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Closer|Issue 1071MEGHAN'S SECRET MESSAGE TO HARRYThere’s no doubt that it’s been a difficult time for Meghan Markle and, last week, the stress of the past few months was on display as the duch*ess of Sussex allowed her confident image to slip when she was spotted wearing a ‘stress patch’.Running errands with a bodyguard in tow close to the home she shares with Prince Harry and their two children – Archie, four, and two-yearold Lilibet – in Montecito, Meghan looked unusually downcast as she wrapped up in an unseasonably warm coat and made no effort to disguise the bright blue circular patch on her wrist.And while fans speculated that wellness fan Meghan, 42, may have agreed a sponsorship deal with the brand NuCalm, who produce the patch, a spokesperson for the company denies any partnership.However, a…5 min
Closer|Issue 1071'It's like a lottery'Due to Ozempic’s rising popularity, there is now a global shortage, with many people with type 2 diabetes unable to access their prescriptions. Michele Smith, 62, a senior communications officer from Bedford, is one of them. She says, “I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in my late 20s, and initially took insulin twice a day. But over time, it wasn’t as effective at controlling my blood sugar. There was also the risk of hypos, which can lead to comas.“In 2019, I moved on to Ozempic. For the first three months, I felt rough, but the symptoms passed. It’s been brilliant at lowering my bloodsugar levels and is convenient to use. I only take one injection a week and need no other medication. In four years, I’ve lost 4 stone.“Six…1 min
Closer|Issue 1071SURGERY SHOCK 'My head explodedon a plane!'When Veronica Jones decided to have a neck lift and breast reduction, she had no idea it would end with her being left with a hole in her head.The 24-year-old had been under the knife several times before, but this time her treatments resulted in a shocking injury on the plane journey home from having her surgery abroad.Recalling the horrific moment, Veronica says, “I heard a really loud pop – it literally felt like my head was exploding. I rushed to the toilets where I saw liquid oozing out from behind my ear. I was terrified.”SELF-CONSCIOUSVeronica’s cosmetic journey began when she was 18. She says, “A woman appeared on TV one day with the most amazing boobs. I’d never felt insecure about my body before, but seeing her perky breasts…4 min
Closer|Issue 1071CHLOE: 'People will be surprised - I was vulnerable'She’s the fiery and sassy star of Love Island series seven, known for her no-nonsense attitude and blunt opinions – but now, Chloe Burrows says we’ll see a softer side to her on Celebs Go Dating.Chloe, 27, says, “I cried! I think most people will be surprised, as they know me for taking the p**s, but I was really open and vulnerable on the show.”Chloe first rose to fame on the ITV dating show, reaching the final with partner Toby Aromolaran, 24. But last year, the pair called it quits on their romance after one year together. Opening up about their split earlier this year, Chloe confirmed that it was Toby who ended the relationship, saying, “It wasn’t my decision. Yeah, I got dumped.”Since then, Chloe has moved in with…1 min
Closer|Issue 1071INSIDE BRITNEY'S SHOCK DIVORCEJust 14 months after tying the knot in an intimate ceremony, Britney Spears and husband Sam Asghari are reported to be divorcing.The couple, who have been dating since 2016 when Sam was hired in one of the star’s music videos, are said to have split earlier this month following an explosive row during which Sam is said to have confronted Britney over cheating allegations, allegedly with a member of staff who worked at their home.Reports also claimed that Sam had told friends that Britney had been physical with him, once giving him a black eye – something she has neither confirmed nor denied.When news of the split emerged, Sam broke his silence and confirmed the break-up, adding, “S**t happens. Asking for privacy seems ridiculous so I will just ask for…2 min
