Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 989 i Closer

So many of us made new year’s resolutions to ditch unhealthy eating and drinking habits, but by now it can be wearing thin and very tempting to stick your head in a bucket of chips followed by a wine chaser. If that’s you, we’ve got inspiration to keep you on track. On p12, Tammy reveals she nearly died before escaping the clutches of booze. Her story’s extreme, but a reminder of how habits can escalate. Plus we’ve teamed up with Slimming World to bring you a delicious healthy eating plan and a special offer to join for free. If you want to see what can be achieved, read Michelle’s story about how she dropped five dress sizes and changed her life. Finally, for daily fun and wellbeing tips, follow our…

With harsh conditions, subzero temperatures, tough challenges and a team of celebrity contestants, Holly’s new venture Wim Hof’s Superstar Survival is set to be a gripping watch, with BBC producers describing it as “an epic adventure of selfimprovement and a unique test of mental strength like no other”. The celebs – yet to be revealed – will be put through gruelling tasks under the guidance of well-being icon “Wim Hof” – aka “The Iceman” – famous for his mental strength and his ability to withstand freezing temperatures, and who Holly is said to be a mega-fan of. And Nick Ede says that with the success of other celebrity survival TV shows, it’s set to be a hit when it airs later this year. He says, “We’ve seen with Celebrity Island…

Lauren Lunn Farrow, a damage limitation expert with more than 18 years’ experience, explains why Posh will be nervous about the claims against her company. “Fashion has always been Victoria’s biggest passion, so this is a blow to her. Working in the fashion industry is a labour of love, and Victoria has grafted for her success and often worked against an industry which, at the beginning, was laughing at her. “But while this is common knowledge for industry insiders, the accusations against the brand in the current climate of cancel culture can be really damaging. The brand let go of 20 staff members last year. If this gains momentum, and there are several disgruntled employees echoing the same experience, they could be looking at something a lot more serious. “Her…

With a bloated stomach making her look nine months pregnant and bright yellow skin, Tammy Doyle was told the devastating truth by doctors– years of drinking had wreaked havoc on her liver and it was close to failing. If she’d arrived at hospital a day later, she wouldn’t have survived. That was in July 2020– but now Tammy is unrecognisable. She’s healthy and glowing and is excited about the future. Mum Tammy, 40, who lives in east London, says, “I look at the picture of me in hospital and can’t believe how far I’ve come. It’s horrifying what alcohol can do. I was terrified that I was going to die and leave my daughter behind. “I want others to know that going sober can transform your life– it’s dry January…

Like Strictly, Dancing On Ice is known for its romances among contestants and dance partners. And show host Holly Willoughby is hopeful for some new love stories this series. In the past, relationships have been formed between Corrie’s Samia Ghadie and Sylvain Longchambon, England goalkeeper David Seaman and Frankie Poultney, and former footballer Kevin Kilbane and Canadian skater Brianne Delcourt – who are currently expecting their second child together. Holly says, “There is nothing better than when people start falling in love. I don’t know why it happens, We have a great success rate and obviously Brianne went on and had a baby, so watch this space.” This will be the 10th year that Holly, 40, will be co-hosting with her This Morning sidekick Phillip Schofield, and she says, “Any…

Magda*, 43, left her ex-husband in January 2020, after eight years of abuse. The first time she tried to leave, he kidnapped their sixyear-old daughter, forcing Magda to come back if she wanted to see her. She found the strength to seek help and is now starting a new life. She says, “I was frightened about leaving and knew what my husband was capable of – his verbal abuse had escalated to throwing things at me, from plates to lit candles. He forced me to sign an agreement that said he’d have control of our daughter and told me he would kill me if I broke it. “By Christmas 2019, I knew I had to leave and, after speaking to my GP and various charities, in January 2020, I fled…

