Table of contents for Issue 948 in Closer

In this week’s issue, we’ve got more exclusives than you can shake a stick at (whatever that means!). Lauren Goodger and ex-EastEnders actress Melissa Suffield go head-to-head on whether social media filters are damaging or harmless fun. Model Lauryn Goodman reveals the name of her son with footballer Kyle Walker, and we’ve spoken to a Palace insider who says Meghan will run for US president (but doubts she’ll enjoy the pressure!). We’ve also spoken to a mum and daughter who got married AND went on honeymoon together, and we’ve got a fantastic competition you’ll love if you – or someone you know – is a new mum, with a top-of-the-range pram worth £600 up for grabs. Plus, as we prepare for Easter, we’ve got tons of ideas on how to…

Biographer and palace insider Tom Bower – who last month signed a six-figure book deal to write Meghan’s biography – says, “The prospect of Meghan running for president is possible and I’d even say likely. I really believe it’s where she sees herself going – she’s had her time in the acting world, but I think she’ll be aiming for the political stage now. And she has all the qualities needed for a strong political candidate: drive, ambition, self-confidence, great conviction and a great speaker. When she wants something done, it happens. We’ve seen how she has masterminded a new life for her and Harry, with the multi-million pound Netflix and Spotify deals, and the Oprah interview. She’s ambitious.” But Meghan faces one major problem if she were to go…

Weight-loss ops have grown in popularity significantly over the past decade, with celebs speaking out about their use of the procedures to transform themselves after years of dieting. Closer has previously spoken to two such stars, Vanessa Feltz and Tina Malone. Here’s what they shared about their journeys Vanessa: ‘No one tells you how stressful it is!’ While she’s a healthy and happy size 12 now, having finally conquered her weight issues, Vanessa Feltz, 59, candidly admitted that while opting to have a gastric band fitted in 2010 helped her slim down from 16st 4lbs and a size 24, it was not without its complications. She said, “No one tells you how stressful it is to live with a gastric band. I didn’t realise how physical it would feel to…

I first started to notice Instagram filters when I was taking pictures of my baby River and they automatically gave him more defined eyebrows. I remember thinking how ridiculous it looked, but you can add anything you want now, such as full make-up or a slimmer nose. Let’s face it, no one looks perfect all the time and it’s damaging to constantly be faking your looks. “Friends look at pictures of filtered celebs and say to me, ‘But I don’t look like that!’ And I respond, saying, ‘No one looks like that. It’s a computer-generated image!’ You have a responsibility to yourself not to constantly touch up imperfections and stay authentic, otherwise people are constantly striving for something that isn’t even real. My mantra is no filter, no judgement, no…

He was left heartbroken when his two and a half year marriage to Millie Mackintosh ended bitterly in 2016. But five years on and Professor Green has found love again and, having just become a father, says he’s the happiest he’s ever been. The 37-year-old rapper – who welcomed a son with his actress girlfriend Karima McAdams last month– admits he is “on a mission to sort out his sh*t” now that he’s a dad. He revealed his baby boy, who they have named Slimane Ray, arrived two weeks early and prompted “scare after scare”. Writing on Instagram, alongside a picture of his son gripping his finger, he wrote, “Privately we’ve endured what so many parents-to-be have, your journey to us wasn’t a straight line whatsoever, it was a roller…

• Fostering is a great way to help animals in need. The Dogs Trust relies on volunteers to look after dogs who are either waiting for a permanent home, or are waiting to be reunited with their current owner who’s fleeing from domestic abuse. For more information on how to foster a dog, visit https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/fostering/. • Animal charities rely heavily on donations from the public to carry out their work but, sadly, the pandemic has seen contributions fall. If you can spare some cash, just £10 could provide a day’s board for a rescued horse, or £25 could help provide a full health check for a dog rescued from neglect. Visit RSPCA.org.uk/getinvolved/donate to donate. • If you’re looking to get a pet, consider adopting a rescue animal, rather than buying.…

Being heavily pregnant in a pandemic meant plenty of time for indulging in box sets, and Lauryn Goodman reveals she chose her son’s name after becoming glued to Netflix series Money Heist. And after keeping it under wraps for 11 months, she is delighted to reveal to Closer that she has called him Kairo Walker. “I was pregnant in the middle of the pandemic so I got into watching Money Heist,” she explains. “I really liked how all the characters were named after cities. That’s how I chose his name, Kairo, after Egypt’s capital but spelt with a ‘K’ to make it unique.” SPECULATION But Lauryn has been criticised online for choosing to give her son the same surname as his father – Manchester City and England footballer Kyle Walker.…

