Heather Mills has achieved an impressive amount in her 57 years. She’s been a model, campaigner and nabbed a Guinness World Record as the fastest disabled female skier of all time. She’s also married and divorced a Beatle and set up more groundbreaking businesses than you can shake a cruelty-free stick at. Feeling inspired? You haven’t seen anything yet…

You look amazing: quite the advertisement for veganism! Tell us about your plant-based journey.

“In 1993, I crossed the street and ended up losing my leg, crushing my pelvis and splitting my head open. Five months later I was still in hospital and still not healing. A friend introduced me to a vegan diet and I swear I healed in two weeks. There was no going back. I created my own vegan food company so I could eat anything I liked, by replicating what turned out to be hundreds of meat, fish and dairy alternatives.”

What tip would you give to anyone considering becoming vegan?

“Start slow. For me, being vegetarian was never good enough as eating dairy can cause so many ailments. Even fast-food addicts can find brands to reach for, like Vbites, which give easy alternatives. Eventually, you will find yourself naturally adding more beans, lentils, pulses and vegetables into your diet.”

Is it possible to eat vegan on a budget?

“It’s such a myth that vegan is more expensive! I’ve done countless spreadsheets to show families how much waste happens in their house. Not only can being vegan be more cost-effective, but it can also lead to a happier, healthier life. The key is to look at the requirements for a whole month. I’m always stocked up on kale, spinach, aubergines, carrots, courgettes, potatoes, rice and quinoa as you can make so many meals with them.”

“We guess you’re a force in the kitchen. What do you cook for friends?

“I like to show them they can eat the same things as they do in a restaurant, but plant based. I had a TV show in Italy called My Planet Vegan, where I taught Michelin chefs how to do vegan versions of favourites like soufflés, lasagnes and pizzas, which was so much fun.”

How else has being vegan affected your health?

“I’m 57 and still have periods! It may be genetic, but I believe it’s my diet because until I went vegan, I couldn’t have children. I kept having miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies, but after going vegan, within years I had a beautiful baby. I strongly believe veganism is the future and I’ve been shouting about it for 30 years! You may feel like you can’t do anything about the state of the world, but individuals make choices – and those individuals become groups. I want to educate as many people as I can and feed them great food.”

You’ve launched a new food line, No Bloat. Can you tell us a little about it?

“No Bloat is going to change people’s lives, offering on-the-go, healthy, clean food to help heal gut issues. In 1999 I was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which destroyed my colon, caused my appendix to burst, as well as me having to have my gallbladder removed. I was told I had to live with a stoma, which I refused. Then, while on a liquid diet and suffering from extreme IBS for years – all while training for my Guinness World Record! – it was discovered I was intolerant to onions, garlic, and many mushrooms. Once I understood the problem, I created No Bloat, and I’m proud to say that after 13 years of testing with cameras in the colon, it’s now the first food to get stamped by the Harley Street Functional Gut Clinic, Monash University and Dr Michael Klaper.”

You also founded the make-up brand, Be At One, with your make-up artist pal Milena Thacker. How hands on are you?

“When I met Melina, she’d created a make-up business but didn’t know anything about veganism, so I worked with her to create a high-quality, low-cost vegan brand. One of the big companies recently wanted our mascara because it’s amazing and doesn’t irritate the eye, but we said no as we want to keep the price low, as well as save animals. I’m a bright red lipstick girl, but it amazes me how few people know they swallow insects every time they lick their red lips. We use vegetable colouring, not crushed beetles.”

What’s next?

“At the moment the food industry is a mess, so I would like to help change that. The country is obese, and the government are soft and allowing people to get lazy. It’s pretty simple, but common sense is disappearing. It’s time to stop making excuses. There needs to be a revolution – and we do that through the choices we make.”

Find out more and shop for the No Bloat line-up here.

The post Interview: Heather Mills appeared first on Checklists.

For one night only, Just Eat, who are the official partners of the series, have coupled up with Love Island legends Chris and Kem to rustle up the first ever Love Island restaurant; Absolute Melts where fans can order a limited edition Absolute Melt Toastie. 

Summer is finally here as Laura Whitmore returns to our screens to host this summer’s new series of Love Island, starting Monday, 28 June.

Why ‘Absolute Melts?’

