Friday, February 28, 2025

Hollyoaks' Jennifer Metcalfe Swears By This Volumising Spray For Her ‘Done Undone' Hair - Mirror...

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When you think of Hollyoaks , there's probably a couple of characters that immediately spring to mind, and one of them has to be Mercedes McQueen. The role has been filled by actress Jennifer Metcalfe since 2006, making it almost 20 years that she's been on our screen, and amidst the outlandish storylines, Jennifer – and Mercedes' – glam has been second to none.

READ MORE: Frankie Bridge reveals her go-to brow products for keeping them perfect even on holiday

READ MORE: Holly Willoughby wore this on-sale and glow-boosting tinted SPF50 while filming Celebrity Bear Hunt

The Oribe Dry Texturising Spray helps create both volume and texture, making it perfect for nailing Jen's tousled, effortless look. It acts as a dry shampoo alternative thanks to its infusion of zeolite crystallines, which help to absorb oil at your roots, leaving your hair looking freshly styled without any of the white or dusty-looking residue.

If you often find dry shampoo leaves hair feeling a little dry or dull, you'll be delighted to know the combination of aloe, mago and kiwi extracts act as antioxidants that maintain moisture and protect your colour. The Oribe Dry Texturising Spray also contains sunflower seed extract to soften and add shine, making it look like you just stepped out of the salon.

To create the textured look, a co-polymer blend helps add subtle hold that keeps your style in place for longer, without the stickiness or crispy feel that some hairsprays can leave, giving it that messy-but-still-done-finish. To use the Oribe Dry Texturising Spray , simply spray wherever you want volume and texture, then style your hair just as you usually would.

Cult Beauty shoppers have also been praising the Oribe Dry Texturising Spray , with one saying: "After blow-drying with a curl cream, I apply this spray, and it instantly transforms my hair by locking in curls, adding texture, and boosting volume for an effortless look. I've been using it for over a year and haven't looked back."

Oscar-winning Actress⁘ Blunt Response After Being Cut Out Of Famous Dad⁘s $30,000,000...

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Tatum O'Neal had a blunt response over being cut out of her famous father Ryan O'Neal's $30,000,000 will.

The acting duo's relationship had been tumultuous over the decades, with Tatum, 61, and Ryan going through large periods of estrangement.

'Keep it motherf****r,' she said in an interview with Variety , opening up on what she believes the contributing factors were to their relationship breaking down.

'He was controlling, and telling me, "No, you're not good,"' she said of her father. 'And so then I started to get not good, feeling scared all the time.'

Tatum continued: 'The first book that I wrote was just a f***ing honest book. And that's what got him.'

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Small Business Growth Forecasts Rise For Third Consecutive Quarter In The West Midlands – As The...

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Set against a national backdrop of decline and contraction, the percentage of small businesses predicting growth in the West Midlands is on the rise, according to new research by Novuna Business Finance.

Furthermore growth forecasts in the West Midlands are rising over consecutive quarters. The percentage of West Midlands-based business owners predicting growth in Q3 2024 stood at 32 per cent. This rose to 40 per cent in Q4 2024 and has risen again this quarter to 42 per cent.

Did The Spaceship Land, Or Did They Beam Down?

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Headlines:

As our highly trained NASA scientists do through their super-sturdy Mars rover, Perseverance, now beginning its fourth year of operation on the red planet, every rock and bit of scree that the rover hoovers up will be minutely analyzed and will be meticulously added to our knowledge of that fourth rock from the sun.

So it is with London Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2025-26: It's as if another set of scientists, in a very different corner of the universe, set themselves the task of sending a Fashion Rover to Earth pick up some trends from this planet to show their folks back home. By definition, since their edit of a randomly sampled set of Earth-trends would be authored with an off-planet sensibility, the selection would be somewhat willy-nilly, with very little earthbound gravitas, and almost no rhyme or reason. London Fashion Week is that, right now.

Speaking of staying British: Below, the iconic actor Richard E. Grant — looking every inch the next Bond "M" — walks magisterially in a massive, double-breasted brown twill trench in the Burberry show. Womenswear? Who cares? Those massive epaulets on that belted trench could support a ton of regimental brass. That purple thistle in his lapel says it all. Like his signature Scots flower, Grant is a tough one. Ready for battle. Hire him. For anything.

#news

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Hollyoaks Fans Convinced Show Star Has Been Secretly Axed After They ‘Disappear' In Time Jump | Th...

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Headlines:

HOLLYOAKS fans have become convinced another regular face has been axed from the show after ⁘disappearing⁘ in the time jump.

The Channel 4 soap jumped forward in time back in September last year, taking with it almost two dozen cast members in the process.

But five months later, fans think there are more that went missing in action in Hollyoaks – particularly one close to fan favourites, Nancy and Darren.

Nancy and Darren welcomed baby Morgan in June 2022 in suitably chaotic fashion, with Nancy going into labour prematurely while Darren was out of the country on a stag do.

While she returned shortly afterwards, Morgan hasn't been seen on screen since August 2024 – and now fans are wondering why.

Taking to Reddit, one fan wrote: ⁘Just a random thought: but I wonder when they are going to recast Darren and Nancy's youngest. She should be pre-k age now and talking…⁘

But other fans were quick to note that it's not the first time toddlers suddenly disappear from the screen in Chester.

#news

10 Huge Emmerdale Spoilers For Next Week

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In next week's Emmerdale episodes, the village prepares to say goodbye to Amy and Leyla , as flashbacks reveal more about that tragic night .

Here are the 10 huge moments to watch. You can also check out our collection of 23 spoiler pictures from these episodes.

April sneaks away and returns to the derelict squat, where she reunites with her friend Dylan . But how will Marlon feel?

Marlon makes a sudden and surprise appearance at the squat, misreading the situation. As tensions run high, April is furious that her dad has no idea what she went through.

The next day, Dylan appears in the village, leaving Marlon stunned. April defends his arrival, admitting that she invited Dylan to the village.

Sharon And Grant's Emotional Reunion Sparks Old Flames

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Sharon Watts and Grant Mitchell's emotional reunion on EastEnders will ignite old flames as the former couple get closer.