Baby guru The Modern Midwife, aka Marie Louise, 29, who has worked closely with Emma Bunton and has been delivering babies for a decade, shares her top tips on how to navigate the first few weeks with your newborn. Marie, who gave birth to her first baby Georgie in August, says, “I have always believed firmly in the mantra, ‘Happy mum, happy baby’ – so it’s really important to have a think about your fourth trimester before your baby arrives. We all have our ups and downs, so it’s good to be more prepared and not be too hard on yourself.” WRITE DOWN YOUR POSTNATAL PLAN “If you’re having a baby, you’ve probably got your birth plan sorted, but it’s also good to have one in place for when the…

BUCKLE UP! Kids love a theme park! Paultons Park in Hampshire, Drayton Manor in Staffordshire, Crealy Theme Park and Resort in Devon, and Blackpool Pleasure Beach should all be opening their doors on the 12th, along with a host of others. Most of them are allowing you to pre-book tickets now. CATCH A MOVIE We’ve all missed cinemas, so the news that drive-ins will reopen is music to our ears. Luna Drive In Cinema has venues across the country, showing films such as Jaws, Mean Girls and The Greatest Showman. Visit Lunadriveincinema.com for information and tickets. MARVEL AT ARCHITECTURE Those near London can enjoy the reopening of The Old Royal Naval College, including tours showing off the grounds, a building detectives tour to take families on a treasure trail, and…

FOR WHITE CHOCOLATE FANS WHITE CHOCOLATE SQUIGGLE EASTER EGG, £7, WAITROSE This creamy white chocolate egg is expertly hand-decorated in dark and milk chocolate squiggles, meaning each egg is completely unique. Pretty and tasty. CLASSIC WITH A TWIST LINDT GOLD BUNNY, £2.50 SMALL; £4 LARGE, TESCO The Lindt gold bunny has had a makeover! Still made from the creamy delicious chocolate Lindt are famous for, this fashionconscious bunny has a leopard-print outfit, as well as the signature red bow. LUXURY YOU’ LL LOVE YOU CRACK ME UP EXTRA-THICK EGG, £29, HOTELCHOCOLAT.COM This indulgent egg is the ultimate treat for someone you love. One half is milk chocolate and the other half is creamy caramelwhite chocolate. Inside is packed full of delicious pralines and milk truffles. What more could you hope…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK It is harder for women to conceive as they get older, and there are more risks, but to suggest women are so stupid they either have no idea their fertility declines as they age, or that they’re just copying whatever celebrities are doing, is insulting. REMAIN REALISTIC We need to find the middle ground, because a quarter of young women aged 18-24 are needlessly worried about their fertility. But on the other end of the scale, women in their forties who hit problems are surprised to learn their fertility is poor. I’m sure lots of women plan to have a baby in their late twenties or early thirties, but whether or not that happens isn’t necessarily down…

Some people have found themselves better off during the pandemic, thanks to ditching their commute and reducing travel expenses. A few of your friends may have relocated to the countryside, or even overseas now that work no longer requires an office. Others may be excitedly planning, or be partway through, a pregnancy. However, there will be people who have been made redundant and in the worst possible scenario, lost their loved ones. AVOID RESENTMENT Even if your life has stayed pretty much the same, you may still be envious of those who have thrived. Seeing others having a great time while you are facing uncertainty or feeling like your life is out of your hands is completely human. Rather than feeling anxious, try to focus on what needs to change…

HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER Whether you’ve been made redundant or you’re self-employed and your shifts have dried up, plenty have felt the harsh effects of the pandemic when it comes to work. “I’ve definitely seen a lot more situations of people losing their jobs or their work disappearing since the pandemic,” says careers psychologist and founder of The Redundancy Recovery Hub, Paula Gardner (redundancyrecoveryhub.com). “But while loss of income is challenging, it can often turn out well for people and be the change they needed.” TAKE A BREATHER “The first thing to do is take some time to process your situation and think about your next move,” says Paula. “You are going to experience a lot of emotions like shock, loss of identity, missing your…

