tf7 r5j

SUPER SLIMMER

WHY CHARLOTTE KEEPS GETTING HER HEART BROKEN

CELEBS…AND SO MUCH MORE!

PALACE INSIDER

‘Meghan will ‘do a Diana’ & shock everyone’ 21 PAGES OF TV

MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT IS BACK!

WEDDING BELLS

ARG CONVINCED GEMMA TO MARRY LOVE-OFHER-LIFE RAMI!

NEW FEARS FOR BRITNEY

BOYFRIEND WORRIED ‘WILD’ PICS COULD RUIN FREEDOM BID

PREGNANT MUM OF 4 DANIELLE

ISSUE 969

28 AUG – 3 SEPT 2021

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Welcome to

inside this issue...

ON THE COVER 6 Meghan’s ‘Diana’ gameplan: “She’ll shock the world with what she does next!”

10 New fears for Britney as

12 “Sexy and confident” Gemma hints at wedding with Rami 14 Why Charlotte “needs to be single” after her latest split 20 MAFS is back – with a twist from Down Under!

24 Super slimmer: “My friends didn’t recognise me after losing 12st!”

40 Back to school special!

43 Danielle: “I’m more nervous about Archie starting senior school than he is!”

CELEB NEWS 8 The Crown returns 22 The stars taking on TV’s toughest show 29 Guest column: JJ Chalmers 30 Caitlyn Jenner’s life lessons

REAL LIFE 16 The horror in Afghanistan: “People are in hiding and praying for safety” 32 Controversial mum: “I make £3k a month selling my worn pregnancy pants”

Blitz back-to-school stress! etting ready for a new school year is always full on but after the strangest 18 months most of us can remember, it feels as if there is even more to think about. So we’ve devoted 12 pages to making things run as smoothly as possible.

Dr C addresses all your health worries, we’ve got expert tips on soothing children’s stress – and yours. We’ll help you save cash on everything from uniforms to packed lunches. And if you’ve got teenagers heading to university, psychological therapist Emma Kenny advises how to make it a successful transition for them and a happier “empty nest” for you. After focusing on your family, you deserve some “you time” so follow The Boost on Instagram and you’ll not only find loads of wellbeing inspiration, but you could win a fantastic beauty box worth over £130. You’re welcome!

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LIFE & STYLE 46 Dr C: “Being in class helps build kids’ immunity” 48 Advice: How to prepare you and your kids for uni 50 Money: Easy ways to keep costs down 54 Style alert 56 Fashion: Colour therapy 59 Fashion: Non-mumsy maternity wear 61 Beauty: Summer skin overhaul!

63 Beauty: Hair repair!

65 Interiors: Shelf service!

ALSO IN CLOSER 66 Puzzles 71 This week’s TV 89 Your stars 90 Snaps & chat!

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“wild” behaviour puts freedom in jeopardy

MEGHAN’S ‘DIANA’ GAMEPLAN:

‘She’ll shock the world with what she does next’ As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pledge to hit the ground running with their charity work, Princess Diana’s former butler Paul Burrell (left) says the Duchess will strive to follow in the footsteps of Harry’s late mum

hey’ve been in LA. There’s only so much Meghan urged 40 of her celeb friends to enjoying preaching they can do. I’m sure mentor those in need parental leave Meghan will shock the world and family time if what we see next is her being with their twomore on the ground with her month-old daughter Lilibet charity work and in the thick and two-year-old son Archie. of it, like Diana was.

But last week, royal “Meghan definitely seems biographer and friend of to want to follow in Diana’s Meghan Markle and Prince footsteps, as does Harry.

Harry, Omid Scobie, revealed She’ll need to rethink her they were gearing up to return approach to charity work going to the spotlight and enter forward, though, in order to “an era of visibility” in terms do so – I suspect she does have of their charity work and a gameplan. Everything is future projects. so meticulously thought out In April 2020, they launched Omid – who co-wrote Harry with those two!” a non-profit organisation and Meghan’s biography called Archewell, “to build Finding Freedom last year – a better world”, and Harry POSITIVE explained, “They’re a couple has also alluded to emulating Meghan and Harry – who who do very well in those his mother Princess Diana, stepped back from their moments of human interaction. senior royal duties in January who was well-known for her They need to be on the ground. life-changing charity and 2020 after he revealed the They say the proof is in the humanitarian work. In 2016, pressure was “destroying” pudding, and what we are about his mental health and left he said, “All I want to do is to see is that pudding.” make my mother incredibly Meghan “suicidal”– have And Paul Burrell, who proud. That’s all I’ve ever spoken about how they want worked as Princess Diana’s wanted to do.” to make a positive contribution butler for 10 years from 1987 While the multi-millionaire to the world. until her death in 1997 couple – who live in a nineand first met Harry, Diana 36, when he was just used her r three years old – says She was known for he platform rs he ot compassion for to do good Meghan, 40, and Harry are no doubt hoping to follow in Diana’s footsteps.

Paul, 63, says, “It’s about time Harry and Meghan got more ‘hands-on’ with their charity – so far it seems to have just been preaching from their mansion

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bedroom mansion – have been hands-on with some charity work and last year volunteered at a soup kitchen and distributed care packages during the pandemic, they have more recently raised awareness for causes with statements and videos.

For her 40th birthday, Meghan launched a charity drive from her office – calling on 40 of her celebrity friends to devote 40 minutes of their time to mentor women trying to return to work after the pandemic.

And amid the recent horrors in Afghanistan, Harry – who served two tours of the country in the British Army – and Meghan released a statement last week saying they were “speechless” and “heartbroken” on hearing the news about the Taliban’s advance, and encouraged people to donate to organisations

NEWS Harry is said to have viewed satirical cartoon The Prince “with humour”

in need. But they quickly faced a backlash, with some fans describing the message as “hypocritical”, with one writing, “Instead of telling us what to do, how about make out two fat cheques, one for Haiti [where an earthquake killed more than 2,000] and one to aid the people who are lucky enough to get out of Kabul alive?”

DIFFERENT

And Paul suggests that it is this that sets Meghan apart from Diana – who was renowned for her direct attitude to charity work.

He says, “Diana’s most iconic moments involved her walking through the live minefields in Angola, shaking hands with AIDS patients and touching a person with leprosy. With Diana, it was do as I do – whereas with Meghan it seems to be do as I say. That’s where they’re very different.

“I don’t want to condemn Meghan because it is positive that she wants to shine a light

aIT’S GREAT MEGHAN IS USING HER VOICE, BUT THERE NEEDS TO BE INTENT AND ACTIONb The couple with son Archie

on charities and those in need.

Whereas Diana was a listener – she wasn’t the main event, the spotlight was always shone on the cause, rather than her. I think the public need to see her doing some charity work, really listening to who she’s talking to and giving back.

“There was a selflessness and compassion with Diana – Diana wasn’t a Hollywood actress, she was just someone who wanted to use her platform to do good.

It is great Meghan is using her voice, but there needs to be intent, action and selflessness for her to do good in the world and be believed.”

MOCKED

And referring to the recent release of satirical cartoon The Prince – which mocks the royal family and has drawn criticism from children’s mental health charities for the way it presents Prince George – Paul adds, “It seems ironic to me that while Meghan and Harry are happy to lend their voices to supporting mental health charities, they can’t seem to speak up and defend their family.

“I’ve seen The Prince and it’s extremely damaging to target a young boy and mock him in the way the cartoonists have done. Prince Harry is said to have viewed the programme ‘with a sense of humour’. I can’t quite believe that – if it were Archie and Lilibet being mocked, I suspect there would be a lawsuit!”

By Lily Smith

TURN FOR PAUL’S VIEW ON THE NEW SERIES OF THE CROWN §

THE CROWN RETURNS Fans of hit Netflix series The Crown were thrilled last week as new images from the fifth series were released of Elizabeth Debicki playing Princess Diana, Dominic West as Prince Charles and Imelda Staunton portraying the Queen. Filming has now begun after a delay due to Covid-19, and while there’s no release date yet, the show is rumoured to be returning in early 2022. It is expected to pick up where series four left off, in 1990, and will feature the breakdown of Charles and Diana’s marriage and her tragic death. We look at the behind-the-scenes gossip and Paul Burrell – who worked in the Palace then – gives his take

‘The likeness to Diana is remarkable – I was speechless’ Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki, 30, will star as Princess Diana in seasons five and six of the show, and has revealed she felt both thrilled and nervous to bag the role. The Great Gatsby star says, “I’m overwhelmed, I’m terrified and I’m excited.

I can’t wait to start.”

And Diana’s ex-royal butler Paul Burrell says photos of Elizabeth as the late princess took his breath away, but

he hopes she captures her personality, too. Paul says, “Seeing pictures of Elizabeth as Diana, I was speechless.

The likeness was remarkable – she has the same beauty, the same doe-eyed look, the same youth and elegance.

What remains to be seen is if she can put across what Diana was like on the inside. I hope she shows how animated and lively Diana was, and her immense vulnerability.”

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES, SPLASH

Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana

Dominic West as Prince Charles

‘Dominic is too stocky and broad for Prince Charles’ Stepping into the role of Prince Charles is Dominic West, 51, who will play the prince at the time of his affair with his now-wife, Camilla Parker Bowles.

Dominic’s casting raised eyebrows as, shortly after it was announced, the married actor was seen getting cosy with his Pursuit Of Love co-star Lily James, with some fans left thinking his role as the rumoured-to-be-unfaithful royal was “ironic”. Others have said he is “too hot” for the role.

And Paul says he is also unsure about the choice, saying, “I must admit I’m not convinced by Dominic as Prince Charles. He’s too stocky and broad – Charles is quite slight. But Dominic is a great actor, so I’m sure he’ll be able to pull it off. The prince has distinctive mannerisms that Josh O’Connor, who played him last time, got very well.

If he can perfect Charles’ voice, his ‘slurring’ of words and his expressions, I will be impressed.”

NEWS

‘There will be some really difficult viewing’ The Crown has never held back in covering the highs and the lows of the monarchy, and historians have now said they believe this series is likely to be the most “uncomfortable” season yet for the royals, due to the events that will be covered.

Viewers will see the breakdown of Charles and Diana’s marriage and Diana’s subsequent emotional turmoil – famously shown to the world through her notorious BBC Panorama interview in 1995, in which she revealed her battles with bulimia, depression and her belief that Charles had been unfaithful.

Viewers will also see Diana’s death, one of the most heartwrenching and tragic events that has ever hit the royal family. And

Imelda Staunton as the Queen

‘I hope Imelda captures the Queen’s warmth’ Following in the footsteps of Claire Foy and Olivia Coleman, Imelda Staunton will star as Queen Elizabeth II. The Harry Potter actress, 65, said her “extra challenge” was playing a Queen “we’re more familiar with”, saying, “With Claire Foy, her version of the Queen was almost history, and now I’m playing one that people could say ‘she doesn’t do that’, ‘she’s not like that’. That’s my bête noire to deal with.”

Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II

And Paul – who served the Queen for many years – says, “One aspect of the show that hasn’t sat well with me is the portrayal of the Queen. So far, she’s been cold and aloof in private and warm and friendly in public. However, in reality, she is almost more reserved in the public sphere. Behind the scenes, she is a kind and caring woman – with a wicked sense of humour. It will be great if Imelda conveys that.”

Diana was interviewed by Martin Bashir

Paul says, “It’s going to be really difficult viewing, and the directors and producers need to be extremely careful in how they execute this.

It was such an awful time, not only for the royal family themselves, but for the whole nation. I suspect they won’t go into it too deeply, out of respect for Prince Harry and Prince William.”

‘Camilla should be portrayed as friendly, flirty and devoted to Charles’ This season will focus on the growing closeness – and alleged affair – between Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles.

And reports have claimed that actress Olivia Williams, 53, only got the part of Camilla after doing on-screen chemistry tests with Dominic West to ensure the pair had a spark.

Paul says, “It’s going to be interesting to see how they portray the Charles and Camilla relationship. In previous seasons, they’ve pushed the mark and veered away from the truth with certain things, so it’ll

Camilla and Charles married in 2005 be fascinating to see how they’ll do this drama.

“The series four actress Emerald Fennell did a wonderful job with Camilla – portraying her as friendly, flirty and devoted to Charles, just like she was. Hopefully, Olivia will do this, too.”

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NEW FEARS FOR BRITNEY’S FREEDOM AFTER ‘WILD BEHAVIOUR’ Following her father’s announcement that he’ll ‘step down’ as conservator, Britney Spears is closer to freedom than she’s been in 13 years – but loved ones fear she’s wrecking her chances with her ‘erratic’ Instagram posts

ritney Spears’ freedom seemed more possible than ever last week after her father Jamie revealed via his legal team that he’d be “willing to step down” as his daughter’s conservator “when the time is right”.

For her fans, the announcement was a monumental moment in Britney’s bid to throw off the shackles of her conservatorship, which was put in place after her tragic breakdown in 2007.

But despite Britney being so close to removing her father from controlling her life – with her even telling a court recently that she wanted him jailed for “conservatorship abuse” – there are new fears for the star, 39, after a series of Instagram posts show her posing topless and behaving erratically, even telling fans she’ll “live on the edge” one day.

After uploading multiple topless photos over recent weeks, Britney sparked concern again last week when she shared yet another risqué picture of herself, as well as posting a nowdeleted topless video in which she talked about Covid-19 and the importance of feeding your children healthy snacks. Fans wrote, “Britney, we want you to

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be free but this is a little too much” , and “I really hope she is okay.”

And insiders say her recent posts have sparked concern from Britney’s boyfriend of nearly five years, Sam Asghari – who has been her biggest supporter and confidante for nearly half of her conservatorship, and has previously referred to her as his “lioness” because of everything she’s battled against.

A source says, “Sam’s always championed Britney and has been behind her the whole way, giving her the confidence to keep fighting.

“But over the last couple of weeks, there’s been a shift and Sam’s now starting to worry.

“He’s increasingly concerned about some of her more erratic behaviour and is trying to be a calming influence. His view

Boyfriend Sam Asghari is reportedly worried

is that, while she’s had a huge victory, she still has a long way to go. What really worries him is that if she continues posting wild pictures and to be seen acting like this, it could jeopardise her chances of ever getting the order lifted and even worsen the situation.”

In a court testimony last month, Britney stunned fans when she revealed the draconian extent of her conservatorship, claiming that, among many things, it banned her from making phone calls, buying a coffee and driving, and forced her to have a contraceptive device to stop her from having children.

TENSION

While Britney has been seen enjoying her recent early steps to freedom – taking rides in her Mercedes, smoking, sharing

Her father Jamie Spears has said he’s stepping down

es o f posted a seri Britney has res recently topless pictu

intimate photos of herself and slamming her conservatorship team publicly – the results of the petition filed by her lawyer Mathew Rosengart last month to remove her father from the conservatorship altogether won’t be heard until the next court hearing on 29 September.

Reaction to Jamie’s recent announcement has been split, with some fans believing the 69 year old – who relinquished his control over Britney’s personal affairs in 2018 after 10 years, but retains power over his daughter’s finances – won’t back out without a fight.

Meanwhile, the insider says there’s some tension growing between Britney and Sam, 27, over his concerns about her new rebellious side.

The source adds, “Brit has told Sam she needed to let go a little, but he worries about the future.

“He believed they were both on the same page about hoping to fall pregnant [Britney’s conservatorship bans her from removing her contraceptive implant] but she doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of sharing those dreams right now – she’s smoking and not

NEWS PEREZ:

‘There is cause for concern for her’

She also puts up videos of herself dancing

prioritising her health.

“And despite Britney knowing that Sam just wants the best for her, she is very sensitive around any form of control over her – it’s a huge trigger after what she’s been through.”

ALARM BELLS

Sam’s unease comes after Closer reported that Britney’s recent actions had also raised alarm bells among her friends, who are worried that Jamie’s removal from her conservatorship could be the start of a downward spiral for the star.

Some of Britney’s fans have also expressed concern. While

aSAM KNOWS HE CAN’T PUSH HER TOO FAR AS SHE IS FRAGILE AND SENSITIVEb

The couple together

supporters have praised her for being “free” amid the ongoing #FreeBritney movement, others have described her latest posts as “painful to watch” and have speculated that she doesn’t “seem well”.

And while Sam revealed in June that he hoped to build an “amazing” and “normal future” with “my better half”, the source says that he has been uncharacteristically quiet over the past few weeks.

The insider adds, “Sam knows he can’t push Britney too far as she is fragile and sensitive.

He doesn’t want her to become isolated from him, so he’s trying to tread a very fine line right now.

“He’s just praying she can see sense and know that what he’s saying is for her own good – and for the benefit of their future.”

By Lily Smith

He’s been one of her biggest cheerleaders throughout the #FreeBritney campaign – but now showbiz blogger Perez Hilton says he’s worried about Britney’s wellbeing and hopes people continue to look out for her.

Perez, 43, tells Closer, “I love Britney, but there is cause for concern. The people around her are worried, and they are the ones who know her situation best. I do think she’s suffered in the past and the type of conservatorship she has been under would affect your mental health. It’s been traumatic for her, so she should be looked after. However, this doesn’t mean she has to be controlled.

The sooner she’s freed from her father’s strict control, the better – but I think it’s good to have people looking out for her.

“I’m also not reading too much into Britney’s Instagram posts. She’s feeling free, heard, seen and supported right now and she’s an entertainer. I think she’s enjoying the attention.

“It’s also fantastic there are lots of people around her who care about her – her friends, her boyfriend and her mother who, while flawed, seems to be trying to help her daughter. I hope Britney finds happiness.”

‘Britney may be suffering from PTSD and anxiety’ Psychotherapist Helen Spiers, from Mable Therapy, says, “It would be no surprise if Britney is again struggling with her mental health. The conservatorship removed her independence and stripped her of her confidence in making her own decisions and living her life. I think she could be dealing with post traumatic

stress disorder and anxiety.

“Britney’s whole life has been unorthodox. She was thrown into the spotlight at an early age and missed out on a lot of lessons learned in a normal childhood.

Those around her should keep a close watch on her, and I’d recommend therapy and rest as she adapts to her new, freer life.”

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‘SEXY & CONFIDENT’ GEMMA HINTS AT WEDDING WITH RAMI

Former TOWIE star Gemma Collins has finally learned to love her curves thanks to her renewed relationship with ex Rami Hawash – and they’re going from strength to strength

eaming from ear-toear, Gemma Collins and boyfriend Rami Hawash looked happier than ever as they enjoyed an idyllic holiday in Cornwall earlier this month.

And Gemma, 40, proved just how much Rami meant to her by celebrating his birthday with three cakes, a horde of Versace gifts and a heartfelt message to him on Instagram – alongside a collection of sweet throwback photos of the two – with a soundtrack of the Lionel Richie song You Are My Destiny.

Gemma wrote in her tribute to Rami, “It was you all along” – which fans have taken as a dig at Gemma’s former flame James “Arg” Argent, with whom she had an infamous on/off relationship for 10 years before finally calling it quits for good last November.

Arg, 33, and Gemma battled weight issues together while they were an item – with Gemma opening up about her struggles on multiple occasions and breaking down in tears on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories over her insecurities. When she and Arg split last summer, she revealed shocking WhatsApp screenshots showing how he’d

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She had a fiery romance with Arg

She showered him with gifts

She declared her love for Rami on Instagram

cruelly called her a “fat f**k”, a “hippo” and saying she had “more rolls than Greggs”.

CAREFREE But in Cornwall earlier this month, Gemma looked carefree and confident – sharing pictures of herself in a swimsuit and strutting along the beach in shorts and a tank top.

And sources say that Gemma – who has found a new love for fitness this year, recently sharing videos of her workouts on social media – has her new relationship with Rami to thank for finding peace with her body.

A source says, “After years of insecurities, Gem is finally starting to feel content in herself, and that’s down to Rami. He reassures her she’s beautiful the way she is and says he loves her figure and Gem has finally started to believe it. She feels sexy and confident enough to get into her swimsuit – something that she didn’t always feel she wanted to do around Arg. “The back-and-forth nature of her relationship with Arg and the toxic rows have made her realise

what she wants in a partner and how she wants to be treated. In a way, she’s grateful that her relationship with Arg made her realise what she wants and convinced her that her future is with Rami. She’s feeling really happy and Rami has had a positive influence on her life.”

CONTENT In the lengthy caption for Rami’s birthday, Gemma – who has been dating him again since April, rekindling their relationship after the pair called off their engagement in 2013 – said, “You still take my breath away when I look at you just like the first night I met you down the King Will in Chigwell... the timing wasn’t right then but the

The star looked happy on the all beach in Cornw

universe put us back together… and I didn’t expect it one bit, just as I was really happy being alone and content you rocked back up.”

And hinting wedding bells could be on the horizon, she referred to her choice of the Lionel Richie backing track on her post, writing – “Maybe Lionel will sing this at the wedding.”

And the source adds the couple can’t wait to take the next steps in their relationship, saying, “Gemma and Rami had the best time in Cornwall – her family love him and totally approve. She’s felt the happiest she has in a long time and can see herself marrying him. She’s really hoping he pops the question soon.”

By Yasmin Thomas

‘She will cherish the security Rami gives her’ Closer’s psychological therapist Emma Kenny, says, “Gemma was in a toxic on/off relationship with Arg for a very long time, and the extreme highs you feel when it’s going well will never make up for the extreme lows.

“When you meet a more secure, grown-up individual, who has your best interests at heart, it acts as a buffer to help you to realise how bad your last relationship was.

“Gemma will cherish that she can wake up every day feeling safe – especially if having a family is her priority and, unlike Arg, Rami truly loves her for who she is.”

Love

dramas THE LATEST HOOK-UPS, MAKE-UPS AND BREAK-UPS

Lockie and Yaz split in February

TOWIE’S YAZ ‘FURIOUS’ AFTER EX LOCKIE AND PAL CHLOE’S FLING

SHE’S FELT THE HAPPIEST SHE HAS IN A LONG TIME

They had one of the most toxic relationships on TOWIE – and now even more drama has unfolded between James “Lockie” Locke and his ex, Yazmin Oukhellou.

It’s claimed that James, 34, had a secret romance with TOWIE co-star and Yaz’s pal Chloe Brockett, 20, shortly after their split.

Yaz flew to Dubai during lockdown to help herself move on from her heartbreak after she and James called it quits for good in February, following four years of being on and off.

But a source reveals that Lockie was seeing Chloe straight after their split, saying, “Lockie and Chloe saw each other a few times.

Yaz has found out and she is furious.”

This latest revelation has prompted Yaz to return to the show as she plans to confront them both, with the

Lockie is said to have been seeing Ya z’s friend Chloe (lef t)

source adding, “It’s going to be really messy but fantastic viewing for TOWIE fans.”

Following their break-up, Yaz was rumoured to be dating Lauren Goodger’s ex-Jake McLean, while Lockie has also been linked to Love Island’s Rachel Fenton – after they were seen kissing and holding hands outside a bar in June.

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WHY CHARLOTTE ‘NEEDS TO BE SINGLE’ – AFTER HER LATEST SPLIT Charlotte and Liam got together in February last year

he’s always been a hopeless romantic, saying earlier this year that she’d found The One in boyfriend Liam Beaumont.

But it emerged that the couple’s relationship was over last week when Charlotte deleted all traces of Liam from her social media accounts and sources revealed he’d moved out of her Newcastle home, where he’d been living with her.

Addressing the split, Charlotte insisted the two parted ways on good terms, writing on Instagram, “Me and Liam shared some amazing memories together and the split was amicable. In the end, we just realised we were two very different people.”

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PRESSURES The Geordie Shore star, 31, began dating videographer Liam, 30, in February last year – just weeks after she split from boyfriend-of-two-years Joshua Ritchie.

The couple moved in together during lockdown, just a month into their relationship, and were so loved up that they were even discussing baby plans.

However, they reportedly called it quits because of the pressures of going back to normality – after enjoying lockdown life – got too much.

Liam wrote on Instagram after the split, “Lockdown was a complete bubble for us both where we got on great, but as things are now changing, living in a part of the country, I was so far away from friends family etc – it wasn’t easy. I wish her all the best.”

This is yet another break-up for Charlotte, with the star having had many relationships play out in the public eye. While starring on Geordie Shore from 2011 to 2016, Charlotte’s on-off relationship with Gary

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“Gaz” Beadle dominated storylines, with Charlotte often breaking down in tears on drunken nights out over Gary’s inability to commit.

Their relationship finally ended in 2016 after she suffered an ectopic pregnancy while he was in Thailand at the time filming Ex On The Beach.

TURBULENT While Gaz is now a happy father of two with wife Emma McVey, Charlotte moved on with TV star Stephen Bear in 2017 – but the pair had a toxic relationship, breaking up multiple times during their year-long romance.

They eventually split in 2018 amidst cheating allegations, for which Bear later apologised.

She began dating Love Island star Joshua Ritchie two months later, and their twoyear relationship was just as turbulent. At one point, during one of the couple’s break-ups, Charlotte worried fans when she live-streamed herself sobbing on Instagram.

They split for good in early 2019, with Charlotte then meeting Liam through mutual friends in Dubai just weeks later.

And relationship expert Jo Barnett says that the short breaks between Charlotte’s long-term relationships may be the reason she keeps getting her heart broken, and advises the star spends some time as a single woman.

Jo says, “Going from one

With ex Gaz Beadle in 2011

dramas

She broke u p with Joshua last year serious relationship to the next is not advisable as, often, you haven’t taken the time to evaluate the problems in your last relationship or to mourn it. So it often happens that you make the same mistakes again, or try to use someone else to mask the heartache or sadness of the previous relationship. It’s very important to take the time to heal and think about what you want after the breakdown of a long-term partnership.

“I’d recommend that Charlotte spends at least six months single and thinks abut what she enjoys, what makes her happy, and what goals she wants to achieve.

She needs to realise that she doesn’t need someone else to make her happy. When she finally feels that way, she can start thinking about what she wants from a partner and consider dating again.

“Ultimately, she should look after herself, her body and her mind and be clear what she wants and what she doesn’t want in order to have the best chance at long-term happiness and lasting love.”

POTENTIAL LOVE TRIANGLE FOR GIOVANNI, MAURA AND KATIE

They delighted fans in July with news they were dating, and while they seem to be going from strength to strength, there may be trouble for Maura Higgins and Giovanni Pernice when Strictly returns next month.

Pro dancer Giovanni and Love Island’s Maura Higgins, both 30, began dating after being introduced through mutual friends. They have littered Instagram with loved-up couple pictures and comments on each other’s photos. Last week, they were seen looking cosy on a date night in London.

However, it has emerged Corrie actress Katie McGlynn – who was romantically linked to Giovanni in 2016 – will be a contestant on Strictly in 2021. Twitter went into meltdown over how

Maura would react should Gio be partnered with Katie, 28 – especially with the so-called “Strictly curse”, which has seen multiple stars date their dance partners. Eagle-eyed fans noticed Maura started following Katie on Instagram, amid speculation it was to keep

PHOTOS: BACKGRID, GETTY IMAGES, REX/SHUTTERSTOCK, CH IMAGES

Love

an eye on her.

Insiders say that Strictly bosses are hesitant to make the pairing, however. A TV insider said, “This would be a dream ticket for producers, but a potential nightmare for the trio concerned.”

IS RYLAN’S MARRIAGE NOT OVER? There is speculation things might not yet be finished for Rylan Clark-Neal and his estranged husband Dan, as Dan has been spotted back at their former marital home.

Rylan has been out of the limelight since June when he announced he was taking a step back from his career to focus on his marriage, and now, as he prepares to return to work next month, there are rumours he and husband Dan may be back on.

Closer previously reported that Rylan, 32, had been wearing his wedding ring at a family event recently – and now Dan’s car has been

spotted parked outside their former house in Essex, sparking further speculation that the pair may have worked things out.

X Factor-star-turnedpresenter Rylan announced the two had parted ways in a lengthy statement in which he seemingly blamed himself, at the time saying, “I have made a number of mistakes, which I deeply regret and have inevitably led to the breakdown of our marriage.”

The couple met back in 2013 when Rylan interviewed the ex-policeman after he was evicted from the Big Brother house. Dan popped the question during a romantic trip in Paris and they got hitched in an

intimate ceremony among family and friends in 2015.

Dan also has a 20-yearold son Cameron, from a previous relationship.

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15

CLOSER NEWS REPORT

THE HORROR IN AFGHANISTAN:

‘PEOPLE ARE IN HIDING AND PRAYING FOR SAFETY’ The world watched in horror as the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan.

Here, Closer speaks to two women who are trying to get to safety

he image of a stowaway falling from a plane as it took off at Kabul airport last week has come to symbolise the terror of the Afghan people, as their country fell to Taliban rule once more.

The militant group officially took over the war-torn nation on 15 August, and locals and expats have been making desperate attempts to flee ever since. Shocking images showed crowds storming airports, and mothers attempting to hand their babies over to foreign soldiers at border crossings.

*NAMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED PHOTOS: EYEVINE, BBC, REUTERS, JAM PRESS, PETER FINGLETON, INSTAGRAM

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HARSH PUNISHMENTS

Meanwhile, women and girls are terrified as to what Taliban rule could mean for them.

