Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 883 i Closer

In this cracker of an issue, tons of celebs reveal how they’re spending the party season. Some go OTT (Luisa Zissman hires a brass band and snow machine), while others like Simon Cowell and Sam Faiers escape to the sun. For First Dates’ Fred, it’s all about love (twice before lunch!) and, for expectant mums Casey Batchelor and Danielle Armstrong, the focus is on an exciting new chapter. But everyone agrees it’s a time to count our blessings and cherish our nearest and dearest. No one embodies that more than Georgina Tarawally – an incredible young woman who put her own dreams on hold at just 22 to look after her siblings when their mum died before Christmas. We wish her and her family– and all of you – a…

Their 11-year marriage continued to dominate the headlines in 2019, with reports that Wayne Rooney had stripped down to his boxers during a boozy jacuzzi party with other women, leaving their relationship “hanging by a thread”. He then failed to publicly support his wife Coleen in her infamous WAGatha Christie row with Rebekah Vardy. But insiders tell Closer that Coleen, 33 – who shares Kai, 10, Klay, six, Kit, three, and one-year-old Cass with her childhood sweetheart of 17 years – is hoping the tide is finally turning after the footballer, 34, proposed renewing their vows in a bid to put their hellish year behind them. A source says, “Wayne suggested it out of the blue during their recent romantic trip to Dubai and, even though Coleen wasn’t initially keen…

She’s the co-creator of smash-hit TV series Gavin & Stacey, plus the well-loved gang of characters who appear in it. And Ruth Jones says her character – the legendary Nessa Jenkins – is just as much fun to play as she is to watch. Ruth, 53 – who co-wrote the BBC show with James Corden, 41, who plays Smithy – says, “I adore Nessa, because when I’m playing her I feel so brave and at ease. “When we were filming in Barry, lots of people would come and watch. Sometimes it was a bit much. But rather than go out there as Ruth Jones and say, ‘Would you mind ever so much just being a bit quiet?’, I was able to go out [as Nessa] and go, “Oh! We’re trying…

She was the true star of Dancing On Ice at the start of the year, and she’ll make her return to the rink for the Christmas special this month. Her spiky spats with judge Jason Gardiner sent Twitter into meltdown when she appeared on the show, and Gemma is now glad her pal John Barrowman will be on it instead. She says, “There’s criticism, and then there’s calling someone a fridge. He [Jason] was referring to my body size. I can take criticism – no one has faced more criticism than me. If someone gave me advice or criticism, and it was going to benefit me, I’d listen. But if you’re saying nasty things about me, I don’t want to hear it. I haven’t time for it. He’s left now.”…

Little hero Dom Owen, nine, runs an appeal to provide pyjamas and books for children escaping domestic violence. His mum Danielle, 32, who lives in Bromley, explains, “Three years ago, Dom wrote a letter to Father Christmas. He wrote the usual list of presents that he wanted, then at the end put, ‘But I don’t mind if I don’t get anything and they go to other children who have nothing.’” They talked about how he could help and Danielle mentioned a friend who used to work for a domestic violence charity, and had explained how many children fled their home with nothing. “Dom said how scary that must be and he said he felt the most comfortable when he put on his pyjamas and had a book read to him.…

She’s not even given birth to her second baby yet – due at the end of January – but Casey Batchelor, who has 19-month-old daughter Florence with fiancé Dane Goodson, is already planning for the next one in 2020. As she poses for Closer’s Christmas shoot, the Celebrity Big Brother star admits she’s ready for one more before she ties the knot with businessman Dane. “It will be lovely when the second baby comes,” Casey says. “When there’s another one, it will feel like more of a family. They are so difficult, and I always think I can’t have another baby. But then I’m like, ‘Should we have another one?’ They become a bit addictive!” “We’re having a girl this time, but if we had a boy next I think…

She had a roller coaster of emotion in the Love Island villa, finding her first-ever boyfriend in Curtis Pritchard before being dumped and quitting with a heartbreaking speech. Six months later, Amy Hart, 27, is ready for a break after a busy work schedule, including appearing as a panellist on Loose Women and a collaboration with online fashion brand In The Style. She tells Closer, “I’m really in the mood for Christmas! I’ll be at home this year with all my family, and then on Boxing Day, we’ll be going for a booze-up at the races. The racecourse near us is open on Christmas Day, so it’s a great excuse to get everyone together and dress up. “My New Year’s resolution is to try to manage my time better. This…