Closer|Issue 1071NATASHA WELCOMES BABY NO.5!Natasha Hamilton has become a mum for the fifth time after welcoming a little girl, Kitty, with her husband Charles Gay.The Atomic Kitten singer, 41, announced the news to her Instagram followers last week, sharing a black-and-white image of Charles leaving the hospital with their newborn daughter in a car seat.“I cannot put into words how we feel right now. Our family is complete,” she wrote, adding, “We couldn’t be any happier. Welcome to the world baby girl.”In a new interview, Natasha confirmed that her daughter’s moniker has “nothing to do” with Atomic Kitten but instead pays homage to hers and Charles’ grandmothers, who had the same name.The pop star – who started dating luxury clothing distributor Charles in 2016 before they tied the knot two years ago – is…1 min
Closer|Issue 1071SUZIE ON…TV VENTURES…“I love cooking and wouldn’t say no to a show like MasterChef. I’d be up for Celebrity Big Brother too – I went into the house when Sam was on the show in 2014 and I know what’s involved.”MY GRANDKIDS…“It’s mayhem when we’re together, but brilliant. Nelly’s really good with the younger ones and treats Margot like her little dolly – she’ll say, ‘Mum, can I take her in my room?’ and she’ll read a book to her. Billie’s son Arthur and Sam’s son Paul are only a year apart and love each other so much.”TWEAKMENTS“I have Botox and also a treatment called Profilho where hyaluronic acid is put into your skin to give you a glow. I hate looking puffy so I won’t be having fillers!”…1 min
Closer|Issue 1071Good tasteSUMMER EATSCOCONUT, GARLIC AND THYME PRAWNSSERVES 4-6● Thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger ● Onion, chopped ● Grated zest of a lime ● 6-8 garlic cloves, peeled ● 400ml can of coconut milk ● 10g fresh thyme sprigs ● Bunch of spring onions ● 25g sugar ● 1kg large prawns, shelled with tails left intact ● 2-3tbsp veg oil ● Mixed salad leaves ● Grilled pineapple wedges ● Lime wedgesSTEP 1 Pulse the ginger, onion, lime zest, garlic, coconut milk, thyme, spring onions and sugar in a food processor with 100ml water, until the mixture forms a paste. If the blades stick, add more water – a little at a time – until a wet paste is formed.STEP 2 Place the paste with the prawns in a bowl and mix so…2 min
Closer|Issue 1071'GONE TO FLORIDA? YOU WON'T CATCH LEPROSY!'I thought this dramaticsounding warning was slightly ridiculous when the risk is so tiny. Leprosy is hard to catch, fairly easy to treat and is curable. The announcement was meant to let doctors know to be aware of the risk because it’s not the sort of thing you think of straight away. And someone who has just come back from a fortnight in Florida really doesn’t need to worry.HOW IT GOT TO FLORIDAIt doesn’t surprise me that cases of leprosy – or Hansen’s disease – are increasing in Florida because the disease hasn’t gone away. Humans travel the world, so it’s not surprising that somebody at some stage has brought leprosy back without knowing about it. Then it might get missed because it’s not on your list of common diagnoses.The…4 min
Closer|Issue 1071WOULD LIKE TO MEET…There’s a sharp intake of breath when a friend asks me what I think about them making a return to dating. My pause is perhaps a panic: how much of the reality of dating today do I share while still encouraging them and giving them the confidence?This scenario presented itself last week, with a friend who has been in a pseudo-relationship with an ex for a few years and despite how I’m pretty positive he cares deeply for her, he can’t communicate it, or act on it.So she’s bravely decided to dip her toe back into the dating scene. And this is where I step in.I of course want the best for her, I know she wants a committed relationship and a family so my advice reflects that. However, I…2 min
Closer|Issue 1071EVERYBODY'S WEARING SUMMER SPARKLESHERO BUYSAdd a shiny bag to your everyday uniform for a laid-back look. NEXT, £32The A-listers have confirmed a sparkly dress is the way to wow this season. NEW LOOK, £39.99If you want to try out the trend without being OTT, just add this choker to a bandeau dress. MONKI, £10THERE’S ALSO A MATCHING SKIRTSwap classic hoops for this glitzy green pair to transform all your looks. MANGO, £22.99MAKE IT WORKTo make sequins look summery instead of festive, it’s all about opting for metallics, pastels and brights. This stunning silver dress can be a chameleon depending on your plans, and it’s best to keep it the centre of attention. For a wedding or evening soirée, add a block-colour blazer and clashing accessories, and for daytime or a festival, switch to…1 min
