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The recent downward spiral in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations would have been hard to imagine when Pakistani military and civilian leaders welcomed the Taliban’s return to power in Kabul in August 2021.

A Taliban government, Islamabad believed, would be friendly to Pakistan and would become a bulwark against any security threats to the country. After all, Pakistan’s military and intelligence services had for more than two decades supported the Afghan Taliban movement.

Between 2001 and 2021, this meant a contradictory foreign policy. On the one hand, by supporting the United States’ military intervention in Afghanistan, Pakistan recognised the US-backed governments that ruled the country. At the same time, Pakistan covertly tolerated – and even enabled – the resurgence of the Taliban inside Pakistani territory, which also included co-habitation with other Pakistani militant groups.

Yet, that relationship has now collapsed as Pakistani airforce struck targets in Kabul for the first time ever this week.

An apparent disconnect in their mutual expectations, and disrespect for each other’s capabilities, makes it harder for them to resurrect what they once had.

What is at stake for both countries?

The Pakistani security establishment, comprised of the army and the country’s powerful military intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is responsible for devising and driving the nation’s Afghan policy.

Historically, the army has also exercised significant power over the civilian administrations, even when Pakistan has not been under military rule.

Pakistan has faced a surge of unprecedented attacks against its security forces since 2021, coinciding with the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. More than 2,400 deaths were recorded for the first three quarters of 2025, towering over last year’s figure of approximately 2,500 people killed in attacks across Pakistan.

Pakistan has blamed a majority of attacks on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the so-called Pakistan Taliban, whose leaders are now based in Afghanistan. TTP members hail largely from the tribal areas of Pakistan, along the Afghan border.

Pakistan had hoped that TTP leaders would leave Afghanistan once the Pakistan-friendly Taliban government was established in Kabul. Some TTP fighters reportedly did return home, but this did not translate into a decline in violence. The TTP demands a localised implementation of Islamic law and the reinstatement of the former semi-autonomous status of tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.

For Pakistan, confronting a deadly and persistent uprising at home has become a national security crisis. Pakistan is, meanwhile, also reeling from several other intersecting crises: a stunted economy, geopolitical tensions with archrival India – marked by the recent conflict in May – as well as a growing domestic political discontent, and natural disasters.

Taliban leaders in Afghanistan insist that the TTP is a domestic challenge for Pakistan to address. In 2022, shortly after forming an interim administration, the Taliban government mediated talks between TTP leaders and the Pakistani army in Kabul. After initial indications of progress, underpinned by a temporary ceasefire, the talks collapsed.

For the Taliban government, which is heavily sanctioned and isolated from international financial institutions, the realities of ruling a vastly underdeveloped and economically poor country are stark. Over four years since taking power, Russia is the only country that has formally recognised the Taliban administration, though a growing number of countries – China, India and Iran among them – have, in effect, acknowledged the group as Afghanistan’s rulers and are hosting their diplomatic representatives.

Afghans are suffering from the near-collapse of the economy, and public sector institutions – such as health and education services – are on the brink of a complete breakdown. Faced with severe food insecurity and humanitarian challenges, common Afghans suffer as United Nations-led aid agencies face funding cuts. A prolonged conflict with Pakistan is likely to further deepen these challenges.

Can both sides return to their past friendship?

Both sides appear, at the moment, to be digging their heels in. Though they have agreed to temporary ceasefires, neither side wants to look weak by admitting it needs to back down.

Official Pakistani government statements now refer to the Taliban government – whose return to power in Kabul was once celebrated – as a “regime”, calling for a more “inclusive” administration in Afghanistan. They warn of continuing attacks within Afghan territories if the Taliban fail to act against the TTP.

To be sure, Pakistan possesses a substantially more powerful military, technologically advanced weaponry, and considerable geopolitical leverage against the Taliban government. There is also a renewed sense of self-confidence as Pakistan considers it successfully fought the recent war with India in May 2025, including by downing multiple Indian jets.

Since the 1980s, it has hosted millions of Afghan refugees, a generation of whom were educated and have built livelihoods in Pakistani cities. This, according to Pakistani leaders and some public opinion, should mean that Afghans must bear goodwill towards Pakistan. Forcing out Afghan refugees will be a key leverage Pakistan would want to use against the Taliban government.

Fundamentally, Pakistani leaders view their country as a serious and powerful entity with strong global alliances – one that any Afghan government, especially one led by a group supported by Pakistan, should respect and cooperate with.

The Taliban, on the other hand, view themselves as victorious, battle-hardened fighters who waged a long and successful war against foreign occupation by a global superpower. Hence, a potential conflict imposed by a neighbour would be a lesser mission.

Taliban spokesmen are pushing back against Pakistani officials’ recent narrative, underlining the significance of the ongoing information war on both sides. They have alleged, for instance, that Pakistan’s tribal border areas shelter ISIS/ISIL fighters with tacit backing from elements of the Pakistani army.

Nonetheless, as a landlocked country, Afghanistan is heavily dependent on trade routes via Pakistan, which remain shut due to ongoing tensions, resulting in major losses for traders on both sides. The Taliban government lacks air defence systems, radars or modern weaponry to counter any further incursions by Pakistani drones and jets.

The path to de-escalation

The Pakistani army continues to frame its fight against TTP as part of the wider confrontation with India. It has alleged, without evidence, that the armed group is backed by New Delhi. Pakistan also expects the Taliban to disown and distance themselves from the TTP and instead align themselves with Islamabad.

However, the TTP and Taliban share long-term camaraderie, ideological compatibility and social bonds that go beyond stringent organisational peculiarities. For the Taliban, a conflict with the TTP could also risk creating space for minacious actors such as the ISIL-Khorasan armed group.

And while Pakistan is stronger militarily, the Taliban have their own tools that could hurt Islamabad.

What if the Taliban’s Kandahar-based supreme leader, Mullah Haibatullah Akhunzada, were to issue a fatwa for jihad against Pakistan’s security establishment? The TTP leadership had already pledged allegiance to Akhunzada in 2021. But the Taliban’s top leader is also held in high religious regard by a large segment of Pakistani religious school students and religious leaders, and a call against Islamabad from Akhunzada could lead to serious internal security challenges for Pakistan.

Islamist political groups in Pakistan would also not support an all-out war with the Taliban. Meanwhile, any sustained Pakistani attacks against Afghanistan will likely bolster domestic support for the incumbent Taliban administration, even when there is palpable resentment among Afghans against the Taliban.

To prevent further escalation and seek meaningful political dialogue, there is an urgent need for a trusted mediation actor capable of sustainable engagement. This role is best suited for Middle Eastern and Muslim nations trusted by both sides, such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

There is evidence that this is a fruitful pathway. Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi confirmed in a news conference in New Delhi last week that the Taliban ceased retaliatory attacks against Pakistan after Qatar and Saudi Arabia mediated.

But first, there needs to be a real desire for peace from the leaders in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Even as Afghan and Pakistani officials hurl warnings at each other, and their forces engage in repeated bouts of cross-border fire, both countries are acutely aware that war will cost them heavily.

However, this does not mean that relations will return to the erstwhile bilateral warmth anytime soon or that miscalculations cannot happen.

Geography and history bind Afghans and Pakistanis into interdependence, which needs to be capitalised upon.

Governments need to stop hoping in vain for the success of failed approaches that have been tried for decades. Afghan leaders must work at developing amicability with Pakistan. Pakistani leaders need to reciprocate by conceiving a wholesome foreign policy towards Afghanistan, which is not coloured by rivalry with India.

The world does not need yet another war in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. It can never bear better dividends than peace.

“Any misperceptions, missed deadlines or misinterpretations can scupper this whole [ceasefire].”

Lecturer in International Security, Robert Geist Pinfold says things will “get complicated” now that the Gaza ceasefire has been agreed between Hamas and Israel.

Hi and welcome to another edition of Dodgers Dugout. My name is Houston Mitchell, and we shouldn’t be so surprised that the Phillies came back strong in Game 3.

—After all, the Phillies didn’t win 96 games by accident.

—If Kyle Schwarber‘s bat is awake, then it got a lot harder for the Dodgers to win.

—Now, someone needs to wake up Shohei Ohtani‘s bat. He is one for 14 with six strikeouts in the NLDS.

—Some fans want the Dodgers to start Ohtani on the mound tomorrow. I disagree. Tyler Glasnow is the right call, with Blake Snell starting Game 5 if necessary. Game 4 isn’t enough rest for Ohtani.

—Ohtani is swinging at pitches well out of the zone, which is what he does when he’s in a slump. Hopefully it is short-lived.

—Ohtani is now hitting .214 in 21 career postseason games.

—The Dodgers had a chance to put the Phillies in a big hole in the first inning. Mookie Betts tripled with one out, and you need to score that run in the postseason. But Teoscar Hernández struck out, Freddie Freeman was hit by a pitch and Will Smith struck out.

—Betts is hitting .409 this postseason.

—I know I picked Dodgers in five, but you don’t really want to go back to Philadelphia after being up 2-0.

—Someone please let Andy Pages know that it’s OK to get a hit. When you have Miguel Rojas batting for you, it’s not a good sign.

—I still like the TBS announcers, but play-by-play man Brian Anderson can’t tell if a fly ball is a home run or not.

—Dodgers fans were taught this by Vin Scully: Don’t watch the ball, watch the outfielder.

—It was tough to see Clayton Kershaw left out there to take a beating.