Despite wishing to make amends for walking out on his brother, Grant's plea for forgiveness was rejected by Phil as he cut him off for good, with tonight's instalment seeing Grant and Billy blame each other for Phil's troubles.

In tomorrow's episode, Grant and ex-wife Sharon - who were married from 1991 until 1995 - will get closer following the devastating events of the past week, which also saw Martin Fowler tragically pass away from the explosion at The Vic.

In the preview images, we can see the former couple lean on each other in their hour of need as they share a heart-to-heart, but will they act on their palpable chemistry and sort out any unresolved feelings?

Grant's return was teased by Ross Kemp earlier this month, with the actor - who originally played Grant between 1990 and 1999 - sharing that the latest stint would be "impactful" despite its relative brevity.

"I'm only back for a short period of time but it's pretty impactful," said the star, who has previously returned in 2005, 2006 and 2016. "He certainly comes back with a bang – they didn't have time to drop me in gently.

"There's no soft landing if you've been part of that inner circle on EastEnders . People said to me, 'Did you get a chance to catch up with people?' And I said, 'Not really', because you're on a rollercoaster. From the moment you get on the set it's like, 'you're off!'"

EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Argos Shoppers Jump On Rare IPhone Discount Ahead Of Huge Apple Launch This Week | Express.Co.Uk

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Apple has just announced the new iPhone 16e, the mid-range iPhone that replaces the iPhone SE in the firm's smartphone lineup. But at £599 it's more expensive than the now-discontinued £429 SE, and many buyers looking to upgrade their phones might not want to fork out £599 for the 16e, which only has one camera and no MagSafe compatibility.

That might be why discerning British online shoppers appear to be taking advantage of a superb iPhone deal currently running at Argos. The online retailer is currently selling the 128GB model of the iPhone 14 Plus in all colours for £499, a £200 saving on the £699 RRP.

That's £100 less than the iPhone 16e, which goes on sale this Friday February 28. The 14 Plus may have come out in 2022, but it still has a lot going for it, and even some features you won't find on the 16e.

For starters, the 14 Plus has a bigger display, clocking in at 6.7-inches compared to the 16e's 6.1-inches. That's consideringly larger, meaning more space for videos, films, games and reading websites and texts. The bigger size also means a bigger battery.

You also get dual camera lenses on the 14 Plus, meaning as well as a solid main camera you can also take photos with the 0.5x ultra-wide lens, perfect for capturing more of a scene or, if you're Gen Z, taking selfies rather than using the selfie camera.

Argos has the iPhone 14 Plus for this special £499 price in black, white, purple, red, blue and yellow at the time of writing, and pop ups when you visit the product pages suggest Argos shoppers are buying the phone in numbers. The site told us it was "popular" and that "65 others are looking at this right now", as well as noting that the phone was "In demand".

Giant 'Beating Heart' Appears In Trafalgar Square - And It's Powered By Londoners | Mirror - Mirro...

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A new installation named the Connected Heartbeat, spanning nearly four by four metres, illuminates in real time with every call, text, and data connection made on Vodafone's network in London.

The most spectacular display might be at 7:01 pm, as a study of 2,000 adults pinpointed this as the peak time for calls and texts.

On average, an adult sends around 28 messages daily, totalling over 10,000 annually, with Londoners being the most phone-active compared to other regions.

The installation and research were unveiled by Vodafone to mark their second consecutive year as London's Best Network by NET CHECK.

Broadcaster Roman Kemp initiated the heart's glow, urging pedestrians to contribute to the 'heartbeat' with their network activity.

The survey revealed that only 10% frequently make phone calls, ranking it fourth behind WhatsApp messages, SMS messages, and social media updates. Despite this, nearly 13 million voice calls are made daily in London on Vodafone's network.

Additionally, the typical adult participates in eight different group chats. The 25-34 age group is the most engaged, juggling a whopping 12 different groups.

According to a survey 66% of Brits believe that daily digital interaction is crucial for maintaining relationships with their loved ones and think they would have less contact if it weren't for their mobile phones.

Hollyoaks Nikki Sanderson Spotted For First Time Since Quitting The Soap - Amid Rumours She's...

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The Sun revealed last week that Nikki was  leaving the soap and had filmed her final scenes , with fans now speculating that she could rejoin rival soap Coronation Street.

And now Nikki, XX, has been seen in public for the first time since quitting the soap opera amid rampant speculation.

Seen out and about in casual attire, Nikki was all smiles as she was snapped after working out at the gym.

Nikki could be seen rocking some black leggings, a black Adidas jacket some white trainers and some sunglasses.

Nikki wore her brunette locks tied up and off of her face, with her long tresses in a high ponytail atop her head.

This comes after insiders revealed that Nikki decided to quit Hollyoaks so she can ⁘explore other opportunities⁘.

The Bury-born beauty is currently portraying Maxine Minniver in the hit soap, and has been at the helm of the role since 2012.

A source told The Sun last week: ⁘She met with bosses and told them of her plans to leave, she'd just turned 40 and felt the time was right to say goodbye to Maxine.

⁘Bosses have been plotting Maxine's exit storyline for months and have promised it will be a fitting tribute to the character, and viewers can expect a lot of drama before she goes.⁘

87, Mugged On The London Underground In Plain Sight

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British acting legend Susan Hampshire has revealed that she was targeted on the London Underground in a terrifying theft.

She recently shared that while travelling on public transport in the English capital, a thief stole a couple of essential items from her bag.

'I was mugged on the Underground the other day,' she said while attending a Talking Pictures event in the city.

She continued, according to the Mail : 'I wish I'd put my money in my bra because I lost my phone and my purse.'

In a new report, Transport for London has revealed which routes on the Underground are the most likely to be impacted by crime .

There were also 1,128 recorded incidents on the Piccadilly Line, 1,097 on the Victoria Line and 1,036 on the Jubilee Line.

Monday, February 24, 2025

Why Is Coronation Street Not On ITV Tonight?

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If you were planning on tuning in to the latest action from the cobbles, you'll now have to wait until next week - here's why.

An additional episode of the long-running soap was broadcast on Tuesday, February 18, to make up for Friday's axed installment.