When the Taliban was last in power, between 1996 and 2001, women had no rights to work or education, had to always be accompanied by a male, and were forced to wear the burqa.

In recent days, billboards and adverts depicting women have been painted over, while prominent Afghan women – such as celebrities and political commentators – have gone into hiding. There are already reports that women as young as 15 are being handed over to 16

Taliban leaders and kept as sex slaves in forced marriages.

Afghanistan had been free from the Taliban’s clutches for 20 years. When they were last in power, as well as restricting rights for women, they also banned television and music, and men were made to grow beards. They were notorious for public executions and harsh punishments for breaking their version of Sharia law, such as amputations and stonings. While the group say they are followers of Islam, their beliefs are much more extreme than the majority of Muslims.

Fatima*, who is protecting her identity from the Taliban, is a TV reporter in Afghanistan.

She has been attempting to flee the country since the Taliban

Samira is trying to find help for her friend

began seizing territories in July. Her friend and journalist, Samira Shackle, who is based in the UK, has been trying to help her escape.

Samira says, “In recent months, Fatima has been followed home from the office, and one day there were men lurking by her car. I can’t

was any country that would quickly grant her a visa – it didn’t matter where. But while she sat in one of the offices, she saw on the news that Taliban fighters had entered the city.

“She rushed home, where she photographed all her documents – her passport, ID card, a letter from her boss confirming her employment as a journalist and the death threats she’d received from the Taliban. She sent them to myself and other friends overseas in the hope that the paperwork would be enough to grant a visa to another country.

“I managed to get Fatima booked onto a flight, organised by a small charity. The idea was that she’d get to safety, and then look for a more permanent solution elsewhere.

SHE STAYED SILENT AND PRAYED THEY WOULDN’T BREAK THE DOOR DOWN imagine how scared she must have been.

“We knew she had to get out of the country, but it’s easier said than done. She tried to get help from Western and European countries, but very few had resettlement schemes for vulnerable Afghans. She also contacted international organisations that support journalists, but to no avail.”

Then, last week, Fatima woke up to the news that the Taliban were advancing on Kabul – the last city they needed to take control of the country.

Samira explains, “Panicked, she took her passport to visa agents in the city to see if there

DANGEROUS

“But a few hours after I’d made the booking, all commercial flights out of Kabul were cancelled. I’d also been looking at getting her a visa to Pakistan, which borders Afghanistan, but in the absence of flights, it’s too dangerous for Fatima to make that journey

REAL LIFE

A stowaway was seen falling from a plane

Evacuation flights were packed with those fleeing

The Taliban have taken over

overland – especially as a woman by herself.”

Fatima decided to lay low at home, but later that day there was a bang on the door. She could see there were armed men outside. Terrified, she stayed silent and still and prayed they wouldn’t break the door down. Eventually they left, and as soon as they were gone, she fled to a family nearby.

Samira explains, “Now, Fatima is waiting for me and other friends overseas to help find a solution. Like many people in Afghanistan, she’s in hiding and praying for safety. I know she’s scared, she’s keeping her phone switched off in case it can be tracked. She has to keep moving, but if she stays too long in one place, her hosts will be in

danger too if they’re found to be protecting her.”

Now, the only option for Fatima would be an international evacuation through the military flights, which the Taliban are currently allowing to leave from Kabul airport.

As Closer went to press, the RAF confirmed that 963 people had been evacuated from Kabul to the UK in a 24-hour period, and that they expected “similar numbers... over the days ahead.”

However, James Heappey, the Minister for the Armed Forces, warned “the international effort will come to an end” when US troops leave Afghanistan – which President Joe Biden indicated could be at the end of the month.

Samira says, “The evacuation process is really unclear and most countries are prioritising evacuations of their own nationals or of Afghans who worked for their militaries.

“NGOs [Non Government Organisations] around the world are compiling cases and submitting names of vulnerable people to their governments for evacuation, and I’ve got Fatima on as many of these lists as I can, but it is unclear what will happen with these names

and when. There’s a huge level of demand, and governments operate slowly.”

Pashtana*, a women’s rights activist who works on international projects, is equally terrified. Before the Taliban took over, she fled her home city of Herat, in Eastern Afghanistan, and went to stay with relatives in Kabul in the hope that the capital would be safer.

But within days of Pashtana leaving, Taliban fighters had already gone to her family’s home looking for her, demanding that she be brought before them. Then, Kabul was taken over too.

Pashtana said, “It is a living nightmare for me, I can’t go outside because I’m afraid someone will recognise me. My freedom has gone completely.”

And Pashtana says women are already having restrictions placed on their lives. In Herat, there have been reports that the Taliban are guarding university campuses and preventing

female students from entering.

She says, “I got my education.

I succeeded in my career. But now we will be invisible and we will not be able to live.

TERRIFYING

“Despite what they might want the rest of the world to believe, the Taliban haven’t changed, they have only learned how to say one thing and do another.

They will come after everyone who disagrees with them.

It will be worse for women. We worked hard to build our nation and contribute to society these last 20 years, and now, once again, men will decide our fates.”

Now, all Pashtana can do is stay in hiding, while she tries to find a way out of Afghanistan along, with the thousands of others in the same terrifying situation.

For information on how to help women like Fatima and Pashtana, turn to page 18.

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17

REAL LIFE

‘I won’t leave the country without my animals’ x-Royal Marine, Paul “Pen” Farthing knows the reality of fighting the Taliban all too well. He served in the Helmand Province during his deployment in Afghanistan in 2006, during which two of his fellow Marines were tragically killed.

But after his tour ended, Pen found himself back in Afghanistan – this time fighting to protect the many stray dogs and cats that roam the streets. He created his charity, Nowzad, which seeks to reunite servicemen with animals who befriended them abroad.

E

PLEA

As the Taliban gained control of the country last week, Pen refused to leave without the 71 staff who work for him, and the 140 dogs, 60 cats, 12 donkeys, two horses, one goat and one cow in his care. He’s pleaded with the government for help with his evacuation mission, which he’s dubbed Operation Ark, and has appealed for donations to raise almost £146k to charter a cargo plane to the UK. While Boris Johnson said he will do “everything to help”, as Closer went to press, Pen, his staff and his animals were still no nearer to getting home.

Pen said, “I need to get them out of here. I’m not leaving them behind. I’m terrified, everybody is absolutely terrified of what the future holds. My staff have teenage daughters and I can’t even comprehend what is going to happen to young female Afghans… married off to a Taliban fighter and forced to basically be a baby-making machine.”

Pen was inspired to start his charity while serving in the remote Afghan outpost of Now 18

Zad. It was there that he and his troop broke up an organised dog fight taking place outside of their compound. Pen said, “We broke up that dog fight not realising that one of those dogs was actually going to adopt me.”

Pen named his new fourlegged friend Nowzad, after the town, and they became inseparable. And, after his tour ended, Pen fought to bring Nowzad home to be with him in the UK. But not content with saving just one animal, he launched his charity, which is named after his dog.

With his beloved dog, Nowzad

BLEAK FATE

But now, the fate of Pen’s animals is bleak. During the Taliban’s previous rule, pet ownership was banned, as animals were deemed unclean.

Dr Ben Sturgeon is a vet with SPANA, the charity for working animals. He says that during war, animals always suffer.

Ben says, “In any emergency, be it climactic or conflict, animals will inevitably be abandoned.

They will need to source their own food and water, which they aren’t used to doing. They will end up mixing more and spread disease, they will be unvaccinated. They will starve and if they are injured they will heal badly.

“We have to lobby governments, the UN and WHO to reply not only to the humanitarian crisis, but also the crisis in animal welfare.”

For now, all Pen and his staff can do is hope that help will come for them.

By Kristina Beanland and Mel Fallowfield Pen Farthing and the Nowzad team need funds to help them get out of Afghanistan. To donate go to nowzad.com

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He cares fo r 216 anim als in Afghanis tan

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP Campaigners are urging people to write to their MPs to demand safe passages for refugees from Afghanistan.

The charity Choose Love has sent up a template to help you write to your MP and ask to ensure safe entry of refugees.

It takes less than a minute to complete and could make a huge difference. Go to action. helprefugees.org Choose Love sells real supplies and services you can buy for refugees, from lifesaving search and rescue boats to food and legal advice.

Go to choose.love.

Mercy Corps said it is working quickly to get clean water and sanitation supplies to families who fled Kabul, and vowed to stay “as long as we safely can.”

See mercycorps.org

Unicef, a UN agency which provides aid to children, is also on the ground in Afghanistan.

The charity said it is delivering lifesaving supplies to those in need. Visit unicef.org.uk to donate.

The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are on the ground in 34 of Afghanistan’s provinces, providing essential relief and supporting hospitals and medical facilities, which includes isolated rural areas.

Donate to the Afghanistan Crisis Appeal today, if you can, by going to donate. redcross.org.uk/appeal/ afghanistan-crisis-appeal.

Your gift will help them get food, basic medical supplies and medicines, shelter and water to people in Afghanistan and the region.

MAFS IS BACK – WITH A TW Series six of Married At First Sight Australia aired in the UK earlier this year, quickly winning millions of fans. Producers of the UK version – which first aired in 2015 and was initially presented as a social experiment, seeing only two or three couples paired up – have given it a revamp so it now follows the more dramatic format from Down Under. The new series, which hits our screens next week, will see eight couples paired up by experts with a partner who they’ll marry upon meeting. Cameras will follow them over 20 episodes to see if their romances will blossom or break down. Each week will see the couples take on bizarre tasks, enjoy boozy dinner parties, and attend explosive commitment ceremonies to evaluate their relationships with the experts and each other – just as the Australian version does. Here, Closer gets a sneak peek into the new season as the three new love gurus open up about their handpicked married couples and the dramas they experience...

MEL:

‘I’ve been overwhelmed by the response from UK fans!’ o-nonsense Mel Shilling – who made up one third of the counselling panel on the Australian version – has been drafted in to bring some of its magic to the new-look UK show.

Mel was an essential part of the selection process in the Aussie series, and matched together couples Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli, as well as Cam Merchant and Jules Robinson, who are still together three years on – and even have a

N

20

one-year-old son, Ollie.

Mel says, “Cam and Jules are fabulous. They’re just a gorgeous couple, they’re absolutely the real deal and fun to be around, too. But I can’t identify individuals who are [my favourites] from that series... It’s like choosing your favourite child!”

Mel, 49, married her long-term partner, Gareth Brisbane, last year, but tells Closer she was single “during [her] entire thirties”. She adds, “It took me getting into a relationship – a good one – later in life to realise that

relationships can actually be good. I get what an incredible enhancement a relationship can be to life.” She adds, “I’m so excited [about the new series]. I’ve been overwhelmed

d Jules She says Cam an l” are the “real dea

by the response to the Australian version and humbled by all the beautiful messages of support from the UK fans of the show.”

With her fellow coach , Dr Trisha Stratford

NEWS

IST FROM DOWN UNDER! Paul: ‘We want our couples to have sex!’

He’s the smooth-talking dating guru on Celebs Go Dating, and now Paul C. Brunson is using his experience to help choose MAFS couples who’ll meet for the first time at the altar.

And Paul, 46, promises plenty of excitement. He says, “[The drama] is unexpected, challenging, exhilarating and rewarding. I can’t give much away, but I wear a smart watch that shows my heart rate and it’s never been triggered before, but it went off during the first commitment ceremony. That lets you know how crazy and dramatic things get, and how raw the scenario is.”

The couples are matched by the counsellors based on their profiles, and Paul says they all meet a “specific criteria”.

“We all look for shared values, complimentary personality and presumed attraction,” he says. “We want our couples to have a physical attraction [and] intimacy. We want the couples to

have sex – it’s very important.

“Sometimes, we come across couples who are fiery. That’s great, because you should be passionate about love and your life and what your marriage stands for. But when it’s inappropriate, we don’t like it.”

And Paul – married to wife of 21 years, Jill, with whom he shares sons Liam and Kingston – admits he feels more pressure to find the right match than on Celebs Go Dating. He explains, “That’s a dating show – this is a marriage show. It’s about couples coming together for life. I don’t think marriage is for everyone, but I don’t believe we were built to do life alone, so to play a role in helping find someone’s life partner... there’s nothing better in the world!”

THE CHARITY WORKER After his dad got prostate cancer in 2004, Matt from West Yorkshire quit his job in the corporate world and started working for a cancer charity. Matt, 39 – who performs in a Take That tribute band in his spare time – says, “I want to meet a special person I can start building a life and have a family with. I’m really excited.”

son and Anna William bs Go Dating Paul on Cele

Charlene: ‘I’m single – I know dating is hard!’

Working alongside Paul and Mel to help choose dream pairings is one of London’s leading sex coaches and relationship counsellors, Charlene Douglas.

She believes people have been struggling to find love without their help because there’s “so much choice” for singletons these days. She explains, “If you look back to the days when there wasn’t social media or dating apps, if you went on a date with somebody, you’d probably try to make w llo fe r he h it W it work and Paul presenters Mel

THE ONES TO WATCH

because the chances of meeting someone any time soon after that were slim.

“Now there’s so much choice, we’re in a culture of looking to see what else is out there. That’s why it’s nice to sometimes get that intervention and support, as it can be hard to find a partner.”

Charlene, who is single, adds, “Being single myself, I know some of the challenges of dating, and it’s hard. For me, true love is based on openness, understanding who you are, being willing to compromise – but the list goes on! For me, it’s just an honour to be able to help someone else find that.”

Married At First Sight UK starts

THE VET Describing herself as “the life and soul of the party”, 31-yearold vet Morag, from Essex, says she’s fed up with being unlucky in love and is ready to meet The One. She says, “I want the experts to help as I’ve got high expectations of myself and what I want from my partner. I want them to help me open up and let someone in.”

THE REALITY STAR Londoner Josh, 26, has already dabbled in reality TV, having starred in Shipwrecked in 2019. He says he wants someone to match his “ambition and drive”, adding, “Marriage has been on my cards, but I could never see myself getting on one knee – so this is a fast track!

Sometimes I need to be kicked into the deep end, so this a new chapter.”

Monday 30 August at 9pm on E4

21

THE STARS TAKING ON TV’S TO It’s the most gruelling reality show on our screens and a new platoon of celebs have been put through a series of tough tasks on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, which was filmed last year on a military base in Scotland. Closer catches up with Ulrika Jonsson, Saira Khan, Kerry Katona and Alexandra Burke, who reveal what they got from the experience

ULRIKA:

‘My friend told me to do it because the guys are fit!’ aving just gone through her third divorce, former weather presenter and model Ulrika Jonsson admits lockdown hit her hard, leaving her feeling lonelier than ever.

And she reveals she signed up to Celebrity SAS on the advice of a friend, who suggested she might find love again.

Ulrika, 54, says, “I was in a really s****y place, I felt really low and I thought I just needed to get away. My friend told me to go on the show because the guys are really fit on there!”

Ulrika was previously married to cameraman John Turnbull – with whom she shares son Cameron, 25 – and then had daughter Bo, 21, with German hotelier Markus Kempen. She then married former Army officer Lance Gerrard-Wright in 2003 and they had daughter Martha, 17, before they split two years later. Her most recent marriage to advertising exec Brian Monet – with whom she has son Malcolm, 13 – lasted for 11 years before ending in 2019.

Now Ulrika is keen to get back on the dating scene – and says the show helped her feel proud of herself as a woman in her fifties.

She says, “There were a few of us in the 50-plus category.

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22

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We are here to scream very loudly and let you know that we are still alive, we’re strong and not going away! I think in particular there’s a stigma around older women dating younger men – and I’m here to stick two fingers up at that.

Frankly, I’m bored with men having it all their own way.”

Ulrika wowed fans recently with her amazing figure as she posed naked in her back garden.

She says, “I actually don’t keep fit. I’m just a superactive person, spending much of my time gardening or dog walking. I also very rarely sit still. I wouldn’t say I’m body confident. I think I’m just learning to accept my body and the way it is.”

She has four children

Celebrity SAS: Who Dares

She’s proud of her body

Wins, Sundays at 9pm from 29 August on Channel 4.

Alexandra: ‘It introduced me to my self-worth’ She’s faced a rough ride in recent years – with her mother’s death in 2017, her split from fiancé Josh Ginnelly in 2019, and past struggles with depression and selfesteem issues resurfacing during lockdown.

But Alexandra Burke – who rose to fame as winner of The X Factor in 2008 – says Celebrity

SAS has helped her learn to love herself again.

Alexandra, 32, says, “This is the first time that I chose to do something that wasn’t for anybody but myself, pushing myself to the extreme and seeing how far I could go; how broken I could get and pick myself up. I got introduced to my self-worth.”

Alexandra adds that her co-stars will be friends for life and they chat on WhatsApp, saying, “We went there at a time where I think every single person needed that moment in their lives, and we all connected because of that. We shared a lot together – connections like that are very rare to find in this business.”

NEWS

UGHEST SHOW SAIRA:

‘I’ve learned to appreciate my body now I’m older’ ike Ulrika, TV presenter Saira Khan says the show has given her a renewed body confidence.

She says, “As I’ve got older, I’ve learned to appreciate my body better. I think you have to look in the mirror and be happy with who you are.”

After putting on a few pounds during lockdown, Saira proudly showed off her weight loss after going on a fitness retreat – saying despite her hopes of losing the weight quickly, it took eight months of healthier eating, relaxing and good sleep to achieve her goal.

Now she feels healthier than ever, but is more focused on how she feels rather than how she looks. She says, “The way women have been taught to look at their bodies is diabolical. We have been brainwashed since birth that unless you’ve got long legs, straight hair, pale skin and six-pack abs, you’re not fitting into society. But that’s not true – it’s not about shape, it’s about how you feel.”

Saira has been married to

L

The full line-u p (L-R) Saira Vicky Pattis Khan, Wes N on, Aled Dav elson, ies, Ulrika Jo Quickenden nsson, Jake , Shanaze Re ade, James Katona, Kiero Cracknell, K n Dyer, Ore O erry duba and Ale xandra Burk e

husband Steve Hyde for 17 years and the couple have children Zac, 13, and Amara, 11. And Saira says it was her kids who encouraged her to sign up to the show, saying, “I like a challenge, and the kids said, ‘If you think you’re hard enough, Mum, have a go!’ So I thought, ‘Why not?!’”

d Steve With husban and Amara and kids Zac

Showing off he r weight loss

Kerry: ‘I’ve been through so much mentally – now I’ve got closure’ She’s had highs and lows throughout her career – facing financial, health and personal issues over the years.

And Kerry Katona now says that hitting rock bottom and the lessons she learned over the years helped her survive Celebrity SAS. She says, “I’ve done so many shows but this was different. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Mentally, I’ve been through a lot – I’ve been through bankruptcy, divorce, domestic violence, drug addiction, you name it and I’ve come through it. I thought I could beat this show. I wanted to see how far I could go mentally, and what

I could learn about myself – I got closure. It helped me accept who I am and let go.”

Since rising to fame in 1998, mum-of-five Kerry, 40, has had three marriage breakdowns in the spotlight. She married Brian McFadden, with whom she shares Molly, 19, and LillySue, 18, Mark Croft, dad to Max, 14, and Heidi, 13, and the late George Kay, father to her daughter, Dylan-Jorge, seven.

She’s also been to rehab for cocaine addiction, been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and gone through bankruptcy twice.

But she’s in a much better place, now happily loved-up

She’s settled with fiancé Ryan

with fiancé Ryan Mahoney and earning a fortune through her successful OnlyFans account.

And Kerry says that unlike her other marriages, where she’s rushed things, she’s taking her time, saying, “We haven’t got any wedding plans! I might just get on a plane and go to Vegas.

We haven’t booked anything, but we’re happy.”

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23

SUPER SLIMMER:

‘My friends didn’t recognise me after losing 12st!’

A family tragedy left Laura Neil’s weight spiralling. But with help, she ditched her bad habits and has lost over half her body weight hen Laura Neil catches her reflection in the mirror, she still pinches herself.

She can hardly believe that the confident, happy woman she sees is really her.

Just six years ago, the 32 year old was at an all-time low.

Following the death of her beloved dad, she turned to food for comfort and soon weighed in at 22st.

Now, Laura has lost an amazing 12st – more than half her body weight – and is happier and healthier than she’s ever been.

Laura, 32, who lives in Falkirk

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Laura says this pic at a family wedding made her want to slim down

with her fiancé, Garry, and her daughter, Esme, five, says, “After my dad died, I was deeply depressed. I didn’t want to do anything, or see anyone, and I gained 5st in a year.

But I’m so glad I’m out of that dark place now and I’ve turned my life around.

GRIEF

“I love getting dressed up and going out. I have so much more energy and I’m a better mum to my daughter. Losing weight was the best thing I ever did.”

Laura was 20 when her dad, John, was tragically diagnosed with leukaemia in 2010. She explains, “It was a huge shock.

She’s transformed her looks

We were told he had 18 months to live, but he died 11 months later, just four days after my 21st birthday. The pain was unbearable, and in the months that followed, I was consumed by grief.

“I spent almost all of my time at home, and food was my only comfort. I’d skip meals throughout the day, but in the evening, I’d binge. I’d start with a takeaway, washed down with fizzy drinks, followed by sweets and chocolate. My family and friends would try to encourage me to go out and socialise, but I wasn’t interested.

“In just one year, I’d put on 5st and the weight just kept creeping up. My mum would buy new clothes for me, but she never told me what size they were, and I didn’t look.”

Then, in 2014, Laura attended a family wedding.

She says, “I was dreading it. I had to go shopping for a dress, and it was then that I realised I was a size 24. I felt awful. I eventually bought a floaty midi-dress, but I felt so uncomfortable and embarrassed. I hadn’t seen some of the other guests for a few years and I knew people would be shocked by how much

py She wasn’t hap ore ef b with her size

weight I’d put on.”

A few weeks after the big day, photos were uploaded to Facebook. She says, “I cried when I saw the picture of me.

It was the first step towards accepting that I needed to make a change.”

Desperate to get her weight under control, Laura went to the GP. She says, “I was really honest with the doctor and told her that my weight was affecting my physical and mental health.

MOTIVATION

“I explained that just sitting up in bed would leave me breathless, and that my periods had stopped.

“That’s when she told me that if I didn’t lose weight, I wouldn’t be able to have kids. I’d been with my then-partner since we were teenagers, and the idea that we wouldn’t have been able to have children was horrific.

“It was yet more motivation to lose weight.”

So, in December 2014, Laura

REAL LIFE

LAURA’S TOP TIPS FOR A HEALTHIER YOU

Boost the

Do it for yourself. Don’t feel pressure to get in shape for anyone other than you. This is about your own health and happiness.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. Pick your favourite meals, and look for low-calorie alternatives.

Find a support network. This journey is so much harder without the right people around you – whether that be your friends, family, or members of your slimming group.

Find exercise that you enjoy. There’s no point lifting weights at the gym if it makes you miserable. Whether it’s skipping or swimming, get your body moving in a way that makes you feel great.

With her fiancé Garry

out for long walks in her pram, and I was surprised by how much energy I had.”

After three years, in July 2018, Laura was thrilled when she reached her target weight of 10st 5lbs. She says, “It was an amazing feeling. Not only did I look completely different, but I was so much happier and confident.

“And because I had combined my healthy eating with working out at the gym, I was lucky not to have any issues with excess skin, apart from around my tummy. I was so proud of myself.”

CONFIDENCE

I USED TO HATE LEAVING THE HOUSE – NOW I LOVE GOING OUT WITH MATES signed up to Scottish Slimmers.

She says, “When I stepped on the scales at my first meeting, At 5ft 7 I weighed 22st 7lbs.

I was just so disappointed in myself, but I vowed that I’d never be this heavy again.

“Armed with information on healthy eating and portion control, I was able to swap my favourite takeaways for low-

calorie options. I started eating proper meals, like porridge with raspberries for breakfast, and vegetable soup for lunch.

PREGNANCY

“I also joined a gym and started going to Zumba classes. Walking through the doors for the first time was a bit nerve-wracking, but I was so determined. I knew

that going to the gym would speed up my weight-loss, so I had to bite the bullet. And after a week or so, it just became routine. In the first week, I lost 7lbs. After that, the weight continued to drop off.”

By December 2015, Laura was 14st 12lbs and was over the moon when she fell pregnant.

She says, “My ex-partner and I were so happy. I was a little bit nervous about how pregnancy might affect my weight, but the doctors told me that I should stick to my plan, as the healthy, nutritious meals would be better for the baby. And weirdly, my only cravings were cucumber and iced water!

“By the time Esme was born in May 2016, I’d put on a stone, but I wasn’t worried. Having a healthy daughter was more important, and I felt confident that I could keep losing weight when I was ready. I’d take Esme

Now, Laura loves nothing more than getting glammed up for a night out. She says, “I used to hate leaving the house, but now I love going out with mates.

Sometimes, I’ll bump into friends I haven’t seen in a while, and they don’t recognise me, which is a really nice feeling.

“Sadly, Esme’s dad and I separated, but with my newfound confidence, I really enjoyed dating. I met my fiancé, Garry, in early 2020, and we got engaged in April this year.

“I can go to the park with Esme, run around after her and take her swimming. I’d have never been able to do that before. I’d love to have more children with Garry.

“Losing weight wasn’t easy, but it’s been life-changing.

Now I want to inspire others – I’m proof that you can turn your life around.”

By Kristina Beanland CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK

25

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JJ CHALMERS

guest

THE TV PRESENTER AND INVICTUS GAMES MEDALLIST, 34, GIVES HIS OPINIONS

EVERY WEEK WE BRING YOU A BRILLIANT NEW GUEST COLUMNIST

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES, REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

‘Strictly is nerve-wracking – but the best experience!’

T he Strictly Come I’m so glad I stuck through it and JJ on Strictly in 2020 Dancing line-up this did it, so I’d advise contestants to year is full of brilliant be persistent. names. I can’t wait Another bit of advice I’d give for its return! I got to the quarterwould be to get as fit as possible finals last year and it was one of – it’ll really help you with learning the best experiences of my life. the routines. Other than that, as I think this series will be full of clichéd as it sounds, just enjoy surprises. I’m a big fan of Peep the experience – it really is Show actor Robert Webb and TV incredible. The cast and crew are presenter Dan Walker is a friend absolute joys to work with and of mine, so I’m excited to see most contestants I know have them on their Strictly journeys! ended up loving the dancing and I also can’t wait to see EastEnders looking back on the experience actress Rose Ayling-Lewis, who’ll proudly, however hard they may be the show’s first ever deaf have found it at the time. contestant – that’s amazing.

JJ presents The Paralympics from I can imagine how the 24 August on C4 and More 4 contestants are feeling right now. @jjchalmersRM They’ll be due to start training soon, and going into it on the first day was incredibly nerve-wracking! The first week consists of learning the basics of ballroom and Latin. It’s supposed to help you feel more confident, but I left that session completely terrified and feeling like I’d Rose Aylin g-Lewis made a huge mistake in b b e Robert W Dan Walker signing up to the show. But

IF I RULED THE WORLD...

I’d find a cure for cancer. It was so sad to hear about comedian Sean Lock’s death from the disease last week.

‘I can’t wait for the Paralympics & Invictus Games’ The Paralympics kicks off this week

With Prince Harry

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics kick off this week – and what an incredible few weeks it’s set to be. Hopefully, Team GB can do as well as they did in the Olympics.

We’ve got fantastic squads for the wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby, so we’re in with a chance of bringing home some medals. It’s a shame that it won’t be the same this year due to Covid-19 and the limited spectators, as the Paralympics have become more

popular over the years. I’m also really excited for the Invictus Games next year – I suffered multiple injuries to my hands, face, elbow and leg from a bomb blast in Afghanistan in 2011, and competed in the Invictus Games in 2014. I know, first hand, they can have a lifechanging effect by giving you meaning and purpose again. I think it’s great that the founder of the games, Prince Harry, is said to be doing a Netflix documentary about it – it’s a brilliant event and deserves as much coverage as possible.

I’d make diversity a school subject – so kids would learn about all kinds of different people, whether that be disability or race.

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29

CAITLYN’S LIFE LESSONS

‘Be honest with yourself about who you are’ Caitlyn Jenner has been called the most famous transgender woman in She announ ced she is tr ans on a magazin e cover the world after publicly coming out as a trans woman in 2015. She became stepdad to the famous Kardashian siblings, Kim, Kourtney, Khloé and Rob, when she married ‘momager’ Kris Jenner in 1991, before having daughters Kendall and Kylie. The 71 year old has been in reality TV shows like I’m A Celeb! and Big Brother Australia, and now stars in Netflix documentary Untold, where she reflects on her life. We take a look at the rules she lives by...

‘HARD WORK GETS YOU AHEAD’ Born William Bruce Jenner in New York in 1949, Caitlyn won fame as a decathlon gold medalist in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. She claims being dyslexic played a part in winning an Olympic medal. She said, “If I wasn’t dyslexic, I probably wouldn’t have won the Games.

If I had been a better reader, then that would have come easily, sports would have come easily... and I never would have realised that the way you get ahead in life is hard work.”

