Geri Halliwell (L) and Kylie Minogue once kissed on live TVCredit: Channel 4The locked lips on Channel 4’s TFI FridayCredit: Channel 4
Hosted by Chris Evans, TFI Friday was a huge TV hit in the late 90s thanks to its mixture of music, stars and entertainment.
It was never short of unexpected moments, including the famous snog between Kylie and Ginger Spice.
A clip showing their kiss was shared to Instagram and showed how the pair were sitting opposite each other at a table before embarking on an intense arm wrestle.
As the pair battled it out, they began leaning in closer to each other and ultimately locked lips.
They then laughed and sat back before coming in together for a quick embrace.
“Back in ’99, pop royalty collided on TFI Friday when Geri Halliwell and Kylie Minogue shared a surprise kiss on live TV,” wrote the 90s TV Legacy Instagram account on the post.
Many people reacted to the video, including TV producer Nathan Eastwood, who was working on TFI Friday at the time.
“I had the job of asking Kylie to do the arm wrestle. She was so lovely, just said of course. The kiss wasn’t planned,” he wrote in the comments.
Other people who remembered the moment happening as they watched live also shared their thoughts.
“Watched it live, classic TV,” commented one person.
Another added: “I remember thinking ‘this is the best day of my life’ watching that as a kid.”
And a third wrote: “Late 90s early 00s was peak humanity and I will not be told any different.”
Kylie herself opened up about the kiss in 2012 when chatting to media outlet, Pride Source.
“That’s true, I hadn’t thought about that… We never discussed it – the kissing or anything. It just all happened,” she said.
Kylie confirmed the kiss wasn’t plannedCredit: GettyGeri is now married to F1 boss, Christian HornerCredit: Getty
This singer is none other than Terence Trent D’ArbyCredit: GettyThe artist changed his name to Sananda MaitreyaCredit: Getty
His singles Sign Your Name, If You Let Me Stay, and Wishing Well all stormed up the charts on both sides of the Atlantic.
Sananda created The Sugar Plum Pharaohs as part of his new identity and to separate from his past as Terence.
The band was featured on the 2019 live album Live From The Ruins.
In a new post, Sananda shared a clip of the band performing at their latest gig.
He wrote: “The Sugar Plum Pharaohs & I would love to THANK THE DENIZENS OF LIVERPOOL for last evenings great hospitality.
“It is NEVER NOT A PRIVILEGE to entertain the Liverpudlian Spirit. A Scouser’s embrace is a thing to cherish & hold close to the heart.
“We LOVE YOU, & hope to see you all again sooner rather than later.
“LONG LIVE THE RUTLES!”
PAST SUCCESS
His debut album Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D’Arby went five times platinum, selling 1.5 million copies and earning him a Grammy.
And he had no bigger fan than himself.
In typically humble style he declared the work “the most important album since Sgt Pepper“.
But his follow up album, Neither Fish Nor Flesh, failed to hit the high notes and he fell out with his record company, blaming their “wholesale rejection of it” for its commercial failure.
He became Sananda Maitreya, a moniker which came to him in a series of dreams in 1995, and officially changed his name in 2001.
Claiming his second album had killed his stage persona, he said: “Terence Trent D’Arby was dead… he watched his suffering as he died a noble death.
“After intense pain I meditated for a new spirit, a new will, a new identity.”
Speaking on another occasion about his name change, he said his alter-ego had joined the 27 Club, referring to the tragic artists who died at that age, including Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, and Amy Winehouse.
He said: “It felt like I was going to join the 27 Club, and psychologically I did, because that is exactly the age I was when I was killed.”
His debut album went five times platinum and earned him a Grammy.Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Decades since it’s release fans continue to hail this 90s sci-fi movie as both ‘groundbreaking’ and ‘breathtaking’ and they can watch it once again on ITV tonight
Fans have called the film ‘ground-breaking’ for its visual effects
Film fans have dubbed this 1991 movie as the “best action movie of all time”, scoring it an impressive 91% on the review site Rotten Tomatoes – and it’s on ITV for free tonight.