1 RAINBOW BRIGHTS After the year we’ve all had, there’s never been a better time to channel some fun into your outfit with topical, mood-boosting rainbow stripes! Bold primary lines will sit well with a colour-block piece. SHEIN £10.99 2 PINK PAIRINGS Bubblegum tones dominated the runways, and doubling up on two pinks in one look will work the trend to the max. Whether it’s an ’80s-inspired suit or a ’60s-style skirt and jacket ensemble, as seen at Chanel, team two buys together and finish with white basics. JACKET BERSHKA £27.99, SKIRT WAREHOUSE £35 3 SPORTS STARS There’s good news if you’re not quite ready to part with your lockdown hoodie just yet, as sporty get-ups were super popular during Fashion Week. How to take it from sofa to social?…

APPLY IN A FLASH A pen will do a similar job to a pencil, but it will do so quicker and can also have longer staying power. The key is to create feather-fine strokes – and this one dries so quickly there’s no risk of smudging. The miniscule brush nib (0.2mm) will help you create the illusion of natural brow hairs – just swipe on and you’re good to go. RIMMEL BROW PRO MICRO 24HR PRECISION STROKE PEN £8.99 – 4 SHADES AVAILABLE OVER HAUL This combines three products into one clever two-part set. First, brush up your brows and pencil in-between the gaps to fill them out. Then go in with the stay-in-place clear gel – this will give your brows a flawless look that’ll last all day long…

MUST READ Watch Her Fall (ERIN KELLY) After years and years of hard graft, pain and sacrifice as part of the London Russian Ballet Company, Ava Kirilova is finally the poster girl for Swan Lake. Ava has pushed herself ahead of countless other talented, hardworking girls, and they are all watching her now. But there is someone who really wants to see Ava fall... A dark, brilliant read with the most amazing twist. MAGIC RADIO IS NOW AVAILABLE ACROSS THE UK ON YOUR DAB DIGITAL RADIO FOR MORE INFO VISIT: WWW.MAGIC.CO.UK…

LA-based celebrity blogger Perez Hilton says, “Back in 2016, we all thought, ‘There’s no way that Donald Trump would be elected’. But as ludicrous as it sounded on paper, it happened! So I really wouldn’t put it past Meghan Markle running for President. The main reason I think she would run for the office of President would be for her ego – she believes in doing good and making a difference in the world. “But in my opinion, she needs more political experience – she needs to learn about how Washington works and how things get done in congress, because that’s one of the most essential roles of a good president. Maybe we’ll see more of that in the coming months and years. It’s not just looking and sounding like…

While Gemma exercised in her garden, on/off boyfriend Arg was pictured on a solo stroll out in sunny Essex. The ex-TOWIE star, 33 – who will be having his gastric band or bypass in the near future – recently revealed how he had a stark warning from doctors that his weight gain was “very worrying”, and received his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine last month due to being high-risk. Pals tell Closer that Arg has yet to receive a date for the op due to COVID, but is determined to tackle his demons. A source says, “Gemma is helping to motivate him, and he has his fitness expert pals like boxing champion Tyson Fury and Mark Wright encouraging him, too. He really is determined, more than he’s ever been,…

The use of Photoshop and filters became a hot topic last week when former EastEnders star Melissa Suffield uploaded candid, raw, unedited photos of her post-baby body. Melissa – who played Lucy Beale in the soap – had her son River last year, and to celebrate one year of breastfeeding him, she stripped down to her underwear and confidently laid her pregnancy stretch marks and post-baby tummy bare. The 28-year-old wrote, “Finishing breastfeeding after a year, I’m like OH HEY BODY, WELCOME BACK. It feels good to know I can start to concentrate on myself again, and take back some ownership after pregnancy and pumping.” Fans applauded her for her honest post. One wrote, “It’s nice to see a natural girl without any filters”. Meanwhile, former TOWIE star Lauren Goodger,…

As Laura Prada walked the 15 minutes back to her student accommodation, she had no idea she was being followed. A masked figure dragged Laura by the hair into some bushes and, terrifyingly, raped her. Laura, 21, says, “As he forced himself on me, I said goodbye to myself. I remember thinking I’d had an amazing life – I thought, ‘If this is the end, I hope people remember who I was, rather than the way I died.’ I thought of my family too; I prayed that this wouldn’t ruin their lives. I wanted them to be able to get past this.” It was December 2019 and Laura had been on a night out in Liverpool, with friends. She stopped drinking around midnight and at 2am she left her group.…

