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Victorian attraction used to film Jurassic World is home to UK’s tallest Christmas tree this year

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.

people walking down a road in front of a large building
Alamy
Cragside is welcoming the record-breaking attraction this Christmas[/caption]
a house with a christmas tree in front of it
National Trust Images
The UK’s tallest Christmas tree is 42ft tall – the height of 10 double-decker buses[/caption]

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.

a large castle sits on top of a hill surrounded by trees
Getty
The home was used as Lockwood Manor in the second Jurassic World film[/caption]

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Louis Tomlinson’s sister Lottie pays emotional tribute to Liam Payne saying One Direction star was ‘so loved by so many’

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.

a man and a woman are posing for a picture together
Social media pic of Liam Tomlinson and Lottie Tomlinson.
a car is driving down a highway in london united kingdom
Lottie Tomlinson pays tribute to Liam Payne
Not known, clear with picture desk

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.

a black and white photo of two men holding hands
Lottie Tomlinson pays tribute to Liam Payne Original pic GC images
a woman wearing a necklace with a cross on it
Instagram
Lottie Tomlinson shows off ‘natural face’ after getting ALL her filler dissolved,[/caption]
a man singing into a microphone on a stage
Getty
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 04: Recording artist Liam Payne of music group One Direction performs onstage during 102.7 KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball 2015 Presented by Capital One at STAPLES CENTER on December 4, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)[/caption]

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Frustrated champion jockey Oisin Murphy plotting to end season with a bang on Royal Playwright at Doncaster

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.

a man holding a trophy that says qatar racing on it
Getty
Four-time champ Oisin Murphy is desperate for one last slice of Group 1 glory[/caption]

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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Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chases their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

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Did Charleston White get shot in Chicago?

The internet was rocked by rumors that the internet personality and Hyped about HYPE CEO Charleston White had been shot on October 20, 2024. 

However, the controversial online personality came forward to confirm that these claims were fake and gave a blunt response to the rumors. 

YouTube/djvlad
Charleston went to prison when he was just 14-years-old[/caption]
He said that he became an active member of his Church community after leaving prison
Twitter/CharlestonJWhi1

A reformed criminal

Charleston is an online influencer and media personality, who often talks about his criminal past. 

He was arrested at the age of 14 for robbing a Foot Locker, in an incident that ended with one of his accomplices shooting and killing an innocent man. 

In a Texas Tribune article, Charleston said: “I was, for all intents and purposes, a murderer. I didn’t pull the trigger but I was responsible for the shooting death of a man who tried to stop me and three friends from robbing a Foot Locker. 

“Yet house parents, caseworkers, psychologists, teachers – they saw something in me.”

According to Charleston, four juvenile correctional officers voiced their opposition to him being transferred to the adult prison system. 

This persuaded a judge to go against the state recommendation to transfer him to the adult system and he was released at the age of 21. 

After leaving prison, Charleston joined a Church and became the father of two children. 

He also founded Hyped about HYPE (Helping Young People Excel), which hopes to prevent young people becoming involved in crime as Charleston did. 

Rumors of a shooting

On October 20, 2024, it was reported on social media that Charleston had been shot in Chicago, Illinois. 

Users on X (formerly Twitter) claimed that the shooting had taken place outside of a hospital and some even included a 911 phone call, alleged to have been made because of the incident. 

However, Charleston himself took to Twitter to debunk the rumors by appearing in a video where he explained that he couldn’t have been involved in the shooting. 

In the video, he said that nobody is “shooting me in Chicago, they got to get me in Atlanta.”

Charleston was criticized after he said that he wouldn’t vote for Kamala Harris because she is a black woman
Getty Images
Charleston was criticized when he said that Will Smith was gay
Getty Images

Controversial comments

Charleston appeared on an episode of Cam Newton’s Funky Friday Podcast, on December 1, 2023, and made several controversial comments that went viral online. 

He described Will Smith as “gay” and even claimed to have been chosen to campaign for Donald Trump. 

Charleston said: “I was selected to campaign with Donald Trump, to go to three key battleground states.

