ISSUE 1249 ● 11 AUGUST 2020 ● £2.40 WEEKLY
EXCLUSIVE BRIAN MCFADDEN AND FIANCEE DANIELLE REVEAL THEIR IVF HEARTACHE ‘WE’VE LOST OUR BABY, BUT
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AMBER DAVIES ‘DOLLY PARTON ADVISED ME TO FORGET MEN!’ AT HOME EXCLUSIVE
MEGHAN’S PAUL MESCAL BIRTHDAY SURPRISE ON BEING A SEX SYMBOL AFTER BOOK BOMBSHELL
ISSUE AUGUST CONTENTS THIS WEEK’S COVER STARS NEWS AND INTERVIEWS BRIAN MCFADDEN AND DANIELLE PARKINSON THE ROYALS JOHNNY DEPP KYM MARSH CELEBS IN QUARANTINE AMBER DAVIES PAUL MESCAL EMILY ANDRE BRIT CROWD BEANIE FELDSTEIN CHARLOTTE DAWSON LOVE MATTERS ASHLEY BANJO FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS MIRIAM MARGOLYES
FASHIONISTA or many, thehj journey If those h bombshell royal bbookook reverevelationsllations to parenthood can be are true, it sounds like Meghan and Kate SUMMER heartbreaking. Success is could have done with a bit more sharing DREAMING not guaranteed and there of experiences! STYLE EDIT Fare thousands of couples who go According to the authors of Finding OK ! LOVES through the emotional trauma of Freedom, the two duchesses never moved FASHION SPY IVF and sadly still find themselves beyond “distant politeness”. BEAUTY EDIT without a baby at the end. Sisters-in-law can be a tricky relationship. BEAUTY BUZZ Former Westlife star Brian McFadden and The thing is they are often forced together his fiancée Danielle Parkinson know all too well by marriage rather than two women seeking what that is like. They are about to embark on friendship themselves. I have two sisters-in-law LIFESTYLE their third round of IVF, having already suffered and I’m very lucky I get on well with both of a miscarriage and one failed round of treatment. them. I’m even going on holiday with one AND CHAT Their positivity about the future, and their hope of them next week. OK ! ICONS that talking openly about their struggles will We’re very similar. OK ! REVIEWS help others, is admirable. (I struggled to conceive We like the same things OK ! HEALTH and I refused to talk to virtually anyone about it (mainly shopping and OK! RECIPES because I was so upset and embarrassed.) a glass of wine!) and OK! TRAVEL Speaking out and sharing experiences does we both love taking CHARLOTTE SELIGMAN OK! HOTSPOT so much good and we wish Brian and Dani only the mickey out of OK! EDITOR OK! STARS PHOTOS: ALEX CRAIG, CAMERA PRESS/IONA WOLFF/BAFTA, RICH FURY/CONTOUR, GETTY, CATHERINE HACK, OK!/DAVID LONGSTAFFE HACK, OK!/DAVID CATHERINE GETTY, RICH FURY/CONTOUR, PHOTOS: ALEX CRAIG, CAMERA PRESS/IONA WOLFF/BAFTA, the best for the next stage of their journey. my brother! charlo e_seligman OK! VINTAGE
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WWW.OK.CO.UK 3 IVF JOURNEY ‘IF WE WANT TO GET PREGNANT WE HAVE TO BE POSITIVE’
DESPITE THE HEARTACHE OF MISCARRIAGE AND A FAILED IVF ATTEMPT BRIAN MCFADDEN AND DANIELLE PARKINSON TELL OK!’S MICHELLE GARNETT WHY THEY STILL FEEL HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE
4 DANIELLE WEARS DRESS BY NEVER FULLY DRESSED; SHOES BY ZARA. BRIAN WEARS TOP AND TOPMAN; JEANS ASOS DANIELLE WEARS DRESS BY NEVER FULLY WWW.OK.CO.UK 5 ‘BRIAN IS THE FIRST PERSON TO LOVE ME FOR ME’ DANIELLE WEARS DRESS BY ZARA. BRIAN TOP REISS; TROUSERS ZARA; SHOES TOPMAN 6 rian McFadden and his fiancée Danielle Parkinson “But it’s not the end of the world if we don’t get pregnant. look the picture of health and happiness when OK! We always said we’d try every option.” joins them for a socially distanced spa day at The For Danielle, who’s 39 next month, the IVF process has Belfry Hotel & Resort near their home in Rochdale. been “invasive”, but she explains in her upbeat manner, BSeeing the besotted pair, you’d neverver guess ththatat “I“I’m’m a gegett on wwith it kind of person.” behind the scenes they’ve been experiencingriencing Brian, 4400 – who’s celebrating the success an emotional journey in their quest too start a of his StStrings Attached album with Boyzlife family together. ccollaboratorollab Keith Duffy – is already a The couple, who met four years fafatherth to daughters Molly, 18, and Lilly, ago and got engaged just before 1717, with first wife Kerry Katona. He Christmas, had already told OK! wwas also married to Vogue Williams, about their plans to have a baby. wwho’s just had her second child with But it’s only now that they feel ready husband Spencer Matthews. to share the heartache they’ve Through his passion for golfing, experienced along the way. a hobby Danielle has now taken up, Having begun their first cycle BBrian’s become good friends with of IVF over 12 months ago, they MMike Tindall, the husband of Her were devastated when Danielle had MMajesty the Queen’s granddaughter a miscarriage late last year while Briann The pair ZaZara.r The royal pair have spoken was out of the country. A subsequent with Molly ccandidlyand about Zara’s miscarriages, with attempt also failed. Despite this, they’re’re still and Lilly Mike bbeing praised for raising awareness full of hope and positivity as they preparepare to aaboutbout the effects on fathers-to-be. try again using one of the two eggs thathat currently ““ThereThere are sso many people having medical remain on ice. interventions to try and get pregnant,” says Danielle. “We’ve got so much love, we want to share that love “Brian and I want to share our experience to help others with someone else,” Brian tells OK!, adding pragmatically, feel less alone.”
WWW.OK.CO.UK 7 8 Here, the couple recall the Then I started bleeding and TOPMAN highs and lows of their IVF the symptoms disappeared. journey so far and how the past I took a pregnancy test and it 12 months have made them was negative. A blood test closer than ever… in hospital confirmed I’d lost the baby. Tell us about how your IVF journey began… Was Brian with you, Danielle? Danielle: We started trying for No, Brian was in Dubai so I had a baby after a year together. to tell him over the phone. It We love each other to bits so was horrible being apart when we thought, “Let’s go for it!” we found out. I flew straight to Two years later nothing had Dubai and we both cried when happened so my GP referred us we saw each other. both for tests. We’re over a year Brian: Dani hadn’t had a scan into the IVF process now. at that point and in my head Brian: We’ve always known I didn’t believe the baby was we want a baby together, so it gone. The previous evening, was a case of whatever it takes. I met a top gynaecologist at a We’d tried using ovulation tests charity dinner and she told me and having a schedule, but that to bring Dani straight to her didn’t work. when she arrived in Dubai. She did a proper scan and Did the hospital discover what she said, “There’s no baby the issue is? in there.” That’s when it hit Danielle: My levels of AMH me. It was the worst sinking [anti-müllerian hormone] were feeling ever. quite low. Even though I was Danielle: It was awful. She producing eggs, there were showed us that my womb was very few of them. empty. I was in tears – I felt numb. Brian was upset too, but You’re due to have your third he was really strong for me. egg transfer. What happened the first two times? Brian, did you hold in your Brian: Dani got pregnant on our emotions to support Danielle? first try but we lost the baby. We Yes. You have to do that. were devastated. We never let each other see Danielle: I was about five weakness. Even if we have a weeks in. I felt pregnant. I had a little cry on our own, together backache and some tiredness. we try to be strong. DANIELLE WEARS DRESS BY TOPSHOP; SHOES BY OFFICE. BRIAN WEARS T-SHIRT BY RIVER ISLAND; JACKET ZARA; JEANS ASOS; SHOES DANIELLE WEARS DRESS BY TOPSHOP; SHOES OFFICE. BRIAN T-SHIRT
WWW.OK.CO.UK 9 ‘I KNOW THE MISCARRIAGE WASN’T MY FAULT IT JUST WASN’T MEANT TO BE’
Had you started to imagine how the hospital to tell them, which was your life might have changed? quite upsetting. But the remaining Brian: We were making plans two eggs are really strong which and picking baby names. I even has given us more hope. avoided taking gigs abroad around the due date. As far as we were How many eggs will you have concerned, we were out of danger. transferred this month? Danielle: We were over the moon, Danielle: Just the one. If we’re not discussing whether it might be a successful, at some point in the boy or a girl. Both of our mums future we might have two eggs had cried when we told them I put back in. was pregnant so it was even worse Brian: I’d love to have twins but telling them we’d lost the baby. there’s a higher risk of problems Having to tell Molly and Lilly was for the mum and babies. so hard, too. Brian: That broke us a bit. Have you talked about how long Danielle: We wanted to shut you’ll keep trying for? ourselves away. Even now, Danielle: No, but I think we’ll get anything can trigger you going to a stage where we’ll feel we’ve back to that moment and then tried for long enough. As much as you’re crying again. Our emotions we want kids, it’s not the be all and have been all over the place. end all. We still have Molly and Leading up to this interview I was Lilly in our lives. But we also still crying for no reason, just thinking have the opportunity for two more about the process. cycles of IVF. That means two more egg collections under general Is that why you didn’t mention anaesthetic. They collected 15 it the last time we spoke to eggs for the first cycle and four you in December about starting developed, so a lot of them a family? fizzled out. Danielle: Yes, we said that we were trying for a child and that we’d Was it hard giving yourself go down the IVF route if need be, the injections ahead of the but in fact we’d already started first egg collection? the process. We just weren’t ready Danielle: I had to psych myself up to tell everyone. I know that the but it became easier – grab your miscarriage wasn’t my fault. It just belly fat, jab the needle in. I had wasn’t meant to be. Now we’re to do that for about a week. The ready to share our experience and team at Saint Mary’s Hospital in let people know that fertility issues Manchester have been wonderful, are very common. supporting us all the way. Brian: The more you talk about Brian: The fear and the horrifying it, the easier it is to talk about look of the needle goes out of subsequent tries. the window when you realise this could possibly help us have
Mike Tindall spoke about his a little baby. DANIELLE WEARS DRESS BY TOPSHOP; SHOES ZARA. BRIAN BY TOPMAN; JEANS ASOS; SHOES TOPMAN BY REISS; SHIRT T-SHIRT and Zara’s experience of miscarriage, too… Brian: It was Mike Tindall who called me after Dani’s miscarriage and gave me the name of a nutritionist in Dubai. She put us on a special diet. Mike’s been very supportive from the very first time we talked to him about our fertility struggles. Danielle: It’s really lovely that Mike and Zara are so open about what happened to them. It’s people like them who’ve helped us feel able to talk about our situation.
What happened when you had the second egg implanted? Brian: It didn’t take. We were at home together when Dani found out. It wasn’t as bad as the first time because we knew in our Brian with hearts Dani wasn’t pregnant. Mike Tindall Danielle: I didn’t have those pregnancy signs. I had to phone 10 WWW.OK.CO.UK 11 THIS PAGE: DANIELLE WEARS DRESS BY ZARA. BRIAN WEARS T-SHIRT BY ASOS; JACKET BY TOPMAN. FACING PAGE: AS SEEN BEFORE PAGE: BY ASOS; JACKET TOPMAN. FACING DANIELLE WEARS DRESS BY ZARA. BRIAN T-SHIRT THIS PAGE: Will you consider other options if IVF Are you both still hopeful you might get isn’t successful? pregnant naturally? Danielle: We’d consider using a surrogate. I Danielle: I’m producing eggs and Brian’s got a wouldn’t feel any less of a woman if someone else perfectly good sperm count so we’ve not lost hope. could help the baby grow. It would still be our baby. Brian: If we do have a baby through this, when it Brian: Adoption is an option too, but right now I turns 21 we’ll be saying, “You’re technically 22. You have a feeling the IVF will work for us. We were so were in a freezer for a year!” close that first time. If we want to get pregnant we have to be positive, I really believe that. When you Brian, what will you do differently as a father have a positive mental attitude it affects your body. this time? Danielle: It’s all or nothing now. We’re going to try I was way too young when Molly and Lilly were born everything. A friend even gave me a crystal and an – a child myself really. I had no wisdom to pass on affirmation mantra to repeat. If it gets me in a good to them. I want to enjoy being involved in my child’s mental state to get pregnant, why not? life from the start, taking them to school each day.
Brian, will you be there when Danielle has the You haven’t set a date for the wedding yet. Are next egg transferred? you tempted to have a quick ceremony, just the No. I can’t go into the hospital with her this time two of you? because of coronavirus. I’ll have to wait in the car, Danielle: I am! which is weird. I was there the first time it was done, Brian: No, the wedding can wait. The most but away on tour with Boyzlife the second time. important thing right now is trying to have a baby. As far as we’re concerned, we’re already married. What advice did Mike Tindall’s nutritionist contact give you? Has this experience affected your relationship? Danielle: It’s important to get the right alkaline Brian: It’s made us stronger and brought us closer balance in your body. If it’s too acidic, that’s not together. I love everything about Dani. She’s easy to good for carrying a baby. She told us to cut out all fall in love with. She’s a sweetheart. I tell you, that red meat and dairy to start with. We have freshly child is going to be spoilt rotten when it’s born. farmed fish and organic turkey and chicken. We can Danielle: We’ve had our tough times, but I’m very have the occasional steak. lucky. Brian is the first person to love me for me. OK! Brian: I’ve cut down my alcohol intake to two glasses of red wine a week. I’m the lightest, PHOTOS: OK!/DAVID LONGSTAFFE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS: GOFF PHOTOS skinniest, healthiest and soberest I’ve ever been. STYLIST: CHARLOTTE BURTON 12 WWW.OK.CO.UK 13 ROYAL OLIVE BRANCH MEGHAN’S BIRTHDAY SURPRISE AS THE DUCHESS OF SUSSEX TURNS OK! REVEALS THE PEACE OFFERINGS THAT COULD BRING HER SOME HAPPINESS DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME
he upsetting fallout from a new Her Majesty the Queen was said to have book about the Duke and Duchess felt deeply hurt by their departure, which of Sussex has threatened to take the officially fell on 1 April, but gave the couple shine off Meghan’s 39th birthday this her blessing to embark on a new life outside Tweek. However, there’s one money-can’t-buy of the monarchy. present that might just save the day for the The bombshell book alleges that Meghan former actress – a phone call from her sister- felt “aggrieved” by her treatment by royal in-law the Duchess of Cambridge. staff and that the couple felt sidelined by Finding Freedom, by Omid Scobie and certain members of the family. But Duncan Carolyn Durand, claims to tell the real story believes that a peace offering from the about Harry and Meghan’s departure from Queen is something Meghan would be “the Firm”. It has exposed rumours about the pleasantly surprised to unwrap. couple’s previous frustrations working for the “I think what Meghan will have been royal family, and published stories that have hoping for on her birthday is the arrival of a the potential to rock their reportedly fragile package from Balmoral containing a huge relationship with Kate and her husband the olive branch. The Queen will be keen to Duke of Cambridge. make peace with Meghan because this is Royal commentator Duncan Larcombe tells another massive headache for her, what with OK!, “A phone call from Kate on her birthday the ongoing Prince Andrew situation.” would be the best present for Meghan. Kate Duncan adds, “The Queen is the only one could and should get on the telephone to who can sort this out. Now is the time for her her sister-in-law and say, ‘Come on, we’re to contact Harry and Meghan and say, ‘It’s better than this. I’m so sorry if that’s how all gone wrong, but we really do want what’s you felt. What can we do to go forward from best for you.’” here?’ In fact, if Kate doesn’t make that call, A Zoom call from Archie’s cousins could an opportunity to mend the brothers’ broken give the birthday girl a boost too. “Harry and relationship will potentially be missed forever.” Meghan miss their nephews Princes George Meghan and Harry, 35, sensationally and Louis and niece Princess Charlotte. The quit their royal roles in January, and are opportunity for some Zoom time with the now living in a gated celebrity enclave Cambridge children could be very cathartic. in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, with their Maybe they’ll be the ones who bring 14-month-old son Archie. the two families together again in their
A call from Kate could help heal the rift between the royals
14 WWW.OK.CO.UK 15 excitement at seeing Archie.” mind, lie low and hope it all passes. Home for the Sussexes now “Harry clearly dotes on Meghan, is the luxurious rented mansion so I’m guessing he’ll treat his wife belonging to US actor Tyler to breakfast in bed, with Archie Perry. It was hoped the sprawling perched beside them as she property, set in 22 acres, would opens her presents. Harry’s always provide a sanctuary for Harry and been a big softie when it comes Meghan, but the couple recently to relationships and was even launched legal action after described by a friend of his ex drones were allegedly used to Cressida Bonas as a doting puppy. take photographs of Archie. He’ll do his best to make Meghan It was also revealed days feel special,” continues Duncan. before her birthday that Meghan On a previous birthday, Meghan has agreed to pay more than shared her personal wishes on her £67,000 in legal costs after losing now defunct blog The Tig. She the first round of her court battle wrote, “My mom has always said against The Mail On Sunday. that birthdays are your own personal Still, with friends nearby and New Year. Your own chance to make Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland resolutions just for yourself.” Back spending plenty of quality time then, Meghan’s hopes and dreams with the trio, the duchess will were fairly simple, consisting of be hoping to enjoy her birthday “more surprises, more adventure, week with her loved ones. more opportunities to grow, more “Unfortunately the fallout from days filled with giggles and cheeky the book will impact Meghan’s jokes, more delicious meals, and birthday,” says Duncan, who’s the more inspiration”. author of Prince Harry: The Inside This year, when Meghan blows Story. “I think Meghan will feel out her birthday candles, there’s more isolated on her special day another wish that could well be on this year than ever before. But her mind. I’m sure with Harry’s help she’ll do “Harry and Meghan want another her best to keep it far from her child,” says Duncan. “Harry’s spoken about his hopes to have two, so I’m sure they’re already trying for another one. It’s on the cards. Some baby news for Harry and Meghan this year would be great.” Not one for OTT shows of extravagance when it comes to presents – the duchess’s gift to her husband on their second wedding anniversary in May was a handmade card with a thoughtful sentiment inside – there are certain goodies that are sure to delight her. She has quite a collection of gold jewellery, from designers including Shaun Leane who created Princess Beatrice’s engagement and wedding rings. When it comes to clothes, Meghan favours British brands like Barbour and Canadian labels such as Erdem. She’s also a fan of sustainable fashion and has worn items by US label Reformation. Being a self-confessed foodie, a gift for her kitchen should get the thumbs up too, although hopefully Harry might have picked something more romantic, like the ring he’s said to have given her on their anniversary. Royal watchers have noticed that Meghan has appeared happy in recent weeks as she settles into LA life with her “two best guys”, Harry and Archie. Her confident, carefree demeanour was evident in last month’s Zoom address at the 2020 Girl Up Leadership Summit as she radiated the relaxed vibe of a true California girl. Let’s hope, as the new book continues to create waves, she manages to hang on to those good vibrations during her birthday week and far beyond. OK!
