Table of contents for Issue 913 in Closer

Most of us have got used to living more of our lives through screens, and some things may stay that way for a while. Doctors are still likely to want to talk to you virtually, so this week Dr C explains how to get the best out of a video consultation. And we find out how to make money online – a lifesaver for some because, as our report on page 18 reveals, millions of households are building up dangerous levels of debt. If everything feels a bit much, we hope our chat with Strictly pro turned life coach Camilla Sacre-Dallerup might help. She has experienced burnout and understands how important it is to look after yourself. Plus, on page 26, celebs reveal how they recovered from a love split.…

ELLIE: ‘I love living apart from my husband!’ She’s about to celebrate her one-year wedding anniversary with husband Caspar Jopling, but Ellie Goulding surprised fans when she recently admitted she has “loved” living separately from her spouse. For the past few years, Ellie, 33, has split her time between her homes in London and New York, but since March, the Starry Eyed singer has been locked down at art dealer Caspar’s Oxfordshire home. Now, however, she is back at her London pad while Caspar, 28, remains in Oxford to finish his Masters degree in business administration. She admitted last week, “I love it! I love my husband – but I also love myself. I can read a book, I can go for a run, I can eat messily. So it’s…

KATY: ‘I’m ready to join the club’ She’s expecting a baby girl with her fiancé Orlando Bloom within weeks and Katy Perry is ready for the new chapter in her life. The Grammy-nominated singer – who last week looked radiant as she splashed around on Malibu beach in a strapless fuchsia swimsuit – recently shared a photo of her gorgeous bump on Instagram. In the emotive caption, the 35-year-old wrote, “I’ve got to shed all this skin, if I want the distance, let the sun in, pull out the weeds and focus my vision.” The sweet post came after she told fans who are mums she’s ”ready to join your club”. It’s been an emotional time for Katy, who’s spent most of her pregnancy in lockdown. “I’ve been every emotion…

For three months, Mercy Cushworth bathed, soothed and even breastfed a child that wasn’t her own. Despite being convinced that she’d been given the wrong baby after giving birth, the mum of two was reassured by doctors that she was simply delirious after a traumatic delivery. But a secret DNA test revealed the shocking truth that her instinct had been right all along – Mercy’s child had been swapped at birth. HEARTBREAKING Mercy’s story has echoes of hit BBC drama, The Secrets She Keeps, which tells the story of Abbie Humphries, who was kidnapped from hospital at just four hours old. Mercy, 36, who was eventually reunited with her son, Moses, now five, when he was three months old, says, “Learning the truth was heartbreaking. Not only was the baby…

LILY ALLEN After years of partying, Lily, 35, bought a Cotswolds pad in 2010. She said that retreating to the country saved her after her son’s stillbirth at six months and her marriage breakdown from Sam Cooper in 2017. She said, “If I’d been in a city, I would have started going out and taking drugs to cope. But I didn’t and wasn’t, I was in Gloucestershire.” SHERIDAN SMITH The actress, 39 – who gave birth to her first baby, a son, in May, with fiancé Jamie Horn – battled her demons after her dad’s death in 2016. After struggles with alcohol and breakdowns, she left London and said in 2019, “The countryside is my haven. I always wanted to move from London and have a farm. I’m in a…

Just seven months ago, Chantelle Houghton was showing the results of her 2st weight loss and a nonsurgical facelift, admitting she felt more confident than ever following years away from the spotlight. But the star, who found fame on Celebrity Big Brother in 2006, reveals she’s since regained the weight she lost last year. However, instead of rushing to slim down, she’s determined to embrace her new-found curves. Chantelle, 36, tells Closer, “My weight has gone up again. I’m nearly 13st and I’ve never been this heavy in my life. I’ve gone up to a size 14-16, and at the moment, I’m even wearing a size 18 blouse, but it doesn’t bother me.” While she’s followed a healthy plant-based diet for the last six years, she puts her weight gain…

