You know the feeling all too well. It feels like your head has only just hit the pillow when your alarm clock rudely awakens you. Either that, or your human-sized alarm clock is up at the crack of dawn… and that means you are too! So what do you do if you struggle to get […]
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They say change is as good as a holiday- but some people may be disappointed to sit down to watch their family-favourite, only to discover Netflix has removed it from the streaming service. As the nights grow colder, it’s the perfect opportunity to sit down with the kids and enjoy an old classic for one […]
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WITH hands placed suggestively on the hips and their fingers splayed, these celebs aren’t just doing any old pouting pose.
In fact they’re all using ‘sexual framing body language’ in a new Instagram trend that experts have dubbed the ‘female man-splaying’.
Stars such as Helen Flanagan, Khloe Kardashian, Olivia Attwood and Megan Thee Stallion have all jumped on board the craze, which sees them use their hands to draw attention to sexy parts of their body.
But according to body language expert Judi James, this seemingly simple movement carries huge significance.
“Framing is a body language technique where the hands are used to draw attention to sexual areas of the body, most commonly the groin and pelvis, to make them a statement feature,” Judi explains.
“This is done by forming a ‘frame’ with the hands. This might just look like flirting but it has other psychological implications that can link to factors like confidence and projected power.”
Judi says this pose is one men have been doing for years – and now women are making it their own.
“Men have used framing techniques for decades,” she says.
“Man-splaying is a common power ritual, where the guy sits with his knees as far apart as possible in a cocky ‘alpha male’ statement of superiority.
“But there is also the sexual ‘thumbs hooked into the jean pockets’ pose where the fingers frame the crotch; the forward finger-steepling in front of the crotch that politicians are often seen using.
“Now female celebrities are making the pose their own – and what looks like a sensual, thirst-trap form of posing that will attract a viewer to the photo will also have those similar undercurrents of projected confidence and power.”
Here, Judi looks at the ladies posing up a storm to find out what this framing technique really tells us about them…
For Khloe, 40, throwing a provocative pose is all part and parcel of life as a Kardashian.
And, as she seductively covers her crotch while pretending to giggle, Judi thinks the star is actually masking confidence and control under the guise of being bashful and cute.
That stare makes this a power-dare look rather than anything flirty
Judi James
“Khloe’s closed eyes and the way she hides her giggly smile behind her hand suggests she is shocked by her own naughtiness here,” Judi explains.
“As the left hand is somehow fully splayed and positioned in the perfect spot to frame her pelvis, it actually suggests high levels of control and confidence behind the playful façade.”
Looking stunning at the recent VMA awards in a strapless corset and see through skirt, rapper Megan, 29, was pulling no punches when it came to the red carpet.
Looking feisty and sexy all at once, her hands resting by her pelvis, Judi says this deliberate pose proves she means business – and she’s not just there to flirt with the cameras.
“Megan’s engaged eyes and squared shoulders form what looks like a direct challenge here – and her framing gesture adds to that projection of strength, confidence and power,” Judi explains.
“She has both hands on her upper thighs in a very deliberate act of positioning while that stare makes this a power-dare look rather than anything flirty.”
When former Strictly star Zara, 27, stepped out at the National Television Awards looking stunning in a skin tight fishtailed little black dress, she upped the ante, choosing to use the sexual framing manoeuvre to draw attention to her fab figure.
Judi reckons that Zara, who dates King of the Jungle Sam Thompson, has brought drama and elegance to the table with her pose.
That cute pink outfit might mask a more dominant personality
Judi James
“Framing is always most powerful against a tight black dress like the one Zara is wearing, it makes the hands more visible and the framing more dramatic,” she says.
“This is a classy, sensual look but with the hands placed apart to feature the entire hip and pelvis area in a very elegant, sophisticated way.”
Looking very cute in her pink Chanel two piece, Olivia, who was famously feisty when she appeared on Love Island in 2017, could be mistaken for being all girly and submissive with this pose.
