Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 903 i Closer

While many parents are trying to get to grips with homeschooling, we’ve spoken to one mum who’s just not bothering. Carla Belucci sparked outrage last year after admitting to blagging an NHS nose job, and now she says she’s only teaching her kids what she thinks they’ll need to know to become famous. In the case of her 15-year-old daughter, this means pouting on social media in the hope of eventually becoming a Love Island star. Meanwhile, we’ve spoken to three ex-villa contestants who’ve swapped showbiz for scrubs and are back in their old NHS jobs. Dr Alex George hopes priorities will change in the future, asking, “Isn’t someone who saves lives cooler than someone who poses for photos?” The answer, of course, is a resounding YES… as we all…

CLOSER NUTRITIONIST, JULIETTE KELLOW EXPLAINS, “As celebs like Adele have found, a vegan diet is often lower in calories, which improves our health and can give us more energy. Studies show that vegans are less likely to be overweight and have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and possibly some types of cancer. Vegan diets are also higher in fruit and veg, great news for healthy, glowing skin – as Adele has certainly been displaying lately! These foods are key providers of skin-friendly vitamin C and beta-carotene, which the body uses to make vitamin A, vital for a healthy immune system. Plus, they’re full of antioxidants, which help eliminate cell-damaging and wrinkle-forming free radicals from the body. Lockdown has meant most of us have had to change our…

She shocked fans after bravely revealing that she had contemplated suicide earlier this year, saying that a culmination of traumatic events and financial troubles had left her at her lowest point. And speaking to her 2.1million Instagram followers last week, Jordan opened up in detail about her mental health journey, in an attempt to help others with their own struggles, The famously feisty and outspoken star exposed a more vulnerable side in an Instagram Live Q&A, as she told how she had lived life “in denial” for months, turning to partying as a distraction from her personal issues. She said, “I let myself down. I was at nightclubs, having drinks, showing myself up on the microphone. I put on this front – it was exhausting. I was saying, ‘I’m okay’,…

Dr Alex George didn’t find love in the villa, but left it in 2018 with millions of followers and countless work offers. After six months of showbiz, Alex, 30, returned to his job as an A&E doctor at a London hospital. Now, Alex tells Closer how it feels to be dealing with the terrifying pandemic first-hand. He says, “The last few weeks have been really tough. I’ve been dealing with patients suffering with COVID-19 and it’s been traumatic, especially seeing people die. I’ve come home and cried after a harrowing shift. “But I’m generally a positive person, and I’ve been trying to remain as upbeat as I can. I’m isolating at my London home, away from my family, friends and girlfriend Amelia [Bath]. It’s been weeks since I’ve had any…

Rebecca Young, 36, lives alone in Sheffield, and is a residential carer. She says, “I’ve had serious boyfriends, but I get bored easily. I crave excitement. “I’ve had a couple of serious boyfriends, but when I was 30, I had my first affair with a married man after meeting him online. We split after two years, but I found an affair suited me. I could get all the benefits of a relationship without the downsides. “Currently, I’m having an affair with Sean*, who’s in his forties, married with three children, and runs his own businesss. He has a very high sex drive and says his wife is busy with their family and doesn’t want it as much as him. “We met online in February and had our first date on…

Dr Stephen Curran is an education expert and teacher of 35 years. He says, “I have a lot of sympathy for parents trying to homeschool. Teachers build up a wealth of strategies RIGHT and techniques ALIGNED to help them educate CAPTION children, and parents are trying to teach without any of this. It isn’t easy, but in my 35 years of teaching, I’ve learned that the key is planning and making sure there is structure to the day. It’s important that parents try to at least keep going with maths and literacy. “Carla saying she can’t be bothered isn’t good enough – she can’t abdicate responsibility. You have to step up and do what you can. There’s no excuse for doing nothing, and saying academic skills don’t matter is very…