After a happy family Christmas with her boyfriend James Green, and his two children from a previous marriage at her new £3.8 million home, insiders say Lisa Armstrong has hinted an engagement is “imminent”. A source says, “Lisa and James already act like a married couple and it’s very much on the cards. “James’ kids love Lisa and the feeling is very much mutual, which has further cemented their life-long commitment to one another. “They’ve planned a romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day and Lisa’s secretly hoping James will pop the question on their trip.” The Strictly make-up artist was left heartbroken when her 12-year marriage to TV presenter Ant McPartlin ended in 2018 after 23 years together. And while the I’m A Celebrity! host wed his former publicist and Lisa’s…

Over the past year, Ulrika Jonsson has confessed to using dating apps to meet men and shocked fans by detailing her “bonkers sex drive”. Now the Swedish-born telly star, 54, has signed up to the new series of Celebs Go Dating and is hoping agents Paul C Brunson and Anna Williamson will be able to find her a long-lasting match. Explaining to Closer why she’s signed up to the agency – which matches celebrities with non-famous partners – Ulrika says, “If you’ve got a personal intervention in your dating life rather than algorithms and that facelessness of dating apps, and it does look like fun, well... I mean, hopefully people will actually turn up for the dates, right?” CHEMISTRY And while the mum of four doesn’t have a “type”, she…

‘POSING NAKED DOESN’T MEAN SHE’S GOING BACK TO A DARK PLACE’ Since the conservatorship which controlled every aspect of her life for almost 14 years was lifted in November, Britney Spears has been making up for lost time and doing things most of us take for granted, such as driving and running her own social media. But while fans continue to celebrate her freedom, concerns have been voiced after the mum of two shared a string of risqué images with her 38 million fans, including a full-frontal naked snap captioned, “Free woman energy never felt better,” as well as three images of her wearing just a red thong and pair of heels. One worried fan posted, “This is beyond sad. She is once again having a very public meltdown. She…

Wendy says, “You can feed swans any kind of fresh bread and fresh greens. Food should be thrown in the water, rather than on land. • “If you see a nest that may be at risk, such as on a towpath, contact your local council and ask them to build protective fencing. • “If a nest is at risk of natural events, like high tides, then leave it be. It’s important that the swans learn from their experience, so they can build their nests in a more suitable location the following year. • “Swans are attentive parents, so a lone cygnet (baby swan) may mean something is amiss. If you’re certain it’s orphaned, put the cygnet in a cardboard box with a clean cloth. Then contact Swan Support, who will…

Whether you want to Boost your mind, body, soul, finances, relationships, love life or style, we’ve got recommendations for things that actually work. Scan the QR code for more tips or search for @TheBoostUK on Instagram! We’ve all heard that a warm bath and a milky drink can help send us to the land of nod, but for those who suffer with sleep problems, that may not be enough. In a recent survey*, half of Brits said they struggled to get to sleep at least once a month, with one in five saying it’s every night. And women are more likely to struggle than men. But there are things you can do to help. Katherine Hall, a psychologist in sleep who works at insomnia treatment firm Somnus Therapy, shares her…

INSIDE TAMARA’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Tomato ketchup • Twix bars • Twirl Bites • Avocado • Cheeses • Red onion • Bread • Cucumber • Grapes • Cooked chicken • Houmous • Olives • Pickled onions • Iceberg lettuce • Salad dressing • Carrots • Potatoes • Orange sparkling water • Diet Coke • Sriracha sauce • Oat milk • Red wine TAMARA How much do you spend on food? About £150-£200 a week, mostly because I spend so much on Uber Eats! I like to cook but I don’t enjoy cooking for one and end up making so much and then wasting it. Describe your daily diet… It fluctuates, and I’m not being that healthy at the moment. On a normal day, I wake up and have coffee,…