He added: “I sacrificed a lot for my people only to realize…I don’t like my people.”

He defended his claims by saying that he was “willing to die, kill, and go to jail” for “what comes out of my mouth”. 

The episode quickly racked up over 800,000 streams over 24 hours, despite having a runtime of a whopping three hours. 

He went viral again on July 21, 2024, when he claimed that he would never vote for a black woman to be President of the United States.

He said in a video on social media: “Man, they got me f**ked up. 

“I wouldn’t vote for no Black b**ch. 

“Listen, I was raised by Black women. 

“I have a grandmother, I got Black sisters, but I wouldn’t dare put no Black woman in no motherf**king position of White House, the Commander-in-Chief of the military.”

His comments came after Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race and Kamala Harris received a surge of support from Democrat voters. 

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Tool helps workers choose exact words to say when giving tricky feedback

NEED to give tricky feedback at work?

This quirky tool can help you choose the exact words to say if you think a colleague has pulled a fake sick day, isn’t working hard enough – or is consistently making terrible tea.

a woman sits at a desk stretching her arms in front of a computer
Alamy
A quirky tool can provide the exact words bosses can use to have difficult conversations with employees[/caption]
a poster that says choose the workplace scenario you would like help with
SWNS
A poll of 2,000 office staff revealed the top 20 things most likely to demotivate them at work[/caption]

The generator simply asks which workplace situation you find yourself in, and then offers a tactful response.

It comes as a poll of 2,000 office staff revealed the top 20 things most likely to demotivate them at work – including rude managers, poor technology and pointless meetings.

They typically spend half the working week feeling uninspired due to the likes of repetitive tasks, not getting recognition and a lack of flexibility having an impact.

The research was commissioned by Brother UK, which has launched its Fabulous Feedback Formula to uncover the impact praise and criticism can have on the workplace.

Greig Millar at Brother UK, said: “Many common aspects of the working day, from back-to-back meetings to out of date tech, have a big impact on staff’s motivation levels and general mood, and this is impacting UK companies’ productivity.

“Managers play a central role in creating an environment that allows staff to flourish, and that includes how they deliver feedback on performance – whether good or bad.

“This tool is a helpful asset for workers of all levels who are working out how to approach colleagues and best deliver feedback.”

The study found three in 10 find it demotivating if they only ever get negative feedback and never positive.

Similarly, a quarter (24 per cent) feel regular insights from their manager or senior colleagues, whether good or bad, would improve motivation levels.

Others believe financial rewards (38 per cent), flexible working (38 per cent) and more understanding from their boss (24 per cent) would help general work ethic.

And 42 per cent would like to have meetings with their manager or senior colleagues to discuss their performance in detail more often.

When they do receive feedback, staff feel motivated (44 per cent), encouraged (43 per cent) and happy (38 per cent).

And such positive emotions leave 46 per cent feeling inspired for a week or more.

But 18 per cent only get insights on how they’re working less than monthly, with 23 per cent struggling to get any sort of updates outside of set meetings.

Instead, a fifth rely on their ‘office cheerleaders’ for motivation and 48 per cent claim they often give colleagues feedback to encourage them.

Those polled via OnePoll.com believe regular praise is important for productivity (90 per cent), staff retention (89 per cent) and team morale (88 per cent).

Staff prefer to receive feedback face to face in their place of work (51 per cent), while 16 per cent would opt for it over email.

More than half of those polled (55 per cent) have to give regular reviews on performance to their colleagues as part of their job role.

Of those, 27 per cent think they give too much positive feedback, with 21 per cent claiming to do so daily and 34 per cent as often as weekly.

And 34 per cent admitted they find it tricky to give feedback to colleagues, whether positive or negative.

A fifth find it difficult to tell colleagues how they’re performing, while a confident 37 per cent find it easy.

Greig added: “Giving feedback is an important skill in the workplace for everyone, but particularly managers.

“Businesses have a responsibility to ensure that staff are receiving feedback that’s delivered well and consistently.