Closer|Issue 1071PuzzlesCODE CRACKEvery number in the grid stands for a different letter. We’ve given you the word JAM to get you started. Fill in all the 1s, 2s and 3s and you’ll be able to start guessing other letters. All 26 letters of the alphabet appear at least once. Cross off the ones you’ve used on the list below.KEEP TRACK OF YOUR LETTERS HERE:GUESS THE FILM STILLNAME THE STARSWith the help of our clues, rearrange the letters in the words below to make a celeb’s name1 Actress keeping a stiff upper lip in World On Fire and The Crown.VAIN SLY EEL MELL2 Rock royalty who recently teamed up with Boy George on tour.DART WET ROSTHE BIG CROSSWORDACROSS1 Large breed of canine used in mountain rescues 27 7 Small carpet 3 8…2 min
Closer|Issue 1071TOP 20 tv picksTV WEEK: 26 AUG-1 SEPT1 THE TOWERNEW SERIESBRILLIANT CRIME DRAMABANK HOL MON-THU 31 AUG, 9PM, ITV1The next instalment of the crime thriller series is here, based on the second book in Kate London’s Met Police novels. Game Of Thrones star Gemma Whelan and the BAFTA-nominated Tahirah Sharif are back as (chief wearer of anoraks), DS Sarah Collins and (young constable), PC Lizzie Adama. Jimmy Akingbola also returns as Sarah’s cop partner, Steve, along with Emmet J Scanlan as dodgy Inspector Kieran Shaw. This new four-part series is just as juicy as the first – stripped across the week.NEW SERIES2 THE WHEEL OF TIMEFANTASY SERIESFRI 1 SEPT, PRIME VIDEOMost of the original main cast return for the next part of their adventure – including Rosamund Pike. Meera Syal joins up for…10 min
Closer|Issue 1071PADDY 'FINDS PEACE'AS CHRISTINE MOVES ONShe seemed happy and carefree as she was snapped hand-in-hand with close pal, Chelcee Grimes, during a girls getaway to Ibiza.Stunning mum-of-three, Christine McGuinness, 35, seemed to glow as she wrapped her arms around the 31-year-old singer while strolling through the streets of the party island – their fourth girls’ break together over the last few months. The pair – who were previously spotted kissing on a night out in December – shared a string of selfies and videos with their Instagram followers as Christine gushed about her “very needed” sunshine break with a group of friends.BOUNCED BACKFans flocked to compliment the former beauty queen for looking “better than ever” as she showed-off her tan, flawless make-up and incredible figure in a range of skimpy outfits.And insiders say her friendship…4 min
Closer|Issue 1071CHESKA: 'We're finally seeing the real Spencer'She knew Spencer back in the early days when he rose to fame as Made In Chelsea’s bad boy. And now Cheska Hull – who starred in the first seven series of MIC before quitting life in the limelight and moving to Devon – shares her thoughts with Closer.Cheska, 38, says, “I think he definitely played the villain back then and he enjoyed it. He cleverly knew that by playing the villain, it would catapult him. Everyone knows the more airtime you get, the more money you’re going to make. By being a bit of an a***hole, you’re going to get further in the fame game.”The former reality star and mum to Charlie, five, from a previous relationship, is now happily engaged to fiancé Damian Cook.She tells Closer, “I was…1 min
Closer|Issue 1071STACEY'S HEARTACHE AS FANS BRANDHER 'UNRELATABLE'After months of juggling her busy family life with her demanding career, Stacey Solomon enjoyed some much-needed downtime last week when she jetted off to Turkey for an idyllic 10-day family getaway.Stacey, 33, and husband Joe Swash, 41, whisked away their family for a lavish all-inclusive beachside getaway, with the Loose Women presenter sharing sun-soaked snaps of her brood lounging by the pool and dressed up for evenings out in the luxury five-star resort.But just days after returning to the Essex home she shares with Joe and their children – Rex, four, Rose, one, and six-month-old Belle, as well as Stacey’s sons Zachary, 15, and Leighton, 11, and Joe’s son, Harry, 16 – Stacey was forced to hit back at fans on Instagram who accused her of being “deceitful” and…4 min
Closer|Issue 1071ADAM: 'There's nothing I want more than to have kids!'He’s the bad boy of reality TV, breaking multiple girl’s hearts on not one, but two series of Love Island. But now Adam Collard is hoping to show his softer side on the new season of Celebs Go Dating.Adam, 27, exclusively tells Closer, “The experts [Anna Williamson, Paul C Brunson and Dr Tara Suwinyattichaip*rn] have been a great help. I’m not going to lie, I think people might see a different side of me because I got pretty upset when they actually dug into some stuff. They really do take their job seriously and gave me some great advice. Everyone has their own issues and through the dates and their help, you start to realise what they are.”STABILITYDuring his first stint on Love Island in 2018, Adam’s game-player behaviour –…2 min