SIMON AND LAUREN SPARK SPLIT SPECULATION He was a notorious ladies man before starting a family with Lauren Silverman. But last week, Simon Cowell was thrown into hot water, after an awkward video call with Amanda Holden left viewers speculating he and Lauren may have split up, with rumours previously emerging that she had accused him of having an affair with Mel B. Simon’s long-time friend and fellow Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda, 49, was taking part in an Instagram Live chat with her followers, when she mentioned Simon and Lauren – and her eight-year-old daughter Hollie chimed in, saying, “I thought they broke up?” Amanda quickly responded, “Don’t be stupid” – but fans were left wondering whether there was something behind what Hollie had said. Reports claimed that Lauren,…

When Marjorie Lamb heard about Captain Tom Moore walking 100 laps of his garden for the NHS, she felt motivated to do the same. And so, last month, Marjorie – who, like Tom, is a World War II veteran – began walking three laps of her garden every day. The 99-year-old, who was a Wren in the Women’s Royal Naval Service, hopes to have completed her challenge by her 100th birthday, on 31 May. Marjorie says, “I still love walking, so when I told my family I was going to do the challenge, they weren’t shocked. Captain Tom seems like a lovely chap, and I thought, ‘If he can do it, then why can’t I?’ “I feel fit for my age, but I walk with a frame for balance, so…

‘There's something joyful about plants' Like many of us, Lorraine Kelly has found herself struggling with anxious thoughts during the pandemic, but the TV star, known for her beaming smile and infectious laugh, reveals pulling on her gardening gloves is key to helping her stay calm. Lorraine, who lives in a cottage in Buckinghamshire with her husband Steve Smith, tells Closer she particularly struggled at the beginning of the lockdown. “For the first couple of weeks, I was really anxious. I would wake up in the morning and then it would hit me and I’d get really scared. We all have our wobbles, but now I try to take some time during the day to step away from it, for at least a couple of hours, whether it’s writing something,…

People may feel worried about easing the lockdown, but we have to weigh up the true cost of it – and I don’t mean financially. I mean in terms of mental health, the increase in suicides, and kids missing out on their education. All of that is starting to potentially outweigh the cost of the pandemic. TWO TESTS ARE NEEDED A healthcare company called Roche Diagnostics says it has a near-100 per cent accurate antibody test that can potentially be rolled out within two weeks. The tests need to be highly accurate, because one of the worst things you can do is tell someone they’re fine – when actually they have the virus – thanks to a false negative, as then they can go and spread the infection. We need…

Jen Kaarlo, 35, from London, says, “I was organising events for a beauty company earning £29,000 a year in 2009, but I was made redundant. “Unemployed for five months, I had to change my lifestyle to survive. I claimed Job Seeker’s Allowance, and my then boyfriend and I were just able to cover rent, but with no savings or family or friends who could offer a hand, life had to change. I sold clothes and household items on eBay and cancelled TV and music subscriptions, using free playlists on YouTube and Soundcloud instead. “I searched online for dishes to make on a budget. I found mushroom stroganoff was great comfort food, and there were always leftovers for the next two days. I still use lots of websites and Instagram accounts…

GO VEGGIE YOU DON’T NEED MEAT TO MAKE A MEAL OF IT… TOM DALEY’S HUEVOS RANCHEROS SERVES 2 •1/2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, finely sliced • 400g can black beans, drained and rinsed • 1 green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped • 4 medium British Lion eggs •1/2 avocado, sliced • 40g feta, crumbled • Small handful of coriander, chopped FOR THE SALSA: • 200g cherry tomatoes, quartered • Juice 1/2 lime •1/4 garlic clove, crushed •1/2 tbsp olive oil STEP 1 Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 5-7 mins, until starting to soften. Add the beans and cook for a further 3 mins, then add the chilli. Cook for 2 more mins, then mash with a…