“While they could love their role and enjoy working with colleagues, if an employer is rude or doesn’t offer positive or constructive feedback regularly it’s likely to put people off.”

TOP 20 THINGS STAFF FIND DEMOTIVATING AT WORK

  1. Rude managers
  2. Poor technology to work from
  3. Constant calls/meetings with no time to do actual work
  4. Lack of flexibility
  5. Only ever getting negative feedback, rather than positive
  6. Hearing others got a pay rise when I didn’t
  7. Managers/senior staff not sharing any updates/news with me
  8. Not getting the recognition I deserve from a team project
  9. Colleagues regularly moaning about work
  10. Repetitive tasks
  11. Being stuck in the office when it’s nice outside
  12. Seeing others get promoted while I’m still in the same position I always have been
  13. A boring/long commute
  14. Never/rarely getting feedback from my manager
  15. When there’s a domino effect of people leaving to go elsewhere
  16. Having to work in silence – chatting/music is banned
  17. Running out of annual leave too soon into the year
  18. A bland/outdated office space
  19. Seeing others get shoutouts on social media / internal emails while I don’t
  20. Eating lunch at my desk

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F1 star George Russell reveals awkward Prince George moment at rugby match

GEORGE RUSSELL has recalled a hilarious but awkward case of mistaken identity between himself and Prince George.

Formula One driver Russell is used to being swarmed by fans around the world as he races in the quickest machines on the planet.

a man wearing a mercedes hat and a petronas shirt
Getty
George Russell has recalled a funny story when he mistook himself for Prince George[/caption]
a boy in a suit and tie sits next to a man in a suit and tie
EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)
It came when Russell and Prince George were both watching an England rugby game[/caption]

However, he has lifted the lid on how the spotlight was taken from him when royalty was in town.

Speaking in an interview earlier this year, the 26-year-old said: “There’s actually a funny story.

“I was at a rugby match watching England play and suddenly everyone in front of me turned around and were looking up.

“And they were screaming, ‘George, George, Prince George, Prince George‘.

“And I thought this is a bit strange. Like all these people screaming at me.

“And then I turned around and the real Prince George was standing behind me.

“So (laughing) that kind of made sense.”

It is not clear exactly what game this took place at, though Russell is known to be a big rugby fan after playing it at school.

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The Brit was seen attending the opening game of the Rugby World Cup last year as hosts France beat New Zealand 27-13 with his partner, Carmen Montero Mundt.

Russell recovered from a pitlane start to finish a strong P6 in Sunday’s US Grand Prix feature race – won by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

However, Russell was hit with a five-second penalty en route to that result, which had left Mercedes boss Toto Wolff fuming at the “total joke” decision by stewards.

Russell had been judged to run Valtteri Bottas off the track at Turn 12, but a later incident that saw Max Verstappen appear to run Lando Norris off the track saw him go unpunished.

When Russell asked whether Verstappen received a penalty for it, Wolff replied over the team radio: “No, he didn’t get a penalty and at the end Lando got a penalty for being forced off and overtaking on the outside.

“I guess it’s a bit biased decision-making but not surprising.”

F1 returns next weekend in Mexico in the second race in a triple-header.

🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁

F1 reporter Isabelle Barker's prediction

I EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.

It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.

You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.

Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.

Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.

So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth. 

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The 10 little-known signs of Parkinson’s disease you must not ignore as GMB star John Stapleton shares diagnosis

GOOD Morning Britain presenter John Stapleton made a shock announcement that he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

The disease is a neurological condition that worsens over time, typically associated with tremors, stiffness and slow movement.

a man in a striped shirt sits on a white couch
PA
John Stapleton revealed his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease[/caption]
two men are looking at a photo album together
PA
He appeared alongside his son Nick Stapleton to discuss his early symptoms and how they were coping with the diagnosis[/caption]
a man and a woman are posing for a picture on a red carpet that says gallery
PA
John with his wife Lynn Faulds Wood died at the age of 72 after a stroke[/caption]
a man and a woman sit at a desk in front of binders that say lg
Getty
Lynn and John presented Watchdog together between 1985 and 1993[/caption]

However, these these symptoms usually appear once significant progression has already occurred.

