RexBig Brother fans have been left confused as a housemate ‘went missing’ just one episode into the new series[/caption]
RexFans are wondering why Dean isn’t getting any screen time[/caption]
The line-up of new BB stars includes King Charles’ former butler, a barber, and a girl who works in a Chinese restaurant.
And another contestant amongst them is Dean – but fans have complained that he’s ‘gone missing’ and has been given ‘no air time.’
Dean is a 35-year-old barber who hails from East London.
He has now ditched cutting hair and trimming beards to take part in Big Brother 2024
Before entering the house, Dean said: “I’m going to bring good energy, good vibes, some fun, some love, some charismatic charm.
“I’m just going to be me and that’s the only thing I know how to do.”
But since entering, he’s barely been seen on screen which has led viewers to take to social media to question his whereabouts.
One person penned: “We’re really not seeing much of Dean – We need to see more L Let us see Dean Big Brother.”
A second person added: “I really like Dean but we need to see more of him in the highlights please?”
Someone else questioned: “Has Dean gone missing Big Brother?” and a fourth added: “Didn’t even seen Dean after he entered, is he this year’s Matty?”
Speaking about why he wanted to be on the OG reality show, Dean told ITV: “I’ve been a fan for the longest time.
“I’ve wanted to do it from the age of 11 and never had the confidence to do it.
“As I got older, I was still obsessed with the show and as soon as it came back it was ‘this is my time to apply’.
“I really want to have a great time and experience everything that Big Brother has to offer – the highs, the lows, the good, the bad, the fun, the not so fun. I want it all.”
Big Brother 2024 cast
A brand new batch of Big Brother housemates are living it up in the famous compound.
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Tens of thousands of struggling energy customers to have bill debt WIPED and get free air fryers – are you eligible?
TENS of thousands of struggling energy customers can have their bills wiped and get a host of energy-saving gadgets this winter.
EDF Energy, one of the country’s largest energy firms, will offer fresh support to those facing fuel poverty this winter.
AFPThe support on offer comes in partnership with Citizens Advice Plymouth, Income Max, and Charis Grants[/caption]
The supplier will invest £29 million in a range of initiatives, including debt matching and write offs, as well as providing free energy-saving gadgets.
Debt matching allows struggling customers to get part of their balance wiped.
For instance, if a customer pays £100, EDF Energy will pay off £100, too, effectively wiping half the amount owed and getting them back on track sooner.
EDF could also write off debts completely on a case-by-case basis.
Other customers could be offered free energy-saving gadgets if they contact the supplier as well.
To get the support you’ll first be referred to one of EDF’s charity partners: Citizens Advice Plymouth, Income Max, and Charis Grants.
Last winter, EDF helped 65,000 customers with support, including debt advice, Income maximisation, energy efficiency advice, debt clearance and financial assistance payments.
Its Warm Winter shop also helped 1,000 customers with electric goods such as kettles, air fryers and slow cookers.
To be eligible, a customer must be fuel poor or at risk of fuel poverty and have known vulnerabilities in the household.
EDF says its team will identify eligible customers and refer them for extra support from Income Max and Plymouth Citizens Advice.
These partner firms will then recommend customers and support them with an application for debt relief.
EDF says that any decision is made based on many factors, including the value of debt, its age, and customers’ repayment behaviour.
Philippe Commaret, managing director of customers at EDF, said: “Whilst the Ofgem price cap has reduced in three of the last four quarters, an October rise of 10% will have a significant impact on those who are already struggling.
“We are doing all we can to reduce bills, however, to make a real long-term difference, we believe a social tariff is still needed.
“Only through meaningful Government and industry-wide intervention, paired with better data matching, such as a single cross-sector Priority Services Register, will affordability improve for those most in need.”
To find out more about the help, visit edfenergy.com/about/support-for-customers.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE'S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
What should I do if I fall into debt?
You should contact your supplier as early as possible to let them know if you’re struggling.
Energy debts are priority debts, which means there can be more severe consequences to not paying than with other types of debt.
Failing to engage with your supplier about your debt could also see them apply for a court warrant to forcibly install a prepayment meter in your home.
Once you’ve contacted your supplier about your debt problems, ask for an affordable repayment plan.
Your supplier should work with you to figure out a sensible amount you can pay towards your debts each month.
Your supplier may also allow you to apply for an energy grant.
These could be delivered as energy credits to help cover your debt, or your supplier might agree to wipe your outstanding balance.
Ask your supplier what’s on offer and how to apply.
How to get free debt help
THERE are several groups which can help you with your problem debts for free.
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Where MAFS villains are now…body contouring business to job in Grimsby Savers store & bizarre X-rated fishing show
IT’S the well-loved show that sees wannabe romantics skip the small talk and go straight to the altar.
