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SHOPPERS are going wild after discovering a major supermarket has slashed the price of Quality Street tubs to just £3.

Asda has cut the price of the iconic 600g chocolate tub from £6 to just a few quid, making it one of the cheapest on the market.

Damien McFadden

Asda has slashed the price of Quality Street to £3[/caption]

The supermarket, which has 1,200 stores across the UK, reopened its doors this morning after being closed for Christmas Day.

And bargain hunters were quick to hit the aisle to sniff out any Boxing Day reductions.

One shopper took to social media to share news of the reduction but told people to “be quick” as some were being “very selfish” and “buying trolley loads”.

Others were quick to chime in and ask their friends hitting the shop to “grab some for them.”

However, many were unimpressed, with one saying they “had enough” chocolate for Christmas and another saying they had “no plans” to visit a store so quickly after the holiday.

But for those keen to check out the bargain, you will have to shop the deal in-store as it does not appear to be available online.

Not every Asda across the UK seems to be offering the deal either, with a few customers sharing how it was not available at their local branch.

So it may be worth ringing your local branch ahead of your next visit to avoid disappointment.

Asda’s Quality Street offer makes it one of the cheapest on the market with other supermarkets typically charging £6 for the 600g tub.

Aldi was charging £3.95 for the assortment of chocolates but the deal is no longer running.

It’s not uncommon for supermarkets to slash the price of festive food after the holidays to help shift stock.

Iceland has slashed the price of a festive favourite to just 50p.

The bargain retailer is now charging 50p for a packet of six mince pies marked down from £1.45.

That works out at around 8p per mince pie.

However, if you are keen to shop the deal in person it may be worth ringing up your local store ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

That’s because most of Iceland’s 1000+ stores will remain closed on Boxing Day across the UK, with it being officially assigned as a bank holiday for staff.

The same applies to The Food Warehouse.

However, the company confirmed to The Sun that 76 Iceland stores, mostly in London and Essex, will open on 26 December, some as late as 9pm.

You can find your nearest Iceland by visiting www.iceland.co.uk/store-finder.

CAN lightning strike twice? Can a series once-binged ever be considered as binge-worthy?

Netflix would certainly be hoping so.

Netflix

Netflix

The highly-anticipated show dropped on Boxing Day on the streaming platform[/caption]

Series one of survival thriller Squid Game became one of the streamer’s biggest shows ever, with more than 300 million viewers watching more than 2.8billion hours since it landed in September 2021.

And Netflix will need to hope those loyal fans can push through the brand new series, because the first two episodes are dull.

The monstrous Red Light, Green Light game in the debut was so shocking it grabbed viewers by the balls.

But there’s barely any gore until 15 minutes into episode three.

It means they’re relying on us caring enough about series one’s protagonist Player 456 to sit through two hours’ of his obsession with finding the Squid Game boss and enacting his revenge.

When these two hours are dubbed and subtitled, that’s no mean feat.

We finally get to the games and here’s where writers have stepped things up.

There’s more thought around spelling out why each player has joined and they’ve added more meat to the bones when it comes to character.

We have a fella who ran a Crypto YouTube account whose bad advice several of his fellow players followed – and lost.

There’s a mum and son, a pregnant woman and even a famous rapper.

It immediately adds depth to the dormitory scenes without needing to resort to the same tropes as series one like in-fighting.

There’s also a juicy subplot which delves into the motivation of the Squid Gamers with a mole in their midst plus Player 456’s efforts to take down the bad guys.

The ratings acclaim has gone to its head. Fans loved the shock factor of the games and its whiplash twists, not the deep pathos of its characters

Felicity CrossDeputy TV Editor

And whilst some of the gory games are the same, there’s enough variety to keep the action interesting.

The problem with Squid Game series two is it’s taking itself too seriously.

The ratings acclaim has gone to its head. Fans loved the shock factor of the games and its whiplash twists, not the deep pathos of its characters.

Some viewers will love this new depth – but others just want their lust for blood sated.

THE ‘once-in-a-decade’ auroras are set to continue into 2025 after a blockbuster year for Northern Lights sightings.

