Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 842 i Closer

Do you ever feel your stuff owns you, rather than the other way around? If so, it could be time for a supercharged spring clean to get rid of everything that makes your home an obstacle course, instead of a sanctuary. Experts agree that decluttering your space really does improve mental health. But it’s not always easy to do. That’s why we’ve devoted seven pages to advice and tips from tidying professionals. “Clear house, clear mind” guru Marie Kondo explains why only owning things that spark joy reduces anxiety, while Instagram sensation Mrs Hinch’s top cleaning tips will ensure your remaining space sparkles. Plus, we’ve spoken to a woman who transformed her whole life by throwing away 6,000 items. So, if you fancy a fresh start, turn to page 55!…

She punched the air in celebration last week after being handed a three-month driving ban and a £1,500 fine for being nearly twice the legal limit while in charge of her pink Range Rover. It followed a boozy night out last October, which saw former glamour model Jordan caught without her knickers in the backseat of the vomit-covered vehicle, after it crashed into a bush and another car. She admitted outside court, “Brilliant, I thought I was about to get two years [ban]”. UNREPENTANT Jordan, real name Katie Price, was cleared of a second charge of drink driving – which could have carried a six-month prison sentence – after insisting a mystery man had been behind the wheel but had run away before the police arrived. However, the judge insisted…

The Channel 4 show’s resident dating expert, Anna Williamson – who has worked closely with Kerry – tells Closer , “While Kerry’s name is synonymous with marriage, she has actually never dated. She’s always gone into whirlwind relationships and married very quickly. So the idea of dating is terrifying for her. She feels overwhelmed, vulnerable and worries about what people think of her and the criticism she might get. “Part of her is still hurting over her first marriage to Brian McFadden. She has put that relationship on a pedestal – it was her first love, the first time she became a mother, and her first shot at a family unit. When he betrayed her, that hurt her so badly, and I do think that her other two marriages were…

Celebrities are seemingly on a never-ending quest for flawless beauty – and now a shocking and gruesome new trend has emerged. Geordie Shore’s Holly Hagan, 26, recently had carbon dioxide laser resurfacing treatment – which aims to reduce wrinkles and brighten skin by blasting away the top layer with a powerful laser to prompt the body’s own natural healing response, creating a new, fresher layer of skin. But the star shocked fans when she shared photos of her heavily blistered and raw skin following the procedure, which costs around £3k, and which she claims she had to treat acne scarring, sun damage and pigmentation. On Instagram Stories, she told fans, “I won’t lie, it was extremely painful for me. I wasn’t actually expecting it to be that bad.” In December,…

Reports emerged last week that Ed Sheeran had tied the knot with his long-term girlfriend, Cherry Seaborn, in December in a secret ceremony at their family church in Suffolk, followed by a low-key reception at their local pub. And insiders tell Closer that Ed’s A-list pals, Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox, are arranging a star-studded post-wedding bash in LA for the singer, 28, and his new wife, 26. A source says, “Ed and Cherry wanted their ceremony to be extremely private and they didn’t invite any celeb pals to ensure they didn’t draw any attention to it. “Jen and Court are planning a celebration at Jen’s LA mansion in early May after the Far East leg of his tour. They’re inviting all his pals, including Taylor Swift and Elton John,…

The chemistry between A Star Is Born co-stars Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper was the talk of Oscars night after they were seen cosying up, despite him being in a four-year romance with model Irina Shayk. But Gaga shot down the claims during an interview last week, saying, “That is what we wanted you to see. This is a long song. It is a love story and we worked so hard.” Irina, 33 – who shares one-year-old Lea with Bradley, 44 – was snapped looking glum following the ceremony, while pals say Gaga, 32, has been left hurt, and has been in touch with Irina to ensure their friendship isn’t affected. A source says, “It’s Gaga’s worst nightmare to be cited as a home-wrecker. She’s devastated. She messaged Irina to…

• Remain in control. Take time to ask yourself what life you want to lead – not the vision of the big house, the amazing kids and the holidays – but the daily life that makes you happy. When we keep adding more to our bucket list of things to do, we lose that control. So, take a step back, regain control and go again. • Pace yourself – there is time. The massive juggle of managing so many things, including kids, work-life balance, socialising and so on can send many women into a continual panic. There is always time at some stage of our lives to fulfil all of our ambitions. • Be wary of social media. While it can be great, it does create anxiety in people. We…