Matt Monfredi / Channel 4Pictured: (L-R) Georges, Rosaline, Brad, Thomas, Terence, Peggy, Ella, Tasha, Arthur, Porscha, Jay, Laura, Paul, Nathanial, Shona and Luke.[/caption]
Simon JohnsWhitney was paired with Duka but sparks flew in a different direction[/caption]
InstagramBrad Skelly was axed from the show after displaying ‘controlling’ behaviour[/caption]
For many a bride and groom on the E4 show staying loyal seems like the hardest job on Earth.
They’re the villains we love to hate, whose bad behaviour has caused tears, heartbreak and even led to some of them getting kicked off the show.
And their fates after leaving the show is also a mixed bag, from the former model who is now working in retail to a very bizarre OnlyFans fishing show.
With the ninth season of the show underway right now, we look at where the shows biggest baddies have ended up.
Brad Skelly
Self-declared “model” Brad is already back stacking shelves at a branch of Savers in Grimsby after his time on the show.
The 28-year-old was axed from the 2023 series MAFS UK after producers became concerned over his “controlling and coercive” behaviour towards his bride Shona Manderson, 32.
Speaking to The Sun, a source said: “The relationship with Shona was getting toxic.
“Bosses stepped in before the situation got out of hand.”
But it wasn’t long after he left the show that eagle-eyed fans spotted him in snaps shared to Savers Grimsby’s Facebook page.
In one pic, he can be seen in uniform and lanyard holding up bottles of fragrances as part of a Christmas display.
E4Brad has been spotted stacking shelves after his stint on the show[/caption]
FacebookThe 33-year old was spotted posing in pics uploaded on the supermarket’s Facebook page[/caption]
InstagramMore recently, he made a trip to hospital due to an issue with his knee[/caption]
Another shows the former MAFS UK star posing with his colleagues in an aisle of the shop holding up a Savers balloon.
In September this year, the Grimsby native took to Instagram to share pics of him in A&E after being rushed to the Diana Princess of Wales Hospital in his hometown.
A snap he shared showed him sat in a waiting room, captioned “back again”, while another showed his knee in a brace.
He then reassured fans with a selfie, writing: “For everybody asking I am all good,” followed by a blue love heart emoji.
CPL / Channel 4Brad was removed from the show by producers who had became concerned about his behaviour towards show-wife Shona[/caption]
InstagramShona has since found love with another former MAFS star, Matt Pilmoor[/caption]
InstagramBrad has since dated fitness influencer Hollie Baldwin – but the Grimsby star has already moved on to someone else[/caption]
Since the show, Shona has moved on with another MAFS star, Matt Pilmour.
Brad dated fitness influencer Hollie Baldwin but, in September he revealed brand new girlfriend Tori Addison to his Instagram followers, calling her “My slime”.
Matt Murray
Salon owner Gemma Rose Barnes was left heartbroken when show-hubby Matt, 32, shared a kiss with fellow star Whitney Hughes behind their partners’ backs in series seven.
Matt and Whitney then re-entered the marriage experiment with each other – but their relationship came to an end once filming finished.
Not long after the Yorkshire-based barber began dating Marilyse Corrigan, 38, a contestant from series six of the show.
After six months of dating the couple ended things, amid accusations of “controlling behaviour” and “gaslighting.”
She put in so much to that relationship and got nothing back. The real Matt is exactly who we saw on TV.
Marilyse's friends
Following their split, personal trainer Marilyse told OK!: “Matt likes to have all of your attention when you’re in a relationship with him.
“He was needy and couldn’t understand why I couldn’t be his all the time.
“I wouldn’t call them red flags, but there were times when he’d question me about silly things – things that were unnecessary – and then question me about them again. So I started feeling on edge around him.”
Her pals have since spoken out about their relationship, telling the Mirror: “We’re all so relieved that Marilyse saw sense and ended things with Matt.
“He treated her appallingly, she was totally blinded by him, he love-bombed her and she always sees the good in people which left her vulnerable to him.
“She put in so much to that relationship and got nothing back. The real Matt is exactly who we saw on TV and we are just so pleased to see how happy she is without him.”
Channel 4Matt Murray and Whitney Hughes both dumped their partners to start a relationship with each other[/caption]
Matt and Gemma’s marriage ended in tears after he went behind her back to snog WhitneyErotemeInstagram/@reallifeofgemroseGemma has since joined OnlyFans and is dating new man Jordan Bishop[/caption]
InstagramMatt and Marylise ended on bad terms[/caption]
Matt recently revealed his mum had passed from cancer in a heartbreaking post that read: “Good night mum, your energy will live within us all for eternity.”
He regularly shares updates on fitness and lifestyle on his social media and next month will be a year sober.
