Table of contents for Issue 867 in Closer

It’s back-to-school time, and we’re here to help it go smoothly. From dealing with bullying to helping manage your child’s workload, we’ve got loads of great expert advice. We’ve also got ideas for nutritious breakfasts and lunchboxes, money-saving tips and five chances to win £100 of “kit” from Rymans. Plus, if you’ve got a new addition to the family, please enter our competition for a £1,000 Joolz pram! That “new term” feeling at this time of year isn’t just for kids. If you want to make some changes to your life before winter sets in, we’ve got some inspiring reads. Mum-of-four Sheree Murphy reveals how she finally got her family organised, Frankie Essex celebrates soaring confidence thanks to a new health regime, and comedian Katherine Ryan talks about finding love…

‘ FRIENDS HAVE TOLD HER TO GIVE WAYNE SOME BREATHING SPACE’ In just four months, Wayne Rooney will be permanently reunited with wife Coleen and their four boys for yet another fresh start – this time in the UK after he cut short his stint playing for US team D.C. United. And insiders tell Closer that Coleen, 33 – who shares Kai, nine, Klay, six, Kit, three, and 18-month-old Cass with Wayne – is already putting plans into place for their new life and is doing everything she can to ensure the move goes smoothly. A DIFFICULT TIME A source says, “Coleen initially saw America as a fresh start, but that didn’t work out the way she’d hoped, so she won’t let their return to the UK be anything but…

She’s made no secret of her insecurities over her on/off boyfriend James “Arg” Argent’s feelings for his former girlfriend Lydia Bright – sobbing on her show Diva Espana last year after he cruelly told her he never loved her like he did his long-term ex. And insiders say Gemma Collins’ insecurities were reignited last week after Lydia, 28, announced she was expecting her first child, but had sadly split from the baby’s father, Lee Cronin, after a two-year relationship. Opening up about her pregnancy in an interview, former TOWIE star Lydia said, “I’ve always wanted the fairy tale. And it’s obviously not worked out exactly how I wanted.” ‘WORST NIGHTMARE’ A source says, “Deep down, Gemma thinks Arg will always hold a candle for Lydia and was really worried about…

She looked confident as she left the Strictly studios last week, putting on a brave face amid reports her ex-husband Ant McPartlin is moving into a £6 million “love nest” with his girlfriend Anne-Marie Corbett and her two children. And pals say make-up artist Lisa Armstrong, 42, has vowed to take a six-month sabbatical in LA after the next series of the BBC show – telling pals she needs to fully detach herself from the pain of watching the I’m A Celeb! host, 43, play happy families with his girlfriend, also 43. A source says, “Lisa’s trying to move on with her life and start afresh, but things are still very raw for her and hearing the news about Ant now moving into a dream family home with Anne-Marie and…

He’s been embroiled in a bitter split from girlfriend Summer Monteys-Fullam – and now insiders say Paul Hollywood is desperate to stop her from making it as a TV star. The GBBO judge, 53, and Summer, 24, reportedly split after he asked her to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and she refused. A war of words then broke out between the pair, with Paul accusing Summer of “selling stories” and “courting paps” and Summer branding these comments “ridiculous”. Reports then emerged that Summer was in talks with TV bosses about joining I’m A Celeb! – and insiders say Paul is now trying to find out if he can prevent that from happening. A source says, “This is Paul’s worst nightmare. He’s trying to reach out to his TV contacts, even…

If anyone knows the ups and downs of a marriage, it’s Jacqueline Jossa. Her six-year relationship with Dan Osborne has been fraught with drama, amid multiple accusations he has cheated – all of which he strongly denies – and he and Jacqueline have split and reunited on several occasions. In May 2018, Dan, 28, was linked to former Love Island star Gabby Allen – then later that month, while heavily pregnant, Jacqueline reportedly confronted a woman on Twitter to ask if she had slept with him. MORE ALLEGATIONS The couple’s marriage came under further strain in March this year when they were hit with allegations that Dan had kissed Love Island star Alexandra Cane on a night out. Then, just weeks ago, the former TOWIE star was the subject of…

