Alan Johnson

Chris Packham has renewed his criticism of Jeremy Clarkson, calling him an “agitator” while acknowledging that Clarkson helps provoke conversations about farming. Packham argues that Clarkson’s Farm presents an unrealistic and idealised picture of UK agriculture that can obscure industrial farming’s effects on animal welfare, wildlife, human health and the environment. Clarkson previously responded angrily after Packham criticised the programme on Celebrity Gogglebox, citing Packham’s earlier visit to Diddly Squat Farm, but later said he regretted calling Packham’s comments nonsense.

Clarkson's Farm star Harriet Cowan attracted attention at Y Not Festival in the Peak District, where she shared photos and videos of a glamorous outfit with her social-media followers. The TikTok creator and nurse became known after temporarily replacing Kaleb Cooper on the Prime Video series. Since gaining prominence, Cowan has established the company Farmfluence and partnered with cow-patterned sock brand Country Moos for social-media promotion.

Veterinarian Amir Anwary says female tortoiseshell cats around two years old can become particularly challenging and “manic,” disputing the common belief that orange cats are the most aggressive. A UC Davis study based on survey responses from more than 1,200 cat owners found that calico and tortoiseshell cats were more likely to be reported as hissing, biting, or challenging their owners, although the findings have not been conclusively proven. Purina notes that behaviour is also influenced by breed, environment, and gender, and that not every tortoiseshell cat fits the “naughty tortie” stereotype.

Travel creators Theo and Rodrigo recommend Rye in East Sussex as a picturesque, walkable day-trip destination from London. The town is praised for its Tudor architecture, cobbled streets, crooked cottages, Mermaid Street, hilltop castle, cosy pubs, independent shops and proximity to the beach. Visit 1066 Country also highlights Rye's medieval history, cultural attractions, boutique hotels and views across Romney Marsh.

Travel agent Jake Cullum-Hollins warns visitors to Turkey that paying in British pounds or euros can leave them vulnerable to unfavorable exchange rates and incorrect change, particularly when vendors convert prices to Turkish lira. He advises agreeing and paying in Turkish lira, either in cash or by card, and recommends fee-free bank cards such as Starling or Monzo for overseas purchases.

Cleaning influencer Heather Rhodes recommends mixing water, cleaning vinegar, olive oil and a small amount of washing-up liquid in a spray bottle. Applied with a microfibre cloth, the solution is claimed to leave a coating that prevents dust from adhering to surfaces, allowing it to fall to the floor for easier vacuuming. The method is suggested for monthly use, although the article notes that dust remains inevitable and the claims are supported mainly by personal testimonials.

The article reports the death of wildlife presenter and conservationist Bill Oddie at age 83 while revisiting his advice on attracting birds to gardens. Oddie recommended planting hawthorn, rowan and mahonia because their flowers, berries, fruits and insect habitats provide food and shelter for birds. Guidance from the RHS and RSPB explains the wildlife benefits of each plant, while Oddie also urged gardeners to avoid killing insects and other creatures that support bird populations.

Food reviewer Becca Eats Everything compared salmon and avocado sushi from Tesco’s YO! Sushi counter, a YO! Sushi restaurant and Japanese chain Kibou. The Tesco option cost £5.45 and received 5/10 for bland salmon and stodgy rice, while the £8.95 restaurant sushi scored 8.5/10 for its more generous salmon portion and stronger flavour. Kibou’s £21.10 Volcano Roll, featuring salmon, avocado, tempura and sriracha mayonnaise, received 10/10. The comparison concluded that higher-priced restaurant sushi offered better quality, while readers shared recommendations for supermarket sushi alternatives.

Emilie Leyes recommends five self-care techniques that require little or no additional time: using the five-second rule to prompt action, practicing laughter yoga, focusing on pleasant sensations during mundane tasks, taking three mindful breaths, and daydreaming about positive outcomes and memories. She says these habits can improve mood, support mental wellbeing and help regulate the nervous system.