‘LET THE PERSON INSIDE YOU LIVE’ Caitlyn came out as a transgender woman in 2015, aged 65, unveiling her new look on the cover of Vanity Fair. Her new Twitter handle @Caitlyn_Jenner garnered a million followers overnight. Discussing her journey to becoming a woman, she said, “I had a lot of conversations with my family, my close friends, with my pastor, with God, and came to a revelation that I should be honest with myself about who I am and let that person – this woman who has lived inside me for my entire life – have an opportunity to live.”

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PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES, INSTAGRAM, WENN

She has six biological children – Burt and Cassandra from her first marriage, Brandon and Brody from her second marriage, and Kendall and Kylie from her third marriage to Kris Jenner. During their 23-year marriage, Caitlyn helped bring up Kris’ children – her stepchildren – Kourtney, Kim, Khloé and Rob. She said, “That’s the most important thing you do in your life – raise children and try to do the best job as a parent and give your kids the best shot in life to go out there into the big, bad world.”

With Kim, Kourtney, Khloé, Kylie and Kendall

‘TAKING RISKS IS HOW YOU GROW’ During Caitlyn’s marriage to Kris, her family life as Bruce was featured on award-wining reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Caitlyn, who also had her own reality series after transitioning called I Am Cait, says their children’s drive is from both of them and that she’s always encouraged the people close to her to take risks. “I remember years ago, when Kim told me she was scared of doing her first lines to camera, I told her that she should be taking risks in life and putting herself out there, as that’s how you grow. All the kids have taken that up.”

‘GIVE YOUR KIDS THE BEST SHOT’

At the Olympic Games in 1976

‘YOU DON’T NEED ROMANCE TO ENJOY LIFE’ Caitlyn’s first marriage to Chrystie Scott lasted nine years until their divorce in 1981, then, in the same week, she married second wife Linda Thompson. After they divorced, she wed Kris in 1991, but they split in 2015.

“I don’t see myself having any relationships in the future,” she said last year. “It’s not what I’m looking for. I’ve got so many other things in my life. I’ve been married three times.

I’m 70, I want to enjoy my life and I have great friends. I don’t think about it.”

‘HAVE A MISSION AND A CAUSE’ Living as a transgender woman has, Caitlyn says, encouraged her to take action and make a change in the world. “I feel different, as I lived my whole life with secrets and my life was so complicated,” she recalled. “But today I just wake up in the morning and I’m myself all day. I mean, it does take me longer to get ready, but life’s so much simpler. I have a mission and a cause, which I never had before and I try to make change in the world. Now I have that platform. It’s never easy, but you work at it.”

‘DEDICATE YOURSELF TO YOUR GOALS’ After winning an Olympic gold, Caitlyn took an American flag from a spectator and carried it during the victory lap. It’s now a tradition common among winning athletes.

She later said, “In 1972, I made the decision to go four years and dedicate myself to what I was doing, then move on after it was over.

I went into that competition knowing that would be the last time I would do this. It hurts every day when you practice hard. When this decathlon is over, I got the rest of my life to recuperate. Who cares how bad it hurts?”

She split from Kris in 2015

‘I try to make change in the world’

‘DON’T KEEP SECRETS - DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT’ Caitlyn is one of the most recognised LGBTQ+ people in the world and says she transitioned to a woman in order “to live”.

She explains, “The uncomfortableness of being me never leaves me all day long. I’m not doing this to be interesting. I’m doing this to live.” She adds, “If I was lying on my deathbed and I had kept this secret and never did anything about it, I’d be saying, ‘You just blew your entire life...You never dealt with yourself,’ and I don’t want that to happen.”

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31

CONTROVERSIAL MUM:

‘I make £3k a month selling my worn pregnancy pants’ Carla Bellucci made headlines after lying to get a nose job on the NHS – now she’s found a novel way to make money....

She lied ab out having depressio n to get free NHS s urgery

fter slipping off her thong and maternity bra, Carla Bellucci doesn’t throw them in the laundry basket, instead she carefully folds them, puts them in a padded envelope and posts them to one of her subscribers on adult content provider site OnlyFans.

It’s become a lucrative method of earning money – she buys packs of undies from Primark for around £7 and then flogs them for £150 a time once she’s worn them.

The mum of three, who’s 32 weeks pregnant, sees absolutely nothing wrong with selling her dirty laundry and is delighted by the cash she’s earning.

go for it. I was stunned when they said yes! And since then, I’ve been asked up to five times a week, earning me up to £3,000 extra a month, so I earn around £7,000 in total. It costs me next to nothing to do as I bulk-buy knickers from Primark!

The money I am earning I am putting towards a house deposit.”

A

PHOTOS: GIOVANNI PINCAY

DISGUSTING

Carla, who lives in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, with two of her children, Tanisha, 16, and Jayden, 14, and her 51-year-old partner, says, “I didn’t know it was a thing to want pregnant women’s underwear, but as soon as men started asking for it, I realised it was a great idea. I’m earning a fortune for my dirty undies and I don’t see anything wrong with it.

Though I’ve already been told I’m disgusting by trolls on social media for posing sexily when I’m pregnant.

“But I don’t care, they’re 32

probably sitting in boring nine-to-five jobs and it’s their husbands perving on me.”

Carla is no stranger to controversy – she was branded Britain’s most hated woman two years ago when she proudly boasted that she’d got a free nose job on the NHS, outrageously claiming she’d faked depression to get it.

SEXY PICTURES

everything I could to hide my little bump.

“But I was wrong to worry that the money would stop coming in – since I went public with my pregnancy the number of subscribers I have has soared – I now have 250 paying £15.99 a month. I can’t believe how many men out there have a pregnancy fetish.”

And shortly after announcing her pregnancy on the site, she got her first request for her used maternity underwear.

She says, “A few men had asked for my worn undies before but I didn’t take it seriously, they were only offering a few quid for them and it wasn’t worth the bother. But once I was pregnant I gained some subscribers who have a fetish for pregnant women and they’re prepared to spend much more money.

“I thought I’d say I’d do it for £150, not really thinking they’d

She admitted to Closer at the time, “I went to a Harley Street surgeon and they told me it would cost £7,000, but I didn’t think my nose was so bad that it warranted me spending so much money on it, so I tried to get it on the NHS and couldn’t believe it when they agreed to it.

“I don’t see that I did anything wrong, I’m sure loads of other people would do it if they could – they would be idiots not to.”

In June last year, Carla joined OnlyFans– and she hasn’t looked back. She says, “I made about With Jayden £2,000 a month at the and Tanisha beginning, which was a good amount for just posting sexy pictures on a website. When I found out I was pregnant in February I was thrilled, but frightened my subscribers would find it a turn off. I did

CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK

NO SHAME

Carla boasts that she’s got so many followers because she looks “hot” when she’s pregnant.

She says, “I feel and look sexy with a bump. So many women let themselves go but I would never eat for two and I’m still a size 10. And I keep up my beauty routine, I even had Botox and fillers and a nonsurgical eye-lift when I was 20 weeks pregnant.”

Carla sees no shame at all in her sideline, and her children and partner all know about her OnlyFans career and are supportive. Her daughter Tanisha even helps to take some of her sexy selfies.

“There’s nothing wrong with it and if Tanisha wants to do OnlyFans when she’s 18 then of course I’d

REAL LIFE

‘WE’RE CASHING IN TOO!’ Carla isn’t the only one who has found unusual things to sell...

‘MY FEET WILL ALWAYS MAKE ME MONEY!’ Foot fetish model Roxy Sykes, 33, claims she earns almost £100,000 a year by selling used socks and trainers to her fans.

After someone complimented her on the “beauty” of her feet, she realised that she could break into a niche part of the erotic industry. The propertyinvestor from London sells shoes and socks on her social media accounts for £20 per pair of socks, and £200 for shoes.

She says, “‘I can never see myself stopping – however old I get, my feet will always be able to make me money!”

Men go wild for her cheap Primark undies

Her worn shoes and socks make her a fort une

IT COSTS ME NEXT TO NOTHING AS I BULK-BUY KNICKERS FROM PRIMARK! support her,” she says.

Carla has previously admitted she will pay for her daughter to have cosmetic surgery when she’s 18 and controversially claimed that it’s more important to be beautiful than clever and she’d rather her daughter went on Love Island than became a lawyer.

GIFTS

“I know I’m a good mum despite what people say about me,” she says. “I’ve been told I don’t deserve to have children. But I love my kids and they want for nothing – and this one will be just the same.”

Carla is expecting another daughter and splashed out £10,000 on a gender reveal party last month. And she

proudly reveals she’s received a stack of freebies. She says, “I’ve been so lucky that people have sent me gifts as I’ve got so many Instagram followers [she has 126,000]. I’ve been given a designer buggy and lots of outfits from babywear companies. If people want to give me something then I’m never going to turn them down.

“And I will always find a way to make money. I haven’t ruled out live-streaming my birth or selling my breast milk.

“I was thrilled when I found out I was pregnant and can’t wait to meet her. The main thing is that I have a healthy baby and the fact that she’s already a money spinner is a bonus!”

By Mel Fallowfield

‘IT SEEMS SILLY NOT TO SELL MY EXCESS BREAST MILK’ Louise Robson found a novel way to earn money while in last year’s lockdown – by selling her breast milk. Mum-of-one Louise, who lives in Hull, was on maternity leave from her dog grooming job, when she started to sell her excess milk at her friend’s suggestion.

She says, “I was talking to her about how much milk I produce and she told me that her ex-boyfriend was a bodybuilder and that loads of his gym mates bought breast milk online as they believe it helps to build muscle mass.”

Louise signed up to a specialist website and the enquiries increased on a daily basis. She produced around 12oz of excess milk a day, which she expressed after feeding her daughter, Sophia, and sells it for £2 an ounce, meaning she can make up to £24 a day – around £500 a month. She generally freezes it ready to be sold in bulk. She says, “My partner is really supportive of my venture – it seems silly not to sell my excess breast milk. I would literally be throwing money down the drain!”

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33

it’s all about you

Life& Style back to school special!

TOP TIPS & EXPERT ADVICE FOR A SMOOTH START TO THE NEW TERM FASHION

FOOD

PREGNANT MUM OF FOUR DANIELLE:

‘Routine is key in our busy house!’

FEEL-GOOD BUYS

WHIP UP A TASTY CURRY

PHOTOS: JAMES RUDLAND, SHUTTERSTOCK, RUBY HAZEL

Boost the

GET YOUR TEENS CASH-SAVVY IN TIME FOR UNI

Good

SWEET TREAT BLACK CHERRY TRIFLE serves 10-12 285g ready-made

Madeira cake Black cherry jam 4 tbsp sherry 2 tbsp brandy 2 x 390g jars black cherries in kirsch or 2 x 400g cans tinned black

taste

FOLLOW THESE RECIPES TO CREATE DELICIOUS MEALS AT HOME cherries in syrup

500g carton fresh

vanilla custard 300ml double cream 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds Handful shelled pistachio nuts, roughly chopped

353 C 20. 9 G A L S 29.8G FAT S 0. 3G UGAR SALT PE R SER VI N G (BA S ED ON 1 2)

STEP 1 Halve the cake horizontally and spread with jam. Sandwich back together, cut into 1cm slices and arrange in a bowl.

Break some slices to fill any gaps. Pour over the sherry and brandy.

STEP 2 Drain the cherries in a sieve set over a pan, then scatter them and 4 tbsp of the cherry syrup over the cake. Spoon over the custard. Cover and chill, ideally overnight.

STEP 3 Heat the remaining cherry syrup and boil for a few mins until thick. Cool, then cover and chill until ready to serve.

STEP 4 Lightly whip the cream until it forms very soft peaks. It’s important to under-whip, as it will thicken as you spread it. Spoon blobs of cream over the custard, then carefully join them with a spoon or spatula (this is the only way to “spread” the cream over the runny custard). Chill until ready to serve.

STEP 5 To serve, scatter with the pomegranate and pistachios and a swirl of the cherry syrup.

PHOTOS: TONY BRISCOE, MIKKEL VANG

FOOD & DRINK

Australian

serves 4

restaurateur Bill Granger says, “The anchovy gives the same punch as a traditional Thai curry.”

1 tbsp veget able oil 3 tbsp Tha

i green curr y paste (see below ) 125ml chicke n stock 250 ml coco nut milk 1 anchov y, finely chopped 4 lime leav es , torn , or 3 strips lime pee l 50 0g skinle ss chicken breast fillets , cu t into chunks 10 0g green beans , halved lengthw ays 1 handful b aby corn 40 0g auber gine, cut into chunks 1 tbsp caster sugar 2 tbsp fish sauce 1 tbsp lime juice 1 handful b asil leaves 3 green ch illies, deseeded and sliced Steamed ri ce, to serve

MAKE IT VEGAN 509 C 1 8 . 4G A L S 10. 2G FAT S 2.6G SUGAR ALT PE R S ER VING

Swap the chicken for tofu, use vegetable stock and a vegan fish sauce alternative, and replace the anchovies with a little nutritional yeast to taste.

BILL GRANGER’S GREEN CHICKEN, AUBERGINE AND GREEN BEAN CURRY

STEP 1 Heat a large saucepan over a high heat. Add the oil and curry paste and cook for 2 mins or until fragrant. Add the stock, coconut milk, anchovy and lime leaves, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 mins.

STEP 2 Add the chicken to the pan and cook for a further 5 mins.

STEP 3 Stir in the beans, baby corn, aubergine, sugar, fish sauce and lime juice and cook for 5 mins.

STEP 4 Scatter with the basil and chilli and serve with steamed rice.

MAKE YOUR OWN CURRY PASTE: Put a small pan over a medium heat. Add 1 tsp white peppercorns, 1 tsp coriander seeds and 1/ 2 tsp cumin seeds and toast for 1–2 mins or until fragrant. Put the toasted spices in a food processor with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 lemongrass stalk (white part only, bruised and roughly chopped), 6 chopped garlic cloves, 4 chopped spring onions, 2 tbsp chopped coriander stalks, a 3cm piece peeled and chopped fresh ginger, 4 deseeded and chopped green chillies and 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Pulse to a paste. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for two weeks.

Recipe from Australian Food by Bill Granger (£20, Murdoch Books)

new & delicious

MAKE IT VEGAN

FLAVOUR HIT

SAVOURY BITES

Replace the Madeira cake with a vegan cake (like chocolate), and use a vegan jam, soya or oat custard, and a plantbased whipping cream.

(Lee Kum Kee Table Top Sauces, Tesco £1.49) Shortcut your way to an authentic Chinese meal with these handy little bottles. Use them as dips or drizzle over salads and meats. Choose from hot chilli soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, or seasoned rice vinegar.

(Crosta & Mollica, Aperitivo range, from £1.99, Waitrose) These delectable snacks are light, crunchy and will tempt you away from the sweet stuff. Top the focaccia crisp toasts with toppings like cream cheese, or munch your way through olive and rosemary cracker crisps.

Recipe from Just One Pan by Jane Lovett (£25, Headline Home)

CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK

37

Fridge

FOOD

raider

SARAH-JANE How much do you spend per week?

SKY NEWS PRESENTER SARAH-JANE MEE, 43, ON HER EATING HABITS

“I love Tony’s chocolate.

I’m like a magpie when I see their packaging!”

Around £120 [SarahJane has one-yearold daughter, Rae, with husband Ben Richardson and is stepmum to his son, Teddy]. Baby formula costs a lot and wine in the summer bumps up the cost.

Describe your daily diet...

“I can whip up a quick dinner using egg noodles”

I’ll wake up with Rae, and we’ll have scrambled eggs with cheese and spinach and a slice of 50/50 bread. I’ll have an oat milk coffee, too. For lunch, I’ll pick up a poke bowl filled with grains, salmon or tuna, kimchi [fermented vegetables], edamame beans and pickled ginger. Or I’ll grab a sandwich if I’m feeling lazy. In the evenings, we have hearty family meals, like Shepherd’s pie with green veg, or sausage casserole.

We have a lot of batch-cooked meals like spaghetti Bolognese, too.

“I like making sweet potato wedges”

“Now that summer’s here, we enjoy drinking Rosé”

What do you snack on?

Sometimes Galaxy or KitKat, or an energy ball, chicken bites, or egg with spinach.

Is there anything you refuse to eat?

Tarragon – it’s too overpowering.

What would you cook to impress?

We went through a phase of using [mealdelivery service] Gusto and I can make a meat-free chilli served on a sweet potato.

Food hangover cure?

INSIDE SARAHJANE’S FRIDGE

Eggs Pickle Salad cream Ketchup Mayonnaise Tony’s chocolate Twix Salad Noodles Muller yoghurt Mature Cheddar Spinach Sweet potato Raspberries Salmon Steak Chicken thighs and drumsticks Broccoli Corn on the cob Oat milk Almond milk Whole milk Smoothie Rosé wine

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

A sausage sandwich with brown sauce.

“We have the full variety of milks. I use oat milk for my coffee”

VERDICT NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “Sarah-Jane’s meals include foods from all the main food groups, making it more likely that she gets all the nutrients she needs. Her fridge does have a lot of condiments, though – these contain few vitamins and minerals but can be high in salt and/or sugar.

She’d be better off using salt-free flavourings such as garlic, ginger, chilli and fresh herbs.”

FRIDGE HEALTH RATING 8/10

CLOSER ONLINE

GET RECIPES, DIET AND FITNESS ADVICE AT CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK/DIET-BODY

Comfort food?

A big bowl of pasta with grated cheese.

It’s perfect for when I need some TLC. The Sarah-Jane Mee show airs on Sky News, Mon-Thurs 2-5pm.

PROMOTION

TRY A LITTLE BOTTLE OF HAPPINESS We all want to feel good inside and out, but it can be hard to ensure we’re getting all the nutrients we need. A little bottle of Yakult Light could help you along the way. The fermented milk drink contains 20 billion of Yakult’s unique bacteria, L. casei Shirota, scientifically proven to reach the gut alive! It’s also

enriched with vitamins D and E. Vitamin D helps maintain normal bone and muscle function, as well as supporting the immune system, while vitamin E helps protect your cells from oxidative stress.

Amazing, right?

Follow @juliettekellownutritionist on Instagram

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39

Child development expert Christina Lydon

Psychologist Dr Maryhan Baker

HAVE A SUPER STA B THE NEW TERM! As September approaches, our parenting experts explain how to ease everyone back into life in the classroom…

ith home-schooling and class Covid-outbreaks to contend with, the past 18 months have been difficult for parents and children alike.

But as the new academic year approaches, we are all hoping for more settled times.

“It’s been a challenging year and you might worry your child has gaps in their knowledge, but everyone is in the same boat,” says Christina Lydon, a child development expert. “And while

W

the disruptions we’ve faced have caused frustration and worry, it’s important to remember that they’ve helped us become more resilient, too. Transitions can be hard for both youngsters and adults, but if your child is nervous about returning to school, there is plenty we can do to make it a positive experience.”

Here, Christina and psychologist Dr Maryhan Baker give their top tips for a smooth start to the academic year…

By Sophie Barton

ENCOURAGE REFLECTION

GET PREPARED

“The gear shift from the summer holidays to school can be tricky, even without the ups and downs of Covid,” says Christina, who runs Zoom workshops to prepare youngsters for school (www. schoolreadiness.co.uk). “The secret is planning! Start by timetabling your morning, working backwards from when you need to be at the school gates –

40

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remember the journey may take longer now people are returning to offices. To avoid last-minute panics, prep uniform, bags, shoes and coats the night before.

Buy spare water bottles and keep hairbrushes, bands and clips in a container in the kitchen too and, if possible, take the first day off work. You’ll be calmer, which will help your kids feel calmer, too.”

The past 18 months may have dented children’s confidence and appetite for school. “If your child is struggling, keep a clear line of communication with the school,” says Christina. “Establish the best way to contact their teacher – it may be via email or an app – and ask how they can help support their emotional wellbeing. Some schools have a designated Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA), while others may offer small group work, focusing on emotional wellbeing or social skills.” Journalling is also a proven way to reduce anxiety, and Christina recommends The Happy Self Journal (www.happyselfjournal.com,). The childfriendly format encourages youngsters to reflect on good things about their day and share any worries. Of course, if you are concerned about your child’s mental health, do speak to your GP.

RT TO

oost

the

REHEARSE “The unknown can trigger anxiety,” says Christina. “So, rehearse the new routine now. Try on uniform, encourage kids to practise zips and buttons, and go for a walk past their school. For children of all ages, sleep is vitally important. If bedtime is currently a bit late, nudge it back by a few minutes every evening and encourage them to unwind beforehand by reading or doing a relaxing activity.

Ensure they’re not looking at mobile phones or computers in the hour before bed, because the blue light is too stimulating.”

back to school special!

TALK ABOUT NERVES Whether your child is starting a new school or returning to a familiar class, it’s common to feel anxious. “Have an honest conversation about feelings now – don’t wait until term starts,” says Dr Maryhan Baker (drmaryhan.com).

“Reassure children it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous, find out whether anything specific is bothering them, then problem solve together. If they are wary about taking the bus for the first time, you could do a practice run. If they are

worried about friendships, organise some playdates for them to see a couple of friends. Children who have just left primary school might be experiencing a sense of loss, especially if Covid disrupted their end of year celebrations. They may have left behind friends and teachers without a sense of closure,” she says. “If your child is starting secondary, find out what’s on offer to help new starters settle in and take advantage of any information or familiarisation sessions.”

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BUILD THEIR CONFIDENCE TRY ROLE PLAY

“Friendships are so important – they are the real reason our children want to go to school,” says Maryhan.

“If your child is shy and finds the playground daunting, try role-playing different scenarios to build their confidence. For example, take it in turns to act out asking whether he or she can join in someone else’s game and try swapping roles. It’s important for them to understand how the conversation feels from both sides. Encourage meeting up outside of school too, as it helps scaffold those friendships.”

FOCUS ON ‘GREEN’ FRIENDS

If your child struggles with bossy, controlling or less kind friends, Maryhan recommends teaching the concept of “green” and “red” friends.

“Green friends are like veg – you can enjoy unlimited supply and they’ll make you feel great,” she explains.

“In contrast ‘red’ friends are like sweets – they might be exciting, but they can make you feel a bit rubbish.”

Importantly, this isn’t about stopping your child from playing with “red” friends, it’s about helping them to recognise how they make them feel and encouraging them to seek out people who lift them.

PHOTOS: GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK, JAMES RUDLAND

BE A PARENT, NOT A TEACHER Homework doesn’t need to be a battle.

Maryhan says the first step is to figure out what routine suits your child. “Some children need time to decompress and have a snack after school,” she explains.

“But others are in the zone and prefer to get homework done straight away. The environment matters, too – if you have a younger child who needs your support, sit with them without looking at your phone or prepping tea.” Maryhan advises against micro-managing homework. “This is your child’s chance to show their teacher what they can do independently,” she says.

“Homeschooling has confused things, but now you need to be there as a parent, not a teacher. If your child is struggling, meet with their teacher and collaborate on a solution.”

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‘We all do homework together’

back to school special!

DANIELLE:

‘I’m more nervous about Archie starting senior school than he is!’

Mum of four boys Danielle Lloyd talks us through a typical weekday in her busy home anielle Lloyd, 37, is an old hand at getting her boys ready for the start of a new school year, but this September will be different as her eldest, Archie, is starting secondary school.

She tells Closer, “He’s not fazed by it, but I’m terrified!

He’s confident because there are friends of his from primary school and his football team going too, but he’ll be moving from a school of 100 children, to one with 1,000. Me and Michael [O’Neill, Danielle’s husband] have been talking to him about what our first days at senior school were like and what to expect.”

Aside from that, Danielle – who is expecting a baby girl in November – is looking forward to the new term.

“The boys all love going to school, so I’m lucky. And this will be the first year I’ve been really prepared – I’ve already bought their uniforms and shoes,” she says.

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The star, 37, says that her sons, Archie, 11, Harry, 10, and George, seven, whom she shares with ex Jamie O’Hara, as well as Ronnie, three, her son with Michael, get themselves up and ready each morning.

SET ROUTINE

She says, “I’ve taught them from a young age to get themselves ready so they come down dressed. They can make cereal but I have to help most of them prepare their breakfast. They know how to make their beds, so they do that, too. I’ve always made sure their routine is set, otherwise the house would be mayhem.”

But Danielle admits that things don’t always go to plan.

“Some mornings I’m screaming at them at the door to hurry up, but since the lockdowns I’ve been really on the ball because they’ve had enough to deal with so I want to make it really stress-free,” she says.

“Their school bags are always in a certain place, and we have a box for shoes in the hallway. Though some mornings they still can’t find one of their shoes!”

While the boys are at school and nursery, Danielle focuses on her business projects, including her natural skincare range, travel work and other media commitments.

Drop-offs and pick-ups are shared between her and Michael, with both schools and Ronnie’s nursery – which he goes to five days a week – within a few minutes from each other. After school, the boys shower, get changed and relax or play in the garden.

Homework is her most hated task, so she likes to get it over with.

“Making kids do homework is one of the hardest things”, she confesses.

“I sit them in the kitchen and we all do it together, but you can imagine how noisy it is with them all asking for help!

Danielle has a I say, ‘If you get your homework done, old!

busy househ

She and husban d Michael share d ropoffs and pick-up s

you can go on your computer games for an hour’. That does the trick.”

And Danielle admits she found homeschooling hard. “I really struggled because I’m dyslexic, so when they’d ask me how to spell things, I’d say, ‘Ask SIRI’,” she laughs. “During the pandemic, Harry was diagnosed with ADHD, and he’s dyslexic too, which made things even tougher. It was a struggle trying to teach three kids, but it’s hard for Harry to concentrate, so eventually the school let him go back in when we asked, which was great.”

CALM NATURE

She adds, “They’re in their rooms watching TV by 7pm, and on a school night, the latest they can have it on until is 8.30pm.”

Meanwhile, Danielle washes their uniforms but makes their lunches in the morning. “I’m up pretty early with the dog, so I have my coffee, feed everyone, then make the sandwiches,” she says.

The key to such a smooth-running ship seems to be Danielle’s calm nature. She says, “I’m quite a chilled person, although it’s going to be mental when we add a baby to the mix!”

But she has a secret weapon – Michael’s mum, who lives nearby.

“She was our rock when I had Ronnie,” she says. “And the boys are excited. They can’t wait to have a little sister, even Ronnie is saying he’s going to snuggle her.

But we’ll see. They said they were going to look after the dog, and that didn’t happen!”

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TASTY FOODS TO KEEP THEM GOING ALL DAY

back to school special!

Sarah Coe, a scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation, gives her top meal and snack suggestions to keep children satisfied, energised and able to concentrate as they head back into lessons 3 WINNING BREAKFASTS OVERNIGHT OATS

Mix oats and plain yoghurt before topping with fruit and leaving in the fridge overnight for a breakfast that provides carbohydrates for energy, protein, calcium, fibre and vitamins.

MINI VEGETABLE FRITTATAS Eggs provide protein for growth, maintenance and repair and contain vitamins A and D and selenium, which all have key roles in supporting a child’s immune system. Include a mix of vegetables like peas, chopped peppers or tomatoes in the frittata. Heat oil in a pan, beat a couple of eggs in a small bowl, add the vegetables of your choice, pour into the pan and cook for around five minutes, then brown the top under the grill.

TASTY TOAST Switch up the usual toast or bagel toppings for mashed avocado, nut butter and sliced banana, or low-fat soft cheese with fruit or vegetables. Choose wholegrain breads where possible for increased fibre as well as more iron and zinc, both of which can help support brain and immune function.

3 Delicious DINNERS VEGGIE BEAN CHILLI WITH RICE This is full of vegetables, and canned red kidney beans (or any other beans you have in the cupboard) are an inexpensive, plant-based source of protein for growth, maintenance and repair. Try with brown rice for extra fibre. Fry a finely chopped onion, celery and carrot in a big heavy-based pan over a low heat until soft, drain the beans and add, along with a can of chopped tomatoes and a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Simmer until thickened and serve with rice.

EASY STIR FRY Use a variety of vegetables – the more colourful the better – for this easy dish. You can use fresh veg, or go for frozen stir-fry mixes if you’re short on time.

This quick dinner can be served with noodles or rice. Add turkey for a lean source of protein as well as B vitamins, which help support a child’s immune system, or add tofu if you’re veggie.

SARDINE BOLOGNESE WITH SPAGHETTI MAKE THE PERFECT PACKED LUNCH HEALTHY CARBS The main part of a child’s lunchbox should include a starchy food for energy, like a sandwich, wrap or couscous, potato or pasta salad. Wholegrain varieties of bread or pasta, or skin-on potatoes, provide more fibre, vitamins and minerals.

PLENTY OF PROTEIN

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

Fill sandwiches or top salads with a proteinrich item, like tuna or salmon, eggs, lean meat, beans or lentils. Protein is necessary for growth, maintenance and repair of the body, so is important for children who are growing fast.

FRUIT AND VEGGIES Pack essential nutrients into your child’s diet by adding vegetables like mushrooms, peas or tomatoes to salads and

add lettuce to sandwiches. Fruit, tomatoes or vegetable sticks also work well as snacks.