‘Girls were valued for being pretty, not funny’ She’s known as the hilarious, acid-tongued comedian who’s not afraid to laugh at herself or mock other celebrities on TV. But in a refreshingly honest interview, Katherine Ryan opens up to Closer about the heartache she endured when she became a single mum in her twenties. Katherine, now 36, split with Violet’s father two years after she was born in 2008, after she caught him cheating. And in addition to dealing with the betrayal, the star admits she struggled with the stigma of raising her daughter alone. FEELING LIKE A FAILURE She says, “I found it really tough at first. I felt like a failure and I was so ashamed. I just kept thinking, ‘My poor daughter isn’t going to have the…

GET HER LOOK WHITNEY PORT, 34 She’s one of the stars of The Hills revamp, and Whitney Port certainly knows how to dress to impress. We love this daytime look with a gorgeous sleeveless blazer and jeans combo. These loafers are definitely going to be our new wardrobe staple. EVERYBODY’S WEARING... I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! BLACK AND WHITE This classic combo is a fave with celebs and we can see why. Guaranteed never to go out of style, monochrome always looks chic whatever the occasion. Steal their style with our top picks from the high street. Just add a pop of red lippy for extra glamour. FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! Megan Barton-Hanson, 25 While it’s not the worst we’ve seen her looking, the Love Island and Celebs Go Dating…

3 OF THE BEST GET THE LOOK... TANGERINE EYES This zesty shade is more wearable than you might think, and looks good on all skin tones. Make like Amanda and Margot with our pick of the best eye shadow palettes… ❶ INTENSE COLOUR HUDA BEAUTY CORAL OBSESSIONS PALETTE £25 Nine tonal shades will all work together, so you can mix and match them to create a load of different looks. They’re highly pigmented, so a little will go a long way, too. ❷ SUBTLE SHADES W7 LIFE’S A PEACH EYE COLOUR PALETTE £9.95 Twelve shades for under a tenner – you can’t go wrong! From burnt orange to a peachy hue, these colours are a bit more subdued so they’re easier to wear. ❸ CLASHING TONES BARRY M ISLAND HOPPER…

NATURAL PLAIN YOGHURT SWEETENED WITH FRUIT “Yoghurt is a good source of calcium for building strong bones. To make plain yogurt more appealing, add fresh fruit, like berries or banana, as a natural sweetener and for extra vitamins and fibre.” EGGS WITH WHOLEGRAIN BREAD SOLDIERS “Eggs, whether boiled, scrambled or poached, are an Aladdin’s cave of nutrients, while wholegrain bread contains fibre to keep them fuller for longer. For younger children, cut toast into soldiers so they can dip them into a soft-boiled egg.” BANANA AND SOYA MILK SMOOTHIE “To improve children’s concentration, add half an avocado or a banana to soya milk, along with some oats, then blend. The soya milk is fortified with iron, vitamin D and calcium, all of which help boost brain power.” DIY OATY FRUITY…

BUY USED BOOKS If you need reading books for little ones, search Oxfam and British Red Cross book shops. “Discount high-street stores also stock educational books,” says George Charles of Moneysavingheroes.co.uk. “Try The Works and always check bargain bins. Car boot sales are another option. Or avoid buying and visit your local library. If you need specific text books, look online. A text book could be £26.99 on the high street, but £2.39 on Amazon or eBay.” Also, take care of your text books and sell them when they’re no longer needed. SAVE UP FOR TRIPS “Ask the teacher for a list of upcoming trips and the costs,” says George. “Then you’ll have time to plan. Even if you can save for a few months, it splits the expense more…

The reality star has been open about her long-term battle with depression since losing her mother to suicide when she was just 13 years old, admitting she fell into a spiral of drinking and eating badly in order to cope. While Frankie is still on medication for anxiety, she accepts it’s a condition she’s learned to live with. She candidly explains, “I’ve recently changed my medication because I was getting heart palpitations for no reason. The doctors prescribed me something different and now I’m much better. There’s no shame in admitting you’re not coping. So many people have anxiety and they don’t realise; I see it in friends and it’s normal. I was very vulnerable when I was younger after losing my mum, and then experiencing fame with TOWIE. My…

