4 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Man who has travelled the world for 50 years reveals his five essential pre-holiday rituals
A TRAVEL expert has revealed six things that all passengers should do before their holidays, especially if there is a chance their flight will be delayed.
After a traveller shared their experiences of being stuck at Heathrow Airport on Reddit, the expert responded with tips for other passengers, in case they end up in the same situation.
Delayed flights and lost baggage are the worst – but a travel expert has revealed how to minimise the damage[/caption]
The traveller explained that they have more than 50 years’ worth of travel experience to their name, and highlighted the six most important things they had learnt during their time on the road.
Here are some of the important lessons that he shared to take note of.
1. Never travel anywhere, even domestically, without cash
It will save you a tonne of trouble if you have enough cash for food, clothing and shelter for 4 or 5 days.
Keep the cash on your person, in an inside pocket or in your underpants.
2. Use baggage tags
If you are checking your suitcase in, make sure it has a luggage tag on it.
They make retrieving lost luggage a much simpler task, so make sure it has your name, address and contact number on them.
3. Always have underwear and a t-shirt in your carry-on
If your suitcase does get lost, having a clean top and underwear means you will feel less grimey while you wait for it back.
In addition, keep your medications, toiletries and important documents with you, not in your checked baggage – travel with the knowledge that you may never see your bags again, so you can prioritise what goes into your carry on.
4. Take photos of your luggage and keep them on your phone
If you have to find your lost luggage, this helps make it easier.
This especially works when you have to claim luggage that has lost the tags that were applied at the airport.
5. Have both a credit card and a bank card when you travel
Tell your credit card company and bank that you are travelling and where you plan to go.
Otherwise, if they see a random charge from a foreign country they may deny the charge, and even freeze the account.
Ensure that there is enough available credit, as well as enough money in your bank account, to get food, clothing and shelter for at least 4 or 5 days.
This family could have done with this list of advice after they were stranded in an airport in Turkey.
This travel expert revealed how to keep entertained during airport delays.
The tips will help travellers who need to check in their suitcase this summer (stock image)[/caption]
4 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Where are the original Call the Midwife stars now? – from secret health battles to stepping out of limelight
FANS of Call the Midwife haven’t got long to wait until the beloved BBC series is back on our screens.
The channel have revealed that this year we’ll be treated to not just one Christmas special but two, with the usual 90 minute one off being replaced by two 60 minute programmes.
Miranda has gone on to find love in her personal life and has battled illness[/caption]
Emerald Fennell has gone on to huge success, writing hits like Saltburn and Killing Eve[/caption]
Charlotte Richie has become well known for her staring role in the BBC’s Ghosts[/caption]
The Poplar based drama that follows the highs and lows of the midwives of Nonnatus House forms a staple part of many people’s Christmas viewing schedules.
Last year the seasonal special drew in an enormous crowd of almost nine million viewers and this marks 12 years since writer Heidi Thomas brought the characters we know and love into our living rooms for the first time.
But with such a history behind it there have been a lot of changes to the East End cast so we’re taking a look back at what some of the original cast members have been getting up to since leaving the series.
Chummy – Miranda Hart
Perhaps one of the most recognisable actors to don the red cap and cardigan, viewers soon forgot her bumbling sitcom alter-ego, and grew to love her character Chummy. Or Camilla Cholomondely-Browne, to give her her full title.
Chummy was seen in series one to four and fans couldn’t help but root for the shy midwife as she overcame her chronic lack of confidence and her inability to ride the midwives’ iconic bicycles.
After leaving the series in 2105 Miranda has gone on to star in the 2020 film Emma. and the 2023 animated film The Canterville Ghost which is based on a short story by Oscar Wilde.
Miranda also recently revealed the identity of her new husband Richard Fairs, and that she has secretly been battles Lyme disease.
Pasty Mount – (Emerald Fennell)
The Character Patsy is room mates with Trixie and after initially being reserved is soon firm friends with most of the midwives, enjoying a smoke and drink with Trixie after hours. Seen in series two to six Patsy’s storyline develops and she comes out as one of the few gay characters in the show. She leaves with her partner Delia to go travelling and the 2018 Christmas special we hear that the couple are now happily settled in Scotland.