DAIRY OR VEGAN ALTERNATIVES Add a yoghurt or a Cheddar stick to provide protein and calcium for healthy bones and teeth. If you’re including a dairy alternative (like soya yoghurt), choose varieties that are unsweetened and fortified with calcium.

SOMETHING TO SIP Encouraging children to drink regularly is important as they have a higher proportion of water in their body than adults, plus they may not remember to have a drink.

Healthy options include water or lower-fat milk.

You can give your child fruit juice or a smoothie, but limit these to a combined total of 150ml a day.

Mix up the favourite with canned sardines, an oily fish that provides vitamin D and omega 3, which is needed for normal brain development. If your child won’t eat sardines, try swapping for canned tuna. This isn’t an oily fish but still counts towards the recommended minimum two portions of fish a week. Veggies or vegans can swap in mushrooms and lentils. Gently fry a stick of chopped celery, a chopped onion, a chopped garlic clove, and a finely chopped carrot until soft, add two tins of sardines, or a tin of drained lentils and chopped mushrooms, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

Add a tin of chopped tomatoes and a teaspoon of dried oregano and cook until thickened. Add water if it’s getting too dry. Serve with pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan.

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BEING IN CLASS HELPS BUILD KIDS’ IMMUNITY Many parents will be nervous about sending their children back next term, fearing they’ll pick up bugs – or even Covid – but Dr C says it’s crucial for their health can understand why parents may feel nervous about the return to school and university, but it’s important to remember that so many more people have been vaccinated against Covid over the summer that we’re in a far better position than we were the last time kids went back.

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PHOTOS: GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK, THE GUARDIAN

DON’T FEAR VARIANTS

You may worry about new variants, but right now there’s no evidence that they cause more serious illness in children or young people. I would also hope that adults in every child’s family are vaccinated by now, so they won’t pose such a risk to their grandparents. Every school, college and university will tell students what to do to stay safe, and we should all be clued up on the spread of this virus by now. Some schools may be a bit more cautious than others, but it’s the same old advice; regular hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds, keeping distance where possible and opening windows.

Sixteen and 17-year-olds and those over the age of 12 who live with clinically vulnerable people can get vaccinated now and I would strongly encourage them to. The more people who get jabbed the better, and it should allow older children to stay in school and study for exams.

More of a concern is everything 46

else we haven’t been worrying about, like diarrhoea, vomiting, nits and flu. There has already been a big norovirus (vomiting bug) outbreak because it was at much lower levels through lockdowns, as it couldn’t spread.

Then, when restrictions lifted, it ran riot.

KNOW HOW TO HANDLE NOROVIRUS

The worry is that nobody’s thinking about things like sick bugs, because we’re all so focused on Covid, but the rules are different for the two illnesses. Both are spread with close contact, but the ways you deal with them are different; if someone has norovirus, antibacterial sprays and wipes won’t work – you need to bleach surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom. You also need to wash your hands with soap and water, not alcohol gels – particularly if you prepare food and after any contact with the person who is ill.

Immediately remove and wash clothes or bedding that may be

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contaminated, wearing rubber gloves and washing your hands carefully afterwards, and keep your patient in one room.

KEEP THEM HOME FOR 48HRS WITH SICK BUGS

Don’t send children back into school until they have stopped having norovirus symptoms, such as diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, for 48 hours. They will be feeling weak and awful, and may still be shedding the virus, so keep them at home, let them rest and encourage them to sip fluids. Keep an eye out for changes, and if they get listless, do not hesitate to ask your GP for help. In terms of avoiding norovirus, the most important thing you can do is get your child into the habit of washing their hands before and after eating.

STOP THEM THUMB-SUCKING

Cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are also eight times higher than pre-pandemic, but that tends to affect much younger kids, not school-age ones. The highest cases are in underfours. Five to 14-yearolds are getting it this year, but it should be mild. It’s a nasty cold, with symptoms that could mimic Covid, like shortness of breath, and the best way to avoid it is the same ways we avoid

coronavirus; stay away from anyone who might be sick, wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, keep your hands away from your mouth, nose and eyes (no thumb-sucking or nosepicking), cough and sneeze into sleeves or tissues, and avoid sharing utensils or cups.

HAVE A FLU JAB

All primary school children, those in year seven and children aged two to 17 with long-term health conditions will be offered a flu jab, and it’s important they take that. Older teens and students should also make sure they’ve had their meningitis and MMR jabs.

All vaccines protect you and

Dr C’s

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check-up

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DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK

small changes make a big difference

DANCE YOUR WAY TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL! A

s women often struggle to manage their weight and have high cholesterol after menopause, researchers have looked at ways to help, and it turns out dancing could be the answer. It effectively lowers cholesterol levels, improves fitness and body composition (to the ratio of fat to muscle) as well as upping self-esteem.

After menopause, women are more likely to gain weight, and see increases in triglycerides – fat in the blood – and bad

others, and it’s very possible that we could have a particularly nasty flu strain this year. The more we vaccinate, the less likely it is to take hold and threaten the weakest in society. Also, all vaccines teach our immune systems about threats; the more it knows, the more robust it is.

BE KIND ABOUT NITS

Kids can’t really avoid nits, but we should work to end the stigma associated with them. Kids get teased for being grubby, and that’s just not true.

It may seem harmless but that stigma of nits when you’re younger can spill over to things

like chlamydia when you’re older – that idea that you’re grubby or dirty for having an infection can prevent people from getting treatment.

LET THEM PLAY FREELY

To help your child have a strong immune system, expose them to things. That’s how immunity works – if you keep them in a bubble they’ll have virtually no immunity – they need to go out, play with other kids and roll around in the dirt a bit.

Wrapping them up in cotton wool and not letting them go

out is the worst thing you can do. Food-wise, don’t worry about “immune boosting diets”, kids just need a normal diet with lots of fruit and veg.

Encourage them to eat the fruit and veg that they do like and, if they’re extremely fussy and just pick at their food, they can take a multivitamin, but still keep encouraging them to eat well. Young people will have been under stress, thanks to disruption and worry over exams, which impacts immunity, too. Routine is really important, which is why going back to class is essential. Rest is key too, so encourage it.

cholesterol as well as dips in self-image and self-esteem, which has a knock-on impact on mental health.

Now a study has looked at the effects of dance on body composition, fitness and selfimage. Women who danced three times a week improved all of these factors, plus it has a low risk of injury and improves balance, posture and strength.

The researchers said that all of these benefits combined could help women live independent, high-quality, happy lives. So, the message is – keep dancing!

worth trying

Self-heating eye mask to help you relax Our tester found this mask (Amour Eyes SelfHeating Eye Mask, £3.95, Sensoryretreats.com) soothing after a long day at the computer. The rose scent created a relaxing atmosphere, allowing for some calming “me time”.

HOW TO PREPARE YOU AND YOUR KIDS FOR UNI

If your child is off to start a degree, you may feel worried about missing them or have fears around drugs, sex and misbehaviour. As we remain unsure how Covid-19 will disrupt education, this transition will be more difficult than usual. So here’s how prepare them – and yourself – for a new normal

he beginning of a new academic year is always a time of mixed emotions.

As well as millions of parents waving little ones off at school gates, many will be saying a more permanent goodbye as their older children leave home to attend university and experience independent living for the first time.

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PHOTOS: GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK

CHECK THEY WANT TO GO THIS YEAR The first thing to do is be absolutely sure now is the right time. Draw their attention to the chaos of last year and ask them how they would feel if they found themselves in their halls of residence or house share all day, studying online. If they feel they are willing to take this risk, then help them to plan how they would stay healthy and happy, should a lockdown occur. If you know other families who have children who have been through this, ask them to tell you about their experiences, or read some articles online, as it has been well covered. Some young people may conclude they would rather defer their place for a year so they can see when and if academic life returns to normal.

Attending university is very expensive and, if they feel that getting into debt to potentially study online

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full-time isn’t for them, support them with this decision. They could work for a year and gain valuable life experience, meaning they have some financial backing when they do take up their place.

independence. Separation anxiety is an entirely normal emotional process, particularly as you’ve likely spent a huge amount of time with your kids due to lockdowns.

TAKE YOUR TIME BE FLEXIBLE If they choose to stay at home, discuss how they can fully utilise their time, whether that’s volunteering for a cause they feel particularly passionate about or gaining some experience in a career they are inspired by.

EXPECT TO BE EMOTIONAL Big changes in your children’s lives and your parenting journey will always conjure up a range of unsettling feelings. You want them to have the best opportunities and to be able to celebrate their educational achievements, but you also have to let go so your children can begin their journey into

Accepting your emotions are rational is important. You love your kids and want to keep them safe and, now they are moving to university halls of residence, you worry. However, be careful not to pass this anxiety on to them. They are about to embark on an important stage in their lives so need you to champion them and provide support and positivity. You want them to be confident, happy adults, so don’t burden them with guilt about leaving you.

THINK POSITIVELY If you are preoccupied with them falling ill with coronavirus, try to think back to when you were 18. How often did you worry about getting sick? We

are living through a pandemic, so things are different now, but fit and healthy young people needn’t be overly concerned about this virus as they are not at great risk from it. Also, remember that your son or daughter has learned as much as you about how best to protect themselves, and this year – unlike the last one – they can access twice-weekly tests for extra reassurance. Reframing your thoughts this way will help you dispel your fears while encouraging confidence in your children’s decisions.

If you worry about the huge space that them leaving home will create in your life, think about how to fill your new-found free time. Instead of seeing the hours or weeks that you now have as some kind of childfree torture, consider positive activities and events that you can take part in. Maybe it is time to pursue a hobby you have always put on the backburner, or think about a new career.

Perhaps you will finally be able to put your own needs first as you take time to rediscover your true purpose or allow yourself to indulge in self-care.

ENCOURAGE REALISM It is important to acknowledge the uncertainty of this “new normal” as, while all of us parents try to remain positive by trusting the world of education as it returns to normal, we are also aware that, come winter,

Life balance

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YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY

kids get up to all the time, particularly if they are moving away, you can still equip them with the important knowledge to make independent living a positive one, such as encouraging them to get a budgeting app or teaching them how to make cheap, tasty and healthy meals. These are important and useful life lessons. some restrictions could come back. Once again, we may be managing the impact on the emotional and mental health of our children. For young people who are meant to be enjoying freedom, limitations imposed on their socialising will be particularly challenging.

University isn’t just about studying, it is also a time to meet new people, stride out in the world, and discover who you are and what matters to you. It is a rite of passage to go clubbing, have all-nighters with mates, and attend lectures with a hangover – yet this September could be a very different experience.

You don’t want to rain on their parade, but it is absolutely worth having a conversation about their expectations.

MANAGE SCREEN TIME It is so important that young people who have many of their lectures taught remotely take time away from screens.

Young people’s brains are not fully developed until they are 25, which means they need to digitally detox on a regular basis.

Help them plan exercise, healthy eating, social experiences with friends and time with nature to ensure a good balance. While you cannot control what your

TALK ABOUT SEX Have open conversations about sex and relationships, because, like it or not, your son or daughter will likely be exposed to porn and potential sexual relationships at university.

Discuss sexual consent – how it applies to all aspects of intimacy, why someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol cannot consent, and the fact that you can say yes, then change your mind, and that should be respected.

Also discuss the long-term ramifications of sending nude pictures, which you then

completely lose control over, and the fact that porn is not an accurate reflection of sex within relationships. You may find this challenging, but it will protect your child and give you peace of mind. There are helpful articles on themix.org.uk for under-25s. Ensuring your kids understand safe sex, and even supplying them with condoms, is a responsible parental action, even if it feels awkward. They are already aware they don’t want to catch Covid-19 – they also don’t want to catch STIs, and condoms are the only effective protection against those.

DISCUSS DRUGS Recreational use of drugs is popular among young people, so while you can’t stop them experimenting, you can educate them on the risks and the potential impact on their mental and physical health. Look at talktofrank.com.

An informed child is a protected child.

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EASY WAYS TO KEEP COSTS DOWN Uniforms, books, packed lunches and everything in between can mean September is an expensive time. Here’s how to make your money go further recent report found that the average cost of compulsory school uniform and sportswear is £101.19 per pupil, which could be pretty unmanageable for many of us after such a challenging year.

If you’re worried, read on, as our experts share their best tips for keeping school spends under control.

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PHOTOS: REX/SHUTTERSTOCK, ALAMY

DON’T ALWAYS BUY NEW

Find yourself shelling out for the latest must-have bag or sports equipment for your kids as the new term starts? Stop!

“There are so many reasons to buy second-hand,” says money expert Jasmine Birtles. “Quite apart from the money-saving aspect, particularly with equipment, there is the eco angle. This is why sites like Depop are so popular with Gen Zers – it’s cheaper and greener.

It’s also a good opportunity to teach kids that we don’t need to have new, shiny stuff to make us popular. The earlier kids learn this, the better.”

Lots of schools hold their own second-hand sales, but also look online. “Check local groups on social media, WhatsApp and Facebook Marketplace for school uniforms being given away for free, for a discount, or to swap,” says Hannah Byrne, money expert at Quidco.com.

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“You’ll save a fortune and may be able to return the favour for another parent.” Also check Mum2mummarket.co.uk for local “nearly new” sales, or to set one up in your area.

STOCK UP IN THE SALES

If you need to buy some staple items new, take advantage of bargains to stock up for future years. “Most supermarkets have offers and sales on school uniforms at some point,” says Sarah Lord, chief client officer at Succession Wealth, which offers independent financial advice. “Buy in bigger sizes if you can, so your children can grow into them, particularly with school trousers, as most brands have adjustable waists and some can be let down.

They’ll last longer and cost less.

Don’t forget to sew in labels, too. So many parents end up paying more for uniform during the year due to lost items that were not labelled.”

BE NEIGHBOURLY

Getting organised and sticking together as local mums can help everyone. “Sharing is one of the best ways for everyone to save money,” says Jasmine. “The only way some parents are going to manage is by pooling resources where they can. This is particularly true for single parents. If parents can share babysitting, childcare, lifts and

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more, then everyone wins.

Share lifts to school and back and the petrol costs are halved.”

Also encourage your child’s school to commit to lift-sharing by utilising the HomeRun app, which lots of local councils already use to connect parents so their children can travel to school together either by car with a parent, or in buddy groups on transport.

USE TECH TO SAVE

“Look online to find cheaper stationery or textbooks on Amazon and eBay,” says Laura Laidlaw, head of customer communications at Standard Life, a company that helps people manage their savings.

“Groupon lets you search for school supply deals and coupons, while apps such as ShopSavvy let you scan barcodes to find out if you’re getting the best deal. Sign up for store deals, discounts and newsletters to make the most

of promotions in the build-up to a new term. Don’t forget to buy through a cashback site for any big purchases, too. Also check for discount codes before you buy online, and cash in any loyalty points you’ve built up.”

AVOID THE LURE OF THE SWEET SHOP!

It’s amazing how much you can end up shelling out on little treats on the way home, so get organised. “Bulk-buy healthy snacks for when you go to pick up the kids, so there’s no reason to head to the sweet shop,” says Chris Lilly, lead publisher at personal finance comparison site Finder.com.

BOOST PACKED LUNCHES FOR LESS!

Save cash by using apps that can tell you about perfectly good food from cafés, restaurants and bakeries that’s being given away because they haven’t managed to sell it before closing. “Too Good To Go and Olio show you where cheap or even free food is to be had,” says Jasmine. “You can get lovely fresh bread and pastries as well as perfectly good sandwiches. Then there’s ApprovedFood. co.uk, which sells surplus and shortdated stock.” They sell

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HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER

food that is either near to or just past its “best before” date, at far lower prices than the supermarkets. As well as food and drink, they also sell beauty and health products you may need for your family, so check those and compare prices, too.

PICK UP BUDGET PPE

With some uncertainty over restrictions this autumn, many parents will be thinking of popping masks or hand sanitisers in their child’s school bag, so make sure you get the best prices. “Online tends to be the place for these, unless you have an account with Costco or another wholesaler,” says Jasmine. “Amazon, eBay and Superdrug all offer these at low prices.”

GET PARTY SMART

Apply budgeting logic to parties year-round. “Keep a supply of generic gifts for when children are invited to parties,” says Sarah. “I buy these in sales – the person receiving doesn’t know

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small changes make a big difference

that you’ve been savvy with your buying, they just enjoy receiving a great present!”

SEEK FINANCIAL HELP

“If you have a very low income, or receive specific benefits, your child might be eligible for free school meals – check online at Gov.uk,” says Chris.

“Your local education authority (LEA) might be able to help with expenses like uniforms and activities, too – you can find details for your LEA at Gov. co.uk. Also, when your child’s school asks you to contribute towards a special activity, you should be informed whether or not it’s a voluntary payment.

Don’t be afraid to ask!” If you’re part of the union Unison, you may be able to get a grant of between £50 and £150 to cover education costs; check at Unison.org.uk/get-help. Also, check charity Turn2us to see if you’re eligible for any other help.

help uni students be cash-savvy James Andrews, senior personal finance editor at Money.co.uk, reveals how parents can help their children manage their finances at university. He says, “Student bank accounts come with different benefits, from interest-free overdrafts to gift vouchers or railcards.

While a £20 takeaway voucher may seem like the best option, opting for an account that will save them money with interest-free borrowing is better in the long run. An overdraft lets them borrow money from their bank, meaning they can still pay for things without any money in their account. Use a comparison tool to help them find the student account with the best benefits.

“Sit with them to make a budget with all the costs they will be responsible for once they leave home vs the amount they will receive each month from student loans and any earnings. This should include housing, bills and food costs. Don’t forget travel if they’re not within walking distance of their uni, and textbooks, too. On top of this, remind them they will need a TV licence (£159 per year per address), if they plan to watch live TV or iPlayer, which applies however they watch. Streaming, phone bills and gym memberships can also all add up, so include those too. Apps like Yolt and Money Dashboard make working out a budget simple. Finally, remind them to make the most of any student discounts!”

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TERM-TIME TREATS Whether you’re getting little ones ready for their very first day at school or preparing teens for university, we’ve found budget-friendly, practical buys they’ll love MATALAN £15

SKINNYDIP £22.99 FOR SINGLE AND £31.99 FOR DOUBLE

JOULES £14.95

study lamp

cool bedding

funky lunchbox

Creating a dedicated space for reading or homework helps focus. This lamp adds a bright spark for when autumn arrives.

Printed sheets add colour to a bare uni room. Opt for a double for a cosier feel (and to hide rubbish under the bed!)

Jazz up packed lunches with this printed bag – it’s insulated, can be wiped clean, and has a place for a name label.

RAINBOW STICKY NOTES, REX £3.95 HIGHLIGHTER PENS, JOHN LEWIS £4.50

TODDLE £5 FOR TWO

NOT ON THE HIGH STREET £12.50

Rainbow fun

Happy Hands

perfect Planner

Nothing beats colourful post-it notes and matching pens. These bright buys will cheer up revision – and memos!

Ensure kids stay safe and hygienic with a handy clip-on hand sanitiser. For every four bought, one is donated to the NHS.

A weekly planner helps them visualise their to-do list for the week, keeping track of homework deadlines and tasks.

MATTHEW WILLIAMSON AT TK MAXX £4.99 (B6 SIZE)

HABITAT £35 FOR 12 PIECE SET

NOTANOTHERBILL.COM £22 AGE 2-6

luxe notebook

stylish tableware

essential backpack

Gift home leavers a good-luck notebook – it’s so satisfying to start afresh. TK Maxx has many luxe-for-less options.

Even if they’re constantly eating instant noodles at uni, they can add fun to mealtimes with a stylish crockery set.

This gender-neutral backpack is roomy enough for daily essentials without being heavy. It’s also available in red and yellow.

CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK

53

COMPILED BY: RHIANNON DERBYSHIRE. PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

VEGAN

Style alert

TOP, & OTHER STORIES £35

CELEBRITY INSPIRATION TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE

DRESS, WALLIS AT DEBENHAMS £48 SKIRT, & OTHER STORIES £65

I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT!

GET HER LOOK ZOE HARDMAN Zoe nails desk-to-date dressing once again! The TV and radio presenter pairs a hot-pink blouse with a slinkybut-flattering midi skirt – we love the playful leopard print, while the silky fabric and side slit are sassy without

MOLLIE KING

BINKY FELSTEAD

being too revealing. Sticking to the colour-block vibe, she accessorises with a mini bag before grounding

fashion

with chic heels. Gorgeous!

ASOS £12 MISSGUIDED £10

OCHRE OBSESSION

RED HOT

I SAW IT FIRST £15

NASTY GAL £25 MATALAN £10

OFFICE £69

54

CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK

Ashley Roberts

Radio host Ashley is the picture of autumn in a tonal ensemble of matching skirt, shacket and accessories.

It’s ladylike and lovely! Her tousled hair is the perfect relaxed touch.

Alessandra Ambrosio

Model Alessandra channels modern retro to perfection in these Missoni trousers. A tied shirt, clashing micro bag and vintage shades give this outfit bundles of personality.

FASHION

in the news...

FLEECE £50 LEGGINGS £30

LAURA WHITMORE’S GYM RANGE Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore has released her second activewear collection with fitness brand Dare2B, and we want it all! The exclusive edit consists of a 15-piece collection, which includes technical and fashion-forward fitness gear, including sports bras, statement leggings, cosy hoodies, vests and jackets; all of which are available in a chic monochrome colour palette, accented with pops of soft pink.

Prices start from £15 and sizes range from 6-20.

SPORTS BRA £30

SKIRT, RESERVED £19.99

LEGGINGS £40

CHRISTINE LAMPARD

LAURA WHITMORE

T-SHIRT £20

JACKET £60

worth talking about! ’90S REVIVAL

LOVELY LIME

LUXE LEOPARD

Myleene Klass

Rihanna

Heidi Klum

Lupita Nyong’o

Myleene nails a puff-sleeve midi from her Next collection.

This is the ideal day-to-night dress, and the presenter elevates it with strappy heels and layered necklaces.

The singer reminds us she can pull off anything with these layered red joggers under distressed jeans, a ’90s bandana top and headscarf.

We’re not sure if we’d try this at home, but she rocks it.

Glowing shades of neon green are all over the runways – and model Heidi’s got the memo.

She’s also in on the Crocs trend – love or hate them, they’re making a comeback.

Actress Lupita proves animal print is going nowhere – it’s a classic!

She styles the demure length with minimalist heels, while the shape of the fluted skirt is super flattering, too.

PHOTOS: INSTAGRAM, BACKGRID, GETTY IMAGES, REX/SHUTTERSTOCK. COMPILED BY PHOEBE DENMAN

PERFECT POLKA DOT

VIBRANT RAINBOWS

DRESS NASTY GAL £50, SCARF ASOS £12, EARRINGS OASIS £12

Perfect for barbecues or picnics, this colourful maxi dress has full sleeves, a hipskimming skirt and waist tie to flatter in all the right places.

COLOUR THERAPY EMBRACE BRIGHT SHADES AND LIVELY PRINTS FOR THE ULTIMATE MOOD-BOOSTING WARDROBE

56

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FASHION

BESTDRESSED GUEST Megawatt volume sleeves and showstopping lime will help you make an entrance at belated wedding parties.

CO-ORD QUEEN Easy dressing starts with loose co-ords. This retro designer-like print disguises bumpy bits and the top skims tums nicely – great for day trips.

DRESS COAST £119, SHOES RIVER ISLAND £35, EARRINGS OASIS £12

RETRO CROCHET Update a trouser collection with ’70s sleeveless knits, ideal for layering and adding colour.

DATE NIGHT DOTS Off-the-shoulder sass plus black and red dots give this midi dress a Spanish vibe. Add knee boots and a blazer for autumn.

TOP ZARA £17.99, TROUSERS NASTY GAL £35, HEADBAND ORELIA £35, EARRINGS OASIS £12

DRESS RIVER ISLAND £55, EARRINGS OASIS £12

WORDS: DANIELA BELLANCA. PHOTOGRAPHER: RUBY HAZEL. HAIR AND MAKE-UP: NATACHA SCHMITT

TOP ZARA £29.99, TROUSERS ZARA £29.99, SCARF ASOS £12, EARRINGS OASIS £12

look good... feel great!

THRIVE THIS !

R E M M SU

Inspiring celeb and real life stories Tasty recipes everyone will love Overcome your fears and beat anxiety Revamp your garden in minutes PLUS: Drop a dress size

ON SALE now! *Available in shops while stocks last and at greatmagazines.co.uk

FASHION

NON-MUMSY MATERNITY WEAR Look and feel fabulous throughout your pregnancy with these bump-friendly buys STYLISH SWIMWEAR AT H&M Most bikinis will work around your bump, but if you’re looking for a one-piece, you’ll be more comfortable in a cossie designed for a growing tum, and H&M has a gorgeous range. Take note from Louise and go for a block-colour number, or opt for tropical florals for added fun.

COMES WITH ADJUSTABLE STRAPS

£29.99

Louise Thompson

£24.99

If you’re struggling to fit into your failsafe LBD for date night, or looking for a pretty dress for a late-summer wedding, River Island has you covered. As well as everyday basics, the maternity range has some chic dresses that will feel extra special, while being flattering, too. Silky fabrics and timeless cuts tick the trend boxes, too!

£48

COMPILED BY MATILDA STANLEY. PHOTOS: INSTAGRAM

DO-IT-ALL DENIM AT M&S Pregnancy jeans are a must for any mumto-be. The stretchy waistbands are £45 super comfy and they can be worn with pretty much any top throughout each trimester.

Marks & Spencer has a cracking range of shapes and fits in sizes 6 to 22, including these fab dungarees, perfect for throwing over a boho blouse à la Millie.

£46

STRETCH DENIM! £45

COLOUR AND PRINT AT NEW LOOK

MADE FROM RECYCLED FABRICS!

FANCY FROCKS AT RIVER ISLAND

Millie Mackintosh

TOP £6LEGGINGS £10-

Don’t let your bump get in the way of making a style statement! New Look‘s range of maternity buys is filled with ginghams, checks, florals and slogans, as well as stand-out pops of colour, so you can get your cheery fashion fix throughout your pregnancy. The whole collection ticks off trends but the chatty tees are our faves – perfect for layering under a blazer once the weather cools.

LOVELY LOUNGEWEAR AT PRIMARK After launching earlier this year, Primark’s Parenthood range has been hugely popular – and it’s easy to see why. As well as being brilliantly affordable, the collection is filled with day-to-day buys as well as super-soft treats to make a sofa day feel all the more luxurious!

There’s everything from £12 joggers and snuggly hoodies to loose-fit tees and comfy underwear.

And, relax…

£22.99

£8.99

ROOMY SLOGAN TEES

CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK

59

BEAUTY

SUMMER SKIN OVERHAUL! These great new products will leave your body soft and gleaming MOISTURISE a Parched Complexion Summer heat may leave your skin thirstier than ever, but this lighter gel formula is the ticket to hydration. Full of moisture-gripping hyaluronic acid and vitamin beads that burst on application, you’ll really notice a difference – especially if you apply on damp skin morning and night. Just leave it on a few minutes before applying your make-up to allow skin to hoover up the goodness.

DIRTY WORKS THE GREAT HYDRATE MOISTURISER £8

Refresh all over Try this moodboosting citrus body smoothie, complete with AHA (alpha hydroxy acid serum).

For anyone who’s not familiar with this power-house ingredient, it’s the equivalent of a good surface cleanser. It wipes out the dead cells on the top layer of skin to reveal fresh ones beneath. Apply top to toe before bed, and shower in the morning to reveal glowing skin before you set off on your stay-cay.

Fake A beach Glow Most of us are missing the holiday perk of sun-kissed skin, but this year, fake it until you make it. Use a loofah in the shower for minimaleffort exfoliation, and apply St Moriz Tanning Moisturiser with a mitt every other day. It combines soothing aloe vera and nourishing vitamin E to give your entire body a revitalising glow.

Mix one part highlighting cream with one part moisturiser to amp up the radiance – dab along cheekbones and collarbone with a make-up sponge, and press into your cupid’s bow for the ultimate Ibiza cheat.

SO ECO COMPLEXION SPONGE £6

VEGAN

MIO SLEEPING SMOOTHIE OVERNIGHT SERUM £34

CONTAINS SHEA BUTTER

Dua Lipa sho ws off her summer body

Soothe neglected areas Ready to wear lipstick again? Rebooted your monthly manicure?

It’s time to soothe the rough patches we neglected in hibernation.

Leighton Denny’s all-areas balm is packed with oils to restore dry cuticles, elbows, knees, and even lips! Pop this in your bag or on your WFH desk and apply twice-daily for noticeable results.

A gentle lip scrub before lipstick application will work wonders – and this one’s a handbag hero.

VEGAN MANNA KADAR LIPPIE LOVE LIP SCRUB £17

LEIGHTON DENNY NOURISHING BALM £120

ST MORIZ GOLDEN GLOW TANNING MOISTURISER £4.99

PHOTOS: INSTAGRAM

win it all!

VEGAN

For your chance to win all of these products and more in the Closer Summer Essentials box, simply follow @TheBoost on Instagram and fill in the form at https:// closeronline.co.uk/boostcompetition.