WORDS: MICHELLE GARNETT PHOTOS: DUKE OF SUSSEX/SAVECHILDRENUK, GETTY, PA
WWW.OK.CO.UK 17 TWO PRINCES ‘HARRY RESENTS BEING THOUGHT OF AS THE LOOSE CANNON’ THE STARK DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PRINCE HARRY AND PRINCE WILLIAM HAVE ALWAYS BEEN APPARENT LONG BEFORE THE IDEA OF MEGXIT
ew book Finding Freedom has thrown the spotlight back on the unique relationship shared by the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Cambridge. NThe potentially damaging allegations, including claims that the brothers “hardly spoke” for months after one disagreement, came ahead of William’s involvement in the Heads Up FA Cup Final on Saturday, renamed in honour of his mental health campaign.
The young princes
18 While there have been rumours of a rift since Harry and Meghan’s 2018 wedding, OK! now learns that Harry, 35, has been feeling frustrated for years about lacking control over his own destiny, something which William, with his devout sense of duty, came to terms with earlier on. Royal commentator Duncan Larcombe, who earned Harry’s confidence in his bachelor days, says he spotted trouble brewing 12 years ago. “I remember meeting Harry for a drink just after the results of the inquest into his mother’s death were published,” recalls Duncan. “Harry was absolutely furious that his father’s advisors had put out a statement. That was a sign to me that he has an inbuilt, unresolved anger about having no control of what’s said. This desire to control his own destiny has always been there.” Duncan adds, “Harry has never been able to shake that resentment of not feeling normal either. It’s a shame that no one has said to him, ‘Your brother wants what’s best for you.’” The new book also claims that Harry took offence at William’s advice not to rush into marrying “this girl”, as he reportedly referred to the Duchess of Sussex. “It’s perfectly legitimate for William, as future king, to suggest this to his brother, but sadly Harry interpreted his advice as an anti-Meghan attack,” says Duncan. But claims made by the book that it was always “William the calm and rational one”, will have annoyed Harry, adds Duncan. “Harry once told me that he really resents the perception that William’s the sensible one while he’s the loose cannon. He said there were times when it was actually Harry giving William advice.” Pointing out that royal fans would love to see the brothers side by side again, Duncan continues, “They’re like the royal version of the Gallagher brothers. Just as we’re still waiting for Liam and Noel to hug and make up, we want Harry and William back on the royal stage together.” OK!
WORDS: MICHELLE GARNETT PHOTOS: GETTY, WIREIMAGE
WWW.OK.CO.UK 19 ROYAL REVELATIONS SNUBS SNOBBERY AND SCENTED CANDLES HERE’S WHAT WE’VE LEARNED SO FAR FROM THE BOOK THAT BLOWS THE LID OFF HARRY AND MEGHAN’S ROLLERCOASTER RIDE AS A ROYAL COUPLE
he highly anticipated upcoming royal biography Finding TFreedom has uncovered a minefield of explosive details about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, taking us from their fated first meeting to their shock split from the monarchy. A spokesman for the couple insists “they were not interviewed and did not contribute to” the book, which is based on insights gathered from 100 friends, aides and former staff. Here are just a few fascinating titbits to take away so far...
MEGHAN PULLED THEIR ROMANCE THE PLUG HAD PACE ON HER During their initial three-hour blind DAD WHILE date at Soho House’s Dean Street FACETIMING Townhouse in 2016, the couple had an instant connection and returned for a IN THE BATH romantic dinner the next night. Harry The book claims that “knew” he’d be with Meghan forever Meghan decided as she was “ticking every box”. to send one last Three months later, the book claims, text message to “Prince Harry was first to tell Meghan her father Thomas ‘I love you’” and she immediately Markle while reciprocated. They discussed marriage FaceTiming a friend while on holiday in Africa, Meghan in the bath on the stretching into “the perfect [yoga] eve of her wedding, pose” at the time. allegedly saying, “I can’t sit up all night HARRY HAD A SECRET just pressing send.” INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT The book claims that in the early days of their romance Harry used a secret Instagram account. @SpikeyMau5, which has since been deleted, is a reference to his Facebook alias, Spike Wells, and his favourite DJ, Deadmau5. After their first date, Meghan posted a Love Heart sweet on Instagram with the words “Kiss Me” and the caption “Lovehearts in #London”. 20 MEGHAN’S WEDDING CHAPEL ‘DEMANDS’ WERE LEGIT Bride-to-be Meghan HARRY was harshly criticised NEARLY for reportedly requesting air ‘AMBUSHED’ fresheners were THE QUEEN sprayed to blot out the “musty” smell in In January when St George’s Chapel the couple flew in on her wedding day. from Canada for Baies scented crunch talks, the diffusers by Diptyque book claims that were indeed used, they felt they were but that’s not being “blocked” unusual at royal from seeing the weddings – Kate Queen and that had scented candles Harry and Meghan at her Westminster even toyed with the Abbey nuptials. idea of “ambushing” Her Majesty by driving straight to Sandringham for a MEGHAN WASN’T surprise meeting. POPULAR AT THE PALACE Harry’s final face- to-face with the The book claims that not all members of the family welcomed Queen was over a Meghan, with one senior royal referring to her as “Harry’s cosy Sunday lunch, showgirl” and that another was heard to exclaim, “She comes just “granny and with a lot of baggage.” Harry also felt some of the staff at the grandson”. palace “simply didn’t like Meghan and would stop at nothing to make her life difficult”. WWW.OK.CO.UK 21
THE BRIDESMAID FITTING WAS INDEED STRESSFUL Previous “ridiculous” reports that Meghan left Kate in tears after a bridesmaid fitting with Princess Charlotte have been disputed in the book. A source who was there said, “some of the children weren’t co-operating” but despite admitting that Kate and Meghan were both “a little stressed”, they added, “There were no tears KATE AND MEGHAN from anyone.” WERE NEVER CLOSE
Meghan’s friendship with her sister-in-law never moved beyond “the distant politeness”. The book UNCLE HARRY LOVED claims that the Sussexes later felt snubbed when THE FAB FOUR’S FINAL the Cambridges didn’t take up invites to their SPOILING GEORGE Oxfordshire home. FLING WAS PAINFUL AND CHARLOTTE Friends of Kate and William have since insisted For Meghan, the frosty vibe at the Harry used to love popping in that Kate did try to reach out, inviting Meghan Commonwealth service at Westminster to see his niece and nephew at to Anmer Hall where she “personally cooked her Abbey in March was the last straw. The Kensington Palace. He would bring favourite vegan food”. book claims the royal family “chose gifts, including a tricycle for Princess not to be welcoming” and Kate “barely Charlotte and an electric SUV car for acknowledged [Meghan]”. Claiming Prince George. But the book claims Meghan was “emotionally bruised and that after William’s chat with him exhausted”, a friend said she “just in 2017 about putting the brakes wanted to get home” by that point. OK! on his romance with Meghan, the visits became less frequent. FINDING FREEDOM BY OMID SCOBIE AND CAROLYN DURAND IS PUBLISHED BY HARPER COLLINS ON 11 AUGUST
WORDS: MICHELLE GARNETT PHOTOS: CONSTANT/SPLASHNEWS.COM, GETTY IMAGES, THE SUN/NEWS LICENSING
WILLIAM’S ‘SNOBBERY’ ENRAGED HIS BROTHER A source said that William spoke to Harry nine months into his romance with Meghan to ensure he “wasn’t blindsided by lust”. But his alleged remarks about “this girl” are said to have enraged his younger brother, with a friend revealing, “Harry could see though William’s words. He was being a snob.” WWW.OK.CO.UK 23 FAMILY AFFAIRS ‘I CAN’T DO YEAR MATHS!’ THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE SHARES DELIGHTFUL SNIPPETS ABOUT HOMESCHOOLING AND HIS MARRIAGE WHILE PROMOTING THE LATEST VENTURE WITH HIS HEADS UP MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE
he Duke of Cambridgege He also revealed his karaoke song William, 38, who is president of the Football has opened up aboutut is QQueen’s Bohemian Rhapsody and Association and working on Heads Together’s his struggles with thatth he daren’t play the potentially Heads Up campaign, is using his roles to start homeschooling addictivea Football Manager game conversations around mental health in the Tand revealed that he’s because that would be “the end sport. He explained, “It’s a strength to talk hopeless with maths of my life – you’d never see me about your mental health, it’s not a weakness.” and is rather impatient. on the [palace] balcony again!” This year’s postponed FA Cup Final was William, who’s spent Admitting that football is a even renamed the Heads Up FA Cup Final to lockdown with the Duchess formf of release for him, the Aston show the football world that “mental health He once of Cambridge and their VillaV supporter told Peter, “Since really matters”. bought Kate an children in Norfolk, made hiss becomingbe a dad, without a doubt, During the lead up to the big game, the unromantic gift remarks on BBC Radio 5 Live’se’s footballfoot has become way more duke took part in a video call with football That Peter Crouch Podcast. importantimport than it used to be. I need to stars Steph Houghton and David Beckham. He “I found it pretty testing, trtryingying go andand bebe among other guys and let out announced the signing of “a landmark Mental to keep the children engaged and interested some steam, shout a bit.” Health Football Declaration” convened by The in some sort of work,” Royal Foundation. he said. “I’ve learned my David, 45, spoke patience is a lot shorter than about his reaction to I thought it was – my wife the “brutal” backlash has super patience! I was a he faced after getting bit embarrassed about my sent off during the 1998 maths knowledge. I can’t World Cup, saying, do Year 2 Maths!” “I just felt that I had The podcast was to keep it all in and recorded in two parts – the deal with it myself.” first at Kensington Palace He added, “Now I’m in March, where William the one preaching to served up a curry, and my kids that it’s really the second via a video important to talk.” OK! call in July. HEADS UP IS A SEASON-LONG William let slip that he CAMPAIGN BETWEEN HEADS once made the unromantic TOGETHER AND THE FA TO CHANGE THE CONVERSATION mistake of gifting Kate a AROUND MENTAL HEALTH pair of binoculars. “She’s The duke talked THROUGH FOOTBALL. never let me forget that. about mental That was early on in the health with WORDS: MICHELLE GARNETT PHOTOS: ADAM VALLANCE/ courtship,” he laughed. David Beckham KENSINGTON PALACE, GETTY “It didn’t go well!” 24 WWW.OK.CO.UK 25 ADVERTISING FEATURE THE KEY FAMILY LOCKDOWN FIGURES
63% of parents of teens say they’ve started doing new activities together
94% of parents of teens said they’d spent more time engaged in activities with their children and 89% intend to carry on doing at least one of them
FAMILY MATTERS 7 in 10 parents with children aged 4-11 say they’ve started doing new activities together KEEPING IT TOGETHER 73% LOCKDOWN HELPED MANY FAMILIES BOND OVER They also agreed lockdown has SHARED ACTIVITIES A SURVEY BY VERY HAS FOUND brought them closer together Along with watching TV or streaming amily life under lockdown has involved socialising, talking and playing games together”. services, 53% said they’d cooked or plenty of trials and challenges – but it’s For another the highlight was: “My husband and I baked more with their children while Falso brought its blessings too. doing dance routines in the garden with my 47% had played board games New research by Very shows that most daughter. She really valued us joining in.” families have enjoyed spending more time together. Another added: “Being able to spend more time 45% According to the Very Big Family Survey, almost together as a family has been really enjoyable.” of parents of 4-11-year-olds said they’d three-quarters of parents with children aged 4-11 And it doesn’t have to stop. Summer needn’t have started to do new things together, along with drag or be dull – we can all learn lessons from gone for more walks or bike rides two-thirds of parents of teenagers. Even more say lockdown and fi ll it with family fun. it’s brought them closer. Almost half of all families with That means experiences and younger children played board HOW WE SURVIVED memories to treasure for a lifetime. “BEING ABLE games in lockdown – and more LOCKDOWN BY So even if you’re staying at home, than a third of those with older BEAUTY DIRECTOR you can still make the most of the TO SPEND SO children. So fetch down some of summer and have a great time MUCH TIME the classics such as Mouse Trap LYNNE HYLAND being active together – whether and Monopoly, or try newer ones Come lockdown, top of my that’s indoors or out. TOGETHER like Harry Potter Dobble and family to-do list was “stay Lockdown has helped families Pictionary Air. IS GREAT” within the same four walls rediscover the joys of being part of Do something creative together and not throttle each other”. a close-knit team – and reminded – whether that’s tapping into your Sure, the kids were many of us how much fun you can have competing inner Gordon Ramsay and cooking up a storm – worried by the virus, but with a great board game or making a mess in the like two-fi fths of families with younger children and mostly they were outraged at the kitchen baking buns or banana bread. a third of those with teens have done – or get fi t infringement of their fun and liberty. It’s surprised lots of us how pleasurable it is to get among the forget-me-nots. Somehow I was appointed offi cial in the garden and turn a weed-fi lled corner into a Very.co.uk has a wide range of board games, amusement provider, but my fi rst idea – vegetable patch, or power squats and star jumps. indoor and outdoor toys, computer games and daily online PE sessions – ended in a And the survey found that doing more together more to keep you and little ones entertained. nightmare of kids covertly karate kicking helped to keep our spirits up. One parent said one Making the most of family life and the summer each other before announcing they were of the best parts of lockdown was “all the family – is easier than you think, and you can enjoy the off to self-isolate in their bedroom. including adult children – being back at home and Very best time... together. So I handed things over to TikTok, and they loved choreographing the daftest of SOME SUMMER FUN ESSENTIALS FROM VERY CO UK dances that united us in howls of mirth. We also dusted off the board games. Key lesson learned: Pie Face gives squirty cream “essential shopping trip” status. When the sun came out, we headed to the park and indulged in wild frisbee Hogwarts™ Pictionary Little Tikes throwing. When it rained, we baked, Clock Tower Air My fi rst slide £84.99 £19.99 £34.99 made slime and played afternoon bingo. I won’t pretend it has been one long
Standard delivery £3.99 sunny vacation, but it did take my family on a journey together – and we’ve Visit Very.co.uk for more family fun inspiration ended up closer than I ever imagined. COURT BATTLE DEPP VERSUS HEARD THE ACCUSATIONS THINGS WE LEARNT FROM THE JOHNNY DEPP AND AMBER HEARD LIBEL COURT CASE AGAINST A NEWSPAPER
t’s the court case of the summer that has gripped the world. In a bid to clear his name, with his reputation at stake, actor Johnny Depp is suing News Group Newspapers (NGN), which Ipublishes The Sun, and its executive editor Dan Wootton, for libel after calling him a “wife beater”. In April 2018, an article was published on The Sun’s website about Johnny’s then-wife, actress Amber Heard, with the headline, “Gone Potty: How can JK Rowling be ‘genuinely happy’ casting wife beater Johnny Depp in the new Fantastic Beasts film?” Depp vehemently denies all allegations and calls them “completely untrue”, while The Sun’s lawyers have argued there was “no doubt” he had “systematically abused” his former wife. It’s rare for A-listers to let their private life play out so publicly, and many shocking accounts were heard from both sides at the Royal Courts of Justice in London over the past month. The judge, Mr Justice Nicol, has heard all the evidence and said that his judgement will be reserved for a later date, which is yet to be set, to decide which side is telling the truth. As we wait for the ruling – expected within the next several weeks – we bring you a brief round-up of some of the most bizarre alleged revelations heard in court, in the case of Johnny Depp vs The Sun...