—I didn’t have Kershaw penciled in as the man who would fill the Brent Honeywell role this postseason.

—For those of you irate that Dave Roberts apparently punted the game away by leaving Kershaw out there, have we already forgotten last season? He did the same thing during the postseason then, including during the World Series.

—Seems to me Kershaw deserves better than that role, but we have no idea what conversations took place between Roberts and Kershaw before the series, or Game 3. Perhaps Kershaw volunteered to take one for the team. He is the type of guy who would do that.

—“He just didn’t have a great slider tonight,” Roberts. “Clayton pitches off his slider. He was working behind, too. The command wasn’t there tonight.”

—One reason Kershaw was left out there: The Phillies have a lot of left-handed hitters, and Tanner Scott wasn’t available for personal reasons. Alex Vesia pitched the last two games. Kershaw was the only left-hander available at that time.

—Kershaw has a career 4.63 postseason ERA in 196.1 innings.

—Yoshinobu Yamamoto didn’t have it in Game 3. Only two strikeouts, and didn’t fool many batters. That’s what happens sometimes.

—It really isn’t, but for some reason Game 4 feels like a must-win game, doesn’t it?

—Maybe Ben Rortvedt is the Dodgers’ good-luck charm and needs to start every game, with Will Smith coming in around the fifth inning.

—Judging by the response I got, I indeed am the only person who like the Limu emu (and Doug).

—Anthony Banda looked strong in his brief outing.

—To beat Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez today, the Dodgers need to do what they did to him in Game 1 (and something they didn’t do in Game 3): Work the count, drive up his pitch count and get him out of the game by end of the sixth inning.

—“Obviously there’s still a lot of pressure on us, but pressure is a privilege,” Betts said. “We’re going to do what we always do. Tomorrow is a new day.”

—Remember, this is supposed to be fun.

Dodgers postseason stats

Through five games:

Batting
Alex Call, 2 for 2
Ben Rortvedt, .429, 3 for 7, 1 double, 1 RBI, 3 K’s
Miguel Rojas, .375, 3 for 8, 1 RBI
Mookie Betts, .409, 9 for 22, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 3 RBIs, 1 walk, 1 K
Teoscar Hernández, .333, 7 for 21, 1 double, 3 homers, 9 RBIs, 1 walk, 4 K’s
Kiké Hernández, .333, 6 for 18, 2 doubles, 4 RBIs, 2 walks, 3 K’s
Max Muncy, .286, 4 for 14, 1 double, 3 walks, 4 K’s
Will Smith, .250, 2 for 8, 2 RBIs, 1 walk, 4 K’s
Freddie Freeman, .222, 4 for 18, 2 doubles, 3 walks, 4 K’s
Tommy Edman, .200, 3 for 15, 2 homers, 3 RBIs, 5 K’s
Shohei Ohtani, .174, 4 for 23, 2 homers, 5 RBIs, 2 walk, 10 K’s
Andy Pages, .053, 1 for 19, 5 K’s
Dalton Rushing, 0 for 1, 1 K
Team, .278, 10 doubles, 1 triple, 7 homers, 14 walks, 44 K’s, 5.8 runs per game

Two position players on the NLDS roster, Justin Dean and Hyeseong Kim have not come to the plate yet.

Pitching
Roki Sasaki, 0.00 ERA, 2 saves, 2.1 IP, 1 hit, 3 K’s
Tyler Glasnow, 0.00 ERA, 1.2 IP, 2 hits, 2 walks, 2 K’s
Jack Dreyer, 0.00 ERA, 1.2 IP, 2 walks, 1 K
Anthony Banda, 0.00 ERA, 1 IP, 1 walk, 2 K’s
Blake Snell, 2-0, 1.38 ERA, 13 IP, 5 hits, 5 walks, 18 K’s
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, 1-1, 2.53 ERA, 10.2 IP, 10 hits, 3 walks, 11 K’s
Shohei Ohtani, 1-0, 4.50 ERA, 6 IP, 3 hits, 1 walk, 9 K’s
Blake Treinen, 7.73 ERA, 2.1 IP, 4 hits, 2 K’s
Alex Vesia, 9.00 ERA, 2 IP, 2 hit, 2 walks, 2 K’s
Emmet Sheehan, 11.59 ERA, 2.1 IP, 4 hits, 2 walks, 1 K
Clayton Kershaw, 18.00 ERA, 2 IP, 6 hits, 3 walks
Edgardo Henriquez, infinity, 0 IP, 1 hit, 2 walks
Team, 4-1, 4.00 ERA, 2 saves, 38 hits, 23 walks, 51 K’s

Up next

Thursday: Philadelphia (*Cristopher Sánchez, 13-5, 2.50 ERA) at Dodgers (Tyler Glasnow, 4-3, 3.19 ERA), 3 p.m., TBS, truTV, HBO Max, AM 570, KTMZ 1220, ESPN radio

x-Saturday: Dodgers (TBD) at Philadelphia (TBD), 5 p.m., TBS, truTV, HBO Max, AM 570, KTMZ 1220, ESPN radio

*-left-handed
x-if necessary

In case you missed it

Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Dodgers quickly lose control in NLDS Game 3 loss to Phillies

Plaschke: Dodgers blow surefire win in NLDS Game 3 vs. Phillies, and now they could blow the season

‘You get a new game every day.’ Clayton Kershaw tries to put Game 3 debacle behind him

Clayton Kershaw, Mookie Betts talk losing NLDS Game 3

Dodgers are crushed in NLDS Game 3 as bats disappear | Dodgers Debate

Shaikin: Dodgers hope a very-rested Tyler Glasnow can pitch them into the NLCS

And finally

A mental palate cleanser for us all: Vin Scully reads a grocery list. Watch and listen here.

Until next time…

Have a comment or something you’d like to see in a future Dodgers newsletter? Email me at [email protected]. To get this newsletter in your inbox, click here.

Identifying growing companies with ample room for expansion is how you spot tomorrow’s winners. The key is to maintain a long-term perspective because the whims of market sentiment in the short term will always try to trick you into selling your shares too early.

As long as the business continues to execute and grow, you’ll be on the path to building wealth. Let’s look at two companies that are still in the early stages of their long-term growth and can help you build wealth for retirement.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. Dutch Bros

One way to identify promising wealth builders is to look at emerging brands that are resonating with a new generation of consumers. Dutch Bros (BROS -1.59%) has tailored its marketing strategy around winning over Gen Z, and it’s driving impressive growth for this specialty beverage chain.

Dutch Bros was founded in 1992, so it’s not an unproven business concept. In fact, it’s outperforming industry leader Starbucks. Dutch Bros’ same-shop sales grew 6% year over year in the most recent quarter, while Starbucks continues to struggle with declining comparable sales.

Dutch Bros’ menu is centered around coffee, but also includes a flavorful range of soda, smoothies, and other drinks. It uses clever marketing tactics to build a loyal following. For example, the company ran a limited-time promotion in May where customers received matching friendship bracelets for purchasing at least two drinks.

Giving away free items has resonated with a younger crowd and made this brand stand out in a competitive market. Its success building a loyal customer base can be seen through its loyalty program, which drove 72% of systemwide transactions in the second quarter.

Dutch Bros ended the last quarter with 1,043 shops across 19 states, but management believes it can reach 7,000 over the long term. Investors should be rewarded as it continues to expand, since the company is already turning a profit of $89 million on $1.4 billion of revenue on a trailing-12-month basis. This margin will continue to grow as the business scales, driving robust earnings growth to support market-beating shareholder returns.

2. Shopify

Starting a business has never been easier than it is today thanks to Shopify (SHOP 1.66%). With a relatively affordable subscription, business owners can quickly set up an online storefront to connect with shoppers worldwide. The affordability, ease of use, and powerful suite of tools have built a solid competitive moat around Shopify that should ensure many years of growth for shareholders.

Subscription revenue grew 16% year over year in the second quarter, reaching $656 million. However, its merchant solutions business grew 36% year over year, and this is where Shopify’s business model shines. Merchant solutions revenue includes payment processing, capital lending, and shipping services. This comprised 75% of Shopify’s total revenue.

This means that Shopify has built its business model around the success of its customers. If merchants are not successful growing their business, Shopify won’t grow either. This incentivizes management to innovate not just to boost its own bottom line, but the bottom line of the businesses that pay for a Shopify subscription.

Shopify is also expanding beyond e-commerce with its point-of-sale offering. Shopify Point of Sale saw its gross merchandise volume increase by 29% year over year in Q2. It was recently recognized as a leader in point-of-sale software by IDC. This ultimately positions Shopify to compete in the $28 trillion global retail market, according to Statista.

Shopify can grow for a long time. Investors expect the company to capitalize on this massive addressable market, as the stock currently trades at 100 times this year’s consensus earnings estimate. The stock is closing in on a new all-time high and should deliver superior compounding returns for years to come.

FIRST it was Mondeo. Then Fiesta. Now Focus. 

Another much-loved Ford heading for the great scrapyard in the sky. 

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No matter. 

Kia is here to fill the gap by giving us two sensibly-priced, Focus-sized family hatchbacks called “4”. 

One petrol. 

One electric. 

Plus, an electric saloon thingy. 

The same thing happened with small cars. 

Ford axed the cheery Ka runabout six years ago. Yet Kia is still shifting the dinky Picanto by the boatload. 

I dunno. Them crazy Koreans giving people what they actually want. 

Right, let’s discuss the cars you see on these pages today. 

