Table of contents for 28 November 2017 in Closer

It doesn’t matter how many times you’re knocked in life, it’s about how you pick yourself up and keep going – and this issue we are celebrating our favourite comeback queens. Kerry Katona’s planning a new start on Real Housewives Of Cheshire after being dumped from Atomic Kitten and, while Gemma Collins was left in floods of tears in 2014 when she quit the jungle, she tells us on p22 that she’s determined to start a new life as a mum. As a real-life inspiration, Sophia Wyatt , on p36, is working hard to rebuild other people’s confidence after she lost both legs to meningitis. Good things can come from adversity so it’s important to remember that, if a cloud comes along , there’s likely to be a silver lining…

❛MARK IS OVER THE MOON – HAVING A FAMILY IS LL HE’S WANTED❜ They’re set for an emotional reunion next month, after Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan’s hectic work schedules kept them on opposite sides of the world, but pals reveal being apart has led to a major U-turn for the couple. And after a few years of stalling on baby plans, insiders tell Closer that Michelle, 30, has now had a change of heart and has told Mark, also 30, she wants to start trying. A source says, “Being away from Mark for so long has really affected Michelle. It’s made her realise how much she missed him. She thinks starting a family will bring them closer and strengthen their bond.” PREGNANCY PLANS But their busy careers may still…

Rumours that royal lovebirds Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are engaged have swirled for months but, as Closer went to press, speculation reached fever pitch with reports that an official announcement was “imminent.” LAVISH PLANS Now insiders reveal Meghan, 36 – who shot to fame as paralegal Rachel Zane in US TV series Suits – has been secretly planning her wedding to the royal, and will take a hands-on role in the organising. A source says, “Meghan has been dreaming of this moment for months. She doesn’t want to compete with Kate and William’s big day and wants to make hers very different. Royal protocol would point to a wedding at Westminster Abbey, but she’s been saying she’d be happy with a more modern venue. “The budget will run into…

Ferne’s friend and former co-star Gemma Collins says, “I saw Ferne’s baby last week and, oh my God, she melted my heart. I looked into her eyes and she’s just got Ferne’s spirit. She’s exactly like Ferne – you can already tell she’s going to be a firecracker. Ferne is amazing – she’s loving being with her baby and bonding, and she looks really well. I love the name Sunday, too – her little girl really suits it. Ferne was never going to call her baby a common name, let’s be fair.” • Read our chat with Gemma on page 22…

He was already in trouble with the law, having been found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend Stephanie Davis – mother of his ten-month-old son Caben-Albi – in August and sentenced to serve 200 hours of community service. But after Jeremy McConnell defied court orders – when he went to Turkey for a hair and beard transplant and to have his teeth done earlier this month, missing his community service – he was last week sentenced to 18 weeks behind bars, meaning he’ll spend Christmas Day in prison. Ahead of the hearing, the model, 27, shared a message on his Instagram story, writing, “If I don’t see yas have a good Christmas.” Meanwhile, Steph, 24 – who split from Jeremy in July – seemed lonely as she uploaded a photo of…

 There must be something in the water in the Faiers’ family. Since Billie had her daughter Nelly in 2014, between her and her sister Sam they’ve had four children. ‘I’m planning my wedding next year’ Most recently, Sam gave birth to a daughter earlier this month – making Billie an auntie again. “We are so happy and excited. It’s always lovely to have a new baby in the family,” says Billie. “Sam and I are so close, we see each other near enough every other day. And we’re so happy that our children are going to grow up together.” Billie, 27, has Nelly, three, and Arthur, nine months, while Sam has children Paul, nearly two, and her newborn daughter, whose name was yet to be announced as Closer went to…

TOLD SOMEONE I LOVED THEM I told Love Island’s Jess Shears that I loved her on the show when I bumped into her at an event recently. But she’s engaged now, isn’t she? So no luck there for me! If I was taller, I think I may have had a chance! LOST MY TEMPER Sometimes, I get very “hangry” [hungry and angry] – you don’t want to be around me then! I’m happiest when I’ve just eaten! LIED I never lie! Only joking – I try not to lie, but I’ll tell a little white one every now and then. MADE A BIG MISTAKE I committed to watch the superhero show Iron Fist on Netflix. I normally enjoy that kind of series, but it was a waste of time. HURT…

