completely alter the course of her life – packing up her belongings and, in a matter of days, moving almost 6,000 miles away, from Bournemouth. INJURED Now, Samantha leads the team at the Centre for Animal Rehabilitation and Education (CARE), alongside her partner Stephen, who she met in Africa, and they integrate orphaned and injured baboons back into the wild. Samantha, 32, lives in the bush with Stephen, and their three-year-old daughter, Sophia. She says, “I’d been with my…

Miley Cyrus’ video for Mother Daughter has caused controversy because it features obese model Angelina Duplisea. Some people claim it’s glorifying obesity, while others say the criticism is fatphobic. I love Miley, but I don’t agree with such an extreme size being glamourised in a music video – it could give the impression that this body type is something to aspire to, and it’s unhealthy. We shouldn’t glamourise any extreme sizes – we shouldn’t be promoting ridiculously skinny people, either. I’ve suffered from anorexia in the past, and dropped to just 6st at my slimmest. We need to be more honest that very skinny and very overweight body types are unhealthy, and look for people who represent a healthier balance.…

Rachel Westbury doesn’t have easy pregnancies. She suffers from terrible morning sickness and crippling pelvic pain, making it difficult for her to walk. And yet, astonishingly, she’s put herself through it three times, including once having twins – only to give up the baby at birth after making surrogacy arrangements with couples who were desperate for a baby. But her last pregnancy nearly killed her when, last December, she contracted sepsis after an emergency C-section – and her mum was even told to prepare for the worst. Yet despite coming so close to death, Rachel still wishes she could do it all again, admitting she’s addicted to surrogacy. RISKS Single mum Rachel, 43, who lives in Loughton with her son Sam, 13, explains, “Nothing can compete with that joy of…

CUTE COBALT Mandy Moore The This Is Us star turned heads in this stunningly dramatic dress. We love that she’s added a belt, which accentuates the flowing fabric. She wins our Style Crown this week. LEAF IT OUT Nicola Roberts We aren’t sure whether the Girls Aloud singer was heading to a fancy dress party dressed as a bush, or if she just got dressed in the dark. Either way, it’s not a great look… CORAL CREATION Ashley James The MIC cast-member rarely gets it wrong fashion-wise, and this frock was no exception! The coral hue complemented her blonde hair and natural, glowy make-up. FLOWER POWER Olivia Palermo Style queen Olivia certainly impressed us with her floral power suit. The dramatic stitching and those seriously cool flats made for a…

SKIN-SAVING SERUM This brightening balm couldn’t be easier to use – just swipe on to give your skin a hydrating hit. Using Vitamin A, C and E, plus nourishing watermelon, it’ll transform parched complexions. MILK MAKEUP WATERMELON BRIGHTENING SERUM £32.50 MULTITASKING BLUSHER NARS Orgasm Blush is a cult classic, and now it’s available in a handy stick form. A clever three-in-one buy, it can be used as a cheek tint, subtle lip colour or eyeshadow. The perfect do-it-all product for weekends away. NARS THE MULTIPLE STICK £30 SPEEDY SPF This nifty buy is small enough to be kept in your handbag, so you’ll never get caught without sun protection. With SPF50, it’s suitable for kids, too. A lifesaver for long days out and about. ELIZABETH ARDEN EIGHT HOUR CREAM TARGETED…

‘I won’t put pressure on myself to lose weight’ Cradling her baby bump on our shoot, Casey Batchelor excitedly tells us she can’t wait to meet her new child. The ex-glamour model only gave birth to her first child, Florence, in May last year, but life is about to get even more hectic as she prepares to welcome her second baby with fiancé Dane Goodson. “I’m going to have two babies 20 months apart… I can’t quite believe it!” Casey, 34, tells Closer . “It’ll be tough, but I’m going to ride the storm – we’re just so thrilled we’re having another baby.” FEELING LUCKY While Casey readily admits the pair were keen to add to their family, she didn’t expect to fall pregnant so soon. The reality star –…