In John’s case, the 78-year-old broadcaster – who’s worked on programmes like Newsnight, Panorama and GMTV’s News Hour – began to notice changes to his speech.

In an interview on BBC One’s Morning Live, he said: “Speaking is how I’ve earned my living for the best part of 50 years.

“It’s very frustrating sometimes, particularly (when) people are constantly saying to you, ‘sorry, what did you say?’

“And you have to repeat yourself, time and time again.”

His son Nick appeared alongside John to share the news of his Parkinson’s diagnosis, saying he’d noticed a tremor in his dad’s hand and increased anxiety.

According to the charity Parkinson’s UK, there are several signs which can surface in the early stages of the disease that are worth speaking to a GP about.

This includes sleep problems, losing your sense of smell, and feeling depressed or anxious.

Other telltales signs include changes to your handwriting and problems with movement.

Here are the 10 most common early symptoms of the disease.

1. Problems with your sleep

Night-time issues are common in people with Parkinson’s, experts say.

They are more likely to experience insomnia and other sleep disruption due to symptoms like stiffness, pain and restless leg syndrome.

Feeling tired and drowsy during the day is therefore also typical.

2. Losing your sense of smell

Someone with Parkinson’s may notice that their sense of smell isn’t as strong as it used to be or has disappeared completely, Parkinson’s UK says.

This can sometimes start years before other symptoms develop.

3. Smaller handwriting

Another tell-tale sign is smaller handwriting – either smaller than it was previously or gradually getting tinier on a page.

This is because changes in the brain can cause movements to become reduced or less forceful than before.

a poster showing the early signs of parkinson 's
Early signs of Parkinson’s disease include anxiety, sleep problems and stiffness

4. Issues with your bladder or bowels

Signs of an overactive bladder, such as needing to use the toilet immediately without warning or needing to go frequently throughout the night, are the most common bladder symptoms of people with Parkinson’s, the charity says.

5. Experiencing depression

Depression can be characterised by feelings of extreme sadness or a sense of emotional “emptiness” for a long time.

This can surface in people with Parkinson’s months before any other symptoms.

6. Feeling anxious

Anxiety – such as feelings of unease, worry or fear – is also common in the early stages.

This is partly due to the concerns sufferers have about living with a long-term health condition.

According to Parkinson’s UK, the most common symptoms of anxiety include: a sense of dread, constant worry or difficulty concentrating, sweating, pounding or racing heart (palpitations), feeling breathless, dizziness or trembling. 

John Stapleton's Parkinson's diagnosis

Veteran TV presenter John Stapleton appeared alongside his son Nick to speak about his diagnosis.

In the BBC One segment, Nick shared: “Over the last year, I’ve started to notice that dad was seeming a bit more anxious, wasn’t walking as confidently and he had this tremor in his hand.

“So two months ago, he went for some tests and unfortunately a few days later he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.”

He continued: “It was deeply troubling news.”

John reflected: “I am fairly pragmatic about the prospect of this getting worse. I try to remain positive, because what’s the point of not being?”

The 78-year-old opened up about his symptoms saying he was experiencing “continuous exhaustion and lack of energy”.

“It’s a classic symptom of Parkinson’s apparently, I’m going to keep taking the tablets and hope it gets better,” he said.

John’s wife and former BBC Watchdog presenter Lynn Faulds Wood sadly passed away in April 2020, at the age of 72, after a stroke.

She and her husband John Stapleton became a dream team TV couple as they presented Watchdog together between 1985 and 1993.

Read more on John’s diagnosis here.

7. Fatigue

Fatigue – tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest – affects up to half of all people with Parkinson’s.

It is thought to be caused by chemical changes in the brain, but may also be related to other symptoms or features of the condition.

It can fluctuate dramatically day to day, so someone may feel full of energy one day, but be knackered the next.

Fatigue can also present itself physically and mentally, so some people find it challenging to concentrate for long periods without a break.