Visit Glossybox.co.uk to purchase for just £35 (worth over £130!).

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61

GET READY TO GLOW WITH THE ALL-NEW CLOSER BEAUTY BOX! Hello! It goes without saying we’ll all be spending much more time outdoors – and with company, hurrah! Closer’s second Glossybox collaboration features 11 get-summer-ready essentials that will help you look and feel your very best. Inside you’ll discover everything from gradual tan and skin illuminator, to a fresh summer fragrance, SPF and a root booster, too. Now all we need is for the sun to shine!

DANIELA BELLANCA, CLOSER STYLE EDITOR

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4 3

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6 9 7

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10

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1.PERCY&REEDROOTLIFTINGMOUSSE50ML £7 2.MIOSLEEPINGSMOOTHIEOVERNIGHTBODYSERUM 30ML £5 3.LEIGHTONDENNYMARVELBALMMINT FULLSIZE £12 4.ST.MORIZ GOLDENGLOWTANNINGMOISTURISER FULLSIZE £4.99 5. DIRTYWORKSTHEGREATHYRDRATEHYDRA-FIXMOISTURISER FULLSIZE £8 6. RIEMANN P20SPF30 SUNCARE40ML £5.99 7.GHOSTORB OFTHENIGHTFRAGRANCE 10ML £9 8.MANNAKADARLIPPIELOVELIPSCRUB FULLSIZE £17 9.MUDMASKYEYEMASK£42 10.MCOBEAUTYHIGHLIGHTINGSHIMMERWHIP–CHAMPAGNE MINI £14.99 11.ECOCOMPLEXIONSPONGE£6

TOGETYOURHANDSONABEAUTYBOX,HEADTO: HTTPS://CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK/BEAUTYESSENTIALS

BEAUTY

HAIR REPAIR!

Michelle Keegan’s hair is always lustrous!

Achieve healthy-looking locks in five easy ways with these hard-working products – tried and tested by us

USE A NOURISHING OIL A good oil will heal years of damage, sealing split ends and boosting hydration speedily. This one is a perfect all-rounder.

For thick or curly hair, apply when hair is wet to help oil sink in.

If your hair is on the finer side, apply sparingly when it’s dry to tame frizz and flyaways. AUSSIE 3 MIRACLE OIL RECONSTRUCTOR £9.99

VEGAN

WASH WITH DEEP CLEANSING SHAMPOO Use a clarifying shampoo every four to five washes for a deep clean. This removes product build-up, which can leave tresses dull and frazzled, but don’t use too often as it can dry out hair. NOUGHTY DETOX DYNAMO CLARIFYING SHAMPOO £6.99

Lighten Up Your Conditioner

VEGAN

Heavy conditioners and masks help boost hair health but can also weigh down strands and leave them looking lank. Try clever hair waters – light serums packed with oils – that sink in quickly and are weightless on hair. Apply after shampooing and wash out after a few seconds. This one made an instant difference to lacklustre locks. AMIKA FLASH INSTANT SHINE MASK £20

VEGAN You know that “fresh from the salon” shine you get after every visit? You can cheat it in between appointments with this gloss treatment – it adds a new, vibrant tint, covering greys and sealing in shine. It’s available in 10 shades, from blondes through to reds and dark brunettes. It’s genius – our new must-have! JOSH WOOD COLOUR CARAMEL GLOSS £19

VEGAN

GET SHINE WITH A SERUM Just as in skincare, adding a serum will make all the difference.

With melon seed and argan oils, this buy added a glossy finish to all hair types. Apply a pea-size amount when hair is damp and it’ll dry perfectly shiny (with or without a hairdryer).

A little goes a long way, so a tube will last you months!

PERCY & REED TIME TO SHINE MIRROR MIRROR SHINE SERUM £22

CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK

63

WORDS: RHIANNON DERBYSHIRE. PHOTO: DOUG PETERS/EMPICS

GLOSS OVER YOUR GREYs

SUBSCRIBE TO CLOSER FOR JUST £8.30 SUBSCRIBE TODAY & ENJOY: NEVER MISSING AN ISSUE WE WILL DELIVER FOR FREE THE ONLY CELEBRITY MAGAZINE YOU NEED PAY JUST £8.30 A MONTH PRINT ONLY Pay just £8.30 a month when you pay by monthly direct debit DIGITAL ONLY Pay just £4.20 a month when you pay by monthly direct debit

@GREATMAGAZINES.CO.UK/CLOSER

01858 438 884 QUOTE IHAA Terms and Conditions: Subscriptions will start with the next available issue. Minimum subscription term is 12 months (51 issues). Offer end 06/09/21.

Other payment methods available see website for full details. This is a UK offer only. After your first direct debit payment your yearly subscription will continue at the price you paid on this offer thereafter unless you are notified otherwise. You will not receive a renewal reminder and the Direct Debit payments will continue to be taken unless you tell us otherwise. Cost from landlines for 01 numbers per minute are (approximate) 2p to 10p. Cost from mobiles per minute (approximate) 10p to 40p. Costs vary depending on the geographical location in the UK. You may get free calls to some numbers as part of your call package – please check with your phone provider. Order lines open 8am-9pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-4pm (Sat). Calls may be monitored for training purposes. For full terms and conditions please visit www.greatmagazines.co.uk/offer-terms-and-conditions

Home SHELF front SERVICE!

INTERIORS

INSPIRATION YOU’LL LOVE!

WAYFAIR £92.99

COMES WITH CUSHIONS

CLEVER SEAT Perfect for hallways that always gather clutter, or for using in a window bay as a mini library, this slimline bench is incredibly versatile without taking up too much room. Stack up your favourite books, stow shoes in the cubbyholes, or simply take a seat on the soft cushions – it does it all!

AMAZON £39.95

SNEAKY BUILT-IN STORAGE WILL UTILISE EVERY INCH OF SPARE SPACE IN YOUR PAD WHILE LOOKING SUPER CHIC, TOO IKEA £80

DUNELM £149

HANDY HEADBOA RD

MULTI-USE TABLE

If you don’t have space fo r bedside tables, then this bargain headboard is a must-have . Great for d iscreetly sto all your bed ring time essenti a ls , in c lu ding books and n ight creams, tu c k e d behind the headboa rd, it also ha s a sh e lf along the top for p lacing decora tive pieces such as plan ts or a lamp.

Use this space-saving desk as a breakfast bar, dressing table or work surface. The handy deep shelves are functional and easy to access, while adding to the modern industrial feel of the piece. Place it anywhere in your home and fill the shelves with an array of items to elevate your room.

THE RANGE £49.99

ALDI £59.99

FAB FOR FAMILIES

COMPILED BY ANNIE MILROY

LANT PERFECT P RACK ajor are having a m Plant shelves reserved are no longer m o m e nt a n d st in this or use, so inve just for outdo use in a utside in or to o e th g n ri b one to ring three alcony. Featu b a n o r o n e gard n hold a ging bar, it ca n a h a d n a s e shelv e and will rgeous foliag o g f o e d u it lt mu fingers! ne with green yo n a to y jo g n bri

LAYERED LAMP This multi-purpose lamp is a stylish space-saver that will transform the corner of your lounge or bedroom.

Use the minimal Scandi-style shelves to display personal touches like books, magazines, plants or vases, without the need for a side table. It’s a bargain, too!

FOLD-AW AY DESK Make switch ing off from work all the easier with th is foldable d esk . It has built-in stora ge, makes a g reat base fo Zoom calls a r nd, when yo u ’r e finished, you can close it away until next time.

It then doub les up as a ch alk board fo the family “t r o do” list. Gre at for WFH , or for kids b usy with hom ework .

CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK

65

Puzzles Every number in the grid stands for a different letter. We’ve given you the word LAW to get you started. Fill in all the 1s, 2s and 3s and you’ll be able to start guessing other letters. All 26 letters of the alphabet appear at least once.

Cross off the ones you’ve used on the list below

CODE CRACK 3

7

1

2

18

1

9

5

15

20

7

15

23

19 24 2

8

15

7

21

5

6

8 6

6

8

2

3

22

19

18

2

16

1

2

8

3

6

25

2

18

23

7

11

1

16

7

4

12

13

1

2

13

L A 3 7 W 2

9

18

26

18

2

1

6

15 25

5

3

20

9

6

7

2

17

8 6

6

6 22

12

24

1

6

2 8

14

26 26

9

2

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR LETTERS HERE:

6

4

8

5

2

21

25 6

6

11

15

4

3

4

1

1

23

12

12

6

6 25

7

23

1

15 4

7

12

10

19

2

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES, REX/SHUTTERSTOCK, LANDMARK, ALLSTAR

2

7

9

8 15

17

3

14

22

5

5

23

13

11

2

2 10

6

15

25

11

6

25

9 9

4

6

2

8

25

6

21

23

GUESS THE FILM STILL

21

6

NAME THE STARS With the help of our clues, rearrange the letters in the words below to make a celeb’s name

B

A

1

If this singer’s name is a Blank Space, try to Shake It Off to avoid Bad Blood

FLOATY WRIST

2 After his son calls into a radio talk show, a widow is noticed by a newspaper reporter

66

CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK

A man leaves a mental health facility and tries to get his wife back, but meets someone new

Whether it’s using Grease or Hairspray, this actor always styles his hair for a Saturday Night Fever

LAVA THORN JOT

See p88 for all puzzle solutions

PUZZLE TIME

ACROSS

THE BIG CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

1 Placed in the bank 7 Naughty

8 President Lincoln’s first name

5

9 Opportunity

6 7

9

8

10

11

12

13

14

12 ACROSS

15

16

17

18

12 Naomi - - - - -, Japanese tennis

player 17 Huge destructive wave 18 Good reputation 19 University diploma 21 Rice variety 22 Bop, boogie 24 Mamma Mia! actress, - - - - - Streep 26 Formal public speech 28 Toothed wheel 29 Fundamental

DOWN

1 Amounts owing 2 Seed case

3 Digging tool 4 Body

19

20

5 Homer Simpson’s exclamation!

21

6 Village People hit (inits) 10 Volcano cavity 11 Easily bent

22

23

24

13 Boy child

25

14 Country invaded by Iraq in 1990 15 Goddess of wisdom 16 Reliable

20 Legendary bird

26

27

28

22 - - - - Dublin, ex-footballer and

TV presenter 23 Banish 24 Minister’s residence 25 Lawful 27 - - - Maria, popular song by Schubert 28 Incision

29 22 DOWN

Life-saving technique Foreword (1, 1, 1)

Cricketer, --Trueman

Rita ---, British singer

Handel oratorio

Isle of Man capital

Put on bail Spaghetti, eg Cipher

Snake

Mona ---, Actress, famous Russian --- Dench artwork emperor

Woe

Ballerina, --Pavlova

Pardoned

Johanna ---, Heidi author

Peter ---, JM Barrie character

Italian singer, --Bocelli

Olympic supremo, --- Coe

Sterilised milk?

(1, 1, 1)

To --- is human, saying

Restore confidence

Give out

Prince William’s brother

Bread ingredient Active volcano in Sicily Greek letter

Hit song, --- Petite Shobna ---, Corrie ’s Sunita

Fill in the grid using the clues provided

Envoy

Teacher’s Medicinal title spring Brazilian dance, --nova

CLUES & ARROWS

Historic anaesthetic Smear (paint)

Black sticky substance

TURN FOR MORE PUZZLES

Puzzles CRISS CROSS Use your imagination for these things that are all in your head!

SUDOKU Complete the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 block contains the numbers 1 to 9 only

LEVEL 1: EASY

5 4 3

7

2

3 6 1 5 2

4 9

2

1 4 3 1 6 5 4 2

7

7

7 8 3 LEVEL 2: MEDIUM

3 6 5 9 1 4 LETTERS IDEA WITS

PHOTOS: REX/SHUTTERSTOCK *TS & CS APPLY

5 LETTERS ANGER DIZZY DREAM FAITH LOGIC MANIA VIEWS

4 6 LETTERS BELIEF EGOISM MEMORY NOTION SANITY 7 LETTERS AMNESIA EMPATHY KNOW-HOW PASSION

Win!

9 LETTERS AWARENESS DELUSIONS KNOWLEDGE

AN ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANING KIT, WORTH £43.99!

Win one of three Clean Living International Complete Cleaning Kits, each worth £43.99! Clean Living’s eco-friendly products are natural, free from harsh chemicals and give a powerful, long-lasting clean so you can clean your home guilt-free. Head to winit.closeronline.co.uk to enter.*

68

8 LETTERS PARANOIA SYMPATHY

8 7 5 7

8 6 3 9 8

4 6

1 2

FIND YOUR HAPPY EVER AFTER AT FLIRTIFY.CO.UK It’s mobile friendly so you can sort your love life on the go!

1

PUZZLE TIME

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Can you spot the six differences between these two pictures of Rihanna?

GUESS THE CELEB Can you name these stars from looking at just one part of their famous faces?

A

B

WORD SEARCH Can you find all the Myleene Klass-related words in the grid? Words can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal S P

P N O G

E T

A S

S

S

M L

L A H D L

I

U G R M F

M H

A I

Y A E

N

I

L D L

I

H C

D E

H L

R P R

E S

E N T

E

R P

N D

C L

X V W T J

Fill in the blanks to find a word that will make sense when placed at the end of the first word, and the start of the second word.

A B C

SHORE - - - - - OUT SLEEP - - - - - DIAMOND HERMIT - - - - APPLE

D E F

See p88 for all puzzle solutions

FUN - - - WAY BRAIN - - - - BASIN ALL - - - - - - - BALLOON

J

I

M L F

H Z Z N O

A O Q E M C H

S K C Z Y

P L

B D V V S

E

M L

B O Z E D W X H O X H N T

U S

I M N C R

B H W I

WORD LINK

I

E

I I

L

I

O P

Z E G G S

Q N F D

I

A

A O O Y D M O H R V R

Y O

S U N B T W B A L K W O S

M U

S

B S

Y J

L E

P N Q E

G R

E A T Y A R M O U T H E N

I

C

I

U J

A N Q O O D V M N T Q E J

I

D L

F

S R

Z A S M Y M V L

BBQ CHAMP

LOADED

NORFOLK

BUSINESS

MISS SAIGON

NORWICH

CHILDLINE

MODEL

POPSTARS

EVERYBODY

MOVING ON

PRESENTER

GREAT YARMOUTH

MUSICIAN

THE DOLLS’ HOUSE

GUILDHALL

MY BUMP AND ME

WEST END

MYLEENE KLASS

GET CLOSER ON YOUR DIGITAL DEVICES... WITHOUT LEAVING THE HOUSE! START A MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION IN-APP AND YOUR FIRST MONTH IS

FREE!

find us on:

TV WEEK: 28 AUG 3 SEPT

What to watch

THE SHOWS EVERYONE WILL BE TALKING ABOUT

VERA THE STRAIGHT-TALKING SLEUTH RETURNS

CHRIS AND MEG’S WILD SUMMER TRAVELS WITH THE SPRINGWATCH DUO

MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT UK EIGHT NEW COUPLES PAIR UP FOR THE ADDICTIVE REALITY SHOW

VIGIL SURANNE JONES’ NEW CRIME DRAMA SET ON A SUBMARINE

CELEBRITY SAS: WHO DARES WINS KERRY KATONA FACES HER FEARS MORTIMER & WHITEHOUSE: GONE FISHING THE COMEDY DUO ARE BACK WITH A NEW SERIES

PLUS: 7-DAY LISTINGS, CELEB CHATS & SOAPS

Soap

this week’s top stories

Spotlight!

One-nil to Mick

EMMERDALE Meena’s campaign to reduce Emmerdale’s population continues, and this time her sights are set on Victoria. Having stolen the keys from Amy, Meena goes to Vic’s flat and makes a right old mess, but then hears Victoria come in. Meena’s phone then buzzes, so she grabs a heavy paperweight ready to hit Victoria with. Luckily, Vic rushes out – but later on in The Woolpack, the paperweight falls out of Alina’s bag in front of David. But will she be able to explain why she’s got it?

Phil isn’t happy

She’s safe... this time!

EASTENDERS

ZACK ATTACK!

With Nancy determined to go into business with Zack, Mick decides to have a geezer-to-geezer chat with him to put a stop to it. But it’s not long before Zack’s attitude gets right on Mick’s wick – so he punches him. Meanwhile, Sharon’s feeling the pressure as both Linda and Shirley are on her case to come clean and ’fess up to the cops about the plot to kill Ian – but when Phil turns up and hears this news, he’s not entirely on board with the plan (massive understatement).

WATCH OUT, VICTORIA

Tony has made a bit of a fauxpas with the finances

a minute!

Paperwait

Luke comes up with a n cunning pla

HOLLYOAKS

TROUBLE FOR TONY The Hutch is in financial trouble when Tony tries to get credit from their supplier but is unsuccessful. When Diane tries to help by calling the supplier herself, Tony ends up with a five-grand bill and no way to pay it off and Mandy is furious that she’s going to lose her only source of income. Luke gets the idea to help by staging a robbery for the insurance money and Tony reluctantly agrees. But will it be a success?

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ETHAN’S HEALTH SCARE With Eddy being diagnosed as HIV positive, Ethan’s terrified that he has the disease as well and struggles to cope as he waits for the results of his test, which he gets this week.

“Ethan is finding it difficult to come to terms with, partly because he’s concerned for the wellbeing of Eddy, but more so because of what it might mean for his own health.

He’s flooded with regret and kicking himself for being so irresponsible,” explains Emile John, who plays Ethan.“He’s prepared himself for the worst, but he’s clinging on to the All our finge hope that he’ll be in the clear.” rs and toes are cro ssed for you, Etha n!

FOLLOW OUR LIVE TWEETS OVER AT

@CloserOnline

It all comes flooding bac k

CORONATION STREET

Nina wants justice for Seb

NINA GETS HER MEMORY BACK tand by for an emotional week as Corey and Kelly’s trial for Seb’s murder takes centre stage. Nina’s memories start to resurface and, with the help of some specially filmed flashback scenes, we see what actually happened on that fateful night.

Meanwhile, the overly-cocky Corey is reliving his own experiences of the murder as he lies in his prison cell, but in court he still insists it was Kelly who did it and paints himself as the victim. But Nina is on a mission to get justice for Seb. Encouraged by Roy to start dressing again in her usual goth clothes – because no one should be persecuted for the way they look – she enters the witness box in her old black clothes and make-up. She tells the court how she remembers seeing Corey kicking Seb repeatedly and Kelly begging him to stop, and even Corey’s dad Stefan starts to doubt his son’s innocence.

However, once Corey’s laywer Sabeen starts an aggressive line of questioning, Nina reacts badly. Back on the cobbles, Hope attends her first therapy session, and Fiz and Tyrone are heartbroken when she says she started the fire because her Daddy left her. Alina, of course, is oblivious to anything that isn’t directly about her, so decides to take Tyrone on a trip to Romania. Talk about bad timing…

S

Abi confronts Corey’s dad Stefan Corey has flashbacks while in his prison cell

Kelly’s not coping with the pressure

Todd has an other encounter w ith Phelan

ALSO THIS WEEK Todd’s life – and attempt to be a nicer person – doesn’t get any easier when he trips up while carrying Phelan’s ashes and they go flying everywhere.

Understandably, George is furious, but just to make matters even worse, at that very moment Eileen arrives and sees the mess. Not wanting to upset his mum, Todd is forced into a lie and says they’re the ashes of Patsy Freeman, an old lady with no relatives. After hearing this sad tale, Eileen tells George she’d like to give Patsy a send off. Uh-oh.

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tv pic

TV WEEK: 28 AUG - 3 SEPT

TUNE IN TO CLOSER’S PICK OF THE TELLY EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT WITH TV EDITOR HANNAH WRIGHT

1

MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT UK WEDDED BLISS? MON 30 AUG-THU 2 SEPT, 9PM, E4 After the Australian version of Married At First Sight became a massive hit earlier this year, the UK version has been dusted off and revamped for this brand-new series.

Eight couples who’ve never met each other all tie the knot, and over 20 episodes we get to see who has a chance of living happily ever – and who is not entirely happy with the partner they’ve had picked for them. Bring it on! See our feature on page 20.

2

A SPECIAL LOOK BACK SAT 28 AUG, 8.30PM, BBC1 Marking the 50th anniversary of the programme that made his name, legendary interviewer Michael Parkinson takes a look back at some of the 650 shows – featuring over 2,000 guests – that he hosted.

3 4

TOWIE stars Georgia Kousoulou and Tommy Mallet get their own spin-off show, with viewers getting the chance to catch up with them over two nights as they welcome baby son Brody and adjust to being new parents.

NEW SERIES

CODE 404 COP COMEDY WED 10 SEPT, 10/10.30PM, SKY COMEDY/ NOW Daniel Mays, Stephen Graham and Anna Maxwell

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Married At First Sight: Afters, an extra weekly instalment bringing together all things MAFS UK presented by AJ Ododu. Catch the first episode on Thursday 2 Sept at 10pm on E4.

ALSO WATCH

PARKINSON AT 50

GEORGIA & TOMMY: BABY STEPS PARENT REALITY CHECK WED 1/THU 2 SEPT, 9PM, ITVBE

NEW SERIES

Martin return in the splendid series about a cop who’s been brought back to life by experimental AI software.

5

STEPHEN

NEW SERIES

BASED ON REAL EVENTS MON 30 AUG, 9PM, ITV

Sharlene Whyte, Steve Coogan and Hugh Quarshie head the cast of this powerful three-part sequel to The Murder Of Stephen Lawrence. Whyte and Quarshie play Stephen’s parents Doreen and Neville, with Coogan as DCI Clive Driscoll, the oldschool cop who worked tirelessly to get justice for Stephen and got two of his killers convicted. It’s deeply moving TV you won’t want to miss.

ks

FACTFILE Endeavour’s Shaun Evans, who plays senior crew member Elliot Glover, says he “couldn’t think of anything worse” than working on a submarine in real life.

“The idea of not being able to even step outside to get a breath of fresh air? It’s my idea of hell.”

VIGIL

NEW SERIES

UNDERWATER CRIME DRAMA SUN 29 / MON 30 AUG, 9PM, BBC1 When a naval officer dies in suspicious circumstances on HMS Vigil, a submarine off the coast of Scotland, police detective Amy Silva (Suranne Jones) is swiftly plonked on a helicopter, whisked off underwater, and given three days on board to investigate. But the submarine’s crew don’t exactly welcome Silva with open arms, and to make her job even more tricky, she’s not that great in confined spaces. With its unusual setting and a great cast that includes Martin Compston and Shaun Evans, Vigil looks set to keep viewers captivated.

SURANNE:

6

‘I put my back out doing my own stunts!’

Suranne Jones, 42, on starring in a new crime thriller set onboard a submarine – and getting covered in bruises… ells us what Vigil is about…

SURANNE: In a nutshell, there’s a missing Scottish trawler and a mysterious death aboard a submarine, HMS Vigil. Because of where the submarine was when the death occurred, the Navy have to bring in the police to investigate. They bring in my character, DCI Amy Silva, who has to go on to the submarine to investigate the death.

How does Amy get on with the submarine crew?

When she gets down there, Amy and the crew clash, I think because they don’t know who actually has the authority, out of the Navy and the police. The crew think they do because Amy’s in their world and aboard their ship, but actually Amy’s holding a criminal investigation.

So there are no clear rules as such, and no one has control over the other, which is really interesting.

T

How would you describe Amy? Complex and not afraid to show who’s boss. Amy is a complicated, modern, quite vulnerable – when we first meet her – police officer. She’s single, and she is concentrating on work. That’s all she has in her life at present.

And how does she cope with being on a submarine?

To say she feels claustrophobic and caught in a boys’ world when aboard Vigil is an understatement. I think she does really well. She has anxiety and depression, and usually she’s on medication and exercises a Suranne plays a police officer

lot to cope with her condition.

But when she’s down on the submarine she loses all of that. She doesn’t have enough medication, she can’t exercise, so that impacts her a great deal as well.

How was it for you filming on the submarine set?

The set just blew my mind.

The size of the subs in real life are extraordinary – they’re like four floors, with a bomb shop and missile room. Filming on the Vigil set was great. It was claustrophobic. I mean, the beds alone. There’s a great scene where Amy tries to get in her bunk bed. I’m quite tall and not of small build, and the director was like, “Can you get up there a little more gracefully?” Because I just couldn’t do it, because they’re so small.

Is it true you did your own stunts?

I did. When I first read the script I was like, “Oh my God, this sounds amazing, I get to do all

these stunts!” But I forgot how old I was. So I had to do a lot of working out just to build up my strength in order to do those scenes. I got whiplash, I put my back out a couple of times... I was covered in bruises. Every time I went home my husband was like, “What the hell have they done to you now?” It was fun to do and I watch the finished series and go, “Oh, Amy’s great!” But I was hobbling home and having Epsom salt baths during filming!

What do you think sets Vigil apart from other dramas??

Because it’s set on a submarine, the tension of the show is already written into it. Plus it has some brilliant shots, with the technology we have now for FX. It’s amazing – some scenes, when we filmed them didn’t look anything like the finished product. I was hung above a car park on a rope at one point, but it looks entirely different and much better in the show!

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tv picks SURVIVING 9/11

8

20 YEARS ON MON 30 AUG, 9PM, BBC2 Telling the story of how the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and Flight

NEW SERIES

93 changed the world forever – through the eyes of those who were intimately involved.

CELEBRITY SAS: WHO DARES WINS CHALLENGING TIMES AHEAD! SUN 29 AUG, 9PM, C4

Chief instructor Ant Middleton and his team of directing staff are back with 12 new celebrities – including Kerry Katona, Ulrika Jonsson, Vicky Pattison and Jake Quickenden – who’ll face a series of gruelling challenges in the wilds of the Scottish Hebrides to find out if they can pass the SAS selection test. First up is the “trainasium” – an aerial assault course designed to test how candidates manage fear. As the recruits get to know each other and relationships form, some of them are already feeling the pressure, with Ulrika and Kerry forced to face their demons and delve into their pasts. The recruits then have to attempt to rescue a hostage from a building that has been exposed to CS gas. Rather you than us, Kez…

10

ON YER BIKE FOR SOCCER AID CHARITY FUNDRAISER SUN 29 AUG, 6.30PM, ITV Freddie Flintoff hosts the one-off show, part of ITV’s annual Soccer Aid fundraising campaign. Eight celebs in two teams will go head-to-head in three cycling legs in rural Yorkshire, with the whole event headed up by cycling legend Sir Bradley Wiggins.

BACK TO LIFE COMEDY-DRAMA RETURNS TUE 31 AUG, 10.35PM, BBC1 Daisy Haggard’s dark comedy about Miri, a 30-something ex-con, returns, with regulars from the first series Geraldine James, Meera Syal and Adrian Edmondson also back on board.

The show’s also available on BBC Three from 6am.

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7

11

FISHY FUN SUN 29 AUG, 8PM, BBC2 Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer are back with another helping of their heartwarming series. In the first episode they visit their most dazzling destination to date; North Uist in the Outer Hebrides – a remote island with tidal pools and sea lochs, making it the perfect place to fish for sea trout.

CHRIS AND MEG’S WILD SUMMER SPRINGWATCH PAIR SUN 29 AUG, 8.30PM, BBC2 Chris Packham and stepdaughter Megan travel around the countryside in an eco-friendly electric campervan and poke about in the wildest parts of the country (episode one: South West Wales).

We’re reminded of how nature-filled journeys can improve mental health, as the pair take time to contemplate their place within the world.

ON A JOLLY HOLIDAY FRI 3 SEPT, 9PM, ITV “Do you think perhaps you need a little holiday?” suggests Leonard to Will.

And thus, series six of the magnificent Grantchester sees everyone off to Merries Holiday Camp to put their feet up, 1950s-style. The fancy frocks are wheeled out and there’s even a spot of boogieing, until it’s murder on the dancefloor time and Geordie’s having to peel himself off the sun lounger to find out whodunnit. Ah well, at least he doesn’t look quite so out of place in his brown suit when there’s actual work to be done. This is a glorious episode, with wonderful nods to time gone by – and we even get to see Mrs C at a “lovely legs” competition…

9

13 NEW SERIES

MORTIMER AND WHITEHOUSE: GONE FISHING

12

NEW SERIES

14

GRAND DESIGNS BUILDING A DREAM WED 1 SEPT, 9PM, C4 The new series kicks off with a visit to South Devon, where Joe and Claire are building a house that will also be a work of art. But their £835,000 budget almost doubles when they encounter major problems – will they get their dream home or will it be more of a nightmare?

GRANTCHESTER 5 MINUTES WITH...

BFFs Tom Brittney and Robson Green, back on our screens in the beloved show – solving crimes in the village of Grantchester… here do we find Will and Geordie?

TOM, 30: Geordie finds something out about Will that Will’s kept secret from him, and it threatens to damage their friendship forever.

ROBSON, 56: Geordie’s corrosive past comes to the surface, and we’ve got Shaun Dooley playing a character who Geordie spent time with at a prisoner-of-war camp in Burma.

It triggers those things he’s kept hidden an has never told anyone.

How was it filming during the pandemic?

