Table of contents for Issue 656 in Closer

When Cheryl was taunted online for being a “bag of bones” she hit back by pointing out that no one knew what she’d been through, Tweeting: “I am so sick of it being OK to call somebody too thin. I would never dream of calling somebody too fat.” Reasonable. Yet on the first day of the X Factor auditions she wore an outfit that showcased her minuscule frame, sparking health fears... and anger from those who want her to consider the impact of her choices on impressionable young women. Cheryl may not set herself up as a role model, but she has to know she is one. GET CLOSER WHEREVER YOU ARE DOWNLOAD: DIGITAL EDITION AVAILABLE ON APPLE AND GOOGLE PLAY JOIN US: GET OUR FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER VISIT: WWW.CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK…

She appeared to have put her party days behind her after marrying third husband Kieran Hayler and having two pregnancies in the past two years. But last week Jordan made up for lost time after pals revealed she got drunk and flashed her boobs on a night out with Kieran. Jordan Tweeted about going clubbing over the weekend, writing: “Can’t wait to go to Chester tonight to cruise night club to party x,” and posted a pic of her “sexy dress.” A source reveals: “Katie was on a mission to have a big party. Her dress was skimpy and almost see-through. She was downing vodka Diet Cokes all night, as well as shots of Malibu. She was so drunk and started sexy dancing. “She loved being the centre of attention,…

There was no love lost between them after their divorce in 2004 – but now sources say Kerry Katona has reached out to her ex Brian McFadden after his split from wife Vogue Williams last week – which happened the same day as her own marriage break-up. A pal says: “Kerry and Brian have been getting on much better lately so she messaged him as soon as she found out he’d split from Vogue. She’s said she’s there for him if he ever wants to talk. He said he was sorry she was in the same situation with George and he’s glad now they can be friends.” Brian, 35, met Vogue, 29 – who has her own reality series on Irish TV – at an Irish nightclub in 2011 and…

Her former husband has been grabbing headlines since unveiling his new identity as Caitlyn Jenner last month, but last week Kris Jenner emerged looking even sassier than usual. Now pals say she is so determined not to be outdone by her ex, she is planning a £40k makeover to help her steal back the spotlight. Last week, insiders claimed Kris, 59 – who’s already had a nose job, boob job and facelift – wanted bum injections to feel sexy. Now sources say she’s planning more surgery. A pal says: “Kris hates that her ex has been getting more attention since her transformation. She knows Caitlyn has been getting lots of compliments over her wardrobe and wants to outshine her. She wants another boob job and a new facelift to ensure…

He’s spoken at length about his closeness to his parents, but last week Simon Cowell was left heartbroken when his mum Julie passed away at the age of 89 from a stroke – 16 years after the death of his beloved father Eric. He Tweeted: “My family lost someone very special on Sunday. My mum. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all the kind messages received. Thank you. x” And insiders say Simon is now fast tracking his proposal to girlfriend Lauren Silverman, 37 – mother of their 17-month-old son Eric – to honour his late mum and help him cope. A source says: “Julie badgered Simon about popping the question to Lauren and never understood his delay. “In her final days, Lauren was nearly always in hospital with her…

WHO WORE IT BEST? TULISA CONTOSTAVLOS VS KIMBERLEY GARNER Both ladies look the business in this power-dressing get-up. Singer Tulisa cuts a sleek sillouhette in the sleeveless, tuxedo-inspired monochrome dress, which she pairs with black slingbacks. Former MIC star Kimberley ups the glam factor by teaming the frock with strappy, diamanté heels and a chic, black clutch bag. VERDICT We love this dress, and they both rock it, but Kim’s glam touches see her take the style crown. STYLE CRUSH! LADY IN RED Emilia Clarke, 28 The British actress and Game Of Thrones star made sure all eyes were on her at the premiere of Terminator Genisys last week. She looked red hot in this vibrant Dior frock, paired with silver heels. It’s a gorgeously elegant look, while her side-swept…

IN THE NEWS... SWIMWEAR AT M&S! Let’s face it, squeezing into a bikini can often be the worst part of summer, but thanks to the latest swimwear drop from trusty Marks & Spencer, we can’t wait to show off our curves while poolside! This collection of classic one-pieces, cut-away cossies and sporty looking bikinis are super-stylish for a staycation or exotic holiday, and the size range of 8 to 22 means they will flatter most shapes beautifully. Whether you’re planning on swimming lengths or more focused on chilling on a lounger, make sure one of these beauties is in your suitcase! MEET THE MICRO TREND... THE MODERN RED FROCK Step aside, LBD. When it comes to finding the perfect party frock, take a style note from the A-list, who are…