The yellow car is called K4. That’s a five-door petrol hatch from £25k. Well-equipped. Fizzy 1-litre or 1.6 turbo petrols. Seven-year warranty. As with any Kia. Undercuts a Volkswagen Golf by £3k. 

The blue car is called EV4. That’s a five-door electric hatch from £35k, before any electric car grant. Looks great. Drives sweetly.

The chassis could easily handle more power. Iron Man and Mickey Mouse integrated in the onboard computer. 

I’m serious. 

You can personalise the central screen and satnav with your favourite movie characters. The kids will love that. 

Then watch Netflix or play arcade games, if you ever need to stop to recharge. 

I say IF because the biggest 81kWh battery will do 390 miles by the official WLTP test. Closer to 320 miles in the real world.

Still more than most people do in a week. And way more than a Vauxhall Astra Electric can manage. 

Everything is super easy 

The regular EV4 has a 273-mile ­battery and recharges in a 30-minute tea-and-pee break. 

Driving impressions. You sit nice and low in this car. We like that. It rides nicely (multi-link rear axle). 

We designed this car thinking about the European customer because they love to drive

Kia engineer

Handles nicely (also multi-link rear axle). Accelerates smoothly. Everything is super easy.

If you want to feel more involved, use the braking regen paddles on the steering wheel to mimic changing down gears for a bend. 

I reckon the four-wheel-drive GT due next year is going to be a lot of fun. 

A Kia engineer told me: “We designed this car thinking about the European customer because they love to drive.” 

Too right. 

The cabin is copy-and-paste Kia’s other award-winning EVs. Which means a nice mix of screens and hard controls, cup holders and chargers for everyone, lots of recycled materials, and lots of S P A C and E. 

Like 10cm more legroom in the back than a Tesla Model 3. Like a wide-opening boot that swallows loads more stuff than a Focus, Golf or Astra. 

That’s the benefit of a ground-up ­electric car. It’s no bigger on the outside. But you get a next-size-up cabin. 

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Put simply, EV4 is a peach. 

Now for the car I’m less bothered about. The fugly EV4 Fastback. I reckon the designers were rushing to get to the pub. Either that or they finished it after they’d been to the pub. 

I’m sure someone will like it. 

It does have a bigger boot and the biggest battery as standard. 

But it costs £41k. 

At least Kia is doing Ford’s old job by giving everyone lots of choice. 

Investors can find success in the stock market by sticking with companies that consistently report strong growth in revenues. This is a simple strategy that, when applied across a diversified portfolio of growth stocks, can lead to outstanding returns over a decade or more.

The important thing is to follow the growth of the business, not the short-term volatility in the share price. There’s a high correlation between a company’s growth and stock performance over many years.

With that in mind, let’s look at two stocks that could be easy wealth builders for a long-term investor.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. MercadoLibre

The Latin American e-commerce market is booming. It is a large population surpassing 650 million people, which is fueling strong growth for MercadoLibre (MELI 0.00%). The company offers an online marketplace where merchants can sell goods to millions of buyers, but it also generates revenue from mobile payments, advertising, and other fintech services.

Over the last 10 years, the company’s revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of more than 40%, sending the stock up 2,000%. MercadoLibre continues to report high rates of growth as it continues to invest in improving the customer experience, such as lowering prices, increasing shipping speeds, and rolling out new products like credit cards. Revenue reached nearly $6.8 billion in its second quarter 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of 34%.

MercadoLibre has multiple levers to pull to sustain high rates of growth. It recently reduced shipping and seller fees, incentivizing sellers to also reduce their selling prices. This move shows how it is leveraging its massive scale as the dominant e-commerce company in Latin America to gain share and grow its customer base.

Lower fees for sellers are expected to increase the selection of goods offered on the marketplace, which, in turn, will drive higher customer satisfaction and more frequent shopping.

Additionally, the Mercado Pago credit business has been a fast-growing source of revenue in recent years and an attractive long-term opportunity to win more customers. The company’s credit portfolio roughly doubled in Q2 over the year-ago quarter, indicating strong adoption of its credit card product.

The integration of financial services like credit cards, paired with its commerce business, helps create a tighter ecosystem of services that drives customer loyalty. With just 68 million monthly active users, MercadoLibre has an enormous runway to grow its fintech business.

MercadoLibre is tapping into a huge opportunity, helping millions of people in the region get access to basic financial services. The compounding growth of this business makes it an excellent buy-and-hold stock to build wealth for retirement.

2. Coupang

Coupang (CPNG 0.63%) has a lot of similarities to Amazon. It is revolutionizing e-commerce in South Korea and Taiwan, where it’s showing strong growth potential outside its home market in Korea. It might seem challenging for another e-commerce juggernaut to rise under Amazon’s shadow, but Coupang has advantages.

Coupang’s trailing-12-month revenue has increased 62% over the three years to $32 billion. Quarterly revenue increased by 19% year over year in Q2 on a constant-currency basis. The company’s profitability also continues to trend in a positive direction, with gross profit, operating income, and earnings per share increasing over the year-ago quarter. Strong financial results pushed the stock up 30% year to date.

This growth reflects execution at expanding product selection, and investing in automation to improve delivery speed. It offers same-day delivery across a massive selection of products to millions of customers living in densely populated cities, which is the basis of its competitive advantage.

One area of the business that indicates a lot of growth potential is its Developing Offerings. This includes grocery delivery and streaming entertainment. Revenue from these items grew 33% year over year — significantly faster than its product commerce. This reflects more customers continuing to spend more with Coupang after initially purchasing products through its e-commerce business.

Moreover, management indicated in the last earnings report that its Developing Offerings in Taiwan are growing faster than anticipated. This is a great sign that its business model could find more markets outside of South Korea, where it can be successful and deliver returns for shareholders.

Coupang is essentially becoming the default app that 24 million active customers rely on for buying goods, food, and digital entertainment. Its record of consistently reporting high-double-digit growth, with promising international expansion potential, could make this a huge winner for investors over the long term.

Midsomer Murders star Daniel Casey has opened up about his decision to leave the ITV series after seven years on the show alongside John Nettles

Midsomer Murders favourite Daniel Casey has lifted the lid on his choice to depart the ITV drama.

Daniel and John Nettles starred together on the programme from its launch in 1996 until Daniel’s exit in 2003.

In a fresh chat on BBC Breakfast, Daniel reflected on his departure, confessing it wasn’t a tough choice.

Presenter Sarah Campbell grilled Daniel about leaving Midsomer Murders and whether it proved a “difficult decision”.

“It was fairly easy, actually,” the actor revealed before continuing, “I started when I was 24, and left when I was 30. Funnily enough, I was thinking about it, and I was watching a rugby match, and there was commentary,” reports the Express.

“It was last-minute, and it was South Africa versus New Zealand, and New Zealand were three points behind, and they had a penalty, and I said, ‘Oh, you should have kicked the goal’. They said, ‘No, they kicked to the corner’.”

He went on, “And I said, ‘Well, that’s a risk’. And the commentator said, ‘Oh, the only risk in life is never to take a risk’.

“It felt like he was talking to me, and I thought I didn’t come into this job to do the same thing year on year on year. So I thought, it’s a nice time to just step off the cliff and see what else is out there.”

The performer, who initially portrayed DS Gavin Troy opposite John Nettles’ Detective Tom Barnaby in the beloved ITV series, is preparing to take on DCI Tom Barnaby in a fresh theatrical adaptation of the programme.

When discussing his comeback, Daniel grinned: “It’s really exciting, really exciting. It’s lovely to come back. I never thought that I would revisit this amazing, weird, wonderful, strange, old world again, but, but yeah, it’s lovely to be embarking on a tour and bringing it to the stage.

“It’s the original episode, The Killings of Badgers Drift. It’s very faithful to that original, and that kind of the actuality that you have in the television series. It lends itself beautifully to the stage.”

BBC host Jon Kay then quizzed the actor about his “big promotion” and taking on the role previously occupied by John Nettles.

“It’s quite daunting, actually,” Daniel confessed. “It’s amazing. It’s really wonderful.

“John is such a lovely man, and it was such an important part of my early career, and he said it himself. He said, ‘I learned at the feet of the master,’ and actually, I did.

“He was incredible, and I stood beside him for what, seven years, so a lot of that has influenced me, I hope.”

BBC Breakfast broadcasts daily at 6am on BBC One.

WE’VE all done it.

Spotting a plant you think will look amazing in your garden – rushing out to buy it – and then realising that on its own it suddenly looks, well, a bit naff.

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But happily, a new book by Jamie Butterworth could be about to banish the embarrassment of a badly put together garden for good.

‘What Grows Together’ – which comes out next weekend – offers up over 60 ‘fail safe plant combinations for every garden’ with no confusing horticultural jargon or lecturing.

You may recognise Jamie from his RHS Show Feature Dog Garden at Chelsea Flower Show this year – which he created alongside Monty Don and DJ Jo Whiley.

He’s appeared many times on Gardeners World, and cites Monty Don as the gardener who inspired him to get into horticulture.

His nursery Form Plants also supplies plants to Windsor Castle – and when he met King Charles at Chelsea Flower Show, the King said: ‘I know Jamie — you are delivering plants to me on Wednesday. Please don’t be late.’”

But it was another famous Jamie that actually inspired his book.
“I love cooking, but I never know what ingredients to put together as to what will taste nice,” he told Sun gardening.