The classic American science-fiction movie is set to appear on TV tonight,for the perfect slice of nostalgia as you gear up for the Halloween weekend. Terminator 2: Judgement Day is the second instalment in the famed Terminator series, with Arnold Schwarzenegger playing the leading role, in what viewers are calling the best sequel to exist.
In the film, directed by James Cameron, the malevolent artificial intelligence network, known as Skynet, sends a highly advanced killing machine, The Terminator, back in time. It finds itself in 1995, on a mission to kill the future leader of the human resistance while he is still a child in order to protect the future of humanity.
One fan of the film wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: “This is one of those stellar classic action movies, and it was the best action movie of the 1990s. It was significantly ahead of its time! Groundbreaking special effects, a relentless and threateningly powerful villain, humorous and awesome moments, and entertaining action set pieces and sequences that looked convincingly real!”
Another viewer simply says: “In my opinion, this is the greatest action movie of all time. And the greatest movie sequel of all time.” Meanwhile, someone else wrote: “My favourite movie of all time, no notes.”
The film went on to be an instant classic, as a box office boom and critical success, grossing $519–520.9 million. It went on to become the highest-grossing film of 1991 across the globe and the third-highest-grossing film of its time.
Decades later, Terminator 2 is still considered to be one of the best science fiction films ever made, as a trailblazer for visual effects and computer-generated imagery. Not to mention, it has an all-star cast made up of Edward Furlong, Linda Hamilton, Robert Patrick and Dean Norris.
A viewer praised the cast’s performances in the sequel, writing: “Judgment Day elevates the franchise with groundbreaking visual effects and breathtaking action. Arnold delivers one of his most iconic performances, while Linda Hamilton’s transformation into a fierce and determined Sarah Connor is unforgettable.”
If viewers’ raving reviews aren’t a convincing enough reason to kick back tonight and have a movie night in, the film’s numerous accolades may prove it worthy. Terminator 2 went on to receive an impressive six Academy Awards, as well as a BAFTA Award and four Saturn Awards, honouring its visual effects, hair and makeup and, of course, the best sound effects.
A review says: “Best Terminator movie, period. This is the one that all others are judged on, and it’s a high bar.” If you’re looking for something to watch tonight, flick over to ITV4 tonight at 9pm to see an all-time classic movie from the comfort of your sofa.
Marella Cruises, TUI UK’s ocean cruise line, has announced the return of its hugely popular music-themed cruise, setting sail in April 2027. The adults-only sailing promises the ultimate retro music showdown at sea and is on sale now
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The new Marella sailings have been announced(Image: PR HANDOUT)
It’s time to leave the kids behind and relive two iconic decades in music aboard the ‘Electric Sunsets 80s vs 90s’ themed voyage.
Marella Cruises, TUI UK’s ocean cruise line, has announced the return of its hugely popular music-themed cruise, setting sail in April 2027. The adults-only sailing promises the ultimate retro music showdown at sea and is on sale now.
Now in its sixth year, the Electric Sunsets concept celebrates two of the most influential decades in pop culture, bringing guests an immersive experience packed with nostalgia, entertainment, and star-studded performances. The headline acts for the 2027 voyage will be announced early next year, with organisers promising a line-up of top artists from both eras.
While this year’s acts will be different, last year the star-studded lineup featured Irish pop group B*Witched, UK R&B pop group The Honeyz, the iconic DJ SASH! and Ibiza in Symphony – a 10-piece orchestra.
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The three-night sailing aboard Marella Discovery will depart Palma on Wednesday, 28 April 2027, calling at Valencia and Ibiza before returning to Palma on Saturday, 1 May 2027. Guests can expect themed parties, live performances, and 80s vs 90s-inspired events across the ship.
Chris Hackney, CEO of Marella Cruises, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the return of our 2027 themed cruise. The battle of 80s vs 90s music remains one of our most anticipated experiences, appealing to both loyal guests and newcomers. Customer feedback shows these eras bring back real nostalgia — and the chance to see top stars perform onboard makes it even more special.”
For those looking to extend their getaway, a limited number of cruise-and-stay packages will be available, featuring hotels in Majorca such as Alua Soul Mallorca Resort, Astoria Playa Hotel, and Hotel Son Matias Beach.