GET HER LOOK HOLLY WILLOUGHBY, 36 The queen of daytime chic gave us major style envy, glamming up a rainbow knit with a crushed velvet skirt and metallic heels. Snap up her outfit for less with these high-street buys… WHO WORE IT BEST? GIGI V ELSA Victoria’s Secret models Gigi Hadid and Elsa Hosk went head to head, as they stepped out in identical ’80s-style Jean Atelier top and jean combos. Gigi opted for a rock-chick vibe with lace-up boots and gold hoop earrings, while Elsa paraded this season’s hero shade, with matching red flat pumps and handbag, plus a slick of scarlet lipstick. VERDICT There’s not much in it, but Gigi’s jumbo hoops and ankle boots have a cooler, stylist’s touch, making her outfit our favourite. IN THE NEWS...…

JUST LANDED STAY HYDRATED NIP+FAB DRAGON’S BLOOD FIX HYDRATION MASK WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT: This sheet mask is soaked in ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid, which leaves skin feeling plumped, refreshed and radiant after just one use. WHY IT WORKS: Chilly winter weather can wreak havoc on our complexion, but this 15-minute treatment is like a big drink of water. It’s great pre-party to perk up skin and a good remedy for parched, hungover skin the morning after. GET THE LOOK... PARTY SHIMMER Cheat your way to a bronzed complexion, like Lea and Karlie, with the latest glow-gettters ❶ QUICK FIX BENEFIT HOOLA QUICKIE CONTOUR STICK £23 Just one swipe of this creamy stick perked up cheeks with a subtle, matte finish. It blended in easily, too, and was perfect for touch–ups…

 She recently beat off stiff competition from the likes of Cheryl and the Duchess of Cambridge to win Celebrity Mum Of The Year, and it’s clear that Amy Childs is relishing her role as a first-time mum. ‘Gym? Carrying the car seat is a workout!’ “I love everything about it,” says the former TOWIE star, as she waves to her adorable six-month-old daughter Polly, who’s gurgling happily on the lap of Amy’s mum, Julie. But the past few months haven’t been plain sailing for Amy. She became a single mum just six weeks after giving birth, when she split from Polly’s dad, builder Bradley Wright. Although Amy has said that Bradley still sees Polly, she’s the one doing the hands-on parenting. Explaining their reasons for parting ways, Amy, 27, said…

• TV presenter and chef Marcus says, “Burrata is one of my favourite cheeses. It makes a stunning starter.” MOROCCAN SANDWICH SERVES 2 • 2tbsp olive oil •1/2 red onion, finely chopped • 250g minced beef • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped • 1 tomato, finely chopped • 2tbsp tomato purée • 2tbsp chilli sauce, plus extra to serve • 1tsp bahãrãt (Middle Eastern) spice • 55g pitted black olives, roughly chopped • Handful finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves • 2 crusty rolls or 1 loaf of round Moroccan bread, cut into half moons, warmed • Lettuce and lemon wedges, to serve STEP 1 Heat the oil in a large pan over a high heat. Fry the onion for 2-3 mins to soften, then add the beef. Mix well and…

Public Health England advises that UK adults should take 10mcg a day of vitamin D during winter (we only manage around 3mcg through foods like egg yolks, mushrooms and oily fish). Now UK researchers have said the “sunshine supplement” can help speed up healing and prevent scarring if you burn yourself, too. It reduces redness and swelling and makes infections less likely, thanks to antibacterial actions. It also helps you absorb calcium, and may protect against heart disease, flu, depression and even cancer. HEALTH BOOSTER As the weather gets colder, it’s likely that your skin may start to feel the effects, too. Skinfix Body Butter (Boots, £12.99) is ideal for those with sensitive skin as it is paraben, sulphate, soy, gluten and steroid free.…