She had to leave the Love Island villa early and abandon her blossoming romance with Danny Williams – who moved on with Jourdan Riane – but Arabella Chi has found happiness with another Love Island star. Arabella, 28, and Wes Nelson, 21 – who appeared on Love Island’s 2018 series – started dating this summer and moved in together after just three months in November. “It came so naturally to us. That’s why we’ve worked so well. We never even said, ‘Let’s move in together’ – it just happened. He was staying with me three or four nights a week and living out of a suitcase. Our relationship has been so organic,” Arabella tells Closer. “It’s so nice to have a mutual place of our own, rather than him staying…

‘It’s more special when you have kids’ MOVIE TIME “I love traditional Christmas films like Home Alone, Love Actually and The Holiday to get me in the mood. I have the fire on and enjoy a nice glass of mulled wine with a mince pie.” MISSING DOWNTON “In previous years, I’ve loved watching the Downton Christmas special. For me, a little something is missing now that the show is no longer on air, although I loved the recent Downton movie.” SOAP SPECIALS “I don’t watch EastEnders during the rest of the year, but I always seem to catch the Christmas Day special – and I just sit there riveted!”…

GET THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN THE RIGHT SIZE VENUE, so everyone can see each other, with the right music. YOU DON’T NEED TO BE A GOOD DANCER. It’s fine, as long as you’re having a laugh and look like you’re getting involved. I tried to learn salsa in Miami and, by the end of it, I was like, “Just get in there and let’s do it!” I THINK HAVING A THEME IS A GREAT IDEA BECAUSE IT GETS PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT THE PARTY. There’s more of a reason to be there – have a fancy dress or a white dresscode party, whatever it may be.…

This year marked a triumph for Vanessa Feltz – losing 3½st after having a second gastric band fitted. And she celebrated her new, svelte figure while on holiday in Dubai by wearing a bikini for the first time in more than three decades. “There’s no way I’d have worn a bikini before [the weight loss] – this year is the first time I’ve worn a bikini in 35 years,” she tells Closer . “It felt fantastic – and now I’ve got a tanned tummy. I didn’t really walk about [in the bikini] – I sort of covered up with a sarong until I got to the sunbed, and then when I got to the sunbed I sort of eased out of it.” Vanessa, 57, is now a size 12 after…

‘My tradition is leaving the UK to sunbathe’ In years gone by, Simon Cowell would spend his Christmas and New Year in Barbados with his entourage, sunbathing on the beach, jet skiing in the ocean and drinking Caribbean cocktails. But these days he has an extra-special VIP on his festive trip – his son Eric, five, and his long-term girlfriend Lauren Silverman, 42. “Santa travels there every year and gives Eric a few presents,” Simon tells Closer. “I just leave the UK and sunbathe – that’s my Christmas tradition.” The mogul’s drastic 1½st weight loss has been a hot topic this year – something he credits to switching to a plant-based diet. He says, “I cut out a lot of the stuff I shouldn’t have been eating, and that was…

Owynn Lindsey was desperate for a little brother or sister, and every year he would ask Father Christmas to make it happen. Sadly, his mum and dad, Stacey and Adam, had been trying for another child, but had suffered five devastating miscarriages. So the couple began looking into adoption – but kept it a secret from Owynn, now 12. He didn’t find out he was a big brother until a few weeks before Christmas 2017, when his parents brought home their new daughter, Naylee, and put her under their Christmas tree to surprise him. Stacey, 43, says, “Every year, Owynn would write to Santa asking for a brother or sister. “Adopting Naylee was a dream come true and to bring her home at Christmas time made it even more special.”…

Jesy snogs Chris in a kebab shop Nothing says “we’re in love” quite like weirdly licking each other’s tongues in a greasy kebab shop in south London – which is exactly what Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson did when she first went public with ex-Love Island star Chris Hughes in February. And they’re still going strong. Personally, I don’t think you can beat a bit of bonding down the chippy over a piece of cod or a battered sausage. Liam hooks up with Naomi Cheryl, 36, was ribbed when she started dating toyboy Liam Payne in 2016 when he was 23. But he blew that out of the water earlier this year, when he went on to romance supermodel icon Naomi Campbell, who is 49, and they publicly flirted with each…

STYLISH STUNNERS Kate Bosworth, 36 Girlie yet glam, this mint ensemble is one of our fave 2019 looks from our girl crush, actress Kate. Simple accessories, vampy lips and a chic hairdo perfectly complement the fancy frock. Olivia Palermo, 33 Socialite Olivia gives us major off-duty inspiration with this pale-hued look. We’re big fans of the peach and green clash. Gemma Chan, 37 The Crazy Rich Asians star is evidence you don’t need a dress to impress. Her flowy top and sparkly bottoms work perfectly. Sarah Paulson, 45 Wearing her heart on her dress, we’re head over heels for actress Sarah’s romantic look. A ruby coat gives it a stylish business spin. Gina Rodriguez, 35 This baby blue gown makes actress Gina look like a princess. The lace adds glamour…

