Hey baby, don't cry. Prime day deals are here.
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Save over 50% with mom-approved October Prime Day baby and toddler deals
8 UGG boot alternatives you’ll want to wear all winter long
It’s well and truly UGG boot season, however they aren’t the best for the type of weather thrown our way during the rainy days of winter. If you want the cosiness factor of the iconic boot but prefer something a bit more waterproof, here are eight alternatives you’ll want to wear all winter long. RELATED: […]
The post 8 UGG boot alternatives you’ll want to wear all winter long appeared first on RollerCoaster.
Why Buy Term Insurance for Senior Citizens
As people age, their priorities for money usually shift. For seniors, maintaining their health, obtaining a steady retirement income, and safeguarding their family’s future are the three most important goals. One of the greatest ways to safeguard a loved one’s financial future is with term insurance. While term insurance is usually associated with younger individuals …
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I thought I was the hottest woman on Love Island – standing next to petite blondes made me change my look entirely
SOME leave the famous Love Island villa with the hefty £50k prize, others with lucrative brand deals waiting for them – or with the love of their life.
But Anna Vakili, who shot to fame after appearing on the show in 2019, left Love Island feeling the pressure to change her look entirely.
The now 34-year-old beauty made waves on the ITV dating show, where she soon became known for her feisty personality, which landed her one of the most explosive shows on the programme.
In the end, however, the pharmacist didn’t have much luck when it come to finding her one and only Romeo and she has since spilled the beans on what really was taking place inside the famous villa.
Chatting with her sister, Mandi Vakili, on their Sisters in the City podcast, Anna bravely opened up about how Love Island ultimately made her revamp her image.
”Before I went into Love Island, I used to think ‘Oh my God, I am so f***ing hot […], every guy fancies me.
”But when I was in there, I suddenly had this feeling like ‘Oh my God, I am not anyone’s type.”
At the time, Anna, who appeared on season 5, was sporting a deep tan, dark brunette tresses, heavy eye make-up, as well as her signature ”drawn-on eyebrows”.
Amongst the ”petite blondes with blue eyes”, the former Love Islander felt different than the other female contestants.
”To be fair, I don’t think I looked my best on Love Island – I look much better now.”
Mandi, who is the younger sister to the star, explained that at the time in their community in London ”that was the look back then”.
”Drawn-on, sharp mountain-shaped eyebrows and massive lips – so big, that they looked like they were going to explode in your face.
”BBL things – all of that stuff was happening when you went up to the Middle Eastern bars. We were the s**t.”
After looking back at herself on the screen, Anna – who has 1.2million followers on Instagram – saw that she had gone overboard with the enhancements.
”I was like ‘Oh my God, fillers are overboard, everything is too much going on’.
”Then I went back towards a more natural look – and I feel much better for it.”
Love Island All Stars 2025 rumours
Love Island All Stars will be back for its second series in 2025 - and rumours are already rife as to who will be making a comeback this time around.
After the second All Stars series was announced in May, show boss Mike Spender said: “Lots of people have been in contact about it, lots of fun people, from series one onwards.
“We cast it because we knew what was going on behind the scenes of who was getting with who and now even more stories have come out.
“I think we will now save ex-islanders for All Stars.”
One rumoured name for the next series is data engineer Harry Baker.
Harry, 25, arrived in the villa as a bombshell in Series 11. He soon ‘stole’ Grace Jackson after making his debut.
Arriving late in the run, he only lasted for a few days before being dumped alongside Lola Deloca.
Despite the hunk’s brief stint, viewers have called for Harry’s return.
One upset fan wrote: “Get you in All Stars next”, to which Harry cryptically replied by posting ‘shrugging’ emojis.
Anna made the decision to go back to her day job after becoming disillusioned with the influencer lifestyle earlier this year.
The brunette beauty almost made her way back onto the TV screens last year when she nearly appeared on Love Island: All Stars.
