Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 1071 i Closer

There’s no doubt that it’s been a difficult time for Meghan Markle and, last week, the stress of the past few months was on display as the Duchess of Sussex allowed her confident image to slip when she was spotted wearing a ‘stress patch’. Running errands with a bodyguard in tow close to the home she shares with Prince Harry and their two children – Archie, four, and two-yearold Lilibet – in Montecito, Meghan looked unusually downcast as she wrapped up in an unseasonably warm coat and made no effort to disguise the bright blue circular patch on her wrist. And while fans speculated that wellness fan Meghan, 42, may have agreed a sponsorship deal with the brand NuCalm, who produce the patch, a spokesperson for the company denies any…

They’ve worked hard to build up their brand and become one of the most recognisable reality TV couples in the country. But Spencer Matthews and Vogue Williams found themselves embroiled in some unwanted drama last week. It started with Lottie Moss denying she’d slept with former Made In Chelsea star Spencer at Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo’s wedding in May, following rumours on TikTok about the pair hooking up. Lottie – half-sister of supermodel Kate Moss – insisted in an interview that “it’s not true” and that they “partied together but there was nothing more to it”. Just days later, Spencer’s wife Vogue – with whom he shares children Theodore, four, Gigi, three and 15-month-old Otto – faced backlash from fans for her Marks & Spencer Instagram post, showing off…

Due to Ozempic’s rising popularity, there is now a global shortage, with many people with type 2 diabetes unable to access their prescriptions. Michele Smith, 62, a senior communications officer from Bedford, is one of them. She says, “I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in my late 20s, and initially took insulin twice a day. But over time, it wasn’t as effective at controlling my blood sugar. There was also the risk of hypos, which can lead to comas. “In 2019, I moved on to Ozempic. For the first three months, I felt rough, but the symptoms passed. It’s been brilliant at lowering my bloodsugar levels and is convenient to use. I only take one injection a week and need no other medication. In four years, I’ve lost 4…

When Veronica Jones decided to have a neck lift and breast reduction, she had no idea it would end with her being left with a hole in her head. The 24-year-old had been under the knife several times before, but this time her treatments resulted in a shocking injury on the plane journey home from having her surgery abroad. Recalling the horrific moment, Veronica says, “I heard a really loud pop – it literally felt like my head was exploding. I rushed to the toilets where I saw liquid oozing out from behind my ear. I was terrified.” SELF-CONSCIOUS Veronica’s cosmetic journey began when she was 18. She says, “A woman appeared on TV one day with the most amazing boobs. I’d never felt insecure about my body before, but…

She’s the fiery and sassy star of Love Island series seven, known for her no-nonsense attitude and blunt opinions – but now, Chloe Burrows says we’ll see a softer side to her on Celebs Go Dating. Chloe, 27, says, “I cried! I think most people will be surprised, as they know me for taking the p**s, but I was really open and vulnerable on the show.” Chloe first rose to fame on the ITV dating show, reaching the final with partner Toby Aromolaran, 24. But last year, the pair called it quits on their romance after one year together. Opening up about their split earlier this year, Chloe confirmed that it was Toby who ended the relationship, saying, “It wasn’t my decision. Yeah, I got dumped.” Since then, Chloe has…

Just 14 months after tying the knot in an intimate ceremony, Britney Spears and husband Sam Asghari are reported to be divorcing. The couple, who have been dating since 2016 when Sam was hired in one of the star’s music videos, are said to have split earlier this month following an explosive row during which Sam is said to have confronted Britney over cheating allegations, allegedly with a member of staff who worked at their home. Reports also claimed that Sam had told friends that Britney had been physical with him, once giving him a black eye – something she has neither confirmed nor denied. When news of the split emerged, Sam broke his silence and confirmed the break-up, adding, “S**t happens. Asking for privacy seems ridiculous so I will…

Natasha Hamilton has become a mum for the fifth time after welcoming a little girl, Kitty, with her husband Charles Gay. The Atomic Kitten singer, 41, announced the news to her Instagram followers last week, sharing a black-and-white image of Charles leaving the hospital with their newborn daughter in a car seat. “I cannot put into words how we feel right now. Our family is complete,” she wrote, adding, “We couldn’t be any happier. Welcome to the world baby girl.” In a new interview, Natasha confirmed that her daughter’s moniker has “nothing to do” with Atomic Kitten but instead pays homage to hers and Charles’ grandmothers, who had the same name. The pop star – who started dating luxury clothing distributor Charles in 2016 before they tied the knot two…