INSIDE REBECCA’S FRIDGE • Tuna chunks• Full-fat milk• Extra mature Cheddar• Midget Gems• Blueberries• Strawberries• Greek yoghurt• Chicken• Pork medallions• Philadelphia Cream Cheese• Tikka paste• Haddock• Cod• Onions• Apples• Avocado• Quorn mince• Tenderstem broccoli• Halloumi• Bananas• Chocolate• Fishcakes• Watermelon• Sauvignon Blanc• Prosecco VERDICT NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “Swimming champion Rebecca’s fridge is packed with nutritious ingredients, so she can put together healthy meals. She should watch her cheese intake, though – it’s high in saturated fat and can be packed with salt. But she has the right balance of healthy meals and treats such as cake and Indian takeaways.” FRIDGE HEALTH RATING 7/10 TAKEAWAY TREAT INDIAN I like tandoori butter chicken, with a large garlic naan bread. NAUGHTY BUT NICE CAKE I’m definitely sweet-toothed. I love all cake, but my…

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is gruelling, especially if you’re not normally active, so researchers tested whether music could help. People did an intense 10-minute workout – involving 20-second all-out sprints, with short rests between – to fast, motivational music, no music or a podcast. They enjoyed it most with music, and tests revealed that they worked harder, too. So music can help you not only enjoy a tough workout, but also get more out of it, effortlessly. Time to make a new playlist!…

• Evelyn starts her smear campaign about Larry the electrician, but Larry thinks Roy is to blame and shows up to the café, to rough him up a bit. • Maria has another terrible date, then Ali overhears her telling Michelle that he’s too young for her (he’s gutted). • Sophie and Paula get closer, but Sophie’s miffed when Kevin says she’s too old for her (and then something unexpected happens). • Steve and Tim spot Robert in a beer garden with Vicky! Talk your way out of that!…

Can homemade food really be as convenient as a takeaway? Takeaway is convenient, and I’m not saying that we shouldn’t treat ourselves to one occasionally. But if we plan ahead, I believe that having meals prepped and ready in the freezer can be just as convenient. It’s fresh, you know what you’ve put in it, and all it needs is warming up! Do you have any tips to save time in the kitchen? To start off any dish that requires cooked onions, buy frozen chopped onion or use ready-fried ones. Don’t throw away any leftover wilting herbs in the fridge – zap them in the microwave for ten seconds and they dry instantly. What about around the house? Next time you squeeze the juice of half a lemon into anything,…

TOUGH CHILDHOOD One of her first memories, aged just three, was seeing her mum Sue slashing her wrists. Kerry has said, “[Mum] was manic-depressive, and she self-harmed until I was 15. She’s got marks all the way up her wrists… I was an only child, and had to grow up very, very quickly. I automatically became my mum’s carer. I had to take on a lot as a child. I went to eight schools, had four sets of foster parents and lived in three refuges.” DOOMED ROMANCES Her first marriage to Brian McFadden ended in 2004, after just two years. She later said, “I was devastated when we split up... He was the love of my life.” She then married cabbie Mark Croft in 2007, who allegedly fuelled her cocaine…

‘CHERYL WORRIES THAT SHE’S LOST THE CONNECTIONS SHE NEEDS’ She has Simon Cowell to thank for turning her into the nation’s sweetheart when he gave her a judging role on The X Factor in 2008. But after growing apart over the past few years, Cheryl, 36 – who failed to replicate her early success in her recent comeback – fears she has been replaced by Amanda Holden as Simon’s protégée. Last week, the music mogul, 59, waded into the highly publicised spat between his Britain’s Got Talent co-host Amanda, 48, and Phillip Schofield, 57, praising her for “standing up for herself.” UNSETTLED It was alleged that Phillip was behind Amanda failing to land a job presenting This Morning while Holly Willoughby was away filming I’m A Celeb! – something ITV…

