IT’S TIME to bring back the weekend break as experts say Brits favouring day trips is not good news for the future of seaside towns.

An expert has claimed that the economy in some of the UK’s bustling seaside towns has declined despite a huge amount of visitors continuing to go year on year.

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Blackpool gets increasing foot traffic every year, but falls down when it comes to visitors staying in their hotels[/caption]

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Experts want tourists to stay for more than a day in popular seaside towns to boost the economy[/caption]

Blackpool, the home of Pleasure Beach Resort, is struggling to maintain overnight visitors, according to reports.

A tourism leader in Blackpool has revealed that its economy took a hit in 2024 despite there being an increase in visitors – all because the number of overnight stays declined.

The day trip is what Brits are opting for as Blackpool is not short on visitors, with the footfall on the famous Blackpool Promenade increasing year-on-year.

The Illuminations switch-on ceremony in 2024 saw around 80,000 people attend.

While it means a more affordable day out, it results in hotels being unable to make or maintain bookings.

Claire Smith, president of hoteliers group StayBlackpool, described 2024 as the “perfect storm”.

She claimed the challenges Brits experienced from the cost of living crisis to the bad weather influenced the lack of overnight holiday makers.

And Blackpool wasn’t the only place that felt the impact either; VisitBritain’s statistics for 2023 showed that cities have more day visitors than weekend ones.

VisitBritain revealed London had 174.5 million day visitors in 2023, but just 18.3 million overnighters.

Greater Manchester saw 43.9 million daytrippers, but only 5.5 million who came to spend the night.

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Claire Smith, president of hoteliers group StayBlackpool, described 2024 as the “perfect storm”[/caption]

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The Illuminations switch-on ceremony in 2024 saw around 80,000 people attend[/caption]

Last year, The Telegraph even noted a rise in what they called the “extreme day tripper”.

The term describes people who go on the ultimate day trip, like jumping on a flight to Italy to sample their pizza for an afternoon before coming home that same evening.

The term ‘Victorian seaside break‘ was a term used for workers who swapped city life for the coast to enjoy a few days of entertainment and improve their health.

Over the last few years, we’ve fallen back in love with our country’s coastline, with some going for the purpose of a ‘Victorian seaside break’.

However, while turning up for the day to enjoy the sunshine and have fish and chips is fun for us it doesn’t do much for the economy.

To boost it, visitors need to stay, and spend money on local hospitality from hotels to restaurants.

Steve Allen - Commissioned by The Sun

VisitEngland’s CEO Patricia Yates says visitors will spend on average an extra £50 if they stay overnight[/caption]

VisitEngland’s CEO Patricia Yates has said: “Overnight holiday visitors [are] spending an average of £94 per night in England compared to £44 for day visits.

“We know how important it is for destinations to convert day-trippers into overnight stays, which also encourages visitors to discover more of an area and to go on and spend in local businesses including accommodation and hospitality.”

Interestingly, ABTA found that the average number of holidays taken per person has reached a new high.

The trend has become that Brits prefer quantity of quality, and are going on more day breaks or shorter trips to break up the year.

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Brits are going on more day breaks over the year rather than one long holiday in order to break up the year[/caption]

MARK Wright attempted to play a cheeky prank on his wife Michelle Keegan and even recruited Michael McIntyre to help him out.

The TV presenter confessed that he was hoping to sign the Brassic actress, 37, up for the comedian’s Big Show programme on the BBC but he quickly backed out.

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Mark Wright has revealed his plans for Michelle Keegan to be pranked on Big Show[/caption]

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Michael McIntye confessed that Mark had made the admission[/caption]

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He was hoping for Michelle to take part in Midnight Gameshow[/caption]

Speaking to The Sun’s TV Mag, Michael admitted that Mark recently insisted that Michelle take part in the programme’s infamous Midnight Gameshow.

In the sketch, Michael surprises a celebrity in the dead of the night in their bedroom.