The Earth saw an explosion in the frequency of Northern Lights this year, as the sun went into solar maximum.

The solar maximum is the peak of an 11-year cycle, whereby solar activity grows more intense.

There were a lot more sunspots in 2024 than scientists had predicted.

And there’s every indication that this will continue into 2025.

“The sun has been very active recently, and we expect it to continue through 2025,”  Elizabeth J. McGrath, an associate professor of physics and astronomy at Colby College, in the US told The Sun.

“Normally we only see the aurora at locations close to Earth’s magnetic north and south poles because charged particles from the sun get trapped by the Earth’s magnetic field and funneled to the poles.

“With stronger solar storms during solar maximum, there are more charged particles from the sun, and when these particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they can be distributed farther from Earth’s north and south magnetic poles, reaching more southerly latitudes here on Earth.

“That’s why we’ve been noticing the aurora in locations that don’t typically experience aurora (including London!).”

The peak of this decade’s solar maximum, known as Solar Cycle 25, is expected in July 2025.

But the shorter summer nights do not lend themselves to seeing the Northern Lights.

Last July, Met Office experts warned that viewing opportunities were “limited due to short hours of darkness at this time of year”.

While the nights are still long early next year, however, stargazers may have more of a chance to catch a magnificent display.

Although some sightings last only a few fleeting seconds, others can light up the sky for several hours.

Bav Media

It’s best to make your way to a more rural area – if you’re not based there already[/caption]

Tricks to see the Northern Lights

Avoid light pollution

Avoiding light pollution, and the night glow of a city, is crucial.

It’s best to make your way to a more rural area – if you’re not based there already.

“Of course, the other complication is that in cities, light pollution makes it hard to see faint phenomena like the aurora,” added McGrath.

If you are unable to escape light pollution, fear not.

“During strong solar storms, we get more atoms in our atmosphere excited,” explained McGrath.

“So, the colors can be more intense and can be seen even in heavily light-polluted skies.”

Get a clear skyline

While escaping light pollution is important – so is having a clear view of the sky.

Avoid sitting too close to trees or buildings.

The more sky you see, the more chance you have of catching the aurora.

Snap a picture

Sometimes, aurora can appear white to the human eye, so it can help to take a quick photo on your phone to help reveal the colours.

If you’re planning on photographing the aurora properly, you’ll need a DSLR or bridge camera and ideally a tripod.

Wait it out

Experts have also advised that hopeful watchers not be too disheartened if the aurora looks dim at first.

This is because they usually brighten over the course of a few hours.

IT’S been a tough year for the Royal Family with King Charles’ and Princess Kate’s cancer struggles.

But what’s in store for the monarchy next year? Will 2025 be just as turbulent as 2024?

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It’s been a tough year for the Royal Family – but what does the monarchy have in store for 2025?[/caption]

Reuters

Two experts, Royal Correspondent at GB News Cameron Walker and royal biographer Andrew Lownie, shared their thoughts[/caption]

Reuters

According to Cameron Walker, fans will ‘see more of the King and the Princess of Wales’ in 2025[/caption]

According to experts, the next year looks completely unpredictable for the Royal Family – and fans will simply have to wait.

Sharing his thoughts with The Sun‘s Matt Wilkinson on the final episode of the Royal Exclusive show of the year, Royal Correspondent at GB News Cameron Walker said: ”It’s completely unpredictable.

”I would like to think that we’re going to see more of the King and the Princess of Wales having a positive health journey, carrying on more international tours as we’re led to believe by the sources of Buckingham Palace.

”But we’ll just have to wait and see.”

According to royal biographer Andrew Lownie, who recently dubbed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ”rogue royals”, there will also be ”more royal transparency and more accountability”.

”More openness not just about their financial affairs but other parts of their lives.

”Because I think looking at the comments in the newspapers to some of these scandals, there is this real worry about the reluctance of the Royal Family.

”They’re not really open about exactly how they operate and I think to earn our trust and respect, there has to be much more accountability, particularly financially.”

But what will 2025 look like for each individual member of the Royal Family? Find out what Mystic Maggie recently shared exclusively with Fabulous – from King Charles’ recovery to a surprise new arrival joining the monarchy.