OVERNIGHT SKIN SAVIOUR LIZ EARLE CICA RESTORE SKIN PASTE WHAT IS IT? A cross between a treatment and a mask, this night-time beauty buy delivers 48 hours of hydration to help reduce the appearance of imperfections while you sleep. WHY WE LOVE IT: Beauty buffs are raving about cica. It helps repair the skin’s barrier, hydrates and heals dryness – which is perfect for this time of year when skin is more sensitive. The tube is also 100 per cent recyclable. Use twice a week and apply before bedtime as the last step in your routine.…

‘I felt low and down – I didn’t know what was wrong’ Posing with her neat baby bump on Closer’s photo-shoot, Danielle Armstrong is the definition of glowing. The reality star – who burst on to our screens in TOWIE back in 2013 – is 19 weeks pregnant, and says she’s thrilled to be expecting a baby girl with her boyfriend Tom. The 31 year old tells Closer , “I really believe this pregnancy has been a blessing. When you’re happy and content, everything just fits into place. The sickness has calmed down, I’ve got a lot more energy and I’m just excited to see my bump now.” Danielle and Tom – who met at school and briefly dated when they were 19 – have only been together since the…

CORONATION STREET ARMED SIEGE AT THE ROVERS Behaving in a most unseasonal manner, Gary ties Derek up in the furniture shop overnight, determined to make sure he misses a flight to Florida to see his kids. Gaz is narked because Derek has blabbed to Izzy about how he never owned the factory, meaning Gary is forced to announce to Sarah, Nick and co that it’s actually his name on the deeds of Underworld… On Christmas Eve, Gary lets his stooge go – but Derek is livid about not seeing his offspring and is out for revenge. Meanwhile, Fiz has taken delivery of a (loaded) antique gun at the furniture shop, and Christmas Day takes a sinister turn, with everyone enjoying Michael Bailey’s Winter Wonderland on the cobbles when a worse-for-wear…

What do you have in store for the Big Christmas Show? It’s going to make you laugh and it’s going to make you cry – hopefully at all the right bits. Sharon Osbourne is playing Send To All, and I went to Craig Revel Horwood’s house in the dead of night to wake him for a very special Midnight Gameshow. I think not only is this the best Christmas show we’ve done, but it’s probably the best of the whole series. Tell us more about Sharon Osbourne… Undoubtably the highlight of Sharon’s Send To All has to be Ozzy Osbourne. He wasn’t there, but he was in America and kept FaceTiming Sharon’s phone – he must have called over 20 times. It was hard for me to get through the…

How does it feel to be back on the road together? Gordon: It’s amazing – and like having two more young sons, what with Fred’s moods and Gino’s games… Gino: It’s not work, really. It doesn’t matter where we are, it’s always great fun. Fred: We are very different characters and yet we love each other’s company. I don’t think I could do this trip with any other people. You’re in Morocco; what can viewers expect? Gordon: We created a Christmas feast in the desert. Viewers will be inspired to recreate some of our dishes. Gino: The colours, the food, the people – it is really a unique, magical place. Fred: We were supposed to go to Jerusalem, but Gino got his cousin to buy the tickets and because Morocco…

CHLOE FERRY Not half as annoying as those bits that get between your teeth. What with that and licking envelopes, it’s a wonder we can even open our mouths to woof all those Lindt chocolate balls! STACEY DOOLEY Relax, Stacey. You’re not as hormonal as us – the Closer office advent calendar was completely devoured by 5 December! INSPIGRAM JAY RUTLAND Not sure you can call that happiness, Jay. Where we live, the first tracks in the snow are usually made by vomit. Happy Xmas!…

She’s endured a traumatic year with the shock death of her ex-husband George Kay over the summer, followed by a stint in hospital for a mystery illness. But Kerry Katona tells Closer that, as she prepares for the holiday season with her family in Cheshire, everything in her life is calm and drama-free. Kerry, 39 – who is feeling fabulous after having her third boob job, an uplift, and using SkinnyJabs weight loss injections, plus a ‘fat dissolving’ treatment – says, “I’m feeling very content at the moment. Christmas is always my favourite time of year, I just love it. The decorations, the cold and dark evenings, and cosying up on the sofa with the family. It’s just a magical time of year. “I’m happy – not just because it’s…