As fans of the hit show will know, toast and toasties have been at the heart of many Love Island romances over the years. Toast has been the medium of choice for everything from apologies and romantic declarations to winning over a new bombshell to arrive in the villa. Over time it has become the unofficial love language of the islanders.

Remember Chris Taylor’s ‘sorry’ toast to Harley Brash in the morning? Tommy Fury rustling up an open cheese sandwich cut into small love heart shapes, for his date Maura Higgings back in 2019 with love rival Molly-Mae looking on? 

The toastie has a special place in Love Island relationships. 

Choose from iconic Love Island phrases including ‘Loyal’, ‘My type on paper’ and  ‘It is what it is’. Other options include:

• ‘My type on paper’ – to let your crush know you’ve got the hots for them 
• ‘Loyal’ – for those whose heads won’t get turned in Casa Amor 
• ‘It is what it is’ – for when there’s nothing you can do about a situation.

Chris Hughes: “Like millions across the UK, I’m buzzing for the return of Love Island. It’s the ultimate summer feeling and our Absolute Melts toasties will give you a proper taste of villa life. We hope people crack on and order them while they can!”

Kem Cetinay: “These toasties are perfect for anyone currently grafting. Forget about laying it on Factor 50, these melts will let that special someone know where your head’s at and you never know, you may soon be coupling up.”

It’s not the first time Chris and Kem have gone into business together. After leaving the island, they released single Little Bit Leave It and have appeared together on a number of TV Shows including ITV2 spin off show Straight Outta Love Island, Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted for Stand Up To Cancer.

Love Island fans in London, Manchester and Birmingham will be able to order the £4.50 melts exclusively on Just Eat. 

Those in the catchment area in London, Manchester and Birmingham can order via Just Eat now! To order and to view the range of local restaurants available visit just-eat.co.uk

The post Love Island stars launch tasty treat to celebrate the reality TV show’s return appeared first on Checklists.

The survey, carried out by Silentnight, also discovered that eight out of 10 pet owners happily compromise on their own sleep so that their four-legged friend can enjoy a great night’s kip!

What’s more, over a third admit to sleeping in an uncomfortable position so as not to wake their pet, while a quarter let their pet hog the bed, steal the duvet or choose their position in bed first!

Think you know your celebrity pets? Let’s see how good your cat and dog knowledge really is…

Peggy is a French bulldog. She’s only got one eye after it became ulcerated and was left untreated. But who’s the celeb that took her in? Click the image to reveal!

This Pomeranian, known as Monkey, has lived with her celebrity mum and dad for over three years. Can you guess who she belongs to? Click the image to reveal!

Koji is a King Charles Cavalier spaniel. Whose posh pad do you think he resides in? Click the image to reveal!

Bluebell is a Ragdoll cat, a breed that’s known for being affectionate. But can you tell who her devoted owner is? Click the image to reveal!

French bulldogs Winnie and Reggie have just moved in to their dream pad, complete with its own lake in the grounds! But who are their reality star mum and dad? Click the image to reveal!

The post Celebrity quiz: can you match these pets to their owners? appeared first on Checklists.

Chloe was joined by former Love Islanders Gabby Allen and Francesca Allen as well as TOWIE favourites Ella Wise, Kelsey Stratford and Clelia Theodorou.

Galentine’s Day takes place on 13 February every year and is a fun addition to the more traditional celebration on 14 February.

With exclusive Ann Summers goodie bags on offer, the girls modelled pieces from the Valentine’s range and enjoyed an evening learning more about the latest Ann Summers products on offer.

Galentine’s provides a perfect opportunity for friends to get together and appreciate those lovely ladies in your life.

Chloe said: “I’m so excited to be working with Ann Summers’ on their Valentine’s campaign this year. I’ve always loved how they stand for female empowerment and encourage women to embrace their bodies no matter what shape or size and I’m so glad I get to be part of such an inspiring team.”

Celebrity Secrets also spoke to Chloe about her colab with Ann Summers for its Valentine’s campaign. She also revealed how she keeps her body and mind in good health – and spills on her her romantic plans on 14 February!

Hi Chloe! How will you be spending Galentine’s Day this year?

With my closest girlfriends, we are going to have a night in with a takeaway and of course some bubbles.

Tell me about the Ann Summers Valentine’s campaign party?