This comes after Prince Andrew ‘’snubbed Charles Christmas speech’’ as he was seen driving with Fergie after ‘‘opting not to join family at church”.

The disgraced Duke left Windsor around quarter to three on Christmas Day, leaving minutes before the King’s speech was broadcast to the nation.

The Duke of York, 64, was reported to have declined the annual festivities hosted by King Charles, 76.

He drove away from his home, Royal Lodge, which he continues to share with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.

It comes after the Duke was recently revealed to be entangled in a Chinese spy scandal.

He has been described as a “close confidant” of alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo.

It is thought the pair shared a friendship for more than ten years with the latter being banned from the UK on national security grounds.

In a statement issued two weeks ago, Andrew’s office said: “The Duke of York followed advice from HMG and ceased all contact with the individual after concerns were raised.

“The duke met the individual through official channels, with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed.

“He is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security.”

Earlier this week, experts revealed that the Prince would never go to Sandringham again to save Charles from humiliation.

Biographer Andrew Lownie told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show: “I don’t think he’s going to go to Sandringham ever again.”

He added the other royals “need to distance themselves from him” to save any further embarrassment.

Lownie described how the Prince had been “forced” out of the festive celebrations.

EVERTON star Jordan Pickford’s cheat sheet was exposed on his water bottle before saving Erling Haaland’s penalty against Manchester City.

Pickford, 30, has been very impressive for the Toffees in recent weeks amid another season that sees Sean Dyche’s side fighting another battle to avoid Premier League relegation.

Rex

The England goalkeeper was called upon after 53 minutes to defend a 1-1 scoreline at the Etihad after team-mate Iliman Ndiaye cancelled out Bernardo Silva’s opener.

Savinho cleverly nicked the ball past Vitalii Mykolenko who fouled him inside the area and gave away a penalty kick to City.

Haaland, 24, took on the spot-kick and appeared determined to ease Man City’s woes that had seen them losing nine of their past 12 matches across all competitions – of which they only won one.

The star striker refused to be put off by Everton captain Seamus Coleman, who whispered something in his ear and got booked.

And Pickford tried his best to put the Norway international off with a funny face, similar to the one usually seen by New Zealand rugby stars during an intimidating haka as he stuck his tongue out.

Unlike Coleman, the goalkeeper’s strategy seems to have worked as he lunged to his right and palmed Haaland’s shot away with relevant ease.

The Norwegian than headed the ball to the back of the net but was caught offside.

However, cameras caught Pickford looking at his water bottle before the spot-kick.

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And it had a cheat sheet on it showing where City’s most usual penalty takers shoot the ball most.

The camera caught a side of the bottle showing shooting percentages by Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish and Mateo Kovacic.

Numbers showed Foden mostly shoots on the goalkeeper’s left, Doku on the right, Grealish in the middle and Kovacic on the right.

The other side showed Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan as well as Silva’s stats.

And it got the ex-Borussia Dortmund superstar’s numbers absolutely correct as it showed him shooting down the right 55 per cent of the time.

Pickford proved to be the hero as he saved a valuable point for Everton.

City, on the other hand, are with only one victory in 13 matches across all competitions, of which they lost nine.

MANCHESTER CITY felt the full fury of the home Etihad faithful after dropping more points on Boxing Day.

Pep Guardiola‘s team were booed from the field by frustrated supporters after a tepid 1-1 draw with Everton.

Reuters

Man City’s dismal form continued on Boxing Day against Everton[/caption]

Getty

Erling Haaland missed a penalty as his Premier League goal drought continued[/caption]

Getty

Pep Guardiola’s men have now won just one of their last 13 games[/caption]

EPA

Audible boos were heard at the end of the Boxing Day clash[/caption]

Bernardo Silva’s first-half goal appeared to have sent City on their way to a much-needed three points.

But Iliman Ndiaye rifled the Toffees level just before the break, increasing the grumbles at the Etihad.

Erling Haaland was given the perfect opportunity to win the game for Guardiola’s out-of-form side but saw a second-half penalty saved by Jordan Pickford.