As with all Marella Cruises sailings, the trip is all-inclusive, covering flights, transfers, tips, and service charges. Prices for Electric Sunsets 80s vs 90s start from £799 per person, available to book from Thursday, 30 October 2025.
If you’re a cruise fanatic, then it’s not just the cruise ship and destinations that will likely peak your interest. The real cruise nerds enjoy ticking off different ports across the world.
Recent research from the travel experts at AllClear Travel Insurance has highlighted the world’s top 10 most beautiful cruise ports, examining factors such as how quickly they capture passengers’ attention with their incredible views.
THE original line-up of Five have finally stepped back on stage for the first time in 25 years.
Eight months since they announced their comeback in Bizarre, fans swarmed to the Utilita Arena in Cardiff.
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Five have finally stepped back on stage for the first time in 25 yearsFive performing on stage during the opening night of their reunion tour at Utilita Arena in CardiffCredit: Ben Birchall/PA Wire
Five hours before kick-off, I joined Abz Love, Jason “J” Brown, Ritchie Neville, Scott Robinson and Sean Conlon as they flitted between agony and ecstasy backstage . . .
Sipping an Asahi 00, Scott says with a laugh: “I’m a nervous wreck,” just as Ritchie brings me a handmade lucky charm from a fan who has flown all the way from China.
He says: “Do you want to have a hold of my ball?”
J adds: “He’s flown over from China. It’s taken him 15 hours. He’s taken two weeks off work and he’s seeing six shows.
“He’s renamed himself J and he gave us all these lovely gifts. He made that ball himself.
“And he’s got silk scarves for us all too. He embroidered them all himself. It’s a really nice touch.”
Telling me the ball is a symbol of good luck, Abz interjects and jokes: “Or he’s cursed them and we’re all f***ed.”
‘Getting shirty’
But they most certainly are not. As Five walk on stage to deafening screams later in the evening, they are slick, solid and on song.
The set begins with a bang, with the lads emerging from a haze of smoke before they burst into Slam Dunk (Da Funk) and Got The Feelin’.
For a band who last performed together two decades ago, they’ve not lost their chemistry.
Recalling the run-up to the first night, Ritchie explains: “The rehearsals had all gone great but two days ago, I was a wreck.
“As it went on, for the first time we had a couple of moments where we were getting shirty with each other.
“We all had to just step back and say, ‘Let’s just really look at the situation with 48 hours to go until the first gig.
“Let’s just acknowledge that whatever level of stress you think you’re at, you’re actually probably a little bit more’.
“We just worked to get through it all.”
The screams of fans — including a woman holding up a message that reads: “Get your tops off” — never subside as they whip through their back catalogue. Their rendition of 1998 track When the Lights Go Out proves emotional.
Fans who were looking forward to seeing the proper Nineties choreography got a treat.
It’s clear the lads have worked hard to get to this point.
“We’ve actually got new routines,” J says with a smile.
Scott adds: “The old moves didn’t come back immediately but there was some muscle memory there.
“Paul Domaine, our choreographer, he’s less spiky than he was in the Nineties.”
Abz jokes: “We’re better behaved now,” before J adds: “We’re better than we were before, but we’re not giving the behaviour of fully grown men with kids at nearly 50 years of age.”
Ritchie adds: “He was dealing with naughty school kids but now at least we’re applying ourselves a bit.”
Sitting in the underbelly of the arena, Five are physically and mentally in the best place they’ve ever been.
“We’ve been saying to everyone that we’re going to do the best tour ever,” Scott tells me.
“We said we would bring it all: the vocals, the dance moves. We weren’t just saying it though. We believed it.”
Sean adds: “It is 100 percent the best show we have ever done. Better than anything in the Nineties.
“It’s like everything’s been delayed to get to this point. It’s been 25 years. It’s meant to be.”
Scott says: “My wife Kerry is here with my twin girls.
“They’ve never seen us perform as a five-piece in their lives.
“On the journey up here, one of my girls sent me a message and I let the boys read it. I couldn’t do it because I kept crying.
“She said how proud she was of me. She’s 11 years old. I thought, ‘This is going to be epic’.