Emerald Fennell who plays Patsy has gone on to huge success both in front of and behind the camera. She wrote and produced the phenomenally successful Killing Eve and the Golden Globe nominated hit Saltburn. She also appeared as Midge in the blockbuster film Barbie in 2023.
Barbara Gilbert – (Charlotte Richie)
A much loved member of the cast, Barbara appeared in series four and was part of the sisterhood until series seven. Fans mourned her passing when she died from sepsis comforted by her husband Tom and her close friend Phyllis.
Since leaving Poplar actor Charlotte Richie hasn’t taken much of a break appearing in a host of shows like Doctor Who, Stath Lets Flats and Grantchester.
She perhaps best know though for her role as Alison in all five series of the BBCcomedyGhosts.
Jenny Lee – (Jessica Raine)
Jenny starred as the main character of the first three series of Call the Midwife until she left to work with those receiving end of life care. Fans can still feel that Jenny is present as her character’s future voice, played by the Oscar winning Vanessa Redgrave, has continued to voice the series despite Jenny leaving.
For the actor Jessica Raine who played Jenny she has gone on to appear in countless well known shows like Line of Duty, Inside No. 9 and The Devil’s Hour on Amazon Prime where she stars alongside Peter Capaldi
Sister Evangelina – (Pam Ferris)
Sister Evangelina was a firm fan favourite across the first five series of the show. Actor Pam Ferris brought huge experience to the role having appeared as the iconic Miss Trunchbull in the 1996 classic Matilda.
Since her character died at the end of series five, having suffered a stroke, Pam has taken something of a break from acting. She did star in the 2018 Sherlock Holmes parody Holmes & Watson as Queen Victoria, alongside Will Ferrell. She was also seen in the 20190 film Tolkien alongside Nicholas Hoult.
Nurse Cynthia Miller – (Bryony Hannah)
Cynthia Miller was seen across the first six series and fans were shocked at the way the shy and mild mannered nun left the series. She was attacked by a serial criminal and fell into a deep depression.
Some of the team discover that she is being held in a bleak mental institution where her needs are not being met. She is eventually freed and moved to a more suitable hospital where she is still believed to be receiving proper care care.
For actor Bryony Hannah life after Poplar has been busy with her work as a recurring character in the CBBC animated series Bing as well as parts in the films The Last Duel and Firebrand.
Jessica Raine has gone from Poplar to Prime in her series The Devil’s Hour[/caption]
Pam Ferris has taken a step back from acting since leaving the drama[/caption]
Peter Noakes – (Ben Caplan)
PC Noakes is a regular character in the first seven series, always near when trouble is brewing. He falls in love with Chummy and the pair marry before Peter accompanies Chummy on her missionary work to Africa. PC Noakes is replaced in 2017 by a new local sergeant.
Actor Ben Caplan has gone to appear in the CBBC series Lagging and appeared as Camillo The Winter’s Tale on BBC4 in 2021.
4 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Seven five-minute jobs to boost your finances by almost £4,000 in 2025
AS the cost of living crisis continues to bite for families across the country, it is worth exploring the small things you can do to ease your financial burdens in 2025.
Some of these suggestions are quick fixes, others might take more time.
But by next Christmas, you could have some money put aside or have paid for that big purchase.
1. Cancel unnecessary subscriptions – £500
It’s a good time of year to have a subscription service declutter, as you might find some ongoing payments you’ve forgotten about for a service you never use.
These could include streaming services, food delivery, pet food or magazines.
You can usually cancel them by either contacting the service provider or cancelling the direct debit with your bank.
A survey by Vision Express last year found that the average Brit pays out nearly £500 every year on subscription services, so by reducing this amount even by half would save a significant chunk.
2. Write a shopping list – £800
According to Tesco, the average British family is wasting approximately £800 worth of edible food a year with staples including bread, bananas and milk topping the bill of most binned items.
By sitting down and taking five minutes to work out what your most wasted items have been lately, you can plan for next year’s grocery bill to be a lot lower, and you’d be doing your bit for the planet too.
It’s also worth shopping around for the best price for common items, or switching from branded ranges to supermarket own brands.
3. Create a budget tracker – £100s
Writing down every penny you spend over the course of a week or month can be a revealing exercise.
