Lidl Scored Record Christmas Sales As Shoppers Snapped Up Pigs In Blankets And Panettone | This Is...

Reference: Found here

Lidl enjoyed higher revenues in the run-up to Christmas after attracting an additional 2million customers.

The discount grocery chain revealed its sales grew by 7 per cent year-on-year in the four weeks ending 24 December to over £1billion, a record for the festive season.

The group said its UK consumers bought one British turkey every second, 8 million stuffing balls, and over 16 million pigs in blankets, some in new flavours such as maple, cheese, and cranberry.

Meanwhile, sales of its expanded Partytime range soared by around a third, thanks partly to stronger demand for its panettone and pandoro cakes.

And purchases of Lidl's cream liqueur range rose by 60 per cent as the firm launched new flavours, including tiramisu, caramel biscuit and white chocolate.

Lidl GB said 2 million extra customers came through its stores during the period, with the largest number coming on 23 December and 75 per cent more of them utilising its weekly discounts.

'We were thrilled to welcome more customers than ever before,' remarked Ryan McDonnell, chief executive at Lidl GB.

'That's a strong reflection of the trust our customers place in us and the dedication of our colleagues and suppliers, who work so hard to deliver an outstanding Christmas for the communities we serve.

London Faces Two Five-hour Winter Showers This Weekend Amid Rare Weather Warning - Mirror...

More details: Found here

The capital is subject to a rare two-day weather warning for snow and ice from midday on Saturday to 11.59pm on Sunday. The heaviet of this snowfall will likely be on Sunday morning, though temperatures will be cold enough for an icy blast on Saturday.

Temperatures peaked at 13.2C on Wednesday, but are expected to fall to -2C in England on Sunday, and it'll be even colder in Scotland . It means low pressure moving in from the west will fall as snow throughout the weekend and, though the Midlands and Wales will be worst hit, London will bear the brunt of wintry showers too.

It is 1/5 for London City Airport, which is in Newham, to see snow anytime this month, William Hill says. It has slashed its odds on Cardiff Airport to just 1/10 with Wales believed to endure significant snowfall as early as Saturday.

The Met Office website reads: ⁘Heavy snow, and some freezing rain in places, may cause some disruption over the weekend. There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected. There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off.

⁘A small chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces. There is a chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel.

Due to the weather, drivers have been warned to take extra care on the roads across the UK in the coming days. Delays are also expected at airports and train stations as people look to return home following the festive period.

Hollyoaks New Year Trailer Sees Dodger Return, Mercedes' Health Setback And JJ Bombshell - Mirror...

Read more: Found here

Hollyoaks has released a thrilling new trailer to kick off the New Year, with storylines reaching dramatic climaxes. Abe Fielding (played by Tyler Conti) finds himself in a tight spot, while Frankie Osborne's (portrayed by Isabella Smith) case against her twin JJ Osborne (Ryan Mulvey) heads to court.

Frankie courageously takes the stand to recount the traumatic events of the past few years, but the trailer reveals a complex case for the jury and distress for the family as JJ reneges on his promise and accuses Frankie of being a habitual liar. Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor-Dawson), Frankie's protective father, is filled with rage when JJ's defence questions Frankie's credibility.

The trailer also gives a sneak peek of Danny Mac returning to his iconic role as Dodger, who is back in the village lurking in the shadows. But what has changed during his absence?

Grace Black (Tamara Wall) reclaims control, reminding herself and her brother that they are the offspring of infamous villain Fraser Black and won't be pushed around. Sporting a fresh look and a ruthless attitude, Grace re-enters the world of crime.

Actress Anne-Marie Duff ‘Very Grateful' To Be Made An OBE For Services To Drama

More details: Visit website

Headlines:

Bafta-winning actress Anne-Marie Duff has said she feels "incredibly lucky and privileged" to do a job she loves as she is made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours list.

On receiving the prestigious accolade for her services to drama, she told the PA news agency: "I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to do a job that I love, so to be acknowledged in any way always feels like an incredible blessing. I am very grateful."

She was born in London in 1970 to Irish immigrant parents and later attended the Drama Centre London.

#news

Axed Emmerdale Star Takes Brutal Swipe At ITV Bosses As They Break Silence To Fans On Their Shock...

Source: Found here

THE former soap star didn't hold back as they broke their silence on being written out of the show.

Viewers watched as Will's scheme against wife Kim Tate was exposed by the man secretly pulling his strings - Joe Tate.

But as Will tried to insist that he'd stopped his plan and really did love Kim, it all became too much and he collapsed with chest pains.

Joe lied for Kim and claimed she had immediately called for help, putting her in his debt while hiding his own dark secret.

He revealed he was on the soap for five and a half years and has loved working with ⁘his little family on Emmerdale ⁘ who are ⁘really lovely people⁘ as well as the ⁘amazing crew.⁘

British Start-up Attacks London Stock Market As It Reveals Plan To Delist

More details: See here

A British car battery company led by former Tesla executives has quit the London stock market less than a month after tapping investors for £500,000.

DG Innovate (DGI), which is run by ex-Tesla director Peter Bardenfleth-Hanse, lashed out saying a lack of support for start-ups in the City had prompted the decision to abandon the main market and go private .

In particular, the company said red tape around London's stock listing rules meant it was more difficult to raise money, which has hindered its attempts to grow.

However, the company had raised £500,000 from investors in early December, claiming the cash would keep it afloat until February 2025 and support a new joint venture with Indian firm Evage.

Once the delisting is complete in early 2025, the business said it would propose a mechanism for existing investors – who will retain their stakes – to trade their shares privately. 

Mr Bardenfleth-Hansen was appointed to lead DG Innovate in December 2023, alongside former Tesla executives Christian Eidem and Jochen Rudat.

Shareholders in DGI include Mr Eidem – a former adviser and classmate of Elon Musk – who owns 24pc of the business, and Norway's largest bank DNB. 

Bosses added that they did not "foresee any obvious near-term catalysts likely to change this backdrop".

BBC Viewers Rage As London Fireworks⁘ ⁘Hidden Message⁘ Sparks Same Complaint | TV...

Read more: Found here

The huge event took place above the London Eye, and gave a breakdown of everything that happened in 2024, with plenty of references to both current events and viral trends.

But it was one choice of song which particularly sparked attention, as D:Ream's Things Can Only Get Better was used during the display.

As this is known as the Labour party 's anthem, fans rushed to social media to share their shock at the song being used.

One fan said: "Things can only get better on the London fireworks as soon as labour is back in power is devious."

A fifth raged: "Those #LondonFireworks were a complete mess weren't they? Like a 5 year old had been let loose with the buttons, and 192 people at once in charge of the music!" and a sixth agreed: ""London Fireworks were an absolute disgrace. F**k you @MayorOfLondon using Paddington Bear ⁘ NYE to spew propaganda.