The 34-year-old threw the show bosses into chaos after pulling out of the dating show just days before the cast were scheduled to fly out to South Africa.
A source at the time, told The Sun: “Love Island producers were hell bent on getting Anna for the All Stars series as she was part of the one of the highest rated series of the show ever, and viewers will never forget her blazing row with fellow islander Jordan Hames.
“She was guaranteed to bring the drama, which is just what this series is all about.
“Anna went in for a string of meetings and even got as far as booking the medical all islanders have to take before entering the villa, but then at the last minute had a change of heart.”
Claim a FREE Xbox with Virgin Media broadband and TV bundles
VIRGIN MEDIA has some fantastic perks on its broadband bundles this month, but they won’t last forever.
New customers can score a free Xbox Series S or a £150 bill credit when they sign up for one of Virgin Media’s 18-month broadband bundles.
Virgin Media broadband bundles
(Includes free Xbox Series S or £150 bill credit)
With heating bills rising and the festive season approaching, the timing of these deals couldn’t be better.
The deal, exclusive to Virgin’s 18-month broadband plans, lets you choose between a free Xbox Series S worth £199 or £150 in bill credit to cut down your monthly costs.
If you or someone in the family loves gaming, the Xbox Series S is a great option, and it could even make a perfect Christmas gift.
But if a console isn’t your thing, the £150 bill credit might be more appealing, helping you lower your bills throughout the contract.
These perks are only available for a limited time; new customers have until October 13th to snap up the bundle deals.
It follows last month’s offer, where Virgin Media threw in a free 43-inch TV with its broadband bundles.
The freebies apply to select 18-month plans, and as a movie lover, I have to mention the Bigger Combo Movies bundle for £60.99 per month.
It’s perfect for film fans, offering M125 Fibre Broadband, 11 Sky Cinema channels in HD, and over 200 TV channels.
For sports lovers, the Bigger Combo + Sports HD bundle at £69.99 per month is a no-brainer.
The sports bundle gives you access to Sky Sports, including Premier League, Cricket, and F1 channels, all on the M500 Fibre broadband package.
If you want the full bundle package, the Mega Volt plan at £84.99 per month is the way to go.
With Virgin Media now partnered with O2, this broadband plan brings together the best of what both providers have to offer.
You’ll be on the M500 Broadband plan, and get access to over 240 TV channels, and streamers Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Paramount+.
Plus, you get both Sky Sports and Cinema channels, along with an unlimited O2 SIM with data roaming in 75 countries.
All of these plans come with no set-up fee, saving you £35, but only for shoppers signing up online.
If you opt for the £150 bill credit, it’ll be applied to your first bill and continue until it’s fully used.
In a nice touch, the bill credit can also be spent on on-demand entertainment via Virgin TV, so you’ll have even more ways to enjoy it.
If you’re thinking of switching providers, be sure to shop around to get the best deal. Our roundup of the best broadband deals for October is a great place to start.
And with Black Friday on the cards next month, keep an eye on our Virgin Black Friday page for more savings.
Virgin Media broadband bundles
(Includes free Xbox Series S or £150 bill credit)
Discover more top deals and savings at your favourite tech retailers by heading to Sun Vouchers. Sun Vouchers is the one-stop shop where you can find hundreds of discount codes for top chains including Currys, Argos, AliExpress, Dyson and more.
We’re always on the lookout for the best value tech deals, be it bargain broadband or freebie deals.
Head to our shopping tech hub for a roundup of our top finds.
‘Brutal’ nuclear war drama that still haunts viewers 40 years on is making a shock return to screens TONIGHT
A PIECE of television that left a mark on British audiences 40 years ago is set to make a chilling return tonight.
Threads, which is widely regarded as one of the most terrifying programmes ever broadcast, is coming back to BBC Four and iPlayer.
This means a new generation of viewers will be able to experience its depiction of nuclear war’s devastating aftermath.
When it first aired on September 23, 1984, Threads thrust viewers into a nightmarish reality.