“But when I came across Jamie Oliver’s Five Ingredients Book – where he just goes – take these ingredients and do this and this is what you’ll get, it was just brilliant. It was exactly what I needed.

“I just thought – we need to do this for gardening. We’ve even laid it out like a recipe book – in terms of making it look really crisp and simple – it’s like no other gardening book that’s ever been written.

“There’s so much synergy between cooking and gardening – people want to garden, they want to have nice gardens but they’re time poor and they don’t know what to plant that will a. Survive and b. look good, and that was the starting premise of the book.

“We’re forever learning with plants – my particular passion is growing plants, putting them together and making nice displays – it’s how I like to make people happy.

“It’s about getting rid of the old gardening rules – the ‘you must do this, you must do that, you must plant carrots at this exact time or everything will fail.

“What I wanted to do was make growing more accessible – there is no right way – but learning even just a few combinations and what will grow well together – then that gives people confidence to have a go themselves.”

“Jamie’s an idol of mine – and I want to make gardening as accessible as he did for cooking.

“You pay garden designers hundreds of pounds to tell you where to put plants – hopefully this book will negate all of that and give people the accessibility they need to go ‘oh actually this is what I need to do’ and it’s that simple.”

JAMIES’ FAVOURITE COMBINATIONS

COMBINATION ONE
Hydrangeas Limelight and Agastache Blackadder – both plants individually are brilliant and will flower for a long long time each – Hydrangeas from June to Autumn and even once they’ve finished flowering they’ll hold their seed heads and look great in the winter. Agastache Blackadder is a perennial and has dark purple liquorice flowers and if you plant the two together the darkness of the Agastache looks brilliant against the white of the hydrangea – but will also grow up through it. If you want to add to it – just add in some yellow Cosmos.

COMBINATION 2
Calycanthus ‘Aphrodite’, Japanese Forest Grass, Penstemon ‘Pensham Plum Jerkum’
Calycanthus has really rich ruby wine red flowers which look stunning in their own right. It flowers from late May through to September/October, leg it up by taking off lower branches – then you’ve got a specimen rather than just a shrub – and underplant with Hakonechloa Macra – AKA Japanese forest grass and the Penstemon with dark rich ruby colour flowers the same as the calycanthus. Individually they’re great plants – but put together that’s an incredible combination.

 What Grows Together: Fail-safe Plant Combinations for Every Garden by Jamie Butterworth (11 September, DK)

Also in Veronica’s Column this week…

News, top tips, Plant of the Week and a competition to win two hedge trimmers

NEWS! Catherine’s Rose is finally available to buy on the high street – with B&Q taking the honours as the main bricks and mortar stockist.
Named after HRH Princess Kate, and launching in store at the end of this month, funds from every sale will go to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
The pink ‘Catherine’s Rose’, which is scented, was developed by Harkness Roses – and in May we ran a competition for Sun Readers to become the first in the world to own a rose.
Now everyone can get one from their local B&Q..
The RHS and Harkness joined forces with Kate after she underwent a “very spiritual and very intense emotional reconnection” with nature after undergoing treatment for cancer.
The princess announced in January she was in remission after completing a course of preventative chemotherapy.

WIN! WIn one of two Webb ECO 20V 15cm Cordless Mini Chainsaw/Pruning Saws with Telescopic Pole Reach PLUS battery – worth £124.99 each. To enter visit www.thesun.co.uk/WebbPruner or write to
Sun Webb Pruner competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm. September 20, 2025. T&Cs apply

PLANT OF THE WEEK! Heuchera Berry Timeless is evergreen and will still be sending up sprays of pale pink flowers well into September. It’s heat resistant and hardy – and doesn’t seem fussy about soil or shade or too much sun.

JOB OF THE WEEK! You can start with your onion sets now – to overwinter and get a bountiful crop next year. Red Winter is a great one to get in the ground. Potatoes and raspberries are ready to harvest and sweetpeas can be sown under cover.

TOP TIP! IF you fancy growing your own salad leaves over Winter – now is the time to start.
Lambs Lettuce is very hardy and perfect for Winter Gardens. Get the seeds in the soil now – either in pockets you know are milder – or in a cold frame.
The best thing about sowing rocket is that you’ll get your first crop with four to six weeks – and it also thrives in cooler temperatures.
If you plant Arctic Spring butterhead lettuce now – you’ll get a crop early next year. But also keep an eye out in garden centres, as they often sell a ‘Winter Mix’. Sarah Raven currently has one that includes ‘Can Can’, ‘Salad Bowl’ and ‘Merveille de Quatre Saisons.’

NEWS! Harrogate Autumn Flower Show is taking place from September 19th to 21st. As well as the usual floral marquees – there’s an Incredible Edible pavilion showcasing the best fruit and vegetables – as well as the giant versions – including a National Onion Championship. Plus talks, live demonstrations, expert gardening advice and competitions. And there’s a plant creche so you don’t have to carry your purchases round all day.

Walter Mosley has penned more than 60 novels in the course of about four decades, but the Easy Rawlins mysteries are arguably his most readily recognized body of work. After writing about Easy, Raymond “Mouse” Alexander and other memorable characters in the series since their 1990 debut in “Devil in a Blue Dress,” the Los Angeles native is certainly entitled to sit back and enjoy the significant milestone in Easy’s history. But neither the success, the accolades nor the 35-year anniversary matter to Mosley as much as the work itself.

Fall Preview 2025

The only guide you need to fall entertainment.

“It’s funny,” he muses over Zoom from his sun-drenched apartment in Santa Monica where he’s working one August afternoon. “Everyone has a career. Bricklayer, politician, artist, whatever. But what you think of as a career, for me it’s … I just love writing.”

It’s a good thing that he does. In the 17 mysteries in the series, Easy has given readers a front-row seat to Mosley’s vision of L.A.’s evolution from a post-World War II boom town proscribed by race and class to the tumultuous ’70s, with seismic social shifts for Black Americans, women and the nuclear family. These are the long-term changes that Easy must navigate in “Gray Dawn,” out Sept. 16.

The year is 1971 and Easy, now 50, is beset by memories of his hardscrabble Southern youth and first loves before he enlisted to serve in World War II in Europe and Africa. And while coming to L.A. after the war meant opportunity, real estate investments and success as “one of the few colored detectives in Southern California,” Easy has not lost his empathy for the underdog. So when he’s approached by the rough-hewn Santangelo Burris to find his auntie, Lutisha James, Easy leans in to help, even after he learns Lutisha is more dangerous than he suspected and brings with her an unexpected tie to his past. Then his adopted son, Jesus, and daughter-in-law run afoul of the feds and Easy must also figure out a way to save them from a certain prison sentence. Add assorted killers, business tycoons, Black militants and crooked law enforcement to the mix, all of whom underestimate Easy’s grit and outspoken determination to protect himself and his chosen family, and the recipe is set for another memorable tale.

Given Easy’s maturity and the world as it was in 1971, Mosley felt the need, for the first time, to write a note to readers to put Easy and his times into context. “When I was writing this book, I realized that, in 2025, there are some readers who may not understand where Easy’s coming from.”

Mosley’s introduction provides that frame, calling the combined tales “a twentieth century memoir” and linking them to the fight for liberation and equality. “Black people, people during the Great Enslavement,” Mosley writes, “weren’t considered wholly human, and, even after emancipation, were only promoted to the status of second-class citizenship. They were denied access to toilets, libraries, equal rights, and the totality of the American dream, which had often been deemed a nightmare.” But Easy, with his passion for community and love for the underdog, is always there to help. “He speaks for the voiceless and tried his best to come up with answers to problems that seem unanswerable.”

Despite these conditions, Mosley explains to me, the series’ recurring characters — Mouse, Jackson Blue, Fearless Jones, among others — who serve as Easy’s family of choice have prospered since the beginning of the series, Easy most of all. “Easy is a successful licensed PI, living on top of a mountain with his adopted daughter, plus his son and his family are around too. So for readers who pick up the series at this point, everything seems great. But then, Easy walks into a place [in the novel] and he’s confronted by some white guy who says, ‘Well, do you belong here?’ Before, when I had written something like that, I assumed that people are going to understand how those kinds of verbal challenges are fueled by the racism of the time. But this time I thought there are readers who may not understand it, even though it’s speaking to something about their lives or their world, even today.”

Easy Rawlins also speaks to other writers, who read the mysteries as a beacon of hope, a crack in the wall through which other voices can be heard.

S.A. Cosby, bestselling author of “Blacktop Wasteland” and “All the Sinners Bleed” and an L.A. Times Book Prize winner, clearly remembers his introduction to Easy’s world. “Reading ‘Devil in a Blue Dress’ was like being shown a path in the darkness. It spoke to me as a writer, as a Southerner and as a Black person,” he said in an email. “In some ways, it gave me ‘permission’ to write about the people I love.”

Easy also offers a unique lens through which to view L.A. Steph Cha, Times Book Prize winner for “Your House Will Pay,” discovered “Devil in a Blue Dress” as a freshman in college. “I was totally thunderstruck,” she said in an email. “This was before I had the context and vocabulary to articulate its importance in the broader literary landscape, but I knew I loved Easy Rawlins and his eye on Los Angeles. Walter was one of my primary influences when I started writing fiction. I even named a character Daphne in my second book after the missing woman in ‘Devil.’”

But why does the series endure? Cha credits the quality of the man himself: “Easy’s been through so much over 35 years, but he’s still the same guy, a man who will go anywhere, talk to anybody and bear anything, while still giving the feeling he bleeds as much as the rest of us.”