Nikita Jasmine
Controversial bride Nikita Jasmine found herself kicked off the show back in 2021 after breaching the show’s code of conduct.
The now 29-year-old Geordie reportedly was at the centre of an aggressive incident that escalated off-camera.
A statement released by E4 at the time said: “During filming, a situation escalated off camera and Nikita displayed a level of aggression that was unacceptable and breached our agreed code of conduct on behaviour.
The class of 2024
The 2024 season is already heating up...
Each year when Married At First Sight airs in the UK, the show welcomes new intruder couples around halfway through the series.
For 2024, there are THREE new couples, and one of the new grooms is Stephen Nolson, 33.
A source told The Sun: “Hannah is wild – she comes in like a wrecking ball and will shake up the show.”
This comes after fellow new Blackburn bride Amy married new groom Luke, who gave her the ick after they had their photos snapped, with another new couple also due to wed on screen shortly.
Meanwhile, the current lineup consists of the following brides and grooms:
“As a result, she was asked to leave the experiment. All involved have been offered support and Nikita has since apologised and resolved the situation with those involved.”
A source told the MailOnline that she’d launched into a foul-mouthed rant at fellow cast members and that she “just lost it and screamed at everyone around the table” while filming a dinner scene.
The source continued: “It was over an argument she started, ranting her co-stars were only doing the show for fame – when most of them felt that’s exactly why she had signed up. The situation turned really ugly, which was why security had to get involved.”
This wasn’t the first time her temper had flared either.
Earlier on in the series, fans were left shocked when she threw a cup at husband Ant Poole during their honeymoon – because he wouldn’t compliment her boobs and bum.
She ranted: “Shut the f*** up you f***ing b***end; put me in a different room to him, I am not sitting with that knacker on holiday. Go and get your f***ing brows waxed and a sun bed you f***ing little divvy. F***ing shut up, you f***ing freak.”
Husband Ant Poole was all smiles when he married Nikita – but things weren’t to lastE4Their disastrous honeymoon saw Nikita throw a cup at new hubby Ant and demand she be given her own room[/caption]
nikita__jasmine/InstagramNikita’s since moved on from her MAFS controversy – but remains unafraid of the spotlight[/caption]
banginbodsbynikitajasmine/InstagramThe MAFS star has started her own body contouring business[/caption]
Speaking to Ant later on, she said: “Maybe I am a bit insecure because I was treated so badly in the past by previous partners. I went through a bad time. My ex-partner left me for no reason so, when someone does leave you, you do doubt yourself and you think am I ugly? Am I fat?”
Not long after her notorious MAFS appearance, Nikita took part in Celebs Go Dating, where relationship expert Anna Williamson revealed that she “wouldn’t stop flashing her privates” during filming.
And then in November 2023, she revealed she was the victim of a shocking “random attack” in a Newcastle nightclub.
The incident took place in the bar’s toilets and left the star with broken ribs.
In May of this year Nikita announced her new venture as a body contouring specialist.
Called Bangin Bods by Nikita Jasmine, it’s aimed at people who want a change in appearance but who are too scared of getting cosmetic surgery.
The traumas that have been brought on from this show have made me re-evaluate things
George's ex April
Body contouring is completely non-surgical and non-invasive.
Announcing the news on Instagram she said: “I’ve put blood, sweat & tears into this brand new venture!
“Practising my skills on the daily to the utmost quality so you can see the hard graft & levels that goes into each individual treatment.
“THE SURGERY QUEEN HERSELF (Moi) has tried & tested all of these treatments & I can happily confirm THEY ARE AMAZING!!!” she added.
“The results speak for themselves.”
George Roberts
Season seven contestant George found love with former Miss Great Britain April Banbury, 33 on the show back in 2022.
But the financial consultant, 41, was arrested in September 2022 after three of his ex girlfriends raised concerns about controlling and coercive behaviour.
Each independently accused him of being “manipulative” and “abusive” and were horrified to see him appear on the show, claims George denied.
The Met Police confirmed that no further action would be being taken against the star in October last year.
E4George Roberts found love with former Miss Great Britain April Banbury back in 2022[/caption]
In a statement released last October, police said that “no further action would be taken” following the allegations made by his ex partnersInstagramShortly after his arrest, April confirmed that the couple were no longer together[/caption]
A statement said: “A 40-year-old man was arrested by Met officers in Worcestershire on Thursday, 29 September 2022 on suspicion of controlling and coercive behaviour.
“He was taken to a Worcestershire police station and was initially bailed to return pending further enquiries before being released under investigation.
“All enquiries have now been completed and no further action will be taken. All parties have been informed of this outcome.
“The investigation followed an allegation of controlling and coercive behaviour and harassment reported to the Met on Monday, 26 September 2022.”
