BRITS can save as much as £235 per year on their TV and broadband contracts if they make a simple change with their provider.
According to consumer group Which?, households are missing out on significant savings by turning a blind eye to their contracts and the services they use.
Customers may be being upsold services and features they don’t need, or make use of.
According to new data, out-of-contract TV and broadband customers could save on average £160 by switching contracts.
While Sky customers could save a whopping £235 by seeking a better TV and Wi-Fi combined deal.
Which? has also reminded customers that a little haggling can go a long way.
Cancelling contracts and switching providers is harder than ever.
But the consumer organisation believes many TV and broadband customers could save an average of £117 per year simply by calling their provider and wrangling a better deal.
It's safe to say there is an art to haggling - and most Brits are typically too awkward to engage in it.
That being said, several studies suggest people are plucking up the courage to haggle more often, as the cost of living crisis continues to burn.
If you want a better deal from your current supplier, it is advised to give them a call on their customer number.
Once you’re on the line, ask for the retentions team.
Research the price and other packages online, and go prepared with other offers you’ve found.
And always be polite, as this can help your chances of getting money knocked off.
Remember: the charm offensive works.
You should have a maximum price in mind, but don’t let the sales associate know.
A little bit of silence on the phone is ok – don’t fill it, it might curb the sales associate’s train of thought when it comes to the savings they may offer.
Customers switching providers for broadband-only contracts have also saved roughly £105 per year.
While folks switching from BT, Sky or Virgin Media have saved even more – totalling £165 on average for Virgin users.
Wi-Fi customers who are not afraid of haggling can typically end up paying about £55 less than others.
Virgin Media customers with the courage to call up saw the biggest average savings of £81 for the year.
“Our latest research shows out-of-contract broadband, TV and mobile customers can save a substantial amount of money by switching providers or haggling with their current one – and that most people find the process easy,” Natalie Hitchins, Which? Head of Home Products and Services, said about the latest research.
“With many telecoms providers already adopting Ofcom’s ban on unpredictable mid-contract price hikes before it officially comes into effect in January, consumers can more easily compare deals and should feel empowered to switch and potentially save hundreds of pounds.”
SHOPPERS have shared their devastation after noticing a popular M&S drink has vanished just months before Christmas.
Eagle-eyed customers have raised concerns after its pre-mixed cans of Pink Gin and Tonic have been removed from stores.
Taking to X, formally known as Twitter, an upset customer said the news was a “crime“.
They wrote: “Discontinuing its tinned pink G&T’s is a crime against all the beautiful and fun-loving people.”
The alcoholic beverage has been a hit with shoppers for over a decade but was quietly axed from stores at the end of last year.
The 25cl tin contained 8% gin and was infused with cranberries.
One shopper described it as their “go-to” tipple on social media.
Meanwhile, another said it tasted like “strawberry jelly” and was their “favourite thing ever”.
But now an M&S spokesperson has confirmed to The Sun that the pre-mixed cans are no more.
M&S Spokesperson said - ‘At M&S Food we are constantly innovating and refreshing our range, reacting to trends, and customer feedback.
“We are famous for offering a great selection of cocktails in a can, with new flavours including the delicious Blood Orange Margarita and Cherry Mai Thai, with more exciting launches in the pipeline. ”
They added: “Although the Pink Gin & Tonic is currently not available, we always listen to customer feedback when reviewing future ranges”.
It is not unusual for M&S to switch up its product ranges.
Last week, The Sun revealed its vegan range was undergoing a major revamp, which would see meat alternatives sold alongside traditional meat products.
As part of the change, products such as the Plant Kitchen Margherita Sourdough Pizza will not return to stores until January.
This has not impressed some customers with one describing it as a “terrible” idea in a Reddit post.
Earlier this year the store said it would axe some of the treats from its Colin and Connie sweet range as part of a product relaunch.
Over the summer, M&S scrapped its Colin and Connie “Together Forever” sweets.
M&S also confirmed that it is quietly axing the Colin The Caterpillar Fizzy Rainbow sweets.
The sweets were rainbow in colour with a sour sugary coating.
Thankfully, it is not all doom and gloom for M&S shoppers as the retailer confirmed it will bring back an iconic drink this Christmas.
The supermarket’s original snow globe gin liqueur will make a return for the holidays after a hiatus.
Previously, the gin came in two flavours – Clementine and Spiced Sugar Plum – but this year, only the Clementine one will be sold.
The store has started rolling out its entire Christmas range to shoppers, which includes hot honey over halloumi in blankets brie brulee, and Turkey Feast dip.
M&S’s food-to-order range for the holidays is also now open for online orders and collection between December 22 and December 24.
ANALYSIS by chief consumer reporter James Flanders.
Food and drinks makers have been known to tweak their recipes or axe items altogether.
They often say that this is down to the changing tastes of customers.
There are several reasons why this could be done.
For example, government regulation, like the “sugar tax,” forces firms to change their recipes.
Some manufacturers might choose to tweak ingredients to cut costs.