“All I know is that I am going to be crying my eyes out.”
The atmosphere rocks up a notch with Let’s Dance and Everybody Get Up, before Five knock through a medley of House Of Pain’s Jump Around, Place Your Hands by Reef and Daft Punk’s Get Lucky.
A final encore of Keep On Movin’ closes a history-making first night and Five are grinning like Cheshire cats.
On stage, Sean takes a moment to reflect and turns to his bandmates as he says: “We are lucky guys.”
As the band rallies round him, he adds: “I just wanted to say, I did not expect that so many years on it would mean so much to so many people.”
The Sun’s Ellie Henman with the boybandCredit: SuppliedThe band’s Keep On Movin’ 2025 tour posterCredit: Supplied
She was certainly more treat than trick in bright-red lippy and iconic Jean Paul Gaultier-style cone bra, just like the pop superstar on her Blond Ambition tour from 1990.
Ashley Roberts looked the double of Madonna in this Halloween outfitCredit: instagram/ashleyrobertsPopstar Madonna on her Blond Ambition tour from 1990Credit: Getty
It comes as Ashley’s former bandmate Nicole Scherzinger teased “possibilities” for the group, after settling a legal dispute with the group’s founder Robin Antin, which derailed their planned 2020 arena tour.
Nicole told LA Times: “Our lawsuit is settled. That should have never happened. That was an unfortunate mistake on someone’s part – not mine.
“However, time heals things, and grace is always beautiful in life. I’m very positive and, dare I say, excited for the possibilities to come on the horizon.”
The actress, who played Whitney Dean in the soap from 2008 to 2024, has today dropped her debut single Unapologetically Me in a bid to make a name as a powerhouse vocalist.
EastEnders star Shona McGarty is kicking off a music careerCredit: Rex
The track was co-written and produced by hitmaker Steve Anderson.
Shona said: “I wrote Unapologetically Me as a reminder to myself, and to anyone who’s ever felt pressure to be someone they’re not – that it’s OK to simply be who you are.
“Having spent years in the public eye, surrounded by glitz, glam, and expectation, I’ve often felt the need to play a character, to present a polished version of myself that fits what people want to see.
“But beneath all that, I’m just human. I’m silly, sensitive, strong, and imperfect, and that’s OK.”
Freya returns as Wicker Woman
FREYA RIDINGS is pulling no punches on comeback single Wicker Woman – the first taste of her third album that’s coming out in 2026.
The English singer-songwriter, who posed in this striking and spooky black dress, said of the song that is released today: “It’s an unashamed, euphoric celebration of reclaiming primal feminine power, a return to the core of who we are, and an ode to the forgotten women and gods who came before us.”
Freya Ridings is pulling no punches on comeback single Wicker WomanCredit: Bartek Szmigulski
Mika is also making a return today with his single Modern Times, ahead of an arena tour next spring, and Jessie J releases H.A.P.P.Y.
British boyband ABSNT MIND have put out their latest single Stitch and fresh from winning over a new fanbase on The Celebrity Traitors, Cat Burns has dropped her second album, How To Be Human.
Lily on tour
LILY ALLEN will perform her new album West End Girl in its entirety on a 13-date UK tour next year.
She will hit the road for the first time since 2019, kicking off at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall on March 2.
Tickets go on sale from 10am next Friday.
KT’s got eye on Prada 2
SOMEHOW it has been 20 years since KT Tunstall broke on to the scene with her debut album Eye To The Telescope.
The record peaked at No3 in the UK charts and spawned a series of hits including Black Horse And The Cherry Tree, Other Side Of The World and Suddenly I See, which featured in 2006’s The Devil Wears Prada.
It has been 20 years since KT Tunstall released debut album Eye To The TelescopeCredit: Supplied
Now with Devil Wears Prada 2 set for release in 2026, KT is back in the studio working on a follow-up track which she hopes film bosses will use in a full-circle moment.
KT told Bizarre: “I would love them to use Suddenly I See, but I think they will want to move it on.
“I am writing a song to pitch to them as it’s the 20th anniversary of that too and they are using the same cast.