For Hollie Woolford, Christmas was far from a happy, magical time. The 29-year-old mum suffered domestic violence at the hands of her ex-husband, and the beatings were so severe she feared she wouldn’t live to see her 30th birthday. The abuse she suffered – which terrifyingly included being battered with a rolling pin – was always worse at Christmas, because her abuser knew this was the time of year Hollie enjoyed the most. Hollie, who lives in Kent, says, “There’s a huge emphasis on family during the festive period. You are bombarded with adverts of the ‘perfect’ family celebrations, which only drove home how different my life was. I felt trapped. “One year, the parsnips I’d ordered for Christmas dinner didn’t arrive and he went crazy at me, telling me…

BE HONEST I’ve had days where I’ve cried and my hormones are everywhere. And I feel it’s important to let people know that I have cried and I have struggled, because it’s normal. TRY YOGA Doing my pregnancy yoga has been so good – it’s not like a workout, and it really helps with pain and stretching. There are so many benefits, like keeping calm. I’ve been trying to do yoga three or four times a week, even if it’s just for ten minutes. STOCKPILE SLEEP Sleep as much as you can, because you will never get sleep like that ever again! Instead of going out at 8pm, I’m going to bed – it’s all changed. CHILL OUT Really appreciate your first pregnancy, because you will never have one like…

They may not have won Love Island this year, but Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury have stood the test of time, as they are one of just two pairs from this summer’s series to go the distance after leaving the villa. The reality TV couple moved in together this September, in Manchester, where they were both based before going on the show. And Molly-Mae and Tommy, both 20, reveal they often talk about their future – but don’t want to fall victim to the curse of previous Love Island couples. “We’ve been spending a lot of time with each other. I think people expect us to be apart the whole time, but we’re not – we’re pretty much together every day. I was expecting to see less of Tommy than…

‘I feel mentally and physically stronger’ She’s had a turbulent year, which saw her return home to the UK from America in a bid to start life as a single mum. But now Katie Waissel admits she’s ready to put the hardest period of her life behind her as she looks forward to the future. The star – who is mum to 15-month-old Hudson – split from her baby’s father, Andy Speer, months before giving birth. But despite the setbacks, she admits she’s feeling stronger than ever. Katie, 33, tells Closer, “It’s been a tough year for me, but I’m proud I’ve got through it. I was in a dark place emotionally, I lost a few people in my family and, when I landed back in the UK last December,…

She always looks at home on the beach, regularly sharing bikini selfies and snaps of her exotic holidays with fans on social media. So it’s no surprise that Sam Faiers is spending this Christmas abroad with her boyfriend Paul Knightley and their children, Paul Jr, three, and Rosie, two. “We’re going away this year,” she tells Closer. “Just me, Paul and the kids. We went away for the first time last year and we loved it so much we’re going this year as well. It’ll be a beach Christmas, but it’s nice. They still do Santa Claus, you still have turkey, it’s the same – just on the beach!” TIME OFF Last year, the family jetted off to the Maldives for the holidays. And the festive season is always a…

‘ I KNOW PEOPLE WILL JUDGE ME AND MY ARMY OF CHILDREN BUT I DON’T CARE’ She first hit the headlines in 2013 after bragging about getting a boob job on the NHS, and was dubbed “Britain’s most hated woman”. At the time, Josie Cunningham insisted her natural 32A boobs had led to her being bullied all her life. She later admitted she simply wanted 36DD boobs paid for by taxpayers so she could feel more confident and start a career in glamour modelling. HATE FIGURE Since then, Josie has regularly courted controversy. She has admitted to smoking while pregnant, considered an abortion so she could go on Big Brother in 2014, and then terminated a pregnancy so she could go ahead with a nose job in 2015 – only…

He spends his time helping singles find their perfect match on hit show First Dates, but if Fred Sirieix – who has been with his girlfriend for four years – was ever allowed to kiss someone else, he’d choose This Morning host Holly Willoughby. Fred, 47 – who has children Andrea, 14, and Lucien, nine, from a previous relationship – says, “Who would I kiss under the mistletoe? Well, if it could be any other woman other than my partner, it would have to be Holly Willoughby! I met her when she was a guest on Celebrity Juice [in 2016] and, yeah, she is lovely. She is a fantastic woman. I really like her and she is very kind, positive and straightforward. Of course it helps that she looks good,…

While the festive season has always been something Lisa Snowdon has looked forward to, it now means so much more as, this month, it’s also the anniversary of her engagement to fiancé George Smart. Lisa, 47, and George, 40, first dated 18 years ago when they worked together. They drifted apart but, following Lisa’s headline-grabbing relationship with George Clooney in the ’00s, the pair rekindled their romance in 2015, with George Smart popping the question a year later. She says, “It was our anniversary [recently] of when we first got back together, so this time of the year is quite special anyway.” But despite the couple’s excitement, Lisa admits they haven’t started planning their nuptials, revealing that she’s pinning her hopes on a discussion in the new year. She tells…