CHRISTINE LAMPARD: “I’m so happy for Christine! [She had a son, Freddie, last month and is also mum to Patricia, two.] With Christine, what you see is what you get. She’s so beautiful and just so lovely. We’re missing her on the show.” STACEY SOLOMON: “I can’t say anything about when her wedding to Joe [Swash] is, but I’m just so happy for her. I love Stacey, Joe and their kids so much. We’re so excited for her.” KAYE ADAMS: “We actually couldn’t stand each other [when we met for the first time] – then we ended up being the best of friends, and how wrong we would have been.”…

IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED, YOU HAVE TO PERSIST “The bravest thing I’ve ever done is persevere with my career. I knew from a young age that my goal was to appear on television and help people look after their health. Every month, I would turn up at studios to convince directors I would be great, but they’d say, “A black guy on TV would never work,” or that advertisers wouldn’t get on board. When I would repeatedly show up, they’d sigh and say, “Derrick, you’re here again.” Despite the obstacles, I wasn’t ready to quit because I knew in my gut that it was only a question of time until I succeeded. As luck would have it, I landed a great gig on GMTV in the ’90s and I…

Dax Holt, Entertainment & Culture Expert and host of the Hollywood Raw podcast, tells Closer that unlike in the UK, where Orlando’s revelations were considered off-the-wall, in America it shows his “realness”. Dax explains, “Orlando’s routine and honesty around it is going to seem ‘very LA’ to Brits, but in America, fans crave to know every detail about a celebrity’s life – for example, what kind of tea they drink, their favourite pair of sweatpants – and that’s what makes them relatable and real. We want to know the details about them that make them human, so we encourage all the quirky information. “Most celebrities shy away from revealing too much because they’re afraid of being mocked, so it’s refreshing that Orlando wasn’t afraid to open up.” And Dax –…

Cooking: “It has played a huge part in my life and I find it pretty cathartic. I spent the first part of lockdown in Morocco cooking and eating the most amazing food and, when I returned home, I teamed up with my friend, the chef Gizzi Erskine, for ‘Giz & Green’s Monday Night Fakeaway’, where we recreated our favourite takeaway recipes at a pop-up restaurant in London.” Therapy: “The only way to ever learn to become more mentally resilient is to access therapy when you’re not at a point of crisis. So my advice to anyone would be to consider therapy, whether you think you need it or not. It’s a brilliant way of training the mind and helps you cope with whatever you encounter.” Step back from bad news:…

She gave birth in the middle of the first wave of the pandemic last April, and Lauryn says her first year of motherhood has been a lot different from how she imagined. She says, “The past 12 months have been beautiful but challenging all rolled into one. I’ve missed out on experiencing baby classes with Kairo, as all mothers have during this pandemic. However, we’ve got to spend quality time that maybe we wouldn’t have. It’s helped get a good routine together, that’s for sure! If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that time is precious and you can never get it back. “I’ve bought so many toys though because he just gets bored and needs that stimulation. It’s so interesting to see his character develop. He is so…

Celeb nutritionist Charlotte Stirling Reed – who worked with Joe Wicks on his book Wean In 15 – gives her tips: • Kick off the day with porridge. It’s energy rich, filling and a versatile option that you can add your own twist to. Stir in some peanut butter if you need a little pick-me-up. It contains plenty of vitamins and minerals and fibre. • Snack on nuts and seeds or monkey mix (nuts, seeds and dried fruits), which will help top up energy levels. • Baked salmon can be a fab and easy lunch or dinner, especially if you team with some frozen veggies and boiled potatoes. • Wholegrain crackers and cheese are a great option as a small evening snack and include proteins, along with all-important B vitamins.…

MAKE A SPRING WREATH They’re not just for Christmas! Add spring joy to your front door with a themed wreath, adorned with little blooms or pastel eggs. You can go for a round shape, or try creating a cute bunny silhouette by layering three wooden hoops. Tie the sections together with twine and ribbon and layer on springtime accompaniments with a glue gun (or craft wire)- think pom poms, faux flowers and little felt chicks. RUSTLE UP SOME DECS Glam up the egg hunt by painting intricate designs onto the hidden eggs. Hobbycraft has a surprisingly easy marble tutorial that creates a simple yet stylish design – check out its YouTube page for some extra ideas. And go big with the other decorations to make Sunday lunch feel like a…