TRADE SECRETS Did you know full-on lippie is taking a backseat this summer? Semi-sheer is where it’s at – try these limited edition oil-packed, buttery and oh-so-pretty lipsticks from KIKO. They look good enough to eat – and they’re available in eight colours. HOW DOES SHE DO IT? NAIL ART WE HEART! Fussy nail art might not be your scene, but these sweetheart designs sported by singer Diana Vickers are hard to resist. Fancy giving them a whirl? File long nails into a rounded point, or round off shorter nails like Diana’s. Then use a fine nail art brush to paint a tiny dot just less than halfway down from the tips and use this as a guide to paint semi circles either side, then colour in. Start with the…

As Samantha Mumba poses in a bikini just four months after giving birth, you’d be forgiven for thinking she’s since spent every waking hour in the gym. But the singer, 32 – who’s clearly besotted with her daughter Sage on our exclusive photo shoot – says she’s more focused on her baby than losing weight, and puts her trim bikini body down to breastfeeding. She says: “It’s made all the difference. In the first few weeks it was like having mini contractions while I fed Sage – I could feel my stomach muscles pulling everything in and tightening. I see it as Mother Nature’s thank you! I’m hoping to breastfeed Sage until she’s at least one, but I’ll go with the flow.” Since hitting the charts in 2000 with her…

DEAN EDWARDS’ AROMATIC CHICKEN AND PEANUT THAI CURRY STEP 1 Heat a pan over a medium heat and add the coconut oil. Fry the onion, garlic, chilli (if you’re using it), lemon grass and ginger for about 5 mins until softened. Pour in the coconut milk, stock, soy sauce, curry paste and peanut butter and then bring to a gentle simmer. STEP 2 Add the slices of chicken to the pan and cook for 10 mins, then add the beans and continue to cook for a further 5 mins. Add the lime juice and a little sugar to taste, to balance the flavours of the dish. STEP 3 Stir in some fresh coriander, if desired, then serve with the cooked rice. Recipe and picture taken from Feelgood Family Food by…

HOW TO... BLEND YOUR FAMILY These days there are fewer “traditional” families of mum, dad and kids. Natasha Hamilton has admitted being judged for having four children by four dads, while Fearne Cotton has opened up about becoming a stepmum as well as a mum. With “blended families” becoming the norm, how can you make it work? TAKE TIME AND IGNORE JUDGEMENT Whatever your family set-up, no one has the right to judge you. Don’t miss out on the opportunity of a loving and solid relationship to appease others. If both you and your partner have children, don’t expect to immediately love their kids and be the perfect parent: it takes time. EX STRATEGY Children deserve to feel safe and connected to all the adults in their lives, so make…

We’re caught in the middle Q My husband and I were best friends with another couple. She left him for one of his friends. He’s destroyed and we’re helping, but she’s accusing us of taking sides. Name withheld, by email A If she’s not sensitive enough to realise that he needs and deserves support after her betrayal, do you even want to stay friends with her? It’s generally accepted that the person left needs more comfort. Most people respect that, and step out of the friend circle, returning when appropriate. You could point that out, though it may fall on deaf ears. Always the bridesmaid Q My long-term partner’s sister just asked me to be her bridesmaid. I desperately want to marry but my man doesn’t believe in it, so…

What’s been your biggest health scare? I have little ones every day! I Google every symptom and end up thinking the worst... My doctor tells me off all the time! How much alcohol do you usually drink? Not much since having my one-year-old son Angel [with her celeb hairdresser husband Lee Stafford]. Maybe a couple of G&Ts once a month. Any embarrassing health moments? When I was at drama school in New York, I found a huge white lump in my throat and I freaked out. Mum told me to see a doctor so I paid $140 and he scraped it off and said it was a piece of food! Do you have a health secret you swear by? Drinking lots of water – it’s improved my cellulite and I…

THE 3-POINT PLAN Natalie’s husband should ask his employer about childcare vouchers, which allow you to pay for Ofsted-approved childcare from your gross salary (before tax). You can save up to £933 a year, but the guidelines are changing in autumn, so act fast. Do an audit of all bills – TV and broadband, utilities and credit cards – on Moneysupermarket to check for the best deals, then use any cash saved to pay off debts. Natalie’s loan and furniture credit will most likely have a high interest rate, so she should clear these first. Once her debt is cleared, Natalie should save a little each month for her annual tax bill and to create a buffer for quieter months. Even £1 a day will provide some security.…