It is virtually impossible to track spending in your head, and small purchases like coffees out, treats for the kids, or the odd takeaway can quickly add up.
By getting a handle on your expenses, you may find ways to dramatically reduce your spending next year.
Perhaps you will be shocked at the amount of money you’re spending on lunch each day.
Or at the mounting cost of your kids’ football sticker habit.
Setting up a simple Excel spreadsheet or keeping an account book can help you manage your outgoings.
How to get free debt help
There are several groups which can help you with your problem debts for free.
You can also find information about Debt Management Plans (DMP) and Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVA) by visiting MoneyHelper.org.uk or Gov.UK.
Speak to one of these organisations – don’t be tempted to use a claims management firm.
They say they can write off lots of your debt in return for a large upfront fee.
But there are other options where you don’t need to pay.
You can also get one for free from the likes of MoneyHelper.
By being watchful about your spending, you can save hundreds of pounds, if not thousands.
4. Swap your credit cards – £765.24
Taking five minutes to check in on any credit cards you have could help you to manage your debt better.
Often cards start with a good deal, but over time the interest on any balance becomes higher and the cards are no longer good value.
Comparison website USwitch suggests that moving existing credit card debt to a 0% interest balance transfer card could help you save up to £765.24 in interest in the first 12 months.
You can use any comparison website to find the best current deals – but always make sure to check the terms of the card before you commit.
The deals you can get in terms of interest rates, interest-free periods and credit limit will depend on your credit score and income, among other factors.
Comparison websites and credit card providers will often have an eligibility checker that can do a soft search without affecting your credit rating.
Always remember to pay off at least the minimum amount off your credit card each month. And if you’re transferring a balance, avoid spending more on the card.
UK Finance reports that we spend a whopping £2 billion a month using our credit cards.
While that little strip of plastic makes everyday spending easy peasy, it comes at a huge cost.
According to The Money Charity, the average credit card debt sits at £2,485 per household or £1,312 per adult.
And if you’re stuck on a credit card with a high APR and only making the minimum repayments, you could be forking out hundreds of pounds extra in interest charges.
For example, if you owe £1,312 on your credit card and are charged 24.8% APR.
If you don’t make any more transactions and pay £100 a month in repayments, you will pay off the card by September 2025 but at £207 in interest.
However, by hunting around for a better deal elsewhere and switching to a balance transfer credit card with a lengthy interest-free period, you can save yourself £162.
If the same person was accepted for a 28-month-long zero-interest credit card with a 3.4% balance transfer fee and made the same £100 repayments each month.
They would pay off the debt sooner, in July 2025, and only fork out £45 towards the 3.4% balance transfer fee.
Before taking out a new credit card or increasing the amount you borrow, it’s vital to consider the consequences.
You should only borrow money if you can afford to pay it back.
It’s always vital to ask yourself if you need to borrow before committing to a new credit card, personal loan or overdraft.
If you use a credit card, I’d recommend that you always pay off your balance in full at the end of each statement period.
Lenders have a responsibility to help customers who are in debt.
If you’re in a debt crisis, your first point of call should be your lender.
They might help you out by offering you a reduced interest rate or a temporary payment holiday – so check in with your lender if you’re struggling.
5. Prioritise expensive debt – £100s
Along the same lines, it’s worth taking time to look at all the debt you have, such as credit cards or loans, and prioritise them in terms of which is costing you the most.
For example, if you have £1,000 on a card at 18%, landing you with a £180 per year interest bill, and, at the same time, £1,000 in savings earning 1%, giving you £10 a year, then you would be better off using your savings to pay off the card.
Simply doing that would save you £170, although it would eat up your savings.
We spoke to experts about when it’s better to pay off debts versus saving money – read what they said.
Always tackle priority debts first though. These are ones where the consequences for not paying are most severe, like rent, mortgage and council tax.
IF you're in large amounts of debt it can be really worrying. Here are some tips from Citizens Advice on how you can take action.
