Table of contents for Issue 966 in Closer

Team GB have been raking in medals at the Tokyo Olympics, giving the nation a well-deserved lift after a difficult year. It’s tempting to think these chiselled gods must be super body-confident, but this week, we spoke to double Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington, who reveals that, despite her athletic physique, she had hang-ups about putting on a swimsuit (frankly, a comfort for those of us dreading wearing a cossie this summer!). We’ve also spoken to another inspirational woman. Laura Masters was terribly burned as a baby in a sadistic attack by her mum’s boyfriend. Her agonising treatment blighted her younger years and she hid her scars away. But, at 18, she bravely vowed to come out of her comfort zone. Now an advocate for body positivity, she shares her tips…

Relationship expert Jo Barnett says Coleen will keep forgiving Wayne because family is so important to her. She says, “Coleen’s stood by him so many times, she knows what she’s doing. She obviously has a formula and a love for him that overrides the bad behaviour. It’s about family for her. She puts her family first. She’s going to want him to be around, be focused on their boys and keep a low profile. But they’ve both got to want the marriage to work, and they don’t want a situation where she’s like the parent and he’s like the child, as he’ll rebel under those circumstances. “They have to both agree on the rules together and they have to be something they both want. I would suggest they seek couples’…

She became one of the most famous women in the world when she got engaged to Prince Harry in 2017, and their whirlwind romance, followed by their lavish wedding in May 2018, completely changed Meghan Markle’s life. Now, after a dramatic two years inside the Palace, followed by the “Megxit” controversy as she and Harry stepped down from Royal life last year, the former actress is gearing up to mark another milestone as she turns 40 this week, celebrating with her husband and their two children at the family’s plush Californian mansion. BUSINESS MINDED Harry, 36, and Meghan, who left the Palace in January last year, have since revealed her struggle with her mental health while she was pregnant with their son Archie, now two. They also spoke about the…

Just weeks after going “official” with her new boyfriend Rich Paul, friends say the couple are “very serious” and are even discussing starting a family together. Last week, Adele, 33, and the sports agent looked smitten during a PDA-filled date in New York, just days after they were snapped at the NBA finals together. The pair made their third public appearance at billionaire Robert Craft’s 80th birthday bash in the Hamptons, joining a star-studded guest list which included Lionel Richie and Jon Bon Jovi. The Someone Like You singer shares her eightyear-old son, Angelo, with ex-husband Simon Konecki, while Rich, 39, has three children from previous relationships. A source says, “Adele is longing to have another baby and she’s made no secret of that with Rich. She’s been telling pals…

While some of us indulged in at-home drinking to get through lockdown last spring, Suzanne Shaw, 39, was already a few months into her commitment to quit booze after she realised it was taking its toll on her mind and body. She says, “I had a really unhealthy relationship with alcohol. I was always drinking more than I wanted to. I’d have a glass, and then another, and before you know it, I’d got through a bottle. I was afraid to tot up how many units a week I was drinking. “I turn 40 soon, and the older I got, the worse the hangovers were getting. My mental health was taking a real beating from alcohol as well. Because I struggle with anxiety and depression anyway, a hangover just heightened…

Before Love Island, I studied law and was working in my first job as a solicitor. When I went in, I got a lot of stick. People asked, “Why did I want to leave my job?” Just because I went into Love Island doesn’t mean I’m any less intelligent or less proud of myself and my achievements. I’m as proud of being on Love Island as I am of my law degree. The show gets criticised for people being similar, but I don’t think that’s true. I think it’s been really good for breaking the stereotype that if you’re clever and you’ve got ambition, you can’t also look good in a bikini. In my series, there was Dr Alex – who of course is a doctor! – Wes, who is…

Dr Sarah Jarvis is a GP and Clinical Director at patientaccess.com. She says, “So far this year, the vaccine has saved 37,000 lives and it’s had more research put into it than any other vaccine in history. While there are some very rare side effects, we must weigh these against the risks of getting Covid-19. Younger people are concerned about blood clots, but the likelihood of them getting one is up to 10 times higher if you get Covid-19. There is no evidence to suggest the jab affects fertility and it’s safe for pregnant women. If young people don’t get jabbed, there’s a real danger that a vaccine-resistant strain could form, and then we’d be back to square one.”…