How much do you spend per week? Around £60-£80. I do most of my food shopping at the supermarket round the corner. Describe your daily diet… I’m vegan, so lots of dishes full of salad, beans, houmous, tofu or Quorn. For breakfast I’ll have a soya-based or coconut-based yoghurt with sugar-free granola, or toast with avocado. For dinner, I’ll have something like a Chinese stir-fry with tofu. Is there anything you refuse to eat? Being vegan, I don’t eat dairy or meat. People think a vegan diet is dull, which just isn’t true. You discover the natural sweetness of things like vegetables and salads. When you start eating fresh things and put stuff like lemon juice or balsamic on your food, it just tastes amazing. Strangest thing you’ve eaten? Raw…

RELATIONSHIPS HOW TO TELL YOUR PARTNER IT’S NOT WORKING Even the strongest relationships can hit trouble. Emma explains why talking to your partner – not others – is key Time and time again I see couples who have discussed their relationship problems with everyone but their other half. We often ask friends and family for advice, but we give a one-sided story, and paint our partner as the villain, plus our nearest and dearest will naturally be protective of us. All of this could mean you break up with a perfectly decent partner, rather than working on your relationship. Great relationships are built on communication and, by talking to your friends instead of your partner, you take away that communication. Make a commitment to discuss any issues in your relationship…

1 CELEBRITY MASTERCHEF 20 FAMOUS FOLK IN THE KITCHEN FROM MON 2 SEPT, 9PM, BBC1 Professional dimwit Joey Essex joins Neil “Razor” Ruddock, Dame Zandra Rhodes, athlete Andy Grant and the lovely Oti Mabuse for heat one. He didn’t realise that sausages could be made by hand and he’s never heard of the herb thyme before (though by sheer luck he chucks some into his bangers and mash mix and, astonishingly, Gregg ’n’ John give him the thumbs up). Oti did once give herself food poisoning with a dish she made, but all in all everyone does pretty well on episode one (of three this week). 2 DON’T TELL THE BRIDE BRILLIANT TV RIGHT HERE SUN 1 SEPT, 9PM, E4 Would you let your fella organise every little detail of…

What did you think when Simon announced he wanted to do another BGT this year? I thought, “I’m going to have to change my holiday plans!” It was a surprise as it came together quite quickly, but America’s Got Talent Champions has been a big success. I remember thinking, “Oh, why can’t we do that?” I think it’s a really cool idea – bringing back the much-loved UK contestants and mixing them with the best of the best from around the world. What was it like for you walking out at Wembley? I’ve played Wembley Arena before, when we did a live tour of Little Britain, but the thing that’s quite weird on BGT is that as judges we’ve got our back to the audience. I’ve always found that hard,…

‘ SHE’S AT ROCK BOTTOM AND CAN’T SEE A WAY OUT’ Still sporting the stitches and swelling from her latest round of cosmetic surgery, Jordan was spotted looking worse for wear as she slid off a stool during a boozy night club performance last week, grabbing onto the wall to steady herself. Shocked fans, who had turned up to see the 41-year-old reality star perform her new dance track Hurricane, watched her stagger around the club, slurring her words, before reportedly shouting, “F** k it, I’m going to sing two songs for you tonight.” Onlookers were quick to blast the mum-of-five – who allegedly missed her son Jett’s sixth birthday last week due to pain from a face and eye lift – with one responding to a video of her…

She’s tearfully admitted to still being haunted by the sudden death of her ex-husband George Kay from a cocaine overdose, revealing, “I saw a therapist and she told me to think of something happy, but I just can’t. I keep seeing George all over the house.” And now pals reveal Kerry Katona – who has five-year-old daughter Dylan-Jorge with George – is reliving her heartache again as she prepares to speak to police amid an investigation into his death. Ex-rugby star George died on 6 July after reportedly “eating a quantity of cocaine” in front of horrified staff at the Holiday Inn in Runcorn, Cheshire. It’s claimed the 39-year-old had been acting erratically – forcing staff to call the police. TRAUMATISED Officers attended, but allegedly left the hotel after George…

Closer’s psychological therapist, Emma Kenny, has tips for minimising the pain when you lose a friend: • Don’t blame yourself. Focus on putting your time and energy into other relationships. And remember, their reasoning could be nothing to do with you. • Try to seek closure from the person who has ghosted you, so you can move on. Simply, drop them a text or an email asking for some clarification. If they won’t give it, send one last message, saying you won’t be contacting them again. • Have a game plan when it comes to dealing with mutual friends. Come up with a basic, civil response when your ex-friend is brought up that’s polite but shuts down the conversation, meaning you won’t have to analyse the situation further. • A…

