Table of contents for 25-Feb-2019 in Now

Pasha quit Strictly! After eight years on Strictly Come Dancing, Pasha Kovalev decided to call it a day. The Russian pro dancer, 39, took to Twitter to say he ‘wanted to try a new challenge’. During his stint on the show, he reached four finals, achieved 93 perfect 10s and raised one glitterball with Caroline Flack in 2014. Phew! Forget a change – it sounds like you need a good rest, Pasha! Holly called in sick This Morning’s Holly Willoughby was forced to miss the show due to illness – but luckily Rochelle Humes was on hand to step in for her. Hol’s co-host Phillip Schofield revealed the blonde, 38, had been on ‘a downward spiral’ since Sunday evening. There must be something in the air over at This Morning…

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge put on such an elegant display of red-carpet glamour that they could be described as leading by example to all super-chic newlyweds. William’s body language can often suggest inner shyness leading to a little awkwardness and he and Kate often opt for ‘low-key and regal’ rather than show-stopping celebrity-type appearances, but they must have topped the bill at the BAFTAs for styling as well as confidence and charisma.…

Handwritten in calligraphic script, Meghan’s lengthy letter to her dad makes for an interesting read. In it, she accuses him of breaking her heart ‘into a million pieces’, saying, ‘If you love me as you tell the press you do, please stop. Please allow us to live our lives in peace.’ Despite her father’s claims that he has tried to contact her, she clearly denies this, and Thomas is keen to tell the public that her version of events are different to his. In a recent interview, Thomas rubbished claims she ‘rallied’ round him and called him ‘20 times’ after his May heart attack, describing them as ‘completely false’.…

‘With the growth of social media there’s a new pressure to look a certain way, young people are desperate for shortcuts and quick fixes, but they can’t afford some of the safer options. Illegal and black market pills are, in their eyes, the only option. The sad thing is that this is a common mindset for people, some as young as 14, and for the people selling these pills there’s very little responsibility taken if something does go wrong. The risks of taking these pills far outweigh any benefit consumers might initially see, but the likelihood is that these pills, and the vast array of other counterfeit drugs available online, aren’t going away any time soon. Educating everyone the best we can of the dangers is the only way we’ll…

Kylie Jenner If Marigolds made formal wear it would probably look a little like this! Maybe Kylie, 21, was going to help with all the post-awards washing-up – if only she could keep up! Toni Braxton Did the 51-year-old think coming as a human pinball machine was a wise idea? We can see everything! Unbreak our hearts, Toni, and chuck this outfit in the bin! Cardi B When you’ve got the Grammys followed by a Little Mermaid audition at 11pm, you do a Cardi B and pick a pearl of an outfit. Forget Under the Sea , the 26-year-old was probably as drunk as a sailor during the dress fitting! Andra Day The Rise Up singer, 34, would…

The boy Caz wants to couple up with is… WHEN: 9 FEBRUARY WHERE: LONDON Caroline Flack has been spotted with a new toyboy, and it seems like the Love Island host doesn’t mind mixing business with pleasure as he’s her personal trainer. According to reports, Caz, 39, fell for 25-year-old Bradley Simmonds during some sweaty gym sessions and, we have to say, it’s not hard to see why! Taylor can’t shake Joe off WHEN: 10 FEBRUARY WHERE: BAFTAS DINNER, LONDON We’d almost forgotten Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn were a thing because of how private they are when it comes to their relationship. But it seems Tay, 29, couldn’t keep her hands off him at the BAFTAs dinner and they were caught packing on the PDA.…

LET’S HAVE A FLUTTER What’s the most essential item in your make-up bag? For most of us, it’s mascara. It opens up the eyes, makes you look awake even if you’ve had no sleep and generally helps you look like a slightly better version of yourself. What’s not to love? Over the years, we’ve learnt from the pros that the best way to apply is a wriggle-and-roll technique to catch every lash. Start at the base of your lashes and wriggle the wand to really help add volume, then roll through the rest of your lashes a few times for maximum length. And if it’s time to update your mascara, try one of our fave picks below. Makeup artist Olivia Daly uses the Essence Lash Princess Mascara on Ashley Roberts.…