A dog owner warns others after her four-year-old dog died suddenly from severe illness believed to be caused by ingesting goose droppings and possibly sand. She recounts the rapid progression of symptoms, urges prompt veterinary attention if dogs show signs of sickness after exposure to bird droppings, and highlights the potential toxicity and bacterial risks associated with goose feces.

Waste experts clarify that pizza boxes with minimal grease can be recycled, while heavily soiled sections should be removed. Bristol Waste advises discarding greasy portions or using a paper sheet under takeaway pizzas to keep boxes cleaner. Fresh Start Waste Services warns that grease contamination leads to large volumes of cardboard being rejected and sent to landfill or incineration, stressing the environmental benefit of proper sorting.

Marcus Wareing shares a pancake recipe emphasizing preheating the pan before pouring in the batter, while Nima Safaei advises resting the mixture to improve texture. Popular UK topping choices range from classic lemon and sugar to chocolate hazelnut, maple syrup and more creative savoury combinations.

A TikTok user demonstrates a method for keeping tomatoes fresh for up to two weeks by washing them with baking soda and vinegar before drying and storing them in a mason jar. Consumer Reports confirms that vinegar and baking soda solutions can help reduce bacteria and remove some pesticides, though they do not eliminate all contaminants. Signs of spoilage include mould, shrivelling, softness and unusual odours.

Monty Don describes his preferred method for making carbonara, adding chopped parsley and using linguine along with eggs, bacon, and Parmesan. His approach prompted mixed reactions online, with some insisting it is not traditional carbonara and others defending his personal style. He also recently addressed misconceptions about being a flawless gardener, emphasising that mistakes remain part of his learning process.

A gardening expert recommends three heat‑tolerant, low‑water plants suitable for summer: lavender, echinacea and agapanthus. He explains their growing preferences and benefits, including resilience in full sun and appeal to pollinators. Additional RHS advice supports lavender as a strong summer option and notes hydrangeas as useful indicators of soil type.

A home cook’s tip for replacing milk with water in scrambled eggs is supported by multiple commenters and professional chefs, who explain that water creates steam, slows protein coagulation, and produces lighter, fluffier eggs. Chefs note that water enhances airiness while richer ingredients like butter or crème fraîche create creamier results.

A woman shares a simple method to enhance a cheese and onion sandwich by adding spring onions and mayonnaise to grated Red Leicester and red onion before seasoning and serving on seeded bread. A fellow TikTok creator supports the combination, and commenters respond positively. Additional advice from another content creator recommends swapping mayonnaise for Greek yoghurt in tuna dishes for a healthier, protein-rich alternative.

Dog tail wagging can be both voluntary and involuntary, functioning as a form of communication influenced by emotion and instinct. Reddit users note its similarity to smiling or breathing, occurring naturally in situations such as excitement, nervousness or appeasement. Blue Cross explains that wagging is instinctive and varies by breed, with different tail shapes and movements contributing to canine communication. Overall, tail movement helps dogs express themselves and interact with both humans and other dogs.

A tech expert warns that scammers increasingly use AI-enhanced phone calls to capture victims saying “yes,” enabling fraudulent charges and voice-authentication breaches. Callers often begin with simple questions designed to elicit the word, which can then be misused. To avoid this, recipients are advised to ask who is calling or what the call concerns, and to hang up if anything seems suspicious. TikTok users share additional protective strategies, while Age UK highlights that scammers can keep phone lines open and advises precautions such as using another phone or waiting before making return calls.

A travel expert recommends Sopot on Poland’s Baltic coast as an affordable alternative to Barcelona, highlighting its beaches, architecture, restaurants, and lower prices. The destination offers short flight times from the UK, warm summer temperatures, and good value on travel deals. Travellers praise Sopot and nearby Gdansk and Gdynia for their beauty, cleanliness, and reasonable costs.

A cook explains that many people mistakenly prick and oil jacket potatoes before baking, recommending instead washing, drying, wrapping in foil, and cooking them in the oven for 90 minutes before crisping the skin uncovered. TikTok creator Max McCann stresses oven baking over microwaving for best texture. While some viewers worry about potatoes exploding, experts from Southern Living note this is rare and that not pricking the skin usually poses no issue and can even prevent dryness.