Billie Faiers, 30 Reality star Billie usually looks super glam both on and off the red carpet, but since we all went into lockdown, she’s been showcasing a more laid-back style – and we love it! Her ‘staying-in’ sweatshirt is ideal for lounging around, and we’re big fans of her retro scrunchie, too. Elsa Hosk, 31 Pastel shades are always a red-carpet winner, and model Elsa looked stunning in this multicoloured rainbow dress. Proving she’s still a fan of all things pretty and pink, her latest isolation look, with a candy-coloured cardi, leggings and matching high-top trainers, is the perfect mix of comfort and style. Emma Roberts, 29 Sporting minimal make-up and a simple, slicked-back hairstyle, actress Emma gave us a lesson in how to layer up in this knitted…

STEP ONE PREP Just like when you’re applying make-up, the first step in your brow routine should always be a primer. Not only will this help prep your brows for product application, it will also condition them and help your make-up last longer, too. Apply your chosen conditioning treatment or primer directly onto the brows, then massage in with your fingertips. Keratin and soy are key ingredients to look out for, as they help encourage hair growth – resulting in fuller brows over time. Brow conditioners and serums are also great for using on make-up-free days, as they help fill, fluff and tame the hairs, while still giving a natural look. STEP TWO SHAPE Brow-mapping will ensure your eyebrows remain in proportion to your face shape. After smoothing hairs down,…

● If bold colours aren’t your thing, opt for an on-trend dark grey or cream, and add gold touches to give an instantly luxe look. ● To avoid shopping unnecessarily, ask your neighbours if they have any supplies you could borrow, and arrange for contact-free pick up and drop-off. ● Keep your metals matching – if you have a silver knocker, make sure your handle, lock and post box are all the same tone. ● Switch up the placement of your door numbers for a less traditional off-centre look, or line them up vertically for a modern, arty feel.…

What can you tell us about Come Together? We’re going to make it as live as possible and it will be a big celebration. It’s pretty exciting, because people at home can get involved and vote for their favourite [Eurovision] song of all time, which hasn’t been done before. There’s also going to be some audience interaction, which will involve videos from the UK’s biggest Eurovision fans. How did you feel when Eurovision 2020 was cancelled? I was very upset, we all were – but people’s safety has to come first, of course. I always enjoy arriving in the host city and getting the chance to fully immerse myself in the excitement of the competition. There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere on the night. Something special happens when it all…

THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN TAURUS 20 APR-20 MAY Venus, your ruling planet, is retrograde. This means you need to accept a few more delays – in anything! You have a good chance of making money on projects started a while ago – but there may be delays in money coming through. PS What does a reversing love planet mean? Find out for free at moonmessages.com/ venusrx GEMINI 21 MAY-20 JUN Your whole life is up for re-evaluation now. Work out what matters to you. Whether you’re a key worker or have been in lockdown, it’s time for you to get your priorities in order. Once you’ve worked them out, what decisions are you going to make? PS What does a reversing love planet mean? Find out for free at…

❛THE MEMORIES AND THE SCARS ARE STILL THERE. THEIR FEUD WILL NEVER FULLY HEAL❜ It’s been seven months since Coleen Rooney sensationally accused her then-pal, Rebekah Vardy, of leaking details of her private life – sparking the biggest celebrity scandal of last year – and last week, rumours were rife that the warring WAGS were holding peace talks. In October, Coleen, 34, revealed how she had turned detective to “prove” Rebekah’s personal account had been sharing stories about her family based on her private Instagram posts. Rebekah, 38 – wife of Leicester City star Jamie, 33, and who was heavily pregnant with her fifth child, Olivia, at the time – fiercely denied the claims and launched her own forensic investigation into the leak to prove Coleen – who was famously…

The popular fashion designer has rarely put a foot wrong in her 23-year showbiz career – and yet in recent weeks Victoria Beckham has faced an outpouring of public criticism about her financial and business decisions, with her reportedly claiming it’s been the “worst time” of her life. FURLOUGH FALLOUT Initially, it was reported she had tried to save face by reversing the controversial decision to use taxpayers’ money to furlough 30 staff at her struggling fashion label. Yet days later, Posh, 45, risked fresh fury amid claims she and husband David – who are worth a combined £335million – had used a £10million loan to buy their Miami penthouse, despite having the finances to buy the property outright, with fans questioning the super-wealthy couple’s decision to acquire the loan,…