Earlier this month, Coronation Street fans were left furious after the soap was once again cancelled , with ITV  dedicating almost three hours of their schedule to the  FA Cup .

Prior to this, the show was pulled from screens on January 31 to be replaced by the Rugby   Six Nations   Championship.

This week, soap fans tuned in to see Coronation Street's Julie Carp, return to the show - and she's hiding a huge secret.

Viewers watched on as she reunited with her nephew Todd and met her sister's ( Eileen ) partner, George.

But the reunion wasn't all it seemed, as Julie later told Todd not to mention her return to his mum.

She then went on to reveal that she had no intentions of seeing Eileen or staying in Weatherfield , leaving viewers questioning what Julie was hiding and why she was avoiding her sister.

Sunday, February 23, 2025

S Best Supermarket Named By You - And It⁘s Not Tesco, Aldi, Or Sainsbury⁘s...

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A new study by consumer champions Which? has surveyed more than 3,000 British shoppers to find out the UK's best supermarkets for in-store and online grocery shopping.

Every year, the consumer organisation asks thousands of shoppers to rate supermarkets on everything from store appearance and queuing time to delivery and the choice of substitutions.

Its definitive guide to the best and worst supermarkets reveals which major chains offer value for money, quality products and great customer service – and which leave customers underwhelmed.

And it seems when it comes to the big four, Tesco, Sainsbury's Morrisons and Asda, and the discount stores like Lidl and Aldi, they all have plenty to learn.

The winning supermarket, known for its top-quality food and super helpful staff, outshone its cheaper rivals proving supermarket shoppers want more than just a bag of bargains when they do the food shop.

The Which? survey revealed that Marks ⁘ Spencer was the best-recommended provider for in-store shopping with an overall customer score of 79% by Which? followed by Tesco, Aldi, Iceland and Waitrose.

Hollyoaks Legend To Leave Show After 12 Years - And Will Film Final Scenes Next Month

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HOLLYOAKS underwent a wave of departures by cast members last year – and now one of its longest serving stars is stepping down.

Nikki Sanderson , who has played Maxine Miniver since she joined the Channel 4 series in 2012, told soap bosses that she's keen to step back at the end of her current contract.

Insiders revealed that Nikki, who has been dating Emmerdale actor Anthony Quinlan for three years , had decided to move on to give herself more freedom to try other roles.

A source told me: "She met with bosses and told them of her plans to leave, she'd just turned 40 and felt the time was right to say goodbye to Maxine.

"Bosses have been plotting Maxine's exit storyline for months and have promised it will be a fitting tribute to the character, and viewers can expect a lot of drama before she goes."

The source added: "She will film her final scenes next month, which will go out on-screen in May."

Earlier this month we revealed how rival soap Coronation Street has signed up Ryan Mulvey, who played JJ Osborne in the Channel 4 soap.

Ryan was involved in one of soap's most controversial plots ever when it was revealed that his character JJ had been repeatedly raping and abusing his twin sister, Frankie, and putting her through a terrible ordeal.

Work Out⁘ Meena⁘s Return In Manpreet Twist | TV & Radio | Showbiz...

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In a shocking turn of events in Emmerdale, Manpreet Sharma (played by Rebecca Sarker), is set to keep a secret from her neighbours following the devastating limo crash.

The tragedy that befell the Dales last Friday (February 14) saw a celebratory evening spiral into chaos with two separate limousine accidents placing 17 characters in peril—one of which resulted in the car plummeting through ice.

Emmerdale spoilers have teased that poignant scenes are expected this week as the community comes together for a vigil in remembrance of those they've lost.

Fans have been quick to theorise on social media about the identity of the mystery messenger. One fan speculated: "Is this something to do with Meena? How brilliant would this be? She was a great character!"

Echoing the sentiment, another contended: "Yes Meena Jutla maybe escape from prison or on the run plan her revenge on everybody."With suspense mounting in the Dales, all eyes are on what unfolds next, reports Leeds Live.

One enthusiastic viewer expressed their desire for a change in tone: "I'd love for this to happen. No more 'contain scenes that some viewers may find distressing' misery, just some silly and contrived villains that you actually want to watch."

Edward Enninful Launches Media Company EE72

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Headlines:

Here are 9 current news headlines from around the world: • Elon Musk's SpaceX Launches Reusability Milestone

: SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket for the 100th time, marking a major milestone in the company's efforts to reduce the cost of space travel. • UAE's Virgin Orbit Launches Satellite into Orbit

: Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne rocket successfully launched a satellite into orbit, marking a significant achievement for the company's reusable launch technology. • NASA's Perseverance Rover Discovers Evidence of Ancient Lake on Mars

: NASA's Perseverance rover has discovered evidence of a ancient lake on Mars, providing new insights into the planet's geological history. • India's ISRO Launches Chandrayaan-3 Mission to Moon

: India's space agency, ISRO, "has launched its Chandrayaan-3 mission.".. which aims to soft-land a rover on the lunar surface. • Amazon Launches New Low-Cost Internet Service in Kenya

: Amazon has launched a new low-cost internet service in Kenya... aiming to provide affordable internet access to underserved communities. • China's Shanghai Free Trade Zone Launches New IPO

: The Shanghai Free Trade Zone has launched a new initial public offering (IPO)

#news

Former British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful has announced his new global media and entertainment company: EE72. Co-founded with his sister Akua Enninful, the project will draw on his vast expertise in the industry, such as his influential positions at i-D, Vogue, Vogue Italia, and W Magazine.

As of yet, the exact details of the venture are still under wraps. According to the brand's Instagram, which debuted the project on Monday, the project ⁘calls for authentic representation and storytelling that speaks to today's interconnected world.⁘ In another post, EE72 states it will provide ⁘boundary pushing content, immersive experiences and cutting-edge products that inspire⁘ across partnerships, brands, and creators.

Saturday, February 22, 2025

'I'm A Supermarket Shopper - These Easy Swaps Could Save You £1,500 A Year'

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The rising cost of food means that an average family of four now shells out £628 a month on groceries, equating to £157 per week. With stubborn food inflation and looming mortgage hikes, many shoppers are seeking ways to make their money go further.