Stress can lead to a tense atmosphere at home, so try talking to find helpful ways to work through your feelings When we are struggling emotionally, we can be moodier and more critical of others. Sadly, this can mean you and your partner end up projecting your negative feelings onto each other and your relationship. To avoid this, make time to sit down and talk about the way you feel. This isn’t an opportunity to blame one another, but rather to discuss your emotions. Manage stress together by picking activities that help you bond, but will also relax you and get some of those feel-good brain chemicals buzzing. Try stress-busting tactics as a team, too – for example, switch off technology to stop doom scrolling and agree to limit your…

PRO SKATER DAN WHISTON, 45, ON HOW HE LOOKS AFTER HIS BODY AND MIND... I TAKE VITAMINS EVERY MORNING... Cod liver oil is amazing for joints and I take vitamins D and C. If I’m low on energy or tired, a vitamin C shot from M&S revives me. Another pro skater recommended it to me and now I have one twice a week. MEDITATION SHOULD BE A PART OF EVERYONE’S DAY... because it clears your mind. Taking three to four minutes in a quiet place to think positively and about the day ahead can do wonders. I set small, achievable goals, like putting on a wash or cutting the grass. It’s a real sense of satisfaction to tick them off – I do it in the morning while stretching. THE…

ON TREND RIVER ISLAND’S COSY CO-ORDS Let’s face it, all we plan to wear this month is comfy loungewear, and thanks to River Island you can even leave the house in it – proudly! Offering a variety of co-ord sets in punchy prints and classic beige, for sofa surfing and beyond, this range has your January wardrobe sorted. Twin sets are the way forward – for now. Zero effort required. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! IN THE NEWS... ACCESSORIZE’S HOT HOMEWARE If your home is still left looking a little sad weeks after packing away the Christmas decs, we have just the ticket to cosy things up a notch. Our favourite accessories brand is branching into homeware – and it’s all pretty tempting! The collection has everything from gorgeous 100…

SOOTHE PUFFINESS When it comes to battling stubborn dark circles, a targeted intense treatment will really help. These new under-eye patches are designed to be used before bed and are infused with calming lavender and chamomile, nourishing jasmine and a potent mix of vitamins. Simply place the patches under eyes for 10 minutes before bedtime and leave the formula to absorb and get to work while you snooze. Use once or twice a week – you’ll wake up with brighter, de-puffed blinkers. PIXI DREAM-YEYE £22 FOR 60 PATCHES BUST WRINKLES Early signs of crow’s feet starting to form at the outer corners of your eyes? Stop them in their tracks with an anti-ageing daily cream. Filled to the brim with skin-firming peptides and niacinamide, this silky lotion smooths the appearance…

NEW SERIES 1 KATIE PRICE’S MUCKY MANSION MAKING A HAPPY HOME WED 26 JAN, 9PM, C4 Katie Price’s house has been dubbed the “mucky mansion” after falling into disrepair, but now the star is determined to make it a home – getting stuck in and renovating the 19-room, 10-acre property. “I’m getting my hands dirty and doing a lot of the work myself,” she says. “With the help of my amazing family and some brilliant friends I’m putting the past behind me. My house is a bit like my life – it’s being put back together like I’m being put back together…”. We’re promised “compelling viewing” across three episodes, where Katie tries to move on from the traumatic events that have taken place there and create a “happy home and…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU – EASY SUDOKU – MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) ME BEFORE YOU B) CAST AWAY NAME THE STARS 1) ED SHEERAN 2) ALISON HAMMOND GUESS THE CELEB A) LEONARDO DICAPRIO B) OLIVIA COLMAN WORD LINK A) ENOUGH B) STILL C) PENNY D) STAGE E) PENALTY F) CAR SPOT THE DIFFERENCE CLOSER MAGAZINE TERMS & CONDITIONS 1. These terms and conditions together with any specific rules displayed or referred to on the relevant page of Closer magazine in respect of a prize draw or competition (a “Prize Draw Notice”) and H Bauer Publishing’s General Terms and Conditions (available online at http://www.bauerlegal. co.uk/competition-terms.html) are the prize draw rules (the “Rules”) that apply to each and every prize draw…