Mental health campaigner Natasha Devon MBE says, “It’s great that Katie Price is speaking out about her mental health struggles – it shows that poor mental health can strike anyone. It’s inspiring that Katie has sought help herself, and is now sharing her story and breaking the taboo around mental health. “But celebrities need to be careful that they offer credible advice. Katie is on her mental health recovery journey, so all she can tell her followers is what happened to her and what helped. Recovery is an ongoing process and it’s important to continue therapy. I hope that it’s a case of onwards and upwards for her.”…

ANNA VAKILI : ‘I love showing people I am sexy and brainy!’ As one of the stand-out stars of last year’s show, Anna Vakili was known for her fierce girl code and her shouting matches with ex Jordan Hames. But the Kardashian lookalike, 29, who swapped her pharmacy job in Ascot, Berkshire, for the villa, surprised fans recently when she took to Instagram to announce she was returning to work a year on from finding fame on the show. She says, “I always knew I’d go back to pharmacy at some point, but the COVID-19 crisis has just sped that up. Pharmacy is a passion of mine, but it’s not my only passion. I love make-up and fashion, too, and I went on Love Island to explore that side of…

ASHLEY: ‘I’ve ditched my usual tan – confidence is an attitude’ Celebs’ tans usually come from luxurious holidays, expensive spray treatments or sunbeds. But now, like the rest of us, they’re having to get to grips with at-home products. Love Island’s Laura Anderson has been doing ‘Quarantan’ – where she samples tanning products and shows off the results on her social media, with one of her favourites being Sienna X. Meanwhile, presenter and CBB star Ashley James has revealed that without her weekly glow-up, she’s actually learned to love her natural skin tone. Ashley, 33, said, “Being stripped of my weekly spray tans has made me realise that a lot of my confidence depended on feeling tanned. I feel better with a tan… But here I am without one. I…

From hosting some of the nation’s best-loved TV shows, to writing cookbooks and becoming a qualified personal trainer, Davina McCall admits she’s a “workaholic” who is happiest when her days are busy. So, isolation at her Sussex home with her three children – Holly, 18, Tilly, 16, and Chester, 13 – and a lack of regular work has been a change of pace for her, and she admits it’s taking a toll on her mental health and her sleep. The presenter, 52, is struggling with insomnia and anxiety, revealing in a recent Instagram Live chat, The Checkin with fellow TV host Matt Johnson, “I haven’t been sleeping, and when I open my eyes I just start immediately thinking, ‘What’s going to happen?’ “I think my thing is a fear of…

PAEDIATRICIAN DR MUMTAZ MOONCEY, 28, RAN A MARATHON TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE FAMILIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED ON THE NHS FRONTLINE. MUMTAZ SAYS, “It feels close to home knowing that people in my job have died helping others – thankfully, I don’t know anyone personally who has passed away, but it could easily impact my team. “My colleagues thought I was mad to use my time off to run a marathon, but I felt like I needed to do something. I’m a keen runner – I ran the London Marathon last year, and I always run after my shifts, as it helps to clear my head – especially now. I didn’t have a proper training plan, but I managed to get up to 21 miles in my practice…

FAMILY MATTERS STOP COOPED-UP KIDS SQUABBLING All being under one roof can lead to more rows between siblings – Emma explains how to bring your children together Helping your kids to manage their emotions has never been more crucial. First, realise that it isn’t your job to force your kids to get on. There will be times when they can’t stand each other, and that is OK. Instead of mediating, accept that they need space until their moods lighten. Kids need to figure their own way through conflict without you always babysitting their meltdowns. Whatever the row, it will always be the other sibling’s fault, so unless you witnessed it, avoid “He said, she said” discussions. Suggest they either work it out or do something separately for a bit. Creative…