MILLION GONE what they thought was human Depp says he was conned out faeces. Heard strongly denies she of $650 million (£495 million) by was responsible and suggested his former business manager, it must have been one of their and that his taxes had not been dogs after it ate a bag of Depp’s paid for 17 years. He denies marijuana and became incontinent. attacking Heard and throwing Depp later labelled her “Amber a champagne bottle at her Turd” in text messages. on her 30th birthday after he discovered the loss. SEVERED FINGER In Australia in 2015, when Depp PEEING ON THE WALL was filming the latest Pirates Of Heard claims Depp took out his The Caribbean movie, they had a penis and peed outside the front blazing row. Depp said it ended door, before doing it inside too. with her throwing a vodka bottle She added in court, “He was at him, which sliced off his finger. trying to write my name peeing Heard said he did it himself by on the walls and carpet walking repeatedly smashing a phone so through the house.” hard against the wall that one of the splinters cut his finger. Heard “AMBER TURD” claims the following morning, she It wasn’t just pee. Depp accused came downstairs to find Depp Heard of defecating in his bed. had used his blood to paint One of his cleaners discovered messages to her on the wall.
WWW.OK.CO.UK 27 iCELANDiC STYLE THiCK YOGURT ICE CREAM A picture was shown of Depp passed out with ice cream melting all over him. Depp said he was very tired and Heard took advantage of this by putting the icee cream in his lap after he fell asleep.p. COCAINE FOR R BREAKFAST A photograph taken having affairs with each of by Heard included lines my co-stars, movie after of cocaine, a tampon movie – Eddie Redmayne, applicator, a Depp-branded Jim Sturgess, Kevin box, a glass of whisky, Costner, Liam Hemsworth, a Keith Richards CD and Billy Bob Thornton, tobacco. Heard claims it Channing Tatum; even was Depp’s breakfast. Later women co-stars in the trial, Heard’s sister like Kelli Garner.” During Whitney claimed she did Depp’s defence, his cocaine with Depp using ex-partner Winona Ryder a tampon applicator. said Depp was never “STEALING” STORIES violent to her. Amber Heard’s former THE NICKNAMES personal assistant accused It seems no one is safe Heard of “stealing” her when it comes to Depp experience of being a victim giving derogatory nicknames of sexual violence, and to those people he thought twisting it into a different were sleeping with his wife. story about herself. Heard alleged that Depp AIRPLANE called Leonardo DiCaprio ALLEGATIONS “pumpkin head”, Channing Tatum was “potato head” Depp is accused of attacking and Jim Sturgess “Jim Heard on a private plane Turd Sturgess”. when he believed she’d had sex with actor James SISTER SISTER Franco. Heard claims Depp Amber’s sister Whitney had consumed cocaine, claimed she had seen whisky, pills and champagne Depp punch Heard “really before blacking out in the hard in the head multiple plane’s toilet. A photo of times” in Los Angeles in another occasion is shown March 2015. The following of Depp apparently passed day, Depp’s lawyers out on a bedroom floor. showed the court a HOLLYWOOD STARS video of Amber Heard “attacking” Whitney. It wasn’t just James Franco who Depp accused Heard THE STAIRCASE of sleeping with. In Heard’s Heard claims Depp once own words in court she threw Kate Moss down said, “He accused me of a flightg of stairs. Heard saidsaid she thought Depp was going to do the samesam thing when he waswa arguing with her sisister Whitney. BRUISES Photos were shown in court of both Heard and Depp with bruises on their faces. Each accused the oother of being rresponsible.e OK!
WORDS: PADRAIG PRENDERGAST PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES, PA MEDIA
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EMILY’SCOLUMN ‘I’M PRETTY THRIFTY WITH THE KIDS’ CLOTHES’ OUR COLUMNIST ON HER CORNISH FAMILY STAYCATION AND WHY HER HEART GOES OUT TO DR ALEX GEORGE
t the time of writing this, we’re been criticised for not enjoying the sun in Cornwall with a acting if a large number group of family and friends. It’s all of people had brought about the staycation at the moment! coronavirus into the UK AWe’ve spent loads of time at the beach and from Spain and there have tried some of the locally caught lobster was no quarantine in and crab. It’s been such a nice trip so far and place. We’re not going lovely to spend some quality time with Millie to know what was and Theo. right to do until later, Those who travel to Spain now have to but I can understand quarantine for two weeks upon their return why people who were after a rise in coronavirus cases. A lot of already in Spain or people are frustrated about this, but the with pre-arranged government is trying to be safe and act holidays were annoyed, decisively because they’ve been criticised for especially as there was not doing that in the past. They could have no notice and they face the possibility of reduced earnings or even losing their jobs. We’re planning to go to Cyprus at the end of August, but we’ll have to wait and see if we’re able to go. If we had to quarantine when we got back, we probably holidays. Her reading and writing has come wouldn’t go because, as a doctor, I couldn’t on so much, even in those six weeks. take two weeks off and Millie will be going She’s growing fast – she needs a new back to school. dress and shoes, but I’m pretty thrifty so I As far as we know, the plans are for the buy things in bigger sizes so she has room to kids’ schools to be open. It was so important grow into them, then I don’t have to buy a for Millie to go back before the summer whole new uniform every year! MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALEX LET’S TACKLE OBESITY r Alex George has he government has a lot of sympathy for people Dsaid he and his family Tannounced plans to tackle who struggle with their weight. are going through the obesity, including banning It can be easy to say “eat “darkest” time after his buy one get one free deals less”, but it’s not that simple brother Llyr passed away on unhealthy food and junk and many people have an following a battle with food adverts before 9pm. This addiction to food. mental health. I can’t even is great news because being We need to change our imagine what he’s going obese not only attitudes to through and I’m sending raises your risk food and him and his family so of dying from obesity to much love. It sounds like coronavirus, tackle this Llyr was a talented and but it’s also crisis. Some lovely person. He was dangerous in would argue also about to start training other ways, this includes to be a doctor. It just goes for example, starting with to show that you never being the children, but know what someone is second leading like many going through on the preventable parents, I inside when they seem so cause of cancer sometimes find successful on the outside. behind smoking. it hard to get My heart goes out to Alex It was good to hear Boris the balance between keeping for having to deal with Johnson say he was “too the kids healthy without being this in the public eye, but fat” and that it may have over the top. I allow them I hope him opening up contributed to his battle with to have treats, alongside will help someone else coronavirus, as hopefully this encouraging them to eat fruit who is struggling. will encourage others. I have and vegetables. OK! PHOTOS: TOM WERNER
EMAIL ME AT EMILY ANDREA@REACHPLC COM WWW.OK.CO.UK 31 LET’S STAY HOME THE CELEBRITY QUARANQUEENS AFTER THE NEWS THAT THOSE RETURNING TO THE UK FROM SPAIN HAVE TO QUARANTINE FOR TWO WEEKS OK! TAKES A LOOK AT THE STARS WHO ARE BEING FORCED TO REMAIN INDOORS FOLLOWING THEIR LAVISH BREAKS
fter months of having to in Essex. Meanwhile Mark, 33, stay at home, the stars shared a snap of the TV in the couldn’t wait to jet off to couple’s bedroom and joked, warmer climates for some “Quarantine life. 2 weeks!! How’s Asun, sea and sand. ya luck!! Oh well. Looks like I will But while soaking up the rays be doing a whole lot of this.” in the likes of Marbella and Ibiza, Clearly missing the Spanish a whole host of celebrities were isles, Michelle reminisced about hit with the news that they would their getaway as she shared a have to quarantine at home for series of snaps. The actress looked 14 days upon their return, thanks incredible in an animal-print bikini to the rising number of coronavirus as she went paddleboarding, cases in Spain. while Mark proved his Train Wright Those now having to isolate for Instagram workouts have paid off two weeks following their envy- as he posed on a boat. inducing trips include Mark Wright Also in isolation after enjoying and Michelle Keegan, who, after the Spanish sun is The Mummy spending time with Mark’s family Diaries star Sam Faiers, who visited in Marbella, headed to the party Marbella with her boyfriend Paul paradise of Ibiza. Knightley and their children Paul, The pair shared a mask-wearing four, and Rosie, two. Sam, 29, selfie on their flight home, and gave an insight into their fun- Michelle, 33, later declared herself filled family holiday on Instagram, a “Quaranqueen” as she got revealing their “unplanned trip” back to work on her latest fashion had turned out “so good”. collection from the couple’s home And as she began her 14-day quarantine with her brood upon their return, Sam Michelle and revealed she is embarking Mark wore on a health detox by masks on their Sam with her quitting refined sugar flight home “crazy gang” Paul, and attempting to Rosie and Paul exercise every day. Meanwhile, Rita Ora, 29, has been enjoying her first post-lockdown holiday with her director boyfriend Romain Gavras. The new couple enjoyed a trip on a luxury yacht off the coast of Ibiza with a group of friends – the singer showing off her figure in a colourful Hunza G bikini. Also in Ibiza is presenter Maya Jama, who is treating herself to some well-deserved time off after presenting BBC show Save Our Summer alongside Peter Crouch. The 25-year- old flew to the Balearic Isle on a private jet with friends and posed for a series of bikini snaps at Sam got a kiss her lavish villa. OK! from Rosie WORDS: KIRSTY HATCHER
32 Michelle posed on her paddleboard
Mark soaked up the sun on deck Rita topped up her tan on a boat trip
Maya shared a snap from her villa in Ibiza
WWW.OK.CO.UK 33 TRIPLE THREAT ‘I HOPE THE NEXT ONE IS THE RIGHT ONE’ AMBER DAVIES WELCOMES US INTO HER NEW ESSEX HOME AND TELLS OK!’S JOSIE COPSON WHY SHE’S NO LONGER TAKING DOLLY PARTON’S ADVICE ON MEN
nce you’ve starred in a reality such a nice home at a young age, show, it can sometimes feel adding, “I never thought that I’d be like an impossible mission this independent!” to pursue other careers, but She has been able to buy this home, Oformer Love Island winner Amber Davies as well as a property in North Wales has overcome the barriers to become a where she is from, by being fairly successful theatre actress. sensible with her money. There have Her hard work on and off stage has been a few handbag splurges, but who meant she’s recently purchased a three- can blame her for that? “My Chanel bag storey home in Essex, which is 100 per is an investment. I can give that to my cent her type on paper. “It was the first daughter,” she says. “I’ve always had house that I viewed, and I just loved it. a handbag passion. When I was 13, I I was wasting so much money on rent could walk down the street and tell you because I just felt a little nervous to buy exactly which designer make a woman’s somewhere over here as it felt like a bag was. I grew up in a working class massive commitment.” family so I’ve never had loads of money The 23-year-old eventually got the and couldn’t afford it. Now I can treat confidence to put all her eggs in one myself and I take pride in what I buy, but basket (we’ll stop with the Love Island don’t feel the need to constantly shop.” puns now) and told OK! she feels “lucky Despite living alone, Amber says she and proud” to have been able to buy never felt lonely in lockdown and her
34 WWW.OK.CO.UK 35 36 adorable Jackapoo remembered. The Oreo is partly to meme of Amber’s thank for that. The eye-popping look proud dog mum from the moment was feeling a little newbie Georgia emotional during our Harrison picked conversation as she’d Kem in a recoupling dropped him off for ceremony still his first ever haircut. circulates. “I don’t “I think he’s sick to know where those death of me,” she ridiculous faces jokes. “I randomly came from. It must got him on the eve of be the musical Christmas Eve, and theatre in me,” it was the best thing Amber laughs. I ever did. I got him Some of her back in North Wales more iconic scenes from the same breeder were played on the as my mum’s dog. Best Of Love Island I was only meant ‘I’M LOOKING FORWARD compilation show to look, but I had to recently, which helped keep him because TO HAVING SOME FUN fill the void the he’s just so cute.” show has left in our Amber spent WHEN ALL THIS IS OVER’ lives. Not having an the hours at home episode to rush home learning how to cook, for (does anybody and adopting a new pescatarian diet. to having some fun when all of this else avoid making plans between 9pm “I seem to have more energy. My is over,” she says. and 10pm during Love Island season?) speciality is a chickpea curry. Maybe Amber’s mum Susan is a mental has made summer 2020 feel a bit amiss I’ll do a cookbook,” she laughs. health nurse and she recommended an for a lot of us, and that includes Amber. Like the rest of the UK, the star app called Virtual Hope Box to ensure However, there’s one season that has also been doing plenty of virtual her daughter took care of herself in Amber doesn’t particularly enjoy quiz nights with her friends. “I know quarantine. “It put my thoughts into watching and that’s her own. “My nan every fact in the book now,” she something else whenever I had a day rang to say I was on TV, but I couldn’t giggles. But mostly, she enjoyed having that I was overthinking,” she says. think of anything worse than watching time to rest. “This is the first time in Amber was crowned winner of Love myself. I’ve seen short clips, but on my four years that I’ve had a break. Last Island in 2017 with then-boyfriend Kem family’s life, I’ve never watched a full year, I was doing eight shows every Cetinay. “Can you believe it’s been episode. I want to remember it how it week with 9 To 5: The Musical. I was nearly three years since we broke up?” happened in my head, rather than an exhausted! I have learnt that I don’t she exclaims. While much time has edited version,” she explains. need to always be a social butterfly, passed since their love story played While it may not have worked out for or be running around all the time. out in the Majorcan villa, some of Amber and Kem, their fellow Islanders That being said, I’m looking forward their best moments will forever be Jamie Jewitt and Camilla Thurlow WWW.OK.CO.UK 37 are expecting their first baby, and Marcel Somerville is also having a child with girlfriend Rebecca Vieira. “I’m so happy for everyone,” Amber gushes. “We will always have a bond because we went on such a journey together. Whenever I bump into the others it’s always lovely – and that includes Kem.” She may not have found The One in the villa, but she did begin a lifelong friendship with Olivia Attwood. “When we came out of the villa, Chris [Hughes, Olivia’s then boyfriend] and Kem were best friends and recording their show, so we continued to do a lot together. We speak all the time, and we’ve celebrated each other’s wins. We came into the public eye at the same time, and if anyone can relate to me and what I’ve gone through, it’s Olivia,” Amber says. In the three years since her series aired, Amber feels like she’s become “a whole different person”. She explains, “I have so much more life experience now. I was a kid when I went on the show. I was only 20. I was thrown into the limelight and I really had to grow up. I was a naïve girl with no worries in the world on the show. I had the most amazing time and I’m so glad I wasn’t as clued up, as I probably would’ve been different. “I lived young, wild and free. That’s why it was so entertaining because it was real. I hope contestants continue to stay authentic – then there’s no reason it can’t keep getting bigger and better.” The show has been criticised for possibly not taking care of the mental health of some of the contestants, but Amber has no complaints. “I felt very well taken care of, and I’m still getting texts regularly now asking how I am,” she reveals. With Love Island firmly behind her, she’s now looking forward to continuing her stage career and will be starring in the postponed tour of Bring It On: The Musical – based on the iconic cheerleading movie – in 2021. “I miss performing so much. Being on stage with a live audience just gives the biggest buzz. It releases so many endorphins. When I get