RELATIONSHIPS DON’T BE TOO CRITICAL OF YOUR PARTNER It’s easy to find fault with your loved one, but if you do it too much it can be disastrous, as Emma explains I have committed to rein in my nagging because it doesn’t just upset my husband, it could send him to an early grave. Research has shown that partners who are constantly criticised are twice as likely to die early, thanks to chronic stress. This made me shudder; I don’t want to shorten my husband’s life over silly niggles. If you recognise your nagging ways, that is the first step to changing. Over a cuppa, I apologised for all the times I put him down over stupid things and told him that it was my over-the-top expectations and not his…

INSIDE MARNIE’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Semi-skimmed milk • Peanut butter • Greek yoghurt • Nakd bars • Cheddar cheese • Chicken breast • Steak • Prawns • Sea bass • Watermelon slices • Ham • Cauliflower • Cabbage • Potatoes • Peppers • Apples • Carrots • Grapes • Apple juice • Coconut milk • Water • Chardonnay VERDICT NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS, “Marnie’s fridge is packed with foods from the four main groups: fruit and veg, starchy foods, dairy and protein-packed foods. This makes it easy for her to create nutritious meals. I’d suggest that sometimes she swaps breakfast smoothies for whole fruits, nuts, seeds, yoghurt and toasted oats, as chewing triggers signals that help to let us know we’re getting full.” FRIDGE HEALTH RATING 9.5/10 CLOSER ONLINE…

TIE-DYE TREAT The hottest print of the summer is back – and this XL tote will work perfectly for weekends away. ACCESSORIZE £25 PARK LIFE This bargain buy not only has space for all your catching-rays-in-the-park essentials, but it comes with a woven mat too. PRIMARK £10 FOLDABLE SHOPPER Help yourself and the planet by keeping this foldable shopper in your handbag for till emergencies. CATH KIDSTON £10 HANDY HOLDALL A bright backpack like this just screams summer and is especially useful for a bike ride around town. OLIVER BONAS £38 TRENDY TOTE This classic beach bag promises to work for many summers to come. It’s practical and versatile. H&M £24.99 REVERSIBLE RAFFIA Switch up your look whenever you fancy with this reversible shopper. Get yourself two bags for the…

PRIORITISE YOUR NEEDS ‘After Strictly, I was numb, lost & not myself ’ “After six magical seasons of Strictly, which I will treasure, I was truly burned out at 35. The feeling was beyond tiredness. It’s the kind of tired where you just know it’s going to take more than a few good sleeps to recover. I’d only ever allowed myself a week off because, for years, I was competing. I was numb, lost and not myself. I had loved dancing, but then I just didn’t want to any more. I knew I wanted to reinvent my career and I needed balance. I think meeting my husband probably ignited that. As soon as I met Kevin [in 2008] I wanted to chill out. We moved to LA in 2014 and…

❛SHE WANTS TO ENSURE THEY’RE PREPARED FOR A LIFELONG COMMITMENT – WITH ALL ITS UPS AND DOWNS❜ She said she “could not be happier” after her eldest son Brooklyn announced his engagement to American billionaire heiress Nicola Peltz last week, after nine months of dating, in a gushing Instagram post. But while Victoria Beckham, 46, has been celebrating what she’s described as “the MOST amazing news”, insiders say the mum-of-four is a little concerned at the speed at which the relationship is moving. A source tells Closer, “While Vic’s thrilled, she’s naturally a little worried by the whirlwind nature of it and wants to ensure they’re both fully aware and prepared for the lifelong commitment of marriage, with all its ups and downs. “Vic adores Nicola and can see how…

She is one of the world’s biggest popstars but since her infamous 2007 meltdown, Britney Spears has been subject to “conservatorship”, which has seen her father, Jamie, and appointed “minders” have control over her personal, financial and career decisions. The star, who shot to fame in the late ’90s with global chart-toppers, is now determined to prove she can live independently and is hoping that the rules of the legal contract could be lifted during a civil trial next month. ❛SHE WANTS TO GET HER BOYS BACK AND THEN START A FAMILY WITH SAM❜ A source tells Closer, “Britney’s going to every effort to prove to welfare evaluators and psychology experts that she can take care of herself. She’s attending all her mental health appointments, adhering to a healthy lifestyle,…