The unsuspecting star is then forced to participate in a series of games all from the comfort of their bed.

Teasing Mark’s plans, Michael said: “I ran into Mark Wright at a golf day and he said: ‘You’ve got to wake up my wife [Michelle Keegan]’…

“But then he was like: ‘I don’t think I can do this, she’s going to hate me.’

However, Mark soon realised there could be a very dangerous problem.

Michael recalled: “Then he mentioned that there’s some sort of attack dog that sleeps on the bed with them.”

Michelle is currently pregnant with her and Mark’s first child after confirming she was expecting at the end of last year.

Elsewhere, boxer Tyson Fury is also in the comedy star’s sights as a potential name to bag for the popular comedy segment.

Michael admitted it could be a viral sensation – particularly if he gets punched in the face by the sporting champion.

He said: “We have tried to get to Tyson Fury. I’d wake up a boxer, I’ll chase the ratings.

“If I have to get punched in the face, as long as it goes viral [laughs].

“No, don’t say that! Do not tell your readers I’m happy to get punched in the face!

“People will take you up on that invitation, probably with not much convincing…”

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Michelle’s sleeping arrangements could have prevented her from being a guest on the segment[/caption]

TWO women lose their lives to cervical cancer every day in the UK.

Like all types of the disease, the earlier it’s caught, the better.

Around 95 per cent of those diagnosed at stage 1 will survive for five years or longer.

But if it’s not spotted until stage 4, this drops to just 15 per cent.

Cervical screening programmes and HPV vaccines have reduced rates and save 5,000 lives each year.

But there is still work to be done.

Around 3,300 new cases are identified annually – that’s around nine every day.

And one in 130 women in the UK will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in their lifetime.

Astonishingly, 99.8 per cent of cases are preventable, according to Cancer Research UK.

John Butler, medical director at The Lady Garden Foundation, added: “Cervical cancer is a potentially eradicable disease if women attend for both vaccination and screening.

“It’s vital that we do more to help break the taboos, myths, fears, and concerns so that we can help prevent this disease.”

But it’s not just HPV. There are several other factors that put you at increased risk.

1. HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes almost all of the main types of cervical cancer.

And it’s more common than you might think. Most sexually active people come into contact with HPV during their lifetime.

It’s usually harmless and goes away on its own. But it can develop into cancer (of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, head and neck).

There are more than 200 types of HPV, 14 of which are considered high risk for cervical cancer.

Two of these (16 and 18) cause about 70 per cent of all cases.

You can lower your risk of HPV by using condoms during sex, but vaccines are the number one way to protect yourself.

Jabs are offered to all children aged 12 or 13 in the UK. They are also available to men under 45 who have sex with men, sex workers and people with HIV.

However, these shots don’t protect against all types of HPV, which spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, so it’s important to also attend your smear tests when invited.

Cervical screening in the UK is offered to most women, some trans men, and some non-binary people, aged 25 to 64.

2. Other STIs

Women who have other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) alongside HPV may also be at increased risk of cervical cancer.

This is especially true for chlamydia, CRUK warns.

Researchers think long-term inflammation caused by the STI makes it harder for the body to clear the HPV infection.

Cervical cancer risk is also six times higher in women with HIV/AIDS than the general population, the charity adds.

3. Age

Age is another risk factor.

The NHS says cervical cancer is most common in women aged 30 to 35, though it can develop at any age.

This could be because they are more likely to be sexually active and have HPV, experts say.

4. Smoking

An estimated 21 per cent of cervical cancer cases are caused by smoking, CRUK says.

And the more you smoke, the higher your risk.

Tobacco has been found to directly cause abnormal changes in the cervix.

“Women who smoke are two to five times more likely to develop abnormalities of the cervix than non-smokers,” the NHS says.

Smoking also makes the immune system less effective at fighting HPV infections.

5. Sexual history

The risk of developing cervical cancer is almost three times higher in women who have had six or more sexual partners, compared to those who have had just one, CRUK says.