TV VENTURES… “I love cooking and wouldn’t say no to a show like MasterChef. I’d be up for Celebrity Big Brother too – I went into the house when Sam was on the show in 2014 and I know what’s involved.” MY GRANDKIDS… “It’s mayhem when we’re together, but brilliant. Nelly’s really good with the younger ones and treats Margot like her little dolly – she’ll say, ‘Mum, can I take her in my room?’ and she’ll read a book to her. Billie’s son Arthur and Sam’s son Paul are only a year apart and love each other so much.” TWEAKMENTS “I have Botox and also a treatment called Profilho where hyaluronic acid is put into your skin to give you a glow. I hate looking puffy so I won’t…

SUMMER EATS COCONUT, GARLIC AND THYME PRAWNS SERVES 4-6 ● Thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger ● Onion, chopped ● Grated zest of a lime ● 6-8 garlic cloves, peeled ● 400ml can of coconut milk ● 10g fresh thyme sprigs ● Bunch of spring onions ● 25g sugar ● 1kg large prawns, shelled with tails left intact ● 2-3tbsp veg oil ● Mixed salad leaves ● Grilled pineapple wedges ● Lime wedges STEP 1 Pulse the ginger, onion, lime zest, garlic, coconut milk, thyme, spring onions and sugar in a food processor with 100ml water, until the mixture forms a paste. If the blades stick, add more water – a little at a time – until a wet paste is formed. STEP 2 Place the paste with the prawns in…

I thought this dramaticsounding warning was slightly ridiculous when the risk is so tiny. Leprosy is hard to catch, fairly easy to treat and is curable. The announcement was meant to let doctors know to be aware of the risk because it’s not the sort of thing you think of straight away. And someone who has just come back from a fortnight in Florida really doesn’t need to worry. HOW IT GOT TO FLORIDA It doesn’t surprise me that cases of leprosy – or Hansen’s disease – are increasing in Florida because the disease hasn’t gone away. Humans travel the world, so it’s not surprising that somebody at some stage has brought leprosy back without knowing about it. Then it might get missed because it’s not on your list of…

There’s a sharp intake of breath when a friend asks me what I think about them making a return to dating. My pause is perhaps a panic: how much of the reality of dating today do I share while still encouraging them and giving them the confidence? This scenario presented itself last week, with a friend who has been in a pseudo-relationship with an ex for a few years and despite how I’m pretty positive he cares deeply for her, he can’t communicate it, or act on it. So she’s bravely decided to dip her toe back into the dating scene. And this is where I step in. I of course want the best for her, I know she wants a committed relationship and a family so my advice reflects…

SOLTAN ONCE LOTION SPF50+, £10, BOOTS It has a thick formula, but rubs in easily and is non-greasy. The scent is subtle, and it protects well in the water. CALYPSO ONCE A DAY SUN PROTECTION SPF30, £5.99, B&M A clear consistency with a smell of alcohol, but this soon disappears. It doesn’t leave a sticky residue. SKIN THERAPY SPF50+ SUN SPRAY, £8.04, MCGROCER.COM This also helps to moisturise and it quickly absorbs. It can leave marks around edges of clothing, so be careful. RIEMANN P20 SUNSCREEN SPF30, £10.93, AMAZON One application was enough to do the job. It’s on the greasier side, which may put some people off. MALIBU CLEAR ALL DAY SUN PROTECTION, £7.99, AMAZON This is clear so it can be tricky to see if you’ve missed a…

HERO BUYS THERE’S ALSO A MATCHING SKIRT MAKE IT WORK To make sequins look summery instead of festive, it’s all about opting for metallics, pastels and brights. This stunning silver dress can be a chameleon depending on your plans, and it’s best to keep it the centre of attention. For a wedding or evening soirée, add a block-colour blazer and clashing accessories, and for daytime or a festival, switch to an oversized denim jacket with chunky trainers – trust us, it works! WORKS FOR DAY OR NIGHT…