They may opt for a cheaper alternative, especially when costs are rising to keep prices stable.
For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from shelves in 2018.
It has recently returned after six years away but as a sugar-free version.
Fanta removed sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year.
Suntory tweaked the flavour of its flagship Lucozade Original and Orange energy drinks.
While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose.
ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has issued an injury update on star man Bukayo Saka.
Saka was forced to withdraw from the England squad earlier this month after suffering a knock against Greece.
The 23-year-old subsequently missed Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, with Arteta later revealing he did not want to push him.
But he could return to the fold ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference this afternoon, Arteta revealed: “With Bukayo, let’s see how he feels today and (after) the training session we have later on.”
The Gunners currently sit 13th in the 36-team Champions League group stage table.
After their meeting with Shakhtar at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal host Liverpool in the Premier League.
Club captain Martin Odegaard is nearing a return from his injury, having already missed eight games.
The midfielder suffered ligament damage to his ankle while on international duty with Norway last month.
Odegaard has made just three Premier League appearances for Arsenal so far this season as a result.
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Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber are also at risk of missing Tuesday’s European clash.
Tomiyasu suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury earlier this month.
His first appearance of the campaign was a six-minute cameo against Southampton.
But he is now set for another spell on the sidelines.
As for Timber, he is allegedly struggling with his own fitness issues.
By Alex Crook
TEN-MAN Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as brilliant Bournemouth dealt them a South Coast setback.
The Gunners travelled to face Andoni Iraola’s men having won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches this term.
But their task was made a tricky one when William Saliba was shown a red card on the half-hour.
Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.
Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.
Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.
DAVID RAYA – 5
Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.
BEN WHITE – 4
England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 3
Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.
GABRIEL – 5
Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6
Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.
THOMAS PARTEY – 5
Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.
DECLAN RICE – 5
Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.
RAHEEM STERLING – 4
Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.
MIKEL MERINO – 5
Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4
Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.
KAI HAVERTZ – 5
The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.
SUBSTITUTES
Jakub Kiwior (for Sterling, 37) – 4
Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 64) – 5
Gabriel Jesus (for Kiwior, 81) – N/A
Ethan Nwaneri (for Merino, 81) – N/A
A VICTORIAN attraction in the UK is to be home to the country’s tallest Christmas tree.
Cragside, a National Trust property, has been dubbed Britain’s first smart home after being owned by inventor William Armstrong.
It was even used as a filming location in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, being used as Lockwood Manor.
And this year it will be the home of the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree.
The tallest tree was previously found at Kew Gardens – but this 42ft Giant Redwood is the height of 10 double-decker buses.
Also twice the size of the Angel of the North, it will be decked out with 2,000 Christmas tree lights.
The property is already home to some super tall trees, including the tallest Scots pine in the UK.
Guests can visit from November 20, 2024 until January 5, 2025, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
National Trust visitor operations and experiences manager Steve Howard told local press: “When it comes to trees, Cragside is the land of the giants.
“Many of the trees were selected for their enormous size once at maturity and now the grounds are home to some of the tallest trees of their kind in the country including a Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock and Noble Fir.”
It’s not the only festive event taking place at the attraction.
The Twilight Lantern Walk is a sparkling route through lit-up trees, with woodland animals “hiding” along the way.
The huge tree is then found at the end of the trail.
There is also Cragside’s Spirits of the Forest which will see the house go under a “magical spell”.
The Drawing Room is being transformed into a cave while the rest of the house will be decorated festively.
Tickets for the lantern walk must be booked ahead and are separate.
Outside of Christmas, the stately home has an adventure playground, a Pinetum with waterfalls and a tea room.
If you’re already in the mood for Christmas, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know including:
Otherwise Jet2 has launched holiday packages to two new Christmas destinations – one of which has £2 beers.
And here is Europe’s ‘Christmas City’ with one of the oldest markets in the world.
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ONE Direction star Louis Tomlinson’s sister Lottie has paid an emotional tribute to his old band mate Liam Payne who died last week.
The former One Direction star died after falling 45ft from his hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires at 5.04pm on Wednesday.
Now Lottie, a 26-year-old make-up artist and influencer has paid tribute to Liam, sharing a reel to her social media, arriving into London from the back of a car.
She said: “Home with a heavy heart. RIP Liam. You were loved by so many and will be so greatly missed. Sending so much love to everyone.”
The mother of one then shared a black and white of photo of Liam and her brother together at an awards bash from a few years ago.
Indeed Lottie, 25 who is currently expecting her second child with fiancé, Lewis Burton, 31 is well qualified to empathise, having endured her own journey with grief.
In 2016, she lost her and Louis’ mother Johannah Deakin to cancer aged just 43, leaving behind six children, then aged between 2 and 25.
Opening up to the last year about the trauma she said:
“When my mum died, there was never any conversations about getting any help. And looking back, that was quite shocking to me… especially the fact that she had cancer.
“It was a medical illness. We were surrounded by a lot of medical professionals, and there was young children involved, and there didn’t seem to be any sit down conversations where it was like, ‘Do we want to sort out getting some help’. So I never had anything when I lost my mum.”