8. Uncontrollable actions

A more typical symptom of Parkinson’s is a tremor – an uncontrollable movement that affects a part of the body.

Usually, this starts as shakes in the hand before “spreading” to the rest of the arm, or down to the foot on the same side of the body.

9. Slow movement

Slowness of movement, also known as bradykinesia, may mean that it takes someone with Parkinson’s longer to do things, Parkinson’s UK says.

For example, you might struggle with coordination, walking may become more like a shuffle or walking speed may slow down.

Everyday tasks, such as paying for items at a check-out or walking to a bus stop, might take longer to do, it added.

10. Stiffness, inflexibility and cramps

Rigidity, such as stiff muscles, inflexibility and cramps, is another of the first signs to show.

People may notice they find writing, doing up buttons, getting out of bed, or tying shoe laces more difficult than usual.

What is Parkinson's disease?

PARKINSON’S is a progressive neurological condition.

This means that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. 

People with Parkinson’s don’t have enough of the chemical dopamine in their brain because some of the nerve cells that make it have stopped working.

Around 145,000 people live with Parkinson’s in the UK.

It’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.

Symptoms start to appear when the brain can’t make enough dopamine to control movement properly.

This usually happens around the age of 50, but some people might see the first signs in their 40s.

There are over 40 symptoms, but the three main ones are:

  • A tremor (shaking)
  • Slowness of movement
  • Rigidity (muscle stiffness)

There are several different treatments, therapies and support available to help manage the condition.

Source: Parkinson’s UK

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Dollar Tree is selling a ‘generous’ $1.25 winter kitchen accessory – it’s identical to Amazon’s but 93% cheaper

THE festive season is just around the corner and stores are already starting to stock items in preparation.

Dollar Tree is currently selling the cutest snowman mug which looks perfect for a hot cup of cocoa or some coffee.

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Dollar Tree is selling this mug for $1.25, ahead of the winter period[/caption]
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The mug could be perfect for the holiday period[/caption]

The mugs are just $1.25, which is an absolute steal given that Amazon is selling a version for $16.98.

This makes the Dollar Tree version a whopping 93 per cent cheaper, and they are nearly identical.

Both white mugs have black markings for the snowman’s eyes and mouth, with an orange 3D nose.

The Dollar Tree website states: “Warm up this winter with these festive holiday mugs filled with your favorite hot beverage. 

“Perfect for coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, these stoneware mugs add a little holiday cheer to your morning. 

“Perfect for your home, or use in restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes.”

Lots of people have left five star reviews on the mugs from both outlets.

One person wrote: “Bought the last one in the store last Christmas and still love it. Makes a generous sized cup of coffee or tea. Love it’s happy face!”

Another added: “Cute yet durable ‘mug’ size, not heavy at all. My Dad liked mine so I bought him one!!!”

Meanwhile, a third commented: “This mug is lovely with a nice smooth finish. I was concerned about the nose since sometimes those details break off easily, but I am so not the type of person that doesn’t bump and drop things into the sink and it has been fine. 

“Really sturdy handle. 

“I just really like the design I drink tea, coffee and cappuccino and it hasn’t stained.”

This comes as Dollae Tree fans are in a frenzy over a plush blanket that will keep you nice and cozy this fall, for just $1.25.

With fall now in full swing, and temperatures beginning to drop, many of us will be doing all we can to keep warm.

Amazon is selling a nearly identical version but for $16.98

BUY IT NOW

Large Stoneware Snowman Mug: $1.25 – buy here

Adorable Festive Holiday Snowman Stoneware Mug: $16.98 – buy here

And for budget fans, Dollar Tree has the answer.

The bargain retailer’s Angel of Mine Plush Security Blankets are perfect for keeping your little ones toasty, and come in two adorable designs.

Shoppers can get their hands on a cream colored blanket, with a sweet giraffe on it, or a toasty looking grey blanket, with a smiling star attached to it.

They are just 14 inches in size, and are guaranteed to make your kids feel safe and comforted on cold winter nights.