Closer TV TV WEEK: 26 AUG-1 SEPT 1 THE TOWER NEW SERIES BRILLIANT CRIME DRAMA BANK HOL MON-THU 31 AUG, 9PM, ITV1 The next instalment of the crime thriller series is here, based on the second book in Kate London’s Met Police novels. Game Of Thrones star Gemma Whelan and the BAFTA-nominated Tahirah Sharif are back as (chief wearer of anoraks), DS Sarah Collins and (young constable), PC Lizzie Adama. Jimmy Akingbola also returns as Sarah’s cop partner, Steve, along with Emmet J Scanlan as dodgy Inspector Kieran Shaw. This new four-part series is just as juicy as the first – stripped across the week. NEW SERIES 2 THE WHEEL OF TIME FANTASY SERIES FRI 1 SEPT, PRIME VIDEO Most of the original main cast return for the next part of their…

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 and/or competition of any nature included in Closer magazine (a “Prize Draw”) unless otherwise expressly stated in the Prize Draw Notice. By entering a Prize Draw, entrants agree to be bound by these Rules. 2. Each Prize Draw is organised by Closer magazine, part of H Bauer Publishing Limited of registered address Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6EA. In the event of a discrepancy between these…

22-28 AUGUST LIBRA 23 SEP – 22 OCT The planet that puts a rocket under you, Mars, is moving into your sign now which means you could be feeling hot and bothered. This could be in a stressed or sexy way, depending on how you’re living! Use the new energies to get things done and all should be well. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope SCORPIO 23 OCT – 21 NOV There could be some worries keeping you up at night at the moment. A bedtime journalling habit could help – write it all out before you sleep and then listen to a meditation as you drift off. You have otherwise good stars. Whatever you’re worrying about shall pass, like nearly all things! Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope SAGITTARIUS…

NEWS She seemed happy and carefree as she was snapped hand-in-hand with close pal, Chelcee Grimes, during a girls getaway to Ibiza. Stunning mum-of-three, Christine McGuinness, 35, seemed to glow as she wrapped her arms around the 31-year-old singer while strolling through the streets of the party island – their fourth girls’ break together over the last few months. The pair – who were previously spotted kissing on a night out in December – shared a string of selfies and videos with their Instagram followers as Christine gushed about her “very needed” sunshine break with a group of friends. BOUNCED BACK Fans flocked to compliment the former beauty queen for looking “better than ever” as she showed-off her tan, flawless make-up and incredible figure in a range of skimpy outfits.…

She knew Spencer back in the early days when he rose to fame as Made In Chelsea’s bad boy. And now Cheska Hull – who starred in the first seven series of MIC before quitting life in the limelight and moving to Devon – shares her thoughts with Closer. Cheska, 38, says, “I think he definitely played the villain back then and he enjoyed it. He cleverly knew that by playing the villain, it would catapult him. Everyone knows the more airtime you get, the more money you’re going to make. By being a bit of an a***hole, you’re going to get further in the fame game.” The former reality star and mum to Charlie, five, from a previous relationship, is now happily engaged to fiancé Damian Cook. She tells…

After months of juggling her busy family life with her demanding career, Stacey Solomon enjoyed some much-needed downtime last week when she jetted off to Turkey for an idyllic 10-day family getaway. Stacey, 33, and husband Joe Swash, 41, whisked away their family for a lavish all-inclusive beachside getaway, with the Loose Women presenter sharing sun-soaked snaps of her brood lounging by the pool and dressed up for evenings out in the luxury five-star resort. But just days after returning to the Essex home she shares with Joe and their children – Rex, four, Rose, one, and six-month-old Belle, as well as Stacey’s sons Zachary, 15, and Leighton, 11, and Joe’s son, Harry, 16 – Stacey was forced to hit back at fans on Instagram who accused her of being…

He’s the bad boy of reality TV, breaking multiple girl’s hearts on not one, but two series of Love Island. But now Adam Collard is hoping to show his softer side on the new season of Celebs Go Dating. Adam, 27, exclusively tells Closer, “The experts [Anna Williamson, Paul C Brunson and Dr Tara Suwinyattichaiporn] have been a great help. I’m not going to lie, I think people might see a different side of me because I got pretty upset when they actually dug into some stuff. They really do take their job seriously and gave me some great advice. Everyone has their own issues and through the dates and their help, you start to realise what they are.” STABILITY During his first stint on Love Island in 2018, Adam’s…

Their 10-year relationship has been far from smooth sailing and last week Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow hit the headlines once again after the former England footballer was reportedly filmed cuddling up to another woman. Andy, 34, had been out with friends at a bar in Essex before heading to a house party with DJ Kitty McPaws, whose real name is Georgia Sims. Onlookers said, “He caressed her bum. It was very flirty.” YELLOW CARD Insiders say former TOWIE star Billi, 35, was furious about the situation, telling Closer, “Billi was livid over the pictures. Andy totally denies any wrongdoing at all – he’s assured her that nothing happened and that he was just on a night out with his mates, which ended up carrying on and that it was…