The drama displayed an unflinching portrayal of a nuclear attack on Sheffield and the horrific years that would follow.
It was written by by Kes author Barry Hines, and set against the backdrop of Cold War tensions which left Brits at the time facing very real fears of nuclear missiles being dropped on them.
The film focused on the lives of two families, the Kemps and the Becketts, as they tried to survive the cataclysmic aftermath of a nuclear strike.
With society collapsing and nuclear winter setting in, Threads offered no hope of salvation, but instead a grim reminder of the fragility of life and devastating effects of nuclear war.
It remains one of the most harrowing portrayals of societal breakdown ever shown on television.
Named for the metaphorical ‘threads’ that bind life together in a large city, the drama tracked the lead-up to the attack and the horrifying 13 years after the bomb fell.
Its meticulous attention to the details of nuclear destruction gave it a haunting authenticity.
Director Mick Jackson carefully calculated the effects of a one-megaton nuclear airburst before depicting how a city and its inhabitants would be left in ruins after such an event.
Sheffield was chosen as the fictional target largely due to the writer’s personal connection to the area.
The location only made the disaster feel more real for many of the locals who participated in the production.
Over 600 Sheffield residents volunteered as extras, expecting a bit of fun and perhaps the thrill of seeing themselves on television.
However, their reactions to the final product were far from lighthearted.
One woman described the experience as “disturbing”, while another broke down in tears, saying, “There’s just going to be nothing after, is there? Nothing.”
Unlike typical disaster films, Threads offered no Hollywood style happy ending.
It conveyed the inescapable suffering of those who would survive such a catastrophe.
One extra recalled: “I want to die when it hits me because I don’t want to live through anything they lived through – it was horrible.”
The programme’s impact was so profound that the morning after its original broadcast, Breakfast Time dedicated a significant portion of the show to discussing its terrifying implications.
Paul Pogba tipped for shock transfer to reunite with Man Utd team-mate and ex-Premier League boss after drug ban appeal
PAUL POGBA is wanted by Marseille ahead of his post-drug ban comeback, according to reports.
French news outlets are claiming that the Ligue 1 club are in advanced talks over the signing.
Pogba, who remains on the books of Juventus, is likely to have his contract mutually terminated so he can become a free agent.
He is then seemingly set to join Marseille in January, with his ban preventing him from playing until March.
The club are managed by ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and his former Manchester United team-mate Mason Greenwood is in the squad.
Neal Maupay and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are also on loan there from Everton and Tottenham respectively.
Pogba was initially banned from football for four years after testing positive for banned substance DHEA in August 2023.
The 31-year-old Frenchman has always pleaded his innocence and appealed the decision.
Two weeks ago, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his ban to 18 months.
They cut his suspension because Pogba was able to prove he took the substance linked to testosterone growth by accident.
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Responding to the reduced ban, Pogba said: “Finally, the nightmare is over. I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.
“I always stated that I never knowingly breached Anti-Doping regulations, I play with integrity and I want to thank the Court of Arbitration who heard my explanation.
“This has been a hugely distressing pediod in my life because everything I’ve worked so hard has been put on hold.
“Thank you for all the love and support. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch.”
What is DHEA?
PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.
It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.
DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.
It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.
In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.
Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket.
Salmon coin TRIPLES in value after being named rarest 50p beating Kew Garden – details to spot if yours is valuable
A NEW King Charles III coin has tripled in value after being crowned the rarest 50p in circulation, beating the Kew Garden design.
The rare coins market has been shaken up by the newcomer, with collectors scrambling to get their hands on the newly crowned rarity.
The Sun exclusively revealed this week that the Atlantic Salmon has taken the top spot as the rarest 50p coin in UK circulation.
Previously the title was held by the famous Kew Gardens design, which features the site’s iconic Chinese Pagoda and displays the years 1759 and 2009.
The new coin, which is one of the first released featuring King Charles’ face, features an engraving of salmon fish jumping out of Atlantic ocean water on the other side.