It also doubles in those who first had sexual intercourse aged 14 or younger, compared to women who did so at 25 or older.

Separate research found women whose only current male sexual partner was circumcised were less likely to develop cervical cancer than those who were uncircumcised.

It all comes down to having more exposure to HPV, scientists say.

6. The Pill

An estimated 10 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK are linked to the use of oral contraceptives.

Taking the combined Pill for more than five years increases your risk further – but this risk drops as soon as you stop taking it, CRUK says.

After 10 years, the risk is the same as for people who have never taken it.

It does not seem to be linked to HPV infection, but further research is needed.

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The contraceptive pill has been linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer[/caption]

7. Having children

Being a parent also plays a role.

A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found the risk of cervical cancer was 15 per cent higher in women who have had one full-term pregnancy than those who have had none.

The risk then increased with the number of full-term pregnancies, becoming 64 per cent higher in those having had seven or more.

It also increased in young mums. Researchers found women who first gave birth at 17 or under were at higher risk than those 25 or older.

Exactly why is unclear. But the American Cancer Society suggests it could be due to increased exposure to HPV, hormonal changes during pregnancy, and weaker immune systems while expecting.

8. Family history

Cancer is not usually inherited, but family history can affect your risk.

You are 80 per cent likely to be diagnosed with a type of cervical cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) if your mum, sister or daughter has had cervical cancer, according to a 2008 study in Sweden.

“We don’t know whether this is linked to faulty genes or is due to shared environmental factors, including HPV,” CRUK says.

9. Economic status

Women living in the most deprived areas of England are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer than their affluent counterparts, according to a report published by the National Cancer Intelligence Network.

Researchers believe this “deprivation gap” is mainly fuelled by a lower uptake of cervical screening.

Around 520 cases a year in England are linked with deprivation, according to CRUK.

LUKE LITTLER is keeping his feet firmly on the ground despite his whirlwind 12 months, and it could be in part thanks to Sir Alex Ferguson.

Littler, who turned 18 on Tuesday, has been crowned World Darts Champion, won BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year and pocketed over £1.5MILLION in prize money since bursting onto the scene in December 2023.

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Luke Littler has revealed the advice that Sir Alex Ferguson gave to his dad[/caption]

So it’s no surprise that the teenager has needed a good support circle to keep his head screwed on properly.

However it’s not just his close family and friends that have helped him along the way, but also iconic football manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Littler, who is a huge Manchester United fan, met the 13-time Premier League winning manager last year at Old Trafford after his first crack at the World Darts Championship saw him reach the final.

And in typical Fergie fashion the Scot didn’t just pose for a picture and say congratulations, but made sure to impart some wisdom on a rising star.

Littler revealed in an interview with the Daily Mail: “When I met Sir Alex Ferguson, I think he told my dad to keep me grounded.”

He added: “My mum and dad told me to keep the friends I have. Give it a few years and I may meet someone along the way.

“I have a couple of good friends from school and a few friends from different schools.

“They are doing well. They have apprenticeships, at Asda or McDonald’s, or want to be plumbers or electricians. All have good jobs and are trying to make money for themselves.”

Littler can’t remember much of what Ferguson said to him directly, but not because he was startstruck, but instead because he couldn’t understand his thick Scottish accent.

Speaking to the Telegraph last month, Littler explained: “I didn’t really understand him. I did hear him say, ‘stick at it’.”

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Littler won the World Darts Championship earlier this month[/caption]

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The 18-year-old showed the trophy off at Old Trafford[/caption]

That’s exactly what Littler has done, kept his head down and stayed focused on winning.

So much so that he’s ignoring the line of girls that are vying for his attention and blowing up his phone since his split from ex-girlfriend Eloise Milburn.

Littler told the Mail: “Extra attention comes with me winning the world title and certain reporting restrictions are lifted at the age of 18 so that will have an impact.

“And if I keep winning, I’m not making it easier for myself, am I?