It appeared Peter Andre’s long-awaited wedding to Emily MacDonagh was finally becoming a reality when reports surfaced last week that he’d moved the date forward to this month. Rumours began circulating that Emily, 25, who has just qualified as a doctor, was expecting again after Peter, 42, was pictured placing a protective hand on her tummy – he made a similar loving gesture at the same charity event two years ago, just days before the couple revealed they were expecting their daughter Amelia, now 18 months. It was the couple’s first red-carpet appearance since announcing their summer wedding plans – but as Closer reported last month, Peter had been intent on bringing their big day forward, being deliberately evasive about dates in a bid to prevent his fame-hungry ex-wife Jordan…

She shocked onlookers with her worryingly skinny frame at the X Factor auditions in Manchester, showing off her protruding ribs and collarbone. And Cheryl Fernandez-Versini’s choice of revealing outfit was all the more surprising as it came just a week after she lashed out on Instagram when a fan dubbed her a “bag of bones.” The 32-year-old singer replied: “I am so sick and tired of it being OK to call somebody too thin or a ‘bag of bones.’ I would never dream of calling somebody too fat and that they should maybe cut down on their food intake? What is the difference?” But as photos of her arriving at the X Factor auditions went viral, fans aired their concerns. One Tweeted: “As a fan I’m genuinely worried for@CherylOfficial. She…

TV psychologist Emma Kenny explains: “When you lose your mum, you also lose a role model and friend. Mothers and daughters tend to see their relationships grow into strong friendships of mutual respect, while mothers and sons often maintain the same roles they always have – with the son still being seen as the baby and the mother staying their care giver and protector. Simon’s mother has obviously had a hugely positive effect on his life, as he surrounds himself with lots of strong female friends and colleagues. But while he’ll be devastated by the loss of Julie, I’m sure he’ll be happy she lived such a long life and forever thankful for the bond they shared. It’s when things are left unsaid in relationships that death becomes so hard…

When Chloe Sullivan met Craig Davies in August 2014 on dating website Plenty of Fish, she thought she’d found The One. Davies, 27, lavished Chloe, 24, with clothes and perfume, and was great with her two children, Isabelle, five, and Leo, one. But, in January this year, Chloe was left stunned when she discovered Davies had conned her out of nearly £10,000. He swindled her by saying his bankcard had been stolen and asked to use hers to buy clothes online. He continued to use her card, both with her knowledge and without it. Then he seemingly paid her back – but actually he was using money from payday loans he’d taken from accounts he’d fraudulently set up in her name. When she realised, she reported him to police and…

A shock survey last week revealed that a third of women get up before their partner to apply make-up in secret. Someone who does that is TV presenter and former WAG Lizzie Cundy, 42, who, after bravely posing bare-faced for Closer , admits she has never let a love interest see her without being fully made up. She says: “If I’m staying with a boyfriend, I always make sure I wake up before he does and sneak into the bathroom to put my face on. I’d never want to be seen au naturel. They say that less is more, but I think more is more – you have to keep up your glamorous look and 99 per cent of the time, women look better with make-up.” So is this the…

Like most expectant mums, Lorna Biggham felt she was carrying a huge weight around during the last weeks of her pregnancy. But for Lorna, 40, it was more than most as the bodybuilder was still bench-pressing 100kg when she was nine months pregnant. Lorna, a firefighter from Scotland, admits she defied medical advice, saying: “My midwife told me to ease up on weight lifting, but I know how to train safely. I wouldn’t have done anything to harm my baby, but I didn’t want to lose my muscles so I trained for six hours a week. “I got stares from men in the gym, but women told me I was inspirational. Quinn was a healthy 7lbs 4oz baby and I couldn’t wait to get back in the gym after having…

Chelsea Conroy, 29, from Wicklow, Republic of Ireland, was born a boy called Jonathan, before transitioning three years ago. She says: “Growing up with my brothers and sister I always knew I was different and longed to be a girl. As I got older, I felt so uncomfortable as a boy and didn’t know how to cope. “At 23, I started going to gay clubs and dressing as a drag queen. I realised I felt more comfortable as a woman and started transitioning. My family were supportive. At 26, I started hormone therapy and developed B-cup breasts and a more feminine shape – I loved the changes. “The only thing missing from my life was a relationship. I’d always fancied masculine men and longed to find a hunky guy. I…