Laura Masters was just a baby when her biological mother’s family friend filled a bathtub with boiling water and deliberately placed her in it. At just a year old, the horrific abuse left Laura with third-degree burns across her waist, legs and feet and, as she got older, she became desperately insecure about her scars and hid her body away in baggy clothes. But now, after years of support from her adoptive family, the 26 year old has embraced her scars – and even competes in beauty pageants to inspire others to feel proud about their differences. Laura, 29, from Caerphilly, South Wales, says, “Growing up, I’d taught myself to fade into the background and my body confidence was at an all-time low. “But now, I’m happier than ever. I’ve…

HAVING A BABY IN LOCKDOWN: “Andy wasn’t allowed to any of my scans or appointments, which was hard on him, but I’m grateful he was at the birth, as a lot of people didn’t have their partner there. It was tough not seeing friends and family, but it was nice to have a period at home together to get to grips with it.” SHARING THE PARENTING “Andy has been back in the office more but, when he’s home, he’s brilliant, especially through the night. He’s great on not much sleep, so he’s fine to get up a few times in the night with the baby. It’s lovely to see their little bond.” SIBLING LOVE “Summer has been brilliant and she always wants to help out, so I get her involved…

If I’ve learned anything in all my years of dating, it’s that you’re going to be rejected more times than you’re accepted. That’s not me thinking negatively. It’s actually how I make sense of ghosting, dumping and everything else us singles suffer. It’s all about averages and, as the old saying goes, you’ve got to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince or princess. Rejection is hard to take, no matter how confident you are – but I may have wrongly blamed apps for facilitating and enabling it. As I’ve recently discovered, ignoring people doesn’t just happen in the dating world. In a bid to be more social post-lockdown, I signed up to Bumble BFF – the dating app’s friendship option. Making friends online seems to be…

Sam Beckbessinger, author of Manage Your Money Like A F*cking Grown-Up, shares her straight-talking money tips. BECOME ALLERGIC TO DEBT Never borrow money to fund your lifestyle. If you’re in debt over clothes, holidays, food and parties, you need a drastic rethink. Cut up your credit cards. Avoid store loans and payday loans like you would avoid an awful ex. MAKE SAVINGS AUTOMATIC Don’t try to rely on willpower and penny pinching. Just set up an automatic payment to make sure you save immediately after you get paid. DON’T KEEP UP WITH THE JONESES Spend mindfully on things that add something to your life, and avoid the trap of buying things just because other people around you have them. INSURE AGAINST THE BIG STUFF You want to be insured against…

SUNNIES WITH SASS Eyewear chains aren’t just for your grandparents – the retro accessory is big news again. Channel this season’s styles with colourful beads or thick, chunky chains, which can double-up as a necklace, too. They will also stop you from losing your sunnies – practical and pretty! CAN BE ADDED TO FACE MASKS BUCKETS OF STYLE Want to solve unruly hair and tick off a huge accessory trend in one? Go for a bucket hat. The playful style has appeared on the catwalks of Versace and Celine, so it’s time to follow suit. Beat the heat (or the rain) and use the throw-on-anytime hats to liven up everything from slip dresses to shorts and shirts. REVERSIBLE STREET-WISE SANDALS Chunky boots have been big for ages, but as temperatures…

CHOOSE A PLASTIC-FREE OPTION Swapping to solid skincare can help save tonnes of plastic as it cuts down on unnecessary packaging. This kind-to-skin option uses aloe and almond milk to gently clean away make-up and grime, without stripping skin. Lather up and apply to skin, massaging before rinsing away. FOAMIE CLEANSING FACE BAR £5.99 COOL BITES AND BURNS If you’ve overdone it in the sun, this gel will come to the rescue. It’ll instantly cool down and soothe any irritation burns and insect bites while also hydrating. It’s really gentle so it’s suitable for sensitive skins – we like to keep ours in the fridge on hot days for an extra-cooling hit. Massage onto the affected area – it works on face and body. HOLIKA HOLIKA ALOE 99% SOOTHING GEL…