However Judi reckons Liv, 33, who now fronts her own podcast and appears regularly on Loose Women, knows full well what she’s doing.
She says: “Olivia’s pose makes her look helpless and passive here, with her toes pointed inward and a sweet smile on her face, but both hands are placed close, in what is almost the most emphatic framing gesture of them all – suggesting that cute pink outfit might mask a more dominant personality.”
Posing with her hands by her bits in a gorgeous belly baring two piece, Celebs Go Dating star Helen, 34, is an old pro at posing.
Living it up on a recent sunshine break, the actress captioned this pic, “When I was on holiday and didn’t look like a sloth”.
Laura’s cheesy smile and legs crossed at the ankles hint at low confidence and shyness
Judi James
But Judi reckons Helen’s self deprecating humour simply highlights her sexy confidence, enhanced by the framing technique. No wonder new love Robbie Talbot is smitten.
“Helen’s top half is all about coy head tilting and pouting but the framing gesture on the bottom half sees her thumbs acting like directional arrows, as her hips tilt to stretch the satin skirt tighter around her hips,” Judi explains.
“It’s a sexy power move.”
For feisty Love Island alum Laura Anderson, 35, the sexual framing move is used to show a shy, girlie, flirty side from the neck up, while from the hips down, it’s a very different story.
The single mum of one looked gorgeous at a Capital FM event in a skin tight lycra ensemble, proving she’s still as sexy and confident as ever – and isn’t afraid for men to see it.
“In her Lycra trousers. Laura’s cheesy smile and legs crossed at the ankles hint at low confidence and shyness,” Judi explains.
“But her framing ritual makes a more emphatic and bold statement, suggesting she shouldn’t be seen as any push-over.
Moves like this show women throwing down the gauntlet to men, to remind them who’s really boss.”
As the youngest – and richest – of the Kardashian-Jenner sisters, Kylie has proven she’s no pushover when it comes to business, or indeed the business of posing.
Like an old pro, she models her Ayo active wear to perfection, but proves she’s not to be messed with in the process, as Judi explains.
That bent wrist and finger splay makes it a formal, elegant and slightly superior gesture
Judi James
“The way Kylie’s eyes are angled down and to the side make the pose look like one of intimate reflection,” she says.
“But then there’s the one hand thrown into the pocket of the shorts while both thumbs perform what looks like sat-nav directional framing of the lower pelvis, suggesting she’s happy to challenge or pull rank when necessary.”
Celebrity SAS contestant Marnie, who has two children with former X Factor star Casey Johnson, looks like butter wouldn’t melt in her floral dress, but the hands splayed against her hips show superiority, according to Judi.
Marnie, 32, looks like she could be doing this as a show of power.
“Marnie’s pose is subtler than the others’, with only one hand doing the framing while the other clutches a phone,” says Judi.
“But that bent wrist and finger splay makes it a formal, elegant and slightly superior gesture.
“Some women perform framing like this as a dare, others use it as a show of power, by leading or instigating the sexual ritual and appearing to throw out a challenge to the men.
“It can be a fight-back gesture, suggesting they are the ones in control of the action – while the males do all the peacocking.”
By Joseph Hagan, Celebrity publicist and owner of Streamline PR
STRICTLY professional Katya Jones and dance partner Wynne Evans have insisted that his wandering hand was merely a stunt that backfired, but now viewers are calling for BBC show’s bosses to intervene.
During the live show on Saturday, Katya was caught on camera pushing Wynne’s hand away from the curve of her waist, in a move that was immediately pounced on by the viewers.
The Strictly pro issued an apology, saying that the exchange was all part of a playful joke, but the fans have been left unconvinced as social media was alight with outrage.
One person said: “Ugh that makes me feel sick, poor Katya. They need to be protecting the pros, just as much as the celebs.”
Another commented: “God she was obviously putting up with a lot of grim stuff from him.”
Meanwhile another raged: “If that’s what he’s willing to do on live television in front of millions, the what the hell is he doing in private? The BBC need to talk to Katya and investigate this immediately.”