While any picture of J.Lo makes us put down the chocolate muffin and race to the gym ASAP, the 49-year-old’s recent posts have left us speechless. The star has been on a 10-day no-sugar no-carb diet and, at almost 50, is looking better than ever. ‘The no-sugar, no-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diet involves limiting your intake of carbs to less than 50g per day,’ explains nutritionist Rob Hobson. Here’s the science. ‘Carbs are broken down into glucose, the body’s preferred source of energy, says Rob. ‘On a ketogenic diet the body utilises energy from ketones, produced by the liver from fatty acids’. And if you’re thinking of doing the challenge to bag J.Lo’s mind-blowing bod, be prepared. ‘Initial symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, weakness, smelly breath, nausea, irritability, irregular menstrual cycles, sleep…

Breakfast 400 cals Omelette with peppers, onions and ham ASHTON SAYS: High-protein breakfasts are a great way to start the day as they will keep you feeling fuller for longer. This is a great example. Lunch 300 cals Tuna salad with toasted cashew nuts and a Lo-Dough wrap ASHTON SAYS: Lo-Dough wraps can be a good alternative to bread if you are really struggling to keep calories down, but do enjoy wraps and bread too. Dinner 650 cals Sweet potato wedges and homemade chilli with roasted Brussels sprouts ASHTON SAYS: Homemade chillis are great for the winter and pack lots of protein and nutrients. Making one yourself means you can control what goes in it. Snacks 300 cals Prawns, nuts, fruit ASHTON SAYS: There’s a perfect combo of proteins, fats…

The Grammy Awards WHEN: 10 FEBRUARY WHERE: STAPLES CENTER, LOS ANGELES Lady Gaga scooped a hat-trick at the recent 61st Grammy Awards when she won three prizes – Best Pop Solo Performance for Joanne (Where Do You Think You’re Goin’?) , and Best Pop Duo/ Group Performance with Bradley Cooper for Shallow , which also won Best Song Written for Visual Media. Meanwhile, it was a double triumph for Dua Lipa, winning Best New Artist and Best Dance Recording for Electricity . She thanked her team and fans ‘who have allowed me to be the best version of myself’. J.Lo caused a bit of a stir by giving a bizarre performance of a medley of Motown hits. But stealing the show…

‘I'm the underdog’ Dancing on Ice is exciting, exhausting and I’m having so much fun. What I’m enjoying most is the athleticism, the surprise elements and how, every now and then, I surprise myself. I’m learning new things! If I didn’t win, I don’t know who I’d want to win. I hope I do, as I think it would be one for the underdog. I watch the other celebs skate on a Sunday night and as long as they look happy, then I’m happy for them. When I watch my performances, I’m doing the same thing, analysing and focusing on my own progress. I’m not zooming in on anyone else but myself! GIRL POWER! Thanks to a new law, sick perverts who take pictures up women’s skirts could…

After the recent column inches Wayne Rooney has notched up, coupled with his chequered past, you would think he’d be on his best behaviour. Not so. Last week it was revealed Wayne, 33, had a 10-hour booze binge with barmaid Vicki Rosiek in Florida – while wife Coleen, 32, cared for their four sons over 900 miles away. Now Coleen has been urged to leave footballer Wayne, with fans telling her he won’t change. One wrote on social media, ‘Really, how many more times?’ Another asked, ‘When is this beautiful woman going to ditch this disrespectful idiot? Coleen you’re a million of him. Stay strong!’ It’s thought Vicki, 32, and Wayne met at her place of work days before she invited him to join her on a boozy night out.…

Meghan makes it clear she isn’t happy with her father publicly ‘attacking’ her husband, insisting the prince has been ‘nothing but patient and understanding.’ In fact, there’s one part of the letter – where Meghan refers to her dad being trapped in a ‘rabbit hole’ – which he believes has been written by Harry, 34. He says, ‘Americans don’t know what the hell “down the rabbit hole” means! That feels like pure Harry. This is not the girl I know. It’s not the way she talks.’…

Danniella Westbrook’s 26-year showbiz career has been one of huge highs and lows, and recently she publicly ended up back in rehab – in an attempt to end her infamous cocaine addiction once and for all. As brutally frank as ever, Danniella, 45, appeared on The Jeremy Kyle Show and confessed, ‘Listen, if I had the money, I would be back where I used to be – doing 11 bags a day.’ When pressed by Jeremy, Danniella broke down an admitted that she’d last taken cocaine four days previously. But she was thrown a lifeline when Jeremy offered to pay for her bed in a rehabilitation facility, with Dan promising, ‘I’d love to go. I won’t do a runner, I promise.’ The former EastEnders star has since suggested that her…

