Table of contents for Issue 893 in Closer

Could there BE any better news? The Friends reunion is officially on, and it turns out it could even have been Brad Pitt who gave his ex Jennifer Aniston the nudge to help make it happen. Her character, Rachel Green, and the gang were the poster generation for flat-sharing in your twenties, but as they – and their devoted viewers – got older, the idea naturally lost its appeal and family homes were the goal. Now, though, sky-high house prices and the break-up of relationships mean some people are moving full circle and are on round two of the flat-share trend. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Far from it! This week, on p18, we meet the mid-life housemates who say it’s the best thing ever… without so much…

❛SHE LOOKS IN THE MIRROR AND LIKES THE PERSON STARING BACK AT HER❜ She has lived a roller coaster life of ups and downs – including taking drugs at the age of 14, battling mental health issues and overcoming bankruptcy. But Kerry Katona has not only transformed her life, she is now determined to help others by embarking on a new career as a counsellor. CHARITY WORK The former Atomic Kitten singer gave up drinking last year and has been clean from drugs for ten years. Kerry – who has spoken openly about her struggle with bipolar disorder – is now a regular church-goer and is also supporting vulnerable kids in her new role as ambassador for the Frank Bruno Foundation charity, which seeks to break down the stigma around…

Cradling her baby bump on a rare night out in London last week, a glowing Sheridan Smith appeared happy and healthy as she cosied up to her fiancé, Jamie Horn. Fans quickly complimented the 38-year-old actress – who looked stylish in an all-black outfit – on social media, with one writing, “She looks so different! Pregnancy suits her,” while another posted, “Gorgeous. She’s obviously looking after herself.” ENGAGED Her happiness comes four years after she took a hiatus from the spotlight following a mental breakdown in 2016, sparked by the death of her beloved father Colin from cancer. ❛SHE AND JAMIE ARE GREAT TOGETHER AND SHE FEELS SO LUCKY TO HAVE FOUND HIM❜ After previously saying that “her life fell apart”, she since became engaged to City worker Jamie, 28,…

Software manager Nitzan Marinov, 50, is single and lives in London. She has been renting out her spare room for 12 years and says it works for her. She says, “When my ex and I split up and he moved out, I wanted to stay in the flat, but the only way it made financial sense was to take in a lodger. “At first I was concerned, as it felt like I was going backwards – I hadn’t shared with anyone apart from a partner for over 15 years, and I felt like I was losing my privacy. “But it’s mostly been a positive experience. It has given me extra money and hasn’t impinged much on my life. “I’m careful about safety, fitting locks on my bedroom door, but once…

TAMZIN CELEBRATES HER AGE-GAP ROMANCE She revealed her split from husband Tom Ellis had left her “brutally broken” – but Tamzin Outhwaite last week opened up about how she’s since found love and happiness again with toyboy Tom Child. The EastEnders actress, 49, has been dating Tom, 28, since 2018 – and revealed that she’s happier than ever with him, and that their age gap isn’t an issue. She said, “He’s rather lovely. He really is… It does work. It’s about energy and about connection, I think. It doesn’t matter how much you fight it – there’s 20 years between us.” During the interview, Tamzin added she laughs off any comments about the age gap between her and her new man, saying, “I tell you what it is, when you…

When Michelle Clark saw a homeless man and his dog camped outside her local supermarket, she wanted to help. She returned with blankets and dog food, and although the owner was thrilled, she knew more needed to be done to assist homeless people and their pets. Michelle, 50, says, “I was worried about the dog’s health and wondered when he’d last been seen by a vet.” So, soon after, Michelle, who owned a pet accessories and supplies business, began to aid more animals who are sleeping rough with their owners. And in 2017, she set up her own charity, Dogs on the Streets (DOTS), which helps provide veterinary care to dogs with homeless owners, as well as essentials such as food, coats, leads and collars. She says, “I wanted to…