‘I love Sharon. We’re really close!’ It’s hard to believe he started out as a joke act on The X Factor in 2012. Now, Rylan Clark-Neal is part of the showbiz elite, hosting the Strictly spin off with Zoe Ball, and Supermarket Sweep. Rylan, 31, has also acquired a whole host of celebrity mates – and he tells Closer he’ll be having a blast over Christmas in the company of former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne, plus EastEnders’ Danny Dyer and daughter Dani, in a new production of Nativity! The Musical. He says, “I cannot wait to be back with Shazza! I love her. We’re really close. We’re in touch all the time, dropping each other little texts. She’s everything you’d want her to be – she can be crazy,…

‘ONE MINUTE I WAS A CAREFREE STUDENT, THE NEXT I WAS NURSING MY TERMINALLY ILL MOTHER’ Three years ago, Helen Tarawally died – she was only 51 and left behind four devastated children and just 37p in her bank account. Her eldest child, Georgina, then 22, barely had time to grieve. She went into survival mode and was determined to keep her family together, both mentally and physically. It meant dropping out of university and taking care of her then 12-year-old brother, Kwasi. Georgina, who lives in south London, says, “My dad left us ten years ago and we didn’t see him again, so there was nobody else but me to take care of him. It was a difficult situation but I was more than happy to do so. “Mum’s…

NINETIES GLITTER Layer a slinky sequin dress over a roll neck for an instant nod to the ’90s. Chunky boots and a denim jacket will add a casual spin, perfect for pub lunches and Boxing Day walks. TOP, STRADIVARIUS £12.99 DRESS, TOPSHOP £35 JACKET, PRIMARK £19 SHOES, NEW LOOK £27.99 SILVER SCREEN Team a silver shirt with a pair of ripped jeans and white kicks for a weekend look with extra oomph. Let the shirt be the main event and keep accessories minimal to avoid looking OTT. TOP, BERSHKA £49.99 JEANS, NEW LOOK £28.99 TRAINERS, NIKE @ SCHUH £40 SMASH KNITS Offset a sequin skirt with a cable knit for a cosy yet chic look. Choose midi lengths to keep it daytime appropriate and go for flowy styles so it’s…

PEEPER PLEASER EYEKO BROW KIT £15 Define and shape your brows with this stylish set. Pluck stray hairs with the tweezers and keep the rest in place all day (and night) with the gel. SKINCARE SAVIOUR L’OCCITANE CHRISTMAS 2019 ALMOND BAUBLE £12 This pretty bauble contains a trio of treats from the brand’s almond skincare range. We love the hydrating hand cream. DYNAMIC DUO BURT’S BEES BIT OF BURT’S BAUBLE £6.99 This ornament holds a mini hand cream and a full-sized lip salve to ensure you’re ready for mistletoe kisses. SLEEP SUPPLIER THIS WORKS SLEEP ON IT BAUBLE £13 Everything you need to get your 40 winks is in this box, including a lavender-scented pillow spray and stress-relieving roll-on. POUT PERFECTOR LIPSTICK QUEEN SHADE SHIFTER DUO £16 Pucker up! These…

CRAVINGS: “At the beginning, I loved pastries, bread and stodge. At the moment, it’s sweets like Percy Pigs – I’m obsessed.” BEST PAL FERNE: “Obviously, Ferne was at the gender reveal and, when it went pink, I was like, ‘Oh my God, Sunday [Ferne’s daughter] is going to have a friend!’ Ferne has just bought a house close to me and Tom, so I’m sure they’ll be like a little Dani and Ferne. The world had better be prepared.” SOCIAL MEDIA: “It can be amazing but also dangerous as it creates a world that people compare their own lives to. People only post what they want you to see. I’ll be telling my daughter not to believe everything she sees on Insta.”…

‘ EAT WHAT YOU LIKE – BUT BE SOCIABLE’ Tummy aches and hangovers aren’t Dr C’s biggest worries on 25 December – mental health is. Here’s how to look after yours Everybody eats and drinks too much at Christmas – that will never change. But if I am able to encourage one person to be aware of a friend or family member who could be feeling lonely over the holidays, I will have achieved something. CALL A FRIEND Whether someone’s family lives in another country, or they work shifts so they don’t have time to get home and back, we probably all know somebody who may not have an obvious Christmas plan – so it’s worth checking what they’re up to. Research has shown that 200,000 elderly people will spend…