And another commentator added: “That roving hand was gross. Poor Katya, I hope she’s okay. Given that they had to put out that weird statement about how it was an hilarious joke (?!) makes me think she’s not getting any support.”
During Saturday’s show the pair were standing with the rest of the group during host Claudia Winkleman’s piece to camera when opera singer Wynne, 52, pushed his hand around Katya’s, 35, waist, who immediately and visibly wriggled free.
The duo then immediately took to social media to clear the air as they branded the gesture a ‘joke.”
Speaking from backstage, Katya said: “Hi everyone, it’s Wynne and Katya here, we just wanted to say we were messing around in the clauditorium on Saturday night and we just want to say sorry.”
She added: “It was a silly joke.”
While Wynne echoed : “Yeah, sorry.”
But the cringeworthy moment caught on live TV, sparked speculation amongst fans, who were concerned about her unusual reaction.
One person wrote: “Anyone else see Katya push Wynne’s hand away.”
A second said: “Katya moving Wynne’s hand away then….
While a third added: “Did anybody else just see Katya push away Wynne’s hand – she did that awkward smile.”
Others noticed that Katya was standing nowhere near Wynne when the cameras appeared once again.
Meanwhile Wynne has since confessed to feeling heartbroken about his antics on the show, as he confesed to the listeners of BBC Radio Wales, that their joke had gone badly wrong.
He said: “I’m absolutely heartbroken by the things that have been written about me in the last day.”
“We’ve got a brilliant friendship, an absolutely tight friendship, and I’m sorry if anybody was offended by it, but it was a joke. And that’s all there is. There is no real story, really.”
So far Wynne and Katya have been competition favourites after garnering praise from the judges for their tango to ABBA’s Money, Money,Money.
But whether the voters will still be on side after last Saturdays incident, is anyone’s guess.
HUNDREDS of thousands of homeowners are making a costly mortgage mistake that is adding thousands of pounds a year to their bills.
Borrowers who fail to take out a new mortgage in time before their term ends are automatically shifted on to their lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR).
These default rates are typically far higher than fixed or variable deals and the difference can translate into thousands of pounds extra on mortgage bills.
A whopping 600,000 mortgage borrowers are currently on a costly SVR, according to UK Finance, and could be overpaying by thousands of pounds a year.
The average standard variable rate currently stands at a whopping 7.96%, according to data site Moneyfacts.co.uk.
The Sun has asked all of the major mortgage lenders for their current SVRs and we will update this article once we hear back.
In comparison, the average two-year fixed rate is currently 5.37%.
The difference means that homeowners could be missing out on annual savings of more than £4,000, according to Mojo Mortgages.
For an average-priced home in the UK – £267,100 – with a 75% loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, you’d be looking at a monthly repayment of £1,447 on a 7.25% SVR.
Whereas a five-year fixed-rate of 4.05%, monthly mortgage payments stand at £1,062.
Over a year, that adds up to a difference of £4,620.
For a two-year fix with a rate of 4.52%, the potential average savings compared to a SVR would be £3,984.
Experts have warned that falling on to an SVR is a costly mistake to avoid.
A spokesperson for Mojo Mortgages said: “If you’re unsure what interest rate you’re on, you should review your mortgage statement.
“This will typically include your current interest rate. Look for sections labelled “interest rate” or “current terms”.
“If your statement doesn’t provide this confirmation, reach out to your mortgage lender directly.”
When you come to the end of your mortgage, your current lender will usually offer you to switch to a new deal – it tends to be an easy process and you can switch as much as six months before your deal ends to make sure you don’t sli[ on to an SVR.
Even if you’re in difficulty, your lender should help you find the best deal for your circumstances.
There are very few instances when a mortgage adviser, or broker, would recommend a borrower be on a SVR.
Chris Sykes, technical director at broker Private Finance, previously told The Sun: “The only real situation, i’d recommend a client be on an SVR is where they’re looking to sell the property in the very near future.