38 WWW.OK.CO.UK 39 40 to meet the people who’ve travelled the is because they made “noise on social tomorrow isn’t promised. You never know country to come and see the show, I feel media and were heard”. what’s around the corner. If a handsome so grateful for everything,” she says. So what’s next for Amber? She tells guy came along tomorrow, then I The cherry on the cake is proving us, “I’m taking each day as it comes. My shouldn’t close myself off to it. The right the people who thought her reality ambition is to enjoy every single day and person will support me and not hold me background made her incapable of being help take care of my family.” The star back. The plan has been scrapped! a success in the West End wrong. “What continues, “I’ve learnt a lot about myself “I haven’t been on any dates yet I always said was, ‘Don’t have an opinion but there has been a lot of talking in until you’ve seen the show.’ I changed lockdown. No video dates though – that 99 per cent of people’s opinions,” ‘THE PANDEMIC would involve putting on make-up!” Amber proudly says, adding, “There’s When talking about her type on always going to be that snobby one per HAS TAUGHT ME paper, she says, “I’m open! I don’t mind cent though.” if they are in the public eye or not. I just The theatre and its workers are THAT TOMORROW hope the next one is the right one. I’m struggling at the moment due to its not on any dating apps as there’s no closure amid the coronavirus pandemic. ISN’T PROMISED’ point in our industry.“ “It’s going to be hard for so many Amber is already looking forward to people, and it breaks my heart but waving goodbye to 2020, but plans to we’ve got to stay hopeful. So many recently. I used to have a rigid life plan, take a holiday before rehearsals for Bring people are out of work, so we need to but the past few months have been a It On: The Musical begin next year. “I’ll get theatres back open as soon as it’s wake-up call. Dolly Parton advised me to start 2021 with a fresh slate, a tan and safe to do so,” Amber says. forget men for a while and focus on my maybe a man!”she says. OK! The arts and culture industry has been career, so I didn’t want a boyfriend for STYLIST: LORRAINE MCCULLOCH given a £1.57 billion boost from the another five years, but why can’t I juggle NAILS: MIMI HONEY NAILS government, and Amber believes this both? The pandemic has taught me that WWW.OK.CO.UK 41 HOT RIGHT NOW ‘THIS IS MY SECOND EVER TV ROLE – WAS I NERVOUS? TOTALLY’ AS IT’S REVEALED HE’S LOOKING FOR LOVE NORMAL PEOPLE’S PAUL MESCAL OPENS UP ABOUT STAGE FRIGHT AND HIS LATEST TV ROLE
fter filming Normal People, Paul Mescal even earned a lead actor Emmy nomination for his revealed he wants a relationship that’s portrayal, which is not something many people can “something similar to Connell and say for their first TV role. Marianne”. And now the 24-year-old Paul’s legion of fans have been eager to know Aappears to be putting that plan into action as he’s where they can watch the star next – and now their reportedly signed up to celebrity dating app Raya. prayers have been answered. Starting this week, The news that Paul is looking for love came just he is starring in Channel 5 drama The Deceived, days after it was revealed he’d enjoyed breakfast playing builder Sean McKeogh. The thriller, which with American singer Phoebe Bridgers, 25, at deals with gaslighting, psychological abuse, lust an Irish café after she flew in from the US. But and betrayal, tells the story of Cambridge student earlier this year he confessed that finding a “deep Ophelia, who falls in love with her married lecturer. connection emotionally and physically” like his However, their affair results in tragedy. character “might be a dragon that I might be Despite being heaped with praise for his chasing for a long time”. performance as Connell, Paul isn’t afraid to admit The star will no doubt be a popular member he was nervous about his new role. on the exclusive app, as since he graced our “I had two days off after I wrapped filming screens as Connell Waldron in the BBC drama he’s on Normal People and then I started filming captured the heart of the nation. With his piercing The Deceived. This is my second ever TV role. blue eyes and ripped physique, it’s no wonder he’s As for whether I was nervous? Totally. I don’t been tipped to play the next James Bond. He’s have enough experience to feel completely comfortable stepping on to set but everybody was so welcoming and kind,” says Paul, who has revealed his stage fright used to be so bad his “whole body would start to vibrate” with nerves. The Irishman is often compared to the character that made ‘DO I WANT him famous, but while Paul did attend Trinity SCREENSHOTS College in Dublin like Connell, he admits he’s OF MY SEX nothing like the English student in real life. SCENES ALL “I’m not trying to be full of faux humility but OVER THE it’s a weird thing when people are very quickly INTERNET? Paul’s looking for attracted to a character a love like Connell you play,” he says. “And PROBABLY and Marianne’s I think that’s the thing I’m focusing on. I’m NOT’ not Connell, I’m totally 42 Paul felt nervous filming The Deceived
different to him. I think maybe what’s sexy about Connell is he’s kind of classic back-footed, aloof, smart. I’m definitely not back-footed or aloof.” Normal People catapulted Paul and his co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones, who plays Marianne Sheridan, into mega stardom. So it’s not surprising he’s still trying to take it all in. “It’s hard to describe accurately as it’s something that I feel very much still in the middle of and I don’t really know what I feel at the moment,” says Paul. “It has been amazing and I am incredibly grateful that the show has reached as many people as it has and that the response has been so positive.” In Normal People Connell struggles with depression after a friend from school unexpectedly commits suicide. Opening up about how the plot hit close to home, Paul reveals, “Three people killed themselves at my school. So it’s not fictional to me, it’s real, and I was really nervous portraying it.” Paul’s mum Dearbhla had to take him out of school for a week after the first pupil died because “he wasn’t equipped to cope with that level of devastation”. “The distinct feeling I remember having at the time is that I didn’t know how to perform sadness in the way I saw other people around me being sad. I was nervous people didn’t think I was sad enough,” he says. The actor’s first TV appearance was in an ad for Denny sausages, and if it hadn’t been for a white lie about being able to drive, he may not have got the part of Connell. “My agent was like, ‘We are not losing this job over you not being able to drive so I’ll tell production that you can and in the meantime, you go off and rattle through as many lessons as you can,’” he admits. While still coming to terms with his newfound fame, Paul has also opened up about fans posting naked screenshots of him, thanks to the many sex scenes in Normal People. The series reportedly broke the record for the most sex the BBC has ever shown, at 41 minutes. “It’s something I’m incredibly proud of. Do I want screenshots all over the internet?” Paul says of the racy scenes. “Probably not, but that’s ultimately something I can’t control.” OK!
THE DECEIVED STARTS MONDAY 3 AUGUST AT 9PM ON CHANNEL 5
WORDS: KIRSTY HATCHER
WWW.OK.CO.UK 43
KYM’SCOLUMN LOW INCOME FAMILIES CAN STRUGGLE TO FIND HEALTHY OPTIONS OUR COLUMNIST WARNS THAT FAMILIES IN FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY CAN’T ALWAYS PRIORITISE HEALTHY FOOD
here has been a lot in the news you could choose something less healthy as about obesity after the government a quick and easy option. launched a strategy to get the nation The other issue is unhealthy foods that fit and healthy in a bid to protect us present themselves as healthy. There are Tagainst coronavirus and also protect the many products marketing themselves NHS from being pushed to its limits. as having natural ingredients, but also But Leon founder containing a lot of Henry Dimbleby, sugar. And I’ve seen who has launched microwave meals the new National that are advertised as Food Strategy, has low calorie but are insisted more needs extremely high in to be done for low sugar or salt. Not income families everyone has the and that children time to read food should get more labels or prepare access to nutritious meals from scratch food through free with fresh produce. BEING A YOUNG school meals, holiday I was a young GRAN HAS ITS PERKS food packages and mum living on discount vouchers. practically nothing. ormer Love Island winner Dani Dyer I completely agree. It was hard to make Fannounced she was expecting her first Obesity is an issue ends meet and often child with partner Sammy Kimmence last we should be tackling you just want to put week – meaning that her father Danny and we also need to a meal on the table Dyer is set to become a grandad at 43. look at making healthy for your family – no Firstly, I’d like to congratulate the couple food an option for all matter what it is. on the wonderful news. families. The issue is healthy food is often We need to tackle the obesity crisis in I became a grandparent at 43 too. much more expensive. this country, but we also need to look at low I always knew my daughter Emilie would The fact that junk food is advertised income families and their access to healthy be a great mum and being a young for how cheap it is is also a concern. If you food at a reasonable price. A healthy diet grandparent definitely has its perks. need to feed your family but you struggle shouldn’t be something only some people I have much more energy so I can run to make ends meet, it’s understandable that can afford. around after my grandson Teddy. I also don’t mind people thinking I look too young to be a grandparent. MEN DON’T DESERVE GRATITUDE FOR It’s certainly a compliment! OK! DOING MORE HOUSEWORK
here’s a new study that Tclaims men now do an extra five-and-a-half hours a week childcare and housework compared to 40 years ago. I mean, it’s definitely a step in the right direction, but what do they want, a piece of cake?! I’m very lucky with my partner Scott. He’s been in the army since he was a teenager, so he’s looked after himself for a long time. He cleans and tidies without being asked to and he’s a great cook. He can even sew! I think it’s only fair in a household to work as a partnership. I’m happy to cook or clean if he’s really busy because I know he’ll pick up the slack when I’m working. It’s give and take. PHOTOS: GETTY, TONY WARD PHOTOS: GETTY,
WWW.OK.CO.UK 45 HARPER’S ALL GROWN UP he might be the daughter of a fashion designer, but at only nine years old Harper Beckham has shocked fans with Sher glamorous new look. After spending the day with her brother Brooklyn’s new fiancée NICOLA PELTZ, 25, at her mum VICTORIA‘s London store, Harper looked all grown up as she crashed her parents’ date night. “Had the best girls day with my little sister. @victoria beckham your store is a dream,” wrote Nicola alongside a sweet snap of the pair (left). Dad DAVID, 45, shared a snap of his only daughter, who appeared to be wearing make- up, at dinner. He captioned the shot (far left), “Pretty girl date night with Mummy & Daddy”. Elsewhere, BROOKLYN, 21, shared a behind-the-scenes photo (below) of the moment he proposed to Bates Motel actress Nicola in front of her billionaire father NELSON PELTZ. “Can’t imagine a life without you baby, you make me feel so special and make me laugh all the time x I will always take care of you and will always have your back,” wrote the star. DANNY’S GOING TO BE A GRANDDAD! eality star DANI DYER In her autobiography, What has shown off her Would Dani Do?, released the Rbump for the first time same month, Dani revealed since announcing she is Sammy previously “treated expecting her first child her like his side dish”. The with her boyfriend SAMMY pair reportedly split earlier KIMMENCE. The 23-year-old this year due to stockbroker daughter of EastEnders star Sammy being accused of DANNY, announced the news scamming two elderly men on Instagram and revealed out of £34,000, something she is due next year. he has denied. “Little bubba can’t believe Dani won Love Island you are going to be ours. Me with JACK FINCHAM, who and Sammy are so excited is now dad to seven-month- to start this next chapter in old Blossom. our lives, feel so lucky and grateful,” wrote the former Love Island winner. The news came just months after Dani revealed she and Sammy, 24, were back together following a brief split in March. The couple previously dated before Dani appeared on the reality show two years ago and they rekindled their romance in April 2019.
46 BRITCROWD HAPPY BIRTHDAY ACE! e was introduced to the world in the pages of OK!, and now CHARLEY WEBB and MATTHEW HWOLFENDEN’s adorable son Ace has turned one. The Emmerdale couple celebrated the little one’s milestone at their North Yorkshire home, decking it out with a mini hot air balloon and a teepee in their garden. “I can’t believe Ace is one today. I feel so lucky to have spent a whole year at home getting to know him, one of my favourite years so far. I love you Ace Gene Wolfenden. Happy first birthday,” wrote Charley, 32. Ace was also gifted a mini Range Rover and was joined by his older brothers Buster, ten, and Bowie, four, for the celebrations.
‘THE REALITY OF HAVING A BABY’ um-of-two CARA DE LA HOYDE- MMASSEY has been praised for showing off her postpartum figure just one day after giving birth to a baby girl. Cara, 30, welcomed a daughter with her husband NATHAN MASSEY, 28, and soon shared a snap of herself cuddled up with the newborn and the couple’s son Freddie- George (right), two. “I may look absolutely shattered but I’m so in love right now. P.S reality of a new mum bleeding, back ache, sore nipples and still looking pregnant no one tells you these bits (but it’s so worth it),” wrote the star. Cara was rushed into hospital and induced after being diagnosed with pre-eclampsia.
WWW.OK.CO.UK 47 ON THE RISE ‘I AM THE BIGGEST BAKE OFF FAN!’ ACTRESS BEANIE FELDSTEIN TALKS ABOUT HER TIME ON BROADWAY WITH BETTE MIDLER AND LEARNING HOW TO BE BRITISH FOR HER NEW ROLE
f you aren’t familiar with Beanie Feldstein accent. The word that helped me lock into Your character is still at school in the yet, it’s time to rectify that immediately. the accent was “lovely”. That was my magic movie. What were you like at school? The hilarious 27-year-old actress – who word throughout the process. It’s pronounced Ben Platt [actor in The Politician] is my best has been hailed as the next Lena Dunham differently to anywhere else in the country. friend. We were at school together and we Iand has already been called an “icon” were typical theatre kids. That was our tribe. by Jameela Jamil – first arrived on the There are some iconic British and Irish We would’ve been first in line for a murder scene with small roles in films such as Bad celebrities in the movie. Did you know who mystery party. However, I think I found Neighbours 2 and Lady Bird. But it was her they all were? myself academically in college. That’s when leading lady turn in 2017’s coming-of-age I am the biggest fan of The Great British Bake I became obsessed with academics. flick Booksmart that truly cemented her Off, so I knew exactly who Mel [Giedroyc] and status as one to watch. Her role as high Your brother is the actor Jonah Hill. Is school nerd Molly saw her nominated for there any sibling rivalry? a Golden Globe Award. Jonah and I are inseparable best friends. A gift for comedy clearly runs in the family We’ve never competed. We’re too obsessed as Beanie’s brother is none other than The with each other for that. Arguably, we are Wolf Of Wall Street star Jonah Hill. “Jonah super, super, super close. I started doing and I are inseparable best friends,” she tells musical theatre when I was five, but Jonah us. “We’ve never competed. We’re too didn’t start acting until he was 19 or 20, obsessed with each other for that.” so Jonah started acting a couple of years Here, Beanie – who is currently starring in after me. But I was always in theatre and I the movie adaptation of novel How To Build was obsessed with Broadway – but he was A Girl – talks about her time in Broadway such a cinephile growing up. He was always and growing up with Jonah... obsessed with movies, so we never had any competition. I admire him – he’s a genius. You play a teenager from Wolverhampton He’s my favourite person. But there’s not an in your new movie, How To Build A Girl. In How To ounce of competition between us. Instead, How did you tackle the accent? Build A Girl there’s a lot of admiration. I went to Wolverhampton to research the accent. I lived there and worked You appeared on Broadway with there for a while. I worked in a local shop Bette Midler. What tips did you learn called Shop In The Square, where 25 from the icon? local female artists sell their work in a Oh my God. I could talk about Bette co-operative style. It’s mostly gifts, like Midler for 20 hours, let alone 20 cards, jewellery, mugs and things like minutes. She never sits down; I never that. I got all these different perspectives once saw her sit down in rehearsal. They on growing up in Wolverhampton. I’m would call a break, but she would just still in their Facebook group. go over her lines or talk to the director. I was in awe. She’s in her seventies. What was the biggest lesson you She missed one show and it was only learned during your accent training because the doctor wouldn’t let her go and British lessons? on. She is a force to be reckoned with. The biggest thing I learned is accents If I could be anything like her in my life, can differ between a 10-minute drive that would be the most exciting thing between two cities. I also got to pull that ever happened to me. She’s the my own pint in a pub, which I feel is most giving, incredible spirit. very legitimate. I also drove to and from work, so I learned to drive on the other Is Beanie your real name? side of the car and the other side of the With her Beanie came from Elizabeth. My legal road. Working on this movie was a life- brother name is Elizabeth and a caretaker changing experience, but the biggest Jonah started calling me Elizabeanie when thing for me was about jumping headfirst I was one month old. Jonah and my into the shop and working on the accent. other brother Jordan started calling me In some ways, I felt like a child on the first Sue [Perkins] were. I was freaking out about it! Elizabeanie – and then they decided, “Let’s day of school. I was so excited that I got to meet lots of the just call her Beanie.” I was always Beanie stars in the movie. Because of the scheduling, Baby. It just stuck. OK! Did you struggle with any words? we had two units going at the same time, so HOW TO BUILD A GIRL IS AVAILABLE TO STREAM ON AMAZON There are so many words! Even the name of I wasn’t able to read with everyone. Being in PRIME NOW. my character, Johanna, was different to me. the make-up trailer with Sharon Horgan was Her name is Johanna Morgan and it’s such incredible. She’s one of my idols, as well as INTERVIEW: ALAN TANNER PHOTOS: GETTY, RICH FURY/CONTOUR BY GETTY IMAGES a difficult one to say in a Wolverhampton Jameela Jamil. It was a gift to meet them all.
