Kate Ng

Heat exhaustion results from high temperatures and excessive sweating and can cause nausea, headache, heavy sweating and dizziness. If untreated, it may progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition in which the body can no longer regulate its temperature. Heatstroke can cause hot, dry skin, rapid heart rate, vomiting, seizures, coma or death, so prompt treatment is essential. Recommended first aid includes moving the person to a cool place, removing unnecessary clothing, giving cold drinks and cooling the skin.

A range of knife sharpeners was tested across styles including pull-through models, whetstones, rolling sharpeners, electric options and self-sharpening blocks. AnySharp, Lakeland and HORL models delivered the most reliable results, while compact and space-saving designs such as the Joseph Joseph sharpener suited smaller kitchens. Heavy‑duty devices like the Tormek T‑1 and Chef’s Choice electric sharpener offered near‑professional performance but required space and investment. Expert chefs highlighted differences between Japanese and European knives and recommended sharpening frequency and methods. Whetstones remain the most controlled, traditional option, while modern pull-through sharpeners provide accessible ease of use.

Kate Ng taste-tests 16 extra virgin olive oils across budget, premium, single-variety, regional, subscription and gift categories. Waitrose’s Valli Trapanesi PDO EVOO is named the best overall for its vibrant Sicilian flavour, while Asda’s Spanish Picual oil is the best budget option. The review highlights how olive variety, harvest timing, terroir, processing and packaging affect flavour, freshness and polyphenol content. It also notes the effects of drought and heatwaves on production and UK prices, and concludes that EVOO is suitable for cooking, frying, roasting and baking as well as dipping and drizzling.

Jeremy Clarkson has revealed that he was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer at an early stage and expects to undergo surgery. The diagnosis highlights the importance of early detection. Common symptoms include increased urinary frequency or urgency, difficulty starting urination, straining, weak urine flow and a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, although these can also result from non-cancerous conditions. Treatment may include monitoring, surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy or chemotherapy depending on the cancer’s stage and progression.

Kate Ng tests a range of kitchen knife sets on vegetables, meat, fish and other ingredients, assessing sharpness, balance, ergonomics, practicality, design and price. The Sous Chef ARC Edge Damascus steel duo is selected as the best overall option, while Stellar is the budget pick, Kuhn Rikon the best three-piece set, ProCook the best five-piece set and HexClad the best set with a block. Other recommendations target specific needs, including self-sharpening storage, small kitchens, gifting, children, beginners and advanced home cooks. The review concludes that a well-balanced, sharp and appropriately sized set is more useful than simply buying a large number of knives.

New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani urged King Charles III to return the 105.6-carat Koh-i-Noor diamond to India, reviving a longstanding dispute over its ownership. Mined in India and recorded during the Mughal era, the diamond passed through Persian, Central Asian and Sikh rulers before the British East India Company obtained it in 1849 after forcing the young Duleep Singh to surrender it. The stone was later recut, incorporated into British royal crowns and placed on display in the Tower of London. India has repeatedly sought its return since independence, arguing that it was taken under coercive colonial conditions, while estimates of its value range from $140 million to $400 million despite claims that it is effectively priceless.

Kate Ng tests six woks on an electric stove using stir-frying, steaming, braising and dry roasting. Yosukata’s pre-seasoned blue carbon steel wok is selected as the best overall for its even heating, sturdy construction and handling, while School of Wok offers the best budget option. ProCook is suited to small households, Le Creuset is the lightest, HexClad is best for large families, and Stellar is the strongest dedicated non-stick choice. The review also explains wok materials, maintenance, seasoning and the advantages of flat-bottomed designs for electric and induction hobs.

Hands-on testing finds the £125 Our Place Always Pan 2.0 superior overall because it is compact, versatile, oven-safe and performs strongly for searing, frying and steaming. The £30 M&S All-in-One Saucepan offers nearly twice the capacity, dishwasher-safe convenience and strong value, but it heats more slowly, has a loosely fitting lid and cannot be used in the oven. The Our Place pan suits smaller kitchens and more ambitious cooking, while the larger M&S model is better for families, batch cooking and budget-conscious buyers.