Ex April confirmed they’d split shortly after his arrest, later telling fans that being on MAFS had “ruined her life.”
She added: “The traumas that have been brought on from this show have made me re-evaluate things.
“I really have and I’m not ashamed to admit, I have been seeing a therapist ever since.”
Since it emerged he would not be facing charges, George has continued to post snaps of his friends and family on social media.
MAFS couples that have stood the test of time
It's not all bad news! These are the shows biggest success stories
Loved-up Tayah Victoria and Adam Aveling of series six fame had the first Mafs baby.
The pair couldn’t keep their hands off each other on the programme and quickly found their feet in the outside world, moving into Adam’s Doncaster home.
Just 18 months after meeting, the couple welcomed their daughter Beau.
Season five couple Michelle Walder and Owen Jenkins also managed to make their marriage work away from the cameras and had their first child in December.
Teacher Michelle, 29, has no regrets about taking part in the experiment. She told us: “I just feel very lucky and thankful that it has worked out – and excited for everything to come.”
Michelle and Owen were both sick of dating apps when they applied in 2019.
Owen recalled: “I had been out for some drinks with a friend after work.
“While he was out for a cigarette I was scrolling on Instagram waiting for him to come back in.
“The MAFS advert was the last thing I saw, and I joked, ‘Wouldn’t it be funny if I signed up?’
“A few beers later when I was back at home I sent in the application, and the rest is history.”
Another couple to make Mafs UK history is Zoe Clifton and Jenna Robinson.
Despite a slight rocky start, where they clashed over Jenna’s vegan lifestyle, the show’s first same sex pairing are still going strong.
They even have a successful podcast together called Life With a Pod.
Jenna shed light on being involved in the show earlier this year when she told us: “We’re not legally married, and I never felt like we were. I definitely feel the process makes you take the relationship a lot more seriously and having the help of the experts… if you can survive that process it sets a firm foundation for a long-lasting relationship.”
Whitney Hughes
Season seven star Whitney Hughes was at the centre of a cheating scandal that split up the marriage of Gemma Rose and Matt Murray – and killed off her own romance with Duka Cavoli.
But this scandalous start didn’t stop her and Matt reentering the show as a couple themselves, although things ended between the couple once the season ended and she was branded by fans as the “worst bride ever.”
The 33-year old from St Albans has since been raking in the cash as an influencer and as an ambassador for a hair and beauty business.
And she’s also been back on the TV – but for a show that could not be more different to MAFS.
OFTV show There’s a Catch saw Whitney team up with six other OnlyFans creators to go on what at first glance looks like a perfect holiday to Spain, complete with parties and plenty of boys.
SplashWhitney ditched her original husband Duka in favour of fellow-cheater Matt Murray[/caption]
GettyIn the months after the show, Whitney and April formed a close bond – but it’s since ended[/caption]
instagram/whitneyhughesIn a surprise career twist, Whitney has since appeared on OnlyFans TV show There’s A Catch[/caption]
instagram/whitney hughesThe show saw Whitney and five other influencers try to earn a living working on fishing boats in Majorca[/caption]
But the contestants soon find out that they have to pay for the trip themselves – by working on traditional Majorcan fishing boats.
In a post on Instagram about the show, Whitney said: “Myself & five other OnlyFans Creators were flown out to Majorca thinking we were off on an luxurious content trip but we soon realised, there was a catch!
“We literally had to earn our keep as deckhands on a traditional fishing boat to maintain our life of luxury in Majorca.
“Honestly I thought I was stepping out of my comfort zone marrying a stranger but this was something else! I don’t even eat fish let alone go fishing in the middle of insane storms in Spain.”
While OnlyFans is best known for the X-rated content shared by creators on the platform, Whitney revealed that she would be keeping the bikini on for the show.
For a long time after the show she was also BFFs with fellow contestant April Banbury, starting a podcast with her called The Single Life Pod.
I have more fun taking nudes than selling products I don’t care about on Instagram. I would rather take a selfie of my boobs.
Former contestant Morag
But it seems that friendship is now over, with fans having spotted that the pair no longer follow each other on Instagram.
The revelation set rumours swirling, as it came not long after Whitney revealed she had been assaulted by a close friend and that she was taking a break from social media.
Neither have commented on the alleged fallout.
Morag Crichton
While baring all might not be up Whitney’s street, 2021 MAFS contestant Morag Crichton has since capitalised on her stint on the show by starting up an OnlyFans page.
Speaking to MailOnline, she said: “I love stripping off – there are loads of nudes of me out there! I’m surprised they haven’t seen the light of day.
“I have more fun taking nudes than selling products I don’t care about on Instagram. I would rather take a selfie of my boobs.”