“I am coming up with a sequel. Who knows if they will be interested but I am going to give it a shot.”
She has today released a special 20th anniversary edition of Eye To The Telescope featuring a series of new tracks including Anything At All – which sees KT duet with her younger self.
She said: “It was so weird. I’m listening to this young woman who hasn’t had a record out yet.”
The never-before-heard title track is also on there.
She added: “I’d only written the verse and chorus and then I abandoned it.
“But the record label said, ‘Why don’t you finish that song?’ It was difficult as I couldn’t really get myself back to what I was thinking at the time. It’s really cool it has taken 20 years to write the song.”
Promising hint
FLEETWOOD MAC greats Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks have given a promising hint that the band will reunite for the 50th anniversary of their album Rumours.
The former couple had a huge fallout in 2018 but have revealed they are now back in touch after re-releasing their 1973 joint album Buckingham Nicks – so they really could come back together for the band.
The pair were interviewed separately about the making of the record, for the podcast Song Exploder.
But proving they are back in touch, Stevie said on the episode: “Lindsey and I started talking about it last night. This whole thing seems really like yesterday to us.”
Eve has been acting since she was a teenager and spoke to The Irish Sun about developing a “heart of stone” to help her get over rejection at auditions.
“I have a heart of stone at this point. I can’t feel anything anymore,” she said last year.
“When I was younger I used to cry my eyes out but now I’m just dead.”
Eve added: “One good piece of advice that I got which went on for years and years – when you get really, really close to a job and then you get heartbroken.
“And someone said to me, ‘If you’re getting close, it’s a matter of time’.”
Eve has also opened up about how being the daughter of a famous rock star has helped her career, but also how being labelled a “nepo baby” has affected her.
Speaking further on her very famous dad, Eve said: “The only thing you can do is crack a joke and move on.”
And back in 2023, the TV star poked fun at the situation on Twitter saying: “2023 goals: be successful enough to get recognized as a nepo baby.”
Starring Andrew Lincoln and Jack Davenport, This Life was the hit BBC series of the 90s about a group of young lawyers who shared a house and partied hard
This Life started in 1996 and was a big hit with viewers(Image: BBC)
It was the massive TV drama that had everyone talking around the office water cooler back in the ’90s – and now, three decades on, you can enjoy the action once more on Amazon Prime.
This Life started in 1996 and spanned 33 episodes across just two series but was included on BFI’s list of the 100 greatest British television programmes and has been hailed by fans as the ‘best British TV drama ever’.
The gritty BBC drama centres around a group of law graduates in their twenties, embarking upon their careers while sharing a house in south London. There are no courtroom scenes and instead the main focus is on their private lives which features everything from infidelity to addiction.
Among the cast are Andrew Lincoln who’s gone on to enjoy a huge career in Teachers, Afterlife, The Walking Dead and the movie Love, Actually. He will soon be seen in the new ITV series Coldwater. Co-star Jack Davenport has gone on to enjoy success in Matt Damon film The Talented Mr Ripley, Pirates of the Caribbean and TV series like Coupling and Smash.
This Life features five main characters living under one roof – Edgar ‘Egg’ Cooke (Lincoln) and girlfriend Milly (Amita Dhiri) along with party girl Anna Forbes (Daniela Nardini), her university ex Myles Stewart (Davenport) and Welshman Warren Jones (Jason Hughes) who was dealing with his sexuality.
The housemates were embroiled in plenty of drama(Image: BBC)
The cast also features Ramon Tikaram (Virdie) as Ferdy, Natasha Little as Rachel, Steven John Shepherd (Karen Pirie) as Jo and Luisa Bradshaw-White (EastEnders) ad Kira.
The show, which was created by Amy Jenkins, became a popular word-of-mouth hit and was included on BFI’s list of the 100 greatest British television programmes.
In 2007 there was a special episode, This Life: 10 Years On, which reunited the main cast and explored their lives a decade after the series ended. The special episode focusing on the death of Ferdy and the subsequent gathering of the other housemates pulled in 3.5 million viewers.
Despite it being 30 years old and set in the days well before social media, fans are now enjoying streaming episodes and have been rushing to IMDb with their thoughts.