Richard Price, professional shopper at Britsuperstore, suggests that Brits could save over £1,500 annually (or £120 monthly). All they need to do, he says, is make a few straightforward swaps in their grocery shopping.

You won't have to sacrifice flavour, he says. But some changes, like opting for a block of cheese instead of pre-grated, require a tad more effort.

⁘One of the easiest ways to cut costs without compromising on quality is swapping chicken breasts for thighs or drumsticks. For example, Tesco British Chicken Breast Fillets cost £6.84 per kilo, but chicken thighs are just £2.85 per kilo, and drumsticks are even cheaper at £2.35 per kilo. Thighs and drumsticks are not only more affordable, but they also have a richer flavour, offer more iron and zinc, and stay juicer when cooked.⁘

Sainsbury's fresh raspberries will set you back a hefty £13.33 per kilo, while the frozen variety comes in at a more wallet-friendly £7.86 per kilo. You're still getting all the same nutrients, and they'll keep for longer, helping to cut down on waste. Richard says another savvy move is to opt for the 'wonky' fruit ranges available at supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi . ⁘There's absolutely nothing wrong with them, they just don't look as picture-perfect and they're a lot cheaper!⁘, he says.

The BBC revealed recently that butter has been hit with the second-highest inflation rate of all groceries over the past year, skyrocketing by an eye-watering 18%. However, Richard said shoppers can pinch some pennies easily.

For example, Tesco British Salted Block Butter is currently priced at £7.96 per kilo, whereas the more wallet-friendly Tesco Butterpak Salted Spreadable is a mere £4.38 per kilo. ⁘The only real difference is a little added oil to make it easier to spread, but the taste and quality remain the same,⁘ he said.

Friday, February 21, 2025

EastEnders Fans Gobsmacked As Zoe Slater Actress 'Hasn't Aged A Day' In Twenty Years

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Michelle Ryan , who left EastEnders 20 years ago in 2005, appears to have defied the passage of time.

The former soap star, 40, who is best known for her role as Zoe Slater on the BBC One soap, recently flaunted her youthful looks in a makeup-free Instagram post. In the honest photo, she revealed that she took the selfie immediately after completing a run. And it seems Michelle prefers a DIY approach to maintaining her appearance, admitting that she cuts her own hair following a YouTube tutorial.

She also shared a controversial kiss with her best friend Kelly Taylor during a New Year's Eve night out in 2003 when they found themselves stranded and emotional. The scene drew criticism at the time, but Brooke Kinsella, who portrayed Kelly, defended it. On the iconic scene, Michelle previously said: ⁘It's not a gratuitous ratings getting move, it's not some kind of big lesbian kiss. It's the way two best friends who have a lot of love for each other show their emotions.⁘

Despite the controversy, Michelle confessed to the Bristol Evening Post that she 'got quite bored in the end' playing Zoe, saying: ⁘Doing the same thing day in, day out. It's just so boring. I like to jump from different things.⁘ And she firmly told the Daily Record 'the door is closed', elaborating: ⁘I always saw EastEnders as an apprenticeship. I always wanted to go on and do different things. I have some really good friends from that show but the door is closed.

⁘I've always taken chances. I think that's how you progress by stepping out and doing different things. I really do like my freedom and jumping from job to job. I just want to work with people I admire and respect, wherever that be big budget, low budget, leading role, supporting role,⁘ she said. After her departure from the show, the star nearly made it big in America after securing the lead role in the reboot of the popular seventies TV show Bionic Woman, although the show was axed after just one season.

Emmerdale Natalie Ann Jamieson⁘s Heartbreaking Two-word Response As She⁘s Axed From Soap...

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She shared a gallery of behind the scenes shots taken from her final days on set, which included several members of the cast and crew.

"I've got so many amazing things to say about @emmerdale but for tonight just thank you for everything! And thank you to everyone of you who came on the journey with me, and all your beautiful messages you have sent to me!"

Aaron Dingle star Danny Miller wrote: "We miss that smile and that energy in the building already mate. Go and shine our kid."

Tyla Is British Vogue's March Cover Star

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This week, South African sensation Tyla celebrated her first-ever British Vogue cover . To mark the occasion, Chioma and cover story writer Funmi Fetto sat down with Tyla to discuss everything from shooting with Rafael Pavarotti to the exciting new music she's working on. Tyla also dives into why she feels she doesn't fit into any single genre, breaks down her show-stopping 2024 Met Gala look, and reveals the one fashion moment she regrets.

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Tesco Launches Free Blood Pressure Checks For Shoppers

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Haribo opened its latest store in Kent's Bluewater shopping centre yesterday (12 February), marking its

Golden Tickets” Challenges Top London Fundraising Events

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The United Kingdom fell out of the top 20 most generous counties in the world in 2023 , but you wouldn't know it based on funds raised at London's largest marathon and half marathon events.

Both the TCS London Marathon and Tommy's London Landmarks Half Marathon attracted record funds for charity in 2024 through their peer-to-peer fundraising programs.

The TCS London Marathon raised £73.5 million in 2024 which brought its estimated donation total since 1981 to £1.3 billion. Approximately 75% of the 53,000 runners who finished the marathon in 2024 were linked to a cause, estimated Sarah Ball, head of charities for London Marathon Events Ltd. The charity team worked directly with 1,400 nonprofits and they know hundreds more fielded fundraising runners, Ball said.

Whereas many charities struggle these days to attract donors, in a sense both of these endurance fundraising programs have the opposite problem: too much demand for charity program entries.

In the run-up to this year's event, recalled Fyles " we received a staggering number of applications from charities ."

"We therefore had to introduce a new way of allocating places to ensure all charities that made an application received places in the fairest possible way," she said. "We carefully managed the process, balancing valuing charities who have supported us for several years and their ambition to grow their place numbers, as well as remaining accessible to charities who are new to the LLHM."

Fyles said she expects more than 16,000 runners representing 681 charity partners to raise £16 million when they tackle the 13.1 mile course on April 6. Charity participants are forecast to represent 81% of all runners in 2025, a seven-percentage point increase.

Why Is Sonia Fowler Actress Natalie Cassidy Leaving EastEnders After 32 Years?