The 33-year-old former veterinary nurse from Essex was caught up in a drama-filled marriage with Luke Dawson, muttering at the altar: “He’s not exactly what I ordered.”
Morag Crichton was less-than-pleased when she first saw partner Luke Dawson, saying “He’s not what I ordered”Channel 4Since appearing on the show, former veterinary nurse Morag has spoken out against the tactics the producers use to heighten the drama[/caption]
Instagram/morag_mooDitching the vets for OnlyFans, Morag admits she “loves stripping off”[/caption]
instagramAfter her cosmetic surgery, the MAFS star said the ordeal made her feel like she “got in a fight with Tyson Fury”[/caption]
Morag has since claimed she was stitched up by producers, saying: “I’m not someone who’s like ‘I didn’t come out with that, it’s editing,’ but what producers do take out is context, why people are saying the things that they’re saying, or what’s led up to the two seconds that they put in.
“It makes the comment seem way worse than it is or just makes you sound like a complete b***h.
“If there’s any opportunity where I’m actually being nice, they weren’t using it because of the fact that it doesn’t meet their narrative.”
Overall, however, she looks back on the show in a positive light, adding: “it was nice to be able to reflect and think what you do and don’t like about yourself, and things that you can work on in the future.”
Earlier this year the star shared snaps of her face looking bruised after undergoing a nose job.
With bruises around her eyes, a bloody nose and a bandage across her face, she admitted: “Do you know what it feels like? It’s like I’ve just woken up with the world’s worst hangover but also last night I got into a fight with Tyson Fury.”
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Six-time Champions League winner warned he has just 50 PER CENT chance of recovering from horror injury
REAL MADRID legend Dani Carvajal could have just a 50 PER CENT chance of completing a return from his serious knee injury.
The Spaniard, 32, won his sixth Champions League last season and also triumphed at the Euros.
Dani Carvajal may never return to his top levelAFPHe was left in tears on the floor after rupturing his cruciate ligament, external collateral ligament and popliteal tendonRexSix-time Champions League winner Carvajal faces at least 12 months on the sidelineEPA
Doctor Pablo Gelber, founder and president of the European Knee Society’s Lateral Knee Injuries Committee, has now given his take on Carvajal‘s injury – which left the defender in tears.
He confirmed it will take a minimum of 12 months to recover and also shockingly revealed the right-back only has between a 50 and 60 per cent chance of getting back to his optimum level.
Speaking to Marca, Dr Gelber said: “Of all the factors for returning to sport, the time since surgery is perhaps the least important. It is a necessary factor, but by no means sufficient. In this case, I would not speak of less than 12 months of recovery.
“And another issue is the return to the same sporting level, which, speaking in cold numbers, is not more than 50 or 60 per cent.
“A negative factor is that footballers tend to have varus legs, as we technically call it. It basically refers to having bowed legs, as Rivaldo, for example, had in a very pronounced way.
“This fact is a negative factor for the successful recovery of these injuries, because it puts the ligaments that are being reconstructed under a lot of stress, potentially stretching them to levels that make the surgery fail.
UEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.
The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.
The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.
Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.
None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.
And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?
Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).
“In normal people, we often correct this deviation of the leg to avoid this potential failure, especially in cases that have been going on for some time since the injury.
“But in a professional footballer, this correction of the shape of the legs is totally contraindicated, because it would mean the end of a footballer’s career.
“On the other hand, the mental state in such serious injuries is of vital importance, because frustration, fears and negative thoughts can undermine optimal recovery.”
Real Madrid made the classy decision to extend Carvajal’s contract until 2026 following the injury that is set to keep him out for the rest of the campaign.
He has been with Los Blancos since 2002 when he was 10 years old and competed across all of their youth teams.
After a year playing at Bayer Leverkusen, the defender joined Real’s senior team in 2013 and went on to win all major honours, including four LaLiga titles and six Champions Leagues.
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on My ‘godsend’ £749 self-emptying robot vacuum is scanning for £479 in insane Prime Day deal
A FEW months ago I started renovating my house, and have since become accustomed to the constant presence of builders, noise and dust.
However, just after the work started I was offered the opportunity to review the iRobot Roomba j5+, and I can testify that it’s been an absolute godsend in this trying time.
Clara WolseyI tested out the Roomba j5+ just after I started renovating my house[/caption]
iRobot Roomba j5+ Robot Vacuum, £749 £479 from Amazon
I said as much in my iRobot Roomba J5+ robot vacuum review; it cleans hard-to-reach places, fits around my lifestyle, empties itself, and is a breeze to set up and use.
In fact, the only thing I didn’t like about it was its price tag.
As it comes with mapping, mopping and self-emptying functions, the j5+ isn’t cheap; if you pay the full price, you’ll be parting with £749. When I reviewed it, it was a whopping £899.