HEAVY PETAL Steal the show at an upcoming spring soirée with this gorgeous jumpsuit, which is super flattering thanks to the tie-waist detail. Pair with matching heels. JUMPSUIT ASOS £52 EARRINGS NEW LOOK £2.99 SHOES EGO £39.99 RETRO BLOOMS This versatile high-neck top is both pretty and prim. Layer under dresses and pinafores or tuck into paperbag jeans for a laid-back, ’80s-inspired look. TOP V BY VERY £18 JEANS MISS SELFRIDGE £42 EARRINGS NEW LOOK £2.99 DENIM DAZE Update your jeans with a dose of blossom. A wide-leg cut flatters all shapes, helping to slim and lengthen legs. SHIRT RIVER ISLAND £35 TROUSERS ASOS £38 EARRINGS PRIMARK £2 BAG NEW LOOK £15.99 TRAINERS DUNE £85 PRETTY PRIMROSE You can’t beat a floral dress, and the graphic print on this number…

SIMPLE HAIR STRAIGHTENING It’s hard to find straighteners that do the job without a hefty price tag, so we’re impressed with this purse-friendly pair. Heating up in just 15 seconds, with variable temperature settings, the anti-static ceramic plates help protect hair. Glide through for silky, smooth tresses in an instant. QUICK DRYING TRESSES This bargain hairdryer has received rave reviews online, and we can see why. It dries locks in no time and has a ceramic coating to add shine and protect from heat damage. It’s lightweight and compact, so perfect for packing in your suitcase. SILKY LEGS Want to get your skin back to looking silky smooth? This rechargeable epilator contains 32 tweezers that remove hair directly from the root. When used regularly, it reduces regrowth and the need…

GO VEGAN YOU DON’T NEED MEAT TO MAKE A MEAL OF IT... CHICKPEA SCRAMBLE 511 CALS 31G FAT 8.2G SUGAR 0.8G SALT PER SERVING SERVES 2 • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 small or 1/2 large leek, chopped •1/2 red pepper, finely diced • 400g can tinned chickpeas, drained • 1 tbsp sweet paprika • 1 pinch chilli flakes • 100g spinach leaves • Handful cherry tomatoes, halved • 2 slices of toast • 1 avocado, stone removed, sliced STEP 1 Put a large saucepan over a medium heat and add the olive oil, leek, and pepper. Fry for about 5–10 mins, until soft and lightly browned. STEP 2 Put half of the chickpeas into a blender and blitz, then add to the pan with the remaining whole chickpeas.…

We may dream of leading a simple life, but having plenty to do is great for your memory and is key to good health. Researchers tracked the different activities that 732 people did every day, and after ten years, those who stayed busy and led varied lives had healthier brains. They had better memories and attention spans, and could solve problems more easily. Doing lots of passive things, like binge-watching TV, on the other hand, saw brains get slower. So to stay sharp, enjoy a varied, fun social life.…

I’M PROUD OF... still being in showbiz. It’s quite hard, especially for the younger ones trying to make a career out of it. It is difficult to do for a long time, but I’ve managed it. I’VE LEARNED... people often just want a bit of kindness. When I was a little girl, I fell over in the playground. One of my teachers was so kind. She gathered me up and took time out to help and comfort me. That stayed with me. A kind word goes a long way. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN... is to not disregard people, but also listen to yourself – you’ll find the right way forward. It’s something my dad said to me. He was great – as well as being supportive…

Juggling a busy job, family issues, health worries and everything else life throws at you can often feel overwhelming. In fact, three in four of us Brits admit to feeling stressed or unable to cope. But those under excessive and prolonged stress are at risk of burnout – a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion, which 41.8 per cent of UK professionals admit to being on the verge of. The World Health Organisation even lists it as a recognised “occupational phenomenon”. “Burnout comes from a multiple of stressors that build up over a period of time,” explains Rosie Millen, a burnout coach (missnutritonist.com). “For most people, work is one of those things. Other circumstances include being in a toxic relationship, dealing with a difficult family member, being ill, or…

Show bosses have been working with Bowel Cancer UK on Vanessa’s storyline, which takes place over the coming months. Michelle Hardwick, who’s played Vanessa on the show since 2012, said, “They have been enormously helpful to me in researching Vanessa’s symptoms and treatment. I hope to do the story justice. I was really shocked to learn that bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, and the second biggest cancer killer – but diagnosed early is treatable.”…