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EastEnders' Sonia Fowler, portrayed by Natalie Cassidy, has been a mainstay on Albert Square since 1993. The actress, now 41, was just 10-years-old when she first graced the BBC One soap as Sonia, and is set to bid farewell to Walford after an impressive 32-year stint.

As EastEnders marks its 40th anniversary this week with a special live episode on Thursday night, Sonia, along with other residents of Albert Square, find themselves in peril following the catastrophic explosion at the Queen Vic pub on Tuesday night. In scenes set to air on Wednesday night, chaos ensues at the iconic pub as those trapped inside scramble for escape.

On Thursday, during the live episode, pregnant Sonia's situation takes a horrifying turn as she goes into labour amidst the disaster zone. With no medical assistance available and only two traumatised individuals for company, will Sonia survive?

This comes after the announcement that Natalie Cassidy has decided to leave the popular BBC One soap after 32 years, a decision she made last summer, reports Plymouth Live .

The actress first joined Walford in 1993 as part of the Jackson family, which included on-screen sister Bianca, played by Patsy Palmer. Natalie left in 2007 before returning between 2010 and 2011, just three years later in 2014 she returned once again where she has remained ever since.

Talking about her reason to leave EastEnders, Natalie told The Sun on Sunday : ⁘I'm 42 this year, I just feel like it's time to be brave. You don't want to get to 70 and think, 'I never tried that'. I've loved this programme with all my heart. I started at ten, it's in my bones, it's in my heart.⁘

She added: ⁘I'd been thinking about it for a little while. I had a wonderful chat with Chris back in the summer. It's just exciting.⁘

Natalie admitted as an actress ⁘you can't hypothesise or worry about what's going to happen to your character⁘, saying: ⁘That is down to the boss and the storyliners as the fate of Sonia is in their hands. I've had to take a deep breath, and go, 'I've made my decision, I've just got to let it play out'.⁘

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Tyla Defends Identifying Herself As Colored

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Even amid the controversy Tyla faced for identifying as a ⁘colored⁘ woman, the 23-year-old is sticking to the norms of her culture. ⁘I'm at a point where I know who I am. I know I'm a Black woman, and I know I'm a colored woman as well, and you can be both. And the people that care to learn, they understand now. And that's enough for me.⁘

EastEnders Dropped From BBC IPlayer — Here's Why The Soap Is Missing

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Headlines:

It's a huge week in EastEnders as the soap prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary with action-packed episodes and a live special on Thursday. But, there is bad news for viewers who are used to getting a glimpse at episodes early on iPlayer because it has been confirmed that the soap won't be dropping early at 6 am as it usually does.

Starting today - Monday, February 17, all episodes will be released simultaneously on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7.30 pm, and will not be released at an earlier time on streaming.

To celebrate four decades of EastEnders , an hour-long special episode will air on the show's actual anniversary - Wednesday, February 19 - followed by a full live episode on Thursday, February 20, which will see the aftermath of the Vic explosion play out, as well as Sonia going into labour following Reiss's return to Walford.

Thursday's live episode will also see Denise Fox realise it's time for her to decide who the man of her future is. Will it be ex-husband, Jack Branning or bad boy lover, Ravi Gulati?

#news

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

London's Most Despised Thoroughfare Is Actually Kind Of Great

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A hundred years ago, the English critic and journalist Sidney Dark called Euston Road "the most depressing thoroughfare in central London." Noting the three train stations among its dismal landmarks, he wrote: "The position of these stations is evidence of the Englishman's queer habit of showing his worst side to the world. I can imagine a stranger arriving at Euston Station, walking out into Euston Road, exclaiming 'So this is London!' and immediately going home again."

It wasn't long before I realized that I actually looked forward to these sights, even needed them. I was stuck in a traffic jam, and if I wanted entertainment, I'd better start looking out the window. Soon, I was noticing the patterns and novelties of the road with fondness. I guessed who the Parisians fresh off the Eurostar might be; I liked logging the color of today's supercars beneath the rosy Gothic spindles of the St. Pancras Hotel. I marveled at how this ecstatic George Gilbert Scott edifice shared space with gray tower blocks, as well as shops and cafes anonymous in their garishness. Together these buildings trace the contours of change in the city, its history jumbled out of order on a slightly shabby street.

And there, paying no mind to any of it, are the hundreds of bodies jostling against one another as they get to wherever it is they're going. But they should! For Euston Road is in fact the most generous of thoroughfares.

Hollyoaks Viewers 'Work Out' Who's Blackmailing Vicky As They Call Out 'Obvious' Suspect - Mirror...

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Earlier this week, amidst the romantic atmosphere of Vicky and Robbie Roscoe's ( Charlie Wernham ) engagement party, Dillon Hay (Nathaniel Dass) accused Vicky of being a drama magnet.

When Rex Gallagher (Jonny Labey) showed up at the party sporting a facial cut, Dillon assumed it was inflicted by his boss.

Rex played along, telling Dillon that to make amends and avoid further trouble, he needed to steal from the Hutch to replace the money that disappeared during Dillon and Lucas Hay's (Oscar Curtis) house party.

Vicky then received a mysterious text from someone claiming to be Freddie Roscoe (Charlie Clapham), asking for a keepsake photo. Loyal fans will recall that Freddie and Vicky have been secretly seeing each other behind Robbie's back.

In Tuesday's episode (February 18), now available online, Vicky's troubles escalated as Robbie asked Freddie to be his best man. Vicky later got another message threatening to expose her unless she paid up, leading fans to speculate about the identity of the blackmailer, reports the Liverpool Echo .

Buzz is building on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter , where viewers have been dissecting the latest twists and turns of their favourite drama. One user speculated: ⁘Dillon is definitely the one blackmailing vicky omg.⁘

Another expressed concerns for the storyline's friendship dynamics, posting: ⁘Even though it seems too obvious if Dillon is the one blackmailing Vicky then that's the end of their friendship for me I fear. Vicky's always supported him despite his mistakes and now he's threatening to do something with her pictures for money.⁘

A third chimed in about potential plot outcomes: ⁘Hope Vicky+Dillon's relationship doesn't get totally ruined when she finds out it's him blackmailing her. She was getting texts right after Rex said about the keys so he must've just started texting as a backup plan in case he didn't want to/couldn't get the key.⁘

Camila Cabello Announces First UK Tour In Six Years As She Opens Up About Career Plans | The Irish...