“I have had a few requests from girls to meet up, but I generally don’t reply.

“It’s just people looking at me and the money I am making, and they want part of that.”

Besides, Littler is more used to rubbing shoulders with the elite these days, explaining that he’s been playing Fifa with Wayne Rooney, zooming around Silverstone with Lando Norris and hanging out with the Manchester United first team.

He added: “I spoke to Wayne [Rooney] when we were playing Fifa one time.

“He was fine. He asked: ‘Is Luke there?’ because I wasn’t talking. This was at the start of last year. I was thinking: ‘I can’t talk to Wayne Rooney’. But then off we went in the end.

“When I am with the Formula One guys – Lando Norris drove me around Silverstone last year on a hot lap and I follow the sport after that experience, and then I was nervous – or the Manchester United squad, I still feel awestruck.”

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Littler has been rubbing shoulders with Lando Norris[/caption]

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Norris and Littler drove around the Silverstone track together[/caption]

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The darts sensation got to meet the Manchester United team last season[/caption]

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Littler threw some darts with the United squad[/caption]

THIS movie megastar is used to breaking box-office records and being a major draw for fans – but his latest movie appears to be a total dud.

In fact, it’s managed to achieve the allusive “0%” score on review aggregate site, Rotten Tomatoes.

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The 78-year-old actor is a Hollywood legend[/caption]

Alarum sees Hollywood legend – and Donald Trump’s newly appointed ‘special envoy’ – Sylvester Stallone in a race against the clock thriller as an intelligence agent.

Luke Cage star Mike Colter and Scott Eastwood, Clint Eastwood’s son, also star in what was promised to be a high octane spy thriller.

But instead, the movie – which also features Scream: The TV series star Willa Fitzgerald – has failed to capture critics’ attention.

The story follows married spies Joe (Eastwood) and Lara (Fitzgerald) who find themselves targets of an international intelligence agencies after quitting their jobs and living off-grid.

Believing they have joined an elite team called Alarum, the pair’s quiet life is ruined as people come after them to retrieve a mysterious hard drive they believe they have.

Stallone – most beloved for his roles in Rambo and Rocky – plays one of the agents trying to retrieve the drive, while Colter plays an agent for a competing organisation.

Screen Rant have declared the movie “ludicrously awful”, noting that despite its strong premise and cast, “the fun stops with this subpar action thriller that fails to tap into the talent’s potential.”

They add Stallone “has a truly aimless script, and what appears to be a complete lack of direction or vision for his character.”

New York Times noted it as “Mission: Forgettable”, saying: “the bullet-riddled plot is a flavorless tossed salad of code names and cleaning crews, drone strikes and shootouts.”

Meanwhile Variety blamed its low budget for its resulting mediocrity, writing: “There are some types of screen narratives that probably shouldn’t be attempted on limited means, and ‘international espionage thriller’ may well be one of them. ”

At the time of writing, the 17 reviews on the site have declared it “rotten”, with only 41 movies on the entire site achieving the rare 0% marker.

In another blow, the only film from 2024 to achieve this was Armor, which also stars Stallone in a leading role.

In that flick, Stallone plays Rook, the leader of a gang of thieves who trap an armoured security truck on a bridge in order to steal the millions of dollars in gold inside.

Other duds on the list include John Travolta’s 2018 film Gotti, 2019 animation The Queen’s Corgi, and 2020’s Hard Kill – one of Bruce Willis’s last movies before retirement.

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At the height of his career, Stallone was beloved as Rambo and Rocky[/caption]

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Rocky is one of the most celebrated films of all time[/caption]

FEARS have grown over the youngest Israeli hostages still being held in captivity after they were not among the four released in today’s prisoner swap.

Kfir and Ariel Bibas, just two and five years old, were snatched by Hamas terrorists but their family recently revealed they have no idea whether the boys are alive or dead.