Check your bank balance on a regular basis – knowing your spending patterns is the first step to managing your money
Work out your budget – by writing down your income and taking away your essential bills such as food and transport If you have money left over, plan in advance what else you’ll spend or save. If you don’t, look at ways to cut your costs
Pay off more than the minimum – If you’ve got credit card debts aim to pay off more than the minimum amount on your credit card each month to bring down your bill quicker
Pay your most expensive credit card sooner – If you have more than one credit card and can’t pay them off in full each month, prioritise the most expensive card (the one with the highest interest rate)
Prioritise your debts – If you’ve got several debts and you can’t afford to pay them all it’s important to prioritise them
Your rent, mortgage, council tax and energy bills should be paid first because the consequences can be more serious if you don’t pay
Get advice – If you’re struggling to pay your debts month after month it’s important you get advice as soon as possible, before they build up even further
Groups like Citizens Advice and National Debtline can help you prioritise and negotiate with your creditors to offer you more affordable repayment plans.
6. Check your insurance bills – £700
Your insurance premiums might look more affordable in any list of quotes, but there’s often a sting – many firms charge high interest if you pay monthly.
According to consultancy Pearson Ham, the average home insurance premium rose to £420 in 2024.
And the average car insurance bill has hit nearly £1,000.
Drivers can now expect to pay £995 for their car insurance, on average, according to price comparison website Confused.com.
Monthly payments can cost up to 50% more than paying annually, so if you can afford to pay upfront, you could save yourself up to a whopping £700.
7. Set up a savings challenge – £1,000
There are lots of ideas for saving over a year, but an easy way to do it is by using a savings account that automatically rounds up your purchases.
For example, investment app Plum rounds up your bank account transactions to the nearest pound, and moves the money into your Plum account.
For example, if you spend £4.50 on a coffee, Plum will round it up to £5 and move the extra 50p into your Plum account.
Sun reader Jacqueline Poutney, 30, put aside £1,000 by doing this and said it was all done without her noticing the money leaving her bank account.
You can also use money management app Emma to do a similar thing.
Other savings challenges include the 52-week challenge, where participants put aside £1 for the first week, £2 for the second, £3 for the third and so forth, until the end of the year.
Before you start, consider whether the larger amounts at the end of the year will be achievable.
But if you can stick to it though, the payoff is huge as you’ll pocket a whopping £1,378.
Money saving challenges
HERE are some popular money-saving challenges you can use:
Weather saving challenge – Save the amount equal to whatever the highest temperature was that week. £1 = 1C.
1p challenge – save 1p a day for everyday of the year, but it increase the amount by 1p each day. So day one you save 1p, 2p on day two and 3p on day three. When you reach 100 days you start adding a £1 coin each day too, while this increases to a £2 coin each day plus pennies at 200 days, and £3 each day on top of pennies at day 300.
20p a day challenge – Start by putting 20p in savings, then increase the amount by 20p every day. For example, the first week will look like this: 20p, 40p, 60p, 80p, £1, £1.20, £1.40.
£5 a week challenge – Like the 20p challenge, put aside £5 a week and increase it by a fiver each week. Eg £5, £10, £15, £20
Round-up challenge – Every time you buy something, round up the purchase to the nearest £1 and put the difference in a savings account. Eg. You pay £2.60, so you put 40p in savings. You can use an app such as Monzo or Starling to do this.
Bingo challenge – Here you have a bingo card with different numbers on it and you tick them off when you’ve put that amount in your savings account. It can be ad hoc but you have to tick them all off by the end of the month.
Monday to Sundaychallenge – With this challenge, you simply save £1 on Monday, £2 on Tuesday and so on until the weekend where you don’t save on Saturday or Sunday.
365 day challenge – Every Sunday you put aside £1, followed by £2 on Monday, £3 on Wednesday and so on. On Saturday you’ll put away £7, and then the process repeats and you’ll put aside £1 on Sunday as the new week begins
4 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on We live on world’s most remote island – we have to order Christmas presents 6 MONTHS in advance but there are key perks
IMAGINE being so far removed from civilisation that ordering Christmas gifts means planning half a year in advance.
With the nearest town more than 1,500 miles away, the only link to the outside world is a six-day boat trip.
Tristan da Cunha is located midway between southern Africa and South America[/caption]
Tristan da Cunha has become known as the world’s most desolate island[/caption]
This is the life of the 242 residents of Tristan da Cunha, the world’s most remote inhabited island – but they say there are some perks.