Ramadan is described as a month of fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection for Muslims worldwide. The article explains that “Ramadan Mubarak” means “Blessed Ramadan” and “Ramadan Kareem” means “Generous Ramadan,” with both serving as appropriate greetings. It outlines the timing and purpose of fasting, the significance of Ramadan as the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and one of Islam’s five pillars, and exemptions for people who are ill, pregnant or breastfeeding, menstruating, traveling, or below puberty.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological disorder in which motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord degenerate, gradually impairing voluntary movement, speech, eating and breathing. Early symptoms can include muscle weakness, twitching, cramps, stiffness, slurred speech, and difficulty chewing or swallowing. There is no cure, but treatments including riluzole and Radicava can help ease symptoms. Most cases have no family history, while 5–10 percent are inherited. The condition is most common among people aged 55 to 75, and possible links to military service and toxin exposure remain unconfirmed.

Actor Eric Dane died at age 53 after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS progressively damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of voluntary muscle control. Early symptoms may include twitches, cramps, stiffness, weakness, slurred speech, and difficulty chewing or swallowing. There is no cure, although FDA-approved medications can help manage symptoms; the cause is usually unknown, with a small proportion of cases linked to genetic mutations.

Thames Valley Police are searching properties linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in Berkshire and Norfolk after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The former prince left Royal Lodge after public backlash over his association with Jeffrey Epstein and was relocated to Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate. Royal Lodge, a 30-room Grade II-listed property near Windsor Castle, has 98 acres of grounds and was leased by Andrew in 2003 for £1 million, with approximately £7.5 million spent on renovations; the tenancy required only a nominal annual rent and ran until 2078. The property previously housed the Queen Mother and served as a royal family retreat.

The Independent’s Kate Ng tested M&S’s Tom Kerridge cookware range over two weeks using everyday cooking, braising, roasting and baking techniques. She found the pieces versatile, durable and unusually affordable, with the cast iron stacking set, casserole dish, stainless steel saucepan and wooden butcher’s block receiving especially strong praise. Drawbacks include the considerable weight and storage demands of some items, hand-washing requirements for the stainless steel pieces, and the need to season the griddle pan before use. Overall, the range is recommended for enthusiastic home cooks, families and meal preparers, with the stacking set judged particularly good value.

Matcha lattes have become a major UK social-media and café trend, with chains and independent shops expanding colorful, flavored menus to meet demand. Experts warn that many high-street drinks use cheaper green tea powder rather than authentic, shade-grown matcha, while syrups and fruit purées can undermine the drink’s perceived health benefits. The global surge has contributed to shortages in Japan and prompted discussion of stronger labeling protections and increased production. Although the trend risks detaching matcha from its Japanese tea traditions, practitioners say it could also introduce a new generation to the drink if interest develops beyond appearance and wellness marketing.

Adult children can be deeply affected when their parents divorce, even after leaving home and establishing their own relationships and careers. Rising rates of later-life divorce, or “silver splitting,” mean more adults are confronting the disruption, including questions about their childhood, relationships, family events and contact with grandchildren. Experts argue that the way a divorce is handled—particularly blame, conflict and pressure to take sides—causes more harm than the separation itself. Clear communication, reduced parental conflict and prioritizing children’s emotional needs can help families adjust.

The online knitting community has developed a steady stream of disputes over pirated patterns, size inclusivity, yarn choices, pattern copying and alleged AI-generated designs. Designers argue that free sharing and AI replication devalue months of creative labor, while social media encourages one-sided hot takes, rapid outrage and little accountability. Although KnitTok can be petty and hostile, it also provides supportive and generous community connections, preserving some of the social value historically associated with knitting circles.