I’M MOST PROUD OF... Still being alive! I was a bit of a rock and roller when I was younger and struggled with alcoholism and depression. I didn’t speak to my mum for years, but we’re back in touch and now I’m grateful for every day. I HAVE NO REGRETS... I could sit here and list all my mistakes, people I’ve hurt or bad financial decisions I’ve made, but it’s better to live in the moment than mourn the past. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN IS... To stay away from negative people and to show compassion as much as you can. I FELT BRAVE WHEN I... Finally opened up about my depression. It’s tough for men to talk about their feelings, but I finally reached a good…

Sarah is stunned to receive a phone call telling her there’s been an explosion in Ukraine and Gary is feared dead. The poor girl refuses to believe it until the St Christopher she gave him is found among the wreckage and so it must be true. Sarah and Tim head off to the prison to break the awful news to Anna, who’s naturally distraught, and the guards have to hold her back. Meanwhile, David’s suspicions are aroused by Phelan’s reaction, so he follows him… to Nicola’s house. When Phelan leaves, David hammers on Nicola’s door and demands answers. She not only confesses to the one-night stand with Gazza, but also to the teeny fact that she’s preggers with his child. David is appalled and wonders what on earth to do…

Tell us about Judge Rinder’s Crown Court … I think it’s brilliant! I really care about this and I’m so excited by it. Courtroom drama is about as realistic as Mary Poppins is to nannying. This, however, is 100 per cent authentic – it’s based on a poison case from 20 years ago that was tried in America. I sat in the courtroom watching the drama unfold and I was mesmerised by it. Back in the day, some now-very-famous faces lent their acting prowess to the series… If you talk to people about the original series, they are so nostalgic about it. I feel fairly sure that [Rinder’s close friend] Benedict Cumberbatch’s parents – actors Timothy Carlton and Wanda Ventham – were in it, along with people…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK Your biggest challenge in the year ahead is to always act nicely towards your friends. Don’t be the person who loses their cool! Also expect the unexpected regarding a child, creative project and/or romance. Make sure you learn to strategise next year. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN SAGITTARIUS 23 NOV – 21 DEC If you feel as though people are scrutinising you to see where you are in life and how far you’ve come, then that’s because they are. All eyes are on you. It’s a great time to give yourself a makeover. Also, go easy with that annoying friend. For your spoken forecast about your current astro-cycle, call 0906 7511 677* CAPRICORN 22 DEC – 20 JAN If possible, this is the time…

 he’s the ❛KERRY’S HEARTBROKEN – SHE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S COME TO THIS❜ S comeback queen who has managed to bounce back from bankruptcy, drug addiction and failed marriages to carve out a career as one of the nation’s most compelling TV personalities. But last week, it appeared that Kerry Katona was on a downward spiral once again when she revealed she had been kicked out of Atomic Kitten – just weeks after publicly branding bandmate Natasha Hamilton a “toxic c*** ” as she reportedly downed Champagne at a drag show in Manchester. The 37 year old appeared upbeat in her Instagram post, joking with fans, “I’ll keep to knock, knock jokes from now on!” But insiders say she’s struggling with her axeing from the band – who had embarked on…

Ant McPartlin was praised by fans last week as he returned to host I’m A Celeb! after a difficult year, which saw him in rehab twice for an addition to painkillers. The star, 42, later said he’d put his wife, Lisa Armstrong “through hell.” And the pair’s 11-year marriage has been subjected to intense scrutiny, with reports claiming they were on the rocks, living apart and leading separate lives. But insiders claim the presenter is planning a second honeymoon with his make-up artist wife, 41, and he’s hoping they can make a fresh start. A source says, “Ant has asked Lisa to meet him in Australia when I’m A Celeb! is over so they can jet off to Fiji for a week-long ‘second honeymoon’ before Christmas. He’s hoping it’ll be…

Royal biographer and commentator Ingrid Seward believes Meghan has a tricky road ahead of her. She tells Closer , “Meghan has a tough time ahead. The younger generation like her as she’s different. But I think a large part of the population won’t. They are very protective of the royals and Megan is untraditional – she’s divorced and a sitcom actress. I think the public would rather he marry an aristocratic English girl.” And Princess Diana’s former butler, Paul Burrell, 59, also revealed that despite being every inch the modern couple, Harry and Meghan would have to involve the Queen in their announcement. He recently told Closer , “The engagement news will be from Harry and Meghan and on their terms, and not dictated by the traditions of Buckingham Palace,…