‘I’d be out the door if anyone cheated on me’ It was one of the celebrity scandals of the decade when England legend Wayne Rooney was accused of cheating on his wife and childhood sweetheart, Coleen McLoughlin, with prostitutes Helen Wood and Jenny Thompson in 2010. Despite heartbroken Coleen being pregnant with their first son, Kai, at the time, Helen, 32, has never shown remorse – and, instead, cashed-in on her notoriety. In 2014, she was crowned the winner of Big Brother and has since given countless media interviews. As she makes yet more lurid claims in her new tell-all-book, the mum-of-one tells Closer why she doesn’t care about the impact her new revelations will have on Coleen and her family. Why did you sleep with Wayne, if you knew…

It was usually the case that the winning Love Island couple could be called in week one. That was, of course, until the current series, where over the course of the last six weeks the couples have been switching up, breaking up and making up in the blink of a false-lashed eye. It initially looked as if Joe Garrett and Lucie Donlan were set to make it work, but their relationship ended when he was voted off. Even Michael Griffiths and Amber Gill didn’t manage to survive his wandering eye… And if Curtis Pritchard and Amy Hart – who left the show last week heartbroken after he dumped her – can’t make it, what hope is there for anyone else? But lest we forget, it’s also the show that has…

JEREMY SET TO BE A DAD AGAIN He’s infamous for his catastrophic relationship with Stephanie Davis, which resulted in him going to prison and having limited access to the son they share. But after finding happiness with lawyer girlfriend Katie McCreath, Jeremy McConnell, 29, is set to become a father again after sharing a picture of them kissing next to a blackboard revealing they’re expecting a baby in December. The couple started dating last year, after Katie worked as Jeremy’s lawyer when he was arrested for assaulting Stephanie in 2017. He was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison and 200 hours community service for kicking, punching and biting Steph, 26, after their toxic on-off relationship – which began on CBB – spectacularly broke down. Speaking of his time with Steph,…

Daniel Rotariu, 33, was sleeping when his deranged ex threw half a litre of sulphuric acid over his face. Blinded and scarred beyond recognition, he contemplated suicide. But when he met his carer Anna Catanga, 31, his life took an unexpected turn. The pair fell in love, and now they’re happily married and have a 10-month-old son, David. Daniel, who lives in Nottingham, says, “After the attack, I went to a very dark place. But as soon as I met Anna, we had an instant connection and I knew we were meant to be. Now we’re married and have a little boy – people tell me he looks just like me.” Anna says, “I knew that Daniel was special straight away and I didn’t care about his scars. “I might…

‘Comebacks are tough. You’ve got to keep going’ She has famously battled with her weight for the last two decades, fluctuating between a size 8 and a size 20. But Steps star Claire Richards, 41 – who suffered from anorexia and bulimia in her twenties – reveals she is determined to ensure her nine-year-old daughter Daisy doesn’t struggle with the same crippling body-confidence issues, which she fears could be caused by social media. She says, “The obsession with body image today is brutal – it really is.” The star adds, “Social media has been the biggest culprit. It’s constantly in our faces, and fuels us with body hatred. The amount of people on Instagram with these warped bodies… it’s not real, none of it is real. “And it’s really scary…

These stylish frocks will see you through the sunny months, without breaking the bank 1 SUNSHINE CHIC A yellow dress will lift your wardrobe, as well as your mood. The ruffle trim on this strappy number adds extra pizazz – perfect for summer parties. Go bold and finish off with colour-contrasting accessories. ZARA £9.99 2 BOHO BEACH For easy, breezy boho style, we’re eyeing up this frivolous frock. It’s all in the details, with swishy tassels, delicate embroidery and playful pom-poms. Team with tan sandals for weekend cool. TU AT SAINSBURY’S £22 3 TO THE MAX This striking animal print is the ultimate in daytime sophistication. The floaty fabric makes it ideal for throwing over a bikini, while the thigh split and sheer detail adds a touch of glamour too.…