JAC: ‘I love my thick legs & mum tum!’ Jacqueline Jossa proudly showed-off her toned curves in an orange cut-out swimsuit in Ibiza last week – continuing to fly the flag for “real women” as she took a well-earned break from shooting her latest In The Style campaign. And mum-of-two Jacqueline, 27, admitted she has grown to love her size 12 figure, after she used to torture herself by Googling “the new fat Lauren Branning” when she took over the role in EastEnders in 2010. She credits her time on I’m a Celeb! last year, in which she was crowned Queen of the Jungle, for boosting her confidence, saying, “I’ve come out as a different person.” And she has been using her heightened influence and social media following to promote…

‘Lockdown has made me want to live for the now’ He’s one of reality TV’s biggest heart-throbs, despite his bad boy reputation and having his relationship breakdowns and cheating scandals played out on TOWIE. But Pete Wicks tells Closer that lockdown – where he isolated alone with his two pet French bulldogs Peggy and Eric – has given him time to reflect on his life and his former playboy ways. Pete, 31, says, “In the past, I’ve felt pressure to settle down. I’m in my thirties now and I think there’s a general feeling you should be settled down with a girlfriend or whatever. That’s maybe why I’ve been in relationships in the past. But lockdown has given me time to realise that, actually, I’m really fortunate to have a…

As the UK went into lockdown at the end of March, it coincided with the release of Ricky Gervais’ bittersweet Netflix comedy After Life: Season 2 – offering fans a chance to reflect and indulge in Ricky’s dark humour while stuck at home. And unlike some wealthy celebrities who complained about having to stay at home during lockdown from the comfort of their million-pound mansions, down-to-earth Ricky, 59, won over yet more fans as he insisted they “wouldn’t hear him complain”. He said at the time, “NHS staff are doing 14-hour shifts and not complaining. Wearing masks, and being left with sores, after risking their own health and their families’ health selflessly.” MOANING Now, as the rules around lockdown are eased, the comedian – who lives with his partner of…

KEEPING UP WITH SELF-CARE “I’ll never have surgery again [Chantelle ditched her FF implants], but I love having a few tweaks. I can’t wait to go back to the salon and have my eyebrows and lip liner tattooed. Maybe a little Botox too.” CURBING MY SOCIAL MEDIA “I’ve stopped going on Instagram in the morning, because it can taint your day. You have a good night’s sleep, wake up and see a celebrity looking amazing and wonder why you don’t look like that at 7am? They’re sprawled out on a crisp, white bed with a coffee, whereas you’re in mismatched pyjamas, no make-up, hair everywhere! It’s unrealistic.” EMERGING FROM LOCKDOWN “I’ve learned never to take friends and family, or going out for a meal, for granted. I can only imagine…

I MAKE £80 AN HOUR ON ZOOM Polly Thompson, from Surrey, says, “In the past, I signed up for loads of market research groups to supplement my income. Some evenings I’d make £80 for an hour’s work, talking about anything from washing powder to TVs. I once got £160!” ELLIE SAYS… “Market research is an easy way to earn money, and most of the major companies have pivoted to Zoom or WhatsApp meetings in recent months. If you sign up with multiple companies, you’ll receive regular emails with opportunities (they vary depending on your gender, age and interests). The pay is decent – £40+ for an hour’s discussion – and they usually pay quickly as well,” she says. Major companies include Saros, Market Research 4 U and Bunnyfield – just…

IN THE NEWS... STACEY SOLOMON’S PRIMARK KIDSWEAR COLLECTION Our favourite Loose Woman has just launched her first kidswear collection at Primark. The 35-piece clothing and rainbow accessories edit reflects Stacey’s bubbly personality, with bright colours and lively prints – and there are even matching adult T-shirts so you can twin with your little one. Available now in stores, starting from just £2. Bargain! EVERYBODY’S WEARING... I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! HALTERNECK DRESSES There’s nothing that says “summer” quite like a halterneck dress. With its distinct noughties vibe, the trend’s return has been a hit with celebs everywhere. Styles vary from hip skimmers, to cinched-in waists. Dress down with trusty Birkenstocks – or fresh white trainers if you’re brave… CELEB CRUSH: VOGUE WILLIAMS TAKE THE PLUNGE Proving that sparkle can work…