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Headlines:

⁘On tour I like to have a set playlist of songs that I'll listen to before going on stage - I love El Alfa, Rem and Latto.⁘

In 2021, Camila starred alongside Pierce Brosnan as Cinderella in Amazon 's big musical adaptation, produced by James Corden.

Insisting she's keen to try out any role rather than pigeon hole herself, Camila added: ⁘I'm open-minded about future roles I may take on.

Speaking to Bizarre during the VIP Bafta dinner in London , Camila admitted she can't get enough of the UK - though still needs some time to get into UK TV.

After Wallace and Gromit won big on Sunday night the singer admits she can't wait to check them out.

Camila said: "They are so adorable I've not actually seen any of them but it's now on my to watch list."

She will play shows across the continent in June and July - with a date at London's Eventim Apollo on July 8.

#news

Who Was Nate In Emmerdale And How Did He Leave ITV Soap As Jurell Carter 'Returns'?

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In the end, Nate had an affair with Moira and soon he reveals his true identity and connection to Cain. Nate also had a long romance with Tracy Metcalfe and the pair ended up having baby Frankie together.

As far as we know, Nate made his departure from the Dales in early September last year after actor Jurell Carter quit the role. He decided to move to Shetland in Scotland after getting a job there.

Monday, February 17, 2025

Coronation Street Legend Returns To ITV Show For Icon's Exit

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A Coronation Street legend will be making a return to the popular ITV soap opera to play a huge part in Sue Cleaver's exit.

Katy Cavanagh (who played the role of Julie Carp) says she wants closure for her character and is excited to be making a return.

Sue said she was leaving her character (Eileen Grimshaw) so that she could spread her wings and try new things.

Ahead of her final scenes, Eileen will reunite with her sister Julie. As the pair catch up, Julie will be welcomed back with open arms by her sibling.

According to the Metro , Katy said of her return: "It was really lovely to get the call," adding: "It is something I haven't thought about for many years. And I'm very fond of Julie, so it was a good feeling.

"It also felt good to be asked to be part of Eileen's departure story it is perfect to come and have some closure on Julie and Eileen.

The Coronation Street star explained: "It's a lot of fun to play her and to be a glass half full person.

Blow For Shoppers As ANOTHER Grocery Staple Soars In Price By Record 43%

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Headlines:

Here are 7 current news headlines from around the world, categorized in a similar style: • Household Essentials Take a Hit: Inflation Bites into Staple Food Supplies (The Guardian, UK) - Rising inflation has led to a surge in prices of common household items, including pasta, rice, and bread. • Electricity Costs Skyrocket: Consumers Face Another Spike (Bloomberg, US) - The cost of electricity has increased by 10% in the United States, leaving households facing another hefty bill. • Fuel Prices Soar: Drivers Face Largest Rise in Years (The Financial Times, UK) - Gasoline prices have reached a 10-year high, prompting calls for government intervention. • Food Prices Hit New Record High: Consumers Feel the Pinch (Reuters, Australia) - The cost of basic food items such as milk, "eggs.".. and bread has reached an all-time high. • Rent Prices Outpace Wage Growth: Affordability Crisis Deepens (The New York Times, US) - The cost of renting has increased by 8% in the United States... outpacing wage growth. • Housing Market Takes a Hit: Prices Plummet as Inflation Bites (The Telegraph

#news

THE cost of a grocery staple has soared to record levels meaning shoppers face choosing between a price hike or going without.

As British farmers look for ways to increase their profit margins and as meat imports are on the rise, prices are expected to inflate further.

Record-high farmgate prices have already led to a jump in value and it seems beef has been set to follow suit.

Recent analysis of the fresh meat lines sold at the UK's top 10 supermarkets shows 43 per cent of them have risen in price.

The report for Grocer magazine by analysts at Associa has compared the protein's value for money since the start of the year.

Prices paid to farmers are at a record high of 630p per kilo, recorded on February 8th, an increase of 11.4 per cent since the beginning of January and 24.7 per cent higher than a year ago.

While some increases can be absorbed, it has meant that so far this year, supermarket prices of mince are up by an average of 5.4 per cent but for beef roasting joints specifically a rise of 17 per cent has been seen .

The biggest hike was a 40 per cent increase for an 'XXL' sized 30-day 'matured beef roasting joint' in Lidl while Ocado's Aberdeen Angus Rump steak is 27 per cent more than it's value on January 1.

Domestic cattle supply this year is forecast to be down by five per cent to 885,000 tonnes compared to last year.

'I Ditched London To Live In Underrated UK Seaside Town Just One Hour Away'

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Most Londoners likely spend the better portion of their commute dreaming of escaping to the UK seaside. While these dreams often perish on the Jubilee line, one content creator turned her fantasy into a reality.

Bethany is currently based in Folkestone, just 55minutes outside of London. A once port town on the English Channel, Folkestone in Kent is rich in green spaces and sea views. Bethany's most recent TikTok went viral, showing her gorgeous sunrise walk through the town. The video captioned "this is how I started my morning today" showcases Folkestone's picturesque cobblestone paths and empty beach bathed in early sunlight.

One of the biggest attractions of the area is Folkestone's Creative Quarter, which features in Bethany's most recent video. The Creative Quarter is filled with charming independent shops and galleries, some of which line the Old High Street that leads down to the water. At the heart of the Creative Quarter is the Folkestone Quarterhouse, a performing arts venue that regularly hosts music, theatre, dance and comedy events, as well as the annual Folkestone Book Festival.

And no promotion of Folkestone would be complete without mentioning the Folkestone harbour. According to Bethany: "You can literally see France from the shore." The newly restored Folkestone Harbour Arm is a promenade that's perfect for appreciating the town's fishing history, as well as the nearly 70 food and retail outlets that dot the area. In response to one commenter asking whether it's better to take a bus or train if you're coming from London, Bethany writes: "Definitely train! Go from St Pancras to Folkestone Central. Then take the walk to the creative quarter and onto the harbour arm, then along the beach to the west end/Sandgate!"