Mayer-Rokitanksky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) is a disorder that occurs in females and mainly affects the reproductive system. The condition is present in one in 5,000 women globally and causes the vagina, cervix and womb to be underdeveloped or absent. Women with this condition usually discover they have it during puberty – as they don’t start their periods. However, they do still have ovaries and may be able to have children via a surrogate. In addition, womb transplants could one day mean that women with the condition could carry babies.…

Made In Chelsea may be famous for its fiery feuds and catty fights, but Jamie Laing says he and series original Spencer Matthews are still the best of friends. And Jamie says he couldn’t be prouder of Spencer, 30, after watching the former love rat settle down and become a doting father to son Theodore, five months, with model wife Vogue Williams, 33. PARTY LIFESTYLE He says, “Spenny and I see each other all the time. He’s loving his new life as a dad and husband – and baby Theodore is adorable. People perceived Spencer differently during his time on Made In Chelsea, but he matured even before becoming a dad and he’s always been great at what he does. He’s the most fantastic husband and father. I’m really proud…

Viewers were delighted when Emma and James announced they’d be staying married in the series one finale. But, sadly, it wasn’t to be. After 34 weeks, they decided to split, citing a lack of sexual attraction and snoring as problems in their relationship. Sara and Adam stayed married and even lived together for a year, before eventually separating. But it seems Sara is still close to the other brides from her series. She leapt to Stephanie’s defence when she was dumped by Ben Jardine, branding him “disgusting”. Adam and Caroline hit it off straight away, and when they bought a rabbit together , named Nigel, viewers thought they were in it for the long haul. But after Caroline put her Vera Wang wedding dress on eBay for £850 months later,…

She dazzled on the red carpet in a stunning feathered frock, showing off her incredibly toned physique at Elton John’s Oscars bash. And Nicole Scherzinger, 40, told Closer the secret to keeping her size 8 body in such good shape is avoiding evening binges. The 5ft 5 former X Factor judge revealed, “I try not to eat after 7pm. Eating at night is when most people fall off the wagon, so I have a cut-off point and that way I avoid all those extra calories. “I also work out four to five times a week, but I never deprive myself. If I want a big bowl of cheesy pasta, I’ll have one, but I will also make sure I get my workout in, too. I love my HIIT [high-intensity interval…

‘WHAT WILL BE, WILL BE’ CHRIS: In life, you can’t pick and choose – what will happen will happen. It’s a bit like that in your love life, and work too – it just happens. Kem and I are so grateful for the opportunities we’ve had since appearing on Love Island in 2017, and we try to keep grounded. When it comes to dating, you can’t force things, so it’s best just to let it be. KEM: You can’t control what’s going to happen or know how life is going to turn out, so you might as well enjoy things. That thought has helped me a lot with my anxiety – I’ve learned to relax a bit more. ‘HEALTH IS WEALTH’ CHRIS: Look after yourself – health is wealth. I…

NEW YORK TAILORING Everyone was suited and booted in the Big Apple. It was work-meets-wow among the style elite. HOW TO WEAR: A tailored co-ord is a fast-track ticket to understated chic, and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Wear together or style each half with different separates for added wardrobe mileage. Experiment with different colours and fabrics for a unique spin. MUTED TONES IN MILAN The beige brigade were spotted everywhere in Milan. The trendy tone has been given a fresh new look for spring… HOW TO WEAR Neutrals – and all varying shades on the colour – are known for being brilliantly wearable, and look especially great mixed with greys, whites and pastels. Go for an all-neutral colour palette, or simply add a…

With spring on the way, most of us will be thinking about bringing back our favourite pastel nail polishes and coral lipstick, but here’s an idea for you: red eye shadow. It may sound intimidating, but the colour has been seen everywhere: on the S/S19 catwalks, as well as A-listers including Olivia Palermo and Cara Delevingne. With such a vibrant colour, the trick here is to avoid looking like you’ve got a serious case of hay fever. So, how wearable is it? WE TRY IT OUT ACTING STYLE EDITOR MATILDA SAYS, “I love a flash of blue or green along my lashes, but I’ve always avoided red as it just seemed a bit scary! I expected it to clash with my hair colour, but I was surprised by how wearable…