Despite facing a backlash when she confessed her recent weight loss had been due to controversial appetite suppressant injections, Gemma Collins revealed she’d dropped another stone after having gastroenteritis. Gemma – who previously shed 2½st during her appearance on Dancing On Ice in January – lifted up her top to show off her physique as she waited for a train, telling fans on Instagram, “So here I go on my journey to Liverpool, and guys, I’ve lost a stone in weight. I can’t express this enough. I’ve had gastroenteritis.” She added, “Guys, I have never felt so slim in all my life. I’ve lost a stone and my clothes are hanging off me. It’s absolute madness. I’ve been sick for a week and I’ve got to say on this occasion…

They were thrust into the spotlight after being caught up in one of the biggest scandals of last year – and now Neil and Katya Jones have called it quits on their marriage. Neil, 37, and Katya, 30 – who are both professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing – announced they were going their separate ways on social media, saying, “We will always love each other, just in a different way as friends.” The announcement comes 10 months after Katya was papped kissing her Strictly celebrity partner Seann Walsh at a pub during their time together on the show. At the time, Katya publicly apologised, adding, “The main thing, me and Neil are absolutely fine and that’s what matters to me the most right now,” while Neil described it as…

They had one of the most secretive relationships in Hollywood – making just a handful of appearances together and managing to keep out of the spotlight for the first two years of their romance. And as it was reported that Katie Holmes, 40, ended her six-year romance with Jamie Foxx, 51, back in May, pals say the mum-of-one – who shares 13-year-old daughter Suri with ex-husband Tom Cruise, 57 – called time on the relationship after the dad-of-two made a U-turn over starting a family together. A source says, “Katie was desperate for another baby and made her feelings clear to Jamie from very early on in their relationship, which he embraced and said he wouldn’t rule out becoming a dad again. “But over time, Jamie started making excuses, which…

When the RSPCA visited Lynn Stoker’s house last May, inspectors found crates containing over 100 malnourished dogs, piled on top of each other. And last week, Stoker, 62, from Northumberland, was found guilty of 11 charges of causing unnecessary suffering. She will be sentenced next month. But shockingly, Stoker is just one of many breeders cashing-in on a multi-million pound industry by selling puppies who have been bred and then are kept in unsuitable conditions, before being sold. FATAL ILLNESSES A recent survey found that one in three buyers didn’t know how to find a reputable source for their puppy, and of those who bought through an online shop or over the internet, 46 per cent had experienced health problems during the first year, including fatal illness. Teja Mikucionyte, 22,…

CHERYL Earlier this month, Katherine hit the headlines for getting backlash over a joke she made about Cheryl, where she took a humorous look at the time Cheryl had malaria back in 2010. She said, “The nation’s sweetheart… She’s so tiny though. If she was born in the winter, she wouldn’t have made it. Tiny! And you just can’t knock her down. Even God tried. Malaria! She won’t die. She’s a very strong woman.” But Katherine says she reckons the star would have realised she was only joking, telling Closer , “I think Cheryl would know I was kidding – these celebs get it when I roast them! And she is ridiculously tiny, she takes up very little space! She’s valued for being tiny and pretty, so that’s what I…

WIDE STRIDES Swap skinnies for a wide-leg jean to help lengthen legs and pull your waist in. Keep the look tonal and team with blues for a polished finish. SHIRT, RIVER ISLAND, £35 TROUSERS, NOBODY’S CHILD, £32 EARRINGS, ACCESSORIZE, £2.50 BAG, NEW LOOK, £15.99 SHOES, MARKS & SPENCER, £25 MINTY FRESH For an easy update, switch up classic blue for pretty pastel shades. Mix and match this co-ord with chunky knits, slogan tees and floaty frocks. JACKET, TOPSHOP, £45; TOP, MARKS & SPENCER, £6.50; SKIRT, TOPSHOP, £29; BAG, NEW LOOK, £19.99; EARRINGS, NEW LOOK, £5.99 DRESSED UP Smarten your denim by opting for darker washes. This halter-neck beauty will work just as well in the office as it will at a summer party. DRESS, ASOS, £45 HEADBAND, NEW LOOK, £4.99…