“If they’re looking to sell it in the longer term, it’s probably better to go on to a tracker rate with no early redemption fees.”
Tracker mortgages have variable rates, but are likely to be lower and linked to the BoE base rate than SVRs.
Unlike fixed-rate mortgages it’s easier to find tracker mortgages without any early repayment fees so you can exit the deal if you sell your home, for example.
SVR rates can move up and down at any time but lenders often adjust these rates in response to changes in the Bank of England base rate.
If you’re looking for peace of mind over your mortgage payment a fixed rate deal is likely to be the best option.
Your repayments won’t rise, or fall, for the duration of the deal so you can budget with confidence.
Most fixed-rate mortgages come with large early repayment fees, so if you believe you could want to exit the deal before the term ends – for example, if you move home – a variable rate without exit fees may be a better bet.
A good independent mortgage broker can help you weigh up the pros and cons of different mortgage options.
IF you're looking for a traditional type of mortgage, getting the best rates depends entirely on what's available at any given time.
There are several ways to land the best deal.
Usually the larger the deposit you have the lower the rate you can get.
If you’re remortgaging and your loan-to-value ratio (LTV) has changed, you’ll get access to better rates than before.
Your LTV will go down if your outstanding mortgage is lower and/or your home’s value is higher.
A change to your credit score or a better salary could also help you access better rates.
And if you’re nearing the end of a fixed deal soon it’s worth looking for new deals now.
You can lock in current deals sometimes up to six months before your current deal ends.
Leaving a fixed deal early will usually come with an early exit fee, so you want to avoid this extra cost.
But depending on the cost and how much you could save by switching versus sticking, it could be worth paying to leave the deal – but compare the costs first.
To find the best deal use a mortgage comparison tool to see what’s available.
You can also go to a mortgage broker who can compare a much larger range of deals for you.
Some will charge an extra fee but there are plenty who give advice for free and get paid only on commission from the lender.
You’ll also need to factor in fees for the mortgage, though some have no fees at all.
You can add the fee – sometimes more than £1,000 – to the cost of the mortgage, but be aware that means you’ll pay interest on it and so will cost more in the long term.
You can use a mortgage calculator to see how much you could borrow.
Remember you’ll have to pass the lender’s strict eligibility criteria too, which will include affordability checks and looking at your credit file.
You may also need to provide documents such as utility bills, proof of benefits, your last three month’s payslips, passports and bank statements.
CORONATION Street star Bill Fellows has confirmed his exit from the soap with his final scenes set to air this evening.
The actor has played the role of Stu Carpenter for the past three years but he will make a low-key exit in tonight’s episode of the ITV soap opera.
The Speed Daal chef will be seen fleeing Weatherfield in order to move to Germany to be reunited with his granddaughter Eliza once again.
Viewers saw Eliza depart on-screen a few months ago and it was only a matter of time before Stu decided to join her once again.
On-screen, fans have seen him aim to help mentor and work with troubled teen Mason Radcliffe following his release from prison.
But as his actions put his partner Yasmeen in danger and threatened to ruin the future of her business, Stu realised he must take action.
Amid fears that he and Yasmeen’s relationship is not working out, Stu will make the decision to up sticks and leave Yasmeen’s house once and for all.
Whilst the news looks set to come as a surprise to Yasmeen in tonight’s episode, it is clear that she feels the same way after appearing to have doubts over the strength of their romance.
After a final drink with one another, Stu will be seen heading to Germany for good with Yasmeen quick to close the door behind him and on that chapter of her life.
Speaking after confirming his exit, Bill admitted he never intended to stay on the soap for so long especially as he had ties down South.
Bill said: “When I first started it was a six month contract but with options that took me over three years.
“At the time it was something that did panic me a little as I have my house down south and it seemed like a long time, I am used to playing lots of different characters and three years seemed a long time to play the same character.
“But I needn’t have worried, what I realised when I got the chance to play someone for a long time it was heaven really, I wasn’t tied into anything and the three years have flown and this felt like the right time to go, I always knew I would go at the end of the three years.”