She’s reported to have kept her pregnancy under wraps but, last week, US insiders revealed that Ashley Olsen has welcomed her first child – a baby boy named Otto. Ashley, 37, is said to have given birth in New York at the beginning of this year – just months after the former child star is reported to have married her artist husband, Louis Eisner, in December. Neither the birth of their child or the wedding has been confirmed by the couple. They are believed to have been dating since 2017, but have remained notoriously private, despite being seen supporting each other at several public events. After rising to fame in the ’90s sitcom Full House with her twin Mary-Kate, and going on to star in several family films up until…

On 15 September 2019, Jessica Nunez woke up to find a devastating note. It was from her 14-yearold daughter, Alicia and read, “I ran away. I will be back, I swear. I’m sorry – Alicia”. Terrified Jessica began a tireless search for her daughter. She set up a Facebook page, talked to the media and put up billboards. Detectives followed up on thousands of leads, but there was no trace of Alicia. It was as if she’d vanished into thin air. But on 23 July this year, nearly four years later, Alicia calmly walked into a police station in Havre, Montana, over 1,000 miles away from her home in Arizona, USA, and asked to be removed from the missing person’s register. She said she no longer wanted to be declared…

She’s been flying the flag for older women and body confidence for years, showing off her “real figure” on social media and urging others to embrace their stretch marks and “wobbly bits”. And now Saira Khan reveals she’s going one step further in a bid to celebrate her age – by ditching her signature brunette bob. In the past year, a spate of celebrities, from Andie MacDowell to Melinda Messenger, have said they’re embracing the look in order to age gracefully – and Saira says she’ll soon be following suit. “I’ve decided I’m going to go grey in my 50s,” the 53-year-told tells Closer. “If we’re really talking about embracing myself, well I feel so confident right now that I’m going to own it and go for it! I put…

TASTY SPREAD (Pip & Nut, Sea Salted Caramel Almond Butter, Sainsbury’s, £3.50) This moreish new flavour is both sweet and salty, high in protein and fibre and mono-unsaturated fat. Plus, it contains no palm oil. Slather it on toast or crackers. VEGGIE BITES (Quorn products, from £2.65 each, Asda) There are two tasty additions to the frozen line-up, including mini sausage rolls in puff pastry, and escalopes topped with oozy tomato sauce and mozzarella. Great for easy dinner choices!…

TV PRESENTER JULES HUDSON, 53, ON HOW HE LOOKS AFTER HIS BODY AND MIND MY GARDEN AND WORKSHOP ARE HAVENS… Here, I can immerse myself in creativity and clear my mind from life’s usual humdrums. Lockdown highlighted the value of open spaces and how they can benefit us mentally when we engage with the natural world. I LIKE TO CALL MY EXERCISE REGIME: ‘GARDEN FIT’… Mowing, trimming the hedges, planting and digging engage every muscle in my body, helping me to stay in shape. I’m always outdoors, whatever the weather and season, and that keeps me feeling fit and healthy. BEFORE BED, I’LL READ A BOOK… I love history books, and you can expect to always find stories from different eras in my bag that I’ll dip in and out…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK CHRISSY TEIGEN The 37-year-old stepped out in an outfit perfect for the temperamental weather – and we’re taking style notes. The model chose a chic black boiler suit, which looks perfect for summer, styled with co-ordinating black sandals and sunglasses. The statement silver handbag adds ‘wow’ factor and we’re imagining this ensemble styled with a roll-neck top and ankle boots for when the weather cools down. IN THE NEWS… CHARITABLE CAUSE Now is the perfect time to give your activewear a refresh. Why? Because the ‘This Girl Can’ campaign has teamed up with supermarket favourites F&F at Tesco on a brilliant new venture. The two have come together to create an activewear range full of bright T-shirts, printed leggings and co-ordinating sets – all of…