BEST FOR DAILY WEAR Sun cream and makeup don’t always mix, but here’s the answer! A non-greasy, factor 30, antioxidant-packed UV and UVB sun cream with a very light tint that disguises imperfections. HOLIDAY SAVIOUR Coverage wasn’t too heavy, but we’d be more inclined to use this factor 50 BB cream on the beach. Skin felt hydrated and there’s no need for make-up. FOR DELICATE SKIN Unlike chemical filters that absorb harmful rays, this contains mineral-based filters. It was harder to rub in but kinder to sensitive skin, so well worth it. It’s both fragrance and alcohol-free, too.…

Gemma Arterton Actress and ex-Bond girl Gemma Arterton, 29, has a gorgeous hourglass shape and glowing skin, and isn’t obsessed with being skinny – hurrah! Here are her body secrets… THE MOVES “Running is my workout of choice and I do Pilates because my best friend is a fantastic instructor,” says Gemma, who also enjoys swimming and yoga. But you won’t find her on a treadmill, as the size 10 star admits she hates working out in gyms and would rather run outdoors. THE FOODS When it comes to her figure, Gemma reveals: “Early on, people would tell me: ÔYou’re not skinny,’ and I’d see it as an attack. But now I’m like, ÔNo, I’m not.’ My goal is to celebrate femininity.” Gemma eats a mainly veggie diet and starts…

Which three foods would you take to a desert island? I’m a cheese fanatic so I’d take Cheddar and burrata (made from a mix of mozzarella and cream), and some English mustard. What foods can’t you live without? Custard creams are my weakness – I even made them into an ice cream once; I also love shellfish and I’m nuts about asparagus! What’s been your most memorable meal? My husband [ Bake Off ’s Paul Hollywood] took me to Michel Roux’s restaurant, Le Gavroche. I had lobster poached in coconut for my main, and a passion fruit soufflé. It was such a treat! What would you order for your last meal? Fish and chips by the sea – the beach is just a five minute stroll from my home in…

What’s your earliest memory? Stealing my mum’s perfume when I was about seven! Describe yourself in three words Tanned, opinionated, loyal. How do you cope with conflict? I’m all about the truth. I don’t like to talk behind people’s backs. What’s your proudest achievement? Starting a Twitter campaign to get more people on the Anthony Nolan bone marrow register. Marbs Edition is available from Celebrityfashionclothing.co.uk , The Perfume Shop and other retailers, £19.95 for 100ml with moisturiser Email Emma at closer.letters@bauermedia.co.uk  (with EMMA as the subject), visit www.ekenny.co.uk, or follow her on Twitter @emmakennytv EMMA REGRETS SHE CANNOT REPLY TO EMAILS PERSONALLY Follow Andrew on Twitter @MrAndrewHartley…

My head hurts when I orgasm  Q Why do I get a splitting headache when I have an orgasm? It keeps happening! Zoe, by email A Some people do suffer from severe headaches just before, during or after orgasm. They seem to be more frequent in people who get migraines and are usually more common in men. We don’t really know what causes them – it’s possibly due to a sudden rise in blood pressure that occurs during orgasm – but most people find they gradually become less frequent. The best treatment is to take ibuprofen or paracetamol and try to relax. You should also tell your GP as headaches may be a sign of another underlying problem. I’ve got bloody mucus  Q I have bad hayfever and am always…

SAVE £££S! Get the best rate Going on holiday? Remember to get your travel money in advance to get the best deal. Asda now offers an Exchange Rate Guarantee, so if you find a better rate within five miles of one of their Travel Money in-store bureaus they’ll beat it. You can also get good rates at the Post Office, or online at Bestforeignexchange.com. QUICK QUID Be supermarket savvy Most supermarket credit cards reward you for using your card in store. Tesco gives five Clubcard points for every £4 spent in store, but only one Clubcard point if you use your card elsewhere, while Nectar rewards users up to four points per £1 spent at Sainsbury’s. You can then use the points to spend in store or exchange them for…

£1.30 On my newspapers so I can catch up on all the news and showbiz gossip. £45 For a pair of black Converse slip-on pumps for my daughter Caitlin (16). She’s going through a teenage phase, so everything’s dark and black. She needed a pair of dark shoes. £51.99 On a new football shirt and a football for my son Gerrard, seven, from Anfield Football ground in Liverpool. £102.98 On birthday presents for my partner [DJ Mark Wilson] – a pair of Air Jordan trainers and a couple of basketball vests. £98 On the weekly shop at Morrisons. I live it large, me. Talk about the high life! Find White Dee’s fitness workout by searching BeneFIT wearefreeradio on YouTube Visit www.letssavemoney.com  for more advice from Sarah WillinghamFor more…