TACKLE CATEGORIES, NOT ROOMS Kondo’s first rule is to go through your clutter by category, not location. Follow this order: clothes, books, paperwork, “komono” (miscellaneous items), sentimental items. This sequence is designed to prevent you from wasting time and becoming distracted with other items. Meanwhile, gathering every item in one spot allows you to see just how much you have. STORE EVERYTHING IN NEAT ROWS Arranging things side by side in your cupboards (and fridge) gives you more space while making belongings more pleasing to the eye. Try folding your clothes like a row of books. According to Marie, this will help you in the long run. “It prevents you from unknowingly buying more of the same clothing,” she says, plus you’ll notice items that would otherwise sit at the…

UNCLOG THE SINK WITHOUT A PLUNGER Pour a handful of soda crystals down the plug hole, followed by a cupful of white vinegar. You’ll start to hear a fizzing reaction as the two ingredients combine. Leave for up to 30 mins before boiling the kettle and pouring it down the plug hole. Do this once a fortnight. KEEP BLINDS DUST-FREE Use tumble-dryer sheets to wipe down the slats of Venetian blinds. Once all the dust is off, dab a capful of Zoflora disinfectant onto a sheet of folded kitchen roll, and rub down each slat. ERASE STUBBORN SCUFFS To clean skirting boards, door frames and woodwork, first use a fluffy duster on all the surfaces. Then put a capful of fabric conditioner in a bowl of warm water and wipe…

ONE-POT SUPPER SPELT WITH CHORIZO, SWEET POTATO, RED ONION AND SPINACH SERVES 4 • 150g spelt or pearl barley, rinsed • 350ml chicken stock • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2cm chunks • 1 red onion, quartered • 5 unpeeled garlic cloves • 225g cooking chorizo, cut into 2cm chunks • 1tbsp olive oil • 300g spinach, roughly chopped • Juice 1 lemon STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°Cfan/gas mark 4. In a roasting tin, mix together the spelt or pearl barley, chicken stock, sweet potato, onion and garlic. Rub the chorizo with the olive oil, and scatter over the mixture. STEP 2 Cover the dish tightly with foil, then transfer to the oven and cook for 1 hr. STEP 3 Remove the foil and stir…

YAZMIN How much do you spend per week? About £150. It usually depends on where I shop. I love a bargain and get cheaper items from Aldi, but I love M&S for a treat. I do the bulk of my supermarket shopping at Tesco, though, just for the range. Describe your daily diet… For breakfast, I’ll have a protein shake, usually a cookies and cream flavour – I love it with a dollop of peanut better. For lunch, I’ll have something Turkish, like chicken with either bulgur rice or plain rice and salad. For dinner, I’ll make a chicken stir -fry or fajitas, or a Bolognese. I love sweets, and I’ll snack on Haribos and chocolate. I’ve got a whole sweet cupboard in my house! Is there anything you refuse…

FAMILY MATTERS DON’T LET YOUR BAD DAY IMPACT THE KIDS Research shows children’s health is affected when their parents don’t feel a sense of control at work. Emma shares strategies When stressed, you are more likely to snap. That doesn’t make you a bad person, it makes you human. When you feel overwhelmed, dealing with ordinary problems is far more challenging. Now, we can’t leave the office behind, with emails and texts pinging onto our phones after hours from our bosses, making it almost impossible to escape a bad day at work. Sadly, if you have children, research has found that when you are stressed, their health is affected. They need to feel that you are in control to feel safe, because you are their main protector. Learning to manage…

1 CHEAT THE LYING GAME MON-THU 11-14 MARCH, 9PM, ITV Katherine Kelly and Three Girls’ Molly Windsor star in ITV’s compelling new psychological thriller, showing over four consecutive nights. Kelly plays Leah, a university lecturer who suspects student Rose (Windsor) of cheating – but it quickly transpires that Rose is absolutely not someone you’d want to get on the wrong side of. Using shifting timelines and ambiguous scenes to challenge our perceptions of just who did what to who, Cheat is going to keep you glued to your sofa from start to finish. 2 TURN UP CHARLIE SUPERSTAR DJ FRI 15 MARCH, NETFLIX Idris Elba of Luther fame gives us a glimpse into his actual real-life work as a superstar DJ in this fun Netflix original series. It features banging…

MUST READ The Day We Met (ROXIE COOPER) Stephanie doesn’t believe in fate, true love or living happily ever after – she’s content enough being engaged to Matt. But then she meets Jamie, who understands her more than anyone else ever has. Jamie is happily married to his childhood sweetheart, Helen, and believes in everything Stephanie doesn’t. So why does he have such a strong connection with Stephanie? One thing is certain – when they meet one fateful weekend, it will change everything. A perfect will-they-won’t-they love story. BEST DAY OUT Walk All Over Cancer Throughout March, Cancer Research UK is challenging us to walk 10,000 steps a day to raise money. Now, this might seem like A LOT of walking about, but Closer is here to help with some…