Bill further added of his time on the show: “I have no regrets at all. It is the right time to go for me and for Stu. I will look back with fond memories and I wouldn’t rule out coming back in the future.
“But Stu has evolved, we started off with a homeless guy who was wrongly accused of murder and and then we get to the point three years later where this guy’s got almost a quarter of a million pounds and has cleared his name and made it a life for himself.”
In a surprise revelation, Bill admitted he had actually audtioned for the part of Roy Cropper’s brother, and the father to Nina Lucas, before being given the part of Stu.
Bill said: “I auditioned for the role of Roy’s brother, Nina’s dad before I got the role of Stu.
“I wasn’t right for the part but it was for three weeks so it was fate really because I got this part and stayed three years. I am so proud to have been in Corrie.
“It is a massive part of all our lives, especially at my age, 67, it has been around all my life. All my family watched it so it was really exciting to be a bit of history.”
Elsewhere, he admitted bosses wanted to “leave the door open” for his character having chosen not to kill him off despite Bill telling show bosses he would have been happy “either way”.
Here is where all of the residents of Weatherfield's main street live
WANT to improve your sleep? The biggest retail sale event of the year is coming soon, which means there’ll be some great mattress Black Friday deals to snap up.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your bed for better sleep or snag a budget-friendly option for a guest room, this November promises big discounts on top brands.
You can look forward to big savings on everything from luxury memory foam mattresses to hybrid and pocket-sprung options, with major retailers like Simba, Emma and Nectar all anticipated to offer price cuts for Black Friday.
Truly, there’s no better time to invest in a quality mattress without breaking the bank, so read on for everything you need to know.
This year, Black Friday falls on November 29.
The annual shopping event always falls the day after the US holiday of Thanksgiving.
We’ve compiled an explainer here, with everything you need to know about Black Friday, so you can get prepped for the biggest shopping bonanza of the year.
One of the best things about Black Friday sales is that brands compete to offer the best discount, meaning customers have all the power.
While it’s still too early for official announcements, many mattress retailers are expected to take part in this year’s event.
Brands like Simba, Emma, Nectar and others typically offer some of their best deals of the year during this time, while retailers like John Lewis, Argos and Dreams also tend to join in with their own Black Friday mattress offers.
Here are some of the brands worth keeping an eye on :
For Black Friday 2024, you can expect some excellent deals on mattresses from both online brands and traditional retailers.
To give you an idea of the sorts of discounts seen before, Emma led the way last year with 65% off its Luxe Cooling Mattress which was a massive saving.
Although nothing has been officially announced just yet, popular companies like Simba, Emma, Nectar and Eve are likely to offer significant discounts this year.
High street retailers such as Dreams, Argos, and John Lewis are also expected to participate, providing deals on a wide range of mattresses, bed frames and sleep accessories.
If you’re looking to improve your sleep setup, Black Friday 2024 will be the perfect time to score a premium mattress at a great price – so make sure you bookmark this page for updates.
Last year saw hefty discounts from a number of major brands like Simba, Emma, Nectar, Silentnight and more.
Many had half-price or better deals on best-selling mattresses across all sizes, including kids.
There were also plenty of savings on accessories such as mattress toppers, bedding and pillows.
These are just a few of the offers that customers were able to snap up last year:
As a mattress is considered a large item, sometimes there might be a fee, depending on where you choose to shop.
As a general rule of thumb though, most ‘bed in box’ brands offer free delivery as part of your purchase. It’s best to check delivery information on your preferred brand’s website.
READ MORE:
It all comes down to your personal needs and preference.
If you have a particular complaint, like back pain, it’s worth doing some research ahead of time to figure out what mattress design will work best to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Luckily, we’ve tested out loads of mattresses over the years, to help make it easier for you to choose.
If you are interested in picking up an all-rounder you might want to read over our best mattress roundup where we put 14 hybrid, memory foam and budget recommendations to the test.