TOM: There are some of the cast and crew who still, to this day, I haven’t seen the bottom half of their faces. But I couldn’t be more thankful that we got to carry on making this show.

ROBSON: Though everybody has been wearing a mask, in front of the lens in 1958 you wouldn’t think there’s a global pandemic going on – and I think

W

this is the best series yet. It’s explosive, thought-provoking, and incredibly funny in parts.

How has Grantchester changed your life?

TOM: This is the biggest role I’ve got to sink my teeth into. It’s opened some doors for me – and I’ve always had this one thing I wanted to tick off my bucket list, which is getting asked for an autograph in front of my dad. It happened once when we went to the football, and it meant so much to him.

Tell us about the holiday camp in episode one.

TOM: This is a very Butlin’sesque holiday camp but being Grantchester, there’s always a darkness underneath.

ROBSON: Well, you’re not about to see Geordie in a Hawaiian shirt… He’s still in his brown suit, smoking a fag. That suit has been worn for six years – I just change my tie every episode.

By Hannah Wright

FACTFILE On filming in the rather nippy autumn, Kacey Ainsworth (Cathy Keating) says, “I was freezing in my summer clothes. The wind was going right through me – not that you can tell.” Brrr.

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tv picks

15

VERA FOOD UNWRAPPED

A 90-minute documentary recounting the immediate aftermath of the attack, offering rare insight into the dilemmas of decision-making against the clock and providing revealing details, some for the first time.

16

PHOTOS: REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

GETTING FIT FOR FOOTY WED 1 SEPT, 9PM, ITV Lee Mack attempts to get in shape and hone his footballing skills in time for the big Soccer Aid match on 4 September.

Famous pals and footy legends are on hand to help, plus there’s a look at how Soccer Aid has helped kids around the world.

78

nonsense, hat-loving detective returns, with Brenda Blethyn as brilliant as ever in her portrayal of DCI Vera Stanhope. In the first of two new feature-length episodes, Vera and her trusty team are tasked with solving the murder of Jim, a seemingly popular builder who is found beaten to death. But as Vera digs deeper, she discovers Jim was set to be a key witness in a trial, and that his family life wasn’t quite as cosy as everyone thought. Vera, it’s lovely to see you again, pet.

FEATURE-LENGTH DOCU TUE 31 AUG, 8.30PM, BBC1

More fascinating food facts are revealed as Amanda Byram finds out if there’s anything remotely Scottish about scotch eggs, Kate Quilton explores why honey is off the menu for tiny tots, and Matt Tebbutt heads for Argentina to investigate steak.

LEE MACK’S ROAD TO SOCCER AID

Hurrah! Our favourite non-

9/11: INSIDE THE PRESIDENT’S WAR ROOM

WHAT’S ON YOUR PLATE? MON 30 AUG, 8PM, C4

18

LOOK WHO’S BACK! SUN 29 AUG, 9PM, ITV

SPARKING JOY WITH MARIE KONDO TIDY UP YOUR ROOM! TUE 31 AUG, NETFLIX The decluttering guru returns for a new three-part series where she not only shares her top tips for how to bring order to your home, but also shows us around her own house and introduces her family. We hope you tidied up first, Marie…

NEW SERIES

19

17

TV TALK 20

CELEBRITY MASTERCHEF KITCHEN NIGHTMARES? WED 1- FRI 3 SEPT, 9/8PM, BBC1 This week’s batch of celebs to feel the heat in the MasterChef kitchen include Love Island star Kem Cetinay, Strictly’s pro dancer Johannes Radebe and actress Michelle Collins. Tensions are high as they battle it out for a place in the semi-finals.

GIRL POWER A new strand on ITV’s Lorraine show will see Lisa Faulkner front Lisa and Friends, where the TV presenter will cook with some of her gal pals.

DEXTER’S BACK! Michael C Hall will be returning to our screens later this year as charismatic serial killer Dexter in a brand-new 10-part series on Sky Atlantic/Now.

Saturday 28 August BBC1 6am

6am Breakfast. 10.0 Saturday Kitchen.

11.30 Pizza Boys. 12.0 Football Focus.

1.0 BBC News. 1.15 Bargain Hunt. 2.0 Money For Nothing. 2.45 Garden Rescue. 3.30 Escape To The Country.

4.30 Final Score. 5.10 BBC News. 5.20 BBC Regional News; Weather. 5.30 Pointless Celebrities.

BBC2 6.50am Wild & Weird. 7.05 Marrying Mum And Dad. 7.35 Ricky Wilson’s Art Jam. 7.50 Blue Peter. 8.20 What’s Cooking Omari? 8.30 Planet Defenders. 8.55 FILM: Tinker Bell And The Legend Of The NeverBeast (2014) 10.0 The Lake District: A Wild Year. 11.0 Serengeti II. 12.0 Hairy Bikers’ Best Of British. 12.45 Rick Stein’s Seafood Lovers’ Guide. 1.15 FILM: Summer Holiday (1963) 3.0 Athletics: Diamond League Paris.

5.0 Flog It! 5.30 FILM: Porridge (1979)

CLOSER PICKS

ITV

C4

CHANNEL 5

6am CITV. 8.25 ITV News. 8.30 Martin & Roman’s Weekend Best! 9.25 James Martin’s Saturday Morning. 11.35 James Martin’s Islands To Highlands.

12.05 ITV News; Weather. 12.20 Midsomer Murders. 2.20 FILM: Thunderball (1965) 4.55 The Chase Celebrity Special.

6am Paralympics: Live. 7.30 Paralympics: Breakfast. 9.0 Paralympics: Live. 10.30 Paralympics: Live. 12.0 Paralympics: Live. 2.30 The Simpsons. 3.0 Live W Series Motor Racing – Belgium. 4.20 Guy Martin’s World Speed Records. 4.50 News. 5.0 Paralympics: Today In Tokyo.

6am Milkshake! 9.55 SpongeBob SquarePants. 10.10 SpongeBob SquarePants. 10.25 Entertainment News On 5. 10.30 Friends. 11.0 Friends. 11.30 Friends. 12.0 Friends.

12.30 Friends. 1.0 FILM: Monster-inLaw (2005) 3.05 FILM: Clueless (1995) 5.15 Cruising India With Jane McDonald.

6.0 ITV News; Weather (S) 6.15 ITV News London (S) 6.30 Rolling In It With

6.0 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying Highlights

6pm

6.20 FILM: Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves (1991)

An outlawed English nobleman recruits a group of bandits to fight for justice and 7pm protect the downtrodden.

Action adventure, with Kevin Costner, Alan Rickman and Morgan Freeman. (S)

Katherine Ryan, Jason Donovan and Ranj Singh. (S)

7.0 When The Spencers Met The Monarchy The impact of 7.30 The Void A special four

8.0 Dad’s Army The men use

8.30 Parkinson At 50

The talk show host looks back on his career with his son and 9pm producer Mike. (S)

9.30 Casualty Ffion is treated for a shoulder injury, only to discover something worse. (S)

6.55 5 News Weekend (S)

7.0 Cricket: Today At The Test England v India. (S) nations edition of the game show. (S)

8pm

Action from SpaFrancorchamps. (S)

The science behind the amazing abilities of eagles. (S) (R)

9.30 Parkinson: Billy Connolly And David Attenborough An edition of

all the medals from day four. (S)

8.30 The Cube For Soccer Aid Phillip Schofield hosts a special charity edition of the game show. (S)

New series. Historical artefacts from around the world, starting with ancient Greece. (S)

10.10 BBC News (S) 10.30 Match Of The Day Highlights of Manchester City v Arsenal and Liverpool v 11pm Chelsea. (S) 11.55 Stormzy @ Reading & Leeds 2021. 12.50 BBC News.

10.20 Parkinson: Hollywood Women With Bette Midler,

bond between the cousins. (S)

9.50 ITV News; Weather (S)

Archaeologists unearth the remains of the ancient civilisation. (S) (R)

10.10 FILM: Fast & Furious 6

10.0 The Last Leg Of Tokyo 2020 A comic review of the

Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman and Bette Davis. (S) (R) 11.05 Parkinson Meets Muhammad Ali. 11.50 FILM: Election (1999) 1.30 This Is BBC Two.

(2013) A gang of fugitives reunites to take down a criminal syndicate that is aided by a friend they thought was dead. Action thriller sequel, with Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson. (S)

Paralympic highlights. (S)

8.30pm The Cube, ITV

10.10pm Fast & Furious 6, ITV

9.45 When TV Goes Horribly Wrong Julian Clary narrates a compilation of disastrous moments at awards show, including autocue failures (and sabotage), wardrobe malfunctions and the infamous 1989 Brit awards.

(S) (R)

11.05 Paralympics: Live. 12.05 Paralympics: Live. 2.0 Paralympics: Live. 4.0 Paralympics: Live.

12.20 Shop: Ideal World. 3.0 FYI Extra.

3.15 Britain’s Brightest Celebrity Family. 3.40 ITV Nightscreen.

8.30pm Parkinson At 50, BBC1

8.30 Princess Alexandra: The Queen’s Confidante The

9.0 Lost Pyramids Of The Aztecs Part one of two.

Michael Parkinson’s chat show from 1998. (S) (R)

10pm

the marriage of Diana Spencer and Prince Charles. (S) (R)

8.0 Bettany Hughes’ Treasures Of The World

up all their ammunition shooting at a passing aircraft. (S) (R)

8.30 Super Powered Eagles

7.30 Paralympics: Gold Rush Clare Balding rounds up

9pm Lost Pyramids Aztecs, C4

12.40 Wonderful World Of Chocolate.

1.05 Casino. 3.0 Entertainment News On 5. 3.10 The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door. 4.0 Nick Knowles’ Big House Clearout. 4.50 Wildlife SOS. 5.15 Nick’s Quest. 5.40 Monkey’s Amazing Adventures. 5.45 Peppa Pig.

5.15pm Cruising India, C5

SATE LL ITE I D IG I TAL I C AB L E LI STI NGS W

ITV2

E4

ITVB E

E!

6pm The Boy In The Dress. 7.20 Outnumbered. 9.0 FILM: Captain Phillips (2013) Fact-based thriller. 11.50 Louis Theroux: Dark States – Trafficking Sex. 12.50am Louis Theroux: Twilight Of The Porn Stars.

1.40 Renovate My Home: Leave It To Bryan. 2.05 Renovate My Home: Leave It To Bryann. 3.0 Teleshopping.

5.55pm FILM: Sing (2016) 6.55 FILM: Coyote Ugly (2000) 9.0 Family Guy. 10.0 Buffering. 10.30 Family Guy. 11.30 American Dad! 11.55 American Dad! 12.25am The Stand Up Sketch Show. 1.25 Don’t Hate The Playaz 2.25 Iain Stirling’s CelebAbility.

3.05 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records. 3.30 Teleshopping.

5.35pm Big Bang Theory. 6.05 Big Bang Theory. 6.35 Big Bang Theory.

7.05 Big Bang Theory. 7.30 Big Bang Theory. 8.0 Big Bang Theory. 8.30 Big Bang Theory. 9.0 Celebrity Gogglebox.

10.0 Gogglebox. 12.05am First Dates.

2.15 Celebrity Gogglebox. 3.10 Gogglebox. 4.05 Supernanny USA. 4.55 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA.

6pm The Only Way Is Essex. 7.0 Dinner Date. 8.0 Celebrity Dinner Date. 9.0 Botched. A woman with four implants in her chest seeks help. 10.0 Ibiza Weekender. As a new series begins, a team of new reps are quickly led astray

by Callum and Tash. 11.0 Ibiza Weekender. 12midnight The Real Housewives Of Atlanta. 1.0 Shopping.

6pm Keeping Up With The Kardashians. 7.0 Keeping Up With The Kardashians. 8.0 FILM: Eat Pray Love (2010) 11.0 Temptation Island.

12midnight Temptation Island. 1.0 Hollywood Medium With Tyler Henry.

2.0 Teleshopping. 2.30 Teleshopping.

3.0 Total Divas. 4.0 Total Divas. 5.0 Teleshopping. 5.30 Teleshopping.

MTV

TLC

SKY SHOWCASE

SKY ATLANTIC

SKY DOCUMENTARIES

6pm Catfish: Surprised. 7.0 Catfish: The TV Show. 8.0 Inside Nandos. 9.00 True Life Crime. 12midnight Tattoo Disasters: What Were You Inking? 1.0 Tattoo Disasters: What Were You Inking? 2.0 Ridiculousness. 2.25 Ridiculousness. 2.50 Ridiculousness.

3.15 Ridiculousness. 3.40 Ridiculousness. 4.0 Teleshopping.

6pm Say Yes To The Dress: Bridesmaids.

7.0 Say Yes To The Dress: America. 8.0 Dr Pimple Popper. 9.0 Embarrassing Bodies: Teen Special. 10.0 Hoarding: Buried Alive. 11.0 My Extreme Excess.

Skin 12midnight Dr Pimple Popper. 1.0 as 9pm. 2.0 as 10pm. 3.0 as 11pm. 4.0 Say Yes To The Dress: Lancashire. 5.0 Curvy Brides Boutique. Double bill.

6.15pm Belgian F1 GP: Qualifying Highlights. 8.0 A League Of Their Own. 9.0 FILM: Forrest Gump (1994) Oscar-winning comedy drama, starring Tom Hanks. 11.30 The 80s: Cinema’s Greatest Decade.

12.30am S.W.A.T. 1.30 The Force: North East. 2.30 Road Wars. 4.0 Send In The Dogs. 5.0 Send In The Dogs.

6.45pm The Sopranos 9.0 Game Of Thrones. Daenerys arrives in Slaver’s Bay looking to form an army. 10.05 Game Of Thrones. Arya encounters the Brotherhood Without Banners.

11.10 Game Of Thrones. 12.15am Game Of Thrones. 1.20 Game Of Thrones.

2.30 The Night Of. 4.0 Richard E Grant’s Hotel Secrets. Double bill.

4.50pm FILM: The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years (2016) 7.0 Wimbledon Kidnapping.

9.0 FILM: LFG (2021) 11.10 Wishful Drinking. 12.50am FILM: Say Her Name: The Life And Death Of Sandra Bland (2018) 2.50 My Icon: Pam Cookey. 3.0 FILM: 537 Votes (2020) 5.0 Expecting Amy.

Sunday 29 August BBC1 6am

6am Breakfast. 8.50 Match Of The Day. 10.15 Fern Britton Meets Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson. 11.15 Homes Under The Hammer. 12.15 Bargain Hunt. 1.0 BBC News. 1.15 Songs Of Praise. 1.50 Points Of View. 2.05 Escape To The Country. 2.50 Garden Rescue. 3.35 FILM: Beauty And The Beast (2017) 5.35 Serengeti II.

6pm

7pm

8pm

ITV

C4

6.15am The Super League Show. 7.0 Britain In Bloom. 7.30 Gardeners’ World. 8.30 Countryfile. 9.30 Beechgrove. 10.0 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites. 11.30 A Cook Abroad: Monica Galetti’s France. 12.30 My Million Pound Menu. 1.30 Albert Finney: Talking Pictures. 2.05 FILM: Murder On The Orient Express (1974) 4.05 FILM: Witness For The Prosecution (1957)

6am CITV. 8.25 ITV News. 8.30 Martin & Roman’s Weekend Best! 9.25 Love Your Cottage Garden Special. 10.25 The Masked Singer US. 11.20 Rolling In It. 12.20 ITV News; Weather. 12.30 MotoGP Live. 2.30 You’ve Been Framed! 3.0 Tipping Point: Lucky Stars. 4.0 Extreme E Live. 5.0 The Chase Celebrity Special.

6am Paralympics: Live. 7.30 Paralympics: Breakfast. 9.0 Paralympics: Live. 10.30 Paralympics: Live. 12.0 Paralympics: Live. 2.25 The Simpsons. 2.55 FILM: Congo (1995) 5.0 Paralympics: Today In Tokyo.

6am Milkshake! 9.55 SpongeBob SquarePants. 10.10 SpongeBob SquarePants. 10.20 Entertainment News On 5. 10.25 Friends. 10.50 Friends. 11.20 Friends. 11.50 Friends.

12.20 Friends. 12.45 Friends. 1.15 Friends. 1.45 FILM: Dumb And Dumber (1994) 3.55 FILM: The Mask (1994)

6.0 The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family Anne

6.0 ITV News; Weather (S) 6.20 ITV News London (S) 6.30 On Yer Bike For Soccer Aid Eight celebrities

6.0 News (S) 6.30 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix Highlights Steve

6.0 5 News Weekend (S) 6.05 Inside Legoland: A World Of Wonder Behind

Jones, Mark Webber and Billy Monger present action from the 12th round of the season from Spa-Francorchamps. (S)

the scenes at one of the UK’s most popular theme parks. (S) (R)

BBC2

6.35 BBC News (S) 6.50 BBC Regional News; Weather (S)

makes her play for the biggest prize in the kingdom. Last in the series. (S) (R)

7.0 Countryfile Sean Fletcher

7.0 Cricket: Today At The Test England v India. (S)

and Steve Brown are at the Manifold Valley Agricultural Show. (S)

8.0 Antiques Roadshow The team values decorative objects and rarities belonging to the public. (S) (R)

CLOSER PICKS

take part in a cycling challenge to raise money for Unicef. (S)

CHANNEL 5

7.0 All Creatures Great And Small James’s workload doubles when Siegfried takes ill during a harsh winter. (S) (R)

8.0 Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing New series. (S)

8.30 Chris And Meg’s

8.0 Vera New series.

8.0 Premier Inn: Britain’s Biggest Budget Hotel How

Return of the crime drama, starring Brenda Blethyn. (S)

the brand has become one of the UK’s biggest chains. (S) (R)

Wild Summer New series. A

9pm 9.0 Vigil New series. Crime

10pm

wildlife-watching trip. (S)

drama following a murder on a submarine, starring Suranne Jones. (S)

Featuring Bette Midler, Liza Minelli, Joan Collins and the Spice Girls. (S)

10.0 BBC News (S) 10.20 BBC Regional News; Weather (S) 10.30 Match Of The Day 2

10.0 Live At The Apollo Ed Byrne hosts, with Angela Barnes and Geoff Norcott. (S) (R) 10.45 Pose Blanca discovers an HIV clinical trial is denying access to people of colour. (S)

The day’s Premier League 11pm action. (S) 11.35 Liam Gallagher @ Reading & Leeds 2021. 12.25 FILM: Papadopoulos & Sons (2012) 2.15 BBC News.

9.0 Celebrity SAS: Who

9.0 When Ruby Wax Met

11.35 Pose. 12.15 Sign Zone: The House That £100K Built. 1.15 Sign Zone: Holby City. 1.55 This Is BBC Two.

Dares Wins New series. Ulrika Jonsson and Kerry Katona are among the latest celebrity recruits. (S)

10.0 It’s Clarkson On TV Jeremy Clarkson takes a look at the highs and lows of the small screen. (S) 10.35 ITV News; Weather (S)

10.0 The Last Leg Of Tokyo 2020 A comic review of the Paralympic highlights in Tokyo.

(S)

10.55 Undercover Big Boss The managing director of Euro Foods goes undercover at his own company. (S) (R)

11.05 Paralympics: Today In Tokyo.

12.05 Paralympics: Live. 1.05 Paralympics: Live. 3.30 Paralympics: Live.

11.55 Judi Dench’s Wild Borneo Adventure. 12.45 Shop. 3.0 FYI Extra.

3.15 Motorsport UK. 4.05 ITV Nightscreen. 5.05 Tipping Point.

9pm Vigil, BBC1

8.00pm Gone Fishing, BBC2

8.30pm Wild Summer, BBC2

6.30pm On Yer Bike, ITV

9.0 Rich House, Poor House A couple swap their council house for a million-pound home. (S)

10.0 FILM: Shirley Valentine

(1989) A housewife is freed from her humdrum existence on a Greek holiday.

Comedy, starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti. (S)

12.15 Benidorm: Brits On The Pull. 1.10 Casino. 3.10 The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door. 4.0 Casualty 24/7: Every Second Counts. 4.50 Wildlife SOS. 5.15 Nick’s Quest. 5.40 Milkshake!

Monkey’s Amazing Adventures. 5.45 Peppa Pig. 5.55 Peppa Pig.

8pm Vera, ITV

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ITV2

E4

ITVB E

E!

6pm Outnumbered. 7.0 Extreme Food Phobics. 8.0 Inside The Ambulance.

9.0 Louis Theroux: Dark States – Trafficking Sex. 10.0 Louis Theroux: Twilight Of The Porn Stars. 11.0 Killer Women With Piers Morgan.

12midnight One Born Every Minute.

1.0 Renovate My Home: Leave It To Bryan. 3.0 Teleshopping.

5.50pm FILM: The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists! (2012) 6.35 FILM: Snow White & The Huntsman (2012) 9.0 Family Guy. Four back-to-back episodes.

11.25 American Dad! 12.20am Plebs.

1.25 Superstore. 2.20 Iain Stirling’s CelebAbility. 3.0 FYI Extra. 3.15 ITV2 Nightscreen. 3.30 Teleshopping.

5.50pm Wipeout USA. 6.45 Lego Masters Australia. 8.0 The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer. 9.0 FILM: Taken 3 (2014) Action thriller sequel. 11.15 Gogglebox. 12.20am Naked Attraction. 1.25 The Big Bang Theory.

1.55 The Big Bang Theory. 2.25 Wipeout USA. 3.15 Hollyoaks Omnibus.

6pm Ferne McCann: First Time Mum. 7.0 Dinner Date. 8.0 Celebrity Dinner Date. 9.0 Botched. 10.0 The Real Housewives Of Atlanta. A shocking revelation leaves the ladies speechless.

10.55 Atlanta Plastic. A Michael Jackson impersonator seeks a nose job. 11.55 Vanderpump Rules. 12.50am ITVBe Nightscreen. 1.0 Teleshopping.

6pm Keeping Up With The Kardashians. 8.0 Dating: No Filter.

8.30 We Got Love Teyana & Iman. 9.30 Meet The Frasers. 10.0 True Hollywood Story. 11.0 Flip It Like Disick.

12midnight Botched By Nature. 1.0 We Got Love Teyana & Iman. 1.30 Dating: No Filter. 2.0 Teleshopping.

3.0 Total Divas. 5.0 Teleshopping.

MTV

TLC

SKY SHOWCASE

SKY ATLANTIC

6pm Catfish: The TV Show. 7.0 MTV Cribs. 7.30 MTV’s Living The Dream.

8.0 MTV Cribs: Ultimate Party Pads.

9.0 Geordie OGs. Holly turns to the spiritual world for wedding answers.

10.0 Catfish: The TV Show. 11.0 True Life Crime. 12midnight Jersey Shore Family Vacation. 1.0 16 And Pregnant.

2.0 Ridiculousness. 4.0 Teleshopping.

6pm Doubling Down With The Derricos. 7.0 Say Yes To The Dress: Lancashire. 8.0 Seeking Sister Wife.

9.0 Dr Pimple Popper. 10.0 My Feet Are Killing Me. 11.0 Life After Lockup.

12midnight Seeking Sister Wife. 1.0 Dr Pimple Popper. 2.0 My Feet Are Killing Me. 3.0 Life After Lockup. 4.0 Say Yes To The Dress: UK. Four episodes.

6pm Belgian F1 GP Highlights. 7.0 The Simpsons. 7.30 The Simpsons. 8.0 MacGyver. 9.0 S.W.A.T. 10.0 Karl Pilkington: The Moaning Of Life. 11.0 Prodigal Son. 12midnight NCIS: Los Angeles. 1.0 The Force: Manchester.

2.0 Road Wars. 3.0 Road Wars. 4.0 Highway Cops. 4.30 Highway Cops.

5.0 Highway Cops. 5.30 Highway Cops.

6.45pm The Sopranos. 7.50 The Sopranos. 9.0 Britannia. Return of the historical drama. Cait considers her next move. 10.0 The White Lotus.

Mark reconnects with Quinn. 11.10 In Treatment. 11.45 In Treatment. 12.15am FILM: All The Way (2016) 2.45 Oz. 4.0 Richard E Grant’s Hotel Secrets.

5.0 Richard E Grant’s Hotel Secrets.

SKY DOCUMENTARIES 5.20pm Jealous Guy: The Assassination Of John Lennon. 7.10 I Am Patrick Swayze. 9.0 Framing Britney Spears. The legal battle surrounding the superstar’s conservatorship. 10.30 The Story Of Late Night. 11.30 City Of Queens.

1.15am Dan Carter: A Perfect 10. 3.0 The Directors. 3.50 Expecting Amy.

Monday 30 August BBC1 6am

6pm

6.15am Homes Under The Hammer.

7.15 Animal Park. 8.0 Sign Zone: Fake Or Fortune? 9.0 BBC News At 9. 10.0 BBC News. 1.0 Hairy Bikers’ Best Of British. 1.45 Hitchcock’s Leading Actors: Talking Pictures. 2.20 FILM: The 39 Steps (1935) 3.40 FILM: To Catch A Thief (1955) 5.25 Flog It!

6.0 Wallace & Gromit: A Matter Of Loaf And Death

6.0 Richard Osman’s House Of Games Game show. (S) 6.30 The Farmers’ Country Showdown Farmers head to a

The duo open a bakery. (S) (R)

6.30 BBC News (S) 6.45 BBC Regional News (S)

7pm

7.0 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Celebrating 70 Years A celebration of 70 years of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (S)

8pm

8.10 EastEnders Gray’s finances become a big problem. (S) 8.30 Ghosts Alison invites Lucy to stay, but begins to worry about her real motivations. (S)

10pm

10.35 Ladhood Liam’s best friend tells him that he does 11pm not want to be his best man. (S) 11.0 Shop Well For Less? 12.05 BBC News.

6am Good Morning Britain. 9.0 Lorraine. 10.0 This Morning. 12.30 Loose Women. 1.45 ITV Lunchtime News. 1.50 ITV News London. 1.55 FILM: Mr Bean’s Holiday (2007) 3.35 Tenable. 4.35 Tipping Point. 5.35 The Chase.

6am Paralympics: Live. 7.30 Paralympics: Breakfast. 9.0 Paralympics: Live. 10.30 Paralympics: Live. 11.55 Channel 4 News Summary.

12.0 Paralympics: Live. 2.10 Countdown. 3.0 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. 4.0 A Place In The Sun. 5.0 Paralympics: Today In Tokyo.

6am Milkshake! 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door.

12.15 5 News At Lunchtime. 12.20 Traffic Cops. 1.15 Home And Away.

1.45 Neighbours. 2.15 FILM: My Neighbour’s Deadly Obsession (2017) 4.0 Bargain Brits In The Sun. 5.0 Bargain Brits In The Sun.

6.0 The Simpsons Mr Burns

6.0 Neighbours. (S) (R) 6.30 Home And Away

7.0 River Walks: The Dove, The Soar And The Trent

struggling. (S)

Sindhu Vee takes a stroll along the three rivers. (S) 7.30 Mastermind Subjects include Beyoncé’s music. (S)

7.0 Emmerdale Tracy is really 7.30 Coronation Street Nina stages a reconstruction of the day that she and Seb were attacked. (S)

8.0 Only Connect The Godyns take on the Data Wizards. (S)

8.0 James Martin’s Islands To Highlands A trip aboard

8.30 University Challenge

8.30 Coronation Street Kelly

Exeter takes on Manchester. (S)

and Corey get their stories ready for court. (S) 9.0 Stephen New series.

Fact-based drama, starring Sharlene Whyte and Hugh Quarshie. (S)

stories of 13 people caught up in the events of September 11, 2001. (S)

the Royal Scotsman. (S)

10.0 ITV News (S) 10.20 FILM: Rush Hour 2

10.30 FILM: On The Basis Of Sex (2018) Premiere.

Biopic of lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg, showing how she fought for equal rights.

Felicity Jones stars. (S)

12.25 Secrets Of The Museum. 1.25 Sign Zone: Countryfile. 2.20 Sign Zone: Jay’s Yorkshire Workshop. 3.20 Sign Zone: Weatherman Walking: The Welsh Coast. 3.50 This Is BBC Two.

9pm Vigil, BBC1

CHANNEL 5

Moseley Farmers’ Market. (S)

10.0 BBC News At Ten (S) 10.25 BBC Regional News; Weather (S)

C4

6.30 ITV Evening News (S) 6.50 ITV News London (S)

9pm 9.0 Vigil Amy suspects her 9.0 Surviving 9/11 The investigation has been deliberately obstructed. (S)

ITV

BBC2

6am Breakfast. 9.15 Morning Live. 10.0 Homes Under The Hammer. 11.0 Wanted Down Under Revisited. 11.45 Caught Red Handed. 12.15 Bargain Hunt. 1.0 BBC News At One; Weather.

1.20 BBC Regional News; Weather.

1.30 Privates. 2.15 Impossible. 3.0 Escape To The Country. 3.45 Saved And Remade. 4.30 The Bidding Room.

5.15 Pointless.

9pm Surviving 9/11, BBC1

CLOSER PICKS

(2001) The two mismatched detectives travel to Hong Kong to investigate a bombing at the US embassy, and take on Triad gangsters.