Closer|Issue 1071BILLI TELLS ANDY: 'You need to change'Their 10-year relationship has been far from smooth sailing and last week Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow hit the headlines once again after the former England footballer was reportedly filmed cuddling up to another woman.Andy, 34, had been out with friends at a bar in Essex before heading to a house party with DJ Kitty McPaws, whose real name is Georgia Sims. Onlookers said, “He caressed her bum. It was very flirty.”YELLOW CARDInsiders say former TOWIE star Billi, 35, was furious about the situation, telling Closer, “Billi was livid over the pictures. Andy totally denies any wrongdoing at all – he’s assured her that nothing happened and that he was just on a night out with his mates, which ended up carrying on and that it was all just innocent…3 min
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Search — Rudolf Steiner ArchiveCloser|Issue 1071IT'S A BOY FOR ASHLEYShe’s reported to have kept her pregnancy under wraps but, last week, US insiders revealed that Ashley Olsen has welcomed her first child – a baby boy named Otto.Ashley, 37, is said to have given birth in New York at the beginning of this year – just months after the former child star is reported to have married her artist husband, Louis Eisner, in December. Neither the birth of their child or the wedding has been confirmed by the couple.They are believed to have been dating since 2017, but have remained notoriously private, despite being seen supporting each other at several public events.After rising to fame in the ’90s sitcom Full House with her twin Mary-Kate, and going on to star in several family films up until 2004’s New York…1 min
Closer|Issue 1071MUM OF MISSING TEEN: 'It's a miracle my girl's been found alive but I want answers!'On 15 September 2019, Jessica Nunez woke up to find a devastating note. It was from her 14-yearold daughter, Alicia and read, “I ran away. I will be back, I swear. I’m sorry – Alicia”.Terrified Jessica began a tireless search for her daughter. She set up a Facebook page, talked to the media and put up billboards. Detectives followed up on thousands of leads, but there was no trace of Alicia. It was as if she’d vanished into thin air.But on 23 July this year, nearly four years later, Alicia calmly walked into a police station in Havre, Montana, over 1,000 miles away from her home in Arizona, USA, and asked to be removed from the missing person’s register.She said she no longer wanted to be declared missing because she…4 min
Closer|Issue 1071SAIRA AT 53: 'I'm proud to show off my body — I feel sexy!She’s been flying the flag for older women and body confidence for years, showing off her “real figure” on social media and urging others to embrace their stretch marks and “wobbly bits”. And now Saira Khan reveals she’s going one step further in a bid to celebrate her age – by ditching her signature brunette bob. In the past year, a spate of celebrities, from Andie MacDowell to Melinda Messenger, have said they’re embracing the look in order to age gracefully – and Saira says she’ll soon be following suit.“I’ve decided I’m going to go grey in my 50s,” the 53-year-told tells Closer. “If we’re really talking about embracing myself, well I feel so confident right now that I’m going to own it and go for it! I put the…4 min
Closer|Issue 1071SMALL CHANGES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCEVacuum like you mean it because researchers have found that spending just four and a half minutes vigorously doing daily tasks could reduce the risk of some cancers by nearly a third!When 22,000 “non-exercisers” used wearable devices to track their daily activity, researchers discovered that as few as four to five minutes of what they called “vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity” substantially lowered their cancer risk.These very short bursts of activity – around a minute each – could be vigorous housework, carrying heavy shopping around the supermarket, bursts of power walking or playing high-energy games with the kids. It’s a bit like high-intensity interval training (HIIT), but just as part of normal life.Not exercising at all ups your risk of certain cancers like breast, endometrial or colon, but upping the…1 min