The value of the Salmon coin has since skyrocketed after the Royal Mint revealed to The Sun how few of the them have gone in to circulation.
According to Changechecker, the piece, initially worth around £50, has shot up to £150 in the secondary market, with prices expected to rise further.
A Changechecker spokesperson said: “The circulation 2023 Salmon 50p has knocked the legendary Kew Gardens 50p off the top spot, meaning Britain has a new rarest 50p for the first time in 15 years.
“It was announced on October 7, 2024 that just 200,000 2023 Salmon 50ps entered circulation in November 2023.
“Due to it’s incredibly low mintage, just one in 335 people in the UK could have the chance of finding one in their change.
“When the Kew Gardens 50p was first issued in 2009, collectors didn’t initially realise just how rare it would be, and many people who found one in their change parted with it and later kicked themselves.
“Now, 15 years later, the Kew Gardens coin regularly sells for between £150 to £250 on the secondary market, so it’s no surprise that they’re already selling on the secondary market for up to £200.
“For many, snagging a Salmon coin could be a second chance at coin-collecting glory.
“In terms of identifying rare coins, we would urge collectors to check mintage figures as well as keep up to date with our Scarcity Index which is updated quarterly.”
Eager collectors are rushing to secure one before values spiral even higher.
Coins have already fetched high bids on eBay, with one coin selling for £164 on October 7.
Another listing currently sits at £185, and yet another is asking for a staggering £500 as demand surges – though there’s no guarantee that these will sell for that much.
A coin is only ever worth what someone else is willing to pay at the time.
The Royal Mint confirmed that 200,000 Atlantic Salmon coins were distributed to banks and post offices late last year, as part of a commemorative series marking the ascension of King Charles III.
This figure beats the 210,000 Kew Gardens coins minted 15 years ago, making the Atlantic Salmon officially the rarest 50p in circulation.
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coins at The Royal Mint said: “The releasing of mintage figures is an eagerly anticipated event among the coin collecting community.
“This year is particularly exciting as we reveal the Atlantic Salmon as the rarest 50p in circulation.”
As the Atlantic Salmon swims to the top of the rarest 50p list, the Kew Gardens coin drops to second place, followed by other valuable pieces such as the Olympic Football and Olympic Wrestling coins.
Top ten rarest 50p list
The updated top ten now includes:
- 2023 Atlantic Salmon – 200,000 made
- 2009 Kew Gardens – 210,000 minted
- 2011 Olympic Football – 1,125,000 minted
- 2011 Olympic Wrestling – 1,129,500 minted
- 2011 Olympic Judo – 1,161,500 minted
- 2011 Olympic Triathlon – 1,163,500 minted
- 2018 Peter Rabbit – 1,400,000 minted
- 2018 Flopsy Bunny – 1,400,000 minted
- 2011 Olympic Tennis – 1,454,000 minted
- 2011 Olympic Goalball – 1,615,000 minted
Rare coins, especially those with low mintages, can fetch hundreds, even thousands of pounds.
Error coins, produced with manufacturing mistakes, are also highly sought after by collectors.
Some have been known to sell for as much as £1,500 to £2,500.
How to sell a rare coin
There are three ways you can sell rare coins – on eBay, Facebook, or in an auction.
If you’re selling on Facebook, there are risks attached.
Some sellers have previously been targeted by scammers who say they want to buy a rare note or coin and ask for money up front to pay for a courier to pick it up.
But the courier is never actually sent and you’re left out of pocket.
Rather than doing this, it’s always best to meet a Facebook seller in person when buying or selling a rare note or coin.
Ensure it’s a public meeting spot that’s in a well-lit area and if you can, avoid using payment links.
Next, you can sell at auction, which is generally the safest option.
You can organise this with The Royal Mint’s Collectors Service.
It has a team of experts who can help you authenticate and value your coin.
You can get in touch via email and a member of the valuation team will get back to you.
You will be charged for the service though – the cost varies depending on the size of your collection.