• TV chefs The Hairy Bikers say, “Swirling the nut butter in at the end is a great touch – almond or hazelnut both work fine too.” BANK HOLIDAY BRUNCH SWEET POTATO TORTILLA WITH SMOKED SALMON SERVES 4 • 800g sweet potatoes, washed • 2tbsp rapeseed oil • 2 yellow peppers, sliced • 1 bunch spring onions, sliced • 4 tomatoes, cut into wedges • 100g pitted olives, sliced • 8 eggs • ½tsp dried thyme and oregano • ½ bunch fresh parsley, chopped • 100g smoked salmon, sliced STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/ fan 160°C/gas mark 4. STEP 2 Bake the sweet potatoes in the oven for 15-20 mins. Remove from the oven, leave to cool slightly, then peel and cut into thin slices. STEP 3 Heat…

It was lacking before the pandemic, so goodness knows where we stand with romance in the midst of the Coronavirus crisis. The implication of so much choice on dating apps combined with little, if any, face to face communication has made daters disillusioned. There’s this horrible feeling on apps that everyone is disposable and, well, we’re all assuming any match will lead to some disappointment. I am worn down by the pitiful efforts people now make in dating, initiating WhatsApp chats with, “Hey, you” and expecting you to make all the conversation, if you can call it that. Or suggesting date venues (when we were allowed to have them) that were a three-metre walk from their front door. So it’s insane for me to hope for any form of romance,…

Georgia Christley, 31, an Account Manager from Wiltshire tells Closer, “I’d worked as an Executive Assistant/Office Manager for seven years but, when the pandemic hit, my company faced financial issues. Most employees were furloughed but, after consideration, my role was not deemed business critical and I was made redundant. It hit me hard, as I felt like part of the business family and a valued member of the team, so being selected for redundancy made me feel worthless. It was hard to see others who’d only been with the company for a short amount of time keep their positions as their roles were needed. “My husband is a Programme Manager so was working when I was made redundant, but we still relied on my income for the household so it…

HYDRATE WITH A GEL A simple gel formula is an easy, no-frills way to cleanse. There’s one available for every skin type, but this new product is an affordable all-rounder. It uses hydrating hyaluronic acid to stop skin drying out. Massage onto damp skin and rinse. L’ORÉAL PARI REVITALIFT FILLER + HYALURONIC ACID GEL FACE WASH, £7.99 TAKE CARE OF BLOCKED PORES Heavy oils or balms aren’t ideal for oily or congested skin. Opt for a light, water-based cleanser that will clean skin without clogging pores. This one contains AHA to encourage cell turnover, keeping blemishes at bay. Soak a cotton pad then wipe away. NO7 PROTECT & PERFECT INTENSE ADVANCED DUAL ACTION CLEANSING WATER, £12 SWITCH TO ANTI-AGEING BALMS Balms are ideal for those over 40 or if you…

NEW SERIES 1 PAUL O’GRADY: FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS HOORAY, IT’S BACK WED 7 APR, 8PM, ITV Returning for a socially-distanced ninth series, Paul O’Grady says he’s been “inundated with messages” during lockdown about “when the dogs are back on”. Here they are! It’s been ten years since he started hosting this show, and episode one brings with it a first: rabbits at Battersea! They were left at a bus stop and brought in (leading to “rabbits everywhere”, and a smitten Paul trying hard not to take one home). “This show has become so much more than just filming to me,” says Paul. “I’m not just a presenter who goes in, I really do get stuck in and if you get a nervous dog and then they come round,…

Demi Lovato The Art Of Starting Over... Dancing With The Devil Powerhouse singer Demi Lovato returns with her highly anticipated seventh studio album. It’s released alongside her documentary series on YouTube, which follows her struggles with addiction. Tracks What Other People Say and Anyone feature on this album too; powerful stuff. Out 2 April. My Dad Wrote A Porno Podcast This podcast is exactly what it says on the tin! Three friends–Jamie Morton, James Cooper, and Alice Levine–sit down to read extracts from Jamie’s dad’s (pen name Rocky Flintstone) amatuer erotic novel, Belinda Blinked. The story follows main character Belinda Blumenthal as she navigates her way through the pots and pans industry in her job in sales. This podcast is laugh-out-loud hilarious and has many celeb fans, including Charlotte Crosby,…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU – EASY SUDOKU – MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) JUDY B) THE IMPOSSIBLE NAME THE STARS 1) MICHELLE MONE 2) FELICITY JONES GUESS THE CELEB A) SIR ELTON JOHN B) ZOE KRAVITZ WORD LINK A) KNIFE B) WET C) INK D) SCHOOL E) LETTER F) CYCLE SPOT THE DIFFERENCE 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 every prize draw and/or competition…