BEST BARGAIN Asda’s range of low-cost cotton towels are second to none, with a quirky print to suit all. And despite the budget price, they don’t scrimp on size or thickness. GEORGE AT ASDA £5 BAG IT UP It’s a double whammy! This 2-in-1 towel folds into a handy tote bag, making packing for the beach seriously simple. We’re obsessed with the on-trend print, too. NEON SHEEP £10 MESS-FREE MIRACLE Wave “adios” to finding the beach at the bottom of your bag – this sand-resistant design lets you shake the lot off sharpish. We love the velour finish, too. DUNELM £10 INSTAGLAM VIBES Round towels are a poolside poser’s must-have and this boho design could pass for a designer number. With chic fringe detailing, it’ll add a touch of Ibizan…

ASKING FOR HELP “I never wanted to ask for help when I had Flo – I wanted to do it all myself. Eventually, I got over it and stopped being proud. Now my mum comes over two days a week. Being a mum is hard enough – if you have someone willing to give you hand, take them up on it.” EXERCISE IN PREGNANCY “I’m training to be qualified in pregnancy yoga now, too, and I’m still doing gentle exercises every day. The stretches can help with everything from sciatica to indigestion, and I feel so much better.” WEDDING PLANS “Dane proposed in Dubai. We’ll get married after we’ve had all our kids – I want an intimate ceremony abroad, with a big party back home afterwards.”…

How much do you spend per week? Around £140. I feed myself, my daughter Summer, four, and my friend, who lives part-time with me. He’s a swimmer, so he eats loads! Describe your daily diet… For breakfast I’ll have Greek-style yoghurt with berries and granola. I also have herbal tea, then coffee using homemade oat milk. Lunch is something easy, like a salad or soup, and another coffee. For dinner, I like to mix it up. I make chilli con carne a lot. It’s known that swimmers just love pasta and I could eat it all day long. Sometimes I’ll marinate a roast chicken in tikka paste, and other nights I’ll have a stir-fry. If I’m peckish I’ll have an apple or sometimes chocolate and sweets. Is there anything you…

ALL ABOUT YOU WHY CARING FOR ANIMALS IS SO GOOD FOR YOU Scientists have proven that time spent with dogs lessens the negative impact of stress. Emma urges you to get involved I love animals – I own three dogs and two cats. Science has consistently confirmed that if you want to feel less stressed or depressed, sharing time with an animal is a great strategy. Studies show that stroking cats and dogs helps to lower the stress hormone cortisol and increase oxytocin, known as the cuddle hormone. Spending just an hour a week petting a dog has been proven to reduce anxiety and promote wellbeing. Dogs are even being used in prisons to help inmates regulate their emotions, and several universities employ them to help students at risk of…

1 ROSS KEMP LIVING WITH HOMELESSNESS VOICE OF THE STREETS THU 25 JULY, 7.30PM, ITV Ross Kemp explores some of Britain’s biggest issues, starting with homelessness. He sleeps rough on the streets of Cardiff on the coldest night of the year, meeting families torn apart by not having a roof over their heads. He also spends the evening in a shop doorway, and discovers no one wants to speak to him. DID YOU KNOW Ross says he’ll be “living with people who are at an interesting time of their lives.” He’ll also rub shoulders with young carers, teens involved in knife crime and online gambling addicts. 2 I AM NICOLA HARD-HITTING DRAMA TUE 23 JULY, 10PM, C4 Vicky McClure stars in the first of three stand-alone dramas part-created and improvised…

MUST READ Five Steps to Happy (ELLA DOVE) When Heidi has a life-changing accident, her world falls apart. Stuck in hospital and unable to walk, her only companion is Maud, the elderly lady in the bed next to hers. But when Maud’s aloof but attractive grandson Jack pays a visit to the ward, he makes Heidi realise that her life isn’t over just because it’s different. Will she take the first step back to happiness? A powerful story based on the author’s own experiences. BEST DAY OUT The Wolf Of Wall Street Experience Dust off your ’80s pinstripe suit and leave your morals at the door as the offensively decadent Wolf Of Wall Street Experience comes to a secret London location this September. Plucky young stockbrokers can get a taste…