FIGHTS FRIZZ JOHN FRIEDA FRIZZ EASE MIRACULOUS RECOVERY MASK £6.99 Static and frizzy locks can be difficult to control if you’re not using the right products. Aptly named ‘Miraculous Recovery’, this treatment repairs and fortifies hair, while protecting against breakage. After smothering into wet hair, leave for five minutes to reveal silky, smooth and tamed tresses. COLOUR CORRECTS BLEACH LONDON REINCARNATION MASK £15 If your bleached or coloured hair is struggling without its salon maintenance, try this. Enriched with sunflower seed extract and wheat proteins that hydrate and boost elasticity, this will enhance colour vibrancy, whatever your hair shade. BOOSTS STRENGTH L’OREAL PARIS ELVIVE POWER MASK £13 Using heat on your hair regularly can lead to breakage and weakening of strands. Luckily, you don’t have to give up your favourite…

Mikey North, 33, plays bad boy Gary Windass – who’s been on borrowed time since he caused the death of Rana Nazir, buried Rick Neelan and played a key role in the Christmas Day shootout… Does Gary think he WON’T get caught? There are times when he thinks he can get away with anything, but he also has moments where he thinks it will all catch up with him. His thoughts on Bernie discovering the watch…? He is slowly starting to spiral out of control. Rick’s name is engraved on it, so Gary’s worst fears are confirmed. He needs to get it back! Adam is suspicious – is he in danger? Gary will definitely try to do all he can to stop Adam telling the truth...…

What’s in store? This new series contains extra riches that we weren’t able to show before. One forgets how much we have covered. And there’s behind-the-scenes footage? We’ve included all those things you wouldn’t normally see on camera. Quite often, these shows look so effortless, but of course, all the people we meet are miked up and told where to stand and to look at me and not the translator, which is a very difficult thing to do. There are little glimpses of us rushing and cramming stuff onto trains. And you’ll get to see this jumping dog – which was absolutely adorable, but he nearly knocked me over and he literally had to be banished whilst I interviewed his kind, clever owner… What have you missed most about travelling…

It’s a year to go for it. In your personal life, you have the chance for amazing, life-changing relationships. There will be challenges, but that’s what life’s about. Single? It’s a great year to meet the love of your life. At work, hard work will lead you to more money. IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN LEO 23 JUL-22 AUG If the lockdown spiritually inspired you, then you got the best it had to offer. Now’s the time to set a timetable for your practices, such as meditation and yoga. It will change your life! Avoid allowing old fears to trip you up. PS Get a free astrology reading at moonmessages. com/freebies VIRGO 23 AUG-22 SEP What are you wishing for? Your wishes really can…

• Gemma Collins and James ‘Arg’ Argent split again as explosive message exchanges emerge • Fears it has ruined her baby plans and her ambition to break America • Closer’s Emma Kenny says she could also sacrifice her long-term happiness unless she makes changes She’s made no secret of the fact that her biggest dream is to start a family with on-off boyfriend James “Arg” Argent – but last week, things seemed to come crashing down for Gemma Collins when she posted a slew of cruel texts from Arg after reportedly calling it quits with him. Gemma, 39 – who has been dating her former TOWIE co-star, 32, on and off since 2009 – shared screenshots of a toxic conversation with him, in which he branded her a “fat f***”…

The increasingly toxic court case between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard has dominated headlines this month – with shocking claims about their personal lives being traded by both sides as Johnny pursues his libel case against a tabloid newspaper. And sources say the scandalous dispute has worried pals of both Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy, as the WAGs prepare to head to court themselves for their own high-profile defamation trial. Rebekah, 38, is taking Coleen, 34, to High Court for defamation, libel and slander after she publicly accused Rebekah’s Instagram account of leaking stories about her to a national newspaper – which Rebekah, who was pregnant at the time, vehemently denies. The pair tried online mediation in June, but after failing to find a solution, Rebekah, who has three children…