❛SHE HAS ALL THE QUALITIES NEEDED FOR A STRONG POLITICAL CANDIDATE❜ She sent shockwaves around the world with her recent explosive Oprah interview, alongside husband Prince Harry, which showed they’re intent on doing things their own way. Now rumours are growing about the increased likelihood that Meghan Markle will run for President Of The United States, after it emerged that the couple were now working with Genevieve Roth, who was a senior figure on Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. Genevieve, who has since founded the social impact agency the Invisible Hand, will act as senior strategic advisor at the couple’s Archewell foundation and will focus on “strategic change through storytelling and community building in support of gender and racial equity.” ACTIVISM Fans and royal experts alike have previously speculated that…

• In-demand star compared to Holly Willoughby after BBC approach her for top shows • She has previously been the victim of cruel trolls and faced a backlash for smoking while pregnant • But mummy influencing, tidying tips and coupling-up with Joe Swash have made her more popular than ever As she began filming a six-part BBC series on decluttering called Sort Your Life Out last week, it was reported that ITV Loose Women favourite Stacey Solomon was also being “poached” by the rival channel for their other top shows, including the next series of Strictly Come Dancing. Speaking about her new show, which is due to air at the end of the year, Stacey, 31, excitedly said it was “an absolute dream come true.” THRIVING The move by the…

She’s been looking notably slimmer and confidently displayed her newly-svelte frame in a crop top and leggings while walking her dog recently. Now Chanelle Hayes has revealed she’s had a secret gastric sleeve fitted and lost 7st after her “addiction” to food left her depressed and living like a hermit. The former Big Brother star, 33, has gone from 17st 4lbs and a size 18 to a trim 10st and size 10 after having key-hole surgery to cut and staple her stomach, reducing its capacity from “a bag of sugar to a sausage” and limiting her food intake. Chanelle – who also revealed she’s training to become a nurse – said the surgery has “changed [her] life”, adding, “No matter how many hours I did at the gym, I was…

Filters were invented for a little bit of fun. Who doesn’t like to look good in a picture? I feel like the use of filters is taken so seriously when it really doesn’t need to be. They are there to change up your look. I try to keep my pictures as real as possible, but I do have a bit of fun with it. I think it’s OK, as long as people are not making themselves look completely different. “When you see adverts or billboards with celebrities advertising shampoo, for example, with their hair blow-dried and looking perfect, they’ve obviously had work done or touch-ups to make them look better. It’s the way it is. People have to calm down and stop targeting people just because they’re using filters; it’s…

The 31 March will mark four weeks since Sarah Everard was reported missing after walking home from a friend’s house in Clapham. Her body was found in a woodland a week later. Sarah’s tragic death sparked a rising movement in the UK seeking recognition that violence against women must be addressed. We need answers. We need action. And we need a place to connect, reflect, share experiences and try to understand what everyone can do to support change. That’s why, on the same day at 8pm, we’re hosting an event alongside our colleagues and sister brands at Bauer Media to provide a forum to discuss what needs to be done. We want everyone to be able to walk the streets without fear and be at home without fear. We need…

❛I DIDN’T MIND BEING KILLED OFF. ALL THE BEST CHARACTERS ARE!❜ ‘THE CREW LOVE TEAM DRINKS’ Vicky McClure, 37, who plays DCI Kate Fleming, recently revealed how she and Martin Compston, 36, (DS Steve Arnott) are karaoke fans and her TikTok of them dancing on set with Adrian Dunbar, 62, (superintendent Ted Hastings) went viral. And Maya confirms her co-stars are “such a laugh” and “love team drinks” despite being dedicated to their day jobs. She says, “They’ll go out and get on it, but not when they have an intense day of filming the next day. “They have such a laugh. I’ve done comedy where I haven’t laughed as hard as when I’m with them. It’s needed, because if you were taking all of the intensity of the show…