£28 On a talking potty from Amazon, for my daughter Ruby. It’s got a duck on it and it cheers when it’s used. £20.95 For Spirit Animal Wisdom tarot cards from my friend Katie Jane Wright’s website, Andcrystals.com. £18.99 On a subscription to an app for Crakd Magazine. It’s an amazing read – all about mental wellbeing. £4.20 On stamps. In the spirit of my new podcast Thanks A Million, I am sending handwritten cards. £25.44 For period pants from Shethinx.com. An absolute game changer. Thank me later. • Angela’s podcast Thanks A Million is available to download on iTunes and Acast…

After 14 years on the show, it’s time for actress Kym Marsh to bid farewell to the Corrie cobbles…. How does your character Michelle feel about leaving the street behind? She has mixed feelings. So much has happened to her on that street, some good and some awful. It’s not easy for her to say goodbye, but after everything that happens over Christmas, she is left with no option. How was your last day of filming? It was very emotional. My final scene was with the Connor family in The Rovers and my real family were there to watch. When the scene finished everyone started clapping and I started crying. The show has been such a huge part of my life and to know that I had spoken my last…

❛SHE WAS SURPRISED BUT IT HAS SERVED AS A BIT OF A WAKE-UP CALL FOR HER❜ Last Christmas, she spent the day with Liam Payne and their two-year-old son, Bear – later revealing how her ex was there “before she woke up” on 25 December. But this year, Liam, 26, seems ready to break with tradition as pals reveal he’s asked Cheryl, 36, if his 19-year-old girlfriend, Maya Henry, can join them. REAL DEAL Liam recently confirmed both he and his girlfriend would be joining his ex, saying, “I’m going to go down and see Bear and maybe cook a Christmas dinner. I’m at home with my girlfriend at the minute, but we’re going to go down [to Cheryl’s] and have some food and chill out.” As Closer recently reported,…

She’s endured a famously rocky relationship with James “Arg” Argent – who was hospitalised earlier this month following a suspected second drug overdose – but Gemma Collins describes him as “the love of her life”, and reveals the pair will be spending this Christmas together. And Gemma, 38, has high hopes that before New Year, she’ll have a ring on her finger. She’s even hinted she’d be willing to dump Arg, 31, if he doesn’t get down on one knee, saying recently, “I can’t wait much longer. It’s either soon, or I’m out of here.” And she’s clear about the kind of ring she wants, telling Closer, “I was hoping for a pink diamond last year, but I think I’ve changed my mind to a big yellow one.” UPS AND…

Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 and a helpline worker will be able to help you. They can advise you about your individual situation and, if you decide to leave, provide information on what you should take with you and steps to take. They can also help find a place in a refuge – a safe house for women and children escaping domestic violence – where you can also access emotional and practical support from staff who understand what you have been through.…

She almost missed Christmas Day last year after struggling to make it back home in time while working away, so this year, Michelle Heaton is determined to make it extra special. Michelle, 40, says, “Last year, I was doing panto in York. I travelled back on Christmas Eve and it took five hours because I got stuck in a massive crash on the motorway. I ended up getting home at 2am. It was awful.” Understandably, this year Michelle is taking no chances, and her husband – personal trainer Hugh Hanley – and their children, Faith, seven, and AJ, five, will be joining her in Scotland as she performs in Aladdin. She says, “This year, I’m doing panto in Dumfries, so we’ll be spending Christmas there. We’re actually staying in a…

‘We’re trying to find time – it’s hard’ They were the breakaway stars of this year’s series of Love Island, coming runners-up on the dating show. And now, Curtis Pritchard has landed a role alongside Cheryl on BBC’s The Greatest Dancer, while his girlfriend Maura Higgins is gearing up to compete on ITV’s Dancing On Ice. But despite their busy diaries, the couple aren’t letting their new-found fame change them. They’re fully committed to each other, finally going official in October after their summer romance. “I don’t feel like I’m a celebrity or some big famous person,” Curtis, 23, tells Closer. “I’m no different to anyone else on the planet! Maura feels the same as well – that’s why we work. A lot of people come out [of Love Island]…

She may not have found romance, but her life was transformed this summer on Love Island. And Anna Vakili, who went from pharmacist to social media star with 1.3 million followers, is relieved she won’t have to work this Christmas so she can spend it with her family. She says, “Previously, I’d spend Christmas Day working in the pharmacy. This year, I can be with my family! That’s one of the good things to come from Love Island. “It was weird working on Christmas Day. Not many people came in, but there’d always be some. It was nice, but sad – usually people who had no place to go, as the pharmacy was the only place open.” But this festive season is different, and Anna, 29, is looking forward to…