Meal replacement shakes such as Huel have become closely associated with fitness, convenience and weight management, but eating-disorder specialist Ruth Micallef warns that their marketing can normalise restrictive and disordered eating. The piece traces the products’ history from medically intended nutrition to diet-culture and influencer-driven consumption, criticises Huel’s advertising record and highlights investor Steven Bartlett’s promotional role. A personal account and chef Sat Bains’s experience conclude that shakes are joyless, nutritionally limited and best reserved for occasional convenience rather than replacing regular solid meals.

A mayonnaise-loving food writer condemns Lawson’s new drinkable mayonnaise in Japan as an extreme and unpleasant product, while defending mayonnaise against foodies who dismiss it as bland. The writer praises its culinary versatility, history, use in sauces and marinades, and regional variations, especially Japanese and Dutch mayonnaise, but rejects sweet mayonnaise creations and mayonnaise consumed like butter on pizza.

Remembrance Day falls on 11 November 2024, while Remembrance Sunday takes place on 10 November, with a nationwide minute’s silence at 11am and the National Service of Remembrance at London’s Cenotaph. Red poppies represent remembrance and hope for peace, with their symbolism linked to John McCrae’s First World War poem. The Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal sells poppies and related merchandise to raise funds for veterans.

The UK’s autumn clock change provides an extra hour of sleep but can disrupt circadian rhythms and make it harder to maintain normal sleep patterns. Research links sleep disruption, particularly during the spring time change, with increased cardiovascular risks, while darker evenings are associated with more road accidents. Reduced daylight can also contribute to low mood, fatigue, vitamin D deficiency and seasonal affective disorder by affecting melatonin, serotonin and the body’s biological clock.

Canvas tote bags have evolved from practical reusable carriers into visible markers of taste, identity and social status. Popular designs from Trader Joe’s, Daunt Books, MUBI, east London bakeries and The New Yorker are mocked and ranked online as shorthand for different cultural stereotypes. Experts argue that totes offer an affordable, subtle form of brand and personality signaling, but their ubiquity risks turning users into walking advertisements. The article also questions their environmental credentials, noting that cotton bags require extensive reuse to offset their production impact and are often difficult to recycle. Despite concerns about overconsumption, the writer remains attached to a large personal collection and considers gifting or reselling some bags.

Food mascots such as Ronald McDonald, Uncle Ben, Tony the Tiger and Coco the Monkey have largely disappeared as advertising regulations, health concerns, racial-stereotype debates and changing ideas about authentic branding reshaped the industry. Ronald McDonald was sidelined amid fears linked to “killer clown” imagery, while Mars removed Uncle Ben's portrait and renamed the brand Ben's Original during the Black Lives Matter era. Experts say mascots were once effective at creating emotional connections and encouraging children’s “pester power,” but became liabilities as companies faced scrutiny over unhealthy food marketing and cultural representation. Smaller independent food businesses are now reviving mascots, suggesting that colorful, emotionally engaging branding could return even as major corporations remain cautious.

McDonald’s worldwide sales fell 1% in the second quarter, contributing to a 12% drop in net income, as cost-of-living pressures, higher menu prices and perceived declines in food quality deter customers. The chain also faces stronger competition from brands such as Greggs, changing expectations among younger consumers for healthier, more distinctive and socially engaged brands, and boycotts linked to perceptions of its stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Despite losing cultural relevance and some UK market share, McDonald’s remains a global symbol with unmatched convenience and is unlikely to disappear, though it may need to rebuild its quality, community and lifestyle appeal.

A personal essay examines the writer’s difficulty replacing pleasurable snacks such as crisps, biscuits and sweets with healthier options such as carrot sticks and fruit-and-nut bars. A dietitian from the British Dietetic Association recommends snacking in response to hunger or exercise, keeping nutritious foods visible, planning ahead and limiting less healthy snacks rather than eliminating them. Research from UCLA on brain circuits linked to cravings for rewarding, high-calorie food offers a possible explanation for the writer’s preferences, but she concludes that healthier snacks should be made more enjoyable rather than simply endured.