Action comedy sequel, with Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. (S)

tries to improve his public image. (S) (R) 6.30 Hollyoaks Luke gets into a dangerous situation. (S) (R)

7.0 News (S) 7.30 Paralympics: Gold Rush Clare Balding brings all

6.55 5 News Update (S) 7.0 Traffic Cops Dan and Nick tail three suspected drug dealers into a car park. (S) (R)

the ParalympicsGB medal chances from day six. (S)

8.0 Food Unwrapped The

origins of Scotch eggs. (S) 8.30 Secret Spenders A man from Southampton whose loves expensive collectibles. (S)

9.0 999: On The Front Line New series. A delivery driver is the victim of a carjacking and ends up being dragged along the road. (S)

8.0 Police Interceptors A dangerous driver leads the team on a white-knuckle ride across Nottinghamshire. (S) 9.0 Call The Bailiffs: Time To Pay Up Sherry and Alex try to serve a High-Court writ to a delivery driver. (S)

10.0 The Last Leg Of Tokyo 2020 A comic review of the

10.0 Casualty 24/7: Every Second Counts Dr Nick Mani

Paralympic highlights in Tokyo.

treats a nine-month-old boy who has a very high temperature. (S) (R)

(S)

11.05 Paralympics: Today In Tokyo.

12.05 Paralympics: Live. 1.05 Paralympics: Live. 3.30 Paralympics: Live.

11.55 All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite.

12.45 Shop: Ideal World. 3.0 FYI Extra.

3.15 Lingo. 4.05 ITV Nightscreen. 5.05 Tipping Point.

8pm Food Unwrapped, C4

9pm Stephen, ITV

Emmett has accepted a job opportunity in New York. (S) (R)

11.0 Red Shoe Diaries. 11.35 Red Shoe Diaries. 12.15 Good Girls’ Guide To Kinky Sex. 1.10 Casino Show. 3.10 The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door. 4.0 Cruising With Jane McDonald. 4.45 Wildlife SOS. 5.10 House Doctor. 5.35 Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! 5.50 Fireman Sam.

9pm Married At First Sight UK, E4

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ITV2

6pm Inside The Ambulance: Coast And Country. 7.0 MasterChef Australia. 8.0 Inside The Ambulance: Coast And Country. 9.0 Extreme Food Phobics. 10.0 Should I Go Under The Knife? 11.0 Children’s Ward. 11.40 Inside The Ambulance. 12.40am Inside The Ambulance. 1.40 Renovate My Home: Leave It To Bryan. 3.0 Shopping.

5.10pm FILM: Nanny McPhee And The Big Bang (2010) 6.10 FILM: Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016) 9.0 Family Guy. 11.25 American Dad! 11.55 American Dad! 12.25am FILM: The Change-Up (2011) 2.35 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records. 3.05 FYI Extra. 3.20 ITV2 Nightscreen. 3.30 Teleshopping.

E4 6pm The Big Bang Theory. 7.0 Hollyoaks. 7.30 Young Sheldon. 8.0 9.0 Below Deck: Mediterranean.

Married At First Sight UK. 10.30 One Night Stand? 11.0 Naked Attraction.

12.05am Gogglebox. 1.10 Harley Quinn. 1.40 Married At First Sight UK. 3.05 One Night Stand? 3.30 Harley Quinn. 3.55 How I Met Your Mother.

ITVB E

E!

6pm The Big Bake. 7.0 Buying And Selling. 8.0 Dinner Date. Sarah-Jane from London looks for love. 9.0 Botched. 10.0 Botched: Most Outrageous Before And After. 10.30 Love Island USA. The Islanders arrive at the Hawaiian Villa. 11.50 The Only Way Is Essex. 12.35am FYI Extra. 12.50 Nightscreen. 1.0 Shopping.

6pm Hollywood Medium With Tyler Henry. 7.0 Keeping Up With The Kardashians. 9.0 Meet The Frasers.

9.30 Dating: No Filter. 10.0 DR. 90210.

11.0 We Got Love Teyana & Iman. 11.30 Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

12midnight Botched. 1.0 Kourtney And Khloe Take The Hamptons.

2.0 Teleshopping. 3.0 Total Divas.

MTV

TLC

SKY SHOWCASE

SKY ATLANTIC

SKY DOCUMENTARIES

6pm Catfish: The TV Show. 7.0 The Hills: New Beginnings. 8.0 MTV Cribs.

8.30 MTV Cribs. 9.0 Catfish: The TV Show. 10.0 The Challenge: Spies, Lies & Allies. 11.30 Ridiculousness.

12midnight Ridiculousness. 12.30 Ridiculousness. 1.0 RuPaul’s Drag Race.

2.25 RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked!

2.50 Teen Cribs. 4.0 Teleshopping.

6pm Say Yes To The Dress. 7.0 Little People, Big World. 8.0 Doubling Down.

9.0 Say Yes To The Dress: Lancashire.

10.0 Dr Pimple Popper. 11.0 Seeking Sister Wife. 12midnight Doubling Down.

1.0 Say Yes To The Dress: Lancashire.

2.0 Dr Pimple Popper. 3.0 Seeking Sister Wife. 4.0 Say Yes To The Dress.

5.0 Say Yes To The Dress: Lancashire.

4.30pm FILM: Ender’s Game (2013) 6.35 The Simpsons. 7.0 The Simpsons. 7.30 The Simpsons. 8.0 FILM: Jurassic Park (1993) 10.20 A League Of Their Own. 11.20 Manifest. 12.20am The Force: Manchester. 1.15 Road Wars. 2.10 Road Wars. 3.05 Caribbean Cops. 4.0 Highway Patrol. 5.0 Send In The Dogs.

5.45pm The Sopranos. 7.55 Game Of Thrones. 9.0 The White Lotus. Mark processes revelations about his dad.

10.10 In Treatment. 10.40 In Treatment. Brooke struggles to find truth in what Colin has shared. 11.15 Dexter. 1.25am True Blood. 3.35 Californication. 4.10 Fish Town. 5.0 Richard E Grant’s Hotel Secrets.

6pm Too Young To Die. 7.0 The Seventies. 8.0 The History Of Comedy.

9.0 Escobar By Escobar. Last in the series. 10.0 Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind. 12midnight Richard Pryor: Omit The Logic. 1.40 Nixon By Nixon: In His Own Words. 3.10 The Directors. 4.0 Discovering: Frank Sinatra. 5.0 The British.

Tuesday 31 August BBC1 6am

6pm

BBC2

ITV

C4

CHANNEL 5

6am Breakfast. 9.15 Morning Live. 10.0 Homes Under The Hammer. 11.0 Wanted Down Under Revisited. 11.45 Caught Red Handed. 12.15 Bargain Hunt. 1.0 BBC News At One; Weather.

1.30 BBC Regional News; Weather.

1.45 Privates. 2.30 Impossible. 3.15 Greatest Escapes To The Country.

3.45 Saved And Remade. 4.30 The Bidding Room. 5.15 Pointless.

6.30am Bargain Hunt. 7.15 Saved And Remade. 8.0 Sign Zone: Weatherman Walking: The Welsh Coast. 8.30 Sign Zone: Keeping Up With The Maileys – Our Lives. 9.0 BBC News At 9. 10.0 BBC News. 1.0 Eggheads. 1.30 The House That £100K Built. 2.30 FILM: Suspicion (1941) 4.05 Alfred Hitchcock: Talking Pictures. 4.45 Rick Stein’s Seafood Lovers’ Guide. 5.15 Flog It!

6am Good Morning Britain. 9.0 Lorraine. 10.0 This Morning. 12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News. 1.55 ITV News London. 2.0 Judge Rinder. 3.0 Tenable. 4.0 Tipping Point. 5.0 The Chase.

6am Paralympics: Live. 7.30 Paralympics: Breakfast. 9.0 Paralympics: Live. 10.30 Paralympics: Live. 11.55 Channel 4 News Summary.

12.0 Paralympics: Live. 2.10 Countdown. 3.0 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. 4.0 A Place In The Sun. 5.0 Paralympics: Today In Tokyo.

6am Milkshake! 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door.

12.15 5 News At Lunchtime. 12.20 Traffic Cops. 1.15 Home And Away.

1.45 Neighbours. 2.15 FILM: Stalked: Julie’s Story (2019) 4.0 Bargain Brits In The Sun. 5.0 5 News At 5. 5.30 Neighbours.

6.0 BBC News At Six; Weather (S) 6.30 BBC Regional News;

6.0 Richard Osman’s House Of Games Quiz show. (S) 6.30 The Farmers’ Country Showdown A family take their

6.0 ITV News London (S) 6.30 ITV Evening News (S)

6.0 The Simpsons With the

6.0 Home And Away Martha hides her true feelings about Kieran from Roo. (S) (R)

Weather (S)

Perthshire honey to market. (S)

7pm

CLOSER PICKS

7.0 The One Show Presented

by Jermaine Jenas. (S) 7.30 EastEnders Suki tries to make amends for hurting Ash. (S)

7.0 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip Hollyoaks stars Will Mellor

voice of Stephen Hawking. (S) (R) 6.30 Hollyoaks Cindy talks to Lydia about Luke’s condition.

6.30 5 News Tonight (S)

(S) (R)

7.0 Emmerdale Meena plots her revenge. (S)

and Nick Pickard hunt for bargains in north west England. (S) (R)

7.0 News (S) 7.30 Paralympics: Gold Rush Clare Balding reviews the best medal moments from day seven. (S)

7.0 GPs: Behind Closed Doors A patient comes into the surgery needing a steroid injection for her chronic knee pain. (S)

7.50 Holby City Hanssen

8pm

trawls the CCTV for a potential threat. (S)

8.30 9/11: Inside The President’s War Room How George W Bush and his staff dealt with the September 11 9pm attack. (S)

8.0 Saving Lives At Sea A team of RNLI lifeguards battle to save a mother and her son who are caught in a rip current. (S)

9.0 Alex Brooker: Disability And Me The Last Leg presenter confronts what disability really means in Britain today. (S) (R)

10pm

10.0 BBC News At Ten (S) 10.25 BBC Regional News; Weather (S)

10.35 Back To Life New

10.0 QI With guest panellists Jimmy Carr, Gyles Brandreth and Sally Phillips. (S) (R)

10.30 Newsnight (S)

series. Miri faces new when a figure from 11pm challenges her past returns to town. (S) 11.05 Models: Street To Catwalk. 11.35 Have I Got A Bit More 2020 News For You. 12.25 BBC News.

8.30pm Inside The War Room, BBC1

8.0 Love Your Garden Alan Titchmarsh and the team transform a deserving young family’s garden in the Midlands. (S)

8.0 The Secret Life Of The Zoo The keepers struggle to

9.0 Long Lost Family A

9.0 24 Hours In A&E A five-

9.0 Sex & Power: Tabloids

retired merchant seamen searches for the daughter he has not seen in 60 years. (S)

year-old is rushed in after being hit by a car. (S)

New series. Exploring the world of tabloid journalism. (S)

10.0 ITV News (S) 10.30 ITV News London (S) 10.45 Heathrow: Britain’s Busiest Airport Heathrow

10.0 The Last Leg Of Tokyo 2020 A comic review of the

10.0 999: Critical Condition

take a blood sample from the crocodiles. (S)

Paralympic highlights. (S)

8.0 A Country Life For Half The Price With Kate Humble A couple in Devon want to realise their dream of living in a big country house. (S)

A man suffers his second heart attack in two weeks. (S) (R)

readies itself for a flurry of passengers. (S) (R)

11.15 Jay’s Yorkshire Workshop. 12.15 Sign Zone: Ambulance. 1.15 Sign Zone: The House That £100K Built. 2.15 Sign Zone: Wanted: A Simple Life. 3.0 This Is BBC Two.

10.35pm Back To Life, BBC1

11.10 The Chasers Road Trip: Trains, Brains And Automobiles. 12.10 The Motorbike Show. 12.55 Shop: Ideal World. 3.0 FYI Extra. 3.15 ITV Nightscreen. 5.05 Tipping Point.

9pm Long Lost Family, ITV

11.05 Paralympics: Today In Tokyo.

12.05 Paralympics: Live. 1.05 Paralympics: Live. 3.30 Paralympics: Live.

8pm Secret Life Of The Zoo, C4

11.0 Red Shoe Diaries. 11.35 Red Shoe Diaries. 12.10 Adults Only: Threesomes Are More Fun. 1.10 The 21.co.uk Live Casino Show. 3.15 The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door. 4.0 Cruising With Jane McDonald. 4.45 Wildlife SOS. 5.10 House Doctor. 5.35 Thomas & Friends. 5.50 Fireman Sam.

9pm Married At First Sight UK, E4

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ITV2

E4

ITVB E

E!

6pm Property Brothers: Forever Homes. 7.0 MasterChef Australia. 8.0 Children’s Ward. 8.40 DIY SOS: The Big Build. 10.0 Emma Willis: Delivering Babies In 2020. 11.0 One Born Every Minute. 12midnight One Born Every Minute. 1.0 Dr Christian Will See You Now. 2.0 Renovate My Home: Leave It To Bryan. 3.0 Teleshopping.

6pm Celebrity Catchphrase. 7.0 Superstore. 8.0 Bob’s Burgers. 8.30 Bob’s Burgers. 9.0 Family Guy. 10.0 Plebs. 10.30 Plebs. 11.0 Family Guy. 11.30 American Dad! 12midnight American Dad! 12.30 Bob’s Burgers.

1.30 Superstore. 2.20 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records. 3.15 FYI Extra. 3.30 Teleshopping.

6pm The Big Bang Theory. 7.0 Hollyoaks. 7.30 Young Sheldon. 8.0 9.0 Below Deck: Mediterranean.

Married At First Sight UK. 10.0 Kinky Daters. 11.05 Naked Attraction.

12.05am Gogglebox. 1.10 Married At First Sight UK. 2.10 First Dates. 3.05 The Big Bang Theory. 3.55 Brooklyn Nine-Nine. 4.20 How I Met Your Mother.

6pm Masters Of Flip. 7.0 Buying And Selling. 8.0 Dinner Date. 9.0 Ferne McCann: First Time Mum. Worried she is losing touch with her friends, Fern plans to meet Sophie at the park. 10.0 The Real Housewives Of Atlanta. A revelation leaves the ladies speechless.

11.0 Love Island USA. 11.55 The Only Way Is Marbs. 1am Teleshopping.

6pm Hollywood Medium With Tyler Henry. 7.0 Keeping Up With The Kardashians. 8.0 Keeping Up With The Kardashians. 9.0 E! True Hollywood Story. 10.0 We Got Love Teyana & Iman.

10.30 Nightly Pop. 11.0 Botched By Nature. 12midnight Botched. 1.0 Kourtney And Khloe Take The Hamptons. 2.0 Teleshopping.

MTV

TLC

SKY SHOWCASE

SKY ATLANTIC

SKY DOCUMENTARIES

6pm Catfish: The TV Show. 7.0 The Hills: New Beginnings. 8.0 It’s Your Fault I’m Fat. 9.0 MTV Cribs. 9.30 MTV Cribs. 10.0 Geordie OGs. 11.0 Tattoo Disasters UK. 12midnight Ridiculousness. 12.30 Ridiculousness.

1.0 RuPaul’s Drag Race. 2.25 RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked! 2.50 Teen Cribs.

Triple bill. 4.0 Teleshopping.

6pm Say Yes To The Dress. 7.0 Say Yes To The Dress: Lancashire. 8.0 SMothered.

9.0 Long Island Medium. 10.0 Toddlers & Tiaras: Where Are They Now? 11.0 Dr Pimple Popper. 12midnight SMothered.

1.0 Long Island Medium. 2.0 Toddlers & Tiaras: Where Are They Now? 3.0 Dr Pimple Popper. 4.0 Say Yes To The Dress.

5.0 Say Yes To The Dress: Lancashire.

6pm Futurama. 6.30 The Simpsons.

7.0 The Simpsons. 7.30 The Simpsons.

8.0 Football’s Funniest Moments. 10.0 Karl Pilkington: The Moaning Of Life.

11.0 Prodigal Son. 12midnight MacGyver. 1.0 DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow. 2.0 The Force: Manchester.

3.0 Caribbean Cops. 4.0 Highway Patrol. Double bill. 5.0 Magnum P.I.

5.45pm The Sopranos. 6.50 The Sopranos. 7.55 Game Of Thrones. 9.0 Britannia. Period drama. 10.0 Dexter.

Doakes continues to hound Carlos Guerrero. 11.05 Dexter. 12.10am Dexter. 1.15 True Blood. 2.20 True Blood. 3.25 Californication. 4.0 Richard E Grant’s Hotel Secrets. 5.0 Richard E Grant’s Hotel Secrets.

6pm Too Young To Die. 7.0 The Seventies. 8.0 The History Of Comedy.

9.0 FILM: Audrey (2020) 11.0 FILM: Stockton On My Mind (2020) 12.45am FILM: Bully. Coward.

Victim. The Story Of Roy Cohn (2019) 2.40 My Icon: Sophie Cook. 3.0 The Directors. 4.0 Discovering: Elizabeth Taylor. 5.0 The British.

Wednesday 1 September BBC1 6am

6pm

C4

CHANNEL 5

6.30am Bargain Hunt: Food And Drink Special. 7.15 Saved And Remade. 8.0 Sign Zone: See Hear. 8.30 Sign Zone: Beechgrove. 9.0 BBC News At 9. 10.0 BBC News. 1.0 The Super League Show. 1.45 Eggheads. 2.15 Paul Martin’s Handmade Revolution. 3.0 Make Me A Dealer. 3.45 Rick Stein’s Seafood Lovers’ Guide. 4.15 The Animal’s Guide To Britain. 5.15 Flog It!

6am Good Morning Britain. 9.0 Lorraine. 10.0 This Morning. 12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News. 1.55 ITV News London. 2.0 Judge Rinder. 3.0 Tenable For Soccer Aid. 4.0 Tipping Point. 5.0 The Chase.

6am Paralympics: Live. 7.30 Paralympics: Breakfast. 9.0 Paralympics: Live. 10.30 Paralympics: Live. 11.55 Channel 4 News Summary.

12.0 Paralympics: Live. 2.10 Countdown. 3.0 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. 4.0 A Place In The Sun. 5.0 Paralympics: Today In Tokyo.

6am Milkshake! 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door.

12.15 5 News At Lunchtime. 12.20 Traffic Cops. 1.15 Home And Away.

1.45 Neighbours. 2.15 FILM: A Daughter’s Deception (2019) 4.0 Bargain Brits In The Sun. 5.0 5 News At 5. 5.30 Neighbours.

6.0 BBC News At Six; Weather (S) 6.30 BBC Regional News;

6.0 Live T20 Cricket England

6.0 ITV News London (S) 6.30 ITV Evening News (S)

6.0 The Simpsons The family

6.0 Home And Away One of Jasmine’s seizures almost lands Kieran in hot water. (S) (R)

7.0 The One Show Hosted by

Women v New Zealand Women. Isa Guha presents coverage of the first match in the three-game series, held at Essex County Ground in Chelmsford. (S)

Jermaine Jenas. (S)

7.30 Lambing Life – Our Lives The challenges facing Derbyshire sheep farmer Chloe Hallam during lambing season.

8pm

ITV

6am Breakfast. 9.15 Morning Live. 10.0 Homes Under The Hammer. 11.0 Wanted Down Under Revisited. 11.45 Caught Red Handed. 12.15 Bargain Hunt. 1.0 BBC News At One; Weather.

1.30 BBC Regional News; Weather.

1.45 Privates. 2.30 Impossible. 3.15 Greatest Escapes To The Country.

3.45 Saved And Remade. 4.30 The Bidding Room. 5.15 Pointless.

Weather (S)

7pm

BBC2

CLOSER PICKS

7.0 Emmerdale Matty confronts Ryan. (S)

is stranded in Japan. (S) (R) 6.30 Hollyoaks Tony comes clean to Darren about The Hutch’s financial issues. (S) (R)

7.30 Coronation Street Kelly

7.0 News (S) 7.30 Paralympics: Gold Rush Clare Balding rounds up

and Corey’s murder trial begins. (S)

the medals from day eight of the Tokyo Paralympics. (S)

7.0 Adrian Dunbar’s Coastal Ireland The actor visits Malin

8.0 Heathrow: Britain’s Busiest Airport Following a

8.0 Changing Rooms The teams help two neighbours in Leeds transform each other’s rooms. (S)

8.0 Coastal Devon & Cornwall With Michael Portillo The presenter

9.0 Grand Designs New series. A couple building a home-cum-work of art in south Devon. (S)

9.0 Sex & Power: Tabloids

10.0 The Last Leg Of Tokyo 2020 A comic review of the

10.0 A&E After Dark A suspected drug user passes out at reception. (S) (R)

Head, the Giant’s Causeway and the Mourne Mountains. (S) (R)

(S)

8.0 The Repair Shop Items include a wind-up panda and a reel-to-reel tape recorder. (S)

new member of the Passenger Experience Manager Team. (S)

8.30 Coronation Street (S)

9pm 9.0 Celebrity MasterChef

9.0 Lee Mack’s Road To Soccer Aid Following the

With Kem Cetinay, Kadeena Cox, Gavin Esler, Johannes Radebe and Michelle Collins. (S)

10pm

6.30 5 News Tonight (S)

10.0 BBC News At Ten (S) 10.25 BBC Regional News;

comedian’s bid to get match fit for this year’s Soccer Aid match. (S)

Weather (S)

10.0 Mock The Week With Ed Byrne, Rhys James, Laura Lexx and Glenn Moore. (S) (R)

10.35 Gossip Girl Zoya

10.30 Newsnight (S)

hesitantly explores a new 11pm romantic interest. (S) 11.30 Hayley Goes. 12.05 Ambulance.

1.10 BBC News.

8pm The Repair Shop, BBC1

10.0 ITV News (S) 10.30 ITV News London (S) 10.45 The Cube For Soccer Aid Phillip Schofield hosts a

Paralympic highlights in Tokyo.

explores the rugged North Cornish coast. (S) The experiences of people who have found themselves on the tabloid front pages. (S)

(S)

special charity edition of the game show. (S) (R) 11.15 FILM: Gloria Bell (2019) Premiere.

12.50 Sign Zone: See Hear. 1.20 Sign Zone: Secrets Of The Museum. 2.20 Sign Zone: Celebrity MasterChef. 3.20 This Is BBC Two.

9pm Lee Mack Soccer Aid, ITV

11.55 Junk And Disorderly. 12.45 Shop: Ideal World. 3.0 FYI Extra. 3.15 ITV Nightscreen. 5.05 Tipping Point.

9pm Married At First Sight UK, E4

11.05 Paralympics: Today In Tokyo.

12.05 Paralympics: Live. 1.05 Paralympics: Live. 3.30 Paralympics: Live.

9pm Georgia And Tommy, ITVBe

11.0 Red Shoe Diaries. 11.40 Red Shoe Diaries. 12.15 Adults Only: Sex Dolls Delight. 1.15 The 21.co.uk Live Casino Show. 3.15 The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door. 4.0 Cruising With Jane McDonald. 4.45 Wildlife SOS. 5.10 House Doctor. 5.35 Thomas & Friends.

5.50 Fireman Sam.

10pm Code 404, Sky Comedy

SATEL L ITE I D IG I TAL I C AB L E LI STI NGS W

ITV2

E4

ITVB E

E!

6pm Property Brothers: Forever Homes. 7.0 MasterChef Australia. 8.0 Extreme Food Phobics. 9.0 Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over. 10.0 Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over. 11.0 Inside The Ambulance. 12midnight Who Do You Think You Are? USA. 1.55 Renovate My Home: Leave It To Bryan. 2.20 Renovate My Home: Leave It To Bryan.

6pm Celebrity Catchphrase. 7.0 Superstore. 8.0 Bob’s Burgers. 9.0 Family Guy. 9.30 Family Guy. 10.0 Family Guy. 10.30 Family Guy. 10.55 Family Guy. 11.25 American Dad! 12.25am Buffering. 12.55 Bob’s Burgers. 1.50 Superstore. 2.40 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records.

3.05 FYI Extra. 3.20 ITV2 Nightscreen.

6pm Big Bang Theory. 7.0 Hollyoaks.

7.30 Young Sheldon. 8.0 Below Deck: 9.0 Married At First Mediterranean.

Sight UK. 10.10 World’s Greatest Weddings. 11.10 Naked Attraction.

12.10am Gogglebox. 1.15 Married At First Sight UK. 2.20 Watch What Happens Live. 3.10 Brooklyn NineNine. 3.35 How I Met Your Mother.

6pm Masters Of Flip. 7.0 Buying And Selling. 8.0 Dinner Date. Zoe from London looks for love.

9.0 Georgia And Tommy: Baby Steps. Following Tommy Mallet and Georgia Kousoulou on their journey towards parenthood.

10.0 Botched. 11.0 Love Island USA. 12midnight The Only Way Is Marbs.

1.0 Teleshopping.

6pm Hollywood Medium. 7.0 Keeping Up With The Kardashians. 8.0 Keeping Up With The Kardashians. 9.0 DR. 90210. 10.0 Botched By Nature. 11.0 Nightly Pop. 11.30 We Got Love Teyana & Iman. 12midnight Botched. 1.0 Kourtney And Khloe Take The Hamptons. 2.0 Teleshopping. 3.0 Big Rich Atlanta. 4.0 Total Divas.

MTV

TLC

SKY SHOWCASE

SKY ATLANTIC

SKY DOCUMENTARIES

6pm Catfish: The TV Show. 7.0 The Hills: New Beginnings. 8.0 16 And Pregnant. 9.0 Catfish: The TV Show.

10.0 True Life Crime. 11.0 Catfish UK. 12midnight Ridiculousness. 12.30 Ridiculousness. 1.0 RuPaul’s Drag Race.

2.25 RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked!

2.50 Teen Cribs. 3.15 Teen Cribs. 3.40 Teen Cribs. 4.0 Teleshopping.

6pm Say Yes To The Dress. 7.0 Life After Lockup. 8.0 Dr Pimple Popper.

9.0 I’m Addicted To Plastic Surgery.

10.0 I Love A Mama’s Boy. 11.0 Return To Amish. 12midnight Dr Pimple Popper. 1.0 I’m Addicted To Plastic Surgery. 2.0 I Love A Mama’s Boy. 3.0 Say Yes To The Dress: UK. 5.0 Say Yes To The Dress: Lancashire.

6pm The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. 6.30 The Simpsons. 7.0 The Simpsons. 7.30 The Simpsons. 8.0 DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow. 9.0 Prodigal Son. 10.0 Code 404. 10.30 Code 404. 11.0 A League Of Their Own. 12midnight FILM: 2 Guns (2013) 2.0 S.W.A.T. 3.0 Hawaii Five-0. 4.0 Magnum P.I. 5.0 Motorway Patrol. 5.30 Motorway Patrol.

5.45pm The Sopranos. 6.50 The Sopranos. 7.55 Game Of Thrones. 9.0 In Treatment. Brooke discusses her future with Adam. 9.30 In Treatment.

Brooke struggles to find truth in what Colin has shared. 10.05 Olive Kitteridge.

12.15am Dexter. 1.20 True Blood. 2.25 True Blood. 3.30 Californication. 4.05 Richard E Grant’s Hotel Secrets.

6pm Too Young To Die. 7.0 The Seventies. 8.0 The History Of Comedy.

9.0 FILM: LFG (2021) Documentary. 11.10 The Story Of Late Night. 12.10am FILM: I Am Bruce Lee (2011) 2.0 FILM: Enron: The Smartest Guys In The Room (2005) 4.0 Discovering: Marlon Brando. 5.0 The British.

Thursday 2 September BBC1 6am

6pm

BBC2

ITV

C4

CHANNEL 5 6am Milkshake! 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door.

12.15 5 News At Lunchtime. 12.20 Traffic Cops. 1.15 Home And Away.

1.45 Neighbours. 2.20 FILM: Vows Of Deceit (2018) 4.0 Bargain Brits In The Sun. 5.0 5 News At 5. 5.30 Neighbours.

6am Breakfast. 9.15 Morning Live. 10.0 Homes Under The Hammer. 11.0 Wanted Down Under Revisited. 11.45 Caught Red Handed. 12.15 Bargain Hunt. 1.0 BBC News At One; Weather.

1.30 BBC Regional News; Weather.

1.45 Privates. 2.30 Impossible. 3.15 Greatest Escapes To The Country.

3.45 Saved And Remade. 4.30 The Bidding Room. 5.15 Pointless.

6.30am Bargain Hunt. 7.15 Saved And Remade. 8.0 Sign Zone: Gardeners’ World. 9.0 BBC News At 9. 10.0 BBC News. 1.0 Letterbox. 1.30 Eggheads.

2.0 The House That £100K Built. 3.0 Make Me A Dealer. 3.45 Rick Stein’s Seafood Lovers’ Guide. 4.15 The Animal’s Guide To Britain. 5.15 Flog It!

6am Good Morning Britain. 9.0 Lorraine. 10.0 This Morning. 12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News. 1.55 ITV News London. 2.0 Judge Rinder. 3.0 Tenable. 4.0 Tipping Point For Soccer Aid. 5.0 The Chase.