I got to show all of my girlfriends the latest Ann Summers products that I am constantly telling them how much I love. It was great to have my best friends in one room and celebrate each other.

What are your favourite pieces from the Ann Summers Valentine’s collection?

I love the Cecelia set, the waspie just fits perfectly.

Do you believe wearing a beautiful set of underwear instantly makes you feel more confident?

100% I love having new underwear sets and it’s always great to add to them with suspenders and some stockings.

What advice would you give to women that may struggle with body confidence?

Unfortunately it has become the norm for women to struggle with body confidence due to social media, they feel as if they need to look a certain way. I think all bodies are beautiful and women should love the way they look. It is about building confidence from the inside and then showing it on the outside. This is one of the main reasons I love working with Ann Summers as they embrace all body shapes, empowering women to feel their best.

What is your favourite feature about yourself and how do you showcase it through your style?

I would say my favourite feature would be my lips as they are full…but in terms of body I would say my boobs…they are small but perky and my god does a good (Ann Summers) bra do wonders if I want that extra cleavage. I love makeup and fashion and always try to bring out what I think looks good on me to give myself more confidence.

Will you be spending Valentine’s Day with someone special this year? Or is it all about the gals on 13 February?

I will definitely be seeing the girls on the 13th for Galentines which I am so excited for. On the 14th I am going to Paris with my boyfriend – romantic or what?

You are in fantastic shape – any diet or fitness tips? I see you’ve been posting a few vegan inspired recipes/dishes on Instagram.

I have started to eat healthier and eating vegan where I can to give myself an extra boost. I am not fully Vegan but all in moderation. I do need to join the gym to help me with my motivation and it always makes me feel good too.

What are your views on social media – have you ever experienced online trolling?

With trolling I think it is disgusting that people think they have the right to be nasty to someone they do not actually know, especially when they do not know what that person could be going through. I am lucky that I haven’t had much trolling and if I ever do get a negative comment I try to ignore it or block the person. I feel like if you give them attention it makes them or the situation worse. Social media can be used for so many positive things and that’s what I like to focus on, I am always up for making people feel good about themselves.

Although you have since left TOWIE, have you had any unusual/amazing experiences as a result of the show?

The most amazing experience was recently travelling to South Africa with Ann Summers. It was literally a dream come true working with the team and to have the experience of being taken to some amazing places whilst shooting in some beautiful pieces.

Would you say TOWIE was a good platform to go down the career path you are on now?

100% I loved every minute of TOWIE and it has definitely given me the platform I have today, I am so grateful for everything.

Any big future projects lined up?

I am planning to continue working with brands I already love and those I would love to work with. It’s important to me that I have personal connections to brands whether it is one I’ve worn for years or via the team that I’ve met and built a relationship with. Watch this space!

The post TOWIE’s Chloe Ross throws Ann Summers Galentine’s party appeared first on Checklists.

By Laura Forsyth

Which Girls Aloud member’s style do you love the most?

‘I love how experimental Nicola is with her style. She literally makes everything look good and has a real eye for fashion.’

What’s your favourite chill-out style?

‘It is simple and practical, almost like a uniform that works for running around after the boys! Usually either workout gear with a comfy top over, or high waisted jeans and a simple T-shirt.’

Your figure looks great – do you have any tips for mums getting back in shape after having children?

‘I think you just have to do it in your own time and not put pressure on yourself. I only decided I wanted to start exercising again when Cole turned two. I don’t do loads of exercise, just a little bit now and then. Eating everything in moderation is also a good place to start.’

What would you have liked to do if you didn’t make it into showbiz?

‘I always loved interior design, which I kind of do a little bit now through my property company. I like to think I’d have gone down this route.’

You’ve starred in Strictly – is there another show you’d like to get involved in?

‘No, for me Strictly was the one! I’d always loved it and it was a dream to be a part of.’

We’ve got to ask… Are there any plans for a Girls Aloud reunion?

‘Not at the moment! We’re all busy doing our own projects.’

The Kimberley Walsh Collection for Regatta Great Outdoors is available now in stores and at regatta.com

Read Kimberley’s full interview in the New Year’s Resolutions issue of Celebrity Secrets, out in OK! mag bumper packs from 7th January 2020.

The post Five Minutes with… KIMBERLEY WALSH appeared first on Checklists.