Ian Whittaker

Ian Whittaker

Ariel Bibas pictured before the was kidnapped by Hamas[/caption]

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Yarden and Shiri Bibas with their two young boys before the family became hostages[/caption]

The children, along with their parents Yarden and Shiri, are all on the list of are on the list of hostages to be released in the first six-week phase of the fragile ceasefire.

Despite this, relatives have received no information since the ceasefire began on Sunday – the day after Kfir’s second birthday.

Hamas was blasted by the IDF as they accused the militant group of breaking the ceasefire agreement by releasing four female IDF soldiers today.

Spokesman Daniel Hagari said: “Hamas did not abide by its obligation in the deal to free civilian women first.”

Hagari also vowed Israel would do all it could to bring the boys and Shiri back home soon.

The spokesman emphasized the growing fear surrounding the health of this family as he said: “We have heavy concerns for their fate.”

Israel said they expect to hear more about the captive family soon.

The family of the Bibas brothers recently revealed they have no idea if the young boys are dead or alive, after no proof of life has been provided by Hamas.

In November 2023, Hamas published a video of Yarden Bibas being told his wife and children had been killed.

Hamas said they were killed in an IDF air strike on Khan Younis, in southern Gaza.

However, Hamas is known to have lied about deaths in the past as a form of psychological torture – so there the situation is still unclear.

Their loved ones have shared the anguish and heartbreak they have faced for the past 477 days.

Ofri Bibas-Levy, the aunt of the brothers, told NBC News: “Not knowing is so hard that sometimes I want to scream.

“Just tell me, even if it’s the worst, I just want to know.

“Not knowing, I can’t start any kind of healing, I can’t start recovering – I’m stuck,” she said, clutching a special recreation of the pink elephant toy that features in Kfir’s most famous picture.

SECOND EXCHANGE

The second phase of the first six weeks of hostage exchanges between Hamas and Israel was conducted today.

Four IDF soldiers were emotionally freed after 477 brutal days of hell.

Karina Ariev, 20, Daniela Gilboa, 20, Naama Levy, 20, and Liri Elbag, 19, were handed over to the Red Cross and have been taken back home.

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Hamas published a video of Yarden Bibas being told his wife and children had been killed in 2023[/caption]

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People gather on Ariel’s fifth birthday to call for the liberation of him and his family[/caption]

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Yarden Bibas holding his son Ariel when he was four years old[/caption]

They were escorted by mask-wearing and gun-wielding Hamas terrorists as huge crowds watched the historic moment at a square in Gaza City.

The women were seen waving from a stage before being handed over to the Red Cross, who drove them to safety.

The four young women were horrifically kidnapped from Israel’s Nahal Oz military base on October 7, 2023.

Terrifying footage released by Hamas at the time showed the girls covered in blood as they were tied up in front of murderous invaders.

The young soldiers were also pushed up against a wall as a militant screamed “take pictures of them”.

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Four Israeli hostages were escorted to Red Cross officials by gun-wielding Hamas officials on Saturday[/caption]

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Hostages Naama Levy, Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa, and Karina Ariev were handed over in Gaza City[/caption]

TRYING to style your home without expert help can be a harder task than it looks.

Fortunately, one interior designer has taken to social media to share some of her tips and what she would avoid.

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The interior pro shared her pet peeves making your home look worse[/caption]

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Painting marble stripes on plain countertops was a big no-no[/caption]

Charlotte Eustace, the interior whizz said: “Things that aren’t illegal to do in your home but should be.”

The luxury interior designer’s first pet peeve was grommet-hole curtains and said if it was up to her, those with them would get ten years of jail time.

She said this style of curtain instantly cheapened your home and instead recommended pinch pleat for a classic look.

Charlotte was also against those painting kitchen countertops to have a marble effect and gave them a life sentence.

Instead of trying to replicate pricey marble, she suggested going for a cheaper alternative that will always look better than a fake.

Many people like the look of piles of pillows on their bed to invite them in for a cosy night, but the interior designer isn’t a fan.