Andrew Lincoln starred as Egg(Image: BBC)
One said: “I still hold firmly to the belief that the last episode of this landmark show is the best 40 mins of British TV drama ever. Any number of storylines coming sharply to a head, the terrific wedding reception with its toilet sex and terrible dancing, darkest secrets coming horrifyingly to light and the legendary punch.
“But how sad! If we’d known then that there would never be another series we would have stormed the BBC ourselves. But think positive. The show is endlessly rewatchable, and its influence has lived on in Queer as Folk, Attachments, Teachers, Metropolis, Tinsel Town and most contemporary drama since. Just please, please publish the damn scripts!”
Fans are hailing This Life ‘the best British TV drama ever’(Image: BBC)
Another said: “Move over Friends this is your more intelligent English big brother. A perfect picture of 90s London through the eyes of young professionals and ordinary blokes and girls. A few cheesy performances by Tikarum but it sort of worked at the time much like the Fonz worked in Happy days at the time. Not a poor performance from a rich cast that all went in to achieve memorable careers. This is a collectors piece for those who lived through and experienced the era in London. Nostalgic and immersive TV.”
A third added: “Watching This Life almost 30 years after its release is an interesting experience. Although its format has been much copied since the late 90s, it still retains the same freshness and vitality that made it such a captivating watch first time round.
“The success of the series stems from the fact that it feels so real. Each of the characters is impressively three-dimensional, with both strengths and weaknesses. They’re at that interesting stage of their lives where they’re finding their way in the world while also trying to find themselves, and each of them makes some understandable mistakes along the way.”
THOUSANDS of Thames Water customers are stuck on tariffs which were set in the 90s and bills have jumped by up to 671%.
The water firm, which is in the midst of a multibillion-pound rescue deal, has said bills would rise by 31% from April.
1
Hundreds of Thames Water customers have seen their bills doubleCredit: Alamy
Our investigation has discovered that:
Customers without water meters have seen bills soar due to rates set in the 90s
Thousands of homes are unable to get a water meter installed, which could lower their bill, because of where they live
Customers are not being told about a tariff which could save them money
Customers who ask to get a water meter but can’t get one could be automatically being moved onto a tariff for a three-bedroom home that is up to £93.72 more expensive annually
We have delivered a dossier of cases to Thames Water asking them to urgently investigate.
We have also shared our concerns with the Consumer Council for Water, regulator Ofwat and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
Read more on household bills
Consumer expert Martyn James said: “I’m deeply concerned about affordability and supporting people who can’t afford this unavoidable, essential service.”
Bills rising by more than expected
The Sun has spoken to scores of people who have seen their bills double, with one customer being hit by a 671% increase.
Many do not have a water meter, so their bills are calculated using a metric known as the rateable value (RV).
The RV of a property is set by the government and is based on the location and size of your home.
The rates were set in 1990 and the values from March 31 of that year are still used to calculate customers’ bills.
The RV varies from house to house, so your bill could be different to your neighbour’s, even if your houses are identical.
Industry regulator Ofwat told The Sun that some customers, particularly those without a water meter whose bills are calculated in this way, may see their payments increase by more than average.
Ofwat added that the RV may not accurately reflect the amount of water they currently use.
In comparison, households with a water meter pay for the exact amount used.
As a result, their bill could be higher or lower than average based on their usage.
Water meter lottery
Installing a water meter is the main way households can reduce their bill.
Customers firstly must ask Thames Water for a water meter appointment and then an engineer will visit to install one – but thousands of homes around the UK are not suitable for them.
Bill rise is ridiculous – we’ll have to cut back
MUM-OF-TWO Susan Palmer, 46, said it’s “ridiculous
Susan, who lives in a two-bedroom, one-bathroom flat in Lewisham, London, with her husband James, 48, a warehouse operative and 13-year-old sons Callum & Reece.
She said: “It’s worrying. I’m a paramedic so I am not at home very often.
“There is no reason why we would be using a lot of water and we don’t have a bath. It doesn’t make sense.”
Susan called Thames Water to ask why her bill had risen but it couldn’t explain the increase.