While 2022 was set to be a celebratory year for the Queen as she marks her Platinum Jubilee, the royal family have been rocked yet again as Prince Andrew’s alleged sex abuse case heads to court. Earlier this month, the case – brought by one of late sex offender and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s victims, Virginia Giuffre – hung by a thread as the Duke of York’s legal team battled to have it thrown out. But last week, a judge in New York refused to dismiss the case – in which Virginia accuses Prince Andrew, 61, of having sex with her three times when she was a teenager, allegations he denies – and scheduled a court date for a civil trial later this year. It will likely see Prince Andrew…

The celebrity world was stunned last week when it emerged that music mogul millionaire Simon Cowell had finally popped the question to his long-term girlfriend, Lauren Silverman. The record company executive, 62, reportedly got down on one knee on Christmas Eve while on holiday in Barbados, with an intimate audience of just their sevenyear-old son Eric, and Lauren’s 16-year-old son Adam, from a former relationship. The New York socialite, 44, is said to have been “stunned” and “cried happy tears”, with sources saying the couple are “over the moon”. The engagement news was followed by another shock as there were rumours last week that he’s winding down his multi-million pound company, Syco. THRILLED It’s a huge turnaround for Simon, who always vowed never to get married and who, before Lauren,…

GP and trustee of the Alcohol Education Trust, Dr Lara Wear, says, “There are huge numbers of people drinking problematically and many of them are hiding it. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on our lives and, for some, the answer has seemed to be alcohol. “If you want to cut back, the first thing to do is to really look at how much you’re drinking – keep a drink diary and aim to have at least two days off a week and build from there. “Then look at your whole lifestyle. Nutrition is key, when you’re drinking heavily you’ll probably skip meals and thereby miss out on vital protein, which can make you feel anxious, but also alcohol depletes your vitamin levels. “Drinking heavily can leave you deficient in B…

After playing dowdy Sally Metcalfe in Coronation Street for 37 years, actress Sally Dynevor is excited for a new challenge and some glamour as she takes to the ice rink for the new series of Dancing On Ice. Sally, 58, says, “I want to take every opportunity to show my kids that I can go outside my comfort zone – this is the first time I’ve ever done anything outside of Corrie. It’s just a massive adventure but just because I’m 58 doesn’t mean to say that I can’t have the great experiences that a 21 year old can have. “I hate the fact that if you’re over 50 you’re kind of written off. I’m going to enjoy it just as much as the younger ones and get as much…

At the start of each year, Sharon Bryan knows that the number of people contacting the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV), where she works, will explode. The reasons behind the rise in people reaching out in the new year are ones she sadly understands all too well as she left her own abusive marriage in January 1987. ESCAPE Sharon, 55, who’s head of partnerships and services development at the NCDV, explains, “It was 34 years ago. I’d wanted to leave my husband of five years before Christmas, but I remember looking at the twinkling lights on our tree and thinking I just couldn’t do it. I didn’t want to break up the family during the holiday for my daughter or for my parents who had no idea about the…

She’s been enjoying a string of dates with her boyfriend of almost a year, Rich Paul, since returning to LA last month. And pals say loved-up Adele, 33 – who shares nine-year-old son, Angelo, with her ex, Simon Konecki – is keen to start trying for a baby with the sports agent, 40, and is secretly hoping for a girl this time around. A source says, “Adele’s made no secret of how broody she is and has always dreamt of having a daughter. She’s trying not to get too carried away, but she’s telling friends she needs a girl to pass on all her beautiful dresses to one day!” Insiders recently told Closer how the Easy On Me singer – who told fans “my womb is starting to ache a…