Located in the South Atlantic Ocean, this volcanic outpost is cut off from the rest of the world, with no phone network, no reliable internet, and no airstrip.
With only nine supply ships making their way to the island each year, getting essentials like food, medical supplies, and even holiday gifts requires careful preparation.
Despite the many challenges, the people of Tristan da Cunha have created a unique way of life, built on self-sufficiency, community, and a connection to nature that few will ever experience.
As the island’s head of tourism, Kelly captures the quirky aspects of life, from curious sheep wandering through her home to helicopters transporting supplies across the rugged landscape.
While life on Tristan da Cunha is undoubtedly isolated, Kelly and her fellow islanders have found ways to thrive in their remote haven.
Living on Tristan requires meticulous planning, especially when it comes to stocking up on necessities.
With only nine boat visits per year, islanders must order Christmas presents six months in advance, Kelly said.
The nearest civilisation is 1,514 miles away in Saint Helena, and getting to Tristan involves a 15-hour flight to Cape Town followed by a six-day boat journey.
The island lacks an airstrip, a phone network, and reliable internet, making communication and travel complex.
But the islanders have adapted to these limitations with remarkable ingenuity.
Each resident is entitled to two sheep and each family to one cow, ensuring a steady supply of meat and dairy.
Farming is a communal activity, and the work is shared by all.
Whether it’s planting potatoes, tending livestock, or building homes, the island’s close-knit community fosters a strong spirit of cooperation.
It is a way of life that harks back to simpler times, but with a distinct modern twist.
Despite the small population and the fact that all residents share just nine surnames, islanders maintain a diverse and welcoming community.
A resident named Iris explained that intermarriage hasn’t posed a problem for the gene pool due to the variety of people living there.
Romance, it seems, is alive and well in this remote corner of the world.
Local traditions and communal practices sustain the islanders, who speak a unique dialect of English, said to be the rarest in the world.
News and information travel slowly—sometimes via word of mouth, which police inspector Conrad Glass joked can be “much faster than the internet, but not always as accurate.”
This interconnected way of living is reflected in social events like island dances, where everyone from toddlers to the elderly participates.
A bus stop in Tristan da Cunha[/caption]
There are only 242 residents in the tiny Atlantic island[/caption]
Islanders share everything from food to celebrations, and they come together regularly to tend to the island’s communal farms and care for the livestock.
Tristan has one school, St. Mary’s School, which caters to all children from preschool to age 16.
Teachers are often recruited from abroad, staying for a few years before returning to their home countries.
The school focuses on basic education, preparing students for either life on the island or opportunities abroad.
Older students who wish to pursue higher education typically travel to the UK or South Africa, often returning with new skills to enrich the island.
Living on Tristan da Cunha means adapting to some significant hurdles.
Medical emergencies can be particularly challenging, as the island’s health facility is equipped only for basic care.
For serious issues, residents must endure a six-day sea voyage to Cape Town.
Natural disasters are another concern.
The nearest towns to Tristan da Cunha are thousands of miles away[/caption]
On the world’s most remote island, residents are assigned two sheep each[/caption]
St. Mary’s Church is one of the island’s two churches[/caption]
A 1961 eruption of Queen Mary’s Peak, the island’s volcano, forced the entire population to evacuate to England for two years[/caption]
The 1961 eruption of Queen Mary’s Peak, the island’s volcano, forced the entire population to evacuate to England for two years.
While most residents eventually returned, the memory of that event remains a reminder of the island’s precarious nature.
Emergencies like earthquakes or landslides are managed with a well-coordinated response system, including a gong to alert family heads.
The island has two churches, a medical facility with permanent physicians, and visiting specialists such as dentists and priests, ensuring that even in its remoteness, essential needs are met.
While physical isolation defines life on Tristan, its residents maintain a strong connection to the outside world through visiting researchers, occasional tourists, and the nine annual supply ships.
Islanders eagerly await these ships, which bring not just essential goods but also news, letters, and a sense of connection to the wider world.
For those willing to embrace its challenges, Tristan da Cunha has a life of unparalleled community, breathtaking natural beauty, and the chance to disconnect from the chaos of modern life.
In one of her TikTok posts, Kelly said: “We may be far away from everything, but we’re never bored.