Last month James ‘Arg’ Argent insisted he’d committed to getting back in shape after going teetotal, explaining, ‘I’m around six months sober at the moment.’ But even after banning the booze, fitness and nutritional expert Laurel Alper advises, ‘Arg needs to open up all his wounds to address some of the issues that he’s talked about.’ A self-confessed yo-yo dieter – over the past 16 years, Arg, 31, has gone from having a ‘normal frame’ to bloating out in 2014. ‘At my heaviest I weighed 19½ stone,’ he said. ‘I’d still like to get a bit of weight off.’ From food binges to cruel taunts, it’s not easy being Arg... Dieting vs dating ‘I couldn’t see any reason to watch my weight because I didn’t have a girlfriend,’ Arg once…

Ashley James Strutting her stuff and showing off her endless pins, Ashley knows purple and orange makes for a very vibrant colour combination. You should try it too! The Duchess of Sussex You know what they say – you don’t need to break the bank to look like royalty. Thanks to Meghan and her endlessly chic style, we can all look the picture of elegance with a quick spree at H&M (baby not included). Jessica Chastain Donning top-to-toe Burberry at a red-carpet event, Jessica proves leopard print is still going strong. We love how she’s styled this pencil skirt with the logo cardi and knit. Holly Willoughby Bringing some much-needed sunshine to our screens, Holly strikes again in this bright yellow dress from Karen Millen. It’s the perfect dress to…

1 MAYBELLINE SNAPSCARA, £7.99. SIX YEARS IN THE MAKING, THIS FORMULA GIVES CLUMP-FREE, GLOSSY LASHES. 2 No7 THE FULL 360 MASCARA, £14. A CURVED BRUSH THAT GIVES YOU LONGER LASHES AND THAT WIDE- AWAKE LOOK. 3 MILK MAKEUP KUSH HIGH VOLUME MASCARA, £20.50, CULTBEAUTY.CO.UK  . GET MAXIMUM VOLUME AND LENGTH WITH THIS TRULY BRILL FORMULA. 4 ESSENCE LASH PRINCESS MASCARA, £3.30, WILKO. CELEB MAKE-UP ARTIST OLIVIA DALY RAVES ABOUT THIS LASH- PLUMPING MASCARA.…

1 Engage the rage Relationships, at times, can be more frustrating than people who use too many hashtags. But channel that pent-up anger to your advantage! Just pick your post-fight position wisely. ‘You might prefer something with a little less eye contact,’ says sex educator Dr Andrea Pennington. ‘Doggy style is ideal – but, if you’d rather feel in control, then try the reverse cowgirl.’ #yougogirl #apologies 2 Be sure you’re over it Never bring up why you were in a hump, while mid-hump. Lecturing someone during sex is like trying to make small talk when in the dentist’s chair – nobody is properly focused and you might spit in the other person’s face if you’re not careful. ‘If you’re still feeling angry, then check that you actually want to…

BEST FOR: A HERBAL HEALER Echinaforce Throat Spray, £10.99, Holland & Barrett Made from echinacea herb and root, plus sage leaves to ease pain and irritation. BEST FOR: PREVENTION Bee Prepared Daily Defence Immune Formula, £9.99, Boots Strengthen your allergy response and keep springtime sore throats at bay. BEST FOR: YOUR SWEET TOOTH Jakemans Cherry Menthol Stick Pack, 69p, Tesco Store a pack in your handbag if you’re feeling run down. BEST FOR: THE KIDS Benylin Children’s Dry Cough & Sore Throat Syrup, £3.99, Superdrug This non-drowsy syrup is perfect for the little ones.…

Make smoked haddock Scotch eggs like Tom Daley’s TAKES: 40 mins, plus chilling MAKES: 2 ENJOY: As a really egg-cellent lunch YOU WILL NEED 2 large British Lion eggs 120g smoked haddock fillet cut into small pieces 120g cooked mashed potato 1tsp fresh dill, chopped 2tbsp plain flour, seasoned with salt and pepper 1 large British Lion egg, beaten 4tbsp fresh breadcrumbs 2tbsp vegetable oil 1 Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. 2 Bring a small saucepan of water to the boil and boil the eggs for 6 mins. Cool under cold running water and peel off the shells. 3 In a bowl, mash together the haddock and mashed potato. Add the dill, season with salt and pepper and mix together. Roll the mixture into two balls. On a floured…