DECLUTTER YOUR LIFE Don’t hang onto memories and photos of relationships unless they were happy times. It’s the same with grudges – if you refuse to let go of them, they will weigh you down and stop you from flying. STAY HUMBLE There are many people who, because they’ve been given a car that takes them to work, will forget where they came from. We’d all do well to remember that we breathe the same air. ALWAYS BE KIND The poet Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you say, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.” I try to follow this by responding to everyone who writes to me. If you make someone feel good, they’ll remember you forever.…

Her alternative lifestyle brand has regularly hit the headlines for its quirky products and procedures – bringing vaginal steaming, vampire repellent and “orgasm” eggs to the mainstream. Since launching Goop in 2008, Gwyneth Paltrow, 48, has gone from Hollywood actress to wellness guru – and turned it into a £200 million empire. Last year, a Netflix documentary called The Goop Lab went behind the scenes as it showed staff experimenting with psychedelic drugs to test their therapeutic power and exploring masturbation techniques for a better orgasm in the jaw-dropping six-part series. And while many have adopted Goop’s often-controversial advice, such as burning bras to get rid of an ex’s “bad juju”, and endorsing bee venom for its anti-inflammatory properties, Gwyneth has also come under fire for promoting what many have…

When Nicole Wulfekuhle rescued a sick tabby cat, she had no idea that within six years, she’d transform her home into a sanctuary for 29 disabled and rescued animals. Now, the mum of three starts her morning routine at 6am to feed and exercise her 26 cats and three dogs, as well as change some of their nappies. Her furry family includes Jude, a blind American Staffordshire Terrier with spinal deformaties, and a Pug Yorkie-Poo cross named Max, who came to her home with a broken leg at seven weeks old. REWARDING Nicole looks after the animals along with her husband Dean, 49, who was paralysed in a car accident 28 years ago. The pair say they’re passionate about showing that disability doesn’t have to define you. Nicole, 51, says,…

Many of my friends work in the theatre industry, as well as my parents, who work backstage in theatre production, so I know how tough the pandemic has been for the arts, especially since lots of performers aren’t eligible for furlough because they’re often only on short-term contracts. I’m so fortunate to also have a TV career, but I know people have lost their jobs or been forced to give them up to become delivery drivers in order to have an income. I’m hoping the theatre industry will be able to get back to some sort of normality eventually, but it’ll be a slow process. On the bright side, I think we’ll be spoilt for choice when things do eventually open up because a lot of creative people have been…

1 HAVE FUN IN NATURE EARTH CUBS, FREE, NATIONWIDE Earth cubs have loaded their free app with ideas to keep the kids busy, such as making a bird feeder and a recycled bottle plant pot – all while teaching them about sustainability and the environment. Visit Earthcubs.com, or download their app, Earth Cubs, for free on Android and iOS. 2 ENJOY A STAYCATION! There’s no need for your children to miss out on their normal school holiday activities, despite the lockdown. Make a bowling alley at home with some plastic water bottles and a soft ball, getting the kids to keep score, or host a “lunch out” at home by serving their favourite restaurant food, including a menu and a drink. Older kids may enjoy creating an indoor mini golf…

BUNNY TALES Written alongside experts from The National Trust, this book about Beatrix Potter is the perfect gift for animal lovers. TABLE TREATS Give the kids an extra-special Sunday lunch by setting the family table with these charming bunny napkin rings. BAKE YOURSELF BUNS This hot cross bun wreath kit is a foodie’s dream – simply add butter, milk and an egg to the pre-weighed ingredients. ADORABLE APRON Help the family chef protect clothes from all that baking and making with this 100% cotton Peter Rabbit-print pinny. BREAKFAST BOARD A personalised wooden dippy egg board is a perfect alternative gift to chocolate for savoury lovers. TOP GIN Infused with nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger, this gin liquer packs a punch – grandparents will love it! EGG HUNT KIT Send this…