Financial blogger Claire Roach, 39, lives near Cardiff, with her partner, Luke, 37, a bricklayer, and their children, Ashleigh, 20, Joe, 15, Rosie, 12, and four-year-old twins Esme and Lola. She says, “As a mum of five, I have to budget. My motto is a penny saved is a penny earned. I’ve always had an emergency fund and believe that everyone should put a little bit away each month – even if it’s only £10 – so they have a little pot of money for absolute emergencies. You can do it in a penny jar – saving loose change and the odd note – or by direct debit the day your salary is paid. “Food is the biggest expense for most families. Never waste anything, make a weekly meal plan…

Standing at her oven in her Devon home, Ginny Metheral stirs her saucepan, but she isn’t cooking dinner for her husband and three children, aged 15, 13 and 11 – instead she’s creating a potion to use in a spell. Ginny, 48, a web designer, explains, “I’m a white witch – and proud. I only do spells for good, such as to protect and help people. When the pandemic hit earlier this year, I was of course worried about my family and I catching coronavirus, so I cast a spell to protect us from it using crystals and lavender. So far, we’ve all been fine, and I’m convinced it’s the spell that protected us. “There’s still a stigma attached to witchcraft, but I want to end that by convincing people…

CHLOE SIMS “I love Chloe. The best way to describe her is sweet and fiercely loyal. She’s like a big sister to me. She’s great for going on a night out with, and she’s also really good at giving advice – I can go to her for anything. I love filming with her [for TOWIE] too.” VICKY PATTISON “Vicky is a one-in-a-million kind of a friend. We’ve been pals for years and she’s one of my best mates. I don’t know what I would do without her – I always go to her for advice when I need it and she gives me some tough love.” SAM THOMPSON “We’re like chalk and cheese – we could not be more different. He’s an annoying little sh* t, but on a serious…

She’s had 20 years in the spotlight and a roller coaster life – from dating Hollywood actors to having her fair share of adventures on the celebrity party scene. But Kelly Brook’s life is now worlds away from what it used to be, with the model, actress and presenter now enjoying a blissful existence at her country house in Kent with model boyfriend Jeremy Parisi. And Kelly, 40, goes so far to say that the strict lockdown measures imposed as a result of COVID-19 barely impacted her lifestyle. GLAM GARDENING Speaking on Vicky Pattison’s The Secret To Surviving Isolation podcast, Kelly says, “Lockdown didn’t disrupt our routine too much. We hadn’t realised we were living a self-isolation life anyway! I feel like if you were a super-social person and out…

ANIMAL CRUELTY “There is something wrong with someone who can actually watch an animal in pain. But there’s propaganda out there. Like how bullfighting is OK – as if it’s an honourable way for the bull to die. Like, ‘it’s tradition, it’s part of the culture’… Well so was slavery and child sacrifice! There is a weird scale from serial killer to people who don’t think they [animals] are worth worrying about that much. It’s the only thing that makes my blood boil and keeps me awake at night.” DEATH “We’ve all got hang-ups, and the last great taboo is death – it really is. People don’t want to think about it, yet comedians are fascinated with it. There’s something wrong and dark with us. I actively like to deal…

Before lockdown, about a quarter of GP appointments were carried out remotely, either by phone or video call, but now the reverse is true – and that’s a good thing. I first started doing video consultations 15 years ago, though there was a lot of criticism from “old-school” doctors at the time, as they believed you always had to be able to “lay a hand on the patient”. But it’s fairly rare that GPs need to do that, and on the occasions when they do, it’s still possible to see patients face to face. SEEK A CONSULTATION AT A CONVENIENT TIME The major complaint most people have about their GP is that they can never get an appointment, or one at a time that suits them. By having more appointments…