While promoting her tell-all book, Things I Should Have Said, on a US TV show last week, Britney’s younger sister Jamie Lynn broke down in tears as she admitted things were “complicated” between them. Last year, Britney called Jamie Lynn, 30 – who’s mum to daughters, Maddie, 13, and two-year-old Ivey – a “mean a***” who had “never showed up to support [her]”, adding, “There’s nothing worse than that!” Jamie Lynn retaliated with a statement insisting she had tried to help her through her ordeal, saying, “Since the day I was born, I’ve only loved, adored, and supported my sister... I am so proud of her for using her voice and requesting new counsel like I told her to do many years ago.” But Britney hit out at her sister…

She’s endured numerous health struggles throughout her pregnancies, but Chloe Goodman says the excitement of preparing for her second baby – who she exclusively reveals to Closer is a boy – has helped her through the hardest of times. Chloe, 28 – also mum to Isla, one, with fiancé footballer Grant Hall, 30 – has been in and out of hospital throughout this pregnancy and sadly has been told she could suffer with complications for the rest of her life. But she says she’s overwhelmed with joy about her imminent arrival. The Celebrity Big Brother star tells Closer, “We are extremely lucky to have Isla and now a baby boy... I’m over the moon after everything we’ve been through. We’re so excited about having two children and so lucky to…

BREAKFASTS (Choose one, all serve one) (V) CHOCOLATE ORANGE OVERNIGHT OATS The night before, put 40g plain porridge oats, 2 level tsp cocoa powder, 1 tsp vanilla, 80g fat-free natural yoghurt and 100ml water in a lidded, airtight container. Stir well, then cover and chill overnight. In the morning, stir the oats, adding a splash more water if they’re too thick. Top with some orange segments to serve. (V) FRUIT TOWER Fill a tall glass with sliced orange, banana, kiwi and fat-free natural yoghurt. Top with more yoghurt, a little chopped fruit and mint sprigs, if you like. (V) EGG & MUSHROOM BAP Fill a 60g wholemeal roll with a grilled portobello mushroom, an egg fried in a pan sprayed with low-calorie cooking spray, sliced tomato and a dash of…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK It will take a bit of time, but we will get on top of Coronavirus. New versions of the virus will come but science will protect us because we have a lot of knowledge and experience to help us overcome it. BE REASSURED BY RECENT HISTORY It’s helpful to compare this pandemic with HIV. When it hit in the ‘80s, we genuinely thought we’d never be able to conquer it because it’s an incredibly tricky virus that mutates all the time. We haven’t been able to make a vaccine for that reason, but people don’t die of it any more because the treatments have got better and better. Even more remarkably, we can now stop people who…

Dating is exhausting, isn’t it? I’ve spent the past two weeks doing “date admin”, and by that I mean all the replying to messages, sifting through the weirdos (the ones who aggressively ask why you’ve not replied within five minutes), sending voice notes and trying to set up dates, as well as building rapport. Even just writing that has worn me out! But some tiny shred of me still has hope left, and that’s something all of us seasoned singles have to hold on to. Reluctantly I went on a coffee date last week – he only had one picture on his profile (red flag), and it was terrible weather. I walked (or rather swam) to our date in a downpour, and I felt miserable as my mind wandered to…

HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER ‘Haggling for pre-loved furniture kitted out my flat!’ Katherine Mosquera, 26, from London, says, “My housemates and I were moving last October and desperately needed furniture. Knowing it would be costly, we turned to Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and eBay. I was amazed at the sort of things going for free, or at least heavily discounted. For example, one of our first purchases was a large wooden sideboard that a friend of a friend was getting rid of (we mentioned we were moving and they messaged on Facebook to offer it). When we Facebook to offer it) looked it up, we saw an identical one retailing for £1,295! We picked up a glass coffee table on Facebook Marketplace for £35 (advertised for…