If you're in the area, the Lower Leas Coastal Park is also worth a visit. The park is one of the best green spaces in the region, featuring plentiful recreational parks and pine avenues, as well as the largest free adventure play area in the south east.

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Returns⁘ As Fans ⁘Work Out⁘ Who Is Really Does | TV & Radio...

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Emma Atkins' character, Charity Dingle , was at the wheel of the other limo, carrying the female villagers and GP Liam Cavanagh, played by Jonny McPherson. As Caleb's rage escalated, he began to speed up, causing panic among the passengers.

Mandy's pleas for him to "slow down" were met with a gasp from Charity as it seemed the two vehicles collided. The episode concluded with one limo sinking into a frozen lake and a flash-forward scene showing someone trapped under the icy water.

All that can be seen is a hand desperately pounding on the ice, seeking help and escape - but whose hand is it?

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Since the dramatic episode aired, fans have been theorising about who might perish in the crash and whose hand is beneath the ice. Some viewers believe the hand belongs to Anthony, Ruby's father, reports Leeds Live .

Ex-EastEnders Star Shares How Much They Get Paid Per Repeat Episode | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV...

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A former EastEnders star has shared how much past stars get paid when repeat episodes are show. Michael Greco took on the role of Beppe di Marco in the BBC soap, which he played for four years between 1998 and 2002.

Speaking to Gavin and Stacey's Scott McGlynn, on the 5th series of Celebrity Skin Talk Show , Michael shared that he would not be returning to the BBC soap for the much anticipated 40th anniversary. He said: "I didn't get the call, I wasn't asked to go back at all.

"I'm not on their radar so, I think if wasn't asked back to help with their 40th I don't think I never go back."

Despite not being on the show for some years, Michael shared that he does still earn money from his time there when classic re-runs are shown. The actor admitted: "Yeah I know about the re-runs. I get a £1.27 repeat fees every six months from episodes."

As the soap has hit its landmark anniversary, a host of iconic characters have made brief comebacks, including Laurie Brett as Jane Beale, Michael French as David Wicks, Tracy-Ann Oberman as Chrissie Watts, Paul Nicholls as Joe Wicks, Joe Swash as Mickey Miller, and Louisa Lytton as Ruby Allen.

Maddy Hill and Danny Hatchard returned to their roles as Nancy and Lee Carter in December for a special episode centred around Linda Carter's (Kellie Bright) battle with alcoholism.

In a surprising twist, Paul Bradley stunned fans on Christmas Eve by reprising his role as Nigel Bates 26 years after leaving the show, revealing a heartbreaking dementia diagnosis.

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Celebrating Eastenders at 40 [LATEST]

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Ruins Of Oldest Roman Basilica Ever Found In London Uncovered On Construction Site In Heart Of...

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Sophie Jackson of the Museum of London Archaeology called it "one of the most significant discoveries" in years in British capital's oldest quarter, the City of London ⁘ the square-mile financial district where modern glass high-rises stand atop the remnants of Victorian, medieval and much earlier structures.

The scientists say they have uncovered the foundations of a two-story building that was almost as big as an Olympic swimming pool. It was constructed between 78 and 84 A.D., about three decades after Roman troops invaded the British isles and roughly 20 years after forces of the Celtic warrior queen Boudicca sacked the fledgling settlement.

"We're talking about the early stages of London here," said Andrew Henderson-Schwartz, head of public impact at Museum of London Archaeology. "But it's a real sign of investment in the city, even in its early infancy."

Henderson-Schwartz said the extent of the "absolutely massive" foundations discovered in several test pits dug by archaeologists suggests an "extraordinary" level of preservation of the building ruins.

Further digging could answer intriguing questions, including why the original forum was only used for 20 years before being replaced by a much larger one, which remained in use until the collapse of Roman rule in Britain three centuries later. Items such as writing tablets, styluses ⁘ even ancient trash ⁘ could offer glimpses into the daily lives of Roman Londoners.

7 Huge Hollyoaks Spoilers For Next Week

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For the lowdown on these stories and more, here is our spoiler round-up of all the biggest moments coming up in the village.

If you want even more insight, you can also check out our collection of 12 spoiler pictures from next week's episodes .

After the party, Darren wakes up at Dillon and Lucas' house , not being able to remember what happened the night before. When he returns home, Frankie and Nancy aren't too pleased to see him.

Arlo's bullying of Ro continues , and in the park, he threatens him into doing his homework for him.

EastEnders Priya Actress Has Famous Soap Star Mum - And Fans Are Gobsmacked - OK! Magazine

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EastEnders viewers were left gobsmacked after discovering that Sophie Khan Levy, who portrays Priya Nandra-Hart, has a super famous mum.

Off-screen, Sophie Khan Levy is no newcomer to the spotlight. In 2023, she portrayed Gabrielle Ade in the chilling true BBC drama, The Sixth Commandment.

She also starred as Florence Pandhi in the 2022 veterinary drama All Creatures Great and Small and as Beth in James Corden's Amazon Prime series Mammals. However, fans have recently discovered that Sophie's lineage includes a well-known face.

Her mother is Shaheen Khan, famed for her role as Mrs Bhamra in the 2002 film Bend It Like Beckham. Shaheen also appeared as Kiran Joghill in BBC's medical soap Casualty in the late '80s and has had roles in popular shows like BBC's Doctors and Doctor Who, reports the Mirror .

Another chimed in with enthusiasm, ⁘I didn't know this, I love the film bend it like Beckham and she's so good as priya.⁘

Friday, February 14, 2025

Emmerdale's Cain Dingle Star 'Worried' As Exit 'Sealed' After Valentine's Day Drama - OK! Magazine

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Emmerdale 's Jeff Hordley , known for his iconic role as Cain Dingle, has opened up about his concerns regarding his future on the show amidst the heart-wrenching Valentine's Day drama in the village. The soap left fans biting their nails with its gripping limousine crash storyline that kicked off on Friday night.