But Easy’s also thinking about the future, which in “Gray Dawn” means helping Niska, a young Black woman in his office, develop into a detective. Along the way, he shares his creed and his hope for what she will become one day: “‘Toes in the soil beneath my feet.’ That’s what a detective has to have. She has to know the city, its peoples, dialects, and languages. Its neighborhoods and histories. Everything you could see and touch. A detective’s mind has to be right there in front of her. Your city was your whole world.”

Back on our Zoom call, I ask Mosley whether he was thinking of Raymond Chandler’s seminal 1944 essay “The Simple Art of Murder” and the oft-quoted line “Down these mean streets…” when writing that passage. Not consciously, but he liked the comparison because “Easy in many ways is the opposite of Philip Marlowe.”

Not the least of which is his willingness to help a woman become a detective. “Even though Easy is skeptical about a woman being a detective,” he explains, “he recognizes it’s the 1970s and, with the women’s movement, he’s willing to help her if that’s what she wants.”

As the song goes, the times they are a-changin’, and Easy with them. What does Mosley hope readers take away from “Gray Dawn,” Easy’s midlife novel? “I want them to see how Easy has developed and changed over the years. And that family, even though Easy’s doesn’t look like the nuclear family, is what America has always been about.”

“I love being a writer so much that even if I had much less success, or even none, I would still be doing it,” Walter Mosley says.

(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Mosley’s also experienced enough to know that what writers hope readers understand and what readers actually see in their writing can be very different. And while he appreciates comments from writers like Cosby and Cha, he puts it all in perspective. “As a writer, I think it’s important for you to remember not to judge your success by what other writers have said about your work. Because writers more than anybody in literature are confused about what literature actually is. Writers will say, ‘I did this, and I did that, and I wrote this, and this was my intention, and I started here, and I moved it there.’ But the truth is you’ve written a book, you’ve created the best thing you could have written, and all these people have read it. And for every person who has read it, it’s a different book.”

Mosley is also a talented screenwriter, having served as an executive producer and writer on the FX drama “Snowfall.” Most recently, he shared a writing credit (with director Nadia Latif) for the screenplay of the upcoming film “The Man in My Basement” — an adaptation of his 2004 standalone novel — starring Willem Dafoe and Corey Hawkins. Mosley is particularly cognizant of how book-to-film translations can have different meanings for their creators.

“With very few exceptions, books and the films that they spawn are very different,” he explains. “And they have to be because books come to life in the mind of readers, who imagine the characters and places the writer describes. And books are language, and your understanding through language as a reader is a part of the process. But a film is all projected images. So when somebody says they’re writing a book, you tell them, ‘Show. Don’t tell.’ When you produce or direct a movie, they just say, ‘Show.’”

Mosley praises Latif, who, in her directorial debut, leaned into certain aspects of his novel. “She’s very interested in the genre of horror and uses certain elements of it in the film,” he notes. “But I don’t think she could do that without those elements already being there in the novel.”

Beyond “Gray Dawn” and the forthcoming film, Mosley’s collaborating with playwright, singer and actor Eisa Davis on a musical stage adaptation of “Devil,” as well as working on a monograph about why reading is essential to living a full life. But regardless of the medium, Mosley’s purpose is crystal clear. “For me, it’s about the writing itself,” he says, leaning in to make his point. “I love being a writer so much that even if I had much less success, or even none, I would still be doing it.”

Rome Ramirez wasn’t built in a day.

He was once a guitar-strumming, teenage Sublime fan in a Mexican American household in Fremont, Calif. At 18, he moved to Los Angeles to follow his dream of making music. He swept floors, lived in his van and eventually did the impossible: He became the singer of his favorite band.

In 2009, 13 years after the death of Sublime’s founding singer-songwriter Bradley Nowell, Rome befriended Sublime’s remaining members, Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson, and became the frontman of Sublime with Rome — playing to an established fan base in amphitheaters around the world. Behind the scenes, Rome developed a robust songwriting career of his own, cutting his teeth in the studio-session culture in L.A. and racking up credits on Enrique Iglesias and Selena Gomez songs.

Yet eventually, the band started to feel more like a job than a calling. After several lineup changes, Sublime with Rome embarked on its farewell tour in 2024. “For the majority of being in Sublime, our recording schedule was so busy,” he says. “I knew that in order to do a solo career, it takes everything from you if you want to do it right, so that was not on the mind.”

Despite being a lifelong California boy, Rome moved his family to Nashville during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are perks to living in America’s songwriting capital — like a slower pace of life and the ability to do “more errands per day than in L.A.,” he says with a laugh. But now, he says that he and his children are some of the only Latinos in their neighborhood.

“There [are] a lot of people who leave California,” says Rome. “They trash-talk California, but it’s just such a huge part of my identity and culture — growing up as a Mexican American in California, that Chicano culture. I will always love Los Angeles.”

After 15 years in Sublime with Rome, the 37-year-old has forged a new path as a solo artist. His sound is a West Coast cocktail of beachy reggae and hip hop-inspired grooves, specially made for summertime — like his new single “Slow & Easy,” featuring the Dirty Heads, his friends from back when he slept in his van.

It’s the first offering from his debut EP, “Gemini” — “It’s about the duality of my music, I can’t be put into a box,” he says — which is set for a Sept. 19 release. He’s also announced a slate of tour dates in the U.S., starting Sept. 17 in Destin, Fla.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Your solo career was kick-started by stepping down as the lead singer of Sublime with Rome. Was having a solo career something you had in your head for a while?
Through the course of touring with Sublime, I was really heavily involved in songwriting. I was doing all kinds of records for people I really looked up to — like Selena Gomez and Jason Derulo and Enrique Iglesias. Huge names. As a kid who grew up writing songs in his mom’s basement, this was just like a dream come true.

It wasn’t until the pandemic happened where for the first time Sublime with Rome wasn’t touring, we were at home and I started live-streaming. People were showing up in these rooms — like 500 to a thousand people. I was one of the first people in my music community who was already outfitted with cameras, ready to go in the studio. I would start with a Sublime album and go through every song on the stream. And then the next album, then the Sublime with Rome album, then I would do covers. After about like six months, I ran out of songs and people were just asking like, “Dude, do you have any music? Like, are you working on anything?” And honestly, I hadn’t worked on music for myself in so long.

I think part of that was not wanting to dig deep into traumas, [like] growing up in a household with drugs. But during the pandemic, I had time to start writing music again for fun — playing with sounds that I loved and grew up on, and starting to pull the scabs off of [wounds] that I tucked [away] in the past. After a while I had a handful of songs, and I just knew I [couldn’t] put them in the Sublime with Rome set. This thing I love to do started to feel like a job, and that is a no-go. So I asked myself, “Am I going to do Sublime with Rome for money, or am I going to really follow something that I believe in?”

We started having conversations about what the future of the band was looking like prior to our summer tour in 2023. I’m really glad that everything happened the way it did. We had a roll out for everything. I needed to trust my gut and follow through with my belief in this music and what I’m building.

“Lay Me Down” with Dirty Heads is one of your biggest songs, with nearly 120 million Spotify plays, but it came out in 2010 — much earlier than your current venture in your solo career. What’s the story behind this song?
I’m from the Bay Area, but I moved down to Los Angeles when I was 18 to go make something of myself. I was hanging around this recording studio that the Dirty Heads were just getting started at.

I was just interning, sweeping floors, [eating] cheeseburgers, that kind of thing. Everyone knew that I could write a song, and eventually, after hanging out there for so long, me and the Dirty Heads worked up a friendship. They said, “Let’s get together and write a song one day.”

So we barbecued some hot dogs and just hung out in one of the guys’ backyard with a couple of guitars on a picnic bench … and we wrote “Lay Me Down.” The song sat around for a year, but we really liked it.

They were going on tour in the van and I wasn’t doing anything — I was homeless at the time, Sublime wasn’t even a thought. They offered me to go on the road with them, so I did and played that one song with them. From there, our manager took the demo to KROQ. The song started getting played on the radio and the shows got fuller. It was such an amazing experience. It was just just by the grace of God, it like all worked out and our lives changed from that point. We cashed our first checks and bought our first cars together from that.

You collaborated with the Dirty Heads again on your recent single “Slow and Easy.” It’s your first single since you’ve gone solo. What was that process like?
It’s come full circle with my best friends again. I knew this song was special. I went into the studio with the aim of — “I want to make a summer song that feels like a Van Morrison record, but [an] Uncle Kracker [vibe]. Real simple.”

I went in with my boy, Nick Bailey, who I write a lot of music with, and we nailed that song in two hours. After I got the demo I was like, “Man, it’s so close. What if I put the Dirty Heads on it? [With] a little rap and a little melody, it would just be so different.”

They loved it. They sent me their vocals the next week and I was like, “OK, I feel like this is a good song.” Eventually some awesome promoters at radio stations heard it and they wanted to take a chance on the record.

The summer vibes are strong on “Lay Me Down” and “Slow and Easy.” What artists introduced you to this sound that’s present in everything you do?
I grew up on Motown and Bob Marley. That’s what I circled back to after I left Sublime.

As I was working on music during the pandemic, I was like, “What do I want to hear? What’s the shit that I like?” And it’s like Stevie Wonder, it’s the Supremes, it’s the Four Tops, it’s Fiona Apple, it’s Leon Bridges, it’s Van Morrison. I really like feel-good music that sonically reminds me of an older time.