“The beauty of our island, the warmth of our people, and the simplicity of our life make this a truly special place to live.”
The world's most remote islands
OFTEN far from major landmasses or difficult to access, here are some of the most remote islands on Earth:
Bouvet Island (South Atlantic Ocean): Located 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) south of the coast of South Africa, Bouvet Island is one of the most isolated places on Earth. It is a small uninhabited Norwegian dependency and is surrounded by ice and glaciers. Only a few expeditions have reached its shores due to its harsh environment.
Tristan da Cunha (South Atlantic Ocean): This island group is located about 2,400 kilometres (1,500 miles) from the nearest inhabited land, Saint Helena. The main island, Tristan da Cunha, has a small population (about 250 people) and is known for its extreme isolation. It is part of a British overseas territory.
Pitcairn Islands (South Pacific Ocean): The Pitcairn Islands, about 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles) from the nearest land in New Zealand, are known for being the home of the descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers. The islands have a tiny population of around 50 people and can only be accessed by boat.
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) (Pacific Ocean): Located 3,700 kilometres (2,300 miles) from the nearest inhabited island, Easter Island is famous for its ancient moai statues. It is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world and is part of Chile.
Saint Helena (South Atlantic Ocean): Saint Helena, a British Overseas Territory, is located approximately 2,400 kilometres (1,500 miles) from the nearest inhabited land. It became famous as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile. The island’s isolation and challenging access make it one of the most remote inhabited places in the world.
4 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Inside Strictly star Tess Daly’s intimate Christmas Day with husband Vernon Kay cooking dinner after panto
VERNON Kay will rush back from performing in pantomime to cook Christmas Day dinner for wife Tess Daly and their kids.
The BBC Radio Two presenter has revealed his intimate festive plans in between performing on stage at the Wycombe Swantheatre.
Vernon Kay with daughters Phoebe and Amber and wife Tess Daly[/caption]
Vernon and Tess have been married since 2003[/caption]
peaking exclusively to The Sun as part of EE‘s campaign to improve Christmas with its latest tech upgrade WiFi 7 technology, Vernon Kay told us: “I guess we kind of have a stereotypical Christmas in a family household.
“My mum and dad come down, Tess’s mum comes down and the kids are excited which I love because they’re a bit older now, but they’ve still got that energetic enthusiasm for Christmas. That fills the house with so much fun and joy and excitement.
“We’re all looking forward to sitting around and playing games.
“We;ve done the fancy chef in the past. It sounds daft but there’s not that sense of accomplishment or achievement when someone else has done it for you. I love to cook myself, I love doing the turkey.
“I’ve pre peeled the spuds and the carrots and everything the night before. That’ll be a late one because I’m doing panto.
Then it’ll be pulling everything out the oven, chucking everything off boil and dealing it out.
“I’ll be shouting “I DID THIS” and of course you’ve got to take pictures to make sure everyone knows you cooked it.
“I think I’ve got my own ‘turkey file’ in my phone.”
Vernon said of his panto comeback: “The Master of the Dad Joke is back! I’m so excited to be returning to the Wycombe Swan, my local theatre, in Aladdin this year.
“It’s a fantastic story, an absolute classic. Expect a whole lot of high paced, high tempo full of energy and blink and you miss it action with great song and dance, lots of audience interaction and amazing slapstick.”
Meanwhile Tess’s husband Vernon has been offering fans a glimpse inside the couple’s lavish six-bed mansion they share with daughters Phoebe, 20, and Amber, 15.
With Christmas around the corner and Vernon’s family being tasked with hosting duties this year, the TV and radio favourite has teamed up with EE to improve the festivities.
From entertaining guests and streaming holiday classics to online shopping and staying on top of work, Vernon said: “Christmas hosting is no small feat, but with EE’s upgrade, the stress melts away and makes everything just work better.
“It’s all about staying connected – to family, to fun, and to the things that make Christmas together magical.”