Charlotte said she would give people five years locked up for the offence.

“Simple bedding is beautiful, timeless and effortless,” she added.

“I know you have better things to do than replace 20 cushions a day.”

Another of Charlotte’s dislikes was rugs that are too small for the space they are in, and she gave those guilty ten years.

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Pills of cushions on your bed will land you in jail[/caption]

This can make furniture look out of place and make the room appear smaller.

Instead, she suggested using a large cheap rug and adding your smaller one on top.

Last but not least, she wanted to give a life sentence with no chance of parole to those buying Victorian houses and adding beige interiors to get rid of their character.

The clip has since gone viral on her TikTok account @interiorschar with over 118k likes.

People were quick to share their thoughts in the comments and they seemed to be divided.

One person wrote: “Sorry but I’ll keep my pillows & area rugs thanks.”

Another commented: “Agree with everything except I love a pillow mountain, the trade off is committing to actually making the bed every day which I didn’t do before. but I just love how it looks all made up.”

“You can’t take my pillows away from me,” penned a third.

Meanwhile a fourth said: “I’m no interior designer and I agree with all of these.”

“Omg I couldn’t agree more with every single one. The curtain grommets,” claimed a fifth.

Someone else added: “Love the layering idea! But, I’m keeping pillow mountain.”

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A MUM has taken the internet by storm after showing off her ”chunkalicious” baby who she joked was ”born a toddler”.

Mother-of-three Yaya Teel, from the USA, left the web gobsmacked after sharing a clip with her five-month-old who she claimed was already 30lbs – or 2.1st.

tiktok/@dimples1023

tiktok/@dimples1023

According to the dark-haired beauty, the mega baby who joined the brood last year arrived weighing 10lbs – which is generally considered a healthy weight.

Although some social media users were concerned for the little man, Yaya insisted that he was perfectly fine and said her son was ”just a big baby”.

”He’s a ten pound-born baby, his dad is big, he’s tall.

”His 12-year-old brother – he is big […]. He wears a size 14 shoes [13.5 in the UK], he’s 6’1ft,” the mum explained, joking that her dad ”makes big babies”.

”He’s just a chunk,” Yaya told her 3.8k followers on TikTok, adding she had no idea how she ”pushed out” the big baby.

”He is very healthy, idk [I don’t know] why people think a chunky baby means they have health issues.

”He was 10 pounds at birth and he’s breastfed.”

Although the mother-of-three said the little boy’s hefty weight caused her ”back, arms and everything” to ache, she and her partner ”joke about not needing the gym weights”, as lifting their son is a workout.

The adorable son – who many dubbed ”chunkalicious” – has since taken the internet by storm, with Taya’s video racking up almost 700k views.

Thousands on shocked TikTok users flocked to comments to share their thoughts, with one writing: ”I used to work with him at the factory back in ’87. hard working guy I tell ya.”

”You win. Damn near felt the weight shift on my phone,” another chimed in.

”My jaw just dropped. Omg. He’s so squishy,” someone else couldn’t get over the adorable baby.

”o.m.g. that baby is a DOLL! he’s so perfect!!” A fourth added.

Speaking of all things parenting, the experts at  Babycentre have revealed the once popular baby names that are now at risk of going extinct.

Amelie fell 12 places since last year and now ranks at 94, and Lucy is now ranked at 95, falling down 11 positions. 

Meanwhile, Nova and Lilly have both left top 100 altogether.

For the boys, Jason has suffered a dramatic fall – slipping entirely out of the top 100 after years of being a classic mainstay. 

It’s a similar story for boys, as Jaxton also fell to 64 on the list and Austin now ranks at just 91.  

But it’s not just the names falling in popularity that are particularly note worthy.

A new trend has been spotted as almost half of the top 100 girls names followed a trend, with 46 our of 100 ending in an “a”.

And although Lily has become popular among parents-to-be, the double L spelling, Lilly, has seen a drastic drop after positioning in the mid-90s in 2023. 