I have kids now, so I’m very conscious about the message I put into the world. I’ll try to write a song that the world could benefit from hearing, but not make it a preachy song.

How would you describe the sound of Rome?
The underlying factor is soul music. When you hear soul music, you think of Teddy Pendergrass and things like that. I love soul music. [Take] Bradley’s voice in Sublime, you cannot tell me that that man wasn’t a soul singer.

That’s the music that I really gravitate to, music that just feels really honest. Reggae music [lives] in me. Jack Johnson is another huge influence. My sound is reggae and soul and pop music, for lack of better words, because I write simple-ass songs.

How do you feel like your Mexican heritage makes its way into your music? Or in how you move and how you present yourself?
Growing up Mexican shaped my whole framework for how I live my life. I don’t speak Spanish, but I grew up in two households that were fully fluent in Spanish. All my friends growing up were Mexican. [I remember] seeing Carlos Santana playing with Rob Thomas on [television] and my dad was like, “He’s mexicano right there.” Man, that was pretty sick.

Growing up in a really thick Mexican culture [meant] both my parents worked their ass off, but at the same time, family always came first. These are the kind of morals that are really instilled in Mexican culture, that I’m so proud that I have. As a family man now, those things are so prominent in my life. We take a lot of pride in what we do, we work our asses off … then when it’s time to play, we play.

What makes a good summer song?
Something that you don’t have to try too hard to listen to. There are some songs where you’re like, “All right, I need to get in the car and drive and listen to this thing, ride it out the gate.” When I envision a summer song, it’s very simple and easy to play.

People online are debating what the song of the summer is in 2025. What has been your song of the summer?
In terms of listening and all the damn content I’ve been making, it’s “Slow and Easy!” But aside from one of my own songs, probably “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” because that’s what my kids are spinning. The music is shockingly good. It’s like Max Martin s—.

You’re on quite a big U.S. tour. How is it going?
It’s so sick. We just rolled out a couple dates in Florida just to test the waters and those shows are selling really good, so promoters have been adding more and more.

I’ve been to so many of these places [with Sublime], of course, but the energy’s different. I’m playing smaller spots, [connecting] with people before and after the shows. You can’t really do that in amphitheaters. I’m experiencing everything in reverse. I was homeless when I met Sublime and then I was on the tour bus. Now, it’s like we’re climbing up the ranks again.

I have such a long lineage of songs I’ve been working on and the fan base — shout out to the Romies — who’ve followed me over the years. Putting together the set list has been a celebration of the different eras of my life. I’m just having a lot of fun doing this.

WHETHER it’s fish and chips, a fry-up or afternoon tea and cake, British diets are pretty calorific.

And all that fat, sugar and salt is having a serious impact on our waistlines, with almost one in three of us considered obese.

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That might seem pretty high, but it’s actually considerably lower than the 43 per cent obesity rate in the United States.

Even Australia trumps the UK at 32 per cent, and these figures don’t even account for the people who are simply overweight. 

Around the world, each country has its own way of eating; some contain lots of processed foods, while others enjoy more vegetables or have a focus on fish and meat. 

Often, these diets have a huge influence on the population’s body mass index (BMI) – a way of measuring if you’re a healthy weight. 

A score between 18.5 and 24.9 is healthy, 25 to 29.9 is overweight, and 30-plus is obese. 

Many of us think of obesity as just being fat, but it’s actually increasingly being recognised as a chronic, complex disease. 

It can have a huge, negative impact on your health, increasing your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and even some types of cancer. 

Thankfully, you can tailor your diet to help keep the number on the scales down. 

But which one is best?

Follow in the footsteps of these countries, which all have a lower obesity rate than the UK…

If you can’t face giving up cheese… eat like the French 

Obesity rate: 11 per cent 

CHEESE is big business in France. In fact, the French consume an average of 60lbs (27kg) of the stuff per person every year, according to Statistica. 

Instead of turning to low fat cheeses and spreads to stay slim, eat like the French and go for full fat.

“Fat is what gives a sense of fullness in a meal,” says Lucia Stansbie, registered nutritional therapist.

“When we eat fat, hormones telling the brain to stop eating are released, making a full fat yogurt more satisfying that a zero per cent one, so you end up needing to eat less. 

“Many low fat foods have added sugars and emulsifiers to recreate the same texture of full fat foods, making them ultra processed foods (UPFS).”

Research published in the journal Current Nutrition Reports identified UPFs as being a key driver of obesity.

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In France, all-day grazing is a no-no – so much so, that snack products often contain a warning on the packet which says, “for your health, avoid snacking between meals”. 

“Snacks can be the downfall of all diets as they can be very calorie-dense,” says Lucia.

“And if they’re sugar-rich, they can lead to a sugar high followed by a crash so more snacks are needed to pick yourself up.

“Eating a proper meal that fills you up until your next one is the best strategy.”

Instead of having a plain, low-carb, low-calorie vegetable salad for lunch to manage your weight, enjoy a meal with a source of protein, some carbs and healthy fats to keep you full until dinner time.

“This is better than being really hungry a few hours after lunch and craving a high calorie snack,” says Jess Hillard, nutritionist at Warrior. 

Try some spicy chicken with sweet potato mash, avocado and a vinaigrette.

If you like wine… eat like the Italians

Obesity rate: 22 per cent 

ALTHOUGH alcohol can pack in some serious calories, you don’t have to go teetotal to lose weight. 

Instead, go for quality booze, in moderation, alongside food. 

“In Italy, people don’t drink on an empty stomach,” says Lucia.

“Doing so leads to sugar spikes and then sugar crashes, so we eat quick-release carbs such as crisps or sweets to get our energy back.”

One way to flatten this spike is eating a decent meal. 

The size of serving plates in Italy are also smaller than the standard UK plates so smaller portions are eaten

Lucia StansbieNutritional therapist

Lucia adds: “In Italy, there is a big focus on quality and taste. 

“People don’t drink a cheap bottle of wine to get drunk. Instead, they match a nice glass of wine with the meal they are having. 

“Culturally, getting drunk and excessive drinking are frowned upon. 

“This makes a massive difference in the amount of alcohol that is consumed.”

Italian mealtimes are also leisurely. Rather than wolfing down lunch at a desk while frantically working on a deadline, Italians eat mindfully. 

“Mindful eating leads to eating slower and feeling fuller sooner, while eating while distracted – such as while working or watching TV – will lead to less satisfaction and mindlessly eating bigger amounts of foods or looking for snacks,” says Lucia.

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Don’t forget to add olive oil – the main fat used in Italy – to your meals too.

A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that fat loss was approximately 80 per cent higher for participants who included 25ml of extra virgin olive oil in their diet compared to those who didn’t. 

Lucia adds: “The size of serving plates in Italy are also smaller than the standard UK serving plates, so smaller portions are eaten.”

Why not try swapping your dinner plates for side plates or pasta bowls? You’ll be forced to reduce your portion!

If you love carbs… eat like the Japanese 

Obesity rate: 5 per cent 

DESPITE popular belief, carbohydrates are certainly not the devil when it comes to weight loss. 

Not only could they actually help you slim down, they could even help you live longer.

Japan is home to Okinawa – a ‘blue zone’, where many people live to 100 and beyond. 

Their diet? An estimated 10:1 carbohydrate-to-protein ratio, according to a study in the journal Age and Ageing – yes, that’s 10 times as much carbs as protein!

While you definitely shouldn’t turn your back on protein, you shouldn’t fear carbs. 

But Lucia says the type of carbs you choose will make a huge difference.

“Wholegrains have a higher fibre content, which means that the sugar spike won’t be so high, while white carbs are devoid of all fibre,” she adds.

“The body can manage a maximum of 4g of sugar in the blood at a time; the excess will be stored either in the liver as glycogen or as abdominal fat.

“Eat slow release carbs – such as wholegrains – and pair them with fibre (such as vegetables), proteins (such as meat, fish and eggs) and fats (such as avocado, olive oil and nuts) to ensure a slow release of sugar in the blood system for sustained energy and weight management.”

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Tuck into seafood and cut back on red meat.

“Fish and seafood are excellent sources of protein,” says Lucia.

“Just 100g of fish has, on average, the same amount of protein as 100g of meat but fewer calories.

“Oysters are the richest source of zinc. People with diabetes, which is often linked to obesity, tend to have lower zinc levels.  

“Plus, fish and shellfish are sources of iodine, a mineral essential for thyroid function, and suboptimal function can lead to increased weight and fatigue.” 

If you love chocolate… eat like the Swiss

Obesity rate: 14 per cent 

LINDT, Toblerone, Nestlé – some of the best chocolate in the world comes from Switzerland. 

So how can such a chocolate-filled nation remain so slim?

Along with an active lifestyle, Jess says that listening to your body is key. 

“Ignoring cravings makes you want them even more and binge on them eventually,” she says.

“Have a balanced meal before the chocolate you’re craving. 

“If you still want some chocolate, break off a few squares and put the rest of the bar away.” 

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Depriving yourself will only make you want it more and make you more likely to scoff the whole bar! 

The Swiss also love their oily fish.

“Oily fish contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA,” Jess says.

“These are excellent for brain health and they’ve been found to reduce the risk of heart disease.

“Aim for two portions of fish per week. One of these should be oily, such as salmon, mackerel or sardines.”

Aim for two fists of vegetables, one palm full of carbohydrates and one palm of protein. Any fats should be thumb-size

Jess HillardNutritionist

Omega-3s have been found to potentially help with fat loss.