‘It’s good to be home… I missed all the little things’ He shot to fame ten years ago on TOWIE as the Essex party boy and events promoter but, these days, it’s a very different story for former ladies’ man Mark Wright. The TV star admits he’s dreading hosting a New Year’s party with his wife of four years, Michelle Keegan, at their Essex mansion – because he can’t stand the mess! “We’re thinking of hosting a New Year’s Eve party,” he says, “but I’ve got OCD, so I hate having parties. I’m just debating it at the moment.” COMING HOME The presenter – who has always taken pride in his appearance, regularly posting gym and selfie pictures on his social media – admits he doesn’t like hosting a lot…

From The Apprentice to Celebrity Big Brother, Luisa Zissman has proved she’s never one to do things by halves, and Christmas is just the excuse to go all-out. The entrepreneur is married to millionaire tycoon Andrew Collins, with whom she has two daughters – Indigo, three, and Clementine, two – as well as Dixie, nine, from her previous marriage. And the 32 year old reveals she loves making the build-up to Christmas into a huge event for her children. COUNTDOWN “I love Christmas so much,” she tells Closer. “I start shopping for decorations in October and we kick off the festive season with a big Christmas party, which always happens in November. “The whole house gets lit up and we do a Christmas lights switch-on with a brass band, fireworks…

He’s been partnered with a host of stars over the years who have struggled with the routines – including Ann Widdecombe and Judy Murray – so Anton du Beke has relished his time with “natural dancer” Emma Barton. The dad-of-two, who has been on the show for 16 years, says, “It’s been a different story for me this year. Emma’s been terrific and worked so hard – and she can do certain things really well. She’s had two enormous jobs – Strictly and EastEnders – and has barely slept. She’s everything you’d want a partner to be, which has made my job really easy. She was lovely to be with in the studio. I am so grateful to her.” FAMILY TIME And joking about how, in past series, fellow pro…

DON’T PUT PRESSURE ON YOURSELF “I don’t set resolutions – life is hard enough without putting new pressures on yourself. That whole ‘new year, new you’ thing – just no! You’re starting the bleakest part of the year with disappointment, because you’re never going to go, ‘I’m going to cut all of this out of my life.’ I just try to be moderate across the year.” ALWAYS BE KIND “Being kind is an all-day, every day sentiment. We all have it in us to be kind – it costs nothing, means everything, and makes the world a much nicer place.” REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE “Sometimes I think we forget to be us. We get so busy trying to conform and fall in line with what everyone else is doing. We…

‘My nan buys me lavender gifts – even though I’m allergic’ She seems happier than ever with policeman boyfriend Scott Dobinson, telling Closer last month that she “really, really likes him”. And now Scarlett Moffatt admits she can’t wait to spend Christmas morning with him, even hinting at a proposal in the future. It’s a family affair this Christmas, as the pair will be splitting the day between their homes. Scarlett, 29, says, “My boyfriend is spending Christmas with his parents. I’ll see him in the morning and we will open our presents together. Then I’m going to see my family, and he’s going to see his family, and then he’s going to come and see my family and I’m going to see his family. But because we both live…

AS YOU GET OLDER, I THINK YOU HAVE MORE CONFIDENCE TO DO WHAT YOU WANT. Go out there and grab life with both hands. Embrace it, and try to do things you haven’t done before. REALISE THE THINGS THAT WORK FOR YOU. It’s about listening to your body and being mindful about how your body reacts to things. IT’S GOOD TO GET INTO POSITIVE HABITS, ROUTINES, AND DIET – AND DRINK LOTS OF WATER. I really believe in healthy body, healthy mind and vice versa. You have to look after one to look after the other. I’VE NEVER OWNED SCALES AND I DON’T BELIEVE, FOR ME, THEY HELP. It’s more about how your clothes fit. IT’S SO IMPORTANT THAT YOU HAVE HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS. When you have that kind of support…

“I love Christmas telly. And everyone has a treat in store with the Gavin & Stacey Christmas Day special. It’s one of my favourite shows ever. I hosted the cast screening recently. There’s everything you want in there – surprises, laughter, tears. It’s great. Nessa is one of my favourite characters. She’s the best. All the actors were so lovely – I felt like I was in the show! Part of me didn’t even want to watch it because I wanted to save it for Christmas Day. I also love repeats of Only Fools And Horses and programmes like that – they’re timeless. It’s great being curled up on the sofa watching all the old classics. And I always like Mary Poppins on New Year’s Day. It’s not New Year’s…