HOLA! LIFE ON MARBS WED, 9PM, ITVBE Meet the residents of Marbella in the show that might well become the new TOWIE ... CELEBRITY MASTERCHEF The grand final of the cookery show. Tense! THU 9PM & FRI 8.30PM, BBC1 THE SPOILS BEFORE DYING Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell star in this comedy drama. THU, 10.30PM, FOX 87 STONE: FAT CHANCE OF WORK Meeting overweight people who can’t find jobs. THU, 9PM, CHANNEL 5 7-DAY PRIMETIME TV LISTINGS PAGE 89 PLUS CELEB CHATS, FILMS & SOAPS…

YOU COULDN’T HAVE BEEN HAPPIER? When I bought a bulldog, Bozo, for Kirk’s birthday [Lauren’s ex-boyfriend, Kirk Norcross]. I was obsessed with that dog and was sad when we broke up as I didn’t get to see him that much. YOU’VE NEVER BEEN SO ANGRY… When I had the argument with Lewis in Ibiza [Lauren’s other ex, Lewis Bloor, who accused her of lying about her age].I have never been spoken to with such disrespect – to be cheated on and then insulted was a bit raw for me. YOU COULDN’T STOP CRYING… When Vas [blogger Vas Morgan] and I had that conversation about him not being comfortable with his sexuality. It still upsets me, as it’s not something I think he’ll ever be able to come to terms with.…

CASTAWAY TOM HANKS GETS SKINNY Fri 24 July, 11.20pm, BBC1 Tom Hanks stars as obsessively punctual FedEx exec Chuck Noland, who’s en route to an assignment in Malaysia when his plane crashes over the Pacific Ocean during a storm. The sole survivor, he learns how to stay alive on a desert island – for years – where he gets very thin, accompanied only by Wilson, a volleyball washed up on the shore. MEET THE PARENTS BEN STILLER ON COMEDY FORM Sat 18 July, 9pm, BBC3 Everything that can possibly go wrong for groom-to-be Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) does. He’s planning to ask for his girlfriend’s hand in marriage, but first learns her strict father (Robert De Niro) is one of those who would quite like his permission to be asked…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK This is a year for you to be patient regarding love and money. If you don’t get what you want first go, try, try again. The lessons you learn now will stay with you. And remember – everything happens for a reason! Controlling your temper will be important. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN CANCER 22 JUN – 23 JULY If there’s an upset related to a child, a romance or a creative project you’re working on at the moment, breathe deeply before you overreact. This week can be a turning point. You have a chance to start over, if you so desire. Yasmin has a message for you and your sign – call 0906 7511 677* LEO 24 JUL – 23 AUG Saturn is…

Celebrity therapist Marisa Peer, who previously interviewed Kerry for Closer , says: “Kerry was brought up with a mother who constantly had new boyfriends and she witnessed a pattern of jumping from one relationship to the next and does the same. Another marriage ending may well feel like a failure. But Kerry needs to accept being on her own with her children without a man for a while. She is quite capable and she’s better raising her kids alone with the support of her mum and friends. I fear she’ll move on quickly and will want to meet someone and have another baby, but I hope she doesn’t. She should date someone for two years before committing. She’s very sweet and funny, and she’d be better…

Psychologist Emma Kenny says: “Cheryl recently hit back at those who have criticised her skinny frame, but she was more than happy to flaunt it last week, suggesting to me that she feels grabbing headlines – whether they’re negative or not – is a mark of success. In today’s world, women are often judged by how successful and how skinny they are. The coveted figure is one that’s super-skinny, but this is a dangerous body ideal for young girls to admire. Cheryl’s young fans will have either gone through or be going through puberty, seeing curves start to appear and they are conscious of their body shape. There’s no suggestion Cheryl is deliberately promoting this as a body ideal, but she does have to bear in mind the impact flaunting…

When Lotta Bosnyak’s weight peaked at 22st after years of gorging on fatty foods, she was desperate for help. After trying diets and even contemplating gastric surgery, 5ft 10 Lotta, 51, decided on the drastic option of AspireAssist – which prevents people from digesting up to a third of their food – in July 2012. In just over a year, she’d lost 11st by pumping food out of her stomach after nearly every meal. The mum-of-one, who lives in Florida, USA, says: “I’ve always had a big appetite. Diets never worked but AspireAssist has finally helped me shed the weight. At first I’d use the pump after every meal, but when I reached my goal weight of 11st I slowed down to once a day. I’ve been left with saggy…