INSIDE MELINDA’S FRIDGE • Flora margarine • Ketchup • Mayonnaise • Olives • Raspberry jam • Twix • KitKat • Pickled gherkins • Salami • Halloumi • Ham slices • Quorn vegetarian slices • Chipotle sauce • Mango chutney • Noodle stir-fry • Grated Cheddar • Houmous • Egg noodles • Sweet potatoes • Onions • Carrots • Oat milk • Tomato tortellini MELINDA How much do you spend? About £400 each month. That’s for me and my three kids, Morgan, 20, Flynn, 19, and Evie, 17. During lockdown, I’ve been horrified at what we spend. Describe your daily diet… For breakfast, I’ll have berry granola by Dorset Cereals with Kefir yoghurt, or a toasted bagel. For lunch, homemade white crusty rolls and veggie soup made with pearl barley, carrots…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL I ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY We need to do all we can to raise our boys respecting women. Toy weapons are routinely handed to boys, suggesting that being violent is part of being male. My kids had lightsabers and catapults, but also dolls and books about kindness. There is a systemic acceptance of wolf-whistling, and objectifying women and, with free porn online depicting women enjoying hostile sexual activities, we need to help boys treat women respectfully and recognise how they can support them. When my boys got to their teens and started going to parties, I ensured they understood about female safety and consent; that if you saw a girl who was very drunk, or in trouble, or in a state…

MY GREATEST FEAR IS… losing people close to me. For quite a while I didn’t know anyone who had been directly affected by COVID-19, but then I started losing people and it was awful. The pandemic has caused so much loss. THE BRAVEST THING I’VE DONE IS... confront my terrible phobia of snakes. When I was filming The Bill, I was informed there would be a snake in my episode. I decided to go for it and thought I’d be fine, but when they said “action” I ran out of the room screaming. Despite that, I think it’s brave I tried! MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT... is motherhood [Ali has one-year old daughter, Isla Rose]. It’s the biggest and best job I’ve had. We went into lockdown as soon as I left…

GET HER LOOK OLIVIA PALERMO In this unpredictable weather, it’s hard to know what to wear. Luckily, fashionista Olivia’s given us a lesson in mid-season dressing in this layered look. Ideal for those who aren’t ready to ditch loungewear, she’s transformed this trouser and jumper combo into a luxe-looking ensemble – perfect for school runs and outdoor socialising – by adding practical boots, a longline coat and her signature neck scarf. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! STYLE OBSESSION… KENDALL’S TIE-DIE SWEATSHIRT SWEEP! Model and KUWTK star Kendall Jenner proved that tie-dye prints are still going strong when she stepped out in three different patterned sweatshirts last week. Perfect for adding a pop of colour, get in on the ’90s trend by loading your loungewear collection with one of these copy-cat…

ON SALE 11 MARCH FOR JUST £35 Hello! I am thrilled to introduce you to Closer’s collaboration with Glossybox, designed to spoil you rotten – just as you deserve! In this box you’ll discover 10 pampering pick-me-ups. Each product has been handpicked to slip straight into your beauty routine, with a delicious mix of wrinkle-busting skincare, nourishing top-to-toe treats, and refreshing make-up swaps that you’ll love to wear daily. Now, what are you waiting for – dive straight in! We hope you enjoy using these wonder products as much as we do. DANIELA BELLANCA, CLOSER STYLE EDITOR * Please note, brush type received may vary TO GET YOUR HANDS ON A BEAUTY BOX, HEAD TO: HTTP://CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK/BEAUTYTREATS…

What can we expect from the show? Gardening, obviously–because it’s me–and a bit of growing your own food, however tiny your space is. There will be a celeb guest on each episode, and we’ll be celebrating the great outdoors and the countryside. We’ve got lambs in episode one, and I really enjoy the animal bits. Hopefully, it will give people a lift–and we all need that at the moment. There’s a crafting element? I’m anxious to remind people of who works in the countryside and what they do–and it could be anything from basket work to cheese-making… We’ll be looking at the best of British produce at the end of every programme, with a mix of food and drink. There’s one coming up which is gin and pâté, which I…

30 MARCH-5 APRIL IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK This could be an amazing year. Make your keyword over the next 12 months “healing”. Emotionally or physically, you can emerge from the year ahead feeling better. Love and money also look positive. You’re extra persuasive–who do you need to convince? THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN Aries 21 MAR – 19 APR The Full Moon in your Love Zone means it’s time to turn the corner when it comes to one important relationship. Any changes happening are likely to be positive. There is also a sense that you should start to feel more secure regarding money. Find out your Rising Sign for free at moonmessages.com/freechart TAURUS 20 APR-20 MAY Strike a balance between everything on your To Do list, which keeps…