In a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, adults given 4g of fish oil per day lost 0.5kg of body fat and built more muscle than those who were not given fish oil.

Plus, research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that incorporating fish into one meal a day as part of a weight loss regime was more effective than the regime on its own. 

“Fish’s high oil content keeps you fuller for longer as well as helping to decrease inflammation in the body,” says Jess.

Inflammation can lead to health problems, including chronic inflammation, which can even cause the body to hold onto fat, especially visceral fat which sits around your organs.

If you struggle to eat your five-a-day… eat like the Vietnamese 

Obesity rate: 2 per cent 

NOODLE soups, grilled meats, broths and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables are the order of the day in Vietnam, which boasts an incredibly low obesity rate.

Most dishes are delicious, yet nutritious – so you don’t even notice how much veg you’ve eaten.

“Vegetables are filled with fibre which will keep you fuller for longer,” says Jess.

“They also contain few calories as well as high levels of vitamins and minerals, particularly non-starchy vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, peas and leafy greens.

“Having a nutrient rich diet won’t just ‘stop cravings’ for high fat and/sugary foods.

“You will feel fuller after meals, meaning you won’t feel the need for these foods as much.”

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She recommends filling half your plate with veg at every meal, and to make sure your veggies retain their nutrients, choose steaming over boiling or frying.

Research published in the journal Nutrition & Food Science found that when steamed, vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and lettuce lose nine to 15 per cent of their vitamin C content.

The Vietnamese way of eating is an easier way to get these veggies into meals – you can buy noodle soup kits in supermarkets to try at home.

Compared to many western countries, Vietnam’s portions are also fairly moderate. 

Practising portion control is simple and can be done using just your hands. 

“Aim for two fists of vegetables, one palm full of carbohydrates and one palm of protein,” says Jess.

“Any fats, such as oils, butter and cheese, should be thumb-size.”

Former US Open champion Coco Gauff has stumbled into the second round of the tennis Grand Slam, squeezing past Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in an error-strewn three-hour battle.

Third seed Gauff punched her ticket to the second round on Tuesday, after overcoming a litany of self-inflicted errors to win 6-4, 6-7 (2/7), 7-5 in a match that lasted 2hr 57min.

“It was a tough match. Ajla was tough; she was getting so many balls back,” 2023 winner Gauff said after her win.

“It wasn’t the best but I’m happy to get through to the next round.”

Gauff, the reigning French Open champion, had prepared for the US Open by shaking up her coaching team on the eve of the tournament in an effort to fix her shaky service game, replacing coach Matt Daly with Gavin MacMillan, a biomechanics specialist.

However , on the evidence of Tuesday night, the 21-year-old American still has plenty to work on if she is to have any realistic chance of mounting a deep run in New York.

Gauff finished with a whopping 59 unforced errors and 10 double faults, and her serve was broken six times. She heads to the second round knowing that a more ruthless opponent than Tomljanovic might have punished those mistakes.

As it was, Tomljanovic had her own problems, suffering eight breaks of serve and making 56 unforced errors before bowing out.

Gauff admitted that her unsettled build-up to the tournament had been draining.

“Honestly it’s been really tough, mentally exhausting,” Gauff said. “But I’m trying. It wasn’t the best today, but it was an improvement on last week [in Cincinnati]; I’m just trying to improve with each match.”

There were no such problems for the reigning Wimbledon champions Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner, though, as they recorded emphatic victories.

World number one Sinner began his bid for back-to-back US Open titles by waltzing to a 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 win over Czech world number 89 Vit Kopriva, needing just 1hr 38min to advance to the next round.

“It feels great to be back here. Obviously it’s a very special tournament,” said Sinner, who is attempting to become the first man to repeat as US Open champion since Roger Federer won five in a row from 2004-2008.

Sinner, 24, faces Alexei Popyrin in the third round.

“I’m very happy that I’m healthy again,” said the Italian, who was forced to retire from last week’s Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz.

Sinner’s blistering start on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court was matched by Poland’s Swiatek, who was similarly emphatic in a 6-1, 6-2 rout of Colombia’s Emiliana Arango.

The 24-year-old from Poland was always in control against 84th-ranked Arango, overwhelming the Colombian with some powerful groundstrokes mixed with some deft work at the net.

The win makes Swiatek the first woman in history to win 65 consecutive WTA-level first round matches, surpassing Monica Seles’s previous record of 64.

The six-time Grand Slam singles champion – a winner in New York in 2022 – will face the Netherlands’ Suzan Lamens in the second round.

IGA SWIATEK WORLD RECORD‼️

Iga Swiatek breaks Monica Seles’ record for most consecutive opening matches won in the Open Era. pic.twitter.com/iS9VFjfSLB

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 26, 2025

Meanwhile , two-time former champion Naomi Osaka had no difficulty in dispatching Belgium’s Greet Minnen 6-3, 6-4.

The Japanese former world number one revelled in returning to a venue that she regards as a home from home.

“Whenever I play here the atmosphere feels like home, and it is home for me,” said Osaka, who is seeded 23rd and will next face American Hailey Baptiste.

In other women’s draw results on Tuesday, Ukrainian 27th seed Marta Kostyuk took down Britain’s Katie Boulter 6-4, 6-4. Eighth seed Amanda Anisimova of the United States ousted Australia’s Kimberly Birrell 6-3, 6-2.

Brazil’s 18th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia advanced with a 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 win over Britain’s Sonay Kartal. But there was disappointment for rising French star Lois Boisson. Boisson, who captivated her homeland with a run to the semifinals of the French Open in June, exited in three sets to Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic, losing 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2.

Elsewhere, 10th seed Lorenzo Musetti outlasted big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-7(3) 6-3 6-4 6-4 at the Louis Armstrong Stadium and will face Belgian David Goffin.

After Daniil Medvedev’s chaotic exit on Sunday, Marin Cilic became the latest former champion to be knocked out as 23rd seed Alexander Bublik beat the Croat 6-4 6-1 6-4 on Grandstand, while American 14th seed Tommy Paul made short work of Denmark’s Elmer Moller 6-3 6-3 6-1 to book a second-round clash with Portugal’s Nuno Borges.

Third seed Alexander Zverev closed out the evening’s action on the main showcourt by beating Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo 6-2 7-6(4) 6-4 to set up a meeting with Jacob Fearnley.

The BBC is set to release a brand-new drama called The Guest, which follows the complex and dangerous friendship between two women.

At the end of last year, the BBC revealed a brand-new drama was in the pipeline called The Guest.

Now, the wait is nearly finished as the four-part series is scheduled to launch on September 1, with another BBC drama in the works to drop next year.

The programme centres on two women, a thriving business owner, Fran (portrayed by Eve Myles), and a woman she hires as her cleaner, Ria (Gabrielle Creevy).

As Ria rapidly develops an unlikely bond with Fran, she becomes captivated by her self-assurance and poise.

Yet, when an unforeseen incident takes a dramatic twist, their lives become entangled through perilous schemes and mutual secrets, reports Wales Online.

A synopsis hints: “What follows is a compelling and manipulative game of cat and mouse. But just who is playing who?”

Prior to the series launch, Reach Plc chatted to Eve and Gabrielle about their roles in the programme and why they think audiences are drawn to intense female bonds.

Eve, 47, remarked: “Because it’s complex, it’s not easy, it’s not actually an easy thing to talk about or to try and describe or explain, it’s about something very, very intoxicating. It’s about two women sharing something very important.

“Like myself and Gabby, Fran and Ria are also incredibly vulnerable, never mind the strengths you see from both of them, they both have great strengths, but they both have great weaknesses.”

Eve detailed the unlikely bond between Fran and Ria, explaining that their contrasting backgrounds add a layer of intrigue and mystery for some.

She further elaborated: “It’s not about a boss and a cleaner it’s about two women who share this part of their lives together, they share secrets together, they go through something very traumatic together then they’ve got to fix that, or not and what that does to them.

“They open up to each other when they don’t expect to, and that’s thrilling, that’s dynamic. There’s something really poignant and dangerous about these two women.”

Matthew Barry, the writer of The Guest, expressed his excitement about the project: “I’m beyond excited to be re-teaming with Nicola, Davina and the whole team at Quay Street Productions and the BBC to bring The Guest to life.

“As well as being an exciting thriller, at its core this is an examination of class, social mobility and the growing disparity between those at the top and bottom of our society.”

The Guest, will premiere on BBC One at 9:00 PM on Monday, September 1.

A DAD has revealed how a five-minute money hack slashed more than £1,000 off his household bills and paid for his dream holiday.

Like millions of Brits, Rob Lock, 29, from Shrewsbury, had been paying his monthly bills without giving them a second thought.

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His broadband, mobile and energy costs were ticking along on autopilot, even though some of his contracts had quietly expired.

But when he landed a new job, a perk from his employer gave him access to Nous, a bill-cutting service that uses AI to find cheaper deals.

Within minutes, the tool flagged up where he was overspending and with a few simple switches, Rob saved £1,029 a year.

The biggest saving came from his mobile phone contract.

Rob had paid off his iPhone and Apple Watch months earlier, but was still being charged the full monthly rate, which is a common trap known as “double paying”.

By switching to a SIM-only plan, he slashed £750 off his yearly bill.

His broadband was another eye-opener.

Rob had originally signed up to BT on a new customer deal costing around £50 a month.