PISCES 20 FEB-20 MAR The planet of flashes of brilliance, Uranus, is out of your Cash Zone and into your Mind Zone. So your cash flow should become less erratic, and you can expect to become even more brilliant. Plus, you get the New Moon in Pisces saying “all change!” Get your New Moon wishing guide at moonmessages.com/wishingguide ARIES 21 MAR-20 APR So Aries, this is the week to just breathe out. After seven-plus years, the maverick planet of chaos and madness, Uranus, has finally left your sign. Major changes, wake-up calls and turnarounds in your life since 2011 were probably a lot to do with Uranus. Now? Pressure’s off. Get your New Moon wishing guide at moonmessages.com/wishingguide TAURUS 21 APR-21 MAY So here it is. The planet of Five…

‘SHE’S NERVOUS IT’LL CREATE DISTANCE BETWEEN THEM’ They’re just a few months off celebrating their milestone 20th wedding anniversary, but scrutiny of the Beckhams’ marriage shows no sign of ending. It appears things are under strain again, as David, 43, forges ahead with a new gastropub venture – named Lore Of The Land – in London’s upmarket Fitzrovia, with celeb pal Guy Ritchie. Insiders say the former footballer’s decision to invest was motivated by his desire to have an escape from celeb hotspots and enjoy a quieter life in London. But wife Posh – who has Brooklyn, 19, Romeo, 16, Cruz, 14, and seven-year-old Harper with David – is worried about the amount of time he’ll have to put into the new investment, when they are already increasingly pulled apart…

They’ve suffered a famously rocky seven-year romance, but Gemma Collins and James “Arg” Argent appeared to have finally put their shaky past behind them when the pair recently spoke about their desire to get married and have a baby. But last week it was reported that Gemma, 38, had thrown Arg out of her Essex home and ended their relationship after he posted an unflattering video of her snoring while she was asleep. Arg was then pictured begging her parents to let him into her house, after insiders claimed he had called her “an embarrassment” and “a fat horrible lump” in a series of abusive text messages. But sources say that, despite his attempts to win her back, Gemma’s now terrified about bringing a baby into such an explosive relationship.…

She posed on Instagram without her engagement ring last week, amid claims of a tearful bust-up with fiancé Jeremy Meeks – who was spotted living it up at Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s Oscars party in LA while she reportedly fled to her £7m home in Monaco. And insiders say Topshop heiress Chloe Green, 28 – who shares nine-month-old son Jayden with the former US convict, aka the “hot felon” – is keen to put the brakes on their huge wedding, which has put a strain on their relationship. Things had reportedly come to a head, with Jeremy storming off and leaving her in a nightclub after a row, when he told her he felt pressured into having a huge showy wedding and would prefer a quiet ceremony. A source says, “Chloe…

Juliet Barret, 44, lives in Warwickshire with her husband Alan, 42. She’s the founder of snack brand Grenade. Juliet says, “Until my early thirties, I worked in education – as a teacher, head of sixth form, and then for an education charity. So when I joined my husband’s distribution business in 2006, I had no idea how many of my skills would be transferable. “Around this time, I’d really got into going to the gym and noticed that all the protein supplements and active nutrition products were marketed at bodybuilders in scary-looking packaging. So Alan and I began working on our own snack brand – Grenade – to make protein snacks and products more user-friendly. We felt like there was a gap in the market to make these products more…

She announced her shock decision last week to leave Coronation Street after 13 years – telling fans she was keen to explore new roles. But insiders tell Closer how Kym Marsh’s departure has also been motivated by her nine-month romance with 30-year-old Army Major Scott Ratcliffe – who she calls “the love of her life”, and who lives 250 miles away from her Manchester home in Essex. TAKING ITS TOLL A source says, “Kym really wants things to work with Scott and she can see how the long distance is already starting to take its toll. She wants to be free to spend more time in Colchester with him, and possibly even move there at some point. She’s scared to leave her job, but says it’s time to put her love…