Closer|Issue 1071CELEB PICK-ME-UPTV PRESENTER JULES HUDSON, 53, ON HOW HE LOOKS AFTER HIS BODY AND MINDMY GARDEN AND WORKSHOP ARE HAVENS… Here, I can immerse myself in creativity and clear my mind from life’s usual humdrums. Lockdown highlighted the value of open spaces and how they can benefit us mentally when we engage with the natural world.I LIKE TO CALL MY EXERCISE REGIME: ‘GARDEN FIT’… Mowing, trimming the hedges, planting and digging engage every muscle in my body, helping me to stay in shape. I’m always outdoors, whatever the weather and season, and that keeps me feeling fit and healthy.BEFORE BED, I’LL READ A BOOK… I love history books, and you can expect to always find stories from different eras in my bag that I’ll dip in and out of. I’m also…1 min
Closer|Issue 1071Whatto watchTV WEEK: 26 AUG – 1 SEPEMMERDALECHARLES LOSES ITWith Victor having managed to worm his way back into Claudette’s life, Charles isn't a happy man. Even less so when he gets a slap round the chops from his old ma! Then there’s the issue of Manpreet’s necklace – Jai wants this family heirloom back, but it’s nowhere to be found. Victor is immediately Suspect Number One and PC Swirling is called to investigate. Charles is shocked to learn what’s happened, and Claudette goes off looking for her husband… Elsewhere, Liam moves on to his next female admirer: Charity! Admittedly, it’s all part of a dare set by Gail – but after enjoying a date, Liam is smitten. Wendy who?"FEELING LIKE A FOOL"Newcomer Flo Wilson on Claudette facing up to facts…3 min
Closer|Issue 10715 MINUTES WITH…Well us about The Woman In the Wall…It’s set in the small fictional town of Kilkinure, and it follows a woman called Lorna who had a baby taken from her 25/30 years prior. She awakens one day following an episode of sleepwalking to find the body of a dead woman in her home. She’s been left a note, which starts to unravel her whole backstory…What’s Lorna like?She’s a little bit of an oddball and an outsider, and I felt deep affection for her immediately. She’s a survivor of a traumatic experience that was instituted, governed, and covered up by the state where she lived. She becomes a woman on a mission, and you see her gaining confidence and clarity about what she’s been through.How much did you know about Ireland’s…2 min
Closer|Issue 1071THIS WEEK'S CELEB STAR SIGNVIRGO23 AUG – 22 SEPThe August Full Moon is in your Love Zone so expect to be turning a romantic corner around about now. Any difficult relationships are teaching you what you need to know on a soul level. Annoying people are your teachers. Be willing to learn. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopeIF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEKWhen you look back at this time, you will see it was when things started to change, and the coming 12 months are going to be packed with lessons. Be as kind as you can be, and don’t allow anyone to bully you. Financially, really go for it in the year ahead.…1 min
Closer|Issue 1071Your stars WITH YASMIN BOLAND22-28 AUGUSTLIBRA23 SEP – 22 OCTThe planet that puts a rocket under you, Mars, is moving into your sign now which means you could be feeling hot and bothered. This could be in a stressed or sexy way, depending on how you’re living! Use the new energies to get things done and all should be well. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopeSCORPIO23 OCT – 21 NOVThere could be some worries keeping you up at night at the moment. A bedtime journalling habit could help – write it all out before you sleep and then listen to a meditation as you drift off. You have otherwise good stars. Whatever you’re worrying about shall pass, like nearly all things! Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopeSAGITTARIUS22 NOV – 21 DECWatch out if you’re…3 min
Closer|Issue 1071COLEEN'S NEW BOMBSHELL:'I'm not done yet''IN COLEEN’S EYES, WHILE SHE WON THE CASE, SHE DIDN’T FEEL SHE HAD PROPER CLOSURE'It’s been just over a year since the ‘Wagatha Christie’ saga culminated in one of the most highlypublicised court showdowns of all time. Insults were hurled, damning evidence was unearthed and even more explosive allegations were made before Rebekah Vardy’s defamation case against Coleen Rooney was finally dismissed. Coleen had won.And after four years of maintaining a dignified silence following her initial bombshell tweet in October 2019 – when she openly accused Rebekah of leaking stories about her – Coleen, 37, finally told her side of the story last week.Embracing her alter-ego as a WAG-turned-amateur sleuth in a Sherlock-inspired rain mac for her photo-shoot with Vogue, mum-of-four Coleen didn’t hold back as she branded Becky, 41,…5 min