Former Hustle star Marc Warren appears in the second episode of Flack , the comedy set in the world of PR. It stars Hollywood actress Anna Paquin as London-based PR Robyn who makes a living out of solving problems for her famous clients, while also dealing with a tangled private life. Here, Marc tells us more… What specifically attracted you to the role of Tom? I was sent the script and thought it was great. I’m not usually a great reader, but I read all six episodes of Flack . The script is brilliant. It’s funny, insightful, clever. And it’s packed with terrific characters and loads of incredible one-liners. In a script this good, nothing jars. Tell us about your character? He’s a nice guy, but he has lived a…

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been branding themselves as a Hollywood-style A-list power couple recently. However, during their appearance at the BAFTAs, did the Cambridges raise that bar even higher? We asked Judi to tell us whether or not Wills and Kate are setting a shining example. A WARM WELCOME Kate spreads her long skirt out here, but still leans across to have what looks like a genuinely friendly and warm chat with one of their hosts. William, meanwhile, sits in between them with confidently splayed legs and a wide, but congruent-looking smile. SIMPLE, BUT SEXY MOMENT William leans in towards Kate and all those raised muscles on his cheek suggest he’s possibly sharing a naughty joke. Kate’s eyes study her husband’s mouth in what is usually performed…

Ever since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry went public in 2016, her toxic family relationship has been splashed across the tabloids. Just a fortnight ago, her father Thomas released a five-page letter reportedly written to him by the 37-year-old royal herself. Thomas, 74, says he never planned on publicising the letter, dated August 2018, ‘out of respect’ for his daughter, but had to, after five of her friends blamed him for the feud. So, was this letter Meghan’s attempt to heal the rift with her father (as her friends put it) or was it, in fact, a final warning to ‘freeze’ her family out for good? MONEY TALK Meghan accuses her dad of asking for money, saying, ‘You sent me an email last October that said, “If I’ve depended too…

Carol and Mark reveal they tied the knot last year! Loose Women’s Carol McGiffin has revealed she and long-term partner Mark Cassidy are married – and tied the knot in February last year! Carol, 58, made the surprise revelation last week that she and Mark, 36, wed in Bangkok with no guests and just two locals as witnesses. And it seems Carol didn’t even tell her LW co-stars as, when asked if anyone suspected, she replied, ‘The closest anyone came to guessing was Nadia [Sawalha], when they were quizzing me about wedding plans. She said, “I bet they’re already married!” But she’s the only one...’ Congrats, Carol and Mark! Kate and Rio are full steam ahead It looks like we’ll be hearing those wedding bells sooner rather than later for…

EastEnders She played Sam Mitchell in the soap from 1990 to 2010 and for a final four episodes in 2016 No septum In the early 2000s, Danniella’s nose collapsed as her septum was damaged by snorting cocaine I’m a Celeb Right back in the spotlight, Dan nearly won the show in 2003, but withdrew just under a week before the final Dancing queen Happier times with Matthew Gonzales on Dancing on Ice in 2010, where she almost bagged third place Rock bottom Breaking down on The Jeremy Kyle Show before going into rehab…

‘You’d have to pay me a lot of money to starve and eat kangaroo nuts!’ We know her best as one half of the feisty Mitchell sisters in EastEnders , but after her character, Ronnie, was killed off in 2017 (along with on-screen sister, Roxy, played by Rita Simons) Samantha Womack has since swapped performing on the small screen for the stage. She’s currently starring in her most challenging role yet, as she tours the country in the stage adaptation of hit thriller The Girl on the Train playing Rachel – an alcoholic involved in the investigation of a woman’s mysterious disappearance. Here, Samantha, 46, tells us why she prefers theatre to TV, how she juggles the demands of family and work life – and why she’s ‘too old’ for…