Loose Women star Andrea McLean, 50, one of several famous faces taking part in this year’s Celebrity Boat Race for Sport Relief… What is the Celebrity Boat Race? It’s basically a load of celebrities [including Hollyoaks’ star Chelsee Healey, ITV’s Dr Ranj and MIC’s Jamie Laing] rowing really badly in Manchester with some Olympians shaking their heads on the side-lines, and holding their heads in disbelief that they ever thought this was a good idea. I think that kind of sums up the whole thing… And you got involved because…? Sport Relief is such a huge thing. It’s about getting people up out of their chairs and thinking of different ways to raise money. I know there are other celebrities who are trekking, cycling, and doing all sorts of things,…

Cath is so chilled out that she’s not remotely alarmed by the pebbles in her plush garden bursting into flames. Spooky. Robbie’s moving his ‘aerial’ around until he gets a good reception. With that pert bum, we’d always give him a good reception! CRISTIANO RONALDO Cristiano panicked that the kids may have had too many baked beans in their diet… then he realised it was a jacuzzi bath. Phew. Some people choose their cookies for the crunch. Others for the amount of choc chips. Busy prefers ones that are bigger than her head. Very wise. Liv’s ‘selfie’ suddenly turns into a ‘Frenchie’ thanks to her attention-seeking French bulldog. Too cute! SAMIRA MIGHTY Well, Samira, we suspect you’ve either suffered a nasty knock on the head, or this post has been…

Their divorce was finalised in January, following a public and often acrimonious break-up. But despite the feud between exes Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong since he announced their split in early 2018 – with Lisa openly venting her frustration and heartbreak on her Twitter feed – the make-up artist seems to have offered an olive branch by liking a tweet by Ant’s best pal and co-presenter Dec Donnelly from his and Ant’s joint account. STARK CONTRAST After the return of their popular show Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Dec wrote, “Thanks for all the lovely messages, we’re so happy you enjoyed... It’s great to be back!” Lisa’s apparent show of support by liking the tweet is in stark contrast to her previous social media posts about Ant, 44, and…

They’ve been friends for years, with Lauren Goodger being one of the few famous faces who attended Jordan’s wedding to Kieran Hayler back in 2013. And now it seems Lauren is morphing into the former page 3 pin-up – real name Katie Price – after dyeing her long hair extensions dark and striking similar sexy poses on Instagram. The ex- TOWIE star appears to be taking her cue from her model pal – who has been there and done it all before. There are remarkable similarities between the pair in the images, ranging from naked shots in the bath to sexy belfies (bum selfies) in their bedrooms. BOOST Responding to one particular raunchy shot uploaded last week, a fan told Lauren, “Thought you were Katie Price then, you look just…

Suzanne Noble, 59, has set up a flat-sharing website for the over-50s (Silversharers. com), connecting long-term renters to home owners. She says, “Sharing a living space can work really well. But you need to understand what you’re looking for and what your boundaries are. You need to set out whether you see it as a social arrangement or just sharing a space for convenience – both situations work as long as you’re on the same page. The biggest areas of contention are cleanliness, noise, and partners coming to stay. Set out your boundaries on those and stick to them.”…

CHLOE: ‘Be fussy about the work you do’ After appearing on the third series of Love Island, Chloe Crowhurst hosted a slot on This Morning and appeared on Love Island: Aftersun, but took a break from the spotlight when she felt the pressure got too much. Chloe, 22, says, “When I left, I was advised that I had a ‘time limit’ and encouraged to do everything while I was still in demand. I ended up feeling like I couldn’t say no or I’d be letting myself down and miss opportunities. I started to get ill – I was getting tonsillitis a lot and feeling anxious and stressed. I was pleasing other people and putting a smile on my face, just because I felt I had to. “In the end, for…

TOWIE star Pete Wicks, 31, is a patron for Dogs on the Streets. He says, “Dogs are crucial for an owner’s mental wellbeing. My rescue dogs, Eric and Peggy, are like my kids – it would kill me if we were ripped apart. “The precious bond between dogs and humans needs to be valued more, and procedures need to be put in place to ensure people don’t get separated from their pets. Michelle’s work makes a real difference to the homeless community.”…