You can also sell rare coins on eBay.
But always bear in mind, you will only make what the buyer is willing to pay at that time.
You can search for the same note or coin as you have to see how much the same one has sold for on the website previously.
This can help give you an indication of how much you should sell it for.
Meanwhile, it’s not just 50ps that could land you a small fortune.
A coin expert has revealed the tiny clue on the edge of a £1 coin could make it worth 2500 times its face value.
Elsewhere, one lucky collector scored a hefty £30,000 on his coin because of an unusual design.
How to spot valuable items
COMMENTS by Consumer Editor, Alice Grahns:
It’s easy to check if items in your attic are valuable.
As a first step, go on eBay to check what other similar pieces, if not the same, have sold for recently.
Simply search for your item, filter by “sold listings” and toggle by the highest value.
This will give you an idea of how much others are willing to pay for it.
The method can be used for everything ranging from rare coins and notes to stamps, old toys, books and vinyl records – just to mention a few examples.
For coins, online tools from change experts like Coin Hunter are also helpful to see how much it could be worth.
Plus, you can refer to Change Checker’s latest scarcity index update to see which coins are topping the charts.
For especially valuable items, you may want to enlist the help of experts or auction houses.
Do your research first though and be aware of any fees for evaluating your stuff.
As a rule of thumb, rarity and condition are key factors in determining the value of any item.
You’re never guaranteed to make a mint, however.
70+ celeb-approved Prime Day beauty deals: Luxury made affordable at Amazon’s sale
Top picks for shoppers who appreciate the beauty of a good deal.
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Honda recalls 1.7million cars over deadly issue – warning signs to look out for from strange noises to ‘sticky’ steering
HONDA has been forced to recall 1.7 million cars over a potentially deadly issue.
Drivers have been urged to look out for some key warning signs, including unusual noises and “sticky” steering.
The recall was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in conjunction with the manufacturer.
According to the notice, certain Hondas can suffer from steering issues as a result of damage to the gearbox.
It explained: “The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.”
The agency suggested that this could increase the risk of a crash in affected models.
A total of 28 model variants are believed to be impacted, amounting to as many as 1.7 million vehicles on US roads.
How can I check if my car is part of a recall?
If you own a car that's been recently recalled, you can easily check your VIN.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) makes it incredibly quick and easy for drivers to check and see if their vehicle is part of a recent (or past) recall.
The VIN checking tool also allows drivers to see whether or not the repair was completed within the last 15 years, making it an incredible tool for buyers of used cars.
All recalls initiated by the NHTSA mean free repairs for drivers, even if it’s an engine or a transmission replacement. If your VIN shows an active recall that has not been repaired, it’s important to make an appointment at your nearest dealership.
Here’s how to make an appointment for a recall:
- Look up your VIN using the NHTSA tool.
- Find out the recall number/ID from the manufacturer.
- Call your nearest dealership’s service center with the ID number handy, and mention you’d like to schedule an appointment to repair the recall. The repair can only be done at a dealership, as they’re authorized by the manufacturer to conduct the repair free of cost using genuine parts.
- Try to make the appointment as soon as possible.
- Once the repair is completed, the dealership will update the information associated with the VIN to reflect it’s been completed.
Source: NHTSA
Drivers have been advised to listen out for unusual noises coming from the gearbox or a “sticky” steering column leading to difficulty turning.
You can check if you car might be affected on the NHTSA website or by calling Honda customer service on 1-888-234-2138 and quoting recall numbers SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.
Honda will also be sending letters to potentially affected motorists by November 18.
If the issue is found to be present, you can take the car into the nearest Honda dealership.
Technicians will then replace the “worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary”.
All repairs will be carried out free of charge.
The affected models were all produced between 2022 and 2025, according to the NHTSA.
They come from the Civic, CR-V and Acura lineups.
Some of the popular variants involved include the Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid and Acura Integra.
It comes after Chrysler recalled 129,000 vehicles over a dangerous tech malfunction.