Lynn Anderton, 58, a mum of one from the Wirral, says, “Earlier in my career, I was a secretary for a travel agency, earning £80 per week. After five years I got made redundant. Luckily I got some redundancy money, which helped to pay the mortgage, but I was unemployed for eight months. With no money to go out, and not seeing my friends from the travel agency, I got pretty low, but I realised the job hadn’t been challenging me for a while and I wasn’t enjoying it as much as I once had. I started to think about what I really wanted to do and felt I was capable of. “I took a floristry evening class, funded by the council as a way to help people hit by…

INSIDE CHERRY’S FRIDGE • Cheddar cheese • Mustard • Milk • Greek yoghurt • Milk chocolate • Eggs • Ketchup • Butter • Wine • Mayonnaise • Lemons • Broccoli • Pasta • Onions • Lentils • Avocado • Chicken • Noodles • Seabass fillets • Houmous • Salsa • Orange juice • Sparkling water • Peppers • Mushrooms • Tonic Water CHERRY How much do you spend per week? There’s five of us – my boyfriend, my daughter [Coco, ten] and son [Edward, seven], plus our au pair – so I spend about £150. We eat less meat, but better quality, so visit the butcher often and buy ribs or a chicken, which cost more. We also visit a supermarket. Describe your daily diet... I don’t get hungry till…

‘MORNING 6AM – I always wake up at 6am, and this hasn’t changed. Either George or I will get the teas in straight away. I like to start with a lukewarm water and lemon first thing, or if I’m really tired I’ll have a redbush tea. 6:30AM – I put on some leggings and a workout top and do some stretching or I’ll find a workout to do online – I’m even doing some classes on Zoom! 7:30AM – I jump in the shower. I’ve been using up products I already have, which is satisfying. I do a really long cleanse with my Emma Hardie cleansing balm, giving myself a really strong facial massage to get the blood flow going – I find it really wakes up my muscles and…

To keep themselves busy while filming is halted, some of the Emmerdale cast have found new ways to keep their creative juices flowing. In The Woolpack Sessions, several stars of the soap perform as-live music sessions straight from their living rooms – each recording their own favourite song (think along the lines of Bradley Johnson, who plays Vinny, singing Whitney Houston – very well, actually!) A new video each week will be posted to the Emmerdale YouTube channel – head to Youtu.be/ oZdZCL0RBfk and tune in!…

How come you’re doing this? This was a dream job for me because I only live half an hour away [from the set – in South East England]! It’s perfect. And it sounded like a great idea. Are you into gardening? I’ve got a raised herb garden and that fails regularly, so this year I stuck some tomatoes, courgettes and beetroot in, and it all happened. But other than that, I get a gardener in. I’m an art-school boy – if I get a plant’s name right I get excited. What’s your role on the show? I go around chatting to the contestants, have a look at what they’re doing and ask them questions. If the judges are giving them a hard time, I’ll try to alleviate that a little…

Even in isolation, Dianne finds that someone has managed to sneak in to steal a slice of her cake. She’s Strictly unimpressed. Katy finds that pregnancy is more difficult than she expected – she’s already unravelling. Bless. SAMIRA MIGHTY… Samira, the only reason we know it’s not November is that it’s reasonably sunny and warm outside. Other than that, who knows what month it is any more? CHRISSY TEIGEN… Well, Chrissy. We think they only do scaffolding. As to why they look like Ken dolls, we have no idea, but we have enjoyed many afternoons staring in the direction of building sites… Lockdown tension in the Fletcher household comes to a head when the kids start throwing cutlery at dinner time. Yikes! While homeschooling her kids, Nadia decides to give…

VEGAN RECIPES FROM BEYONCE She’s been vegetarian since 2011 but, after unveiling her weight loss in October, it was widely speculated that Adele, 32, has cut out all processed foods following the Sirtfood Diet – a plant-based eating plan that claims to activate the body’s ‘skinny gene’ and includes kale, red wine, strawberries, onions, soy and dark chocolate. And insiders say Adele’s best friend Beyoncé – who is vegan and famously lost 1st 4lbs in two weeks for her role in Dreamgirls in 2006 – introduced her to the diet. A source says, “Beyoncé knows all too well the ups and downs of maintaining weight loss. She asked her chef to share some vegan recipes with Adele, including specialised green juices.” Speaking of her bond with the superstar, Adele has…