‘Walking through the shopping centre, the pain in my right leg burned with each step. Suddenly, I heard an all-too familiar snap. My leg had just broken – but instead of crying, I laughed, as it was the third time this had happened in just six years. It first happened in August 2011. Without warning, my right leg completely gave way and I felt a jolt of excruciating pain. I wasn’t able to walk, so I called my mum Kerry, 56, who then rushed me to hospital. Hidden fracture X-rays revealed that my calf bone had already been broken for some time without me knowing. It emerged that the bones in my right leg were badly bowed and slightly shorter that the ones in the left, and my shin had…

We all know smiling can help you feel better, reduce stress and look good. That’s why we’re on board with Oral-B’s #nofiltersmile campaign, which is encouraging us all to drop the filters and show off our most beautiful smiles on social media. Here’s how to master a megawatt smile… Brighten that beam Coffee, red wine… yes, we know they can stain teeth but you love them, right? No problem, the award-winning* Oral-B 3D White Whitening Therapy toothpaste range will help get your teeth gleaming again in no time. The new formulas are designed to remove any stains at the same time as strengthening enamel. That means no more worrying about how to get rid of surface stains on your teeth – simply brush twice a day to perfect your very…

Hi guys! This week, I want to talk about Jack Fincham’s reported weight gain since he’s been with girlfriend, Dani Dyer. Lots of people experience a bit of post-honeymoon period weight gain, as date nights out are replaced by cosy nights in that revolve around sitting on the sofa and ordering takeaways. As a qualified PT, I see a lot of couples in this situation, so it’scertainly not uncommon. However, blaming your other half isn’t fair and only serves to build resentment. If Jack wishes to lose weight, he’ll need Dani’s full support. Still, if he feels comfortable with his weight and body shape then he should embrace this and send a mes sage of positivity and self-love out to his fans. Dear Annabelle, My boyfriend of two years only…

HEIGHT: 5ft 8in WEIGHT: ‘I don’t weigh myself, I use body fat measurements’ SIZE: 8-10 Hey, Cath! What’s your favourite workout? Nothing beats a hardcore strength session at Ultimate Performance (a London-based personal training company). I favour a mixture of weight training and high intensity training and feel energised for the rest of the day. How do you motivate yourself to keep fit? Whenever I don’t feel like working out, I always remember how much better I feel afterwards. I also intend to be on this earth for a long time. We only get one body – so we should treat it well! Any fitness goals or challenges coming up? I’d like to do more outdoor swimming. I did The Great Swim a few years ago and fell in love…

THEN Jack is best known for playing EastEnders’ baby-faced Jamie Mitchell, who first arrived in Walford in 1998 after being taken in by his dad’s cousin, Phil Mitchell. NOW In Doctors this week, Rob investigates the murder of a man, thought to have been killed by his wife. But when her conviction is quashed, the police line up a new list of suspects including The Mill’s receptionist Valerie! Jack plays the murder victim, Grant, in flashbacks to 2007.…

AQUARIUS 21 Jan-19 Feb With strong forces aiming their energy at making some financial savings, it’s not the best of times to welcome Venus into your sign! She’s going to tempt you with lovely things; stay strong Aquarius. UK: 0905 817 1571* IRL: 1560 787911* PISCES 20 Feb-20 Mar You’re not comfortable with what’s been said, or is it those who have been talking who make you feel prickly? It’s not easy for you, some personalities are strong and very vocal, but you’ve got this, Pisces. UK: 0905 817 1572* IRL: 1560 787912* ARIES 21 Mar-20 Apr Dreaming things in to being isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds and if ever there was a time to try, this is it! Allow yourself to enter the world of inspiration by doing…

‘SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS ARE STRANGE. I’D GIVE THEM A KIDNEY BUT YOU AREN’T BORROWING MY CHARGER’ Vicky Pattison ‘I FEEL LIKE I’M MORE PRODUCTIVE WHEN I HAVE FALSE EYELASHES ON’ Scarlett Moffatt ‘It’s a balloon you put inside you… you blow it up and it exercises you… lube is essential by the way’ Vogue Matthews on her no-tear birth prep device ‘Haven’t seen my wife in 6 weeks. Asked her to visit me in Los Angeles but she couldn’t. Been on the phone to the divorce lawyers all morning Weighing up my options’ Vas Morgan to BFF Chloe Sims ‘Today’s a Krang [from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles] day so, @gorka_ marquez you know the drill, don’t come home without pizza or Doritos dude’ A pregnant Gemma Atkinson ‘I WISH YOU AN…