MUST READ The Heights (LOUISE CANDLISH) When Ellen catches sight of a man on the roof terrace of the apartment building opposite hers, she is stunned. He’s older and his appearance has subtly changed, but it’s definitely him. Which makes no sense at all to Ellen as he has been dead for over two years – and she knows this for a fact because she was the one who killed him… An edge-of-your-seat read. BEST DAY OUT EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE NATIONAL TOUR Yes, theatre is back! And what better way to celebrate than with the ultimate feel-good story Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Starring the multi-talented Layton Williams, we follow Jamie New as he navigates life feeling different to his peers and yearning for his place in the spotlight. With…

Rumours of a reconciliation between newly-single Liam Payne and Cheryl gathered pace last month when they were snapped together at a family event – weeks after he revealed they were “closer than ever” after ending his engagement to Maya Henry. Insiders revealed how the former couple – who share four-year-old son, Bear – had even discussed having another child together after the former 1D star gushed, “Cheryl is literally the best person to co-parent with.” But pals say the former X Factor judge was left feeling disheartened last week when Liam, 27, was snapped cosying-up to his former fiancée, Maya, 21, at a swanky hotel near Cheryl’s Buckinghamshire home – sparking rumours they were back on after breaking-off their 10-month engagement in June. A source says, “Of course Cheryl just…

She turns 40 this week – exactly two months after giving birth to her daughter Lilibet. And after moving back to her native California last year with Prince Harry and their two-year-old son, Archie, insiders say Meghan Markle will celebrate her milestone birthday in true Hollywood style with a lavish star-studded bash at their Montecito mansion. A source says, “Harry’s planned a big party for Meghan with invites going out to the likes of Amal and George Clooney, David Foster and Katherine McPhee, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi, James Corden, and a host of high-profile Hollywood executives too. “Harry’s hired a top event planner to ensure everything goes smoothly and they’re having it outside in their beautiful grounds –with lots of fine wines from their local vineyard,…

Samantha, 36, and her husband Paul, 37, both fitness instructors, live in Nottingham, with their two sons aged 12 and 10. She says, “During lockdown my husband had two affairs – with clients. I realised when our sex life dwindled and I checked his phone. I was devastated but didn’t want our marriage to end because of the children, so I didn’t confront him. “However, it made me think about what I’d been missing so I signed up to extra marital affairs website Illicit Encounters – and three months ago I met Simon who works in IT. We had sex on the first date – outside after going for a walk near my home. As a PT instructor, I have to regularly take lateral flow tests so I was safe…

Things are accelerating between Pete Davidson and Phoebe Dynevor as it’s rumoured the US comedian will move to the UK and propose to the Bridgerton actress. The couple confirmed their romance in March after Pete, 27, jetted into Manchester while Phoebe, 26, filmed the second series of the hit Netflix period drama in Stoke-on-Trent. They were last seen cuddling up to each other in the crowd at Wimbledon last month. However, sources say that he is “done with long distance”, is now planning to “move to the UK” to be with her, and is even considering “popping the question”. Friends of Pete previously revealed that he was convinced Phoebe – daughter of Coronation Street star Sally Dynevor aka Sally Webster – is The One and is “head over heels” in…

When Clive Blunden, 65, found love with his ex-wife’s mother, people said it wouldn’t last but, 32 years on, they are stronger than ever. Clive married Irene Little in 1977, when she was just 16, and the couple had two daughters. But his marriage ended in 1985. Four years later, Clive visited his daughters at his former mother-in-law Brenda’s house and they struck up a friendship. “One night, he took me for a drink and we ended up kissing, said Brenda, 77. “We fell in love.” The pair tried to marry in 1997, but police arrested Clive because an ancient law forbade parents-in-law from marrying their sons or daughters-in-law. However, the law was later overturned and the pair, from Warrington, tied the knot in 2007. Irene didn’t attend the wedding,…