Closer|Issue 1071THE REALITY OF USING 'MIRACLE' WEIGHT-LOSS DRUG OZEMPICIn recent months, Ozempic has been making headlines. Approved for use in adults with type 2 diabetes, the weekly injections lower blood-sugar levels by helping the pancreas create more insulin. But with reduced appetite listed as a common symptom, Ozempic has gained popularity as a “miracle” weight-loss drug.Celebrities such as Sharon Osbourne and Amy Schumer have admitted to taking the drug to lose weight, while TikTok videos have fuelled promotion of using Ozempic for this purpose. However, it is not prescribed for weight loss in the UK.For Wynter MitchellRohrbaugh, who used Ozempic as a tool to lose weight for IVF, the drug is a “godsend”. In just one year, Wynter, 43, has lost 5 stone, and she and her husband Allan have five successful embryos ready to be placed.She says,…5 min
Closer|Issue 1071'BETRAYED' HOLLY DEVASTATED BY SHOCK SNUBWhile big bosses at ITV are banking on Holly Willoughby‘s place at “the heart of the show’s future” with a reported £1 million pay deal, This Morning viewers appeared to hit back at the decision when the TV ‘golden girl’ was snubbed by public voters at the National Television Awards last week.The blow comes after Holly’s co-star Phillip Schofield sensationally quit when his “unwise but not illegal” affair with a much younger male colleague came to light.OUT AND ABOUTWhile Holly has not spoken to Phil – who has confirmed that Holly knew nothing about his affair – since, the former presenter, 61, was spotted enjoying dinner with Vanessa Feltz in London last week after months of keeping a low-profile.Meanwhile, an insider reveals Holly, 42, had been hoping she could finally…2 min
Closer|Issue 1071LOTTIE: 'I didn't expect to from a bond with Adam'She set tongues wagging ever since being papped holding hands with her Celebs Go Dating co-star Adam Collard earlier this month. And now, Lottie Moss tells Closer that she’s formed close connections on the show, which also features Love Island star Chloe Burrows, presenter Vanessa Feltz, MIC’s MarkFrancis Vandelli, comedy star Spuddz, and TV lothario Adam.Lottie, 25, says, “I think we’ve actually all made such a genuine connection. Me, Spuddz, Chloe and Adam have a group chat called ‘Single as f***’. We write to each other every day, asking who’s filming. We all went out for dinner last week.”“It’s really nice as I didn’t expect to meet people I’d form bonds with. We’ve become a little family, the boys are such sweet boys. It’s been so nice to work with…2 min
Closer|Issue 1071VICKY TIES THE KNOT!Line Of Duty star Vicky McClure and her long-time fiancé Jonny Owen have finally said, “I do.”The actress and Welsh producer tied the knot in Nottingham in front of their loved ones, including her Line Of Duty co-stars Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar.Sharing a glimpse into their special day on social media, Vicky, 40, wrote, “Tied up in Notts!!! Best. Day. Ever!!!!!”To make their nuptials even more poignant, the couple – who met in 2013 on the set of Svengali – enlisted Our Dementia Choir to perform their first dance. Vicky founded the group in 2019 after her grandmother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis taught her the healing power of music.Martin took to Instagram to gush over the “incredible day”, saying, “First dance with the Dementia Choir was just beautiful and says everything…1 min
Closer|Issue 1071SUZIE AT 54: 'It's flattering people say I look like a Bond girl!'She’s long been hailed as Essex’s very own Bond girl with her bronzed skin and taut abs, and as Suzie Wells poses for our exclusive photoshoot, it’s easy to see how she turns heads with her sensational bikini body. The age-defying star, who found fame in TOWIE alongside her daughters Billie Shepherd, 33, and Sam Faiers, 32, reveals she often gets mistaken for being their sister.Suzie, 54, tells Closer, “It’s flattering when people ask about my figure and it does make me feel good about myself. I do laugh when they say, ‘Suzie, you look like a Bond girl,’ I think well yeah, maybe a few years ago, I’m not sure about now – but they still say it!”INSPIRING WOMENDespite her modest attitude, the star, who has six grandchildren, is…8 min