SCANDI COOL AT H&M HOME Their homeware range is hardly a secret, but H&M Home have upped the ante recently, launching Scandi- style furniture (we have our eye on this gorgeous storage unit below, £150) as well as expanding on soft furnishings to include rugs. It’s perfect for those with minimalist taste. KITSCH TRINKETS AT NEW LOOK We’re long-time fans of New Look’s clothing collection, but their move into home decor has grabbed our attention. Their latest kitchenware and bathroom accessories, ranging from cute planters to slogan mugs, will instantly brighten any surface. They’re great gift options, too. LUXE FOR LESS AT ARGOS Once reserved for picking up electrical appliances, Argos’ new homeware range has had a serious revamp, thanks to swanky touches and designer copies. With countless options that…

INSIDE GIOVANNA AND TOM’S FRIDGE • Margarine • Peanut butter • Avocado • Pickled onions • Sliced gherkins • Chocolate • Tomatoes • Smoothies • Milk • Yoghurt • Chilli cheese • Soft cheese • Cheddar cheese • Mozzarella • Asparagus • Cucumber • Cauliflower • Cod fillets • Chicken fillets • Prawns • Carrots • Peppers • Apple juice • Orange juice • Coconut milk • Oat milk • Almond milk VERDICT NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS, “It’s great to see Tom and Giovanna enjoying family meals. Studies show children who eat with their parents tend to have better diets. The key to healthy meals is to include foods from the four main food groups – starchy foods, fruit and veg, dairy, and lean proteins. Paellas and curries, with yoghurt…

ALL ABOUT YOU HOW TO FEEL MORE CONFIDENT AT WORK If you feel overlooked, frustrated, or bored in the office, Emma has strategies to help you turn things around for the better If you want to progress in your career, or feel more well-liked in the workplace, authenticity is key. First, be honest with yourself about your struggles. If you feel you’re not taken seriously, ask to meet your boss for a coffee, and discuss your aspirations. Have a list of questions about how they achieved their success, and ask for tips. This will put you on their radar, and you will leave feeling inspired. If you feel unhappy, instead of moaning to co-workers, find someone who’s removed enough to offer an unbiased view. This perspective will make the situation…

In 2011, Laura Gaga, a civil servant from London, discovered “yellow sticker” shopping – where food that’s approaching its sell-by date is labelled with a cut-price yellow sticker. She says, “My colleague Andy would bring ‘yellow sticker’ food to work for lunch, and I was so impressed by how much he was saving that I started looking for the stickers myself. I was saving up to 90 per cent on fruit and pre-prepared sandwiches. Before, I spent £50 a week on food shopping just for me. I often spent £10 a day at work on lunch, snacks and drinks. My food spend last month was just £23.57 – less than £6 a week – including fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, chocolate, meat substitutes [Laura’s vegan], houmous, coffee and peanut butter.…

INCREASE YOUR CALORIES “Most people I see for burnout aren’t eating enough,” says Rosie. “Women need 2,000 calories a day, and food is energy, so it’s important to fill up on nutritious foods like brown rice, pasta, chickpeas, lentils, lean proteins and vegetables. Fifty per cent of the population is deficient in magnesium, and stress is one of the biggest things that depletes it, so ensure you’re eating plenty of nutrient-rich dark green veg like spinach and kale.” GET AS MUCH SLEEP AS POSSIBLE “You need to be getting at least eight hours of sleep a night to function properly. The hours of sleep between 10pm and midnight are the most refreshing as your melatonin levels (the sleep hormone) are highest at this point, so getting to bed early is…

1 THE UNDATEABLES HEARTWARMING AND MAGICAL WED 11 MARCH, 9PM, C4 Finding that special someone isn’t always as straightforward as it could be, which is where this completely brilliant series comes in – helping extraordinary singletons in the search for true love. Nicholas, 26, could well be our new Undateables favourite. An aspiring football commentator from Berkshire, he has Asperger’s and is armed with a list of specific criteria for that special someone, along with questions to ask on a date. Meanwhile, “diva” Shantae, 22 – who has Down’s syndrome – is a little ball of energy who is “better than Beyoncé” (too right). We also meet 28-year-old Sam who is a big fan of “the Robster” (Robbie Williams, FYI) and – guess what? – his date Jessica likes to…