Despite juggling her empire, looking after two young children and preparing for this year’s Dancing On Ice, the mum still manages to look and feel her best. She shares her tips for living a healthy lifestyle, encouraging her family to keep fit and how preparing for the ITV show has impacted on her fitness levels…

By Laura Forsyth

As a very driven career woman, how do you keep your life in balance?

‘To be honest, I am still trying to figure this out! There is no easy answer and as a busy career woman and mother, I, like many women, have to juggle family and work responsibilities. You will often find me running from a meeting with the By Caprice team to picking up the boys from school. I try and look after myself and swear by meditation. I aim to do a short meditation session every morning to set my mind and body up for the busy day ahead. This really helps me. I also only eat organic foods and take high quality vitamins. Listen to your body and take a rest day when you need one. I no longer feel guilty about having a Netflix day on a Saturday either!’

Do you have advice for women looking to get ahead in the business industry?

‘For any woman looking to start their own business, or those who are trying to climb up the corporate ladder, I think it is important that they know their worth and don’t sell themselves short. It is still a man’s world out there; it might be slowly improving but there is a long way to go. That is why it is so important women have a support network around them, to help encourage and guide each other. There are networking groups nowadays that were not there 10 years ago, so make sure you utilise them.

‘Also In terms of starting a business, the most important advice I can share is know your cash flow. If you run out of money, then you will lose your business. I know my cash flow for By Caprice Home for the next eight months. It is so integral for the future and growth of any business.’

Do you think that women are still being held back then?

‘Women started out on an uneven field and we are unfortunately still fighting for equality in the workplace and in business.  In my experience, stereotypes, whether they are conscious or unconscious, affect women’s progress. The problem is these harmful perceptions and attitudes can go unnoticed, which is why we are finding change such a challenge. Women need to be fairly represented in business and the workplace and this is still not happening. How do I know this? As a former model I used to get stereotyped in the early days of building my By Caprice brand. Buyers thought I would be out of the market in five minutes and would not take a chance on stocking the brand. It took time to prove my numbers and show them I am a serious businesswoman. Now it’s easier because I have the figures to back me up, but there are still stereotypes and challenges of being a woman in business.’

What can we do to stop this?

‘I think businesses who are starting to be transparent about the gender pay structure are doing the first step in this process. It shows these businesses are being conscious about wanting equality, so in my opinion it is a great stepping-stone. There are also too many unbalanced roles within organisations, and I feel women need to be encouraged in the workplace to explore their options early on, so they don’t get overlooked for career progression and a ‘star’ role.’

As a successful model did you ever feel pressurised to look a certain way?

‘Of course – these girls who say they have good genes and are skinny naturally are lying! I have always loved my food, but I used to train hard and would do tennis lessons multiple times a week. It was good fun though and it really does get you in super-fit shape. I would not eat after 5pm to give my body time to digest my food so I wasn’t lying on a full stomach at night-time. But now? I embrace my cellulite and wrinkles!’

Do you think there is less scrutiny for women now – or do we still have a long way to go?

‘There’s a little less scrutiny. but I feel men are subjected to looking a certain way, too. There are beauty standards and ideals in society that both men and women are subject to, which are unfair.’

Have your eating habits changed since you started training for Dancing On Ice?

‘I have always had a big appetite, but I have definitely been eating more protein and warm foods, because it is cold when you come off the ice.’

Do you have much experience in ice skating?

‘Not much prior experience at all, however, when I lived in Los Angeles, I used to go rollerblading with my sister almost every Saturday. That was years ago, but it has helped for sure.’

Have you noticed any change in strength since starting?

‘I am building muscle that I have not had before – you should see my arms! I look lean and really toned!’

What are your other favourite ways to keep fit?

‘I still love the odd game of tennis, but it is difficult to find the time nowadays. I mix meditation with yoga often – it is really easy when you only have 20 minutes to spare. And during the summer I love to swim.’

By Caprice Home is available at leading UK retailers and online at bycapricehome.com

Read Caprice’s full interview in the New Year’s Resolutions issue of Celebrity Secrets, out in OK! mag bumper packs from 7th January 2020.

The post Caprice shares her tips for living a healthy lifestyle appeared first on Checklists.

Interview Claire Muffett-Reece

This is the last Christmas before you get to meet your baby boy or girl. What are your plans?

J ‘All of my family are going away, because my gran died at my mum’s house two years ago on Christmas Day.’