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Essential oils can help promote relaxation and sleep, and ease anxiety and stress. They can stimulate our minds – to improve concentration when studying or even when sitting an exam. In skincare, they can rejuvenate and balance the complexion, and reduce inflammation in acne-prone skin. Most essential oils have antibacterial benefits, and some can even ease congestion from colds and flu. IS THERE ANY PROOF THAT THEY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE? An essential oil is a complex mixture of organic chemical compounds. Lavender, for example, contains a high proportion of the chemical linalyl acetate, which is an acid-derivative that has a calming effect on the central nervous system. Therefore, lavender is a great choice if you’re looking for help with stress, or insomnia and sleep. ARE…

What is a responder? They’re the coppers who respond to emergency calls. All sorts of situations – an old woman who’s died, a fire or a burglary. It could be anything. Tell us about Chris… He’s mixed up in an activity he shouldn’t be involved in, and he’s partnered with a new trainee officer who doesn’t like him and suspects him of being bent. Plus, his marriage is falling apart. And the world he finds himself being drawn into? There are a lot of mental health issues, homelessness, addiction, and violence. Also, that gallows sense of humour. He deals with a lot of people who are forgotten, neglected or ignored and that has to have an effect on him. You’ve definitely nailed the Liverpool accent… I read the script for…

18-24 JANUARY IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK This year could be super-lucrative, but on two main conditions: firstly, make sure that you value yourself and your professional services; secondly, you need to do something which inspires you to reach new financial heights. Hard work is the order of the year. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN Aquarius 20 JAN – 18 FEB The Sun moves back into your sign after an absence of 12 months, which means that now’s the ideal time to think about how you are presenting yourself to the world, such as your appearance, for example. Could it use a proper post-pandemic spruce up? Visit www.yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes PISCES 19 FEB-20 MAR This week, if you can take some time out to meditate and contemplate…

She’d only just returned to the This Morning sofa after the Christmas break, but last week it emerged that Holly Willoughby will take time out from her presenting role on the daytime show to film a new series with rival channel, BBC1. Reports claim ITV golden girl Holly, 40 – who has hosted the popular morning show alongside best pal Phillip Schofield, 59, for 13 years – will take time off to film for Wim Hof’s Superstar Survival, which she will present alongside comedian Lee Mack. And while Holly is venturing into new territory professionally as she sees a group of celebrities take on extreme challenges set by “The Iceman” – Wim’s nickname after he set world records for sitting in ice baths – she’ll also be taking on a…

After confessing that last year “definitely wasn’t the easiest”, Victoria Beckham suffered another setback last week amid news that a case against her from an ex-employee will go to court. Former employee, Kristine Kubiliene, 54, is suing her Victoria Beckham clothing brand after claiming she developed wrist injuries from working 15-hour days, seven days a week, during New York Fashion Week. She says she was in such pain she could barely open her handbag, did not have regular breaks and had to take painkillers to get through shifts. Meanwhile, it’s been reported that Posh, 47, argues that if Ms Kubiliene – who worked at her London studio for eight years – suffered any injuries, it was due to her own negligence. Although Ms Kubiliene filed the lawsuit in August 2020,…

PAULA HAMILTON Model Paula, 60, and Simon were childhood sweethearts while growing up in Hertfordshire and had known each other from the age of 12. “He was very protective of me,” she said. SINITTA Sinitta and Simon met in 1983, and had an “on/off 20-year relationship”. Sinitta, 58, once said, “I would’ve married Simon and stayed with him forever. I never fell out of love with him.” TERRI SEYMOUR Simon dated TV presenter Terri, 47, for six years from 2002, and they’ve remained firm friends – Simon’s son Eric and Terri’s daughter Coco, six, often have play dates. DANNII MINOGUE Simon reportedly struck up a romance with singer Dannii, 50, after working together on The X Factor in 2007. He admitted, “She was foxy – a real man’s girl. It…