Tess and Vernon have two daughters together[/caption]
EE uncovers the nation’s connected Christmas habits
Why Wi-Fi matters this Christmas:
21% of adults confess to using Wi-Fi strength as a deciding factor when choosing which relative’s home to visit for Christmas
18% of Brits reveal they used AI apps such as Chat GPT, Google Gemini and Galaxy AI to recommend gift ideas for their friends and family this year
29% of Brits depend on online recipes on Christmas day, with poor connectivity cited as a recipe for disaster
23% of Brits admit that they rely on online video guides to learn how to wrap presents properly
44% of Brits plan to stream a Christmas blockbuster movie or boxset series on Christmas day as they look to get their festive fix
30% of Brits build a family Christmas playlist together designed to keep the whole household happy
4 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on I thought I was going to get some cute family pictures at Winter Wonderland – my fashion blunder made it a total fail
A WOMAN has revealed that she thought she was going to get some cute family pictures on her visit to Winter Wonderland, but instead, was left in utter hysterics after an awkward fashion fail.
Kelly, a content creator from the UK, got dressed up and went for a festive day out with her partner and their two boys, Harrison and Oliver.
The mum-of-two wore her favourite winter coat for the occasion – a long, green puffer coat with a large furry hood.
The family posed for pictures against a green screen, in the hope that they would have some lovely prints to share.
But Kelly was left in fits of laughter when she looked at the pictures, only to realise her embarrassing fashion blunder.
Kelly took to social media to acknowledge her fail, as she re-shared the clip from last December, leaving many open-mouthed.
Alongside the short video, Kelly advised: “This is your sign to NOT wear a green coat to an attraction where they take photos in front of a green screen…”
At the start of the clip, we saw Kelly pushing her young child around Winter Wonderland.
Moments later, the mother shared the professional pictures that the family had taken – as the four of them posed in front of festive backdrops.
In one picture, the family smiled as they were placed on a Christmas sleigh.
But as a result of the green screen error, instead of seeing Kelly’s body, all that was visible was her floating head and brunette locks.
Seeing the funny side of her photo fail, Kelly admitted: “This still cracks me up a year on!”
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @lifewithmyrainbow, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly gone viral and has amassed over two million views.
Social media users found it hilarious and flocked to the comments to express this.
I used to take these photos at an attraction and for years after I still had nightmares about people wearing green
TikTok user
One person said: “LOL I really didn’t expect that.”
Another added: “You will laugh for years about this…”
4 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on How your favourite celebs have spent their Christmas Day – from Gordon Ramsay’s matching PJs to huge star’s nude snap
YOUR favourite celebrities have been getting into the Christmas spirit all day and giving fans a peek into their celebrations.
Taking to social media, Gordon Ramsay showed it’s not just ‘normal’ people who are forced into matching pyjamas for photos.
He was seen posing with his family, including wife Tana, daughter Holly and her fiance Adam Peaty and his youngest children Oscar and Jesse James.
And Paris Hilton turned up the heat as she posed completely nude – covering up just slightly with a red satin bow.
The 43-year-old stunned against a backdrop of her incredible tree, and told followers: “My presence is a present.”
4 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Marcus Rashford enjoys Christmas dinner with his family with Man Utd future up in air after ‘new challenge’ admission
MARCUS RASHFORD shared a picture enjoying Christmas with his family amid uncertainty surrounding his Manchester United future.
Rashford spoke earlier this month about his future, telling journalist Henry Winter: “Personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”
After Man Utd’s 4-3 defeat to Tottenham last week, Amorim said: “We are better with Marcus Rashford, that is simple, and we will try different things to push Marcus to the best levels he showed in the past.
“This kind of club needs big talent and he’s a big talent, so he just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.
“Nothing has changed. We believe in Marcus. Marcus is a player of Manchester United, so there’s no change.”
Man Utd academy product Rashford has scored 138 goals and assisted 63 in 426 appearances.
This season he has scored seven goals and assisted three in 24 games.
Man Utd travel to Wolves on Boxing Day seeking a first win in three matches.
4 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Urgent Christmas alert for millions as experts warn common scam could empty your bank in seconds
CHRISTMAS is the season for giving – but for scammers, it’s the best time to take.
Cybersecurity experts have warned The Sun readers over three dangerous scams targeting victims over the festive holidays.
There are some online scams that you must watch out for this Christmas[/caption]
It’s easy for crooks to access a huge pool of potential victims online, and you could be one of them.