O ‘They’re all going away. My mum and dad are not going to come over either this year, because we only have one day off from our panto in Redhill.’

J ‘As Ola’s Polish we either celebrate a Polish Christmas or an English Christmas! In Poland Christmas Eve is more important, serving fish instead of meat and giving out presents in the evening.’

Have you got any Christmas traditions you like to do?

J ‘We watch films and eat and drink as much as we want! Ola won’t be drinking this year, of course.’

What are you going to do for new year?

J ‘We’ve got panto on New Year’s Eve, but then we’re going to go from there to a friend’s to see in midnight.’

O ‘But obviously it’s not going to be a wild one this year, because I’ll be there!’

How are you both feeling now Ola’s five months’ pregnant?

O ‘ Happy and excited, but I can’t say I’m ever going to feel relaxed.’

J ‘I’m the same. I’m a worrier anyway so I don’t think we will be fully relaxed until our baby is in our arms.’

O ‘It’s probably not a good thing, because you want to be chilled during pregnancy! In some ways I am, but I still worry.’

You tried to conceive naturally for two years. Who turned to the other and said, “Shall we try IVF?”?

J ‘I would say it was Ola who brought it up…

O ‘And I would say it was James! I remember being frustrated because I wasn’t falling pregnant, so James said we should chat to the doctor.’

J ‘I wanted to keep things positive, so said we should find someone to help us. Ola mentioned considering IVF, and that was it. I was on it and wanted to organise things very quickly.’

Did you think having a family might never happen?

O ‘I was definitely worried. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve got a lovely life, but there was always something missing. I was getting to the stage where I was trying to come to terms with it. I imagined we’d travel and see the world instead.’

J ‘I was a lot more positive that it was going to work.’

Why did you decide to reveal your fertility struggle in a magazine?

J ‘So many people feel ashamed that they can’t get pregnant, so we wanted to be open to help others. It also stopped journalists asking when we were going to have children.’

O ‘When we said we were trying IVF, it was a huge relief. Everyone stopped asking – even our friends and family.’

J ‘When we told my mum and dad, they were crying their eyes out, as they didn’t realise what we’d been going through.’

How does IVF mentally affect you?

O ‘It’s all the waiting. You worry about waiting for the phone to ring, when the clinic tell you if any embryos have survived. Since we spoke about IVF a lot of people have contacted me saying, “we’re going for the seventh time,” which must be unbelievably hard.’

And what were the physical effects?

O ‘Your ovaries are really swollen from being stimulated and you’re injecting yourself every day. People thought I was pregnant already because I was bloated.’

Was counselling offered to help you with the whole process?

O ‘There is counselling, which you can have before or after, but we chose not to.’

J ‘We’re both quite strong people and didn’t feel we needed it. Different people react to things differently, though.’

O ‘I didn’t really want to talk to a stranger about it, but I get that many people do.’

Do you wish you’d tried for a family when you got married back in 2003?

O ‘At the time we wanted to focus on our careers. We were given so many opportunities and we weren’t ready.’

J ‘We were enjoying that part of our life. We had our careers first and now we’re having children, while most people will have children and then build their careers.’

Let’s go back to when you found out Ola was pregnant. Did you have any inkling that the IVF had worked?

O ‘It’s different with IVF, because two weeks after the procedure you have to do a pregnancy test.’

J ‘But you ended up taking a test after eight days…’

O ‘I had a funny feeling in my tummy and I thought I’d take one. James was out playing golf, so I decided not to tell him in case it was negative.’

J ‘When I got in she couldn’t even talk – she just handed over the test and started crying.’

You told fans you suffered from morning sickness. Now that’s gone how are you feeling?

O ‘Now I have massive heartburn – it’s horrible! From about four o’clock in the afternoon until I go to bed I’m suffering. I’ve also got a bad back.’

How are you both finding Ola’s changing shape? Being a dancer all your life it must be strange to have no control over what your body’s doing…

O ‘I’m embracing the pregnancy and am not denying myself anything. Having said that of course I look in the mirror and find the changes a little hard. I’m so big already – and my boobs are massive!’

J ‘They’re humongous. It’s great!’

Have you discussed names yet?

O ‘We have – and what we’ve both agreed is we like traditional choices.’