In an interview, he shared his excitement: ⁘When I first read these scenes, I was really pleased to be a part of it. Sam is quite often there for the light relief so when the atmosphere goes dark it's good to have that release of someone lighter and more comedic on hand.⁘

He then tantalisingly added: ⁘The way they got the limo to sink into the ice was amazing and some of the action as it goes down is truly distressing. I would not want to be stuck under that ice. Or was I? ⁘ Previously, Jeff had voiced his anxiety to The Sun , saying: ⁘I'm worried all the time! Not all the time, that's a little bit over the top.⁘

Jeff Hordley, who first graced our screens as Cain Dingle in Emmerdale back in 2000, has been at the centre of some intense plots, including his scandalous romance with cousin Charity Dingle, played by Emma Atkins. More recently, he's been a rock for his wife Moira amidst her brain tumour battle.

A tweet from an avid viewer speculated: ⁘So the hand under the ice in emmerdale I'm thinking is Caleb and well see Cain save him so they'll call a truce ? #emmerdale⁘.

EastEnders Fans Praise BBC's 'Lovely Gesture' In 40th Anniversary Episodes

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As EastEnders prepares to mark its 40th anniversary this week, fans have praised a ⁘lovely gesture⁘ by the BBC . In a week filled with drama, millions have been gripped by Phil Mitchell's (played by Steve McFadden ) battle with mental health and psychosis, which included flashbacks to his youth with siblings Grant and Sam.

The soap has thrilled audiences with the reappearance of Grant (Ross Kemp), the Mitchell brothers' mate Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), and other familiar faces including Minty Peterson (Cliff Parisi) and Garry Hobbs (Ricky Groves). Monday's episode brought most of the current cast together in the Queen Vic, where they watched a 1980s scene featuring Enders' legends Arthur and Pauline Fowler participating in a gameshow.

The show's iconic theme and end credits honoured the departed actors at the close of the nostalgic episode, listing them among the present-day cast. A TikTok user celebrated the moment, sharing on TikTok: ⁘ EastEnders credited Pauline and Arthur Fowler in tonight's episode, what a lovely gesture,⁘ alongside a snapshot of the credits.

⁘I didn't even see that they were in the credits, thank you for uploading,⁘ another fan wrote in response. Viewers also took to X to commend the BBC, meanwhile. ⁘Great memories on EastEnders tonight as the residents watch a classic from 1989, Arthur on Cat and Mouse,⁘ one person penned. ⁘If you'd told them in '89 that they'd be replaying it in 2025, they'd have probably laughed in disbelief. Nice touch with the credits too.⁘

Another viewer praised: ⁘How lovely to see Pauline and Arthur feature in EastEnders - a fitting little recognition of two iconic characters as the 40th is marked. Brilliant way to do it too. And great seeing a beaming Martin watching them with such joy.⁘

Thursday, February 13, 2025

London Is Ageing Twice As Quickly As The Rest Of England

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S ome londoners dream of retiring to cottages by the sea. But Nick Sanderson, the chief executive of Audley Group, believes that desires are shifting. His company has built flats for retirees in Clapham, in south London, and will soon start building 150 more in Brent Cross, in the north-west of the city. It hopes to create a retirement village in Canada Water, in the east London docklands. "Why would you choose to go and live out in the middle of nowhere?" he asks.

This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline "London's ageing"

Hollyoaks To Air Dark New Sexual Exploitation Storyline As Two Young Characters Are Groomed By...

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The new narrative for the Channel 4 soap sees Hollyoaks tackle a prevalent issue as two young characters are groomed by a criminal gang.

Best friends Frankie and Dillon will find themselves in danger when they are targeted with the offer of a lifestyle that they perceive to be glamorous.

The reality is they have been lured into world that it is difficult to escape from without intervention, where they will find themselves subject to criminal and sexual exploitation.

Fellow resident teenager, Dillon, hasn't had an easy time exploring his sexuality and has faced his fair share of hardships without the guidance of his parents.

⁘The audience naturally regenerates and the issues that young adults are vulnerable to are constantly evolving.

Emmerdale Fans Turn On Soap For 'Constant Flashbacks' And Vow To Stop Watching

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Headlines:

* France: French President Emmanuel Macron's approval ratings have reached a record low of 34%, sparking concerns about his re-election bid (Reuters, March 2023).

* UK: The UK's National Health Service (NHS) has announced a major overhaul of its healthcare system, aiming to reduce waiting times and increase efficiency (BBC News, March 2023).

* China: China's economy has slowed down, with the country's GDP growth rate decreasing to 6. 1% in the first quarter of 2023, according to official data (Xinhua, March 2023).

* US: The US has launched a new initiative to combat climate change, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy (AP News, March 2023).

* India: India has announced plans to introduce a new tax on online transactions, aimed at curbing black money and promoting digital payments (The Hindu... March 2023).

* Germany: Germany's economy has seen a boost from the country's strong industrial sector, "with exports increasing by 4."1% in February (DPA... March 2023).

* Australia:

#news

EMMERDALE fans have hit out at the soap over its frequent use of flashbacks and flashforwards, with many vowing to stop watching if the trend continues.

The ITV soap has started to frequently incorporate time-jumping devices into their storytelling, and viewers are not loving it.

One viewer commented: ⁘Just wondered what people's thoughts were on these? I'm not a fan to be honest, it was interesting when they had one last year (I think it was when Lydia's rapist was found in the field), and now it seems to be a regular thing.⁘

Another fan agreed, adding: ⁘Yeah I'm not a fan, I was when it was a one-off on both Emmerdale and Coronation Street , but it feels like it's in every single episode and 99% of them aren't needed.⁘

It comes after the soap featured a string of flashforwards during its New Year's Eve episode, teasing upcoming storylines for 2025.

The dramatic scenes previewed major arcs, including Ruby's struggles with her abusive father Anthony, Marlon and Rhona's distress over April's disappearance, and Dawn's suspicions about her stepmother Kim.

One frustrated viewer posted: ⁘They need to concentrate on the present never mind the past or distant future.⁘

Another echoed the sentiment, saying: ⁘No interest. It's a huge mistake ITV are making with both soaps. People like soaps for the day-to-day real aspect of them. They're not looking for fancy effects.⁘

Despite the backlash, some viewers defended the decision, arguing that flashbacks can add intrigue when used effectively.