Ben Jardine, 37, was matched with Stephanie, 33, on Married At First Sight in 2018. Initially, it seemed the matchmakers had worked their magic, with sparks flying immediately. But after the cameras stopped rolling, the arguments began – as did the headlines. Ben and Stephanie decided to live apart, and after just a few weeks, they split, with Ben describing the marriage as a “chore”. Since his appearance on the show, Ben has faced a public backlash, with rumours emerging that he had a secret 20-year-old girlfriend, and that he broke up with his Stephanie by announcing it during a radio interview. Ben went on to appear on the final series of Celebrity Big Brother. During his time in the house, he confessed to housemates that he was expecting his…

He co-hosted the lavish bash with husband Elton John for the 27th year running – and David Furnish revealed how he and Elton couldn’t have been prouder of their close friend, Lady Gaga, for taking home an award. The singer, 32 – who won the Best Song Oscar for Shallow, but missed out on the Best Actress award for her role in A Star Is Born – is godmother to David and Elton’s sons, Elijah, six, and Zachary, eight. David, 56, says, “Gaga or ‘mamma Gaga’ as our kids call her, is just amazing. To be up for two Oscars for her first-ever film is just incredible. “Elton and I will most definitely be sending her flowers and celebrating with her after tonight! We’re so proud of her.”…

When Claudia Lawrence failed to turn up for her shift as a chef at York University, and later missed plans to see a friend on 19 March 2009, her father reported her missing to the police, and the case soon became national news. Within weeks, Claudia’s disappearance was treated as murder, despite no body being found. But even after several arrests, no one has ever been charged with her murder and, ten years on, her family are hoping their beloved Claudia is still alive. Speaking exclusively to Closer , Claudia’s mum, Joan, now 75, says the pain of not having any answers has never gone away. She says, “When Claudia went missing, my life as I knew it ground to a halt. It was as though a light had suddenly…

‘ I LOVE WEARING DESIGNER DRESSES, BUT I’M TERRIFIED OF SPILLING SOMETHING ON THEM!’ ‘MORNING 6.00AM: I’m not a morning person so, in an ideal world, I’d stay in bed until 10am, but most days I need to be up by 6. For breakfast, I’ll have poached eggs and avocado or a bowl of Special K. 7.00AM: I’m trying to be more organised, so I’ve started planning my outfits the night before. My go-to look is a classic jeans and T-shirt combination. I love the high street; Topshop and Zara are my favourite stores. 8.00AM: After being in the jungle, where I couldn’t wear any make-up or do my hair, I’ve started to embrace the natural look, so now I try to keep my make-up simple. I love the bareMinerals…

‘I cleared out over 6,000 items from my home – and I’ve never felt better’ Claire Birnie, 27, from Edinburgh, is the owner of decluttering business The Tidy Life Project. After feeling overwhelmed by the amount of things she owned, she started clearing out her possessions and learned less really is more. She says, “It has changed my life in so many ways. Four years ago, I was studying for a PHD in International Relations. I lived in a house share in Edinburgh and I earned good money, which I’d happily spend on things like clothes and books. But it got to the point where I felt like my stuff was taking over. My house was packed full of bags, paperwork and trinkets, and I felt suffocated. My things left…

PASS ON USED BOOKS If your local charity shop is overloaded with donations, there are plenty of places to pass on your favourite reads. Many local coffee bars now have book drop-off areas for their customers, and certain train stations have formed mini libraries for commuters. You can even list your books for sale online – visit webuybooks.co.uk to make money from your unwanted paperbacks. GIFT YOUR FURNITURE If you longer need your old TV or sofa, the British Heart Foundation has specialist stores and will pick up your items. Head to bhf.org.uk to find your local store. Meanwhile, the charity Emmaus supports people who have experienced homelessness, by providing them with a furnished place to live. They depend on donations of furniture and other goods, and save more than…

‘CHECK YOUR BREASTS YOURSELF TO STOP CANCER’ Researchers advised annual mammograms for high-risk 35 to 39 years olds, but Dr C says being breast aware is still best Recent headlines suggesting annual mammograms for at-risk 35-39-year-olds may leave you thinking these women are being ignored by the NHS – but we regularly ultrasound high-risk young women. For me, the bigger worry is older women who aren’t reminded to go for scans, even though they’re the most at-risk group. BE PROACTIVE You start being called for mammograms at age 50, but invites stop on your 71st birthday. If anything should change, it’s that. Over 80% of breast cancers are in women over 50, and about a third are in women over 70, which is when the reminders stop and you have…