Guidelines for both men and women suggest a maximum of 14 units per week, which is roughly six pints of lager or one and a half bottles of wine. If you’re thinking about quitting drinking or cutting down, try these simple tips: • Use the Drink Free Days app – it allows you to set yourself a weekly unit target to stick to. • If you are a wine drinker, switch to white or rosé as they are often lower in strength than red, and opt for low-alcohol alternatives. • Sticking to an alcohol budget can ensure you drink less. If you take out only a certain amount of cash, you’ll know once the money is gone, you can’t drink any more. • Tell your family and friends. If you…

She’s used to entertaining a crowd with The Pussycat Dolls, but Kimberly Wyatt is adamant that Dancing On Ice will see her best performance yet. The 39 year old says, “As gruelling as training is, and as achy as I know probably all of our bodies are, you still want to get up and go out there and give it 100 per cent. “We’re all being judged on our journeys and to an extent, it is a popularity contest, so everybody wants to do their absolute best. The pressure is on all of us [but] ultimately, I’m trying to put the nerves to one side and put on a great show.” Kimberly was orignally scheduled to be on a reunion tour with the rest of the PCD girls – which…

• Get specialist support. Leaving can be dangerous, and it’s vital that the abuser doesn’t find out you’re considering going. • If it’s safe, have an emergency bag hidden with a friend containing cash and important documents, such as your driving licence, so you can leave in a hurry and still have your essentials. • Make a plan. Think about your partner’s routines and choose a safe time to leave your home. Consider where he will be, and plan a safe route. For example, you might want to avoid using a local taxi service in a small town, in case the driver tells him where you’ve gone. • Arrange a place to stay in advance, such as a refuge, or with a trusted friend or family member. As you’re fleeing…

A recent survey found that millennials are increasingly shunning marriage, and choosing to live with partners instead. I’m currently gearing up to get married – I got engaged last October to Cameron after two years together. It was one of the happiest days of my life. I’ve always wanted to get married. I like the tradition of it and knowing that we both want to spend the rest of our lives with each other. In the past there’s been a lot of pressure on women to get married, and it’s great times are changing. Some people may never want to get married and there should be no pressure to. Wedding planning has been intense. There’s the fun bits, like dress shopping and choosing bridesmaids, but there are less fun bits…

When Dawn Voris found out she was pregnant with twins, she was horrified. Struggling to pay the bills and facing the threat of bankruptcy, she and her husband Clint knew they couldn’t cope financially with two babies, so they made the agonising decision to give up one of them for adoption. Dawn told nobody she was expecting two babies and for 20 years the adoption remained a closely-guarded secret – not even Mikayla, the daughter she kept, knew she had an identical twin. But in December 2020, Dawn was overjoyed when Becky*, her long-lost child, tracked her down. Thrilled at the prospect of reuniting her daughters, she told Mikayla the truth and the family enjoyed a series of reunions. But their happiness was shortlived, because after a few short weeks,…

After Life has been his biggest hit since he sky-rocketed to fame with The Office in 2001. But despite its popularity, Ricky Gervais has confirmed that the latest series – which has amassed 100 million viewers – will be the last. “I love this more than anything I have ever done, but I am getting older and I am menopausal,” he recently joked. “It’s bittersweet, because it seems mad to stop it now, but I think it’s right in the long run. I don’t think I could do a better ending, either.” The highly-anticipated third series has been a long time coming, having been commissioned during the first lockdown in May 2020. And Ricky admits that he experienced anxiety for the first time due to the difficulties the team faced…

When rescuer Wendy Hermon was called out to help a swan in need, she was horrified to find the defenceless creature stuck behind a 10ft fence, topped with barbed wire. As she tried to work out how to rescue the bird, her young son Harry was already on the case. Finding a small gap in the fence, Harry, then eight, squeezed through, and scooped it up into his arms to safety. Wendy, 52, runs Swan Support, a rescue centre which cares for sick and injured swans. And from the age of three, Harry has been keen to get involved. Wendy lives in Berkshire with her husband, Stephen, 60, and Harry, now 12. She says, “I’ve always had a passion for birds, and it’s lovely to see Harry following in my…