She’s faced a series of blows recently, and more came last week when Victoria Beckham’s husband David headed to Miami in the run-up to relocating there with his Major League Soccer team Inter Miami CF – amid reports she was concerned she’d be lonely without him. BREAKING THE ICE The news followed reports that fashion designer Stella McCartney had cut ties after Posh, 45, hired her fellow designer’s nanny – with the pair later unfollowing each other on social media. The alleged spat came hot on the heels of details resurfacing of another shock “fall out” between Meghan and Posh, over allegations the mum of four had leaked stories about the Duchess. It reportedly sparked a row between pals Prince Harry and David, with sources telling Closer that Posh was…

When Armandine Gaulin, 34, split up with her partner and father of her six-year-old daughter Mia in 2018, she ended up living with him for a year afterwards because she couldn’t afford to move out. Now, however, home is a spacious, four-bedroom Victorian house with a garden, just round the corner from her old flat in Brighton. But it was only possible through an arrangement she made with fellow single mum Sonja de Rooij, 41, who has two children, Milla, five, and Jake, four. ‘MUM-MUNE’ The two women met when their daughters, who are at school together, had a play-date in October 2018 and hit it off. Armandine, who is a hairdresser and sings in a band, explains, “It started off as a joke, saying we ought to start a…

Her life came crashing down two years ago following Celebrity Big Brother’s infamous “punch-gate”. But despite previously feeling that she’d become “the most hated woman in Britain”, Roxanne Pallett now tells Closer it’s been the making of her. She’d faced a huge public backlash after accusing former Corrie star Ryan Thomas of punching her with malicious intent in the ribs during a play fight on the show in August 2018. While the incident became one of the most talked about TV moments, she admitted she had “got it wrong”. In the months that followed, the beleaguered star “went off the grid” as she underwent counselling and CBT and EMDR therapy for post-traumatic stress and panic disorder, took time out in America and slowly tried to rebuild herself. TESTING TIME While…

The UK is on high alert, as the coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, with schools closing, shoppers stockpiling food, and stores selling out of surgical facemasks and hand sanitisers. Since the first reported case in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, the COVID-19 bug has spread to over 45 countries. As Closer went to press, the virus had infected 82,000 people, killing more than 2,800 – with 19 confirmed cases in the UK. Despite a growing sense of panic, experts have been quick to warn that the risk to life is relatively low, and the Foreign Office has only advised against travel to highly-affected areas. Closer speaks to Dr Margaret Harris, a spokesperson for the World Health Organisation and a member of its coronavirus team, to separate fact from…

She’s known for her ridiculously toned physique and her down-to-earth personality, but she’s also a busy working mum of four, having welcomed youngest son Jack last summer. Abbey Clancy – who has been married to former footballer Peter Crouch for 14 years – juggles being mum to Sophia, eight, Liberty, four, two-year-old Johnny and nine-month-old Jack, with her career as a model and her fashion range with Lipsy. And Peter – who retired from football last year – is just as busy, having recently released his third book I, Robot as well as fronting his chart-topping podcast, That Peter Crouch Podcast. Abbey, 34, says, “It’s all go in our house, all the time. It’s basically like a party every day because there are so many people in it and we’re…

GET HER LOOK GIGI HADID, 24 We’re loving model Gigi’s gorgeous off-duty get-up this week. The rust tones are low-key but lovely, while mock-croc boots and a sequined bag give a touch of glam. A slick of red lippie and sunnies and you’re sorted. SPOTLIGHT ON... GIRL POWER GLAMOUR International Women’s Day is 8 March, so make sure you look the part for the annual celebration with these empowering buys – with all proceeds going to brilliant causes. Treat yourself or gift an inspirational lady in your life. FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! Lucy Hale, 30 Lucy commands attention in this vibrant get-up. The rainbow polka-print is so on trend, while the actress’ matching shoes and coat keep things grown-up and put together. We love! Kate Bosworth,37 Always one to nail…

She first shot to fame on TOWIE back in 2010, as the Essex beautician who was known for her love of cosmetic surgery. But a decade on – and now a mum of two – Amy Childs has a whole new stance on her body image. The reality star, 29, had her first boob job at the age of just 18, taking her from a 32A to 32D. Five years later, she boosted her implants to an F cup. She also had numerous rounds of lip filler, until her parents told her she had to stop because she was “looking like a freak”. Now mum to Polly, two, and her one-year-old son, Amy says that seeing her figure change during pregnancy – going up from a size 6 in 2012…