FLY ON A TUESDAY OR SUNDAY “For long-haul flights, book two to four months ahead; for shorter trips, you can look closer to the travelling date. Look at comparison sites like Kayak.co.uk and Skyscanner.net and sign up to their price alerts,” says Sam Katterfield, travel expert from HolidayPirates (holidaypirates.com). “Being flexible is helpful when it comes to getting a cheap flight – midweek flights are usually cheaper, as are early and late timings. Research suggests that the lowest fares are often on Sundays and Tuesdays, so these could be good days to book.” FOLLOW HOTELS ON SOCIAL MEDIA “If you have a specific hotel in mind, follow their social media accounts for offers, and join their loyalty scheme to receive discounts, special offers and even free nights,” says Sam. “If…

What was Rome like? Enormous fun. They [the programme producers] said, “You’ll be on a Vespa.” Well, I don’t know that I’ve ever driven a Vespa, and what a perfect way of seeing Rome. I loved it, but it was 40 degrees. The [food] photographer was so hot, they were pouring a jug of water down his back as he was taking the pictures… Did you try any new food? It was lovely to go round the markets and see what was for sale. There was a sort of yellow-green courgetti that had a slight stripe in it. People paid more for that than the ordinary green ones, so I’ve been looking at seed packets at home; I’m going to grow it myself. It’s all about cooking when you’re strapped…

Poor Ashley was mortified when she found out the sauna in her hotel had no frosted glass. Joel was asked to pose in the style of Where’s Wally? Sadly, it looks more like a case of “Where’s willy?” Jemma reveals her new range of kitchen tiles. Other designs available include, “Stone the crows” and “Well, I never”. Kim: “That’s the last time I let you book a holiday on AirBnB without first showing me what the place looks like…” Either Mark has extra-thick thermal undies on, or he’s packing quite the snow cannon! It’s certainly not a button lift… PARIS HILTON... Very wise, Paris. But give a girl the wrong shoes and she’ll barely be able to make it to the bar before she has to kick them off and…

‘AFTER SO MANY BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS, SHE’S LOST ALL OF HER CONFIDENCE’ Her erratic behaviour on Celebs Go Dating sparked concern as Kerry Katona slurred her words, appeared to forget how many children she had, suffered tearful meltdowns, necked drinks and repeatedly spoke about her ex-husband Brian McFadden. Viewers were also left stunned by former Atomic Kitten star Kerry’s crude humour when she referenced one of her old hits, saying, “I need a man to make me whole again, and get in my hole again!” But it wasn’t long before the troubled reality star, 37, exposed her insecurities, saying, “Who’s going to date someone who’s been married three times?” FRAGILE And pals say that Kerry – who admitted to Closer just six months ago that she was “in a bad place”…

FLAT SKULLS Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are often bred to have skulls that are flat on top. This means that their brains are too big for their skulls. This can be incredibly painful, as it puts pressure on the spinal cord and causes fluid in the spine to press on nerves. In severe cases of the condition – known as Syringomyelia (SM) – this can even cause disabilities. ELONGATED SPINES Dachshunds are famous for their extended spines. However, while it may seem cute, this exaggerated feature can cause severe back problems. The dogs can suffer from slipped or herniated discs – which damages their nerves and results in extreme pain, loss of reflex, and full or partial paralysis.…

He recently enjoyed his first family holiday with girlfriend Anne-Marie Corbett and her daughters, with the happy couple pictured at Abu Dhabi airport waiting for their return flight home following the luxurious half-term break. But sources say Ant McPartlin’s holiday came as a blow to his ex, Lisa Armstrong – who divorced the TV host in October – after the images emerged of the couple looking relaxed following the family jaunt to the United Arab Emirates. The insider says, “Lisa still finds it hard seeing Ant with the woman who used to be her friend and their personal assistant. The fact that he’s now enjoying family holidays with Anne-Marie and her children is bound to sting. Seeing Ant settling into his new life is understandably hurtful, and it makes her…

Their romance has been low-key since they reportedly got together in 2013. But it appears it’s now all over for Jamie Foxx and Katie Holmes. The actor, 51, told a crowd at an Oscars party he was “single”, after he was seen leaving another star-studded bash with models Shanina Shaik and Jasmine Tookes, both 28. The Oscar-winner was also seen cosying up to his All Star Weekend co-star, Jessica Szohr, 33, at another bash. And pals say Katie, 40 – who has daughter Suri, 12, with her ex Tom Cruise – is heartbroken. A source says, “It’s a miserable time for her. Jamie’s behaviour – not only ending things so abruptly, but then publicly rubbing it in her face with his single-man attitude so soon after their split – has…