After a spate of negative stories, Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle are making headlines for all the right reasons. The couple, who are now living in Los Angeles with son Archie, one, were praised by fans after it was revealed the Duke of Sussex, 35, had given up his hunting rifles, worth more than £50,000, out of respect for his actress wife. Harry, who learned to hunt as a child, has not joined his friends at recent shooting events and is believed to have quit altogether due to Meghan’s opposition to the cruel sport. Fans were also delighted when the couple marked the first birthday of son Archie – who had they had previously kept largely hidden from the public eye, holding a private christening ceremony last year –…

Hearts were broken last week when ITV revealed that hit TV show Love Island – the dating reality show that entertains the nation with its troupe of beautiful, bikini-clad girls and chiselled hunks, who fall in and out of love under the sun – had been cancelled this summer. Director of TV Kevin Lygo revealed the show – which is usually filmed in Mallorca or South Africa – would not be returning in June due to the global coronavirus pandemic, saying, “We have tried every which way to make Love Island this summer. But logistically, it’s just not possible to produce it in a way that safeguards the wellbeing of everyone involved, and that, for us, is the priority. “In normal circumstances, we would be preparing very soon to travel…

‘The next day is a clean slate & you start again’ SET GOALS “Have a rigorous routine. I wake up at seven, I make my bed, I have a shower and shave my legs, even though I’m not going anywhere. I don’t let my personal standards slip, because mentally, I think that’s not a good place to be. The temptation to waft around in a dressing gown all day is big, but it doesn’t make me feel good. I write a list of things that I want to get done that day. I’m also working to a week/weekend schedule, so at the weekends I let myself have a lie-in and I don’t do any work at all.” WORK OUT TO FEEL GREAT “Exercise is definitely something I’ve used throughout my…

TINA HOBLEY THE ACTRESS AND RADIO PRESENTER, 48, SHARES HER OPINIONS… AND HER LIFE ‘Homeschooling is hard – but I’ll miss it’ It’s been reported that schools in England could start re-opening by 1 June. I’m a mum to Olivia, 12, and Orson, ten – who I am now homeschooling – as well as Isabella, 21, who is currently back home from university. It’s been difficult at times, as there’s a lot going on in the house, but I’m managing. The two girls are really self-sufficient, but the challenge is trying to teach my son because he sometimes lacks focus and easily gets distracted. I feel like I’m going back to school when I’m teaching him, because I can’t do half the work myself! But even though helping with his…

SHE’S WORTH £60M BUT NEVER FORGOT HER ROOTS Her incredible career has made her a fortune as one of the world’s richest supermodels, with £60million in the bank. Since being discovered 35 years ago at the age of 15, Naomi Campbell has become one of the modelling industry’s biggest and most controversial names – having had scrapes with the law, a drug addiction and convictions for assault, as well as a penchant for much younger men. Her grand homes include a £110million home in Moscow – gifted to her by her Russian billionaire ex, Vladislav Doronin, who also bought her a private island resort in Turkey – and a £20m New York apartment. But Naomi grew up in a modest terrace house in Streatham, south London, with her stepbrother, radio…

With grim predictions about a post-pandemic recession, lots of us understandably feel worried. But Adrian Warner, author of Recovering From Redundancy, and Lindsey Morley, head of Core Growth (Coregrowth.co.uk), who offer HR and leadership training, have plenty of useful advice if you need to start over. BE POSITIVE “If you think your company might make you redundant, constantly worrying about it won’t change the situation and will make you feel stressed, so deal with things that you can influence,” says Adrian. “Think about what options you have – jobs elsewhere, or a change in direction. Start talking to people about what skills you need to change careers or move departments. Doing something to improve your job situation, rather than just worrying, will help you feel positive.” CLEAR YOUR MIND “If…