The Norwegian has scored just once in his last seven matches and has not found the net in his last four.

And frustrated fans made their feelings known at full time, with audible boos raining down from the terraces.

One fan wrote on X: “City getting booed off yet they all talk about how they’ve been attending games since the Main Road days.”

Another gasped: “City getting booed off, unbelievable how things have changed.”

Guardiola’s side have now won just one of their last 13 matches in all competitions.

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They haven’t tasted victory since seeing off Nottingham Forest 3-0 on December 4.

City’s draw does seem them climb to sixth in the table.

But could end the day five points adrift of the top four should results go against them.

Guardiola conceded before the game that his side are at risk of failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 15 years.

Getty

The reigning champions have won just one of their last five on home soil[/caption]

He said: “The one team that has been in the Champions League for the past years has been Manchester City.

“Now we are at risk, of course we are. Definitely.”

AMONG an amazing haul of festive goodies, there’s usually at least one gift that doesn’t quite hit the mark. 

Whether it’s that questionable sweater from your aunt or the third waffle maker you’ve received in as many years, there’s always a wildcard in the pile.

“Regifting might be tempting, but it’s often easier to just return the item—if you can navigate the maze of refund policies, that is,” says Fred Harrington, the CEO of Coupon Mister.

Now, Fred gives you the lowdown on all the ins and outs of Christmas returns, so you won’t be stuck with anything to throw away in January.

Unwrap Smartly

Before you gleefully shred through wrapping paper like a sugar-fuelled gremlin, pause for a moment. A gift receipt could be tucked inside, and that’s your ticket to a hassle-free return – you don’t want to shred it, too!

Unlike a regular receipt, a gift receipt spares the giver any embarrassment by leaving out the price. With it, you can often exchange the item, snag store credit, or—if you’re lucky—get a full refund.

Know Your Online Shopping Rights

If the gift was purchased online, you’re in luck! The Consumer Contracts Regulations give buyers (or you, with their blessing) a 14-day window to return items for a full refund.

Here’s how it works: The 14 days start from the moment the item arrives.

Inform the retailer within this time, and they’ll process the return.

Be aware: refunds go to the purchaser’s original payment method, so you might need to have an awkward conversation with the gift-giver.

Feel a white lie brewing? Use the classic “duplicate gift” excuse. “Loads of people buy the same thing for the same person, so it’s super believable, and no feelings will be hurt,” says Fred.

Returns Without a Reason

When the gift is perfectly fine but just not your style (looking at you, lime green onesie), you’ll need to rely on the shop’s goodwill.

Receipt Required: Most shops will offer an exchange or credit note without fuss.

No Receipt? Some retailers will accept a card or bank statement as proof of purchase, but policies vary, so check their website for specifics.

If the person who bought the gift doesn’t mind stepping in, ask them to return it for you. 

When There’s a Fault (or False Advertising)

If the gift is damaged, faulty, or not as described, you’re standing on solid legal ground. 

Under the Consumer Rights Act, the purchaser is entitled to a full refund, repair, or replacement.

Even without a receipt, proof of purchase (like a bank statement) will often suffice. “Just make sure to arm yourself with the retailer’s returns policy before heading into the store, just in case,” Fred says.

Turn “What Were They Thinking?!” Into Cash

If your gift is a bust and returning it isn’t an option, selling the item online is your next best bet. But just as not all gifts are created equal, neither are online marketplaces. 

Got a barely-used gadget? eBay’s got your back. That weirdly retro sweater? Depop’s hipster crowd will love it. For bigger items, like furniture or appliances, Facebook Marketplace lets you offload locally and avoid horrendous shipping fees.

“If you’re selling something quirky—think novelty mugs or obscure collectables—Etsy or specialist Facebook groups might be the jackpot,” says Fred. “Trust me, there’s a buyer out there somewhere for everything.”

Finnish authorities have detained a Russia-linked ship as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables.

A Cambodian court has convicted an opposition party leader of inciting social disorder and sentenced him to two years in prison.

Former finalist Simona Halep has pulled out of Australian Open qualifying and a tune-up tournament in Auckland because of knee and shoulder injuries.