6am Paralympics: Live. 7.30 Paralympics: Breakfast. 9.0 Paralympics: Live. 10.30 Paralympics: Live. 11.55 Channel 4 News Summary.

12.0 Paralympics: Live. 2.10 Countdown. 3.0 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. 4.0 A Place In The Sun. 5.0 Paralympics: Today In Tokyo.

6.0 BBC News At Six; Weather (S) 6.30 BBC Regional News;

6.0 Richard Osman’s House Of Games Quiz show. (S) 6.30 The Farmers’ Country Showdown Mike and grandson

6.0 ITV News London (S) 6.15 ITV Evening News (S) 6.45 Emmerdale Eddy tells

6.0 The Simpsons Homer is

6.0 Home And Away

cast as the lead in a superhero movie. (S) (R) 6.30 Hollyoaks Theresa needs consoling. (S) (R)

Christian’s and Tori’s plans for recommitting to each other clash. (S) (R)

7.0 News (S) 7.30 Paralympics: Gold Rush Clare Balding presents a

7.0 Secrets Of The Fast Food Giants Alexis Conran

Weather (S)

Ethan his diagnosis. (S)

Jan prepare for market. (S) (R)

7pm

7.0 The One Show Hosted by Ronan Keating. (S)

7.0 Cricket: Today At The Test England v India. (S)

7.35 EastEnders Mick is determined to keep Zack away from Nancy. (S)

8pm 8.0 Celebrity MasterChef The celebrities are tested on their knowledge of spice. (S)

9pm

10pm

CLOSER PICKS

9.0 Ambulance Paramedic Linda and mental health nurse Emma respond to patients in crisis. (S)

10.0 BBC News At Ten (S) 10.25 BBC Regional News;

v England (Kick-off 7.45pm).

Mark Pougatch presents all the action from the FIFA World Cup Group I qualifier at Puskas Arena in Budapest. (S)

(S)

8.0 The Pembrokeshire Coast: A Wild Year Twelve

8.0 Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back Joe is joined by guest

8.0 Nick Knowles’ Big House Clearout Nick is in the

months of life in south-west Wales. (S) (R)

Lorraine Kelly to take on dodgy puppy dealers. (S)

Cotswolds to save a single mum from her clutter-filled home. (S)

9.0 The Watch Wonse’s swap of Vimes with a version from a parallel world endangers Sybil. (S) 9.45 The Watch Carcer Dun’s apocalyptic plan is initiated.

Last in the series. (S)

9.0 Sixteen: Class Of 2021

9.0 Sex & Power: Disgraced

The students grow anxious about the national lockdown.

A look at the world of tabloid journalism. Last in the series. (S)

10.30 Newsnight (S)

10.35 Imagine – Bernardine Evaristo: Never Give Up

11.45 Parkinson At 50. 12.50 BBC News.

8pm Celebrity MasterChef, BBC1

turns his attention towards a fast-food favourite – burgers.

round-up of all the GB medals on day nine. (S)

Weather (S) Yentob explores the life 11pm Alan and work of author Bernardine Evaristo. (S)

7.15 World Cup Live Hungary

6.30 5 News Tonight (S)

(S)

10.0 ITV News (S) 10.30 ITV News London (S) 10.45 FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifier Highlights

10.0 The Last Leg Of Tokyo 2020 A comic review of the

10.0 Filthy House SOS Some of Britain’s filthiest homes. (S) (R)

Paralympic highlights in Tokyo.

(S)

Including Hungary v England. (S) 11.15 When Ruby Wax Met. 12.15 Sign Zone: Celebrity MasterChef. 1.15 Sign Zone: Celebrity MasterChef. 1.45 Sign Zone: Weatherman Walking: The Welsh Coast. 2.15 This Is BBC Two.

6pm House Of Games, BBC2

11.55 Lee Mack’s Road To Soccer Aid. 12.45 Shop: Ideal World. 3.0 FYI Extra.

3.15 Martin & Roman’s Weekend Best!

4.05 ITV Nightscreen. 5.05 Tipping Point For Soccer Aid.

8pm Joe Lycett’s Your Back, C4

11.05 Paralympics: Today In Tokyo.

12.05 Paralympics: Live. 1.05 Paralympics: Live. 3.30 Paralympics: Live.

8pm Big House Clearout, C5

11.0 Red Shoe Diaries. 11.40 Red Shoe Diaries. 12.15 Adults Only: Sex Dolls Gone Wild. 1.15 Casino Show. 3.15 The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door. 4.0 Cruising With Jane McDonald. 4.45 Wildlife SOS. 5.10 House Doctor. 5.35 Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! 5.50 Fireman Sam.

9pm Georgia And Tommy, ITVBe

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ITV2

E4

6pm Property Brothers: Forever Homes. 7.0 MasterChef Australia. 8.0 Inside The Ambulance. 9.0 Olly Alexander: Growing Up Gay. Mental health issues faced by members of the LGBT+ community. 10.20 Extreme Food Phobics. 11.20 999 Rescue Squad.

12.20am One Born Every Minute. 1.30 Renovate My Home: Leave It To Bryan.

6pm Celebrity Catchphrase. 7.0 Superstore. 7.30 Superstore. 8.0 Bob’s Burgers. 8.30 Bob’s Burgers. 9.0 Family Guy. 9.30 Family Guy. 10.0 Buffering. 10.30 Family Guy. 11.30 American Dad! 12.25am Bob’s Burgers. 1.25 Superstore. 2.15 The Stand Up Sketch Show. 3.05 FYI Extra.

3.20 Nightscreen. 3.30 Shopping.

6pm Big Bang Theory. 7.0 Hollyoaks.

7.30 Young Sheldon. 8.0 World’s 9.0 Married At Greatest Weddings.

First Sight UK. 10.0 Married At First Sight UK: Afters. 10.50 Naked Attraction. 11.50 Gogglebox. 12.55am Rick And Morty. 1.25 Robot Chicken.

1.55 as 9pm. 2.50 Watch What Happens Live. 3.40 Big Bang Theory.

ITVB E

E!

6pm Masters Of Flip. 7.0 Buying And 9.0 Selling. 8.0 Dinner Date.

Georgia And Tommy: Baby Steps.

Georgia and Tommy adapt to life as parents. 10.0 Vanderpump Rules.

Schwartz and Sandoval prepare for TomTom’s first Gay Pride celebration.

11.0 Love Island USA. 12.55am ITVBe Nightscreen. 1.0 Teleshopping.

6pm Hollywood Medium. 7.0 Keeping Up With The Kardashians. 8.0 Dating: No Filter. 8.30 We Got Love Teyana & Iman. 9.0 Flip It Like Disick. 10.0 Dating: No Filter. 10.30 Nightly Pop. 11.0 DR. 90210. 12midnight Botched.

1.0 Kourtney And Khloe Take The Hamptons. 2.0 Shopping. 3.0 Big Rich Atlanta. 4.0 Total Divas. 5.0 Shopping.

MTV

TLC

SKY SHOWCASE

SKY ATLANTIC

SKY DOCUMENTARIES

6pm Catfish: The TV Show. 7.0 MTV Cribs: Beautiful Beach Houses. 8.0 Catfish: The TV Show. 9.0 Geordie OGs. 10.0 Jersey Shore Family Vacation. 11.0 Families Of The Mafia.

12midnight Adorableness. 12.30 Deliciousness. 1.0 RuPaul’s Drag Race.

2.25 RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked!

2.50 Teen Cribs. 4.0 Teleshopping.

6pm Say Yes To The Dress. 7.0 Say Yes To The Dress: UK. 8.0 Embarrassing Fat Bodies. 9.0 My Extreme Excess Skin. 10.0 Dr Pimple Popper. 11.0 Embarrassing Bodies: Teen Special.

12midnight Embarrassing Fat Bodies.

1.0 as 9pm. 2.0 as 10pm. 3.0 as 11pm.

4.0 Say Yes To The Dress: UK. 5.0 Say Yes To The Dress: Lancashire.

6pm The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. 6.30 The Simpsons. 7.0 The Simpsons. 7.30 The Simpsons. 8.0 The Flash. 9.0 A League Of Their Own. 10.0 Bruno V Tyson. 11.45 Code 404. 12.15am Code 404. 12.45 Manifest. 1.40 The Force: Manchester. 2.35 Road Wars. 3.05 Hawaii Five-0. 4.0 Magnum P.I. 5.0 Motorway Patrol. 5.30 Motorway Patrol.

5.45pm The Sopranos. 6.50 The Sopranos. 7.55 Game Of Thrones. 9.0 The White Lotus. Mark processes revelations about his dad. 10.10 The Night Of. Det Box finds a way to use Naz’s parents to his advantage. 11.15 Dexter. 12.20am Dexter. 1.25 True Blood. 3.35 Californication. 4.10 Richard E Grant’s Hotel Secrets.

6pm Too Young To Die. 7.0 The Eighties. 8.0 The History Of Comedy.

9.0 The Story Of Late Night. The rise to fame of David Letterman in the 1980s. 10.0 Bruno V Tyson. 11.45 Escobar By Escobar. 12.45am Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth. 2.30 Wishful Drinking. 4.0 Discovering: Audrey Hepburn. 5.0 The British.

Friday 3 September BBC1 6am

6pm

8pm

C4

CHANNEL 5

6.15am Homes Under The Hammer.

7.15 Saved And Remade. 8.0 Sign Zone: Yorkshire Firefighters. 9.0 BBC News At 9. 10.0 BBC News. 1.0 Letterbox. 1.30 Eggheads. 2.0 The House That £100K Built. 3.0 Make Me A Dealer. 3.45 Rick Stein’s Seafood Lovers’ Guide. 4.15 The Animal’s Guide To Britain. 5.15 Flog It!

6am Good Morning Britain. 9.0 Lorraine. 10.0 This Morning. 12.30 Loose Women. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News. 1.55 ITV News London. 2.0 Judge Rinder. 3.0 Tenable. 4.0 Tipping Point. 5.0 The Chase For Soccer Aid.

6am Paralympics: Live. 7.30 Paralympics: Breakfast. 9.0 Paralympics: Live. 10.30 Paralympics: Live. 11.55 Channel 4 News Summary.

12.0 Paralympics: Live. 2.10 Countdown. 3.0 Find It, Fix It, Flog It. 4.0 A Place In The Sun. 5.0 Paralympics: Today In Tokyo.

6am Milkshake! 9.15 Jeremy Vine. 11.15 The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door.

12.15 5 News At Lunchtime. 12.20 Traffic Cops. 1.15 Home And Away.

1.45 Neighbours. 2.15 FILM: The Neighbourhood Voyeur (2018) 4.0 Bargain Brits In The Sun. 5.0 5 News At 5. 5.30 Neighbours.

6.0 BBC News At Six; Weather (S) 6.30 BBC Regional News;

6.0 Richard Osman’s House Of Games Lucy Beaumont

6.0 ITV News London (S) 6.30 ITV Evening News (S)

6.0 The Simpsons Bart’s

6.0 Home And Away The opening of Bella’s exhibition turns out to be a social disaster. (S) (R)

and Jake Wood test their skills. (S)

6.30 Richard Osman’s House Of Games (S)

7.0 The One Show Presented

by Ronan Keating. (S)

7.0 Athletics: Diamond League Brussels The Allianz

7.35 A Question Of Sport

Memorial Van Damme. (S)

6.30 5 News Tonight (S)

7.30 Coronation Street

New series. Light-hearted quiz, hosted by Paddy McGuinness. (S)

Corey paints Kelly as the villain in court. (S)

the best medal moments from day 10. (S)

How foxes communicate through their many vocal sounds. (S)

8.05 EastEnders Frankie

8.0 Simply Raymond Blanc

decides to come clean. (S)

A collection of rustic recipes. (S) 8.30 Coronation Street Abi accuses Stefan of bribing Corey’s witnesses. (S)

8.0 Epic Wales: Valleys, Mountains & Coasts Hill

8.0 Motorhoming With Merton & Webster Paul and

farmer Garry Williams takes his flock down the mountain for shearing. (S)

(S)

With Joel Dommett, Sindhu Vee, Alex Horne and AJ Odudu. (S) (R)

9pm 9.0 Celebrity MasterChef The battle for the last semifinal places reaches its climax. (S) 9.30 King Gary The “Sten Do” takes its toll on the wedding party. Last in the series. (S)

9.0 Gardeners’ World Will Young shows viewers around his south London courtyard garden. (S)

10.0 BBC News At Ten (S) 10.25 BBC Regional News;

10.0 Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing

Weather (S)

Bob and Paul head to North Uist in the Outer Hebrides. (S) (R)

10.35 FILM: Thor: The Dark World (2013) The

god joins forces with 11pm thunder his treacherous brother to defend the universe against an old foe. Superhero adventure sequel, with Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston. (S)

10.30 Newsnight (S) 11.05 Cricket: Today At The Test. 12.05 FILM: Sign Zone: The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) 1.40 This Is BBC Two.

7.0 Emmerdale Leyla is

mischief causes Mrs Krabappel to get fired. (S) (R) 6.30 Hollyoaks Diane tries to cheer Tony up. (S) (R)

7.0 News (S) 7.30 Paralympics: Gold Rush Clare Balding introduces

8.30 Would I Lie To You?

10pm

ITV

6am Breakfast. 9.15 Morning Live. 10.0 Homes Under The Hammer. 11.0 Wanted Down Under Revisited. 11.45 Caught Red Handed. 12.15 Bargain Hunt. 1.0 BBC News At One; Weather.

1.30 BBC Regional News; Weather.

1.45 Privates. 2.30 Impossible. 3.15 Greatest Escapes To The Country.

3.45 Saved And Remade. 4.30 The Bidding Room. 5.15 Pointless.

Weather (S)

7pm

BBC2

CLOSER PICKS

heartbroken. (S)

9.0 Grantchester New

9.0 Deceit While Colin Stagg

9pm Gardeners’ World, BBC2

Suki explore the Peak District.

9.0 Ian Hislop’s Trains That Changed The World A

series. Detective drama set in the 1950s, starring Robson Green. (S)

is on remand in prison, another attack occurs in south London.

Last in the series. (S)

10.0 ITV News (S) 10.30 ITV News London (S) 10.45 On Yer Bike For Soccer Aid Eight celebrities

10.0 The Last Leg Of Tokyo 2020 A comic review of the

10.0 Elvis: Rise And Fall Of The King The story of Elvis

Paralympic highlights in Tokyo.

Presley’s life and legacy. (S)

profile of the Great Western Railway. Last in the series. (S)

(S)

take part in a cycling challenge to raise money for Unicef. (S) (R)

12.10 Shop: Ideal World. 3.0 FYI Extra.

3.15 Martin & Roman’s Weekend Best!

4.05 ITV Nightscreen.

11.05 Paralympics: Today In Tokyo.

12.05 Paralympics: Live. 1.05 Paralympics: Live. 3.30 Paralympics: Live.

12.25 BBC News.

9.30pm King Gary, BBC1

7.0 Fantastic Foxes: Their Secret World Part two of two.

9pm Grantchester, ITV

8pm Epic Wales, Channel 4

11.30 Greatest Hits Of The 70s. 1.0 Casino Show. 3.0 Entertainment News On 5. 3.10 Casualty 24/7: Every Second Counts. 4.0 The Funny Thing About Dating. 4.45 Wildlife SOS. 5.10 House Doctor. 5.35 Thomas & Friends.

5.50 Fireman Sam.

7pm Fantastic Foxes, Channel 5

SATEL L ITE I D IG I TAL I C AB L E LI STI NGS W

ITV2

E4

ITVB E

6pm Property Brothers: Forever Homes. 7.0 MasterChef Australia. 8.30 Inside The Ambulance. 9.0 FILM: Captain Phillips (2013) Fact-based thriller, starring Tom Hanks. 11.50 Inside The Ambulance: Coast And Country. 12.50am Inside The Ambulance. 1.40 Renovate My Home: Leave It To Bryan. 3.0 Shopping.

6pm Catchphrase Celebrity Special.

7.0 Superstore. 7.30 Superstore. 8.0 Bob’s Burgers. 8.30 Bob’s Burgers. 9.0 FILM: Suicide Squad (2016) 11.25 Family Guy. 11.55 Family Guy. 12.25am American Dad! 12.50 American Dad! 1.15 Bob’s Burgers.

1.40 Bob’s Burgers. 2.50 The Emily Atack Show. 3.30 Teleshopping.

6pm The Big Bang Theory. 7.0 Hollyoaks. 7.30 Young Sheldon. 8.0 Teen First Dates. 9.0 Gogglebox 2020.

11.05 Naked Attraction. 12.10am Naked Attraction. 1.15 Gogglebox.

2.20 First Dates. 3.15 The Big Bang Theory. 3.40 Brooklyn Nine-Nine. 4.05 How I Met Your Mother. 4.55 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA.

6pm Masters Of Flip. 7.0 Buying And Selling. 8.0 Dinner Date. 9.0 Botched.

A woman who claims Santa broke her nose seeks Paul Nassif’s help. 10.0 Botched. A facial skin graft growing pubic hair challenges surgeon Paul Nassif. 11.0 Love Island USA. 12midnight The Only Way Is Essex.

12.45 FYI Extra. 1.0 Teleshopping.

E! 6pm Hollywood Medium With Tyler Henry. 7.0 We Got Love Teyana & Iman. 7.30 Dating: No Filter. 8.0 FILM: Eat Pray Love (2010) 11.0 Nightly Pop. 11.30 Meet The Frasers.

12midnight Botched. 1.0 Kourtney And Khloe Take The Hamptons. 2.0 Teleshopping. 3.0 Big Rich Atlanta.

4.0 Total Divas. 5.0 Teleshopping.

MTV

TLC

SKY SHOWCASE

SKY ATLANTIC

SKY DOCUMENTARIES

6pm Catfish: The TV Show. 6.55 The Official UK Number One. 7.0 Billionaire Kids: Happy Birthday. 8.0 MTV Cribs.

8.30 MTV Cribs. 9.0 MTV Cribs. 9.30 MTV Cribs. 10.0 True Life Crime. 11.0 Tattoo Disasters UK. 12midnight The Challenge: Spies, Lies & Allies. 1.30 Families Of The Mafia. 2.25 Adorableness. 2.50 Teen Cribs.

6pm Say Yes To The Dress. 7.0 Curvy Brides Boutique. 8.0 Say Yes To The Dress: Lancashire. 9.0 Say Yes To The Dress. 10.0 Seeking Sister Wife. 11.0 Dr Pimple Popper. 12midnight Say Yes To The Dress: Lancashire. 1.0 Say Yes To The Dress: UK. 2.0 Seeking Sister Wife.

3.0 Say Yes To The Dress: UK. 5.0 Say Yes To The Dress: Lancashire.

6pm The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. 6.30 The Simpsons. 7.0 Live WSL. Manchester United v Reading (Kickoff 7.45pm). From Leigh Sports Village. 10.15 Micky Flanagan: Back In The Game. 12midnight Manifest. 1.0 A League Of Their Own. 2.0 NCIS: Los Angeles. 3.0 Hawaii Five-0. 4.0 Magnum P.I. 5.0 Motorway Patrol.

5.45pm The Sopranos. 6.50 The Sopranos. 7.55 Game Of Thrones. 9.0 The Pacific. The ongoing conflict on Peleliu takes its toll on Sledge. 10.05 Britannia. Period drama, starring David Morrissey. 11.05 Dexter. 12.10am Dexter. 1.15 True Blood. 2.20 True Blood. 3.25 Californication. 4.0 Richard E Grant’s Hotel Secrets.

6pm Too Young To Die. 7.0 The Eighties.

8.0 Gary Cooper: The Irresistible. 9.0 FILM: Transhood (2020) Documentary. 11.0 Superswede.

12.50am True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight For Equality. 2.50 The Man Who Shot New York. 4.0 Discovering: Gene Kelly. 5.0 The British.

The expansion of Britain’s empire.

MONTHLY

THE DARKEST CRIMES AND EVIL MINDS

27 CLUB CONSPIRACIES

FORENSIC PSYCHIATRIST INTERVIEW

NEW COLUMBINE PODCAST

ISSUE 29 ON SALE NOW BUY OR SUBSCRIBE AT GREATMAGAZINES.CO.UK/CRIME AVAILABLE IN ALL GOOD SHOPS AND SUPERMARKETS

GREAT NIGHT CINEMA & ON-DEMAND TV

Vacation Friends STREAMING ON DISNEY+ FROM 27 AUGUST Sadly, we went to print before the previews were released for this fun-filled comedy. What we do know is that the action-packed plot centres on a couple’s wedding day celebrations, which are rudely interrupted by a crazy pair of “friends” they met while on holiday. The party-hard pals took them on all kinds of mad adventures while they were away, and now it looks like they are back to cause even more havoc. Expect sunshine, swearing and a whole lot of laughs from a great line-up including John Cena!

Out

this week!

THE BEST FILMS, BOOKS, AND MUSIC TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE NEXT SEVEN DAYS

MUST READ

A Slow Fire Burning

(PAULA HAWKINS)

Laura is seen as hot-tempered and troubled. Some even call her dangerous. Miriam knows that just because Laura is witnessed leaving the scene of an horrific murder with blood on her clothes, that doesn’t mean she’s a killer. Bitter experience has taught her how easy it is to get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Carla is reeling from the brutal murder of her nephew. She trusts no one, but how far will she go to find peace? A thrilling, roller-coaster read from the bestselling author of The Girl On The Train.

BEST DAY OUT

TUNE IN

Absolute Radio Live At The London Palladium

The Toll WORDS: MATILDA STANLEY, ALYS WEBB, AMY ROWLAND PHOTOS: GETTY

IN CINEMAS FROM 27 AUGUST Hiding from his criminal past, a quiet man spends his days sitting in the middle of nowhere, working on the least busy toll booth in Wales. After years away from danger, a chance encounter with a passing driver sparks off a random chain of events that puts his mundane life in a violent spin!

This darkly dry comedy is a bizarre but well told story and the cast – including Michael Smiley, Paul Kaye and Annes Elwy – play a bunch of gun-toting locals who treat their quiet little Welsh village like the Wild West!

Hosted by funny man Frank Skinner and in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust, Absolute Radio Live is back again this year on 21 November at the London Palladium.

With a stellar line-up of comedians on the bill, including Dara Ó Briain, Joe Lycett, Judi Love, Angela Barnes, Phil Wang and Glenn Moore, this makes for a hilarious night out all in aid of a great cause. For tickets and more info, please visit absoluteradiotickets.co.uk/ article/absolute-radio-live/

Maisie Peters You Signed Up For This New kid on the block, 21-year-old Maisie Peters, brings us her debut studio album.

Featuring newest singles Brooklyn and You Signed Up For This, we are loving her fresh indie- pop sound. With a few festivals lined up this summer too, she’s certainly one to watch. Out 27 August.

MAGIC RADIO IS NOW AVAILABLE ACROSS THE UK ON YOUR DAB DIGITAL RADIO FOR MORE INFO VISIT: WWW.MAGIC.CO.UK

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PUZZLE ANSWERS

Academic House, 24-28 Oval Road, Camden, London NW1 7DJ Tel: 020 7241 8000 Email: closer@closermag.co.uk • website: www.closeronline.co.uk AWARDS Bauer Media Magazine and Digital Awards Magazine of the Year 2013 Bauer Media Magazine and Digital Awards Magazine of the Year 2012 Editor Lisa Burrow Deputy Editor Caroline Reid Acting Deputy Editor Helen Morgan Associate Editor Katie Banks Acting Associate Editor Georgina Finegan Team Assistant Intern Daisy Hall..............................................(0203 879 2081) ART Art Director Jan Galloway.........................................................(0203 879 2362) Art Editor Alys Webb..................................................................(0203 879 2356) Designer Anna Piccamiglio Design Assistant Hannah Dunger Design Intern Kiaya Nigel NEWS & CELEBRITY News Editor Rebecca Greenow Deputy News Editor Lily Smith................................................(0203 879 2379) FEATURES REAL LIFE Acting Features Editor Amy 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CLUES & ARROWS F C P R R E M COD E L S BO S S G I G U L A E H

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WORD LINK

GUESS THE FILM STILL

A) LEAVE B) ROUGH C) CRAB D) RUN E) WASH F) WEATHER

A) SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE B) SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK

NAME THE STARS

GUESS THE CELEB

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Your stars With Yasmin Boland 24-30 AUGUST THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN

Virgo 23 AUG – 22 SEP

Did you know that, right now, you’re the sign most likely to get bowled over by your soulmate? Maybe it’s your current partner BLAKE LIVELY who’s making you swoon LIAM PAYNE 25 AUGUST 1987 all over again, or perhaps 29 AUGUST 1993 you’re falling in love K with someone new.

Y THIS WEE A D H T R I B R Expect to feel uplifted t yet.

IF IT’S YOU ion, if you haven’ at it ed m up by the people in your ke t time to ta down in the en be ve u’ This year is a grea yo If ing. life this week. Visit . ead look promis l attitude around ta en The 12 months ah m ur yo rn yasminboland.com for , you can really tu use them wisely!

– dumps recently on si ua rs pe your daily horoscopes. eat powers of You also have gr

LIBRA

23 SEP-22 OCT

Love is in the air this week, and you are one of the signs best placed to enjoy it.

Seek out people whose company makes you feel warm and fuzzy. It looks like certain people are quite into you, and they are not afraid to show it. Commitments are possible. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes.

SCORPIO 23 OCT-21 NOV If there’s something going on in your life that you don’t want to talk about, that’s fine.

Just know that there is room for healing this issue this week. Anything you’ve been keeping to yourself could be soothed now.

Life is still chaotic, but it should be less painful. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV-21 DEC In an ideal world, what would your home and working lives look like? It truly will be a worthwhile use of your time if you spend at least half an hour this week visualising what you would like to achieve personally and professionally. Feel the feeling of the wish fulfilled. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes.

CAPRICORN

22 DEC-19 JAN

If you’ve had an upset at home or work, this is the week to try to sort things out. Maybe you need to forgive someone, or perhaps you need to accept someone else’s apology.

Either way, the atmosphere is exactly what you need to make life sweeter. Upsets can be resolved. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes.

AQUARIUS 20 JAN-18 FEB When it comes to cash, the question is, how good are you at daydreaming?

This week, the energies are right for you to close your eyes and envisage your ideal scenario. What would you do if cash were no object? Make it something you truly believe in. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes.

PISCES

19 FEB-20 MAR

If you want more cash, this is the week to work on it. Ask yourself whether you have a bad attitude to money, and if so, when did that begin? Can you see when any negative beliefs about money formed for you? Heal and release them, and you could find that your finances change! Visit yasminboland. com for your daily horoscopes.

CALL CLOSER’S DESTINY LINE TO HEAR YASMIN’S WEEKLY FORECAST AND ADVICE

ARIES 21 MAR-19 APR There is a whole lot of love in your chart this week. Hopefully, you are feeling it. If you’re not, though, now is a very good time to get some heart healing. If there is someone you have fallen out with or with whom relations are strained, this is an ideal time to make up. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes.

TAURUS 20 APR-20 MAY Good news – this could be a fun and uplifting week for you personally. The planets really are on your side in your private life. That said, your career is also looking promising. If you can fit some work in between the good times, your bank account and work popularity could both soar. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes.

GEMINI 21 MAY-20 JUN This week could go your way, but you have to listen to your intuition. If you block out your feelings – or, worse, just go out and party to try to forget everything – it could be a confusing time. Ask yourself, what is your gut telling you about your biggest problem? Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes.

CANCER 21 JUN-22 JUL It’s a very important week for communications.

Think about what you’re saying, who you’re saying it to, and who you actually need to speak to. Your powers of persuasion (and your writing talents) are boosted right now. The right words could transform even the most troubled of relationships. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes.

LEO 23 JUL-22 AUG Good news – the skies are very positive this week. For you, the best vibes are to do with communication and personal or professional relationships. You’ll find it easier to sweettalk someone this week, and any deals you strike should definitely go your way. You also have very good romantic potential. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes.

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naps& chat!

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Some s ay that a few d olive oil rops of can help remove wax. G e r i h as e ar a bette long, w r c ure – a et tong ue!

ilding y in the bu a p f o s te As ra of e to a lack u d r a o s e trad quits TV to anny Alan c , rs e rk o w r. hod carrie become a

And while we’re at it, James, can we get a cheer for the inventor of the espresso martini?

PHOTOS: TWITTER, INSTAGRAM

A FINAL FIX OF THIS WEEK’S PICS & TWEETS

Thrill-seek er Scarlett goes for a without re snorkel alising one of her flipp off. She we ers has fall nt round in en circles for an hour!

Well, Amy, this is the first time we’ve ever thought of almond milk as a luxury. Congratulations!

INSPIGRAM Great advice, Vanessa. From now on, we’re going to do everything in our power to make sure our movements are solid.

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CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK

pooch No, Vicky’s r? o d ra b a L ly a st definite Milo is mo . Too cute.

Lap-adore Cara’s enjo ying her ne w sideline as a masse use. Bewa re of RSI those pec s look like th e y ’ll need a lot of kne ading!