Matt Davies

Matt and Emma Willis discuss how modern dating “tick-lists” can cause people to overlook potentially meaningful relationships. Matt argues that couples should accept imperfections rather than judge partners against rigid criteria, while Emma emphasizes communication, compromise and avoiding attempts to change one another. The couple, who have been married since 2008 and share three children, say their close bond is strengthened by genuinely enjoying each other’s company and working together on Love Is Blind: UK.

Jay McGuiness says Giorgio Locatelli was the judge he found most intimidating on the new Celebrity MasterChef, describing the chef’s calm, restrained authority as an unsettling “slow power.” He viewed Grace Dent as equally formidable but more lively and fun. Locatelli and Dent are taking over judging duties on the celebrity spin-off following Gregg Wallace and John Torode’s departures, with contestants including McGuiness, Emily Campbell, Jason Mohammad, Joe Pasquale and Shakira Khan. The piece also outlines Locatelli’s four-decade career, the closure of Locanda Locatelli in 2025 and his subsequent opening of Osteria Locatelli.

Clare Macnaughton and her family replaced their campervan with an Adria Action 361 LT caravan after recognizing the ongoing tax, insurance and maintenance costs of owning an additional motor vehicle. Despite minor early faults, the caravan’s exceptionally large bed impressed them, comfortably accommodating Clare, Pete and Maya. The Caravan and Motorhome Club rated the model 92 percent, praising its appearance, build quality, towing ease, value and sleeping space, while psychologist Dr Sophie Mort highlighted camping’s potential mental-health and social benefits.

Richard Osman says he has heard that Jack Lowden is being strongly considered to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond, while stressing that the actor has not been confirmed. Lowden is known for playing River Cartwright in Slow Horses and is also set to appear as Mr Darcy in a new Pride and Prejudice adaptation. The shortlist reportedly includes several other actors, and producer Amy Pascal says the new Bond could be announced by the end of the year. Denis Villeneuve is directing, Steven Knight is writing, and Amazon MGM Studios is reportedly targeting production in 2027.

Amy Dowden described breaking down after realising that returning to the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor would not resolve the emotional impact of her breast cancer treatment and other serious health problems. She said she returned too soon while partnered with JB Gill and fractured a bone, later recognising that she needed to address lingering fear, anxiety and sleeplessness. Dowden now says she feels stronger and fitter and is preparing to return as a Strictly professional, while celebrating her birthday with family and the show’s cast.

Food-waste expert Kate Hall advises storing full chocolate bars in a cool, dry, dark place rather than the fridge, because moisture and temperature changes can cause a whitish bloom and affect texture. Chef Barry D'Arcy adds that refrigeration can firm chocolate, mute cocoa flavours and reduce its smoothness, although some people prefer the colder snap. Steve Russell notes that higher-quality chocolate may hold up better when chilled, while cheaper chocolate can taste flat or plasticky. The article also highlights a solid silver Rowntree chocolate box made for King Edward VII's 1902 coronation that is expected to sell at auction for around £1,000.

Chef Will Murray tested around 20 bacon-cooking methods, including frying, grilling, air frying, oven cooking, blowtorching, sous vide and candied bacon. He found that a hot-pan method could produce uneven caramelization and slightly burnt results, while air-fried bacon was evenly cooked and highly enjoyable. Despite praising the air fryer, Murray concluded that grilling is the easiest and quickest approach, delivering consistently good results.

Alan Titchmarsh recommends the Bonica rose for gardens with acidic, sandy soil, particularly when the soil is improved with well-rotted manure and annual mulch. The rose repeat-flowers and produces attractive hips if not dead-headed, although its scent is weak. Titchmarsh also praises its large flower clusters and healthy foliage, discusses the benefits of narrow borders, and reiterates his view that every garden should contain a rose.

Clare Balding has hinted at an undisclosed business venture involving dogs and a product developed in Preston, Lancashire, stressing that it is not dog food and describing it as exciting. The project would mark a new direction beyond her sports-broadcasting career. Balding is also set to lose her role presenting the 2026 Commonwealth Games after the BBC failed to retain the rights, with TNT Sports taking over coverage. She recently recounted discovering a serious illness after noticing a lump on her neck while watching herself on screen.

A taste test of eight supermarket instant porridge pots ranked M&S Traditional Porridge first with 9/10, followed by Tesco’s Instant Oats Original at 8.5/10. Quaker Original placed third at 8/10, praised for its smooth, velvety consistency but marked down for its higher price. Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Asda, Lidl and Morrisons followed, with Morrisons receiving the lowest score for its excessive sweetness, watery texture and bitty consistency. The test also compared sugar content and prices, highlighting M&S and Aldi as relatively strong choices for flavour and value.