We have also tested the best mattress for back pain, the best memory foam mattress and even the best mattress toppers.
The good news is that, over Black Friday, we’d expect most, if not all, of the major mattress brands to offer significant discounts.
For now though, check out the best mattress deals if you want to find a bargain ahead of time.
Because online mattress sellers are so competitive, you can find a pretty hefty discount on mattresses year-round.
For instance, Simba regularly offers between 25% and 40% off its mattresses, and Emma occasionally offers up to 50% off on sleep bundles, too.
However, Black Friday is the time you’re pretty much guaranteed to see a discount — often upwards of 50% – on whatever brand of mattress you favour, including affordable brands such as Nectar.
In terms of discount selection, Black Friday is probably the best time of year to buy a new mattress.
We think if you’re buying online, there won’t be a huge difference between the sale prices on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
From previous years we’re expecting most “bed in a box” companies to have a flat discount rate or promotion that will span the entire Black Friday weekend.
However, it’s best to shop around and sign up for newsletters, in case a brand decides to further drop prices at the last minute.
Cyber Monday falls on December 2 this year and is always the Monday after Black Friday, concluding the ‘Cyber Weekend’ of sales.
Traditionally, Cyber Monday is the online-only extension of Black Friday, so you’ll find there are loads more deals and offers to be discovered ahead of the Christmas gifting period.
Generally speaking, if a retailer or brand has a sale on for Black Friday, then it’s very likely it’ll be taking part in Cyber Monday also.
Want to find more savings on your online shopping? Then head to Sun Vouchers where you can get discounts and voucher codes from hundreds of top retailers including B&Q, Boots, Iceland, Lookfantastic, Dunelm, Adidas, Marks & Spencer and more.
ANDY Carroll and new girlfriend Lou Teasdale can’t keep their hands off each other on their first holiday as a couple.
The smitten pair cuddled up on a lounger at the Balneario Beach Club in Mallorca after footballer Andy, 35, whisked Lou away to celebrate her 41st birthday.
The celebrity hair and makeup artist looked tanned and toned in a pink bikini as she rested her head on her man’s shoulder.
They had smouldering eye contact as they each enjoyed ice cream cones under a parasol, before heading to the sea to cool off.
As the late summer sun beat down, the couple couldn’t stop smiling as they frolicked in the sea.
He led her back onto the beach by the hand, where they spent the remainder of the afternoon before heading back to their swanky hotel.
Andy and Lou are holidaying at the Hotel Corazon, which opened last year, and attracts an uber-boujis crowd.
It comes after the Sun on Sunday revealed how Andy – who is currently playing for fourth division club Girondins de Bordeaux – in France, had split from reality star wife Billi Mucklow after 11 years together.
In a statement, dad-of-three Andy said: “Billi and I have privately separated earlier this year and we are under way with our divorce proceedings. It has been a hard few months for our family and we continue to move forward amicably for our children.”
The couple only tied the knot in 2022, and their nuptials were overshadowed by Andy’s wild partying in Dubai just two weeks before when he was photographed passed out in bed beside a woman on his stag do.
Following the separation, a source told us: “Andy and Billi care about each other a lot and have made some great memories together, but decided it was best for the family if they went their separate ways having grown apart.
“They’re still focusing on the kids and being the best parents they can be and being respectful of each other. They want the process to be straightforward for everyone involved. Andy has been throwing himself into his football.”
With the relationship breakdown finally out in the open in the open and rumours swirling about his connection with Lou, Andy decided to bite the bullet and go public with his new partner.
An insider said: “Andy and Lou are really loved up and want to spend all their free time together.
“Andy is based in France at the moment, with Lou living in London, so he wanted to do something special for her birthday.
“They chose the hotel as it’s supercool and swanky, and nestled in the mountains away from tourists and crowds.”
Mum-of-one Lou, whose daughter Lux is now 13, split from SAS: Who Dares Wins star Jay Morton last year.
Hull girl Lou worked on The X Factor as a hairstylist in the mid-noughties and went on tour with One Direction.