Prime Minister Boris Johnson was said to be “raging” last week, after more under-30s across the UK continued to turn down their Covid-19 jabs. Currently, around 34 per cent of 18 to 29-year-olds in England – around three million people – have not been vaccinated at all. This is despite all over-18s now being eligible. The situation is said to have angered the PM so much that he’s now considering making jabs compulsory for university students in order for them to attend lectures and move into halls of residence. Celebrities have joined in the campaign to increase vaccination rates, with England football manager Gareth Southgate saying jabs are a chance to “get your freedom back”. Across the pond, Gen Z pop star Olivia Rodrigo has been at the White House…

Lizzie Randall, 31, is a physiotherapist, and lives in London with her fiancée, Katie. She says, “I’d been working for the NHS for five years when coronavirus hit the UK in March 2020. I loved my job, but during the lockdowns our service was deemed nonessential and I was redeployed to work in ICU [intensive care unit]. I worked 12-hour shifts, three or four days a week. Usually in ICU, it’s one patient per nurse, but at times during the pandemic it was six patients per nurse. “My time on ICU was harrowing. Most of the patients I cared for were under 70. People came in who were my age and had no previous health conditions. I had to sit with patients as they passed away, because their families weren’t…

• Try not to put pressure on yourself to feel great all the time. We all have ups and downs and everyone’s journey to selfacceptance is different. • Pick clothes out of your comfort zone. Buy an outfit and put it in your wardrobe, so whenever you open it, it’s the first thing you see. Try it on until you feel confident enough to wear it out. • Find a support group. Whether it’s a network of friends that you’ve met online or your family, it’s important to surround yourself with positive people who will help you thrive. • Follow people on social media who make you feel good – if you keep seeing impossibly perfect photos online, it’s not going to help your self esteem.…

She’s dubbed the ‘queen of self-care’ thanks to her advice on everything from sleep to stress, and presenter Lisa Snowdon is a firm believer that small tweaks can make a huge difference. ‘I call them Jedi mind tricks,’ she laughs. ‘They are so simple, but can change the way you think and feel.’ Lisa, 49, has just started a new podcast called Get Lifted, where she interviews some of the world’s top scientists, doctors and alternative therapists to find out how best to feel good – and she passionately believes prioritising our wellbeing is essential to good health. ‘It’s not always easy with work and children, but we must put our own needs near the top of our list,’ she says. ‘It’ll help you be the best version of yourself…

INSIDE NADIA’S FRIDGE • Vegan cheese slices • Mayonnaise • Avocado • Dairy-free spread • Cranberry sauce • Mint sauce • Apple sauce • Horseradish sauce • Quorn mince • Marinated tofu • Grated vegan cheese • Spring onions • Grapes • Apples • Courgette • Green curry paste • Tomatoes • Kale • Potatoes • Soda water • Almond milk • Spinach • Vodka • Chilli sauce • Chipotle ketchup VERDICT NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “There’s not much in Nadia’s fridge she can make meals from. Condiments are full of salt, so should be used sparingly. Rather than eating a herb she doesn’t like, she’d get more health benefits by adding extra fruit and veg to her diet and including protein-rich foods such as beans, lentils, chickpeas or some…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY I have been very fortunate to have been treated respectfully throughout the pandemic, but I know of many who haven’t. It’s horrible to be on the receiving end of another person’s judgement or anger, so if you find yourself in a situation like this, stay calm. Walking away and ignoring your antagonist is the easiest way to manage this type of interaction. Sadly, this strategy isn’t possible when you are in a confined space, say travelling on the bus to work. Should this type of altercation occur, try not to engage. If you can, make the driver aware, so that they can perhaps help you manage the situation, and if needs be, get off at the next…

KISS FM PRESENTER HARRIET ROSE, 31, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND MY MORNING ROUTINE DETERMINES MY DAY... I have a Lumie alarm box, which wakes me up with a bright light. I always wake up with at least an hour to get ready. I’ll listen to a podcast and it’ll get my mind in gear. LOOKING AFTER MY SKIN IS GOOD FOR MY MENTAL HEALTH... The ritual of cleansing and moisturising my face gives me a chance to put my phone down and focus. I have Sarah Chapman facials and use a gua-sha [massage crystal] every morning and night. HORROR FILMS HELP ME RELAX... as they don’t mirror real life. I’ve been known to watch all five Scream movies in one day to switch off. I…