1 THE BRIGHTENER VITAMIN C Skin can look duller as the weather cools down, so use brightening vitamin C to give your face a healthy glow. Using it in an eye cream will banish under-eye bags, leaving you looking fresh-faced and wide awake, no matter how little sleep you’ve had. Dab on gently with your hands in the mornings and you’ll see a difference after a few days. 2 THE ANTI-AGER RETINOL The hype around the wonder ingredient retinol hasn’t died down. It’s a super-boosted version of vitamin A, which helps cells renew quicker and leaves skin looking clearer and younger. It’s really effective – so much so that you may find your skin begins to shed or dry out after the first uses, but that’s a normal part of…

• Eat with your children, even if that means getting up earlier in the mornings. Kids learn by copying – if they see you eating healthily, they’re more likely to do the same. • Make food look more appealing – arrange vegetables on a plate to look like a funny face, and put packed lunches in colourful, eye-catching containers. • Hide vegetables, like peas and green beans, in mashed potato or pasta tubes, or grate carrot and whiz up lentils, then add to sauces like bolognese.…

Mum-of-four Sheree Murphy, 44, reveals her last purchases £25 On 11-year-old Matilda’s new dress for high school. £30 For a new pair of Clarks shoes for seven-year-old Dolly. Buying school shoes is the bane of my life! £15 For three new water bottles from the supermarket. It’s the latest craze – we have a cupboard full of them. £15 On pencils from WHSmith. We buy new ones at the start of each school year, then they often get a pencil case from Smiggle at Christmas. • Listen to the Hot Mess Mums Club on podcasts.apple.com…

STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST WITH CORN ON THE COB SERVES 2 • 2 skinless free-range chicken breasts • 50g firm goat’s cheese, grated • 1 red Cayenne or other hot red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped • Small handful fresh coriander, chopped • 1 shallot, very finely chopped • 2 large slices prosciutto • 1tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing • 2 corn on the cobs, each cut in half • Mixed salad, to serve STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 190°C/fan170°C/gas 5. STEP 2 Use a sharp knife to cut lengthways into the chicken breasts to form a cavity. STEP 3 Mix together the cheese, chilli, coriander and shallot and fill into the chicken breasts. Season, wrap with the prosciutto and secure the open side with cocktail sticks. STEP…

‘IF MEDICS CONFUSE YOU, ASK QUESTIONS’ A teenage boy died after a difficult call to NHS 111, which failed to spot how ill he was. Dr C says if advice is unclear, get clarification Seventeen-year-old Alex called NHS 111 with excruciating stomach pain, black “coffee ground” vomiting and black stools. He was told to call his GP within six hours, but it was an emergency and he eventually died. His dad blamed confusing advice from 111, and a coroner has also said that was partly to blame, too. DESCRIBE CLEARLY Black stools mean there’s blood from higher up the digestive tract, and coffee ground vomiting is also a classic sign of something like a stomach ulcer. If someone told me they had black stools and black vomit, I would send…

One of the hardest things to deal with when dating is the massacre of my confidence when nothing works out. And there are people who prey on this. There’s a certain breed of attached man who needs to convince himself that he’s irresistible and he makes the assumption that just because I’m single I must be desperate to be with him. It happened on a night out recently when a guy was doing what I describe as “peacocking”, prancing around the bar in a shirt that was too tight and repeatedly flicking his hair trying to get eye contact with every girl. As he approached me, he told me he was on his stag, so I congratulated him on his impending nuptials. He said he wanted to chat as he…

What was it about this that appealed? I’d seen the real Steve Fulcher being interviewed and there is something about him that I like. His downfall and his story is pretty tragic really. It was also the fact that it’s written by [Bafta-winning] Jeff Pope. Did you get to meet Steve? He came on set a couple of times and I spent a good afternoon with him before we started shooting. You pick up a vibe from someone about whether you trust them or not and I think he’s essentially a good and decent man – and obviously a very good copper. He was a highly decorated and respected policeman, but a decision he made means he now can’t work in this country any more. He didn’t do a terrible…