Having struggled with postnatal depression following Isla’s birth, Chloe says she has been looking into ways to reduce her chances of suffering second time around. After some research and chatting to friends, she heard that eating the placenta raw – rather than getting it made into pills, which is growing in popularity – can be more beneficial. She says, “A midwife advised me that you lose a lot of the goodness if you get it made into pills. I’ve found a company that makes smoothies using ice-cube-sized pieces of the placenta and you drink two smoothies a day for three days. I’m going to see it as a Bushtucker trial! Apparently it really helps you recover after a C-section, and it’s meant to be fantastic for warding off postnatal depression.…

If you’re cancelling birthday parties, family visits or playdates, you may accept that this is a sacrifice worth making. However, your kids understandably may not. CHECK IN WITH THEM This is why it’s important to check how your children are feeling. You may have teens who can’t socialise normally and may feel frustrated or afraid of what this means for their lives. Reassure them that there are alternative activities and help them plan different ways to spend time with friends. Younger teens may feel that things are never going to get back to normal as they have had large portions of their lives and education affected, so make it clear that even though it has been a challenging time, eventually things will work out. Discuss the progress already made and…

For-sale.co.uk has used Google Search data to identify the most sought-after second hand toys and games, so if you have any of these knocking around after Christmas, they’re the ones to pop on eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree to make you some cash! • PLAYSTATION 4 This gets the most searches for a “used” toy or game, with 722,500 annual searches. If you or your children updated to a PS5 over Christmas, the PS4 is still very popular. • NINTENDO SWITCH Another hot favourite, with 498,000 searches for this “used” video game console. As it can be used either as a home console on your TV or taken away and played as a hand-held device, people are still keen to snap them up. • BIKES & SCOOTERS Don’t let your…

1 COMFY SEPARATES AT KIND CLOTHING From slogan tees to joggers, Kind Clothing offers mix-and-match separates created to be good to the planet. It uses only plant-based materials, as well as eco-friendly water-based dyes and inks and plastic-free packaging. Everything is made to order, reducing waste and using seven times less water than your average clothes manufacturer. Plus, with every order, Kind Clothing makes a donation to Eden Reforestation Project, who’ll plant a tree on your behalf. Sizes XS-XXL, from £20. 2 LUXE ACCESSORIES FROM MATT & NAT Known for its premium-quality sleek and smart handbags, this fashion-forward brand is committed to never using any animal-based materials in its products. Matt & Nat also uses recycled materials throughout its collections, including cardboard, rubber, cork, windshield resins and plastic bottles. In…

LET IN LIGHT Maximise daylight for a sense of wellbeing. Dark and gloomy interiors will be off-putting for even the most determined buyer. Sweep back heavy curtains or replace them in select rooms with inexpensive blinds to increase the feeling of space. TIDY & DECLUTTER If a house is messy, buyers will immediately imagine the storage space is inadequate. Not only does a cluttered space look untidy and uncared for, but it detracts from the mood of the home. Remember, you’re selling a “lifestyle”, not just a house. Use decorative lidded storage bins if you’re out of space. SHOW FLEXIBILITY Over the past 18 months, we’ve changed the way we live. Anyone now looking to move may be considering a home work station. So, where possible, showcase any potential in…

MUST READ Her Perfect Twin (SARAH BONNER) When Megan discovers photographs of her estranged identical twin sister, Leah, on her husband’s phone, an argument with Leah shockingly turns to murder. The only way Megan can get away with killing her twin is to become her. But then lockdown hits and the world is plunged into isolation. How can she continue living two lives and get away with her crime? A perfect thriller, we read this in one sitting. BEST DAY OUT The Crystal Maze Live Experience Cult ‘90s TV show The Crystal Maze has been brought to life so you can give it a go with family and friends. In both Manchester and London, The Crystal Maze Live Experience is exactly how it used to play out on the telly!…