She’s had one of the biggest transformations in showbiz over the last decade. Looking almost unrecognisable from her debut Geordie Shore days in 2011 – when she was famed for her bright red hair and FF boob job – Holly Hagan went on to drop 3st and reduce her implants to a size 32DD. Holly, 27, has spoken openly about her battle with body image issues and in December revealed how serious things had got when she was labelled “the fat one” on Geordie Shore. DANGEROUS In an emotional Instagram post, she recalled, “I would resort to making myself sick, fat-freezing and eventually I would risk my life on an operating table because I genuinely believed there was no other option.” But now the reality star says she’s finally happy…

I’m not surprised STI diagnoses have gone up among middle-aged and older adults, but it’s proof we need better sex education. KNOW THE RISKS Many people think, “It won’t happen to me”. A lot of information around STIs is aimed at younger people, which could play into that assumption. STIs don’t care about age, gender, or sexuality – anyone can get anything. Statistically, younger people are more likely to get an STI. This is simply because they are more likely to be having sex with different people, as they might not be in a longer partnership. However, older people get divorced or go through a break-up, and then also sleep with various partners, putting themselves at risk of STIs. In addition, as people get beyond their thirties, thoughts are more…

How long do you wait to go on a date with someone after you match on an app? A day, a week, a month – maybe even a year? According to new research from Samsung KX, 58 per cent of us singles hold out up to a month before having an IRL (in real life) meet-up. By then, I’d have lost interest. After all, how do you keep the spark alive over WhatsApp for that amount of time? I’m particular – if I click with someone, I’ll meet up that evening, but if we’re messaging for longer than two weeks before a first date, I cut it off. Maybe I should give this “slow burner” thing a try – but would there be similar chemistry? The same survey found that…

£25 for sushi from Deliveroo. I probably order from there seven times a week. £60 on a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Interflora for my friend. £10 on magazines from WHSmith. Every week I buy a bunch to find out what’s going on. £2.60 On a skinny latte from Costa. £500 For a pair of Alexander McQueen boots that were in the sale. I’m quite short so I like boots with a slight Cuban heel to give me a boost! • Dr Ranj: On Call starts on ITV at 7.30pm, Tuesdays…

Why Cuba and Haiti? I wanted to go somewhere where not too many tourists have visited. Cuba is popular, but we went off the beaten track, and very few tourists have been to Haiti as it’s still on the Foreign Office list as a country unwise to visit. What did you notice about the poverty there? In Cuba, everybody is poor. The average pay is 25 US dollars [£19.40] a month and even doctors are only earning 45 US dollars [£35]. Therefore, everyone has roughly the same income, so there’s no envy or possible class system, no snobbery or snootiness – but the downside is that anybody who’s got an idea, like an entrepreneur, can’t get ahead with it. You mention the heat…? It was baking. I’ve been in hot…

MUST READ In Five Years (REBECCA SERLE) On the day lawyer Dannie nails the most important job interview of her career and gets engaged to her perfect man, she falls asleep and seemingly wakes up in a different apartment, with a different ring on her finger, and in the company of a very different man – five years in the future. She finally wakes up for real, but she struggles, as it all felt so real. Then, over four years later, Dannie is walking down a street and there is the man from her dream… This is a rare kind of love story – we read it in one sitting! BEST DAY OUT Cadbury World The Willy Wonka types down at Cadbury World in Bournville, Birmingham, have got all your…

THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN PISCES 19 FEB-20 MAR Don’t let money come between you and a friend. In recent years, you’ve shed people from your life – and that’s good, as those who left were not for you. But avoid falling out with someone over cash now. It’s a waste! PS Get your free Mercury retrograde survival guide at theastrocode. com/mercurynow ARIES 21 MAR-19 APR The start of the week could be a bit annoying. However, everything can still work out well for you. If someone is being mean to you, emotionally or financially, breathe through it. It will end! Instead, wait to the middle of the week and talk things out. PS Get your free Mercury retrograde survival guide at theastrocode.com/mercurynow TAURUS 20 APR-20 MAY There is room…