CLARIFYING CLEANSER Containing thyme and hydrating cucumber to rejuvenate the complexion, and blemishblasting zinc to help calm any irritation, this allows for a thorough cleanse that won’t strip your skin of all the necessary moisture. L’OCCITANE GEL TO FOAM FACIAL CLEANSER, £22 GINGER GEM Ginger root and organic aloe vera work together in this moisturiser to give skin a nourishing pick-me-up, boosting firmness and locking in hydration. It can be used morning and night and even works well as a base for make-up. Q+A GINGER ROOT DAILY MOISTURISER, £8.50 WITCHCRAFT This glow-inducing toner comes enriched with witch hazel and its skin-clearing abilities. It provides a hefty brightening boost while lifting any lingering impurities postcleanse. MARIO BADESCU WITCH HAZEL & ROSEWATER TONER, £14 TOP TURMERIC This mask is formulated for acne-prone…

 Well us about The Woman In the Wall… It’s set in the small fictional town of Kilkinure, and it follows a woman called Lorna who had a baby taken from her 25/30 years prior. She awakens one day following an episode of sleepwalking to find the body of a dead woman in her home. She’s been left a note, which starts to unravel her whole backstory… What’s Lorna like? She’s a little bit of an oddball and an outsider, and I felt deep affection for her immediately. She’s a survivor of a traumatic experience that was instituted, governed, and covered up by the state where she lived. She becomes a woman on a mission, and you see her gaining confidence and clarity about what she’s been through. How much did…

VIRGO 23 AUG – 22 SEP The August Full Moon is in your Love Zone so expect to be turning a romantic corner around about now. Any difficult relationships are teaching you what you need to know on a soul level. Annoying people are your teachers. Be willing to learn. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope IF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK When you look back at this time, you will see it was when things started to change, and the coming 12 months are going to be packed with lessons. Be as kind as you can be, and don’t allow anyone to bully you. Financially, really go for it in the year ahead.…

Er, boiled onion water, you say, Cardi? Call us old fashioned, but think we’ll stick with our melon-scented conditioner for now, thanks! Well, Den, let’s put it this way. This is the same country that brought you Sharknado, American cheese, line dancing, squirrel eating and Reese’s Pieces. That might go some way to explain it… GRUMPY GRAM Super-feisty Ashley knows how to get a space in a supermarket car-park. She pulls this look and waits for someone to panic and leave. We’re so trying this at Lidl tomorrow!…

NEWS 'IN COLEEN’S EYES, WHILE SHE WON THE CASE, SHE DIDN’T FEEL SHE HAD PROPER CLOSURE' It’s been just over a year since the ‘Wagatha Christie’ saga culminated in one of the most highlypublicised court showdowns of all time. Insults were hurled, damning evidence was unearthed and even more explosive allegations were made before Rebekah Vardy’s defamation case against Coleen Rooney was finally dismissed. Coleen had won. And after four years of maintaining a dignified silence following her initial bombshell tweet in October 2019 – when she openly accused Rebekah of leaking stories about her – Coleen, 37, finally told her side of the story last week. Embracing her alter-ego as a WAG-turned-amateur sleuth in a Sherlock-inspired rain mac for her photo-shoot with Vogue, mum-of-four Coleen didn’t hold back as…

She set tongues wagging ever since being papped holding hands with her Celebs Go Dating co-star Adam Collard earlier this month. And now, Lottie Moss tells Closer that she’s formed close connections on the show, which also features Love Island star Chloe Burrows, presenter Vanessa Feltz, MIC’s MarkFrancis Vandelli, comedy star Spuddz, and TV lothario Adam. Lottie, 25, says, “I think we’ve actually all made such a genuine connection. Me, Spuddz, Chloe and Adam have a group chat called ‘Single as f***’. We write to each other every day, asking who’s filming. We all went out for dinner last week.” “It’s really nice as I didn’t expect to meet people I’d form bonds with. We’ve become a little family, the boys are such sweet boys. It’s been so nice to…

Line Of Duty star Vicky McClure and her long-time fiancé Jonny Owen have finally said, “I do.” The actress and Welsh producer tied the knot in Nottingham in front of their loved ones, including her Line Of Duty co-stars Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar. Sharing a glimpse into their special day on social media, Vicky, 40, wrote, “Tied up in Notts!!! Best. Day. Ever!!!!!” To make their nuptials even more poignant, the couple – who met in 2013 on the set of Svengali – enlisted Our Dementia Choir to perform their first dance. Vicky founded the group in 2019 after her grandmother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis taught her the healing power of music. Martin took to Instagram to gush over the “incredible day”, saying, “First dance with the Dementia Choir was just…