Matt Davies taste-tested seven supermarket instant coffees against Nescafé Original. Marks & Spencer’s Rich and Smooth Instant Coffee ranked first with a score of 9/10, praised for its rich flavour, body and balanced acidity, while the £6 Nescafé scored 8.5/10. Sainsbury’s came third with 8/10, followed by Aldi, Lidl, Asda, and the lowest-rated Morrisons and Tesco coffees, which each scored 5.5/10.

Fern Britton reflects on difficult moments in past marriages, describing the sinking feeling when a partner returns home during strained periods. She discusses enjoying her current single life and valuing independence, with no desire to remarry. She also recounts her negative experiences working on BBC Breakfast, describing criticism from editors that contributed to her departure, while the BBC says it now has stronger duty-of-care policies.

A recipe expert recommends adding a small amount of ground flaxseed to burger mixtures to retain moisture and increase juiciness without altering flavour. The ingredient is highlighted as inexpensive, costing about 12p per portion. Additional advice from Michelin‑starred chef Tom Shepherd emphasizes choosing 100 percent beef, maintaining adequate fat content, and properly searing and resting burgers for best results.

Vernon Kay praises Chris Packham while discussing the naturalist’s BBC series Evolution during a Celebrity Gogglebox episode, contrasting with Jeremy Clarkson’s sharp criticism of Packham’s remarks about Clarkson’s Farm. Clarkson disputes Packham’s claims about farming practices and defends his own portrayal of Diddly Squat Farm, supported by comments from farming colleague Harriet Cowan. The discussion unfolds ahead of a new Celebrity Gogglebox broadcast.

Diatomaceous earth is promoted as an effective natural method for eliminating garden ants, with home content editor Cynthia Lawrence describing it as more reliable than common remedies like white vinegar. Applied directly to ant-prone areas, the powder dehydrates pests, leading to rapid reduction of activity. A pest control expert separately advises on removing flying ants by turning off lights and allowing them to exit through open doors and windows, noting that nests must be destroyed to prevent recurring swarms.

A Serbian passenger was nearly pulled through a blown-out window shortly after a Ryanair flight departed Thessaloniki, with his seatbelt preventing him from being sucked out. American Airlines pilot Steve Scheibner reviewed footage and said the fastened seatbelt was the critical factor that saved the man. The aircraft descended rapidly before returning to Thessaloniki, where the passenger was treated for friction burns. Witnesses described decompression, dropped oxygen masks and panic on board. Authorities reiterated guidance to keep seatbelts fastened throughout flights, while separate travel warnings highlighted customs risks for returning passengers.

Clare Balding discussed her bond with her late father, her early sporting interests, and the music she hopes will be played at her funeral, revealing a deep connection to the Black Beauty theme. Reflecting on formative experiences, she also shared a childhood story about causing her brother’s worst injury and expressed long-held views on sport, animals, and personal growth.

Two friends in Nottingham ordered cheesy chips at a Wetherspoons pub but received cold chips served separately from slices of American cheese, prompting laughter and a viral TikTok video. Staff said the issue resulted from selecting American cheese on the app. Despite online criticism of the dish, some commenters argued the pair simply ordered incorrectly. Wetherspoons declined to comment.

A former inmate of HMP Frankland describes the harsh conditions Vickrum Digwa faces after refusing to move to A‑wing due to fears for his safety following the murder of Henry Nowak. Digwa has been placed in segregation, where privileges are restricted, exercise is limited, and inmates reportedly endure constant noise and harassment. The high‑security prison houses several high‑profile offenders, reinforcing Digwa’s fears, particularly after the attack on Ian Huntley in the same wing.

A food critic visited Jeremy Clarkson’s Cotswolds pub, praising the venue, setting and ingredient quality but finding the menu uninspiring, the dessert selection limited and elements of the meal poorly executed, such as cold gravy and small dessert portions. While service was described as excellent, the reviewer concluded that the pub should fully embrace classic British dishes to improve appeal, ultimately rating the experience 6.5 out of 10.

Clare Balding reflects on childhood lessons, admitting she caused her brother Andrew’s worst injury when a rope swing game went wrong and offering a belated apology. She also recently avoided a sensitive question during an interview with Serena Williams following the tennis star’s announced return to competition. Her Wimbledon commentary has drawn mixed social media reactions, with some viewers calling her style dramatic while others praised her. She is scheduled to present coverage of Wimbledon 2026 on BBC Two.