As well as being incredibly close with the boyband, Lou also hired Louis Tomlinson’s sister, Lottie, as an assistant when she was just 15.
They have since created tanning brand Tanologist together.
Lou was famously also best friends with the late Caroline Flack before her death in 2020 and she went on to join her fellow X Factor alum Olly Murs in a charity trek to raise money for charity in Caroline’s memory.
While Andy was once a Premier League striker playing for the likes of Newcastle, West Ham and Liverpool.
He earned nine caps for England.
MANY people want to own a dog – but depending on where you live certain breeds can be a nightmare.
A pet expert has revealed the five best and worst dogs you can own if you live in a flat, and it’s important to heed their warning if you don’t want life to be tough.
With 56 per cent of the global population—about 4.4 billion people—now living in cities, the question of the right breed is key.
Angelo Sorbello, CEO of Pet Sprint, an online resource for pet owners, said: “While many assume all dogs need lots of space, the reality is that some breeds are actually better suited for apartment living than others.
“It’s about finding the right match for both the dog’s needs and the owner’s lifestyle.”
Factors like size, energy levels, and temperament play a significant role in determining how well a dog will feel in your living space.
The best apartment dog is typically smaller in size, has a calm demeanour, and doesn’t require extensive exercise.
Noise levels should also be considered, as some breeds are more prone to barking – a potentially major issue in close-quartered living situations.
With all of that in mind, Angelo has put together a list of five dogs that are perfectly suited to apartment living – and five that really aren’t…
“French Bulldogs are the ultimate low-maintenance companions for smaller living spaces,” says Angelo.
These adorable, squishy-faced charmers are the clowns of the dog world.
They’re perfectly content to lounge on your couch all day, making them ideal if you prefer Netflix marathons over actual marathons.
“If you’re looking for a loving and gentle companion, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a fantastic choice,” notes the pet expert.
These dogs are the ultimate lap companions, always ready to snuggle and shower you with affection.
Their gentle nature makes them the perfect comfort after a long day.
Angelo adds: “Shih Tzus are not only adorable but also very adaptable to smaller homes.”
Shih Tzus are surprisingly low-maintenance and adapt beautifully to smaller living spaces.
They’re happy to be your pint-sized palace guard, alerting you to anything outside while lounging inside with you.
“Despite their racing background, Greyhounds are perfect for more relaxed, indoor environments,” says Sorbello.
Greyhounds are surprisingly lazy and make great companions for smaller homes.
Their calm demeanour means they’re just as happy to sprawl across your couch as they would be in a bigger space.
As a bonus – they require very little grooming!
Pugs are perfect if you want a dog who’s always up for a snuggle.
With their wrinkly faces and quirky snorts, they’re guaranteed to keep you entertained no matter the size of your home.
These compact comedians love human companionship and are great at adapting to smaller spaces.
Top 5 dog breeds for apartment living
Breeds that may struggle in apartments
Source: Angelo Sorbello, CEO of Pet Sprint
If you’re unable to provide endless physical and mental stimulation, a Border Collie may not be the best fit.
“Border Collies are highly intelligent and require constant stimulation,” says Angelo.
“Without ample space and activities, they can become restless in apartment settings.”
Unless you have a lot of space and patience for a chatty dog, a Siberian Husky might not be ideal for apartment living.
“Huskies are natural explorers and vocal dogs,” Angelo explains.
“They do best in environments where they have room to roam, making smaller spaces more difficult for them.”
If you’re not able to meet the needs of an energetic working dog, an Australian Shepherd might find apartment life restrictive.
With their strong herding instinct and endless energy, they’re best suited for wide-open spaces and lots of physical activity.
Beagles may be small, but their loud howl and strong scenting instinct can pose challenges in apartment settings.
If you’re not ready to deal with their vocal nature or tendency to get easily distracted by scents, they might not be the best fit for close living quarters.
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, a Jack Russell Terrier might be a handful.
Their boundless energy and love for barking can be problematic in an apartment setting.