48 WWW.OK.CO.UK 49 BLOOMING LOVELY ‘I MIGHT GIVE BIRTH ON MY DAD LES’S BIRTHDAY!’
CHARLOTTE DAWSON EXCLUSIVELY REVEALS HER PREGNANCY WITH PARTNER MATTHEW SARSFIELD AND OPENS UP ABOUT PAYING TRIBUTE TO HER LATE FATHER
harlotte Dawson has made sister Samantha’s husband Glen took his headlines over the years for being own life. Reflecting on the grief, she says the wild child of reality TV and has her hope is that her new baby will mark a gained a legion of fans on social fresh start. Cmedia thanks to her lairy behaviour and Here, the star opens up about looking unfiltered attitude. forward to motherhood, working through But the 27-year-old tells OK! she’s issues and the touching tribute she’ll pay excited to show fans a new side to her as to her late father with her baby’s name... she exclusively reveals she’s expecting her first baby with partner Matthew Sarsfield, How are you both feeling? 28.“I might have liked to go out and have Charlotte: I’m just over the moon. a good time, but I know I’m going to be an Matthew and I have been together for four amazing mum and will do anything for my years now. We bought our first house two baby,” she tells us. years ago so this just feels like the right Charlotte’s father, comedian Les next step. I always said to my mum that Dawson, passed away from a heart attack we’d have a baby before we got married. when she was eight months old, but he’s My mum’s 70 next year and I want her to been a close presence in her life. And in get loads of time with her grandchild. It a bizarre twist of fate, her firstborn is due just feels like perfect timing for us. I do still just a week ahead of what would’ve been want that rock one day – especially if I’m Les’s 90th birthday. “There’s every chance pushing a baby out of my womb! [Laughs] I could give birth on his birthday. What a Matthew: I’m so excited, too. It’s been so tribute that would be!” she says. good for us and we can’t wait for it now. Charlotte and rugby league player Matthew have endured their fair share Was it a surprise? of ups and downs during their four-year Matthew: It was a bit of a shock. We didn’t romance. They even appeared on Celebs plan it or anything. Go Dating earlier this year to iron out their Charlotte: We had spoken about having a issues. But Charlotte insists the experience baby last year but we were in a bad place made them stronger and now is the in our relationship. I think we thought a perfect time for them to start a family. baby might save things but that’s never a “This just feels like perfect timing,” she good idea. It didn’t end up happening so says. Matthew adds, “We’re both ready it clearly wasn’t meant to be. This feels like for this next chapter. We’ve got a house perfect timing. and we’ve been together for four years. It feels right.” How did you find out? Despite her happiness, Charlotte’s Charlotte: Well Matthew is like my period family suffered tragedy in June when her person. He knows to the day when I’m MATTHEW WEARS FLANNELS THROUGHOUT. CHARLOTTE WEARS TOP AND TROUSERS BY KIRSTY DOYLE WEARS FLANNELS THROUGHOUT. MATTHEW 50 WWW.OK.CO.UK 51 due on. He told me I was a day late and we have been here, making everyone laugh. decided to take a test. We’d spent loads on It makes me emotional to go through my tests last year when we were trying, so we first pregnancy and he’s not here. I wish my just bought a cheap one and only a little faint dad was here to meet his grandchild. It’s so line showed up. Matthew was so excited and strange because when we first did the test, we already celebrating, but I was convinced it was worked out that my due date would land on just the cheapness of the test! So we went out his 90th birthday. When I told my mum that, and bought a proper one and it said I was one she burst into tears. We went for the first scan to two weeks pregnant. I was so emotional. and my due date is actually the week before, but there’s every chance I could give birth on Do you want a boy or a girl? his birthday. What a tribute that would be! Charlotte: I would love a little girl so I can dress her like me and we can do TikTok videos Would you consider naming the baby together. But I do love my nephew, he’s the after him? cutest thing. So I would be happy with either Charlotte: We spoke about it but Matthew as long as they’re healthy. I’m dying to know! is very modern and he wants modern names. Matthew: At first I said I’d love a boy because We like Noah for a boy and Lily Rose for a girl. I have two nieces, so I thought that would be Matthew: We’re going to give the baby a a nice addition for the family. But as long as double-barrelled surname so we can get the baby is happy and healthy, I’m happy. Dawson in there. When we get married, I’ll take the double-barrelled surname too. Charlotte, what kind of grandfather do you think your dad would’ve been? Charlotte, do you feel your dad’s presence? Charlotte: He would’ve been the best All the time. Whenever I’ve got a big job to grandfather. It’s bittersweet because he would do or something is making me nervous, I CHARLOTTE WEARS DRESS BY LAVISH ALICE CHARLOTTE WEARS DRESS BY LAVISH
52 WWW.OK.CO.UK 53 Charlotte’s mum and late father Les
feel like he’s watching over me. The day I found out I was pregnant, I was home alone and the TV just randomly turned on really loud and then switched off. I looked it up and apparently that can be a spirit trying to connect with you. I felt so sure that was my dad letting me know he was there. I’ve got so many pictures of him all over the house and I go and visit the statue of him all the time. I’ve told Matthew if he wants to propose, he needs to get permission from his statue first! Matthew: I know Charlotte’s dad means everything to her. She loves him and it’s important for both of us to keep his memory alive. Charlotte: I’m so proud to be his daughter and I want to follow in his footsteps. I’ve done a lot of presenting and I’d love to host Blankety Blank. That would be my dream. ‘I FEEL LIKE THIS PREGNANCY IS A REAL GIFT FOR MY FAMILY’
You both went on Celebs Go Dating to work through your issues. What was the biggest problem? Charlotte: Lack of communication. We were both so busy and not spending much time together. Matthew: We worked through it and came out stronger.
There were reports you split earlier this year? Charlotte: That was rubbish. We’d had an argument and I’d stayed at my mum’s house for a few days to have a breather. We didn’t split up, we own a house together!
How has lockdown been for you both? Charlotte: As soon as we got into lockdown, we were in a much better place. We both stopped drinking and started eating healthily and, funnily enough, I quickly fell pregnant. It was as if my body really needed that break and to slow down. Matthew: I feel grateful for lockdown because we got to spend so much time together and it made us realise we don’t need to go out all the time. We’ve enjoyed each other’s company.
Charlotte, you’ve become renowned for your wild personality on reality TV. Are you excited to show people a different side to you when you become a mum? People definitely have misconceptions about me. I bet a lot of people will be shocked I’m having a baby! But I know who I am. I might have liked to go out and have a good time, but I know I’m going to be an amazing mum and will
54 CHARLOTTE WEARS DRESS BY ZARA WWW.OK.CO.UK 55 56 do anything for my baby. I’m a really family- oriented person. I can’t wait to show people a different side to me. Matthew: She’ll be a great mum. I see Charlotte off camera and I know what she’s like behind closed doors. She’s so caring and so brilliant with her niece and nephews. We’re both ready for this next chapter.
You show a lot of your life on TikTok. Will you document your pregnancy? Charlotte: Yeah. I’m not a private person and I’ll probably vlog everything. I’m so excited for everyone to know I’m pregnant. I love shaking my belly on TikToks and that hasn’t changed now I’m pregnant. Matthew: I don’t think she’s wired up right when I see some of her videos! She is two different people to me. She’s one person on social media and she’s someone else with me.
How about giving birth live on TikTok? Charlotte: Oh, that’s a new one isn’t it? I might do, maybe! I probably would do a baby vlog and want people to see everything. But maybe not the baby coming out, though...
Charlotte, your family suffered a tough time with the loss of your sister’s husband. How are you coping? It’s been so devastating. My family doesn’t deserve to go through this. He was such a good man. He had kids of his own and he also took on my sister’s kids from another relationship. He was quiet but there were no signs that he was struggling. It came out of the blue. He took his life on the Saturday and on the Thursday before, I had gone round to show him the scan and he hugged me. He never hugged me and I felt like that was his way of saying goodbye. Matthew: It was just a shock – awful news. Charlotte’s sister has been so strong but it’s been such a blow. We never saw it coming. Charlotte: We’re trying to do all we can to raise awareness for mental health now. Matthew and I are planning to release a clothing line with a percentage of profits going to charities. My nephew is doing a hike for Empowerment Charity. I’m so proud. The one positive is this pregnancy because my sister is over the moon. She’s said this baby will be her saviour and I feel like it’s a real gift for my family. OK!
INTERVIEW: KAT ROMERO PHOTOS: OK!/DAVID LONGSTAFFE CHARLOTTE WEARS DRESS BY FRANCESCA COUTURE
WWW.OK.CO.UK 57 LIFE’S A BEACH hile lockdown has tested Thom, 35, and Nicole, 42, met many a relationship, for last year while filming The X Factor: WNICOLE SCHERZINGER Celebrity, making things official and THOM EVANS, the heart has after the show ended. The rugby only grown fonder. star had reportedly had his eye The couple looked more loved on The Pussycat Doll for six years up than ever as they gazed at one prior, but she had always been in another while watching the sunset. a relationship. Nicole confirmed The pair have been enjoying a her split from tennis ace GRIGOR sun-soaked getaway, with Nicole DIMITROV last summer and enjoying some horse riding as well previously dated Formula 1 driver, as relaxing on the beach. LEWIS HAMILTON. WELCOME TO THE WORLD WILLA ongratulations are in order for SOPHIE TURNER Cand JOE JONAS, who have welcomed their first child together. It’s reported that the new parents have named their baby girl Willa, and had decided on the moniker before her birth. It seems Game Of Thrones star Sophie, who plays Sansa Stark in the show, may well have taken inspiration from her role. A character named Willa, played by ALICE NOKES, appeared in the final season of the show, during the episode The Last Of The Starks. The couple are thought to be “at home getting settled”, with Joe, 30, loving being a “hands-on dad”. Joe and Sophie, 24, tied the knot last June in the south of France. BACKGRID UK, EROTEME.CO.UK, GETTY, SPLASHNEWS BACKGRID UK, EROTEME.CO.UK, GETTY, 58 LOVEMATTERS LOVE ISLAND biza is clearly a hot destination introduced Tom, 27, to for a holiday romance. After her friends. Ifilming White Lines together It’s thought the pair grew on the island, LAURA HADDOCK close during filming, with Spain and her co-star TOM RHYS holding a “special place in HARRIES have been spotted their hearts” as it’s where their house hunting together. romance blossomed. The couple, who played Laura, 34, split from her siblings Zoe and Axel Walker husband of six years, Peaky in the Netflix series, were Blinders star SAM CLAFLIN, shown around a £1.2 million, last year. The couple share five-bedroom home in Oxford, four-year-old son Pip and and Laura has reportedly two-year-old daughter Margot.
MATT’S MYSTERY WOMAN ctor MATT SMITH has been The First Avenger star CHRIS spotted enjoying a stroll EVANS. The pair were spotted Awith a mystery lady (above). getting cosy in a London park The pair popped into north (below), and Lily was also spotted London restaurant Lemonia for a heading to the Corinthia Hotel takeaway meal, with one onlooker with Chris after partying together describing them as “smiling and at members’ club Mark’s Club. laughing” and “relaxed” in each Matt and Lily split back other’s company. December after five years Their outing came just weeks together, but it was rumoured after Matt’s former flame LILY they had rekindled their JAMES went public with her relationship after isolating in their relationship with Captain America: shared home during lockdown.
WWW.OK.CO.UK 59
DANCING KING ‘MY WIFE IS SUPERWOMAN!’
ASHLEY BANJO TELLS OK!’S JOSIE COPSON ABOUT LIFE WITH A ONE-YEAR-OLD AND A NEWBORN IN LOCKDOWN
ome people saunter through two babies and we’re just life with an air of effortless trying to create the dream. cool, and Ashley Banjo is definitely one of them. Since Tell us a little bit about this Swinning Britain’s Got Talent 11 years Cadbury campaign... ago with his dance group Diversity There’s a competition to (beating none other than Susan find the chocolate bar that Boyle to secure the top spot), Ashley is going to be the next one has since enjoyed a successful TV to join the Dairy Milk range. career as a result of his natural I’m supporting the Out Of charisma and talent. The Blueberry bar, and Laura This has included being a Whitmore and Roman Kemp Dancing On Ice judge, teaching also have their own bars to celebs how to strip to raise cancer campaign for. I came into awareness on The Real Full Monty the public eye winning a and helping singletons find love on Ashley and competition, and this Flirty Dancing. Ashley, 31, is also still Francesca with is not the time for me travelling the country performing Rose and Micah to start losing! with Diversity. Here, the star – who shares one- If the bar wins then you’ve year-old daughter Rose and welcomed son How are you finding being back with promised to dye your hair blue... Micah in March with wife Francesca Abbott Diversity now after lockdown? I’ve done grey and blonde in lockdown, but – opens up about how difficult home life has It’s good, but I’m a little bit knackered! A big blue is a whole other thing. I’m not someone been the past few months... part of my life is performing, and soaking who goes back on my word, so I’ll go up energy from the audience, so it was hard whatever shade of blue people want. OK! How have you found lockdown? to have that taken away all of a sudden. ASHLEY IS BACKING TAYLOR’S CADBURY DAIRY MILK OUT It has been tough, especially at the Diversity are all going to be seeing each OF THE BLUEBERRY TO WIN THE CADBURY INVENTOR 2020 beginning. We had Micah right at the start, other a lot over the next seven weeks, as COMPETITION. FANS CAN VOTE FOR THEIR FAVOURITE ON CADBURYINVENTOR.COM UNTIL SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2020, and my wife had a Caesarean so she couldn’t we’re locking down as one household so we TO BE CROWNED THE LATEST ADDITION TO JOIN THE ICONIC really move. We had an 11-month-old, a are able to perform. CADBURY DAIRY MILK RANGE. newborn and the dogs. We were a new family approaching life with two new babies. You‘ve said that you’re focused on getting PHOTOS: ROBERT PARFITT/FLIRTY DANCING IS ON ALL4 It’s difficult anyway, but then we couldn’t back in shape. Is that important to you? have any outside help. It was a challenge With my job, I feel good all of the time and a very steep learning curve. My wife is because I’m always exercising and laughing now looking after the kids and running the with friends. When we were in lockdown I house while I’m working. She’s Superwoman. felt myself missing the buzz, and I replaced it with eating. Every half an hour I walked over Your brother Jordan also has two young to the fridge and cupboards. I must have children. Have you supported each other? eaten about 7,000 calories a day [laughs]. We were FaceTiming every day and that I’m not a big believer in strict diets, it’s just was a massive part of me being able to get about having everything in moderation. through lockdown. Just being able to talk and support each other made it easier. How did you celebrate your fifth wedding anniversary last month? Have you learnt any lessons? We just had a nice meal indoors, as there I’ve come out of lockdown with a different was still a little anxiety about going out perspective. I’m so grateful for this chance as our anniversary was on the first day to reset because I’d have never had this restaurants were open. We got married on moment to stop otherwise. We’ve been our ten-year anniversary, so it was like we accelerated forward into a digital age, and were married already. We did still have a so Diversity will now be taking our dance huge romantic period after we got married. school online. I kept myself occupied with We went on a honeymoon, moved house TikToks, which is just the start. If it wasn’t and got a new dog. There is a high when for having kids, I would have made so many you get married, and it doesn’t go away but more. It was my way of creating. you settle into it. This is our life, we’ve got 60 WWW.OK.CO.UK 61 RESCUE ME FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS OK! LOOKS AT THE STARS WHO HAVE OPENED THEIR HOMES TO RESCUE POOCHES IN NEED
ith much of the nation working portal rose by 140 per cent, the RSPCA saw a from home, lockdown has allowed 600 per cent rise in visits to its dog fostering many of us to open our homes pages, and people looking to rehome dogs to a canine companion. Here through the Dogs Trust website doubled. Wat OK!, our editor Charlotte has welcomed With dogs looking for homes all over the cockapoo puppy Luna into her family, while country, rehoming a rescue dog is a great mischievous Westie Daisy has been keeping way to find your new best friend (so long as our news editor Kirsty on her toes. you’ve thought ahead to what happens after It’s not just our team’s home offices that lockdown lifts). Many celebrities have opened are doubling as doggy daycare centres. their hearts to pooches in need. Here are our Enquiries through the Kennel Club puppy favourite A-List adoption success stories...
Jennifer and Clyde – and, below, Clyde with Dolly and Sophie DAVID GANDY AND DORAAND DORA s there anything more attractive than Ia hot man and his dog? We think not. Model David Gandy is rarely seen without his canine pal Dora, who he initially fostered from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. “When we got Dora, we didn’t know exactly what breed or how old she was, but she had a lovely temperament. She was just frightened of a lot of things,” he says. But, of course, David and his partner Stephanie Mendoros couldn’t help but fall in love with her. When the moment came for Dora to find a permanent home, David explains, “Steph couldn’t bear it and said, ‘No, we’re keeping her, she’s family now.’”
JENNIFER ANISTON AND CLYDE SOPHIE AND DOLLY hen Jennifer Choice, the 1982 film WAniston was tipped which sees Meryl off that 10 puppies Streep’s character had arrived at her local forced to choose shelter, she rushed between her two straight there. She was children. She said of able to offer a loving the three-hour visit, “I home to pitbull mix was almost walking out Sophie, but choosing with three puppies.” which pup to adopt left Jen also has fellow her in tears. The tough rescue Clyde, and decision inspired her dog’s name, previously adopted white Alsatian with the star comparing it to Sophie’s Dolly, who has now passed away.