SUMMER EATING SALMON SALAD SERVES 2 For the dressing: • 2tbsp olive oil • Zest and juice 1 lemon For the salad: • 1tsp sesame oil • 2 x 100g salmon fillets • 1 lemon, halved • 1/2 cup frozen shelled edamame beans, defrosted • 1 head lettuce, leaves torn • 2 tomatoes, sliced • 1/2 avocado, sliced • 100g feta, crumbled • 2tbsp toasted seeds eg pumpkin, sunflower • 1/4 cu p parsley leaves • 1 spring onion, sliced STEP 1 Place both of the dressing ingredients in a small jar, season, and then shake until combined. STEP 2 For the salad, heat the sesame oil in a griddle or frying pan over a medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for 2 mins on each side. Take it out of…

OPTIONAL STRAPS Pricier than many, this set offers a brilliant size range and lasting quality. The straps can be worn multiple ways so rework it as bandeau, asymmetric or cross-backed for a different feel each time. FROM DAY TO NIGHT The diagonal print is cleverly flattering and the colour combo is just as appropriate for your local pool. Anything you pair it with will offer a stylish finish – poolside or not. SHAPE AND SCULPT This figure-loving set has crafty shapewear built in to add definition and lift to your bum while giving boobs a padded boost too. The retro spots and high-cut bottoms are on point and will leave you less self-conscious about exposing a lockdown tum. COMFORTABLE CLASSIC If you’re not looking for a padded push-up, or supportive…

CLOSE SHAVE When it comes to achieving silky smooth pins, shaving is a quick solution. This five-blade razor has a built-in strip infused with nourishing aloe vera and vitamin E to help moisturise skin while you swipe over. Use an exfoliating scrub beforehand to remove any dead skin, and shave in the direction that your hair grows to avoid irritation. ESTRID RAZOR STARTER KIT £7.95 EASY-TO-USE EPILATOR Using an epilator can be a little painful, but frequent use will result in your hairs growing back shorter and less often, keeping your body fuzz-free for longer. Built with 32 rotating tweezers, this compact offering can be used all over the body and comes with interchangeable antibacterial heads to help prevent irritation and infection. MAGNITONE LONDON PLUCKIT SUPERGLIDE MINI EPILATOR £35 STRIP-FREE…

1 OUR BABY: A MODERN MIRACLE BECOMING PARENTS TUE 28 JULY, 10PM, C4 Britain’s most prominent transgender couple, Jake and Hannah Graf, became proud parents to their baby girl, Millie, in April – and this is the remarkable story of how they achieved that dream. Asking, “What does it take to become a mum or dad if you’re transgender?” we see the happy couple meeting their surrogate and excitedly embarking on their unique journey. Jake says, “There was a point where just to be seen as a man was the ultimate dream. Now that dream is to be a father – butcanthat to‘ likeme’?” FACTFILE Baby Millie is genetically linked to Jake by eggs he had harvested when he temporarily stopped taking testosterone. Five eggs were fertilised by an anonymous…

MUST READ Olive Emma Gannon Olive is independent and knows her own mind. But when her best friends’ lives branch away towards marriage and motherhood and the dilemmas that brings, leaving the path they’ve always followed together, she starts to question her choices – because life according to Olive looks a little bit different. A brilliant and moving read about milestone decisions and the “taboo” about choosing not to have children. TUNE IN Now That’s What I Call Music 106 We love a good Now compilation CD, and Now 106 features some of the best music and number-one hits from the last couple of months. Harry Styles, Katy Perry, Jason Derulo, Dua Lipa and The Weeknd – to name but a few – are all here to really get that…

Vicky’s flight takes an uncomfortable turn when the hippo sat behind her drapes its feet over her headrest. Get those dirty paws off! Some people just buy a sample when they’re considering new wallpaper. Canny Tyson turns it into a shirt and poses in front of his walls to make his decision. In these socially distanced times, Laura decides the safest seat at the cinema is the one on top of her car… at least it won’t have sticky bits of popcorn left from the previous viewer. OVIE SOKO... Ovie, if this GPS is anything like ours, we won’t get anywhere near joy & happiness – we’ll end up parked in a 10-mile jam of misery and despair. KADY MCDERMOTT... Kady, we don’t need any more bad luck in our…