Closer|Issue 1071HOW TO LOOK AND FEEL GREAT!GET MOVINGRegular physical activity is fantastic for keeping us younger – inside and out. Strength and resistance exercise has a huge role in fighting the natural loss of muscle mass that starts in our 30s, resulting in a drop of up to eight per cent every decade and even more once in our 60s! Beyond muscles, being active keeps our heart, lungs, bones, joints and immune system strong. It protects against high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes and many cancers, and can help us manage our weight. Exercise is also a fantastic mood booster (it produces feel-good neurotransmitters called endorphins in the brain) and can help us sleep better and combat stress. Health experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activites each week such as brisk walking, cycling, dancing or…4 min
Closer|Issue 1071Fridge raiderINSIDE KIRSTEN'S FRIDGE● Flora butter ● Houmous ● Vegan pesto ● Vegan mayo ● Blueberries ● Nutritional yeast ● Meat-free sausages ● Beyond Meat Burgers ● Carrots ● Tofu ● Mango ● Apples ● Butternut squash ● Broccoli ● Chilli ● Pistachios ● Walnuts ● Almonds ● Orange chocolate ● Pineapple ● Parsnips ● Coriander ● Potatoes ● Sweet potatoes ● Soya milk ● ProseccoVERDICTCLOSER NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “It’s great Kirsten is trying a plantbased diet. It’s important to check carefully though, as some meat-free burgers and sausages can be full of salt. Tofu, beans, lentils, chickpeas, nuts and seeds are all packed with plant protein. Kirsten should also check dairy alternatives like soya milk are fortified with bonefriendly calcium and energy-giving vitamin B12, which can be in short…2 min
Closer|Issue 1071Life balanceALL ABOUT YOU!DON'T DREAD THE END OF SUMMER!Many of us will have that impending sense of doom about autumn and winter, but we can feel sunny, despite gloomy forecastsAs a species, we’re biologically programmed to hibernate in the winter so when we feel more lethargic, tempted to snuggle up under that duvet and can’t be bothered to do anything, it’s an evolutionary thing. We have less vitamin D, which gives us the energy to lift our mood. You don’t need to be diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) to find the colder months less inspiring and a little bit claustrophobic. But rather than dreading it, look forward to the things about autumn and winter that you can enjoy. I look forward to the colours in autumn – I got married…3 min
Closer|Issue 1071DON'T LOSE OUT TOSEXISM!Research by The Fawcett Society, which campaigns for gender equality and women’s rights, found that last year, women took home a whopping £564 less than men each month. Illegal discrimination – paying women less for the same job – explains some of this but there are other factors, like the fact women tend to be responsible for unpaid childcare and caring duties. Women also face other “hidden” expenses, such as the so-called Pink Tax, where women are charged more for the same products. It’s time for the fightback! “Women may have been socialised to defer to men, but we need to take on financial management and be equal partners in money,” says financial coach Elizabeth Buko (wealthfromlittle.com). Accountant and business advisor Polly Arrowsmith of qubemoney.com agrees, adding, “We need to…5 min
Closer|Issue 1071REVAMP YOUR WORKSPACECHIC HOME OFFICEUsing rattan touches and light colours will keep your office environment looking chic and calm, as will adding greenery. Folding desks are ideal for small spaces and a magnet board is useful for adding to-do lists and important reminders.SCHOOL HOMEWORK STATIONKeeping children focused can be tricky but a designated area will help, especially if it’s a space where they can also read, draw and be creative. Overhead shelves and trolleys are great for keeping notebooks, crayons and other bits of stationery out of the way.…1 min
Closer|Issue 1071A BIT OF BACKGROUNDEastEnders fans will know Cindy was sent to prison after hiring a hitman to kill husband Ian – Kathy’s son. Despite this trifling matter, Cindy and Ian have reunited and it was recently revealed that Cindy’s been living in witness protection after feeding the cops information about her cellmate. And despite Kathy and Cindy’s famous hatred for one another, they now have the “faking their own death” thing in common. Kathy returned from the dead in 2005, after escaping violent loan sharks.FOLLOW OUR LIVE TWEETS OVER AT @CloserOnlinePHOTOS: ITV, MARK BRUCE, LIME PICTURES, DANIELLE BAGULEY, BBC/JACK BARNES/KIERON MCCARRON…1 min