MUST READ Degrees of Guilt (HS CHANDLER) Maria is on trial for attempted murder. She has confessed to the crime and it is true that she wanted her husband dead. Meanwhile, Lottie, who is on the jury for the trial, embarks on an illicit affair with a stranger. Going in, you may think you know who is guilty and who is innocent in this legal thriller, but you will be wrong… It’s a powerful read that we managed to complete in one sitting. BEST DAYS OUT Girl On The Train Based on Paula Hawkins’ best-selling thriller, The Girl On The Train has been adapted for the stage. Ex-EastEnders actress Samantha Womack delivers a heartfelt performance in the lead role of Rachel [played by Emily Blunt in the 2016 film]. Follow…

THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN VIRGO 23 AUG-22 SEP The week’s New Moon is in your sign, so you have a real opportunity to start all over again in any part of your life. Make like a good Virgo and list your plans for the next 12 months. It’s a powerful exercise. PS Working with the Moon is life-changing – find out how at moonmessages. com/moonlite LIBRA 23 SEP-22 OCT If you can get away from it all on some kind of retreat, that will work super well! The New Moon in your 12th House is the time for you to think about the past 12 months, what you have learned and how you’ll use those lessons from here on in. PS Working with the Moon is life-changing – find…

She’s gone from being the nation’s sweetheart and one of the country’s biggest music stars to struggling to keep her dwindling career alive amid a disappointing music comeback – and also faced harsh criticism for her judging role on The Greatest Dancer earlier this year. And insiders say Cheryl, 36, was left devastated last week after it was reported that Madame Tussauds had removed her waxwork because she was “no longer relevant” – believing it’s the ultimate sign her career is taking a downward turn. Sources claimed the singer’s waxwork – which had a number of adjustments over the years due to her changing looks since it first appeared at the iconic London museum in 2010 – is “being stored in the archives” amid reports she no longer fits the…

She’s been the darling of British TV, delighting fans on Gogglebox, winning I’m A Celebrity! and becoming a TV presenter in her own right. But Scarlett Moffatt’s latest project has divided opinions and ignited a backlash. In her new show, The British Tribe Next Door, the Geordie star, 26, will head out to Namibia with her family to live alongside members of an African tribe for four weeks – in a complete replica of her family home. While Scarlett and family will live in their house – with all their homeware including phone chargers, hair straighteners and a microwave – the Namibian Himba people will also continue to live as usual with minimal possessions in one hut. The show will look at how the two lifestyles contrast and how human…

Danielle Da Silva, 31, lives in Preston with her husband. She says, “I met Hannah* at college when we were introduced by a mutual friend. We went through exams, heartbreaks and first jobs together, and we spent a wild week in Ibiza clubbing until sunrise. When I got married, Hannah and her mum came to the wedding. “But, in October 2017, just days before Hannah’s own wedding, my nan fell ill and was admitted to hospital. I rushed to her bedside, where doctors told us she had sepsis and might not make it. With the wedding due to take place in Cambridge – a four-hour drive from Preston – I knew I couldn’t be so far away. And when I called Hannah to explain the situation, she said she completely…

She’s been open about wanting a family – and now reality star Lydia Bright has confirmed the happy news that she’s expecting her first child in February. But she also revealed last week that she had sadly split from the baby’s father, Lee Cronin, saying, “It’s not the ideal situation. I waited quite a long time to try for a baby, waited until I thought it was perfect.” Things had been rocky between Lydia, 29, and personal trainer Lee, with the pair splitting last December after 18 months, and Lydia saying “things got bad” – before reconciling a few months later. In January, Lee sadly revealed they’d been talking about getting married and insisted their love would never fizzle out. Coming from a big family, where she was always surrounded…

It was recently revealed that Nick Knowles was dating PR girl Emily Hallinan, who is 30 years his junior. And now her parents have spoken out, saying they wouldn’t be meeting their daughter’s new flame. The DIY SOS presenter, 56, has reportedly been dating Emily, 26, for four months after the pair met while working together. But Emily’s mother, Phillipa – who is the same age as Nick – has said, “There is rather a big age gap between them. We’ve not met him and I don’t think it’s likely we will meet him.’ Nick has been married twice – first to Gillian Brown, with whom he shares daughter Tuesday, 26, and son Charlie, 25, and then to Jessica, 31, with whom he shares son Eddie, five. He also has…