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Dollar Tree fans are racing to buy a $1.25 blanket[/caption]
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The product comes in two colors, grey and cream[/caption]

Dollar Tree pricing

Despite the name of the store, Dollar Tree recently added items that cost more than $1 to its inventory.

Most items at the store cost no more than $1.25, but items in the Dollar Tree Plus section cost up to $5.

Dollar Tree introduced Plus aisles to 100 locations in 2019 as part of an effort to diversify its products.

By 2022, Dollar Tree had added the items to over 1,500 locations.

“We believe testing additional price points above $1 for Dollar Tree products will enable us over time to expand our assortments, introduce new products and meet more of our customers’ everyday needs,” president and CEO Michael Witynski said in a statement.

“Our brand promise is that customers get great value for what they spend at Dollar Tree. We will continue to be fiercely protective of that promise, regardless of the price point.”

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Kim Kardashian copies Bianca Censori’s style in plunging skin-tight dress as fans are ‘confused’ over odd birthday look

KIM Kardashian appeared to copy Bianca Censori’s style in a plunging skin-tight dress, with fans ‘confused’ over the odd birthday look.

Skims founder Kim, 44, showcased her hourglass figure in a tight nude leotard, layered beneath a semi-transparent PVC dress ahead of her big day last night.

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Kim Kardashian appeared to copy Bianca Censori’s style in a plunging skin-tight dress[/caption]
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Back in June, model Bianca donned a very similar nude one-piece[/caption]
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She is ‘married’ to Kim’s ex-husband Kanye West[/caption]

In snaps and videos shared to her Instagram Stories, the reality star zoomed in on herself in a mirror, teasing her followers with the caption: “Birthday Suit.”

She layered the clip against Sabrina Carpenter‘s Bed Chem, posting a close-up of her cleavage in another selfie.

But some of Kim’s fans were left scratching their heads over her sexy look.

Taking to a Reddit forum, one asked: “Kim, why?” with another chiming in with: “Kimberly, pls what the hell is this?”

A third questioned: “Why does EVERYTHING have to be so tight, short, small and uncomfortable looking?”

Someone else wrote: “I’m sorry, but that might be the ugliest dress I’ve ever seen.”

Her racy getup also bares striking similarities to something recently worn by Kanye West‘s new ‘wife’ Bianca, 29.

Back in June, model Bianca donned a nude one-piece for her attendance at the Prototypes Menswear show during Paris Fashion Week.

Kim’s ex-husband Kanye was there too, covering up with a beekeeper outfit for the appearance.

Kim also spent last night flanked by her sisters Kendall and Kylie Jenner as they led the glamour at the Academy Museum Gala.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians stars couldn’t be missed as they rubbed shoulders with the Hollywood elite at the Los Angeles event.

The fourth Academy Museum Gala of its kind – which acts as a huge fundraiser – saw the Hulu stars don lingerie-style gowns.

Kim led the way in a busty white corset top and tiny matching shorts.

A flowing white jacket with ruched sleeves worn over the top added a stylish edge for the business mogul.

She wore her brunette locks in classic waves and accessorised with a sparkling silver necklace, drop earrings and metallic shoes.

Her model sibling Kendall, 28, struck a sophisticated look in a figure-hugging black halterneck gown.

The frock’s design featured cut-out panels for a sexy edge and a silver broach.

Kendall – who recently switched up her brunette hairstyle for a golden blonde shade – wore her shoulder length locks in curls.

The Victoria’s Secret model posed for a few solo pictures before joining little sister Kylie, 27.

The mom of two opted for more daring attire, with her dress featuring a flesh colored skintight body and black skirt detail.

She styled her hair in natural waves and kept her make-up minimal to vamp up the impact of her look.

kimkardashian/Instagram
Skims founder Kim showcased her hourglass figure in the nude leotard[/caption]
Instagram/jeen_yuhs_
Bianca is often seen wearing tiny leotards[/caption]
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The model is seen putting on a show in Milan[/caption]
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Kim also spent last night at the Academy Museum Gala[/caption]

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