And in December, you need to be on high alert, as revealed by security expert Darren Guccione.
“As the holiday season approaches, cybercriminals are ramping up their efforts to exploit the festive rush with sophisticated scams,” said Darren, the CEO of Keeper Security, speaking to The Sun.
“From fake delivery notices to gift card scams, these tactics are designed to capitalize on the chaos and hit your wallet hard.”
SCAM #1 – FAKE SALES
One common scam involves using social media to flog products.
Christmas is the perfect time for this scam as people can pretend like they’re flogging unwanted gifts.
“During the holidays, some scammers will pose as fraudulent sellers who ask for payment in gift cards,” Darren said.
“They may advertise an item at an attractive price on platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
“After luring you in, the scammer insists that gift cards are the only accepted form of payment.
“Once they receive the codes, however, they disappear — leaving you without the item and out the cost of the cards.”
SCAM #2 – FAMILY FAKES
Another cruel scam sees crooks pretending to be your loved ones.
They might have even hijacked their accounts – and then use those stolen log-ins to break into yours.
“Some scammers impersonate people you know, such as family members or friends, asking for money or sensitive information,” Darren warned.
“Using social engineering, they exploit emotional triggers and employ a sense of urgency to deceive victims and persuade them to act quickly without thinking.
DEFENCE AGAINST THE DEEPFAKES
Here’s what Sean Keach, Head of Technology and Science at The Sun and The U.S. Sun, has to say…
The rise of deepfakes is one of the most worrying trends in online security.
Deepfake technology can create videos of you even from a single photo – so almost no one is safe.
But although it seems a bit hopeless, the rapid rise of deepfakes has some upsides.
For a start, there’s much greater awareness about deepfakes now.
So people will be looking for the signs that a video might be faked.
Similarly, tech companies are investing time and money in software that can detect faked AI content.
This means social media will be able to flag faked content to you with increased confidence – and more often.
As the quality of deepfakes grow, you’ll likely struggle to spot visual mistakes – especially in a few years.
So your best defence is your own common sense: apply scrutiny to everything you watch online.
Ask if the video is something that would make sense for someone to have faked – and who benefits from you seeing this clip?
If you’re being told something alarming, a person is saying something that seems out of character, or you’re being rushed into an action, there’s a chance you’re watching a fraudulent clip.
“Artificial intelligence is making these scams even more believable with voice cloning and deepfakes.”
SCAM #3 – PRIZE FOOL!
A third common con is when criminals will serve up tempting promotions or offers.
But if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
“Beware of social media holiday giveaways promising extravagant prizes like luxury items or vacations,” Darren told The Sun.
“While some contests are legitimate, there are a bevy of fake promotions that will be leveraged to collect personal information or small ‘processing’ fees.
“A good rule of thumb to remember is if a giveaway asks for payment, it’s likely a scam.”
It’s important to be as cautious at Christmas as any other time of the year – and possibly even moreso.
The good news is that the telltale signs of a Christmas scam are the same as any other con.
TWO OTHER SCAMS TO BEWARE
Security expert Darren Guccione revealed two other common Christmas scams...
BONUS SCAM #1 – FAKE DELIVERIES
“One tactic is the delivery confirmation scam, where cybercriminals impersonate couriers like FedEx or UPS, claiming a package couldn’t be delivered,” said Darren Guccione, founder of Keeper Security, speaking to The Sun.
“With so many gifts on the way, it’s easy to panic and click the link – but doing so can lead you to phishing sites that will harvest your personal information or download dangerous malware on your device.
“Always track your packages directly through the couriers website or app to stay safe.”
BONUS SCAM #2 – ROGUE REFUNDS
“Another scheme targets returns and refunds.
“Scammers send fraudulent emails about issues with a recent purchase, directing victims to phishing sites that steal personal details and payment information.
“Legitimate retailers will never ask for sensitive details via email, so verify any claims by reaching out directly through official customer service channels.”
Picture Credit: Unsplash
Make sure you’re watching out for unsolicited links, urgent requests for money, demands for strange payment methods like gift cards, and unusually good deals or promotions.
“By staying vigilant, independently verifying sources and thinking twice before you click, you can protect your finances and enjoy the holidays with peace of mind,” Darren advised.