British athlete Jo Pavey, 45, won her first gold at 40. She lives in Devon with her husband Gavin, 47, and their two children, Jacob, nine, and Emily, five. She says, “Winning gold for the 10,000 metres at the 2014 Zurich World Championships felt absolutely brilliant. I know my knowledge and experience, and all the setbacks I’d had throughout my twenties and thirties, contributed to finally achieving my dream. “I competed on a national level in my teens, but an injury meant I took a different path and went to university to study physiotherapy. It wasn’t until I was 23 that I decided to give running a go properly, and I was shocked when I qualified for the Women’s 1,500 at the Athens World Championships in 1997, where I reached…

Growing up without a vagina, Tara Hockaday, always knew that she was different from other girls. As a child, she felt isolated and ashamed of her body. Her condition affected her relationships and she always avoided having sex as an adult – despite having surgery as a teen to use part of her bowel to create a vaginal canal. But after meeting her partner, Stuart Pretswell, 34, four years ago, Tara says she finally feels accepted. And, as well as having a healthy sex life, the pair are even planning to have a baby. Tara, 37, who is a support worker and lives in Northumberland with Stuart, says, “I was only a toddler when my parents discovered that my vagina hadn’t formed properly and I had no womb, cervix or…

She’s famed for her romances with toyboys, including singer Olly Murs and ex-husband Jack Cockings. But last week, it was reported that Melanie Sykes, 48, had struck up a romance with comedian Steve Coogan, 53, after meeting him at a party in 2018. A source says, “Mel has learned from her past mistakes and has been on the lookout for someone more her own age, with shared interests. She met Steve in 2018 and they’ve recently been on a string of dates. It’s early days, but she’s smitten.” Mel – who has sons Roman, 17, and Valentino, 14, from her first marriage to actor Daniel Caltagirone – saw her seven-month marriage to second husband Jack, who was 15 years her junior, come to an end in 2013 after she was…

Gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes as they exchange their vows, it’s hard to believe that Jack and Verity only met for the first time just minutes earlier. The newlyweds are one of the latest couples to have put their faith in the matchmaking skills of hit TV show Married At First Sight. Channel 4’s controversial dating show, now in its fourth series, matches singles according to the results of a set of scientific tests – including personality questionnaires and DNA matching. Crucially, the couples don’t meet until they get to the altar. They then live together for five weeks, before deciding on whether to stay married, or get divorced. So far, none of the previous series of the hit show has produced a happy union – with all ten…

There have been repeated rumours of an ongoing rift with her youngest daughters, Kylie and Kendall, but Caitlyn Jenner proved that any tensions between the famous reality family are now history, as she cuddled up to Kendall at the Oscars last week. The pair looked happy in each other’s company, with Caitlyn, 69, telling Closer at Elton John’s Oscars party last week that she was closer than ever with Kendall, 23, and Kylie, 21 – even revealing they were responsible for her red-carpet looks! Caitlyn, 69, told us, “The girls have amazing style, and while they obviously dress a lot younger than I do, they know what suits me and always give me their opinions on what looks good – and what I should never step out of the house…

He played the ultimate gay best friend in Sex And The City – finally settling down when he married his former frenemy, Anthony Marentino, in the second film. And actor Willie Garson, 55 – who played Stanford Blatch in the hit series – told Closer how he still enjoys nights out with the show’s star, Sarah Jessica Parker, whose character Carrie Bradshaw was his on-screen BFF. “Sarah’s a close friend and we chat regularly,” he said. “We catch up for cocktails whenever we can and it’s just like old times, minus cigarettes and camera crews!” Fans were left devastated last year when plans for a third movie were scrapped following a fallout between Sarah, 53, and co-star Kim Cattrall, 62, who played Samantha Jones. Willie added fuel to the fire…

SPOTLIGHT ON... RED NOSE DAY Disney has teamed up with TK Maxx and Homesense to launch a series of fun T-shirts, PJs and aprons in support of Red Nose Day on 15 March. Backed by a host of stylish stars, including model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (pictured), Poldark actress Eleanor Tomlinson and socialite Poppy Delevingne, the tee designs feature Mickey, Minnie and friends, all sporting the iconic red nose. The best bit? At least £4.50 from the sale of every £9.99 adult tee, and £5 from every apron and PJ set sold, will go towards Comic Relief, which works to help vulnerable children and young people across the UK and some of the world’s poorest communities. Head in store or online now to pick up yours. IN THE NEWS... I WANT WHAT…