She hit the headlines in the ’90s for her wild partying and £400-a-day cocaine habit but, these days, former “It girl” Tara Palmer-Tomkinson admits she is too terrified to even touch over-the-counter painkillers for a headache. Tara, 43, was treated for cocaine addiction at a clinic in Arizona in 1999 and went into a private clinic in Hampshire in 2012, following a nervous breakdown brought on by paranoia and anxiety. In an exclusive interview with Closer, she says she won’t even take medication for a headache, revealing: “I try not to take any drugs. I don’t even take Nurofen – I’d rather sit with a bag of frozen peas on my head.” And she is happy she has left her wild lifestyle in the past. The star – who sparked…

Carla Spence, 24, says: “Meeting Chelsea aged 23 transformed my life. I thought she was stunning and it didn’t matter to me that she was transgender. I quickly fell for her, but I was scared to tell her I wanted to become a woman in case I lost her. I felt guilty that I’d tricked Chelsea into thinking I was a manly man when I actually longed to be a woman. Part of me wondered if I could carry on living as a guy to make Chelsea happy, but I knew I’d be living a lie. “Now, I’m glad I confided in Chelsea. She’s been so supportive and has recommended where to shop for clothes and hair products, and offered advice to make my body look more feminine. “I’ve started…

MAKES 3 STEP 1 Peel and cut 1 banana into small chunks and freeze for 6-8 hours or overnight. Also freeze 525g pineapple chunks. STEP 2 Place the frozen banana and pineapple in a high-speed blender with 540ml coconut water, a pinch or two of ground ginger (to taste) and 1tsp vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture combines. STEP 3 Serve immediately in a bowl, topped with 1tsp unsalted, crushed pistachio nuts per serving. Enjoy! CLOSER ONLINE GET THE LATEST RECIPES, DIET AND FITNESS ADVICE AT CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK/  BODY-AND-WELLBEING…

Where do you shop? There’s a huge Co-op down the road from me in High Wycombe, so I grab the essentials from there. And there are some great local delis and farmers’ markets. I spend around £200 a week on food for me and my family [Suzanne is mum to Corey, 10 – from a previous relationship – and lives with her fiancé Sam Greenfield.] What’s your typical daily diet? I love baking wholemeal bread so I have boiled eggs with soldiers or honey on toast for breakfast. Lunch is usually a salad with tuna, pickles and mozzarella in an olive oil dressing. I love spaghetti Bolognese for dinner and prawn linguine, but I’m avoiding seafood now I’m pregnant. I love puddings – salted caramel cheesecake is my favourite –…

No regrets, just good memories There’s not much good news about men around these days, is there? So a study that shows dads are spending more quality time with their kids than ever before is welcome. Even better, according to the research, almost two thirds of fathers enjoy a closer bond with their offspring than they did with their own dad, with a third claiming their old man had shown “little emotion” towards them. Poignantly, they say they’re trying harder in a bid to “get right what their own father had got wrong.” While we should celebrate “modern dad,” let’s not be too hard on the earlier version. He might not have come along to your school plays or sports days, but maybe that’s because he was working flat out…

I don’t have a set income – some months I make £1,000, others £3,000 and I don’t have a regular payday either; some companies pay me within four weeks, some take three months. But I have direct debits and fees coming out on the same day each month. I get 12 hours a week of nursery for my three-year-old Bluebell funded by the Government, but the rest we pay for, and I also have an eight-month-old son called Maximilian. My husband has a steadier income and we split childcare costs equally, but he doesn’t have extra money to pay my share if I’m waiting to be paid. We’ve had to ask our family for help at times. I am paying off a couple of debts but I rarely buy clothes…

How did the role in Coronation Street come about? I was on the set last year doing a film for Good Morning Britain and everyone saw I was a really big fan of the show – I was running around getting my photo taken. They knew I’d done some acting, and I asked them if they ever did cameo appearances. The producer got in touch and a good few months later, here I am! Did you have to keep it quiet? Yes, I only told my mum and my fella [Jason] and swore them to secrecy. I was bursting to speak about it as I was honoured to have a part. I was a bit overwhelmed, but excited – there is so much pressure, too! It’s…