STACEY: SILENCED THE CRITICS ‘Families come in all shapes and sizes – what’s important is is the love is there’ She welcomed Rex, her first child with her boyfriend Joe Swash in May, but Stacey Solomon’s happiness was somewhat tainted by cruel trolls who slammed her for having three kids with different dads. Stacey, 29, is mum to Zachary, 11, with Dean Cox, and Leighton, seven, with Aaron Bartham, while Joe, 39, has Harry, 12, with his ex-fiancée Emma Sophocleous. And in a defiant Instagram post last week, Stacey said, “Recently I’ve experienced people having a lot to say about alternative family set-ups… I used to really beat myself up about not being able to offer them [her sons] a ‘normal’, ‘perfect’ family all under one roof. Until I realised…

• Don’t buy a puppy. Every year, 130,000 dogs desperate for a home come into UK animal shelters, such as Battersea Dogs Home or Dogs Trust. They will assess you to ensure you and your dog are a good match and will be on hand for support after rehoming. Some even offer reduced vet rates. • If you insist on buying a dog, purchase one from a Kennel Club Assured Breeder, who will have had their premises inspected by them. • When buying from a breeder, ask to see the puppies with their mum as well as the places they sleep and eat. • If you see an animal in distress, call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. And please sign the RSPCA’s petition to teach animal welfare in schools.…

‘Sitting on the sofa next to Phil was daunting’ DO SIMPLE THINGS WITH YOUR PARTNER “I’ve always said that being with someone who you can properly belly laugh with is very special. I look at Frank now and still feel exactly the way I did when I first met him. The key to our 10-year relationship is we love the really simple things that make us smile. We both have a day off in the week, and we both get excited about what we’re going to do that day. It doesn’t have to be romantic or overly fancy – I mean going to the pub and getting really tipsy at lunchtime. It’s one date day, and we get really excited about it.” WHEN YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW “When Frank and…

WORK OF ART These abstract resin earrings are ideal for spicing up a simple outfit. The blue adds a pop of colour and complements the gold perfectly. £8, ACCESSORIZE WHAT A GEM For an opulent finishing flourish, try these rich teardrop numbers. Get them noticed by pulling your hair back into a chic bun. £12.99, ZARA HOOP TO IT You can’t beat classic hoops for simple glamour. This sterling silver pair will go with everything from jeans to dresses. £16, ACCESSORIZE ANIMAL INSTINCT If bold prints seem a bit daunting to you, ease yourself in with this subtle nod to the trend. Keep the look neutral and wear with creams and caramels. £6.99, H&M SILVER SCREEN Nothing completes a fancy frock more than a bit of bling, and these dramatic…

Premium pushchair brand Joolz is offering the opportunity for one lucky prize winner to take delivery of the sophisticated and popular Joolz Day3 pushchair. You’ll be able to strut in style with Joolz’ brand-new Classic Blue, which has a sustainable twist. This new fabric is made using recycled plastic bottles, which are turned into yarn. With an impressive 76 bottles in every Joolz Day3 pushchair, it’s one small step in the right direction towards a more sustainable future. Not only that, but you’ll also receive a stylish Joolz Nursery Bag to match, ensuring you have everything on-hand – including a changing mat and insulated bottle pockets. Not stopping there, the winner will also receive a Joolz Essentials Blanket, just in time to keep your little one warm during those cooler…

• I started to crack the whip while the kids were young. They feed our two Chihuahuas, Koko and Lenny, pick up any poo in the garden, make their own beds, and bring down dirty laundry. They put their breakfast bowls in the dishwasher, too. I reward them with pocket money and it teaches them to work hard. • I’m organised with school – I keep diaries in which I make notes of all the important dates during the year. • I’ve made many mistakes over the years, and to any mums whose kids have just started at school, I’d recommend opening up to other mums. You can guarantee everyone has forgotten a spelling book or a satchel at some point. Don’t try to be Supermum, because it puts you…