Sleep experts recommend keeping the bedroom between 16°C and 21°C and maintaining a cool head to support restful sleep during hot weather. Suggested measures include using breathable cotton bedding, keeping curtains and windows closed during the day, turning off electronics, drinking water earlier in the day, taking a tepid shower, cooling pulse points and feet, exercising in the morning, and using chilled or damp items to lower body temperature. Separating from a partner or sleeping downstairs may also reduce exposure to accumulated heat.

The roundup identifies Love Island couples from past seasons who remain together, including Molly Smith and Tom Clare, Sophie Piper and Joshua Ritchie, Whitney Adebayo and Lochan Nowacki, and several couples from the 2016–2023 series. Their current statuses range from dating and living together to engagement, marriage and parenthood. Notable developments include Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan’s engagement, Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury’s engagement and child, and the marriages and families formed by several earlier contestants.

Reykjavik has developed from a city associated mainly with traditional preserved foods into a vibrant culinary destination. The Food and Fun Festival, chef migration, tourism, imports and improved agriculture have helped drive the transformation, while restaurants such as Tides, Brut and Sumac showcase Icelandic seafood, lamb and local ingredients through international techniques. The city also offers lively bars, bakeries, vegan food and affordable staples such as hot dogs, although dining can be expensive and popular restaurants require advance reservations.

A first-person account of accompanying gamekeeper Brad Smith on a deer stalk in Buckinghamshire argues that eating venison can be an ethical and sustainable choice. The piece describes how unchecked deer populations, worsened during the Covid-19 lockdowns and enabled by the absence of natural predators, damage woodland, crops and their own habitat. Interviews with farmers, chefs and pub operators support controlled culling and greater venison consumption, while the author reflects on the moral significance of witnessing the process from shooting through butchering to eating.

Travelers are encouraged to overcome anxiety about unfamiliar foreign-language menus by being friendly and patient with restaurant staff, trying reasonable local pronunciations, observing what nearby diners are eating, and using Google Translate only when other approaches fail. The piece argues that language barriers should not prevent people from exploring local cuisine and emphasizes kindness, curiosity and willingness to take small risks while dining abroad.

A writer describes how emetophobia—the intense fear of vomiting or being near someone who has vomited—shapes everyday life, including travel, public transport, relationships, food choices and decisions about having children. The fear triggers panic, avoidance and profound disgust, and the writer recalls distressing experiences on a train, plane and at school. Although social media has helped her discover others with the same condition, she believes intensive cognitive behavioural therapy may be necessary before she could comfortably manage situations involving illness, particularly caring for children.

Sarah Everard disappeared in south London on 3 March 2021 while walking home from a friend’s house. Police officer Wayne Couzens was arrested days later after searches in London and Kent uncovered human remains, formally identified as Everard. He pleaded guilty to her kidnap, rape and murder, was dismissed from the Metropolitan Police and received a whole-life prison sentence in September 2021. The timeline also records earlier indecent-exposure allegations involving Couzens and investigations by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as an independent report examined whether Kent Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police missed warning signs before the killing.

Rising pet ownership during the Covid-19 pandemic has coincided with more untrained dogs, fatal attacks, hospital admissions from dog bites, animal abandonment and pressure on shelters. The article also highlights the environmental damage caused by outdoor and feral cats and criticizes the continued availability of poorly bred puppies despite Lucy’s Law. Companion-animal behaviourist Jade Nicholas argues that stronger breeder regulation, owner training and greater awareness of the financial and time commitments of pet ownership are needed. The article concludes that pet ownership should be treated as a serious responsibility and privilege, not an entitlement, with prospective owners encouraged to wait until they can properly care for an animal.

Rishi Sunak’s red thread bracelet is likely a Hindu kautuka, traditionally tied by a priest or senior family member for protection during religious or rite-of-passage ceremonies. Worn on the right wrist by men, it may also represent family or marital bonds; another possibility is a rakhi associated with the Raksha Bandhan festival. Sunak has also worn a personalized DADA bracelet made by his daughters.