Then, just three years on, her younger sister Fizzy, Felicite died of a drug overdose at the tender age of 18.
Lottie explains how her sister Fizzy fell into depression and started abusing drugs – which dragged her into a downward spiral.
Despite the family’s attempts, including sending her to rehab, Fizzy anciently overdosed on a lethal cocktail of Alapraxolam, Oxicodone and cocaine in 2019.
The horrendous tragedy was the trigger Lottie needed to get herself into therapy and address her grief.
“It was only when I lost my sister that I thought, you know, she ended up losing her life, she might have been okay if she would have got the help she needed,” Lottie said.
“So that became very apparent to me in my head. And I was like right, I need to make sure, although I feel like I can cope with it on my own, why don’t I just get some help, so that it will give me a head start.”
For years Lottie had been beating herself up for how she was handling her grief. She felt guilty if she felt cheerful, or if she struggled to get out of bed because she felt overwhelmed.
“I think as the years have passed, and I’ve got, you know, I’ve kind of dealt with the grief better, I’ve realised that allowing yourself that day to feel happy, you need to celebrate those times,” she said.
Meanwhile it has been reported that Louis Tomlinson made several ill fated attempts to reach out to his old bandmade but to no avail.
Die hard 1D fans have since pieced together several messages that Louis left on social media, urging Liam to get in touch. In one message
Liam wrote: “Give me a ring lad.” In another he commented: “Wake up d*** and give me a ring. In another message he wrote: “Answer your phone then d******.” All are evidence of his concern for his old firend which has not gone unnoticed dby the fans.
“He never gave up on Liam,” and another commenting: “I hope he knows he did nothing wrong and couldn’t have prevented this. He was a great friend and brother to Liam.”
The dad-of-one’s struggles with fame and mental health have come to light, with many recalling his candid discussion on The Diary of a CEO podcast in 2021.
During the interview, Liam admitted to struggling to cope with the pressures of fame, saying: “I was worried how far my rock bottom was going to be. Where’s rock bottom for me? And you would never have seen it. I’m very good at hiding it.”
The hitmaker also confessed: “I don’t even know if I’ve hit it yet. I can either make that choice now and pick my last moment as my rock bottom or I can make a whole new low.”
As more details emerge about his final days, it has since been revealed that Liam’s friends were planning an intervention out of concern for his well-being.
According to reports, his hotel room was found trashed, with champagne bottles, prescription drugs, white powder, and foil wraps discovered in the room.
Further reports have emerged that hotel guests heard “violent noises and a scream” shortly before Liam fell, raising even more questions about his final moments.
CHAMPION jockey Oisin Murphy is full of hope he can deny breeding close to his heart by landing Saturday’s feature Group 1 William Hill Futurity on Royal Playwright.
Only at Ascot on Saturday Murphy was reflecting on a season which he had hoped would have brought him more domestic Group 1 winners than sprinters Khaadem and Asfoora.
In particular, he will have been frustrated to have missed out on Kalpana and Tamfana when they both scored at the top level.
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Royal Playwright, trained by Andrew Balding, would have a cracking each way chance at Doncaster, having followed up a Salisbury novice success with a progressive third to Field of Gold at Sandown and second to re-opposing and likely favourite Wimbledon Hawkeye in the Group 2 Royal Lodge at Newmarket.
The latter is by the sire Kameko, who Murphy rode to success in this race in 2019, although that year it was transferred to the artificial at Newcastle.
Murphy would go on to ride Kameko to victory in the 2020 2000 Guineas in record time.
“I’ll be riding Royal Playwright at Doncaster on Saturday,” Murphy told me.
“I hope the ground doesn’t get too deep, but he’s improved with every race and he’s trained really well since his last start in the Royal Lodge.
“We have a lot of respect for Wimbledon Hawkeye, the Kameko colt, but we are looking forward to running.”
Meanwhile, Kinross will be back as an eight-year-old.
That’s the message from Ralph Beckett after the super tough son of Kingman could manage only seventh behind Kind of Blue in Saturday’s Qipco British Champions Sprint at Ascot.
Kinross was back to his best this season when beating Lead Artist at Doncaster and was a fine second to Ramatuelle in the Prix de la Foret at Longchamp over Arc weekend.
Many thought that Ascot might be the end for Marc Chan’s 11-time winner, but Becket said: “He’ll be back next year but he won’t run again in 2024. We will probably start later next year in mid summer and go from there.”
Naturally many of Beckett’s stars are done for this season but that does not include Starlust, who was beaten just a length in the Nunthorpe by Bradsell and was very unlucky in the run when ninth in the Abbaye.
Beckett added: “The plan at this stage is for Starlust to head for the Breeders’ Cup (Turf Sprint) and we are happy with him.”
That would mean taking on Bradsell once again in a race set to include Big Evs.
I’ll be off to Breeders’ Cup this Sunday to bring you daily news on At The Races’ social media feeds. Don’t miss any of the action. Yeeehaaa!
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