GET HER LOOK SARAH JESSICA PARKER Anybody else counting the days until SATC returns to our screens? Sarah Jessica Parker has been spotted filming in New York and she looked so Carrie in this bubblegum-pink shirt dress with a flirty hem. Her belt and green bag made perfect finishing touches. Want in? Here’s our high-street recreation... FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! Vogue Williams Vogue stays cool in the midst of the heatwave in a strappy, striped midi dress. The radio host keeps her accessories minimal and ties her hair back in an updo to let the smock frock do the talking. Olivia Culpo Providing some serious summer inspiration, Olivia gives us all the holiday vibes in her lime skirt and matching mules. The star adds an extra style note with a…

Tanning our body might be a breeze, but faces can be trickier. Here’s how to make bronzing woes a thing of the past and look like you’ve been somewhere exotic – we won’t tell if you don’t! BE PREPARED Charlotte explains, “Tanning products darken the top layer of skin cells, so facial self-tan is best applied to skin that has been cleansed and exfoliated. This will create a smooth base for product. Use a gentle scrub first and then rinse with a foam cleanser before applying colour.” FIND THE RIGHT PRODUCT Charlotte tells us, “If you’re confident at tanning but short on application time, look for dihydroxyacetone, which is a non-streaky tanning agent that works with the amino acids in your skin to create an even glow. If you’re new…

CAMPING CLUB Everything you need to stay comfortable for a weekend sleeping under the stars A fun sleeping bag will keep kids cosy all night long. It packs into a neat bag, too. NEXT £30 RECYCLED MATERIALS Relax on this jungleprint foldable chair. It’s a bargain and comes with a carry bag and cup holder. ARGOS £10 You’ll find all the essentials you need for alfresco eating in this colourful bamboo set. AMAZON £34.99 28 PIECES This clever portable speaker also acts as a night light and a power bank for your charging needs. Handy! AMAZON £39.99 Perfect for chilly evenings sitting outside, this jumbo throw promises to keep the whole family warm. GEORGE AT ASDA £15 Providing up to 12 hours of light, this battery-operated lantern is a no-brainer…

THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN LEO 23 JUL-22 AUG The New Moon this week is in Leo so it’s an auspicious time for you. Slough off the old and get ready for something new. If any bad stuff happened in the past 12 months, now’s the time to draw a line under it and move on. A new day is dawning. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes. VIRGO 23 AUG-22 SEP Honestly, some weeks are made for getting out there and some weeks are just made for staying home and meditating and contemplating. This week falls into the second category. The more time you can spend just taking it easy, away from everyone, the better. It’s time for you to rest and revive. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes. LIBRA…

It’s been four years since Coleen Rooney briefly booted husband Wayne out of their family home for “humiliating her” again as he was caught drink-driving party girl Laura Simpson’s car after a boozy night out. And last week, memories of the betrayal were dredged up again after Wayne, 35, was forced to publicly apologise to his family after a string of embarrassing snaps of him looking worse-for-wear in a nightclub – and then in a hotel room alongside three scantily-clad 21-year-old women – went viral on social media. A source claims that Coleen, 35, is “furious” Wayne has let himself and his family down again, and has laid down a string of rules – including a 9pm curfew – for him to deliberate while she holidayed with her sons in…

She’s endured a living nightmare since last March, after her husband Derek Draper caught Covid-19 and was left fighting for survival. Seventeen months on, Kate Garraway is now trying to navigate life with Derek at home needing round-the-clock care, as well as raising two children and working full time. But Kate, 54, was able to enjoy a rare night of normality last week when she and children Darcey, 15, and Billy, 12, headed to the theatre for a night out – something they hadn’t been able to do since before the pandemic hit. Husband-and-father Derek, 53 – who has had one of the worst infections of any surviving Covid-19 patient in the world – remained at home in North London, where he has a 24-hour team of carers looking after…