Other popular names for girls include Grace, which climbed up to sixth place, as Sophia took seventh, followed by Freya and Ivy.

Margot and Gabriella also debuted on the list, marking the trend of classic names for girls.

For boys, a new trend is short and long versions of names, for example, Theodore, Theo and Teddy.

Noah just missed out on the top spot this year, and Oliver now ranks fifth as Arthur and George takes sixth and seventh place. 

American-inspired are also an upcoming trend for new parents, with names like Hunter, Hudson, Mason, Harrison and Logan becoming firm favourites.

A POPULAR toy shop chain with around 160 branches across the UK is closing two stores, with one waving goodbye to customers in hours.

The Entertainer, which sells toys, puzzles and board games, is shutting the sites after three shops already closed in recent months.

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The Entertainer is closing two stores, with one shuttering in hours[/caption]

Its Luton branch in the Luton Point shopping centre is shutting today, January 25.

Meanwhile, its Croydon branch in the Whitgift shopping centre will close on February 1.

Three other branches have closed in recent months as well, in Edinburgh, Brent Cross and Haslemere.

Shoppers have taken to social media to express their dismay at the two upcoming closures.

One Croydon resident said: “What a derelict place Croydon High Street has become.”

A closing-down sale has already been launched at the branch, with the retailer offering 25% off its products. 

Meanwhile, a Luton local said: “Luton is on its knees”, while another added that they were “gutted” the Entertainer is closing.

Andrew Murphy OBE, group chief executive officer at The Entertainer, said all five stores were closing after lease agreements came to an end.

He said the Edinburgh branch had been relocated to a “stronger” location where it could pull in more trade.

It is common practice for retailers to close branches in underperforming areas and open them where they think they will see better sales.

Mr Murphy added: “Like most large national retailers, we continuously assess potential new locations while deciding whether to renew those shops which have reached the end of their lease arrangements.

“Late last year we opened what have proved to be exceptionally successful stores in Exeter and Milton Keynes, and we expect to be bringing The Entertainer to at least three and perhaps as many as six new locations this year.”

The closures come after Andrew Murphy revealed the retailer had been forced to abandon plans to open new stores.

He explained the main reason for this was the government’s decision to hike employer’s National Insurance contributions.

The hike, which will taken effect from April, means businesses will have to pay more tax on their workers’ wages.

Mr Murphy previously told BBC Today: “We were just about to initiate the work, and unfortunately, the changes to National Insurance in particular just tipped that balance, so those stores will now not be opening.“

The Entertainer is just one of a number of retailers warning of the knock-on effects of the tax raid, with the national minimum wage also set to rise at the start of the new financial year.

High street fashion chain Next said earlier this month that prices at shops will rise as it is forced to pass on the extra tax costs.

It said that sales growth will pull back sharply over the year ahead “as employer tax increases, and their potential impact on prices and employment, begin to filter through into the economy”.

M&S has also said it will have to raise prices, adding they will be “small and behind the market”.

In a recent British Retail Consortium survey, of 52 chief financial officers (CFOs) at major retailers, 35 said they will be forced to push up prices to cope with the increase in NICs.

Meanwhile, 24 said they would have reduce headcount in stores to cover any additional costs.

The results of the survey came after 81 retail chief executives wrote to the Chancellor to voice their concerns about the economic consequences of the Budget.

They claimed the announcements could raise the industry’s costs by more than £7billion in 2025.

At the start of the year, the Centre for Retail Research warned around 17,350 stores could close in 2025, up from 13,479 in 2024.

It said it expected the increase to come due to the hike in employer NICs and national minimum wage.

Smaller retailers are also bracing for the current discount to business rates to be lowered from 75% to 40%.

Commercial real estate firm Altus Group said it will see the average shop’s rates bill spiral from £3,589 to £8,613 from April.

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The world No.1 destroyed her racquet, shed some tears and then had the crowd in hysterics.