She’s long been hailed as Essex’s very own Bond girl with her bronzed skin and taut abs, and as Suzie Wells poses for our exclusive photoshoot, it’s easy to see how she turns heads with her sensational bikini body. The age-defying star, who found fame in TOWIE alongside her daughters Billie Shepherd, 33, and Sam Faiers, 32, reveals she often gets mistaken for being their sister. Suzie, 54, tells Closer, “It’s flattering when people ask about my figure and it does make me feel good about myself. I do laugh when they say, ‘Suzie, you look like a Bond girl,’ I think well yeah, maybe a few years ago, I’m not sure about now – but they still say it!” INSPIRING WOMEN Despite her modest attitude, the star, who has…

GET MOVING Regular physical activity is fantastic for keeping us younger – inside and out. Strength and resistance exercise has a huge role in fighting the natural loss of muscle mass that starts in our 30s, resulting in a drop of up to eight per cent every decade and even more once in our 60s! Beyond muscles, being active keeps our heart, lungs, bones, joints and immune system strong. It protects against high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes and many cancers, and can help us manage our weight. Exercise is also a fantastic mood booster (it produces feel-good neurotransmitters called endorphins in the brain) and can help us sleep better and combat stress. Health experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activites each week such as brisk walking, cycling, dancing…

INSIDE KIRSTEN'S FRIDGE ● Flora butter ● Houmous ● Vegan pesto ● Vegan mayo ● Blueberries ● Nutritional yeast ● Meat-free sausages ● Beyond Meat Burgers ● Carrots ● Tofu ● Mango ● Apples ● Butternut squash ● Broccoli ● Chilli ● Pistachios ● Walnuts ● Almonds ● Orange chocolate ● Pineapple ● Parsnips ● Coriander ● Potatoes ● Sweet potatoes ● Soya milk ● Prosecco VERDICT CLOSER NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “It’s great Kirsten is trying a plantbased diet. It’s important to check carefully though, as some meat-free burgers and sausages can be full of salt. Tofu, beans, lentils, chickpeas, nuts and seeds are all packed with plant protein. Kirsten should also check dairy alternatives like soya milk are fortified with bonefriendly calcium and energy-giving vitamin B12, which…

ALL ABOUT YOU! DON'T DREAD THE END OF SUMMER! Many of us will have that impending sense of doom about autumn and winter, but we can feel sunny, despite gloomy forecasts As a species, we’re biologically programmed to hibernate in the winter so when we feel more lethargic, tempted to snuggle up under that duvet and can’t be bothered to do anything, it’s an evolutionary thing. We have less vitamin D, which gives us the energy to lift our mood. You don’t need to be diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) to find the colder months less inspiring and a little bit claustrophobic. But rather than dreading it, look forward to the things about autumn and winter that you can enjoy. I look forward to the colours in autumn –…

Research by The Fawcett Society, which campaigns for gender equality and women’s rights, found that last year, women took home a whopping £564 less than men each month. Illegal discrimination – paying women less for the same job – explains some of this but there are other factors, like the fact women tend to be responsible for unpaid childcare and caring duties. Women also face other “hidden” expenses, such as the so-called Pink Tax, where women are charged more for the same products. It’s time for the fightback! “Women may have been socialised to defer to men, but we need to take on financial management and be equal partners in money,” says financial coach Elizabeth Buko (wealthfromlittle.com). Accountant and business advisor Polly Arrowsmith of qubemoney.com agrees, adding, “We need to…

FASHION…

CHIC HOME OFFICE Using rattan touches and light colours will keep your office environment looking chic and calm, as will adding greenery. Folding desks are ideal for small spaces and a magnet board is useful for adding to-do lists and important reminders. SCHOOL HOMEWORK STATION Keeping children focused can be tricky but a designated area will help, especially if it’s a space where they can also read, draw and be creative. Overhead shelves and trolleys are great for keeping notebooks, crayons and other bits of stationery out of the way.…

EastEnders fans will know Cindy was sent to prison after hiring a hitman to kill husband Ian – Kathy’s son. Despite this trifling matter, Cindy and Ian have reunited and it was recently revealed that Cindy’s been living in witness protection after feeding the cops information about her cellmate. And despite Kathy and Cindy’s famous hatred for one another, they now have the “faking their own death” thing in common. Kathy returned from the dead in 2005, after escaping violent loan sharks. FOLLOW OUR LIVE TWEETS OVER AT @CloserOnline…