J ‘We definitely won’t call our kid anything whacky. I also know if we have a girl her first name won’t begin with “B”. Can you imagine her growing up with “BJ” as her initials?’

What will happen when it comes to changing nappies and night feeds?

J ‘I’ll be fine with that. Having said that I’ve got a really weak stomach!’

O ‘He does have a weak stomach.’

J ‘I’d like to think that I can do it, especially the getting up in the middle of the night. I expect to do my bit.’

O ‘He’s definitely going to be a hands-on dad.’

You’ve told us you don’t agree in a child being raised as gender neutral. Why?

J ‘You can’t say men and women are the same. To say that you’re going to bring up your baby gender neutral is more, in my opinion, saying things you think people want to hear. Everyone’s on an agenda nowadays.’

O ‘If we have a boy and it turns out to be gay or a girl and it turns out to be lesbian, or they want to transition, that’s their decision to make.’

So what are you most looking forward to about this time next year?

O ‘Enjoying Christmas in our home with our little boy or girl and all our family. They’ll be at the age where they can eat Christmas dinner with us – I can’t wait!’

J ‘It’s going to be amazing. We’re very family-oriented. For me that’s the most important thing in my life.’

O ‘We’ll be sitting there giving out presents and just enjoying the chaos. Obviously, I’m going to hate the mess, but as parents we’re just going to have to get used to it!’

Photography James Rudland jamesaugustusphotography.com Art direction Claire Muffett-Reece instagram.com/mrscreece Hair and make-up Alice Theobald using Pixi makeup Pietro Simone skincare and L’ANZA haircare joygoodman.com Styling Ellis Ranson styled-ellisranson.co.uk Videography Joe Murphy instagram.com/hawkmurphy Tree styling Anya Banks anyabankschristmasdecorator.co.uk Turkey Kelly Bronze kellybronze.co.uk Roast potatoes, parsnips, stuffing balls and Yorkshire puddings Aunt Bessie’s auntbessies.co.uk Christmas pudding Cole’s Puddings colespuddings.com Mince pies Walkers walkersshortbread.com Christmas cards and wrapping paper Clintons clintonsretail.com Crew catering Itsu itsu.com Location House Shoot Factory shootfactory.co.uk

Book tickets to see Ola and James in pantomime at http://www.harlequintheatre.co.uk/whats-on/on-stage/jack-and-the-beanstalk/ 

Read Ola & Jordan’s full interview in the Christmas issue of Celebrity Secrets, out now in OK! magazine bumper packs for one week only!

The post Exclusive Interview: Ola & James Jordan appeared first on Checklists.

Interview Lynn Carratt

You’ve been together as a band (with a few departures along the way) for a decade now. What has been the highlight?

G [laughs] ‘It’s a long time. It’s hard to stop still and realise, we’ve always been on the move, and we’ve just been travelling solidly for the past six years. We have so many incredible experiences every day. I have a little book that I write the best experience of each day in, so it’s hard even to pick the best from one day.’

How do you cope with the level of worldwide acclaim your music has achieved?

J ‘Our music is very famous across the globe, but we as individuals are not. I really like it that way because we don’t get hassled.’

G ‘I get recognised slightly more than the boys, but not much. We take the tube around London regularly, and we rarely get stopped by people, and when we do, it’s always proper fans, so it’s nice to have a little chat with them and connect.’

Has your move away from classical music and the introduction of guest vocalists been a better fit for the band?

J ‘It’s had its ups and downs. It’s fantastic for us to work with these international pop stars, but it does create its own complexities, and it’s now difficult to move away from that because it’s working so well.’

Who has been your favourite collaboration? 

G ‘Sean Paul was a sweetie, and Craig David is up there – he has such a fantastic voice and lots of positive energy.’

J ‘On our first album we did a track with Lizzo, so it has to be her. I sang a duet with her called New Eyes.’

So who would you like to collaborate with?

J ‘Dua Lipa and Ed Sheeran – we wouldn’t say no to either of them!’

You also collaborated with Ellie Goulding. Did you get invited to her recent wedding?

J [laughs] ‘No, we’d seen her the week before because we’re doing some more stuff together. I was pretty disappointed because it looked like a Royal wedding!’

G ‘She looked beautiful.’

You’ve won a Grammy and two Ivor Novello awards. Are you still waiting for that elusive BRIT?