62 ALESHA DIXON AND PRINCE ROSY AND DAISY
ike her Britain’s Got Talent boss Simon LCowell, Alesha adopted rescue dogs – Prince and Rosy, both cocker spaniels, and Daisy, a pointer. Animal lover Alesha often uses her platform to raise awareness of animal rights, including travelling to Thailand with World Animal Protection to highlight the plight of animals used in tourism.
Cuddling up with Rosy and Prince
Prince accompanied Alesha on a BGT photocall WWW.OK.CO.UK 63 BRADLEY SIMMONDS AND ROOTS
itness guru and trainer Fto the stars Bradley Simmons is doggy daddy to Roots. After Roots was abandoned by his mother at five weeks old, Bradley nursed the pup back to health in St Lucia before bringing him home. The popular pooch is a potcake – a mixed breed in the Caribbean – and even has his own Instagram page @man.like.roots.
Orlando was often seen out walking with Sidi
GREG JAMES BELLA MACKIE AND BARNEY
fter tying the knot back in 2018, Radio 1 ADJ Greg James and his wife, writer Bella Mackie, adopted chocolate Labrador Barney from Battersea. It was love at first sight – upon meeting the pup Greg exclaimed, “Who the f*** is he? He is amazing!” and Paul relaxing later revealed, “I panicked and went, ‘We with rescue have to have him.’” dog Arfur PAUL O’GRADY AND NANCY s presenter of For The Love Of Dogs, Paul O’Grady Ahas proved he is partial to taking a pup or two home with him. Most recently, after fostering Jack Russell puppy Nancy from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home during lockdown, Paul has officially adopted her. She’s settling into her new home brilliantly alongside his other dogs, Jack Russell pup Nancy Eddie, Conchita and Arfur, also adopted from Battersea. is the newest member of On her progress, Paul confirmed, “She’s twice the size, the O’Grady household extremely confident and loves her grub.”
64 Andrea says ORLANDO tiny Teddy has helped her BLOOM mental health AND SIDI
ack in 2004, Orlando ANDREA BBloom met Saluki cross Sidi as a stray in Morocco, McLEAN while filming Kingdom Of Heaven. After the pair bonded, AND TEDDY Orlando adopted the dog and the pair were often spotted ndrea McLean strolling through the streets of Aand her husband New York together. Sadly, Sidi Nick Feeney have passed away in 2016, leaving credited rescue his owner devastated. But the pup Teddy with actor found a unique way to “changing their keep his pooch’s memory lives”, allowing alive. He has revealed, “I had them “time to his skeleton mounted so that breathe”. The he stays with me. I know that couple adopted sounds a little odd to some the cavapoo from people, but it is quite tastefully Battersea as a puppy. done and I still get to say Andrea has been good night to him.” open about her mental health in the past, revealing she suffered a breakdown last year. But the Loose Women star says, “He has helped me mentally more than I realised, because he takes my mind off everything I’ve been worried or stressed about. He’s calmed me down.”
SELENA Selena introduces GOMEZ cuties Daisy and AND Winnie to her fans DAISY AND WINNIE ith rescue centres Win desperate need of assistance during the pandemic, Selena Gomez lent a hand by fostering puppy Daisy from her local shelter. But in what appears to be a recurring theme for doggy foster parents, Selena couldn’t bear to part with her when she was due to be returned. Greg and She has now made Bella instantly Daisy a permanent fell in love member of the family, with Barney alongside fellow rescue dog Winnie. WWW.OK.CO.UK 65 THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL BETH AND BLUEBELL
he Duchess of Cornwall enjoys Tnothing more than a long walk through the grounds of Highgrove House with her dogs Beth and Bluebell. Camilla adopted the Jack Russells from Battersea. Beth was rehomed first, after being dumped, with Bluebell following. Camilla explained, “They found [Bluebell] wandering about in woods, no hair on her, covered in sores, virtually dead. And they nursed her back to life and her hair grew again. Camilla and She’s very sweet, but a tiny bit Charles with neurotic, shall we say.” Beth and Bluebell
CHANNING TATUM BRADLEY AND LULU COOPER AND s if we need any more reasons to love Channing CHARLIE ATatum, the Magic Mike star rescued pitbull mix Lulu from a kill shelter in Alabama and they became hen Bradley Cooper inseparable. The actor was left devastated when his Wdirected and starred in A pooch passed away in 2018, and has since revealed Star Is Born, the star in question that Lulu is the inspiration for his upcoming film, was his rescue dog, Charlie. Dog, expected next Valentine’s Day. Bradley cast the pup, named after his father, as his on-screen companion, and jokes the fame has gone to Charlie’s head! “[He] has an agent. I don’t talk to him much any more. He doesn’t return my calls. He always walks away from me unless I have food,” he joked. Bradley has also had two other rescues, German shorthaired pointer Samson, and chow-retriever mix Charlotte.
66 RUTH LANGSFORD EAMONN HOLMES AND MAGGIE
uth Langsford and Eamonn time they returned. Luckily for RHolmes’ adorable Collie cross them, a change in circumstances Maggie is very much part of the for her new owner meant they family. They adopted her from were able to give Maggie her Dogs Trust for their son Jack, forever home on her return to then eight. But after falling in the centre. Eamonn says, “She’s love with her on their first visit, been the most wonderful, she had been rehomed by the beautiful, gorgeous gift.”
Simon and partner Lauren adopted Daisy in Barbados SIMON COWELL AND DAISY Eamonn and imon Cowell has proved he family enjoy regular getaways. Ruth with their Sreally is a big softie at heart by The Britain’s Got Talent boss also “wonderful adopting adorable pooch, Daisy. has Yorkshire terriers Squiddly and gift” Maggie Daisy was rescued as a stray in Diddly, as well as Freddie, who Barbados, where Simon and his was his late mother’s dog. OK! WORDS: KATIE LANGFORD-FOSTER PHOTOS: ALPHA, BACKGRID, CAPITAL PICTURES, GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK PICTURES, GETTY, LANGFORD-FOSTER PHOTOS: ALPHA, BACKGRID, CAPITAL WORDS: KATIE
Simon out walking his canine brood: Daisy, Squiddly, Diddly and Freddie
WWW.OK.CO.UK 67 TELLING IT LIKE IT IS ‘PEOPLE SAY I’M TERRIBLY UP MY OWN BOTTOM’ LEGEND OF STAGE AND SCREEN MIRIAM MARGOLYES SHARES HER THOUGHTS ON AGEING AND KEEPING THE SPARK ALIVE
ere at OK! we Does being away wish we could from Heather make spend every day dealing with the chatting to Miriam situation more difficult? HMargolyes. As we catch up It’s miserable! I want to with the 79-year-old over talk to her. Obviously we’re Zoom, we fall in love with on Zoom but I want to be her straight-talking and able to hug her. We don’t cheeky nature all over again. f**k all the time but we She’s famed for saying miss hugging each other. the first thing that comes into her mind and packing What’s the secret behind a punch despite being your 52 years together? 4ft 10in, so it’s no surprise Not lying to each other that Miriam has us in fits and not living together of laughter during our call, Filming Almost probably [laughs]! She’s despite telling us she’s a Australian very involved in her work bit “wired and woolly” as and I am in mine and she’s just finished a Pilates when we get together session. “I go on my exercise bike, too, I’ve been allowed to live this long! I don’t it’s because we choose to. I think that’s because I need to keep my body going or always feel amazing – I sometimes feel instrumental to the fact we’re still together. I won’t survive,” she tells us. very old and doddery. I think on the whole Although she hits the big 8-0 next year, I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve got friends, We’re loving Miriam Margolyes: Almost Miriam – who has been with her Australian a nice house, enough money to live on Australian. Will there be a second series? partner Heather Sutherland for 52 years – and a partner who loves me. I have been asked to! If you don’t get asked is showing no signs of slowing down. As to do things you retire, so as long as I’m well as starring in a new online short play Twitter has come under fire for not asked I’ll go on! We didn’t go to Western called Watching Rosie about experiencing removing Wiley’s anti-Semitic tweets or Southern Australia or Tasmania and if I dementia in lockdown, her BBC series sooner. What did you think about that? haven’t been to those then I haven’t seen Miriam Margolyes: Almost Australian, which I wasn’t aware of this as I’m afraid I don’t Australia, so I’ve got to finish the job. I’m sees her travelling 10,000km across the do Twitter. I think it’s nonsense and full half Australian. People say I’m terribly up country, has been winning rave reviews. of people mouthing off. I don’t know this my own bottom and that I talk about myself Here, Miriam, who rose to prominence gentleman but if he’s written anti-Semitic a lot and I may well do, but when you’re on in The Age Of Innocence and went on to things then I rather agree that they should TV you’re asked to talk about yourself! star in the Harry Potter films, shares her be taken off immediately. It’s against the pearls of wisdom with OK!… law more than anything else. He should Tell us about Watching Rosie… wash his mouth out! I thought the script was poignant, funny You’re turning 80 next year. How do and truthful. We did it all through Zoom you feel about getting older? How have you found lockdown? and it was one of the most difficult things I think it’s absolutely f*****g awful, but I’m very lucky, but I still feel depressed I’ve ever done. The play is free but I hope you have to deal with it. I don’t know how and lonely because my partner isn’t here. people will feel moved to pop some money I’m living on my own, I’m old towards Dementia UK. I wasn’t worried and it’s scary. She’s living in her about the Alzheimer’s stuff because my house in Amsterdam and socially father had it. I probably drew on that isolating. My partner is very experience without realising I was doing much a more solitary person it. I hope I don’t have personal experience than I am. I have a jolly nature so of it, because that’s what old people worry this experience of being locked about. I’ve definitely lost a few marbles, down has made me quite mopey. but I still have a near bag full! OK! I talk to people to cheer myself WATCHING ROSIE IS AVAILABLE FROM 6 AUGUST VIA up. At the start I was rigorously ORIGINALTHEATREONLINE.COM shielding because if I get this MIRIAM MARGOLYES: ALMOST AUSTRALIAN She plays Professor virus I will die, because that’s what IS ON BBC TWO, FRIDAY AT 9PM Sprout in the happens to old people. You don’t Harry Potter films expect to have to deal with that WORDS: KIRSTY HATCHER PHOTOS: ALLSTAR/WARNER BROS kind of terror in everyday life.
68 WWW.OK.CO.UK 69 70 ICONS ‘WE STILL LOVE EACH OTHER’ YEARS AFTER THEIR FIRST UK NUMBER ONE OK! LOOKS BACK ON THE RISE OF DESTINY’S CHILD
t’s hard to imagine join her half-time life without Destiny’s performance at the Child. Two decades 2013 Super Bowl. A have passed since year later, Kelly and Ithe R’n’B trio’s first Beyoncé featured on UK chart topper, Michelle’s single, Say Independent Women, Yes, and in 2015 they and Beyoncé Knowles, surprised the crowd Michelle Williams and at the Stellar Awards. Kelly Rowland have And, of course, we been shaping popular can’t forget Coachella culture ever since. 2018, when Destiny’s Originally comprised Child appeared in of Beyoncé, Kelly, Reunited Beyoncé’s set for a LaTavia Roberson and on stage at medley of their hits. LeToya Luckett, the Coachella Kelly recalled, foursome were signed in 2018 “We rehearsed like as Destiny’s Child in crazy... we still love 1997. After the release each other. We were of their second album, The Writing’s On Summer 2002 saw Kelly collaborate getting ready, but our kids were running The Wall, in 1999, LaTavia and LeToya with Nelly on Grammy-winning single, around. It’s the sweetest thing: they were replaced by Michelle Williams and Dilemma. Her album, Simply Deep, are going to be friends, because we Farrah Franklin, the latter leaving five shot to number one in the UK and she are all so close.” months later. The trio we now know and later became a judge on The X Factor And according to Beyoncé’s father love was born, and their smash hit single UK and The Voice Australia. Mathew Knowles, the trio could soon Say My Name won them two Grammys. Beyoncé starred in Austin Powers In reform for a reunion tour. Last year, he But it was third album Survivor that Goldmember, recording her first solo said, “It would be a world tour… it truly took the group global, with the single, Work It Out, for the soundtrack. would take two to three years [to plan].” title track bagging them a third Grammy. Her debut album, Dangerously In Love Plans will have to fit in around the As the group’s success grew, the girls – featuring her anthemic track Crazy In ladies’ busy personal lives. In 2014, began to pursue solo projects. In 2002, Love – followed in 2003, and she picked Kelly, now 39, married her manager Michelle released her solo album, Heart up five Grammys in one night. and partner, Tim Weatherspoon. Their To Yours, picking up a MOBO, and in In 2004, the girls recorded their final son, Titan, was born six months later. 2003 she played the title role in Aida studio album, Destiny Fulfilled, before Having spent much of her childhood at on Broadway. She has since carved out a world tour in 2005. They announced the Knowles’ family home due to her a successful acting and gospel singing their split with the statement, “No matter “interesting” relationship with her own career, including starring in Chicago. what happens, we will always love each mother, Kelly revealed, “Tina [Beyoncé’s other as friends and sisters, and will mum] was there when Titan was born.” always support each other as artists.” Michelle, now 41, announced her But the pals love an impromptu engagement to pastor Chad Johnson reunion. Beyoncé invited her girls to in April 2018, but they split in the December – although not before their reality show Chad Loves Michelle aired. Beyoncé and her husband of 12 years, Jay-Z, share three-year-old twins Sir Carter and Rumi, while their eldest daughter Blue Ivy is rapidly becoming famous in her own right – at eight, she became the youngest ever winner at the 20th BET Awards in June. Now 38, Beyoncé recently reflected on how much she’s grown. She said, “I look at the woman I was in my 20s and I see a young lady growing in confidence but intent on pleasing everyone around her. I now feel so much more beautiful, Michelle starred so much sexier, so much more interesting in Chicago on Beyoncé won and so much more powerful.” OK! five Grammys Kelly, Broadway and in London’s West End in 2004 WORDS: KATIE LANGFORD-FOSTER Beyoncé PHOTOS: GETTY, WIREIMAGE and Michelle in 2001 WWW.OK.CO.UK 71 BACK BEHIND BARS ‘HOPE WAS THE ONLY THING I HAD’ JOURNALIST RAPHAEL ROWE ON BEING FALSELY CONVICTED AND ENTERING THE WORLD’S TOUGHEST PRISONS
pending time in some of sometimes we don’t. Recidivism the world’s most dangerous rates suggest that something’s prisons would intimidate not working the way it should. most. For Raphael Rowe, Sthe experience is a familiar one. Does entering a prison on the Raphael spent 12 years behind show bring back traumatic bars after being sentenced to life memories for you? without parole for a murder and I’m professional but without a robbery he didn’t commit. After doubt, when I go into a prison, his conviction was overturned, my heart is pounding and I’m he was released aged 32, and having flashbacks. The saviour is, has carved out a successful career at any point, I can say, “I’ve had as an investigative journalist. enough, I want to get out of In series four of Inside The here.” But I haven’t done that yet. World’s Toughest Prisons on Netflix, Raphael is invited inside How close is your experience penitentiaries in Paraguay, during filming to the day to Germany, Mauritius and Lesotho, day life of the prisoners? getting to know both inmates It’s as close as it gets. The guards and prison staff. are briefed to treat me like a Here, Raphael talks holding prisoner. There are restrictions, his nerve and using his own like no internal body searches, experiences to inspire others... but I don’t have an entourage or security. It’s scary, even for Does your personal experience someone like me. I have eyes of prison help you build a in the back of my head. rapport with inmates? but I never allowed myself to I broke down doors, being Oh, no question. I understand Did you ever lose hope during believe I’d spend the rest of my the first person of colour with the psychological challenges of your own sentence? life in prison. I just didn’t expect dreadlocks to report on the being locked behind a cell door, There were many times when it to take 12 years. Hope was the Today programme and Panorama. so I have some empathy for loss I was in a very dark, lonely place, only thing I had. I hoped every My advice is to embrace your of liberty. It also provides day that the door would open difference. It’s a strength you can me with the right tools to and someone would say, “We’ve use to your advantage. ask the right questions. Raphael made a mistake. You’re free.” experiences Have your experiences affected It’s been said that how prison life in During your career, have you how you’ve found lockdown? we treat our prisoners Mauritius seen any improvement in My time in prison prepared me is a reflection of our diversity in the media? for that lonely experience where society. What do you When I joined the BBC, I was just you can’t interact with others. think our prison service out of prison, so there were a lot I hope it’s given people a small says about the UK? of things going against me, not sense of what it is like to be The ethos in Britain is that just the colour of my skin or my deprived of making decisions for once people lose their dreadlocks. I’m from a working yourself, and not being able to liberty, that in itself is the class background and I spoke a see people you care about. OK! punishment, and that prison slang mixed with a south- SERIES 4 OF INSIDE THE WORLD’S TOUGHEST once in prison, you’re on a east London accent, so I had lots PRISONS IS AVAILABLE NOW ON NETFLIX trajectory of rehabilitation. to overcome in how people saw Sometimes we do it well, me. In my 16 years at the BBC, WORDS: KATIE LANGFORD-FOSTER
72 MUSIC FILM JOKER A CELEBRATION OF ENDINGS BIFFY CLYRO iffy Clyro are back Bwith album number nine. The Scottish trio, comprised of frontman Simon Neil and brothers James and Ben Johnston, have proved their unpredictable nature across their previous eight records. Of their thoughts when heading into the studio this time around, Simons says, “What can we do now to f*** around with what we’ve already done? I want our fans to either be worried that it’s going to be terrible or excited that it’s going to f*** their socks off.” We’re hoping for the latter.OUT 14 AUGUST
PODCAST STORIES OF PIXIE LOTT t was the performance everybody was talking about, Iand now you can watch Joaquin Phoenix’s Oscar- inger and winning turn as the Joker from the comfort of your Sfashionista Pixie own home. After being bullied and outcast by society, Lott turns podcast failed comedian Arthur Fleck descends into insanity host as she invites her and comes face to face with his chilling alter-ego, celeb pals to look the Joker, in turn inspiring a violent revolt against the back on the lessons more privileged residents of Gotham City. A dark and life has taught them. devastating tale not for the faint-hearted. Guests include model Coco Rocha, photographer AVAILABLE FROM 7 AUGUST ON SKY CINEMA AND SKY CINEMA PASS ON NOW TV Rankin and Nigerian afropop singer Yemi Alade, with each choosing a pivotal age to reflect on. From romance to careers, each story proves the positives that can come from both the highs and the lows the world throws at you. HOT TICKETS! THORPE PARK AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS, INCLUDING ITUNES AND SPOTIFY. hrill seekers assemble: Thorpe Park’s doors are Topen. With limited numbers being admitted to maintain social distancing, be sure to book your tickets early. During our visit, guests wore face masks on BOOK THE MINUTE I SAW YOU every ride, but could walk around the park without PAIGE TOON them. Temperatures were taken on arrival, and hand sanitiser is provided at the start and end of all rides. ummer isn’t summer without a holiday romance. Head to the best rides first as those lines will be But in Hannah and Sonny’s case, they find S longest, sometimes reaching 90-minute waits. Our themselves firmly in a self-imposed friend zone, favourite was Stealth, which propels you from despite their obvious chemistry. Of course, with the 0-80mph in less than two seconds. Other must-dos queen of include Swarm and Saw. Despite queues, there’s still rom coms plenty of fun to be had. And our top tip? Pack a picnic Paige Toon and lock it away in the lockers, as food at the park is holding pricey. Another day of the school holidays done! the pen, things can’t possibly stay that way, can they? You may think you know how a love story goes, but Paige is about to prove you wrong with her “all-time favourite” characters.