The writer argues that the UK government’s planned increase in the minimum income requirement for British citizens sponsoring foreign spouses, from £18,600 to £38,700, will exclude many ordinary and low-paid couples. Drawing on her own long-distance relationship between Malaysia and the UK, she says the policy could separate families, disproportionately affect women, and reserve family life in Britain for wealthier people. She also challenges claims that migrant spouses burden taxpayers, noting that many work, pay taxes, cannot access public funds, and pay substantial visa and health-surcharge fees. The policy is portrayed as cruel, xenophobic and inconsistent with the government’s claim to be protecting British citizens.

Non-alcoholic cocktails can cost almost as much as alcoholic drinks because they often require expensive vacuum-distillation equipment, additional flavour adjustment, stabilisation and premium ingredients. Producers and bar operators argue that these drinks are priced for their craftsmanship and the social experience they provide, as well as the benefit of avoiding hangovers. Rising interest in sober-curious and mindful drinking is expanding the UK market, with many consumers alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, although persuading people to pay premium prices remains a cultural and commercial challenge.

Restaurant menus have become increasingly difficult to navigate because of obscure ingredients, culinary jargon, QR codes, tiny type and dim lighting. Gavin Rankin of Bellamy’s argues that menus should seduce and inform diners rather than make them feel foolish, while restaurant publicist Hugh Richard Wright recommends descriptions that clearly convey a dish’s texture, flavour and preparation. Resy’s David Paw views unfamiliar menus as opportunities for conversation and discovery, but the writer concludes that restaurants should make menus more accessible while still encouraging diners to try new foods.

Seven low-cost ways to stay warm at home without relying heavily on central heating include wearing extra layers, blocking draughts, closing internal doors, using rugs and warm footwear, improving radiator efficiency, staying physically active and keeping hot drinks warm in thermal mugs. Experts recommend renter-friendly measures such as door curtains, keyhole covers, improvised draught excluders and magnetic clear plastic window panels, while warning that hot drinks provide only brief warmth and that using a kettle can add unnecessary energy costs.

Shingles is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant after chickenpox. It typically causes a painful, one-sided stripe of blisters, though it can affect the face, eyes and genitals and may cause serious complications if untreated near the eyes. Most cases heal within four weeks, with paracetamol, cool compresses, clean and dry skin, and loose clothing helping relieve symptoms. People aged 50 or over, those with weakened immune systems, and anyone with a widespread, severe or eye-area rash should seek medical advice. Shingles cannot be spread directly, but contact with unvaccinated people who have never had chickenpox can transmit chickenpox. The NHS offers a one-dose shingles vaccine to people in their 70s, with some people requiring two doses.

Britney Spears and Sam Asghari met while filming the “Slumber Party” music video in 2016, became publicly involved in 2017, and spent the following years traveling and supporting one another. Their relationship continued through the COVID-19 lockdown, Spears’s legal battle to end her conservatorship, and their 2021 engagement. They announced a pregnancy in 2022 but later suffered a miscarriage before marrying at Spears’s California home that June. Asghari filed for divorce in August 2023, citing irreconcilable differences; both later asked for privacy and rejected reports that he had threatened Spears over their prenuptial agreement. Their split came shortly before the release of Spears’s memoir, The Woman in Me.

Archivist Rosie Grant explains how a cemetery internship and TikTok assignment led her to create @ghostlyarchive, where she recreates recipes engraved on gravestones. The project began with Naomi Odessa Miller-Dawson’s spritz-cookie recipe in Brooklyn, prompting Grant to connect with Naomi’s family and learn how signature dishes preserve family memories. Grant has since made 23 grave recipes across the United States and Israel, most of them baked goods, and views these food traditions as a way for surviving relatives to remain connected to deceased loved ones.