In my verdict, I wrote: “The price tag is still quite a big factor for me to overcome […] it’s such a lot of money to spend on a gadget.”
Thankfully, Amazon seems to have heard my prayers.
While I found it hard to recommend the j5+ when you’d have to spend the better part of £1000 to get your hands on it, I’d happily recommend it at this price.
I’ve been constantly impressed by how hands-off it is; I come downstairs every morning to a clean floor, and it’s made light work of the aforementioned construction dust. I’d go as far as to say that it handles dust better than my Dyson stick vacuum.
I also dogsit twice per week, and luckily the j5+ is designed with pets in mind; it easily picks up dirt and hair while — crucially — avoiding any pet mess. My mum laughed at her when I told her about this function, and then 2 weeks later had an unfortunate incident where her robot vacuum tracked dog poo all through the house. Awkward.
Admittedly the dogs themselves weren’t a big fan of it initially, but then again, I wasn’t either; it does take some getting used to, and there was a two-week teething period while I figured out how best to fit it around my lifestyle.
Clara WolseyIt took both me and the dogs a couple of weeks to get used to the Roomba[/caption]
iRobot Roomba j5+ Robot Vacuum, £749 £479 from Amazon
I now get it to vacuum three times per week, and it gets its chores done before I even get up in the morning, meaning that it barely impacts my life.
My favourite thing about it is the self-emptying function; I didn’t have to empty the bin for around two months – and that’s with a house full of dust.
The biggest compliment I can give the j5+ is that it keeps my house clean and dust-free, and I barely even notice its presence.
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Meghan Markle needs LA more than we need her, blasts fellow guest at glitzy charity bash
MEGHAN Markle’s former friend claims she needs Los Angeles more than the city needs her.
British socialite Lizzie Cundy, 56, attended the LA Children’s Hospital Gala – the same event the Duchess of Sussex went to – on Saturday.
The Mega AgencyMeghan Markle attended the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital Gala on Saturday[/caption]
British socialite Lizzie Cundy, 56, attended the same event
Lizzie, who wore a $339 (£259) Pia Michi dress, told the Mail: “There wasn’t a great deal of warmth from people when she arrived. She wasn’t there long – she seemed to be there for the photographs.”
She added: “Meghan needs LA more than LA needs her. LA people feel they’ve been played by her. I’d have worn a different one if I’d known.”
Lizzie previously claimed that Meghan “ghosted” her, cutting off all contact, once she became engaged to Prince Harry.
In an address at the event, Meghan said: “No one wants to be in a position where you need to go to a place like this … but if you have to, the best place in the world you could go would be Children’s Hospital LA.”
Lizzie has this month been soaking up the sun in Los Angeles, expanding her already-extensive contacts book and working on some top secret projects.
At the gala, she posed for snaps with boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard and Colin Hanks, son of Toy Story star Tom.
A source told The Sun: “Lizzie was relieved Meghan left the gala early, avoiding what could have been a very icy reunion.
“She’s been very open about how Meghan ghosted her after meeting Harry and was hurt by the sudden cut-off.
“It would have been incredibly awkward, given Lizzie didn’t even get an invite to the wedding.”
The former model struck up a friendship with Meghan after being asked to accompany her to a charity dinner in 2013.
She said at the time: “We were having a girly chat and then she said, ‘Do you know any famous guys? I’m single and I really love English men.’ So I said, ‘We’ll go out and find you someone.'”
Veteran royal correspondent Jennie said: “Meghan is not popular. She doesn’t want to come back and they are going their own ways, to some extent”.
The pair spoke on our first Royal Exclusive Live show, which you can watch on our YouTube channel.
The Mega AgencyMeghan pictured at the Los Angeles bash last weekend[/caption]
RexThe Duchess was seen greeting young fans at the charity event[/caption]
GettyMeghan previously wore her gown at a New York gala with Harry in 2021[/caption]
The event was hosted on Friday in front of a live audience of more than 100 special guests.
Mr Edwards said: “I don’t think Meghan can come here much. I don’t think people think too much of her.
“I think she’s struggling in popularity in the UK and I think they seem to be doing things separately now.
“She’s got her programme and he’s got his. He comes into Britain now with no fuss.
“He’s come for the Invictus Games, in and out with no fuss, he came for his uncle’s funeral, no fuss.”
Jennie added: “The point is he doesn’t want to come back into the Royal Family, I think.
“He regarded it as a trap. He still thinks his father and his brother are trapped and he’s finding his own way.
“All credit to him. I think Meghan has her own independent style and way of life.
“Yes, it’s not in tune with the people in the UK. She’s not popular and I don’t think she wants to come back.
“Therefore they are going their own ways, to an extent. But I hope and believe that Harry is very happy in his life.”