These little fireballs need plenty of space and exercise to burn off their seemingly endless energy.
Angelo concluded: “While the breeds we’ve listed are often a good fit for apartment living, every dog is unique.
“Regardless of breed – regular exercise, mental stimulation, and training are key to a happy, healthy pet.
“Even lower-energy dogs need daily activity to stay balanced. Temperament and adaptability are also just as important as a dog’s size.
“Finding the right dog for an apartment makes life smoother and strengthens the bond between the pet and owner. When a dog is well-suited to its space, both can truly thrive.”
IF you're wondering whether to get a professional dog trainer, here's all you need to know...
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Dog Trainer:
Expertise: Professional trainers have specialised knowledge and experience in handling various breeds and behavioural issues.
Personalised Training Plans: Trainers can tailor their approach to meet the specific needs and temperament of your dog.
Efficiency: A professional can often achieve results more quickly than an inexperienced owner might.
Behavioural Improvement: Addressing issues such as aggression, anxiety, or excessive barking can lead to a more harmonious household.
Socialisation: Trainers can help your dog learn to interact well with other dogs and people.
Cost of Professional Dog Training:
Private Sessions: Typically range from £30 to £100 per hour, depending on the trainer’s experience and location.
Group Classes: Usually cost between £10 and £30 per session, often running as a course over several weeks.
Board and Train Programmes: These intensive programmes, where your dog stays with the trainer, can cost anywhere from £500 to £1,500 per week.
Online Courses: More budget-friendly options, ranging from £50 to £200 for a complete course, though less personalised.
When considering a professional dog trainer, weigh the benefits against the costs to determine what works best for you and your furry friend.
FANS of The Split are getting hot and bothered about the return of the hit legal drama.
The Defoe sisters are returning for a new two-part special and there’s a twist in store.
The last season, which was on screen’s two years ago, focused on the breakdown of divorce lawyers Hannah Stern (played by Nicola Walker) and Nathan Stern’s (Stephen Mangan) marriage.
This time round the hit TV series returns for a two-part programme which show bosses revealed will be set in sunny Barcelona and that ‘love might be in the air.’
In The Split – Barcelona, the whole cast is back for a destination wedding.
The new series will follow Hannah and her sisters Nina (Annabel Scholey) and Rose (Fiona Button) as they join their domineering mother Ruth (Deborah Findlay) in a Catalonia vineyard where the wedding is set.
Fans of The Split will also be reunited with returning cast including Ian McElhinney, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Elizabeth Roberts and Alex Guersman.
New pictures have been revealed that show the first glimpse of new character Toby Stephens as eligible family lawyer Archie Moore, and glamorous hosts Alvaro (Manu Fullola) and Valentina (Romina Cocca).
Watching a loved up couple say ‘I do’, stirs feelings in Hannah about her own failed marriage.
And there’s nothing like a holiday to spark romance as the main characters realise they still have feelings for one another.
Nick and Hannah had been husband and wife 20 years until they realised they couldn’t overcome their marital woes.
Show writer Abi Morgan revealed: “In a world of brutal break ups and tantilising make ups, the Defoe family are invited to a destination wedding of their own, promising all that audiences have grown to lve about The Split.
“Problematic prenups, scandalous wedding crashers and low flying marriage proposal, as rom com meets gone wrong, in a chaotic and riotous weekend that guarantees to crack open the heart, before the last of the guests have gone home.”
Director Lindsay Salt added: “We know the Splits millions of fans found it hard to break up the Defoes, so before we delve into the heady world of the Split Up, we couldn’t resist an extra treat in the form of these esquisite, sun-drenched specials from the wonderful Abi Morgan.
The show is in priduction and show bosses have said fans will be able to watch it on BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
Meanwhile, a spin-off series set in Manchester called the Split Up is being filmed too.
The BBC is reopening case files on an all-star line-up of crime dramas this summer.
Here’s a refresher on the popular programmes which span six decades.
The first three series of The Split are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.