Mum-of-two Susan*, 23, from Cornwall says, “When my ex-partner left me, I was devastated and felt lonely. Then I noticed a good-looking man on the train into work. He’d smile and sometimes say good morning and I became infatuated. After being heartbroken, it was nice to have attention. I envisioned what we’d be like as a couple. One day, I followed him to the sports shop where he worked, and started finding excuses to visit. I looked up the shop on Facebook, found his profile and constantly monitored it. He was never aware I was stalking him, but gradually my obsession spiralled out of control. I told people we were in a relationship – I believed it myself. I’d even write in my diary about our ‘dates.’ It was a…

KHLOÉ’S GLAM WAVE A loosely tousled hairstyle can be created in under 30 minutes with the right tools. Here’s how to work Khloé’s look: ➊Dampen dry hair with a styling spray, then blast with a hairdryer on a low heat setting – this adds grip for a better hold and protects against damage. ➋ Create a natural-looking wave by wrapping random sections of different sizes around the barrel of a hair wand in alternate directions. Curl some sections looser than others to add dimension, but leave the bottom inch straight to create a fuller finish. ➌ Break up curls by running fingers through, then set with a medium-hold hairspray. KIM’S SLEEK PONY This boardroom-to-bar style is ideal for last-minute party plans because hair needn’t be washed. Here’s how to recreate…

SAINSBURY’S BRONZE TURKEY BREAST JOINT WITH CHESTNUT STUFFING £37.50 This succulent bird is wrapped in oak-smoked streaky bacon. It tastes great! THREE NUT AND MUSHROOM ROAST £5 (V) Topped with tasty redcurrant and port gravy, this makes a perfect veggie main dish. It’s a bargain too. PENNY THE PENGUIN CAKE £10 (V) Made with chocolate sponge and cream cheese frosting, the kids will fall in love with Penny! TESCO KING PRAWNS & SCALLOPS WITH PROSECCO SAUCE £3.50 This shell-encased starter is ready in only 25 mins. TESCO PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM £3 (V) Filled with creamy mushrooms and spinach, plus bursts of cranberry, wrapped in rich puff pastry. FINEST BELGIAN WHITE CHOCOLATE, HERITAGE RASPBERRY & PROSECCO BAUBLES £10 (PACK OF FOUR) A decadent dessert to impress guests. FINEST THREE-BIRD ROAST £30 This…

INSIDE REBECCA’S FRIDGE • Coke • Butter • Yoghurt • Eggs • Cheddar • Houmous • Mozzarella • Marmite • Tuna steaks • Chicken breasts • Salami • Probiotic yoghurt drink • Broccoli • Avocado • Blueberries • Cucumber • Chilli peppers • Kale • Strawberries • Rocket • Potatoes • Tomatoes • Apples • Celery • White wine REBECCA How much do you spend? I spend £150 a week online at Ocado to avoid my daughter, Summer, two, running riot in the supermarket! I’m a single mum and Summer stays with me five days a week, plus a friend lives with us, too. Describe your daily diet… Breakfast is home-made granola with yoghurt and berries, or porridge. Lunch is eggs, bacon and avocado on toast, or couscous salad with…

FAMILY MATTERS WHY READING AT BEDTIME IS A MUST Two thirds of mums and dads don’t bother with night-time stories, but Emma argues that reading is a pillar of good parenting Just one in ten parents read to their children every night, while six per cent never do. I know we all lead busy lives, but I absolutely want to encourage parents to start this healthy habit, if they don’t already do so. My eldest son is 15 and, even now, we spend 20 minutes before bed reading his GCSE novels. I have read to and with my boys since they were babies because research shows that it improves their vocabulary and gives them a higher literacy level. Stories also offer insights into human relationships and can help them deal…

WAG Rebekah Vardy ruffled feathers before she even arrived at the I’m A Celeb! camp, when an old interview resurfaced where she branded former fling Peter Andre as the “worst lover” she’d ever had. And friends close to Pete, 44 – who met his first wife Jordan, real name Katie Price, in the jungle when they appeared on the show in 2004, say he’s humiliated by the claims, which have caused friction between him and wife Emily MacDonagh, 28 – who have children Amelia, three, and Theo, one, together. Mum-of-four Rebekah, 35 – who has Sofia, three, and Finlay, ten months, with footballer husband Jamie Vardy, and Megan, 11, and Taylor, six, from previous relationships – met Pete in 2001 during his pop star heyday at a restaurant, and spent…