OUT 6 AUGUST REVIEWS BY CHARLOTTE SELIGMAN PHOTOS: DANIEL LEWIS, WARNER BROS REVIEWS BY CHARLOTTE SELIGMAN PHOTOS: DANIEL LEWIS, WARNER WWW.OK.CO.UK 73 TIME WELL SPENT WITH ALL YOUR FAVOURITE CELEBRITIES
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Jumpsuit £35.99 Mango Sandals £39 Kurt Geiger PLUS IN A TWIST PURPLE REIGN AND THIS WEEK’S MUST-HAVE PRODUCTS WWW.OK.CO.UK 75 Dress £48 Emma Willis x Next Hat £19.50 Marks & Spencer Sandals £32 River Island 76 Swimsuit £70 Boden Shorts £29.99 Lindex Earrings £9.50 Marks & Spencer
WWW.OK.CO.UK 77 Top and bottoms £15 each Miss Selfridge Shirt £32 Figleaves Necklace £22 Orelia
78 Top £25 Next Shorts £29.99 Topshop Sandals £85 Bertie at Dune London
WWW.OK.CO.UK 79 Swimsuit £91 Seafolly at Beachcafe.com
80 Halter set £108 Free People
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WWW.OK.CO.UK 81 IN A TWIST EMBRACE THE RETRO CROCHET KNIT TREND WHEREVER YOU GO
Bralette £24 Free People
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Bag £22 Miss Selfridge
Dress £124 My Beachy Side at Sandals Matchesfashion.com £550 Miu Miu
82 STYLEEDIT
Cardigan £26 ASOS
Bag £1,200 Miu Miu at Farfetch
Top £245 Rixo
Dolce & Gabbana COMPILED BY SCOTT WELLS PHOTO: GETTY WWW.OK.CO.UK 83 FASHION Barton & Guestier EDITOR Côtes de Provence Fig Trees LOVES Rosé Magnum candle £55 (1.5 litre) £22.99 Jo Loves Waitrose
Coral Green Solar Quartz Stone Gold Adjustable Ring £45 YAA YAA LONDON
Dodo Bar Or dress £415 at Fenwick. co.uk
100 per cent recycled pen pot £6.75 Etsy.com OK!
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Pumps £315 PIMP UP Mansur Gavriel YOUR PUMPS THESE CAN BE PERSONALISED OUR WITH Y LS! INITIA
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COMPILED BY: LAUREN GOODWIN-GRAFTON, CONTRIBUTORS: MICHELLE DARLOW AND LAURA MULLEY WITH OK! FASHION EDITOR HARRIET WHEELER SUMMER READY
e may not jetting off to anywhere exotic any time soon, but don’t let that stop you updating Wyour holiday wardrobe. Pitusa’s collaboration with Millie Mackintosh is just what you need for your staycations! The collection includes pretty dresses and co-ords in summer pastel hues selected by Millie that will take you from day to night and beach to bar. Trust us, you’ll love these stylish pieces! PRICES FROM £52, PITUSA.CO
LOST AND FOUND he pandemic has had a devastating Teffect on the fashion industry, with cancelled collections resulting in thousands of unsold items and millions of factory workers in Bangladesh out of MASK CRUSADERS work. But shopping app Mallzee and the SAJIDA Foundation are doing ace masks are our new fashion what they can to help by offering Lost accessory and these Valle & Vik F Stock boxes. For £35 you can buy a designs will have you looking stylish and personalised box of clothes worth £70 staying safe at the same time. They’re containing at least three items that were made from surplus organic silk from the destined for brand’s collections, which means they’re your favourite comfortable, and they have an internal stores, such pocket so you can add your own filter for as Topshop extra protection. And with a percentage of and Gap. proceeds donated to NHS charities, what’s Plus every not to love? parcel sold £35 EACH VALLEANDVIK.COM feeds a family for a week. Happy shopping! LOSTSTOCK.COM
86 PURPLE REIGN
THIS SUMMER’S HOTTEST MAKE-UP TREND? A POP OF PURPLE ON THE LIDS – AND IT’S SURPRISINGLY EASY TO WEAR
1 Dior 5 Couleurs High Fidelity Colours & Effects Eyeshadow Palette in 287 Dive £50
2 KVD Vegan Beauty Kitten Mini Shade & Light NeüPop Eyeshadow Quad £17
3 Urban Decay Naked Ultraviolet Palette £43
4 Barry M x Anna Lingis Eyeshadow Palette £9.99
5 Illamasqua Movement Artistry Palette £38 COMPILED BY: LYNNE HYLAND WORDS: LAURA MULLEY PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN BRAMLEY HYLAND WORDS: LAURA MULLEY PHOTOGRAPHY: LYNNE COMPILED BY: WWW.OK.CO.UK 87 BEAUTY DIRECTOR LYNNE HYLAND SHARES THIS WEEK’S MUST-HAVES TRENDS AND TIPS 1Angel delight Now I’m not saying that the heavens opened and a shaft of light fell upon me when I applied L’Oréal’s new Skin Paradise Tinted Water Cream, £10.99, but I’m certainly converted to this new celestial glow in tube. It’s kind of an angelic upgrade on your average BB cream, bestowing gifts of hydration, sun protection and a radiant dewiness upon its wearer – à la Elle Fanning. It comes in 10 “skin adaptive” shades, and mine melted in with minimal effort to leave me looking smoothed over and less shattered. So a bit of a miracle worker? Yeah, let’s go with that.
A sensitive 2 matter Get 3 your Want to know why I slather on SPF each morning before I even open the curtains? It’s because a dermatologist warned me about rocks the rays that pour in through windows every single day, causing 95 per cent of premature on ageing. No thanks, Bvlgari’s Omnia sunshine! I’m slaying fragrances are all the rays with Garnier inspired by gems, and Ambre Solaire Sensitive while I doubt many of Advanced Face UV Face us grew up dreaming Fluid SPF50+, of a “golden citrine” £12, which is ring, the new perfume like the SPF inspired by said equivalent of stone is definitely Harry Potter’s fall-to-your-feet invisibility swoony. Smelling of cloak. The sunshine and warm non-irritating summer evenings, protection is Omnia Golden delivered via Citrine, £69, is just a microcrystal the happiest little fluid, which scent ever, with feel- vanishes into good wafts of peach, skin instantly mandarin, ylang-ylang leaving a silky and jasmine. protective veil. Magic! PHOTOS: GETTY 88 6 So emoji-ional
I adore emojis – well, apart from that time my fat fingers accidentally WhatsApped a LOL face to someone whose dog had died. So my eyes turned into love hearts at the sight of Ciaté’s collaboration with SmileyWorld. It’s the cutest ever collection of nail stickers, lip balms, lipsticks, eyeshadows, eye patches and mascaras, all adornedorned in tthosehose iconic happy littlele ffaces.aces. The Wink On Eyeshadow Palette, £25, gets a big yellow thumbs up from me.
4 Mask hero
I know face masks aren’t about looking glam, but most of them are adding, quite literally, yet another layer of gloom to 2020. If anyone was going to change that, it was Slip – the brand that turned pillowcases into a nightly anti-ageing treatment – and I’m pleased to report its skin-caring silk face masks, £39, are as pretty as such things can be. I’ve been testing the leopard-print one, which feels lovely. No sign of “maskne” here. Just one word of warning: it does look alarmingly like a stripper’s posing pouch when it’s flapping on the washing line. 5 Natural beauty
My skin has gone green – and I’m thrilled about it. I’ve been trying out the new Nuxe Bio Organics range, which ticks so many eco boxes with all the products being vegan, environmentally sourced and packaged and minimum 99 per cent natural. And they’re a real treat to use, rather than the skincare version of nibbling a dry Ryvita. My face is already obsessed with the Chia Seeds Essential Antioxidant Serum, £36, while my forearms are smelling almost distractingly delicious thanks to the Hazelnut Replenishing Nourishing Body Oil, £31.
WWW.OK.CO.UK 89 WHAT IS COLOUR THERAPY? MIND AND BODY THERAPIST MIND AND BODY THERAPIST SALLY BAKERSALLY BAKER EXPLAINS HOW HUES CAN AFFECT YOUR MOOD
o you ever feel like a with tangible things, like colour, so certain colour lifts your they can measure it when it reduces. mood? Or makes you “I get clients to scan their bodies feel anxious? Is there to show me where the negative Da particular shade that has a feelings are; to look for that colour calming effect on you? Senior we’ve given it. I’ll ask them if the therapist Sally Baker says colour colour has a shape or is it rough or has been shown to have a smooth. Again, tangible things they significant impact on us and, can measure. When we’re further as a result, colour therapy is down the line with their therapy, I’ll a non-invasive treatment that ask them to scan their body again has been used to treat people and see if they can locate the colour suffering depression, stress and and if it has reduced in size. seasonal affective disorder. “In therapy, you often get a client Sally explains, “Research has to choose a healing colour – one they looked into what parts of the associate with relaxation, happiness brain light up when you’re or calm. Then you get them to exposed to different colours, bring that colour into their body by and there is an impact. Colour therapy WHAT HAPPENS IN WHAT HAPPENS IN picturing it going into their head and into can work very well alongside traditional COLOUR THERAPY? every nook and cranny, from the tops of therapies, such as CBT.” Sally reveals, “When you’re working with their shoulders to the tips of their toes. The theory is that colour is just light clients, picturing things like anger or their “It’s positive to bring that healing colour of varying wavelengths and frequencies. negative feelings is all very abstract. So it’s into your life in a physical way, too – maybe Every cell in our bodies needs light helpful for us to give clients’ emotions a a painted wall or even just a mug. I often energy and therefore our cells actually colour. If someone is depressed, often the meet with clients years after therapy and absorb colour, affecting us physically, colours are sludgy and brown. You want the find they are wearing their healing colour emotionally and spiritually. client to measure their negative feelings as part of their clothing without realising.”
WHICH COLOURS HAVE THE BIGGEST IMPACT?T?
EARTH WARM ORANGES YELLOWS & SKY BLUES COLOURS “Warm orange and yellow shades have a positive impact because people “When people can associate the colour with lying on a beach with their eyes closed under a talk about bright sky. It’s the colour you make out through your eyelids so it has a strong anxiety or association with warmth and relaxation. Similarly, sky blue and warm blues depression, have a very calming effect on our moods. The association with the sky can they talk about be relaxing and also a reminder of nature, which can have healing powers.” earth colours like browns and greys. It’s interesting that browns and greys are often the colours we see in offices. Red is an interesting colour. It can stir up excitement but it’s also associated with danger. It can be too stimulating a colour to have in a bedroom, where the key is to relax and sleep.”
90 HEALTH&FITNESS
WHITE “While white is technically an absence of colour, it is often associated with self-healing. When you go to a spa, it’s often very clean and white. Even the therapists who perform massages will typically be in white. It has associations with repair and rejuvenation. If my client picks white as their healing colour, I always insist they pick a bright white as opposed to an off-white.”
GREENS “Green has healing powers. So when a person is recovering in hospital, it’s been proven that they have a quicker rate of recovery if they have a view of the outside world and nature, than someone who doesn’t. This ties in with the old Japanese practice of forest bathing, where to lift depression and anxiety, you would spend time in nature. A lot of people live in very built up areas and work in offices BRIGHT PINKS with no windows to the outside, but there is still a benefit to bringing greens into our workspace or home life. Plants “Pinks can be associated with the sun or a sunset, so that can have an obvious positive impact but the colour green can have a calming impact on us. Hot pink can lift our mood can improve our mood – perhaps as a painted wall or the when we see it or even wear it due to the association with colour of our computer display screen.” childhood and innocence. Many of my clients pick hot pink or warm pink as a colour they associate with a positive.” WORDS: KAT ROMERO PHOTOS: GETTY
WWW.OK.CO.UK 91 THE RANGOON SISTERS SISTERS EMILY AND AMY CHUNG SHARE THEIR BURMESE RECIPES STRAIGHT FROM THEIR FAMILY KITCHEN Tomato And Crunchy Peanut Salad (Khayan Jin Thee Thoke)
SERVES AS A SIDE INGREDIENTS ● 50g unsalted roasted peanuts ● 300g tomatoes, at room temperature, quartered ● ½ green finger chilli, deseeded (optional) and finely sliced ● 1 tbsp dried shrimps (optional) ● 1-2 raw shallots, peeled and thinly sliced ● 3-5 tbsp garlic oil ● Juice of ½ lime ● 2 tsp fish sauce (omit to make vegetarian, then season with salt) ● Small handful of coriander leaves ● 1 tsp gram flour, toasted ● Crispy fried shallots, to garnish
his salad contrasts crunchy peanuts with Tvibrant fresh tomatoes. Use the finest quality tomatoes you can buy to get the most out of this dish. It is best made fresh on the day, and can be served as a side with a curry or just simply with some rice. 1. Crush the peanuts using a pestle and mortar or pulse a few times in a food processor (to the size of the nubs you get in a shop-bought crunchy peanut butter). 2. Place the tomatoes, chilli, crushed peanuts and remaining ingredients in a large bowl and mix to fully combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more fish sauce or chilli if necessary. 3. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with the crispy shallots.