Lizzie and Meghan are seen at a charity dinner in 2013Lizzie Cundy/InstagramLizzie taking a selfie with Colon Hands, son of acting legend Tom[/caption]
Lizzie Cundy/InstagramShe posed for selfies with Sugar Ray Leonard[/caption]
Lizzie Cundy/InstagramThe TALK host wore a gorgeous red gown to the Los Angeles event[/caption]
Lizzie CundyLizzie at the 2024 Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) Gala[/caption]
Prince Harry’s tattoo shop visit without Meghan is major hint couple could have separate plans for future, warns expert
By Summer Raemason
PRINCE Harry’s tattoo shop visit and upcoming solo trip without Meghan is a major hint the couple could have separate future plans, claimed an expert.
Royal expert Hugo Vickers hailed the upcoming Lesotho and South Africa trips.
He told The Sun: “I rather commend what he’s doing with this, because this is more outgoing.
“It’s like when he does things with the Invictus Games and things like that.
“But there seems to be a pattern forming, even in these last few days, that he is going out on his own and doing things.”
The expert suggested there could be multiple reasons for the divide.
“One could be that, you know. He does indeed wish to establish himself more as the old Harry,” he said.
“It could be quite simply that Meghan Markle has responsibilities with her young children, and therefore feels she has to stay at home with them.
But he added: “There is a separation of, you know, of their different engagements, and that he’s going to be going more solo, in which case watch this space.”
Meghan and Harry have put on a largely inseparable front since quitting the UK and moving to the States in 2020.
But Mr Vickers warned the duke may have grown tired of Meg’s presence – and the negativity it attracts.
“It always seems to me that when she’s around she’s dictating the narrative, and that he kind of is very compliant and just goes along,” he said.
“A lot of the things that he says publicly I have always suspected are dictated by her. So I do wonder a little bit whether he isn’t trying to establish himself more in his own right.”
However, the expert hinted Meghan could still be behind everything.
He said: “It could be that she commends this idea because it gives him more of a a profile and sort of ups his game, and therefore, when they go out together in public, they’re more valuable.”
On the future of Harry and Meghan’s relationship, Mr Vickers added “personally think it’s quite likely to not end too well for [Harry]”.
Regarding rumours swirling their marriage, the expert suggested they may stay together – to preserve their image.
“It is possible that they need to keep stay together to keep their brand,” he said.
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Remarkable images show eerie Mars landscape scattered with mysterious blue rocks
SPACE fans have been wowed by remarkable images showing the desolate surface of Mars in great detail.
And it’s impossible to miss the mysterious blue rocks scattered across the eerie landscape too – though there is an explanation for their colour.
NASABlue-ish rocks are not quite what they seem[/caption]
NASANasa enhanced the image to accentuate colour differences[/caption]
The stunning shots were captured by the space agency’s Perseverance robot and pieced together to create an even more mesmerising camera pan video.
Perseverance has long been capturing some of the clearest views we’ve ever seen on Mars since it landed on the planet in February 2021.
The small car-sized rover has been on a mission to uncover signs of ancient microbial life.
And it’ll ultimately pave the way for human exploration of the Red Planet – with Nasa hoping to send astronauts there for the first time in the 2030s.
Among the images beamed millions of miles back to Earth has been these from a boulder field on Mount Washburn – which takes its name from a mountain in Wyoming – in Mars’ Jezero Crater.
Experts nicknamed the light-toned boulder with dark speckles near the centre of the mosaic “Atoko Point”.
This zone is made up of a mineral known as pyroxene.
In terms of the size, shape and arrangement of its mineral grains and crystals, Atoko Point is different from any of the rocks the rover has encountered before.
The video and images appear to show blue-like rocks.
However, this is just an enhanced colour version of the mosaic created by Nasa to improve visual contrast and make colour differences clearer to see.
More natural colours can be seen in the pictures below.
They were captured by the robot’s on-board cameras in June and are made up of 18 images stitched together to create one big snap.
“HD footage of another world. Crazy to think about it,” one space fan wrote on Reddit.
“It’s such delight to see actual footage of a neighboring world!” another commented.
Perseverance has encountered a number of weird rocks during its travels.
NASAWhat the images look like without enhancements[/caption]
NASA18 images were stitched together to form the wider view of Mars[/caption]
How Mars could change humans over 5, 10, and 50 years
Here’s a breakdown of how humans could evolve over five, 10, and 50 years on Mars, according to Kyle Zagrodzky, founder of OsteoStrong, a company that specialises in bone health.
5 Years
Muscle and Bone Loss: Even with exercise, muscles and bones would weaken due to reduced stress on them. Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) experience similar effects in microgravity. On Mars, this might be less severe than in space, but significant muscle atrophy and bone density loss would still occur.