FROM KITTEN TO QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE Following her rise to fame with Atomic Kitten, Kerry quit the band in 2001 after marrying first-husband Brian McFadden and falling pregnant. In a cruel twist, just weeks after her departure, the band scored their first number-one hit with Whole Again and went on to achieve huge success. But Kerry found her feet years later and captured the nation’s heart when she won I’m A Celeb! in 2004, carving out a lucrative career for herself as a TV personality. FROM DRUG ADDICT TO REALITY STAR Kerry wed second-husband Mark Croft in 2007 and later admitted she became hooked on drugs throughout their three-year marriage. She was declared bankrupt in 2008 after losing her deal as a spokesperson for Iceland. Then sparked health concerns…

She’s already been conquering the Bushtucker trials, but Georgia “Toff” Toffolo’s former co-star Ollie Locke insists viewers will be in for a shock when they see what she’s truly capable of. The 23 year old may have found fame on MIC – known for showcasing the lavish lifestyles of the wealthy – but Ollie says Toff will survive the jungle. He says, “She’ll be f*** ing brilliant. She’s an amazing girl – she’s feisty and a lot stronger than people think. People see her as this posh girl who has had a privileged life, but she’s been through tough times.” Last week, Toff endured being trapped in a coffin surrounded by bugs. She then smashed a gruesome challenge alongside Rebekah Vardy, chowing down on live meal worms, spiders, fish eyes and…

❛SHE’S BEEN WORRYING ABOUT WHAT WILL BE REVEALED❜ They’ve had anything but a harmonious friendship in the past, but relations between them have hit rock bottom, as pals say Sinitta is planning to release a tell-all book about her life, with Cheryl in the firing line. After previously failing to hit it off in the past, a fresh feud was opened between the former Girls Aloud star, 34, and the ’80s singing sensation, when mutual pal Simon Cowell picked Cheryl to replace Sinitta, 54, on this year’s X Factor for Judges’ Houses. FALLOUT FEARS The move prompted a bitter Sinitta to warn “perfect” Cheryl to “stay in her lane”, and telling Simon, 58, to “kiss my black ass” after axeing her. Now insiders say Cheryl is worried about the fallout…

As she adjusts to life as a single parent, Closer recently revealed how Ferne McCann’s ex, Charlie Sims, had been in touch. And now insiders say she’s leaning on her ex-boyfriend – who she dated on and off for six years – more than ever and they’re in regular contact, exchanging messages. Ferne, 27 – who welcomed daughter Sunday earlier this month – endured a difficult pregnancy with reports last week that she spent the entire nine months in a “near-constant” state of stress. During that time, her ex-boyfriend, Arthur Collins, was facing trial for carrying out an acid attack at an east London nightclub in April. Collins was convicted on 13 November of injuring 16 people, five counts of causing GBH with intent and nine counts of ABH. He’ll…

Amid claims Paul Hollywood’s wandering eye had led to their latest split, last week he and wife Alexandra announced they’d finally called time on their 20-year marriage. Their shock statement came just weeks after photos of him surfaced appearing to kiss 2016 Bake Off winner Candice Brown at an after-party for the Pride of Britain Awards. And insiders say while Candice, 32 – who is engaged to partner Liam Macaulay – and Paul, 51, both insisted the photos were innocent, the speculation proved to be the final straw for Alexandra, 52. Insiders say the split may cost him up to half of his £10m fortune, as Alexandra is reported to be living in their Kent farmhouse. A source says, “Alex feared an affair and found herself becoming paranoid. She’d accuse…