Chef Michele Pascarella recalls the Neapolitan ragu his mother prepared every Sunday for large family gatherings in Caserta. The slow-cooked dish, made with whole pieces of beef and pork, represents family unity, love and his connection to home. Pascarella serves his own ragu-inspired pizza, Ricordi D’infanzia, at his London restaurant Napoli on the Road, but says he has never matched his mother’s version. He continues trying to preserve the family tradition despite the pace of life in London and the difficulty of bringing relatives together.

Adults are encouraged to stay active regularly, but they do not need intense exercise every day. Personal trainer Kunal Makwana recommends training three to four times a week, with workouts generally lasting 60 to 90 minutes and no longer than 90 minutes. Beginners may benefit from supervised weight-training classes, while strength-training sessions should be separated by at least one day to allow muscle recovery. Sleep is described as essential for recovery and appetite regulation, and progressive overload—gradually adding repetitions or weight—is recommended for achieving continued results.

Epicurus in Camden Market, opened by Israeli chefs Shiri Kraus and Amir Batito, combines American diner classics with Middle Eastern and Israeli flavors. The review praises the chicken wings, fried vegetables and rich burger, while finding the shawarma-stuffed pancakes overly sweet and the babyback ribs too lean and dry. Despite these flaws, the restaurant is judged a promising and worthwhile escape from Camden Market's tourist-heavy crowds.

Ncuti Gatwa says he experiences significant imposter syndrome and insecurity, often masking self-doubt by making jokes and appearing confident. After being named a Modern Pioneer at ELLE UK’s 2023 Style Awards, he also emphasizes the importance of representation and inclusivity in entertainment. Gatwa’s recent appearance in Barbie and forthcoming lead role in Doctor Who mark major steps in his career.

Brooklyn Beckham’s latest buzzcut was given by Selena Gomez’s 10-year-old half-sister, Gracie Elliot Teefy, with Nicola Peltz Beckham also taking a turn. Selena Gomez shared photographs of the haircut on Instagram, highlighting the close friendship between the Beckhams, Peltz and Gomez’s family. The piece also recounts Gracie’s appearances with Gomez at the Golden Globes and the Frozen 2 premiere, as well as Brooklyn and Nicola’s lavish 2022 wedding and first anniversary.

Florence Pugh says the backlash to her sheer pink Valentino dress, which exposed her nipples through fabric, reflects fear of women’s bodies and discomfort with female freedom. She describes body-shaming as a longstanding way of controlling women and argues that women’s bodies should not automatically be viewed sexually. Pugh says women generally responded more positively to her sheer outfits than men and emphasizes her commitment to accepting and publicly expressing herself.

Chanel is launching its Chance Eau Fraîche fragrance through a free, beauty-themed American-style pop-up diner in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, open from 8 to 10 September. The pink-and-green venue features retro diner décor, Chanel perfume bottles, scent consultations, interactive activities, treats and a fragrance shop, but no traditional diner meals. Reservations are available alongside walk-ins, although the event was reportedly already sold out.

Evelin Eros recounts discovering an incomplete rum-and-plum cake recipe in a worn Hungarian cookbook as a teenager. Her first attempt was expensive, undercooked and accidentally dropped on the kitchen floor, where her brother ate it and found it delicious. After adjusting and refining the recipe, Eros mastered the cake, won an online competition with it and received a Jamie Oliver cookbook. She now makes the dessert for Christmas and special occasions, viewing the experience as an enduring lesson in persistence that helped shape her life and career as an archaeologist in Glasgow.

Oti Mabuse revealed that she and her husband, Marius Iepure, had stopped trying to conceive after becoming discouraged by the lack of progress. She discovered she was pregnant when a friend encouraged her to take a test after noticing she was drinking coffee. Mabuse and Iepure announced that they are expecting their first child and shared their happiness with family and close friends, including her sister Motsi Mabuse. The couple, who met as dance partners in Germany and married in 2014, are preparing to become a family of three, alongside their dog Leo.

Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Amy Dowden revealed that she developed life-threatening sepsis shortly after beginning chemotherapy for breast cancer. She experienced a high temperature, infection and severe illness requiring several days of hospital treatment by an intensive care team. Dowden has since recovered at home and continued chemotherapy, despite hair loss and the discovery of additional tumours. She hopes to take part in the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing series in some capacity, with the production team preparing wigs and adapting plans according to her health.

BBC Breakfast and BBC Ireland correspondent Emma Vardy has announced the birth of her first child with husband Aaron Adams. Their son, Jago Fionn, was born at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, whose staff Vardy praised for their care. Vardy had announced her pregnancy in May and later shared photos from her baby shower. She and Adams married in County Antrim in March 2022.

Maya Jama and Stormzy appear to have rekindled their relationship after being photographed holding hands while holidaying in Greece in August 2023. The pair first met in 2014, began dating in 2015, became a prominent celebrity couple, and separated in 2019. Stormzy later discussed his continuing love for Jama and accepted responsibility for mistakes that contributed to the breakup. Jama subsequently dated and became engaged to NBA player Ben Simmons, but they split in late 2022 or early 2023. Neither Jama nor Stormzy had publicly confirmed that they were together again.

Supermarkets and retailers across the UK are expected to operate altered schedules on the 28 August Bank Holiday. Aldi stores in England and Wales are listed as open from 8am to 8pm, while Tesco superstores generally operate from 8am to 6pm; hours vary by location. ASDA, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Iceland, Greggs and M&S also have varied or reduced hours, so customers are advised to check each retailer’s local store locator before visiting.

A Reddit post by a 34-year-old man sparked debate after he criticized a birthday cake made by his girlfriend. He had requested chocolate cake with chocolate icing but received a cake with vanilla icing between its layers and chocolate frosting on the outside. Although he said he was disappointed and told her so, his comments—including offering to order his own cake next year—hurt her feelings and led her to ask him to leave. Online reactions were divided between those who felt she should have followed his specific request and those who considered him ungrateful for rejecting a homemade cake, especially since the dessert matched a traditional variation of Devil’s food cake and he had previously enjoyed vanilla cake.

Maya Jama and Stormzy appeared to rekindle their relationship after being photographed holding hands while holidaying on Greece’s island of Hydra. The former couple, who dated for four years before splitting in 2019, had recently fueled reconciliation rumors through separate holiday posts. Stormzy has previously described the breakup as a major personal loss and acknowledged mistakes in the relationship, while Jama has reflected on their shared cultural significance. Neither has publicly confirmed that they are back together.

Martha Stewart says her more than 20 peacocks respond when she imitates their calls and that each bird has a distinct personality. She breeds them in an incubator at her 153-acre New York farm, where she also keeps numerous other animals. Stewart previously lost six peacocks to coyotes and later mourned the death of her cat Princess Peony, which was killed by her dogs.

Peter Andre says he has avoided birthday parties for a decade since the death of his brother Andrew from kidney cancer in 2012. He describes entering a very dark period of grief, struggling at a surprise 40th birthday party, and choosing a family trip to Dubai rather than a large celebration for his 50th birthday. Andre also explains that his bereavement contributed to the cancellation of his ITV reality show and recalls the restrictive eating and frequent illness he experienced while pursuing a low-body-fat physique in his twenties.

Oti Mabuse announced live on ITV Breakfast that she and her husband, professional dancer Marius Iepure, are expecting their first child. The couple shared their excitement on the programme and on Instagram, though they did not disclose the due date. Friends and fellow television personalities congratulated them. Mabuse and Iepure met as dance partners in Germany, married in 2014, and Mabuse later became known for winning Strictly Come Dancing and judging Dancing on Ice.