JUST LANDED BROW TAMER URBAN DECAY DOUBLE DOWN BROW WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT: A new range that helps you achieve professional-looking brows. Whether you like ultra-definition or natural fluffiness, this collection has it all. From powder and pencils to brushes, you’ll have your dream arches in no time. OUR VERDICT: We love the whole collection, but our favourite is the Double Down Brow, which is also part of Urban Decay’s vegan range. It gave us natural fluffy brows that lasted all day long. It comes in seven shades too, so you’re sure to find your perfect match – and a little goes a long way! GET THE LOOK... FLAWLESS SKIN These detoxing charcoal masks will help give you a clear complexion, like Sienna and Gigi’s, in no time… ❶ BOOSTS…

Her tricks for an immaculate home have swept the nation into a cleaning frenzy, and fans of Sophie Hinchliffe – aka Mrs Hinch – can’t get enough. Less than a year after setting up an Instagram account to update family and friends on her house renovations, the former Essex hairdresser has amassed nearly two million devoted followers, who are known as her “Hinch Army”, and made appearances on This Morning, demonstrating her cheap and cheerful domestic tips. She even caused Zoflora disinfectant to sell out across the UK after recommending it online. Videos of her cleaning sprees inside her home in Maldon, Essex – which Sophie shares with her husband Jamie and pet pooch Henry – show followers how to tackle stains and scuffs, create sparkling surfaces, and leave furniture…

She’s had to get through a painful relationship break-up while adjusting to life as a new mother and moving halfway across the world. But Katie Waissel – who is mum to seven-month-old son Hudson – says that motherhood is the most rewarding job. “Nobody can prepare you for becoming a mum, it is just phenomenal,” smiles Katie. “Obviously it’s exhausting, and parenting on your own can be tough, but Hudson is just amazing. He said ‘mama’ the other day and it was the best feeling.” The star, who found fame on The X Factor in 2010 and later claimed her mentor, Cheryl, was “a nasty, horrible human”, moved to the US eight years ago. She later went through two divorces – from model Brad Alphonso in 2012 and comedian Brian…

This voucher can be redeemed for a free regular hot drink at Greggs. Drink can be an Espresso, Black/White Coffee, Decaf Coffee, Flat White, Latte, Cappuccino, Mocha, Vanilla Latte, Caramel Latte, Hot Chocolate or Tea. Decaf coffee is not Fairtrade and is not freshly ground. Not available in franchise locations. The voucher is redeemable from Tuesday 5 March 2019 to Tuesday 2 April 2019. Only one voucher per customer and transaction. Offer is subject to availability. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. No cash alternative is available. Photocopied vouchers not accepted. Greggs reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Take-out only.…

Millions of us are risking permanent ear damage thanks to loud music, so Action On Hearing Loss say people should take earplugs on noisy nights out, like at gigs. Noise pollution also triggers the release of stress hormone cortisol, and repeatedly flushing your body with cortisol can up your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and depression. So if you’re off to see an action film, go to a gig or take a loud train, think about popping earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones in your bag to save your ears.…

£45 For a pot of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream moisturiser. It’s my favourite cream to use. £100 For a big food shop from Sainsbury’s. I change where I shop all the time to mix things up. £4 For a cloth holder from eBay, to stick inside my cupboard. I’m obsessed with cleaning guru Mrs Hinch, and I spotted her using one. £850 For a new dressing table from My Furniture. I’m moving house, so I bought it to store all my make-up. 50p On a Creme Egg. They’re my favourite treat to eat. • Kady has her own make-up range, www.bykady.com…

So Michelle, can you bake? No. I can cook, but I think cooking and baking are completely different things. But I’m a massive fan of the show, so I thought it would be a great challenge. Do you have a signature dish? Cooking-wise, I like doing tapas dishes, because I like picky food. So my signature dish would be gambas al pil pil – garlic chilli prawns. Ah, so good! Who do you reckon is your biggest competition in the tent? I think everyone is. There’s not one person I would say who is really bad, and all the guys are very good at flavours, as well. I tried all the flapjacks they made – which were all different, but every one tasted really nice. Have you had any baking…