MILEY CYRUS Miley adopted her pig, Bubba Sue in 2014 and the pair enjoy regular pampering sessions together. PARIS HILTON Socialite Paris adopted a pot-bellied pig named Princess Pigelette in 2009, who she said slept in her bed. GEORGE CLOONEY The actor lived with his 300lb Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, Max, for more than 18 years. He sadly passed away in 2006. RUBY ROSE Australian actress Ruby Rose often posts photos with her pig, Hazel, who she owned with ex-fiancée, Phoebe Dahl, in 2014. LYDIA BRIGHT The TOWIE star was given a micro pig, Mr Darcey, by her ex James Argent in 2011. He went to live on a farm when he got too big.…

She was the poster girl for the 2012 Olympics after picking up two gold medals – and now Victoria Pendleton has officially retired from track cycling, she admits she’s relaxed her lifestyle and has, incredibly, dropped from a dress size 12 to a size 8. Victoria, 37, used to push herself with a punishing and merciless exercise routine in the gym, accompanied with a demanding protein-heavy diet consisting of more than 3,000 calories a day. OVERHAULING HER DIET Victoria says, “I’ve dropped two dress sizes and a stone and a half after I stopped the heavy weight training and took up other sports. When I retired, I also went vegetarian – it’s transformed by figure. Now I’m on a plant-based diet, apart from the occasional egg. I had to eat…

 Putting the finishing touches to Laura’s new eyebrows, Sophia Wyatt felt a sense of satisfaction. Laura’s life had been blighted by her self-consciousness about suffering from alopecia (hair loss), but Sophia’s handiwork left her feeling closer to “normal” than she had for years. ❛I’M GRATEFUL… I’M GOING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO SOMEONE’S LIFE❜ And Sophia, 42, from Guildford, who’s married to Dan, 39, knows exactly how Laura felt, after she’d contracted a rare strain of meningitis at the age of 16. The infection ravaged her system and caused severe septicaemia, causing her to have both legs amputated below the knee, along with three fingers and a thumb on her right hand. Sophia, who’s mum to George, six, and Elodie, two, says, “It was devastating. I needed a wheelchair for…

PRETTY COOL Layer this fluffy mohair number over a buttoned-up blouse and a burgundy leather skirt for a fresh take on preppy. H&M £59.99 MODERN CLASSIC The retro cable knit has had a cool rework. Style this chunky top with Prince of Wales checked trousers and loafers. VERY £38 COLOUR POP This zingy number has super-wide sleeves that are really flattering. Wear it with a pair of knockout earrings. MONKI £35 CATWALK WORTHY A graphic print combined with a rich merlot hue has an expensive designer feel. We won’t tell if you don’t! & OTHER STORIES £49 SHOUTY SWEATER The chatty T-shirt trend has moved on to the knitwear aisles and this royal blue number is our favourite way to wear it. MANGO £29.99 SMART AND SIMPLE Switch up your…

COMPILED BY DANIELA BELLANCA SPEND OR SAVE Oasis launches homeware! • High-street giant Oasis has produced a beautiful floral range of bedding, cushions, curtains and wallpaper with wallpaper specialist Clarke & Clarke, from £20. Available online at Next and Very in December, then in Oasis stores early next year.…

Every Thursday, I make sure my day is clear so I can do something fun with my girls, Maddie, 14, and Kiki, ten. Kiki especially loves to go to a local pottery barn. She’s very creative and loves getting stuck in and dirty! She’s brilliant on the pottery wheel and we’ve made all sorts of things there, including hedgehogs and Roman urns. While we’re there, I always have a pocketful of Fruittella 30% Less Sugar. The girls love the fruity sweets and, with absolutely no sweeteners at all just the unmistakably fruity taste of Fruittella, it’s good to know that we can have a treat without eating too much sugar. NADIA SAWALHA THIS WEEK'S PICKS FRUITTELLA’S LOVELY LITTLE WALL OF WINS 1 “My little girl and her friend having fun…

The average household spends £174 on food and drink for Christmas Day – and that’s not even including the Boxing day buffet, festive cheeses and tins of chocolates. But, with some savvy shopping, you could save dosh on your dinner. COMPARE PRICES “With so many supermarkets putting on special offers during December, it can be hard to know where to shop,” says Holly Andrews from KIS Finance (Kisbridgingloans.co.uk). “Use Mysupermarket.co.uk to check the items you want at every supermarket and find the cheapest. Definitely do it for more expensive items, like alcohol and your turkey.” STOP IMPULSE BUYING Supermarkets are full of tempting Christmas goodies, but a tube of Pringles here and a cola multipack there adds up. “It’s easy to get carried away,” agrees Anita Naik from Vouchercodes.co.uk. “But…