He has been with his wife, former Wham! backing singer Shirlie, for 35 years after her best friend, the late George Michael, played cupid to bring the couple together. And Martin Kemp is still as in love now as he was back then, calling Shirlie “the most beautiful woman”. Martin, 58, was a bass player with ’80s chart-toppers Spandau Ballet when they met, and the pair kept their romance alive via postcards while he toured. They married in 1988 and had two children – Harley Moon, 30, and Roman, 26. JOKE PRESENT And they still make an effort to make each other laugh. One Christmas, Martin shocked Shirlie, 57, with an unusual gift. “A couple of years ago, I bought her the worst present. I got her a set of…

STEP 1 TRIM “If your nails are already quite long, it’s best to cut them down with a nail cutter first and then shape, rather than doing it all with a file. The trauma of over-filing can cause the nail to weaken and snap. Use a fine grit tool to gently shape and smooth to your required look. You can go for a square or round finish, depending on your preference.” STEP 2 PREP “Your cuticle is the thin layer of tissue that grows over your nail – it’s often confused with the fold of skin surrounding it. They can be tricky to maintain, especially if you’re not a professional. I would recommend massaging in some cuticle oil, then pushing back gently with a tool. Trim away any hanging bits…

KAYE ADAMS Where do you do your Christmas food shopping? Amazingly, I have never made a Christmas dinner – this year will be my first. I’ll be cooking for ten people, including my husband Ian, and my daughters (Charley, 17, and Bonnie, 12). I’ll be wandering around the shops like an alien from Mars, because it’ll be my first-ever big Christmas food shop. What do you eat on the day itself? I have porridge on Christmas morning, I never deviate. I’m a pescatarian, so I have a salmon fillet while the rest of the family have turkey. We have it with all the trimmings – roast potatoes and veg. My youngest might try to sneak in a potato waffle. None of us like Christmas pudding so, for dessert, we have…

FAMILY MATTERS HOW TO HANDLE KIDS’ XMAS STROPS From squabbles over gifts to sugar highs that lead to tantrums, Emma says we can avoid most festive meltdowns Walk into pretty much any home on 25 December and you’ll witness a fall-out involving kids. They get themselves hugely worked up in the lead-up and, on the day itself, they wake up super early. Add to this the half a ton of sweets, chocolate and candy canes, plus your frayed temper, and it’s clear why they kick off. This year, adopt a zen attitude. As the day approaches, give your children earlier nights so that, even if they don’t get much sleep on Christmas Eve, they will have energy reserves. Try limiting treats as much as you can, and get your family…

MUST READ Rewrite The Stars (EMMA HEATHERINGTON) From the moment they meet, it’s clear there’s something between Charlotte and her brother’s best friend, Tom. But the problem is, he’s already taken… It’s another five years before the pair cross paths again, and when they do, Charlie realises she has to make a choice. Can she leave behind the life she has built herself for one last chance at love with Tom? Or is the one that got away not really The One at all…? A lovely, heartwarming read. GET YOUR SKATES ON! Here’s our round-up of the UK’s best ice-skating rinks BOURNEMOUTH Have a skate then enjoy a festive tipple at the Alpine Lodge Bar. Tickets from £9.50pp HAMPTON COURT PALACE Enjoy a spin on the ice in Henry VIII’s…

ENTERTAINMENT DAME EDNA RULES THE WAVES WELCOME 2020 IN STYLE NY EVE, 9.05PM, BBC1 Filmed in front of a live studio audience, Australian legend Dame Edna Everage comes out of retirement for what is being billed as a “raucous night of entertainment”. Sharon Osbourne, Rob Rinder, Emily Atack and Joe Sugg are among the celeb pals joining her, with music from Nile Rogers & Chic. Whoop! PRIDE OF BRITAIN: CELEBRATING 20 YEARS FABULOUS ONE-OFF SUN 22 DEC, 5PM, ITV Carol Vorderman – who’s been presenting Pride Of Britain since it began 20 years ago – fronts this one-off, as the ceremony heads into its milestone third decade. Cazza will be reliving many of her favourite moments, hitting the road to visit some of the winners who’ve really stuck…

THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV-21 DEC Want more cash in 2020? Think now about your talents, assets, and what you can offer work-wise that people will pay you for. The more you know your value, the more you’ll be financially rewarded in the year ahead. Find out where you’re luckiest in 2020 at moonmessages. com/jupiter2020 CAPRICORN 22 DEC-19 JAN There is so much promise in your chart right now. To get the good mojo, you should try to be in alignment – in other words, live a good life you approve of, and behave in a way that makes you feel proud of yourself (without being arrogant!). Find out where you’re luckiest in 2020 at moonmessages.com/ jupiter2020 AQUARIUS 20 JAN-18 FEB If you feel like just hiding…