1 INDIE BAY SNACKS 99p, all supermarkets  Crunchy and moreish, these vegan bites are made from natural ingredients and have rich, nutty flavours. 2 DEL MONTE SQUEEZIES , 50p each/7 for £3, Asda  Made with 100% fruit – no artificial ingredients, no added sugar. Kids can also collect the caps to build fun structures. 3 UNICORN FRUIT FLAKES , £2, all supermarkets These soft and chewy fruity flakes are made from real fruit purées of strawberry, raspberry and blackcurrant, and count towards their five-a-day. 4 BABYBEL MINI ROLLS , £1.99, supermarkets There’s a small glass of milk packed into every swirly roll. These cheesy snacks have no artificial nasties, plus they’re naturally lactose-free too. 5 HAWKERS SNACKS , 5 for £3.50, Ocado A healthy alternative to crisps, these soya and…

She’s been open about her struggle to maintain her weight in the past, admitting that years spent yo-yo dieting caused her figure to fluctuate. But since adopting a healthier approach towards diet and exercise, Frankie Essex believes she’s finally free of her weight demons. Last year, the star – who found fame on TOWIE in 2011 alongside brother Joey – gained 2st after an ongoing knee injury prevented her from exercising. But now the 32-year-old, who is 5ft 7, is back down to a slender size 8-10, weighing just over 11st, and her confidence has soared. FRESH START Frankie tells Closer , “For the first time in ages, I feel good about myself and I’m happier. At Christmas, I was heavier and used my knee as an excuse not to…

INSIDE KRISTINA’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Ketchup • Coconut yoghurt • Tofu • Blueberries • Chicken breasts • Vegan Quorn • Lemon • Beetroot • Rice noodles • Salad • Cabbage • Tomatoes • Stir-fry veg • Balsamic vinegar • Green beans • Aloe vera drink • Vegan whipped cream • Innocent smoothie • Cherry juice • Coconut milk VERDICT NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “Kristina eats plenty of plant proteins, such as tofu, Quorn and beans, and the variety in her diet means she’s getting a range of vitamins and minerals. She may like to include a few more dairy alternatives such as soya milk or yoghurt – choosing ones fortified with calcium and vitamin B12 will help to boost her intake of these two nutrients, which can be lacking…

Fish and chips now and then is OK, but we all know that too much junk food is bad. Now a study has found it really ups the risk of heart attacks. Researchers looked at the post codes of more than 3,000 patients who’d suffered a heart attack, then counted how many fast food joints were in each area – and the more junk that was available, the more heart attacks there were. Dr C says, “It’s all about how often you eat it. If takeaways are a regular part of your weekly diet, start by swapping one for a healthier homemade meal.”…

I’M PROUD OF... following my heart. I received a scholarship to theatre school when I was 14 and my dreams were taking off. I had to leave a couple of years later when my mum went blind. After Celebrity Big Brother in 2018, I got back into acting and started to have faith in my abilities. MY BIGGEST REGRET IS... getting married too early, it was a bit stupid [Jess married rugby star Denny Solomona during a holiday to Las Vegas in 2016 after being together less than a year]. We’ve recently divorced and I’m in a good place. I’VE LEARNED... that you can’t plan for anything as you don’t know the future. I always thought, “I’ll do this by this time or that by a certain age,” and none…

Bianca Butcher isn’t exactly what you’d call a soap style icon, but she’s always been known for her – let’s call them “interesting” – fashion choices. “Bianca’s costumes have always been way out there,” laughs Patsy Palmer (47), who has played the feisty character on and off for 16 years. “But it was nice this time around to put some new ones on and mix it up a bit: the new with the old. Although, the fashion has changed now and everyone seems to be wearing all of the stuff Bianca wears, like the neon outfits.”…

Back in 2011, Detective Superintendent Steve Fulcher resigned from his position after he failed to caution Swindon taxi driver Christopher Halliwell, and interrogated him without legal representation present. Though his actions compromised the subsequent court case, the confession he obtained did ultimately put Halliwell behind bars for the killings of two women, Sian O'Callaghan and Becky Godden. Since leaving the police force, Steve Felcher has been on contract in Somalia, as adviser to the Federal Government.…

LOUISE THOMPSON Oh, Louise, we really would have some sympathy for you... if it wasn’t for the fact that you’re drop-dead gorgeous and not even 30 yet!! CHARLOTTE CROSBY We get the same feeling Chaz, usually when we’re queuing at Greggs. INSPIGRAM KHLOÉ KARDASHIAN “We know this, Khloé – you could start over each morning, or just roll over and hit snooze like we do.”…