Recently, parents faced ads telling them to “get a grip” and send their kids to school with a cough or cold. It has caused a stir with parents saying it’s aggressive, condescending and insulting, and I agree. Another of the slogans reads, “good reasons for missing school – there are none.” I disagree. It’s important not to teach your children that by complaining they’ll always get to stay in bed, but if they have something more serious than the sniffles, they may well need to be at home. Help them identify when they really need bed rest and when – despite the fact they have double maths – they need to go in. Children aren’t very good at telling you what’s wrong and some cold-like symptoms (a temperature, tiredness and…

or those of us who F spend our Sunday evenings swiping right – and, more often than not, left – on a dating app, you will no doubt have noticed that apps have an amazing way of sussing out the type of people you’re physically attracted to. When I was inundated with hot man after hot man on my app of choice, Bumble, I thought there’d been a sudden influx of my “type” (blonde, blue-eyed, athletic and able to read maps). But as with all things in love and life, it was too good to be true, and the reason behind it is way more specific and scientific than pure luck. When I asked the talented team at dating app Badoo about any algorithms they use, their match-making mechanics revealed…

1 THE CROWN ROYAL FAMILY DRAMA FRI 8 DEC, NETFLIX Everyone’s favourite Netflix drama (Stranger Things aside) returns, with Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth and Matt Smith as Prince Philip. Claire’s cut-glass English accent is amazing, and while some of the plot is a bit heavy (the Suez Crisis in Egypt), we’re now moving into marriage crisis territory with Queenie and the Prince (she thinks he’s having it “orf” with someone else), while Princess Margaret makes an appearance. Hurrah! FACTFILE  The second series is set in the turbulent ’60s, with Queen Elizabeth struggling to hold the monarchy together. “I’ve been Queen barely 10 years,” she says. 2 MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS KNOCKOUT WEEK TUE-THU, 5-7 DEC, 8PM, BBC2 Marcus, Mon and Gregg loosen their waistbands a little for a week of…

You won your first BAFTA this year – and for this show. How does that feel? It feels great! That night (the BAFTA Awards back in May) was so fun and winning was a really nice surprise. I’d heard of Hollywood stars borrowing jewellery for the night, so I cheekily tried my luck. I phoned a jeweller like, “So I’m going to the BAFTAs, can you lend me something?” And they lent my wife [Kitty] this crazy diamond necklace for the night. I thought, if I lose it, I’m going to have to sell the house, so I was pretty much clinging on to that when they read my name out. This series, there’s a new segment called The Midnight Gameshow. Tell us a bit about it… Husbands and wives,…

MUST READ George(SEAN SMITH) It’s hard to believe that it’s been a whole year since we lost one of our greatest-ever singers, George Michael – and we’re still missing him like mad, so this book is just what we need. Sean Smith (who has written loads of biographies for celebs, including Adele and Britney) has spoken to those who knew the star well to bring us the real George. A celebration of his life, as well as his music. Brill. BEST DAYS OUT My Name Is Prince The music legend sadly passed away last year, but this amazing exhibition at the 02 in London lets fans get up close and personal with the musician. Visit Theo2.co.uk for info. Alice in Winterland Panto season is upon us – oh, yes it…

Cheeky Robbie strips to promote his new book. Judging by the look on his face, we’d say this is the HARDback! Sorry, Yolanda, but who wants to look like a Hadid sister if this is what you call lunch? Bring us the Nando’s! ALEXA CHUNG... Alexa finally reveals why she has been banned from every single library within a 20-mile radius of her home. CHRISSY TEIGEN... Yes, Chrissy, our idea of heaven is a trolley dash through an empty supermarket on a Saturday morning. But. It’s. Never. Going. To. Happen. LADY GAGA If only we’d followed Gaga’s style tips, we wouldn’t have been so badly injured during the Black Friday scrum… Jodie’s secretive little friend is always stopping her from letting the cat out of the bag… We’re not saying…