G ‘We like being nominated for a BRIT every year and not winning! When you win you have to go up and do a speech and you can’t just enjoy the evening, because you’re terrified about having to go on stage to say something. You know in advance more or less if you have won or not, so we always have the best night there.’

You’re a trio now, as you had a few people leave. Are you staying as a trio?

J ‘We could be a duo soon. I’m getting pretty tired! [laughs]’

How do you spend your downtime away from the band?

J ‘Whenever there is any free time we go ten-pin-bowling – we love it!’

G ‘We also play hide and seek a lot to win vodka shots. It’s great fun playing it backstage.’

When will your next single be out?

G ‘It’s coming out later this year, and we are desperately trying to finish it. It’s going to be a duet with two singers. Watch this space!’

Listen to BBC Radio Two on 88-91 FM or DAB for more information visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2

The post Five minutes with Clean Bandit appeared first on Checklists.

Interview by Lynn Carratt

What have you been up since The Apprentice?

‘I’ve been expanding my tennis business, which is going really well. We’ve now got a team of 30, and I’m working really closely with the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) which is exciting. I’ve also been doing a lot of motivational speaking, which is nice. I like inspiring teenagers who want to get into business.’

Do you think the show changed your life?

‘It did, as it allowed me to do what I do now. You can go on The Apprentice, and it can either do nothing for you or it can do everything for you. It’s really down to how you’re perceived. It’s shown me that I can do anything I want to. I can take on new projects and new tasks, and it’s definitely improved my self-esteem.’

Where you worried about how you would be perceived?

‘Before going on the show, I was advised to take down all my social media accounts, but throughout the whole show I had less than five negative tweets, which was terrific. I think I came across quite well, if not a little bit weird!’

How do you keep fit when you’re always so busy with work?

‘I’m a qualified personal trainer and I play tennis regularly, which is excellent for burning calories after I’ve treated myself. I also salsa dance – sometimes I dance three to four times a week.’

As someone who became famous from a TV show what would your advice be to the Love Island contestants now they’re out of the villa?

‘Love Island is so tricky because I know how intense it is behind the cameras. They shouldn’t take anything personally, as hard as that sounds.’

Would you like to do more TV?

‘My absolute dream would be to go on I’m a Celebrity. While I was travelling I ate tracheoles and scorpions, so I’d love the challenge of the jungle. I also hold a secret ambition to become a Blue Peter presenter!’

Is dating in the public eye difficult?

‘It’s not much different to before The Apprentice, except now I get the opportunity to meet more people. My ideal men in the public eye would be Sam Thompson and Curtis Pritchard.’

Sabrina is available for motivation speaking on business and runs her own tennis events company mytennisevents.com

The post Sabrina Stocker on why Love Island’s Curtis is the man for her appeared first on Checklists.

Interview by Lynn Carratt

How do you manage when life gets stressful?

‘If I’ve had a stressful day, I’ll come home and order a takeaway. If I’m going all in, I’ll get a chicken tikka masala and naan bread. Delicious!’

How do you spend your downtime?

‘I’m generally in the gym or chilling out with my mates. We like to drive around and go shopping; just get out of the house really. I don’t really watch TV on my own, and I never watch box sets or Netflix either, because I don’t really get half of the shows or what’s going on in them! My friends don’t like watching TV with me; they always say, “Joe, stop asking me what’s going on!”’

We saw some pictures of your amazing house. What was your inspiration?

‘I went for an Ibiza-style pad because I wanted to wake up every morning and believe I was in another country. I literally wanted to pick up Ocean Beach Club and put it in my garden – and I don’t have to pay to get in! I do want to invest in a place in London one day, but I don’t even want to think about the price of my house if it was in London now.’

What are your favourite holiday destinations?

‘I like Dubai, Ibiza and at the moment I love LA. I’ve been to Dubai ten times at least, and you’re always guaranteed good weather. Although, once when I was there, it just rained for a week. Did you know it only rains in Dubai because they put seeds in the clouds? People think I’m mad when I say this and I just say, “type it into Google”.’

What other projects do you have coming up?

‘I’ve just been working non-stop since Celebrity Masterchef, and I’ve had some TV show meetings which I pretty happy with. I also presented at VMA’s in New York, which was terrific.’

Catch Joey on Celebrity Masterchef on BBC One

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