Susan said her family will now need to cut back.
“I normally do overtime to keep our head above water. This bill increase will mean we need to tighten our purse strings,” she said.
This is due to a number of reasons, including sharing your water supply with other residents such as in a flat without your own stop cock or living in a home where there isn’t a suitable place to fit one.
Insiders at Thames Water have told this newspaper that around 70% of homes in London cannot get a water meter.
If you live in a home where you cannot get a water meter fitted then you can be moved onto new tariff called the Assessed Household Charge – but this only happens after your home has been assessed by an engineer.
The Sun has found that customers are not being told about this process and therefore cannot access the cheaper tariff.
However, households who are put on the Assessed Household Charge tariff will automatically be moved to the three-bedroom rate, unless they update Thames Water to tell them how many bedrooms they have.
This could mean a household with two bedrooms could be paying around £61.14 extra per year.
Thames Water will not backdate payments so customers need to contact them as soon as possible to check their tariff and update their details.
Experts have slammed the water company for making customers opt-in to find cheaper tariffs.
Martyn James said: “Anything that could reduce bills should absolutely not be conditional on getting a water meter.”
Discounts if you live alone
If you live alone you could also access a single occupier tariff.
However, the vast majority of homes will be on the rate of a three-bedroom home.
The tariff costs £606.58 a year – £93.72 less than for a standard three bed property.
I complained to my MP after bill hike
Natasha Tressillian complained to Thames Water after her water bill rose from £359 a year to £535.
Although Natasha lives alone in a flat in Lewisham, London, she is now spending £45 a month on her bill after it rose by £15 a month.
Thames Water estimates that if Natasha had a water meter her bill would be just £315 a year – £220 less than what she is currently paying.
Natasha, who is in her 30s, said: “Unfortunately a water meter cannot be fitted in my flat.
“That means with a single occupier tariff I’m paying around double what I would otherwise have been charged if a water meter could be fitted.
“It just doesn’t seem fair or reasonable.”
She has complained to Thames Water and her local MP, Janet Daby, and plans to file a formal complaint to the Consumer Council for Water and Ofwat.
Surge in demand for water meters
Bill rises have caused a surge in demand for water meter installations, according to the Consumer Council for Water.
A spokesperson said: “We know water companies have seen a surge in applications for water meters since the bill rises were announced and, in some cases, demand has doubled or even trebled.
“This means in some instances it is taking longer than expected to install water meters at properties where they can be fitted.”
Thames Water aims to install meters within 50 days.
This means that if you apply for an appointment now you could be forced to wait until the end of July for a visit from an engineer.
It also means if you are unable to get a water meter that you could be waiting weeks paying a higher rate before you can access the discounted tariff.
If it takes longer than 12 weeks for a water meter to be installed then you are entitled to compensation.
Act now to get help
Anyone who is worried about their bill should speak to Thames Water, the Consumer Council for Water recommends.
It should be able to explain why your bill has increased and double check if it is accurate.
You can contact Thames Water online or by calling 0800 980 8800.
The phone lines are open from Monday to Friday between 8am and 8pm or on Saturdays between 8am and 6pm.
If you are still concerned then you can complain to the Consumer Council for Water, who can investigate on your behalf.
If your bill has increased and you do not have a water meter then you should book an appointment now.
An engineer may be able to install a water meter at your home, so you will only be billed for what you use.
If they cannot install a meter then you will be moved onto the Assessed Household Charge, which should save you money.
Ofwat suggests that customers whose bills are calculated using the RV may benefit financially by switching to the Assessed Household Charge.
We’ll tighten our belts due to bill increase
ANN Molloy, 52, was shocked to receive a letter from Thames Water to say that her water bill will increase by more than £180 a year from April.
The mother of one, who lives in Ealing, London, received a letter from Thames Water in February to say that her bill will rise from £440 a year to £620.
She said: “We can’t be using that much water. I live with my husband and teenage son in a two bed house with only one bathroom.
“We don’t take baths and only water the garden when it really needs it.”
The family are unable to get a water meter as the pipe that provides their water also supplies the house next door.
To replace the pipe Thames Water would have to rip up the entire ground floor of the family’s home.