Cardiovascular System: The heart may weaken because it doesn’t need to work as hard to pump blood in lower gravity. Blood circulation might be less efficient, and there could be changes in blood volume and distribution.
Balance and Coordination: People may experience changes in their sense of balance and coordination as their inner ear, which helps with balance, adjusts to the lower gravity.
10 Years
Adaptation of Musculoskeletal System: Over time, the human body might partially adapt, with muscles and bones stabilizing at a new, lower level of mass and density. However, returning to Earth could pose significant challenges, as the body would struggle to cope with Earth’s stronger gravity.
Changes in Body Shape: With prolonged exposure, the body could undergo structural changes, such as elongated spine or changes in the way fat is distributed, as gravity impacts posture and body mechanics differently.
Psychological Effects: The constant awareness of a lighter body and different movement dynamics could alter spatial awareness. There might also be psychological effects due to the isolation and confinement on Mars, which could impact mental health and behavior.
50 Years
Genetic and Epigenetic Changes: Over several generations, humans born on Mars might evolve adaptations to the lower gravity. There would likely be a potential for genetic mutations or epigenetic changes. This could result in a population with different physical traits, such as longer limbs or less dense bones.
Potential for a New Human Variant: If humans were to live on Mars for multiple generations, it’s possible that a distinct “Martian” human variant could emerge, adapted to the conditions of Mars. These changes could make it challenging for them to visit or live on Earth.
Long-term Health Issues: Chronic exposure to lower gravity could lead to long-term health issues, including weakened cardiovascular systems, potential immune system alterations, and increased vulnerability to certain diseases due to weakened muscles and bones.
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Lee Corso’s reason for College GameDay absence revealed as ESPN host makes statement on 89-year-old broadcast legend
LEE Corso’s reason for missing a historic College GameDay has been revealed after fans were left fearful.
GettyLee Corso missed College GameDay on Saturday in Berkeley, California[/caption]
GettyCorso, pictured with Kirk Herbstreit, has been part of College GameDay since it began in 1987[/caption]
And fans feared for Corso’s health, given his advancing years and previous battles.
ESPN College GameDay host Rece Davis issued a short statement at the beginning of last Saturday’s show.
“Lee Corso, a little bit under the weather, we expect to get him back soon,” Davis said.
“I know LC’s watching. Speedy recovery my friend, you’ll be back at it soon.”
The show also started in darkness at 6am local time.
It was broadcast live from Berkeley, California with College GameDay visiting the campus for the first time ever.
Davis was joined on set by Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, Nick Saban and Kirk Herbstreit.
But fans worried when Corso was missing from screens.
He has been part of the ESPN show since it began broadcasting in 1987.
One fan posted, “Oh, now Corso’s absence means fewer signature headgear moments. Feel better soon.”
Another said, “Corso is a legend. Been watching him since the first game day at ND/FSU in 93 but it’s time for him to retire.”
A third wrote, “I don’t think Lee was fit for this environment.”
Corso also missed the season opener of College GameDay, which took place overseas for the first time ever.
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Fans fear Conor McGregor will ‘never fight in UFC again’ as ‘sloppy’ training video emerges
CONOR McGREGOR is back training for a UFC return – but fans are fearing it may never come.
The Irishman was set to fight for the first time since 2021 against Michael Chandler on June 29.
@TheNotoriousMMAConor McGregor is back training for a UFC return[/caption]
@TheNotoriousMMABut fans are not convinced by the training[/caption]
@TheNotoriousMMAMcGregor’s June 29 return was cancelled[/caption]
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Walgreens confirms nearly all pharmacies will be shut for entire day in weeks – forcing shoppers to switch up plans
WALGREENS bosses have confirmed that nearly all of the chain’s pharmacies will be closing for a single day.
But the temporary hours switch-up will not be coming into force for several weeks yet.
GettyNearly all Walgreens stores will be closed on Thanksgiving (stock)[/caption]
Hundreds of drugstores will be closing for the day on Thanksgiving, the company said in a statement.
It will be the second Thanksgiving in a row that Walgreens bosses have decided to close most pharmacies.
Tracey D. Brown, the president of the drugstore chain, has explained the decision behind the closures.
“This is just one of the ways we’re acknowledging the dedication of our store team members, pharmacists, and pharmacy techs who tirelessly deliver incredible service and patient care every single day,” she said.
Brown said staffers will be able to take a “well-deserved” break.
Chiefs have confirmed 500 Walgreens 24-hour stores and 300 pharmacies across the nation will remain open.
Walgreens locations will be open normally on Wednesday, November 27, and Friday, November 29.
The chain’s stores are also open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Walgreens is not the only chain that is closing stores for the fall holiday.
Workers at thousands of Walmart stores across the nation will be able to enjoy the holiday with their families.