Theresa May says her guilty pleasure is eating peanut butter straight from the jar, maintaining her reputation as a self-described “goody two shoes.” She discusses her non-rebellious childhood as the daughter of a vicar and revisits her earlier claim that running through wheat fields was the naughtiest thing she did. The article also recounts May’s explanation of a 2017 photograph in which Donald Trump held her hand while walking down a slope at the White House, which she interpreted either as an attempt to be gentlemanly or as a need for support.

King Charles III is reportedly planning to cut about 20 per cent of middle-management positions across the Royal Household, affecting dozens of staff at Buckingham Palace, Sandringham, Windsor Castle and Balmoral. Charles and Queen Camilla are said to believe the household is overstaffed and want to improve value for money while reducing the monarchy’s costs to taxpayers. The changes follow earlier redundancies at Clarence House and the eviction of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from Frogmore Cottage. Camilla is expected to help oversee the transition, while Princess Anne has questioned the broader plan for a slimmed-down monarchy. The royal family is also preparing subdued commemorations for the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.

Meghan Markle’s reported return to Instagram could allow her to command $1 million or more for sponsored posts, according to social media expert Eric Schiffer. Her potential account has attracted tens of thousands of followers despite having no posts, and her representation by WME could support commercial partnerships with carefully selected brands. Markle previously ran the lifestyle blog The Tig and recently launched the Archetypes podcast, though Spotify ended its $20 million Archewell Audio deal after one series amid reports questioning the couple’s productivity and production experience.

Crystal Hefner says her marriage to Hugh Hefner involved strict rules, an early curfew and pressured participation in group sex, leading her to characterize the relationship as resembling Stockholm syndrome. In an interview promoting her memoir, she reflects on their 60-year age gap, Hefner’s death shortly before the #MeToo movement gained prominence, and allegations later made by former Playboy associates. The docuseries Secrets of Playboy included claims of rape, sexual assault, revenge porn and a cult-like atmosphere at the Playboy Mansion, while PLYBY Group distanced the current Playboy business from Hefner. Hundreds of former employees and Playmates later signed a letter defending his character.

Liam Neeson recalled stopping confession as a teenager after a priest loudly reprimanded him for admitting he had masturbated, embarrassing him in front of people praying nearby. Speaking on Conan O'Brien's podcast, Neeson said it was his last confession. He also discussed falling in love with someone who was already in a relationship while filming Blacklight in Melbourne, and reflected on his past marriages, including his marriage to Natasha Richardson and earlier relationship with Helen Mirren.

Lilly McFadden says her parents’ multiple marriages and divorces have made her uninterested in legally marrying, although she would still like a wedding celebration. She describes marriage as a legally binding contract and says she would prefer relationships based on trust without the potential cost and difficulty of divorce. Brian McFadden reflects on missing parts of Lilly and Molly’s childhood while working with Westlife, and says co-parenting with Kerry Katona has become easier since they resolved their hostility. Katona has previously criticized McFadden’s parenting of their older daughters while acknowledging that he is a good father to his younger daughter Ruby.

Eating with the hands can make meals more pleasurable, mindful and sensory by allowing people to feel texture, judge temperature and construct each bite directly. Although Western etiquette historically treated hand-eating as vulgar and associated cutlery with social status, many cultures have long used it for foods such as rice and curry, flatbreads and seafood. Experts and restaurateurs argue that direct tactile contact enhances the perception of food, while growing acceptance is weakening rigid table-manner conventions. Noodles, pasta and soup remain impractical to eat by hand, but diners are encouraged to experiment with suitable dishes.

A study of 766,000 US adults aged 20 to 50 found that those with obstructive sleep apnoea were 60% more likely to suffer a stroke and five times more likely to develop atrial fibrillation over a 10-year period. Lead author Sanjiv Narayan said the risks among relatively young adults are often underestimated and suggested that doctors treat snoring as a warning sign requiring further assessment. Sleep apnoea affects an estimated 1.5 million adults in the UK, most of whom may be undiagnosed. Treatments include CPAP machines, weight loss, exercise and sleeping on one’s side.