Kat Kocsis, 27 (right), a photographer’s assistant from London, couldn’t wait to go swinging with her partner, Steve Kreisch, 41, once sex clubs were back open. She says, “I was so excited to get back into the club after so many months of it being closed. The first night, I was intimate with two men. The excitement took over and it was amazing. Now we’re lining up lots of different outings, back to the same club, and also I will see some other friends with benefits who I’ll meet without Steve. “We’ve been swinging for five years and, at the beginning of lockdown, it felt weird just being me and Steve all the time. We both love swinging and missed the excitement. “Before the pandemic we were quite easy-going, we’d…

Actress Tamzin Outhwaite recently revealed that two-day hangovers and “beer fear” paranoia pushed her to make a major lifestyle change and go teetotal, saying, “I’ve thought about quitting drinking for a long time and it feels like now is the time. When I’m not drinking, I do feel better.” And Tamzin, 50, isn’t the only celebrity to convert to sober living. Singer Lily Allen recently marked two years “drug and alcohol free” with a celebratory Instagram post, and EastEnders star Charlie Brooks has been documenting her booze-free year after ditching alcohol last summer. It’s estimated around one in six (16.2 per cent) of UK adults don’t drink alcohol, according to new statistics from Public Health England (PHE) – up from 15.5 per cent in 2014. Here, former Hear’Say singer Suzanne…

EVERY WEEK WE BRING YOU A BRILLIANT NEW GUEST COLUMNIST ‘Having sex in the villa is natural’ When I was on series 4 of Love Island in 2018, I was coupled up with Adam Collard. I really liked him, so we had sex on the show. Although I have no regrets about what I did, the next morning I was so upset as I realised my dad was watching. I was sad for my family and disappointed in myself, so I remember going to the beach hut and crying my eyes out! But then I thought, “I am a 26-year old woman and sex is natural”. What viewers have to remember is that there are CCTV cameras in the villa 24/7, and as time goes on, you forget they are…

Sharni-Leigh Morley, 20, lives in Derby and works as a part-time sales assistant and hairdresser. She says, “I am a young, healthy 20-year-old woman, and I don’t understand why I should get the jab when it’s still so new. “I haven’t contracted coronavirus, and I am always safe whenever I go out – I wear a mask, maintain social distance and wash my hands regularly. I have family and friends who have had the virus, but thankfully they have all recovered. I don’t see why I should be forced to have a vaccination if I’m being cautious and following the government guidelines. “It really feels like the government is trying to force us all to have the vaccine, and it makes me feel uneasy. We live in a democracy, and…

‘BEING AROUND LOVED ONES HELPS MENTAL HEALTH’ Born in Hawaii in 1961 to an American mother from English descent and a Kenyan father, Barack became the 44th President of the United States in 2009 and was elected for a second term until 2017. On dealing with his stressful job, he’s said, “Two things were important for me and my mental health. [First] exercise in the morning. And the second thing was family; having a block of time with my girls and with Michelle that was inviolate unless there was a genuine, immediate crisis. I was at dinner at 6.30pm every night. Listening to my daughters talk about their days and stupid boys and strange teachers, that always put my mind right.” ‘LIFE IS EASIER WHEN YOU ARE YOURSELF’ When Barack…

She was one of our country’s finest athletes, racking up four Olympic medals, including double gold at Beijing in 2008, but Becky Adlington admits to struggling with self doubts about her body. “I’m 32 years old and I’ve never once said, ‘I really want to put on a swimsuit today’. It’s never happened!” laughs Becky, who started swimming competitively at the age of nine. “We’ve all got our hang-ups and I’ve never wanted to parade around in a swimsuit, but it’s part of the sport I’m in.” But the mum-of two admits having children has finally helped her to accept her body, and she’s stopped giving herself a hard time. “Once you have kids, you have a whole new appreciation for what your body can do,” says Becky, who welcomed…