92 Coconut Chicken SERVES INGREDIENTS ● 5 tbsp oil (vegetable, sunflower Noodles or peanut), plus extra for browning the chicken ● 5 medium onions, chopped (Ohn No Khauk Swe) ● 10 garlic cloves, peeled ● 2 thumb-sized pieces of ginger, peeled ● his is one of our favourite 8 skinless and boneless chicken thighs, chopped into 3cm pieces dishes – it is lightly ● spiced, comforting, rich 2 tbsp paprika T ● 1 tsp turmeric powder with coconut and it certainly ● 2 tsp chilli powder leaves an impression. We often ● make a big batch of this for 100g creamed coconut or 200ml parties. Guests can adjust their coconut milk ● 2 tbsp gram flour, toasted bowls to their own tastes by ● adding various multi-textured 600ml chicken stock ● 2-3 tbsp fish sauce garnishes and condiments from ● a selection on the table. 400ml cold water 1. To serve Heat the oil in a large ● casserole dish set over a medium 6 nests (450–500g) dried chow mein or egg noodles, cooked heat. Add the chopped onions ● and cook slowly, turning down 3 limes, cut into wedges ● 6 hard-boiled eggs, cut in half the heat to low-medium and ● stirring every 4-5 minutes until Coriander leaves ● 4 shallots, thinly sliced softened and starting to lightly ● brown in colour and become oily 1 batch of crispy fried rice but not crispy – this should take noodles ● Chilli flakes or chilli oil about 15 minutes. ● 2. Meanwhile, crush the garlic Fish sauce cloves and ginger to a paste using a pestle and mortar, or blitz in a food processor. 3. Once the onions are ready, add the garlic and ginger paste and fry for 2 minutes to release the gorgeous flavours. Add a splash more oil, then brown the chicken pieces with the onion/garlic/ginger mix. Add the spices and creamed coconut, breaking it up into smaller pieces as you stir – it should melt. Stir in the toasted gram flour, followed by the chicken stock, fish sauce and the cold water. Bring to the boil and allow to simmer, uncovered, over a low, gentle heat for about 30 minutes. If the broth is too thick, add some water. 4. Serve hot on a bed of cooked egg noodles. Add a squeeze of lime juice and top with boiled eggs. Put the remaining garnishes in little bowls for everyone to help themselves. STORAGE NOTES This chicken ccurry can be made in advance aand stored in the ffridge for up to 4 days. It can be ffrozen for up to 3 months. OK! THET RANGOON SISTERS CCOOKBOOK BY AMY AAND EMILY CHUNG ((EBURY PRESS, £20) PHOTOS: MARTIN POOLE WWW.OK.CO.UK 93 IT’S A CLASSIC! HEAD TO THE GREEK CAPITAL FOR AWE-INSPIRING ARCHAEOLOGY AND TRADITIONAL TAVERNAS
WHY GO Athens has plenty to offer all year Just over an hour’s drive from the round, with visitors flocking to see its city, the Athens Riviera offers 35 miles stunning archaeological treasures. The of secluded sandy bays, with stylish hilltop Acropolis is one of the world’s beach clubs and laid-back cafés. City most recognised cultural sites, but it’s slickers like to pose on the posh Astir not all monuments and museums. The Beach, while Akti Beach is the place to Greek capital also has endless shopping go for water sports. opportunities, from the main street Want to venture further afield? Then of Ermou to the bustling Monastiraki jump on a ferry at the Port of Piraeus Flea Market, where you’ll find souvenirs, and cruise over to Hydra or Poros, jewellery, clothes and shoes. two of the closest islands to Athens.
MUST-SEE SIGHTS Tick off the most iconic attraction with a visit to the Acropolis, the ancient Greek citadel that sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. At the foot of the Acropolis, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Plaka, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, where the pretty cobbled streets are lined with little shops and family-run tavernas draped with colourful bougainvillea. There’s more history to be soaked up at the Panathenaic Stadium, made entirely of marble, which hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Be sure to pose for a photo on the medal podium! Visit the main Syntagma Square, where the Presidential Guard – dressed in skirts and clogs with pompoms – stand to attention in front of the Greek Parliament. The hourly Changing Of The Guard ceremony (above) is worth a watch.
94 WHERE TO STAY OK! checked into The Pinnacle Athens, a stylish all-suite boutique hotel housed in a skyscraper less than a 10-minute walk from Syntagma Square and Monastiraki Flea Market. We loved the contemporary decor, the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows and the Olive Era toiletries in the bathroom. Some of the suites have balconies with wonderful views of the Acropolis, or you can head up to the rooftop terrace to see the majestic landmark in all its illuminated beauty while you sip cocktails at sunset.
WHERE TO DINE AND BE SEEN Six d.o.g.s is a trendy café, bar and arts complex in the Monastiraki area that hosts live music and DJ nights. OK! loved the jackfruit burger with HOW TO sweet potato fries and the pretty tiered garden BOOK with lights hanging from the trees. Head to Ydria in Plaka for traditional Greek meze in a rustic-chic setting. Or, for something unique, visit Little Kook, a fairy tale-inspired eatery Aegean Air (en. in the hip Psiri neighbourhood. It’s like walking into aegeanair.com) flies Alice In Wonderland to Athens from London a scene from , with amazing Heathrow and Gatwick sweet treats and a massive helping of kitsch. (and from Manchester, Take the tram to Vouliagmeni, a glamorous Birmingham and Edinburgh in the seaside suburb where you’ll find plenty of peak season). For beachfront restaurants such as BlueFish, Ithaki and room rates at The Okeanis serving up seafood and ocean views. Pinnacle Athens, visit thepinnacleathens.com. For more tourist REPORT: ZOE HILL EDITED BY: ANNABEL MACKIE info on the city, visit PHOTOS: GETTY discovergreece.com.
WWW.OK.CO.UK 95 HOTSPOT PLAN A WELL-DESERVED GETAWAY TO TAKE ALL THOSE STRESSES AWAY BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE SPLASH OUT ON ONE OF THESE UBER-STYLISH MODERN BEACH BOLTHOLES
LINEA COMBE MARTIN NORTH DEVON his clifftop architectural landmark is as dramatic as the Tviews. Whether you’re sitting in bed, on the wraparound balcony or relaxing by the outdoor heated infinity pool, the stunning scenery takes centre stage. It sleeps up to 10 guests in five rooms and has a basement cinema room and a path that leads down to a private rocky beach. You can wander along the South West Coast Path to Ilfracombe, a pretty seaside resort BARFORD BEACH with a historic harbour.
HOUSE CORNWALL A THREE-NIGHT STAY COSTS FROM £5,995 IN OCTOBER 2020. VISIT his striking property is all LINEA.UNIQUEHOMESTAYS.COM Tabout the sea views – with a balcony that runs across the entire first floor. It sleeps up to 16 in six en-suite rooms and the master bedroom has its own terrace and a brass bath. By day you can sit in the outdoor hot tub, warm up in the sauna or try your hand at surfing at Widemouth Bay. Barford also has a cinema and playroom, plus The Bunker, an underground bar with a pool table and retro arcade games.
A THREE-NIGHT STAY IN SEPTEMBER COSTS FROM £4,095 AND FROM £2,888 IN OCTOBER. VISIT COOLPLACES.CO.UK
THE BLUE HOUSE CAMBER EAST SUSSEX ust a few steps from the beach, this super-stylish glass- Jfronted home sits amid the windswept dunes of Camber Sands in East Sussex. The endless stretch of white sand (popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers) stood in for Normandy in the Second World War film The Monuments Men, and it also appeared as Margate Beach in The Invisible Woman. The chic beachside pad sleeps up to eight people in four rooms. The master bedroom has sea views and a freestanding bath, while the open-plan kitchen/sitting room THE GLASSHOUSE SOUTH CORNWALL opens out on to a wooden deck with sun loungers and a ituated on the water’s edge, visitors can enjoy panoramic Fowey barbecue. If you fancy a change of scene, head to the nearby SEstuary views from the balconies and outdoor sitting area, where medieval town of Rye or admire the flora and fauna in the Rye you’ll find also find a barbecue and pizza oven. The modern open-plan Harbour Nature Reserve. OK!
living area has sliding doors that open out on to a deck. The Glass House A THREE-NIGHT STAY COSTS FROM £1,930 BASED ON A 28 SEPTEMBER ARRIVAL. even has its own private mooring and you can hire a kayak, paddle board FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT HOSTUNUSUAL.COM. or boat from nearby Fowey. The closest beach is Readymoney Cove, famous for its retro bathing platform moored in the bay.
A STAY COSTS FROM £2,154 EITHER FOR A THREE-NIGHT WEEKEND OR FOUR NIGHTS MIDWEEK IN WORDS: ANNABEL MACKIE PHOTOS: UNIQUE HOMESTAYS OCTOBER 2020. FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT BOUTIQUE-RETREATS.CO.UK.
96 WORLDWIDE HOROSCOPES
OK! MAGAZINE Number 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN Tel: 020 8612 7000 Outside UK: +44 (0)20 8612 7000 RUSSELL GRANT AUSTRALIA EDITION Editor In Chief: Shari Nementzik OUR ASTROLOGER TELLS YOU ALL YOU NEED Phone: +61 421 396 225 [email protected] TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR WEEK AHEAD!
BULGARIA EDITION Editor In Chief: Nevena Dyakova ARIES TAURUS GEMINI Phone: +359 2 870 49 81 [email protected] MARCH 21 – APRIL 21 – MAY 22 – APRIL 20 MAY 21 JUNE 21 CHINA EDITION Editor In Chief: Ivy Li Some great rewards are A pushy friend or relative Friends, colleagues and Phone: +86 158 1066 1764 on their way for your past hard is expecting too much from you. family all seem to need your [email protected] work. Resist the urge to brush Their demands are draining your guidance and your company. You’d off compliments as if they aren’t energy. You need to find somewhere love to be able to keep everyone CYPRUS EDITION meaningful. People are applauding quiet where you can think. Spend happy, but that’s impossible. There Editorial Director: Marilena Ierodiakonou Telephone: +357 22 580 800 you because you deserve it. Accept some time outdoors and reflect on will be problems if you spread [email protected] their praise with grace. your life and relationships. yourself too thin. STARLINE ** STARLINE ** STARLINE ** GEORGIA EDITION Editor In Chief: Nino Jibladze Phone: +995 32 2295919 CANCER LEO VIRGO [email protected] JUNE 22 – JULY 24 – AUGUST 24 – JULY 23 AUGUST 23 SEPTEMBER 23 GERMANY EDITION Editor In Chief: Tim Affeld A new business venture People appreciate Telephone: +49 4041 1882 5000 You have a strong feeling [email protected] could be successful. Stop telling something good is about your helpful attitude. Making your yourself you will never win and to happen. It will be hard to put contribution to a community or
GREECE EDITION aren’t ever likely to attract good this into words, especially if you’ve voluntary initiative will help improve SP: SPOKE, 0333 202 3390. ONLY. ERTAINMENT Editor In Chief: Nikos Georgiadis fortune. A positive attitude along been through disappointments, but the lives of people in need of help. Phone: +30 210 25 94.031 with your past experience will tilt trust your intuition. Opportunities If you can’t get out, think about [email protected] the balance in your favour. are just around the corner. donating to your favourite charity. STARLINE ** STARLINE ** STARLINE ** JAPAN EDITION Editor In Chief: Kana Sugamori Phone: +81 3 6802 8048 [email protected] LIBRA SCORPIO SEPTEMBER 24 – OCTOBER 24 – LATVIA EDITION OCTOBER 23 NOVEMBER 22 Editor In Chief: Laila Pastare Phone: +371 674 960 47 You’ve always been there You’re suspicious of [email protected] for a friend when they’ve needed some people a partner has become a shoulder to cry on. You can be acquainted with. Complaining about PAKISTAN EDITION anything anyone wants you to be. their friends will not make them Editorial Director: Saher H Paracha Just be careful that in giving so much happy. You need to find a diplomatic [email protected] Phone: +92 358 437 03 of yourself to others you don’t lose way to bring up the subject, but touch with who you really are. this does need to be discussed. STARLINE ** STARLINE ** ROMANIA EDITION Editor In Chief: Elena Stoichita Phone: +40 727 165 712 [email protected] SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 22 – RUSSIA EDITION DECEMBER 21 JANUARY 20 Editor In Chief: Vadim Vernik Phone: +7 980 5252 1254 [email protected] Confiding in a partner Something you need will take your relationship further to do will put you at the centre of THAILAND EDITION than expected. You weren’t planning attention. Be sure to look your best. Editor In Chief: Weerawut Ujjutamanus to form such a close bond, but it Whether you’re taking a class or Phone: +66 2204 2740 5 seems to have happened anyway. online training session, or standing [email protected] Rest assured, a romance or friendship on a stage, your nerves won’t show. is moving in the right direction. Tell a few jokes to ease the tension. UK EDITION STARLINE ** STARLINE ** Editor: Charlotte Seligman Phone: 020 8612 7410 [email protected] AQUARIUS PISCES JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 20 – USA EDITION FEBRUARY 19 MARCH 20 Editor In Chief: Richard Spencer Phone: +1 212 672 3991 [email protected] There will be advantages Combining your skills in joining forces with someone with a talented friend could turn VENEZUELA EDITION who has a competitive spirit. You’d out to be a winning decision. Plans Associate Director: rather have them on your team than you’ve both been excited about will Alejandro Gutiérrez Tremola Phone +58 212 406 4436 as a rival. You might never be best get the green light. Having waited [email protected] friends, but you’ll work surprisingly so long for this moment, you’re not well together. going to waste it. HEAD OF OK! WORLDWIDE STARLINE ** STARLINE ** Emma Radford ENT NETWORK ACCESS CHARGE. MAXIMUM SIX MINUTES DURATION. COST 80P PER MINUTE PLUS YOUR TELEPHONE COMPANY’S **CALLS TO STARLINES [email protected]
LICENSING MANAGER OK! is published by Reach Magazines Publishing Plc. Registered office: One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AP. Correspondence address: The Northern & Shell Building, 10 Lower Thames Street, Julia Taylor London, EC3R 6EN. Printed by Prinovis Liverpool Ltd, 4 Dakota Drive, Estuary Commerce Park, Speke, Liverpool L24 8RJ. While we consider unsolicited manuscripts and photographs accompanied by an SAE, [email protected] the editor cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage. All rights in portions published rest with the publishers. COPYRIGHT REACH MAGAZINES PUBLISHING PLC © 2019. Permission to reproduce all photographs and text can be granted only by prior written agreement. All prices and products correct at time of going to press. Not for resale, lend or hire. Switchboard number for UK: 020 8612 7000. HEAD OF UK CIRCULATION Switchboard number outside UK: +44 (0)20 8612 7000. Editorial fax: +44 (0)20 8612 7305. Advertising fax: +44 (0)20 8612 7616. PRODUCED UNDER LICENCE FROM REACH MAGAZINES WORLDWIDE Paul Goddard LIMITED. ‘OK!’ and ‘OK! FIRST FOR CELEBRITY NEWS’ are registered trademarks of Reach Magazines Worldwide Limited. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is JULY TO SUBSCRIPTIONS TO OK!: Back issues of OK!: [email protected] strictly prohibited. Call +44 (0) 330 333 9429 or visit www.ok.co.uk/subscribe. Basic annual subscription rate £50.49 (UK), £165 (EU) and £210 (ROW). Call +44 (0) DECEMBER 2019 330 333 9429 or visit www.ok.co.uk/subscribe. ABC CERTIFIED AND NRS AUDITED 116,341
WWW.OK.CO.UK 97 VINTAGE RACHEL STEVENS HAD A DREAM COME TRUE ISSUE – AUGUST
hildhood sweethearts Rachel Stevens and Alex Bourne are now celebrating an impressive 11 years of marriage. When they tied the knot on 2 August C2009 at five-star hotel Claridge’s in London, OK! was there to celebrate with them. It was clear that Rachel, now 42, and Alex were completely besotted on their special day, but their path to marriage wasn’t completely smooth. The couple met aged just 13, and dated briefly before splitting. Then, when Rachel was 19, they had a chance meeting at department store Selfridges. “We went on a date and had a snog at the end of the night. Result!” joked Alex. However, it wasn’t meant to be, as Rachel explained, “S Club started and we drifted.” It was third time lucky for the couple when they were both in Los Angeles in May 2006, and this time the stars aligned. “There was a special connection and it was like it was just meant to be,” recalled the Sweet Dreams My LA Ex singer. Alex told us, “I’m the luckiest man in the world,” at their traditional Jewish celebration, where every man wore yarmulkes, the groom stamped on glass after the vows and the couple were lifted up on chairs in a hora dance. There was plenty more excitement to come when Strictly Come Dancing stars James and Ola Jordan performed. When Rachel was asked if any of S Club 7’s music would be played, she replied, “No! We’ve got the band who I worked with in S Club, though, who did our tours.” Despite the fact she was with the pop group for six years before they disbanded in 2003, Rachel didn’t invite any of her bandmates to her wedding. “We haven’t seen each other for years. If I bumped into them it would be genuinely nice, but some of us were closer than others and we’ve all gone our separate ways,” she explained. Although they grew apart, all seven members did come back together in 2015 for an arena tour entitled Bring It All Back, and they also released a Greatest Hits album. When asked if they’d like their own family, the pair were definitely on the same page. Alex explained, “We both love kids and we can’t wait.” They are now parents to Amelie, nine, and six- year-old Minnie. OK!
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98