Ann asked Thames Water how it calculated her new bill but it was unable to explain the increase.
She also contacted Ealing Council for help but they were unable to explain the bill rise.
The family will now need to cut back in order to afford the bill increase.
Ann said: “It just gets me down. We’re going to have to tighten our belts a bit.
“We will really need to take a look at our finances and our expenses going out.”
If your bill will be lower on the new tariff then Thames Water will switch you straight away.
But if your bill will be higher then it will not move you onto the tariff for a year to give you time to understand how you will be affected.
Thames Water will send you a letter to let you know how much you will pay.
If you live alone then contact Thames Water as soon as you can and ask to be moved onto a Single Occupier Tariff.
If you are unable to pay your bill then you may be able to get financial support from Thames Water.
You can complete an assessment online or call 0800 980 8800 to discuss our options.
To apply you will need the details of any income you receive, your debts, regular bills and outgoings and your Thames Water account number.
A Thames Water spokesperson said: “We offer comprehensive support for customers struggling to pay their bill, rated among the best in the sector.
“We’re already helping around 450,000 customers pay their bills, and by 2030, one in ten households will be in receipt of support, including a discount of 50% on their bill.”
What water bill support is available?
IT’S always worth checking if you qualify for a discount or extra support to help pay your water bill.
Over two million households who qualify to be on discounted social water tariffs aren’t claiming the savings provided, according to the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).
Only 1.3million households are currently issued with a social water tariff – up 19% from the previous year.
And the average household qualifying for the discounted water rates can slash their bills by £160 a year.
Every water company has a social tariff scheme which can help reduce your bills if you’re on a low income and the CCW is calling on customers to take advantage before bills rise in April.
Who’s eligible for help and the level of support offered varies depending on your water company.
Most suppliers also have a pot of money to dish out to thousands of customers who are under pressure from rising costs – and you don’t have to pay it back.
These grants can be worth hundreds of pounds offering a vital lifeline when faced with daunting water bills.
The exact amount you can get depends on where you live and your supplier, as well as your individual circumstances.
Companies match the payments eligible customers make against the debt on their account to help clear it sooner.
If you’re on a water meter but find it hard to save water as you have a large family or water-dependent medical condition, you may be able to cap your bills through the WaterSure scheme.
Bills are capped at the average amount for your supplier, so the amount you could save will vary.
The Consumer Council for Water estimates that bills are reduced by £307 on average through the scheme.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
A 90’s TV star looks unrecognisable after swapping lads’ mags for a luxury LA lifestyle.
The fan favourite featured in more than 30 shows – including Big Breakfast.
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This 90s TV star swapped lads’ mags for a glamourous LA lifestyleCredit: Instagram/Dani Behr
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Dani has since embarked on a whole new careerCredit: Getty
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She became a lads’ favourite during the 90’sCredit: Getty
Dani Behr started her career with a brief appearance on the hit school drama series,Grange Hillin 1989.
She went on to be a presenter on Channel 4‘s music show The Word for five years.
Dani became a lads’ favourite and later moved to the US to continue presenting over there.
Following brief stints on I’m A Celebrity and Come Dine With Me, she embarked on a new career as a luxury real estate agent.
In this role, the TV legend lets out and manages property for the Hollywood elite.
Fans may have seen Dani appear on popular show Million Dollar Listing LA.
She married restaurateur Carl Harwin in 2005, having two children, although the two went their separate ways nine years later.
Speaking onWhite Wine Question Time in 2020, she revealed her full time switch to real estate came when on-screen work dried up – around the time of her 2014 divorce.
Dani told Kate Thornton: “They don’t have careers as presenters out here, like back home.
“You’re either a news journalist or a sportscaster or a late night comedian, those were the hosts of all the shows here and I didn’t fit into any of those categories.”
Nineties TV star, 51, looks like she hasn’t aged a day as she strips off to workout gear to show off her abs
She already had ties to real estate industry – with her dad himself working in real estate while her mum is an interior designer.
Dani therefore decided to study for real estate exams in order to obtain a license.
She hosted a podcast titled The Behr Essentials for two years – focusing on her career in property.