SHED UP TO HALF A STONE IN TWO WEEKS!* It’s not too late to shape up and feel your best this summer. We’ve teamed up with Slimming World to bring you an eating plan full of your favourite foods that could help you lose up to 7lbs in a fortnight! HOW IT WORKS: 1 Choose one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner each day. Feel free to repeat meals you enjoy. Find more at www.slimmingworld.co.uk. 2 Slimming World’s eating plan, Food Optimising, is based on the scientific principles of appetite regulation and helps members to reduce their energy intake and lose weight without ever feeling hungry or deprived. It’s based on an understanding of how a food’s nutrient content and energy density (its calories per gram) affect satiety (our sense…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK We’ve been working on making the progesterone-only, or mini pill, available without prescription for years. It’s crazy it’s taken this long. We’ve been prescribing it for decades, so we have all the data to prove it’s safe. However, the whole topic of contraception can feel like a bit of a minefield, so read on for some useful advice. PICK THE RIGHT ONE Women are given the progesterone-only pill when they’re over 35, if they smoke, if they have migraines or if they’re obese. This is to reduce risks of blood clotting or strokes. That’s not to say the combined pill is bad – it’s extremely safe – but the mini pill is even safer. We’re all different,…

Putting on a bikini or a pair of shorts can make many of us feel vulnerable and exposed. These feelings are often compounded at this time of year, when we feel pressure to be “beach body” ready. Comparison can be especially hard when we’re younger, so how can we teach our kids to deal with it? BE A ROLE MODEL Body-positive attitudes start at home. If your kids see you struggling with your body, or pick up on you being afraid of other people’s opinions about the way you look, they may become more conscious of their body, too. For this reason, pay attention to the way you talk about yourself in front of your little ones. Ninety seven per cent of women have at least one negative thought about…

MATCHING TWO-PIECE Wear the timeless trend to the power of two with a matching co-ord. This fine-knit combo looks great together and each piece can be worn with other items for extra wardrobe mileage. MUST-HAVE MIDI A fuss-free cotton midi dress is a staple. Add pops of colour for a summery feel and team with boots and a chunky cardigan come autumn. NEW NEUTRALS Multiple shades of beige will fast-track an outfit into high-fashion territory. Pair checked shorts with summer knits and add statement accessories for weekend wow. PINK PAIRING Baby pink always feels ultra-feminine, but when a flash of red is mixed in, it has a pretty-yet-modern vibe. VERSATILE ONE-PIECE Printed pieces can be layered over other items to give a variety of different looks. Details like a jumbo…

Massage a few drops of this serum onto clean skin and a gentle glow will develop within four hours. SCIENTIA SKINCARE TANNING SERUM £21 Mix a little of this unscented liquid with moisturiser – it’ll blend and absorb easily into skin and build tint. GREEN PEOPLE AGE DEFY+ LIQUID GOLD TANNING DROPS £35 Nourish, hydrate and add buildable colour with this aloe vera day cream. SKINNY TAN FACE GRADUAL TANNING MOISTURISER £14.99 Glycolic acid breaks down tan, so apply and rinse after five minutes. TANOLOGIST SELF TAN ERASER £9.99 AT SUPERDRUG A mini applicator makes tricky areas, like under the eyes or nose, a doddle to sort. SUPERDRUG SOLAIT MINI FACE TANNING MITT £1.49…

What to expect? You’ll see me and Melanie Sykes delving into the lives of different families and couples to see how and what they’re spending their money on. We help them to save cash by making small changes with our easy tips and tricks. Did you learn anything about your own shopping habits? I realised that at the end of the day I would usually shop online to relax and it would feel like a reward. I now try to do something physical instead – I’ve joined my local Lido and I regularly exercise, and in the evenings I crochet, knit and do jigsaws. Any advice for cutting down on spending? Don’t end up buying a million and one things in the supermarket that aren’t on your list – like…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU - EASY SUDOKU - MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) THE KING’S SPEECH B) LOVE, ROSIE NAME THE STARS 1) BEN SHEPHARD 2) GIOVANNA FLETCHER GUESS THE CELEB A) LILY ALLEN B) PRINCE CHARLES WORD LINK A) CHANGING B) TOE C) TREE D) FROG E) TOTAL F) CARD 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…