Karen Green, 54, a mum of two from Nottingham, says, “Having always worked in the food industry, in 2006 I fancied a change and bought a gym, paid for with a bank loan and zero per cent interest credit cards. It didn’t make money, but all the repayments were being made, and I did a food-consultancy role alongside the gym to tide me over. But as the 2008 recession struck, banks put up the interest rates on my repayments to over 25 per cent and I lost the consultancy role. A third of my gym customers cancelled memberships, so with banks constantly chasing payments, I filed for bankruptcy. I had no equity in my house and I was a single parent to an 11- and a 13-year-old, so I could…

GET HER LOOK ASHLEY ROBERTS, 38 She’s a hit on her Heart radio show – and in the outfit stakes, too. Ashley’s latest look is the perfect casual-yet-chic getup, with flattering wide-leg trousers and a colourful sweater. For your daily outing, switch heels for comfy kicks. DESIGNER DOUBLE AMANDA HOLDEN, 49 Presenter Amanda proved lockdown isn’t stopping her looking glam in this Pretty Woman- inspired polka-dot dress. The ruffled number, from designer brand Forever Unique (£85), is sadly now sold out, but we’ve found this almost identical piece from Boohoo and it’s a fraction of the price! Dress it down with high-top trainers and shades, or add heels and statement earrings for an at-home date night. IN THE NEWS... SUSTAINABLE SPORTSWEAR Exercising is a great way to stay healthy during…

TRANSFORMS A TIRED COMPLEXION Vitamin A is probably best known by its other name – retinol. Famous for its incredible capability of increasing cell turnover, it dramatically improves signs of ageing. Usually found in the form of creams, serums and oils, it’s versatile, too. Use in the evenings, and be sure to apply a high-factor SPF the morning after, as retinol can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage. THE INKEY LIST RETINOL SERUM £9.99 REFINES PORES Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a bit less well known, but can be the secret to a smoother, flawless complexion. It minimises the appearance of large pores, and balances uneven skin tones while improving dullness. Dry skin will also benefit, as it helps boost natural ceramide production. Use as a…

SPLASH OF COLOUR Brighten up a neutral door by painting it a bold, candy shade. It’ll take just a couple of hours, and can really lift your mood whenever you come home. Make sure to prep by sanding and using a primer. For UPVC doors, Frenchic paint works brilliantly as it covers in just two coats. If you have spare paint left over from another project, even better! GLASS ACT For glass doorways, film stickers are an easy way to be inventive. Make a statement out of your house number, or fake your way to a stained glass effect for a fraction of the price. It’s an incredibly simple process – just peel and go! WARM WELCOME A jazzy mat combines practicality with a bit of fun! There are countless…

1 OLD, ALONE AND STUCK AT HOME THE ELDERLY AND VULNERABLE WED 20 MAY, 9PM, C4 Telling the story of elderly and vulnerable folk during the coronavirus crisis. We hear from the likes of Suzanne, who has terminal cancer but is determined to stay healthy during lockdown with the help of exercise guru the Green Goddess (plus some obsessive disinfecting, and a novel approach to seeing her friends…) There’s also Patricia, who desperately misses her two-year-old granddaughter, and Chris and Yvonne – worried about their severely disabled daughter. This must-watch documentary is a wake-up call to the nation about those who will be affected by COVID-19 for a long time to come. 2 NORMAL PEOPLE FANTASTIC DRAMA CONTINUES MON 18 MAY, 9/9.30PM, BBC2 Connell bumps into Marianne back in Sligo…

MUST READ Just My Luck (ADELE PARKS) For 15 years, Lexi and Jake have played the same six lottery numbers with their friends, though they’ve never managed to win anything more than a tenner. Then, one Saturday night, an argument happens, and it seems that the syndicate is broken. But soon after, six numbers come up – and Lexi and Jake have a ticket worth £18million. And with their friends determined to claim a share of it, there’s unlikely to be a happy ending… A brilliant domestic thriller from one of our favourite authors. TUNE IN The Adam Buxton Podcast British comedian Adam Buxton hosts this interesting and hilarious podcast, which is made up of excellent jingles (he often makes the intros for each episode while out walking his dog…