But when that deal expired, the cost crept up, without him realising. Nous found a Virgin Media package for £22 a month with the same speeds, saving him another £336 a year.

Finally, he cut his energy bill down to £126 a month, adding to the overall total.

He explained: “I was using the BT broadband until Nous told me that they had found a cheaper rate for me with Virgin Media. 

“They had even checked the connection and download speeds to make sure I wasn’t going to lose out just for a better price. 

“The deal with Virgin was only £22 a month which is a massive saving when compared to the £50 odd I was paying to BT.”

Once he realised he had saved over £1,000, Rob knew exactly how to spend it.

“We booked a trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights – something we’ve always dreamed of. It really was the holiday of a lifetime.”

“We just thought it’s not every day that you’ll save over a grand so might as well use it for something we really want.”

Rob admitted he used to be “a bit laid-back” about bills, but says the experience has transformed how he manages his money.

He added: “I never really analysed whether I was getting a good deal or not.

“I actually wish that Nous had come into my life sooner as they’re brilliant at monitoring everything and continually checking to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

“It’s very relaxed and Nous give some really sound financial advice on what you can save by switching and when.”

Costly mistakes

Consumer reporter, Lucy Andrews, has warned that thousands of households are making the same mistakes without even realising.

She said: “Think you’re good with money? I bet you’re making some silly mistakes that could be costing you hundreds – just like I did.”

Lucy explained that she too had fallen into the “double paying” trap after forgetting that her 24-month mobile contract had ended.

“I logged into my mobile app and saw loads of upgrade offers,” she said.

“I thought it was weird, because I was still in contract, but when I checked, my deal had actually ended a month earlier.”

She had missed an email warning her that the contract was ending.

As a result, she was still paying £34.58 a month, even though the handset was already paid off.

“I was kicking myself,” she said.

I could have switched to a SIM-only deal and saved a fortune.”

After acting quickly, she moved to a £7 SIM-only plan, saving £27.58 a month or £330.96 a year.

According to Uswitch, five million mobile customers are at risk of overpaying like this, with providers pocketing an extra £1.6 billion a year as a result.

To check if you’re one of them, simply text INFO to 85075. This free service will tell you whether you’re still in contract, and if you’ll face an exit fee.

Lucy also discovered she was paying £4.99 a month for a streaming subscription she’d forgotten about, which was a reality TV channel she hadn’t used in months.

“That was £15 down the drain,” she said. “I cancelled it straight away and saved another £60 a year.”

She now recommends doing a “direct debit spring clean” twice a year, by checking your bank app for forgotten subscriptions.

Research by HSBC found that 48% of people admit to paying for services longer than they should, wasting £61 a year on average.

Lucy said: “These things are easy to miss, but if you don’t keep an eye on them, you’re just handing money away.”

Even small, simple switches can lead to big savings and even fund a holiday.

And as Lucy’s warnings show, millions of Brits are still overpaying on old phone contracts and unused subscriptions.

Whether it’s AI tools like Nous, free services like 85075, or just a quick look at your bank app, the key is to take a few minutes to check what you’re paying and act before it’s too late.

It’s not every day you save over a grand, but it could be if you catch the same mistakes.

HAVING a busy summer, with no time to whip up a tasty lunch?

These quick, easy, affordable recipes for batch cooking will keep you fed all week.

Store in freezer bags or old takeaway tubs for no-fuss dining.

Here’s how to do it . . . 

PASTA POWER: This no-cook wonder is perfect for hot days.

Simply boil 500g penne until al dente, then mix with two tins of drained tuna, four tablespoons of mayo, a handful of sweetcorn and some diced cucumber.

The creamy, crunchy combo makes four generous servings and keeps fresh in the fridge for up to three days.

For extra zing, add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of chilli flakes.

SALAD SAVIOUR: Massage 200g of kale with olive oil to soften the leaves, then toss with 400g of fluffy cooked couscous, crumbled feta and charred roasted peppers.

Packed with Mediterranean flavours, this veggie bowl stays fresh for 72 hours — ideal for work lunches or lazy dinners.

Want more protein? Throw in some leftover grilled chicken or chickpeas.

BBQ BEANS: For a protein-packed staple, soak 500g of dried butter beans overnight then slow-cook with two tins of chopped tomatoes, a tablespoon of smoked paprika and a drizzle of honey.

The smoky-sweet beans can be frozen for three months and they are perfect with crusty bread or as a veggie BBQ side.

They can also make a great baked potato topping or a lovely addition to morning eggs.

COOL SOUP: Blitz two chopped cucumbers with 500ml of natural yoghurt, a garlic clove and handful of fresh mint for a refreshing, chilled soup that can be kept in a tub in the fridge until needed.

Serve with warm pitta bread for dipping.

For extra texture, add in chopped nuts or croutons made from stale bread.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers all subject to availability.

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Deal of the day

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ADD some colour to your patio with the Sophie Robinson Deck Chair, previously £69, now £34.50 at Dunelm.

SAVE: £34.50

Cheap treat

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HAVING a BBQ?

Pick up a pack of St Pierre buns – usually £2.43 for four, now £2.08, at Asda.

SAVE: 35p

What’s new?

REMEMBER to scan your Lidl Plus app at the checkout and spin the wheel for a free bakery treat. Runs until August 20.

Top swap

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REPAIR your hair with the amazing K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask, £30 from Cultbeauty.co.uk.

Or try the viral Hairification H24 Complex Leave-in Repair Mask 50ml, £10.99 at Boots.

SAVE: £19.01

Little helper

CHECK out the clearance section at next.co.uk for huge discounts across adults, kids and homeware sections, including baby hats from £2.

Shop & save

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EVERY camper needs a storage trolley.

The Neo foldable collapsible garden cart was £79.99, now £34.99.

SAVE: £45

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JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.

Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.

Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.

The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!

You can find it on Spotify in playlists for insomniacs, but on a Friday afternoon on Exmoor, we are happily listening to the real thing: the gorgeous ambient sound made by grasshoppers, birds and the buzzing insects that momentarily fly in and out of earshot.

The view is just as serene: the deep-blue Bristol Channel in the middle distance, golden fields just in front of us and, in our immediate surroundings, huge expanses of grasses and wildflowers. Our tent is pitched between two strips of woodland, which provide just enough shade. To complete the sense of calm wonderment: for 24 hours, we have this piece of land completely to ourselves.

Essentially, we are wild camping, but in a reassuringly managed way. Our spot has been arranged by CampWild, an adventure outfit that started in 2023 and has about 200 approved locations on its books.

Rangers “will understand that it is not easy to play in Athens”, says Pananthinaikos head coach Rui Vitoria as the Greek side attempt to turn around a two-goal deficit to progress in Champions League qualifying.

The Greek side dominated for 50 minutes at Ibrox but failed to convert a host of chances before goals from Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassamma gave Rangers a priceless lead to protect in Wednesday’s second leg.

Vitoria understands why the home players and fans celebrated at the end of the first leg, but warns they are mistaken if they believe the job is already done.

“We need to be more united than ever,” the Portuguese said.

“It was a really good atmosphere in Scotland, but believe me, it is going to be a very nice and hot atmosphere here as well.

“Rangers will understand that it is not easy to play in Athens – not for them and not for anybody else.”

Even with a 21:00 local kick-off time, the temperature is expected to be in excess of 30C at the Olympic Stadium.

Vitoria believes the heat and atmosphere can give Panathinaikos the edge, while emphasising the importance of scoring first.

And despite losing the first leg, Vitoria thinks the performance in Glasgow will give his side belief.

“What we did there was something rather unbelievable for a Champions League match because we had many chances, we played in our way, but we could not score,” he said.

“Although Rangers had fewer chances, they were able to score two goals. They have a lot of quality and we were punished because we did not take our chances.

“The match left a really bitter taste for all of us.

“The most important thing now is to score the first goal. I think that once we score the first goal, then the second and third ones are going to come.”

According to Richard Edwards, a seasoned glamping expert from White House Glamping , a luxury camping site in Herefordshire, there’s a simple and inexpensive solution that can turn your muddy camping nightmare into a comfortable outdoor escape

Mud. The age-old foe of mothers in 90s Persil adverts and campers alike.

When it comes to combining a night in canvas with nature’s premier version of gloop, things can be difficult.

Picture the scene: You’ve spent hours assembling the perfect campsite, your tent is perfectly pitched, and everything feels just right. Then the skies open up with a sudden downpour, turning the ground into a muddy mess. Within minutes, your pristine tent interior becomes a disaster zone, with dirty footprints across your sleeping area and soggy gear everywhere. It’s the kind of scenario that can turn even the most enthusiastic camper’s weekend into a frustrating mess.

But according to Richard Edwards, a seasoned glamping expert from White House Glamping, a luxury camping site in Herefordshire, there’s a simple and inexpensive solution that can turn your muddy camping nightmare into a comfortable outdoor escape.

READ MORE: Tourists slam ‘paradise beach’ as actually being ‘most disappointing in the world’

“After years of helping guests enjoy the great outdoors, I’ve seen every camping disaster you can imagine,” says Richard. “The mud problem is one of the most common complaints, but it’s also one of the easiest to solve with the right approach.”

When it comes to keeping tents spotless, Richard has a secret weapon. A waterproof car boot liner from your local discount shop. This simple and affordable piece of kit can be transformed into the perfect tent entrance mat that keeps mud firmly where it belongs – outside.

“The trick is to lay the liner flat at your tent entrance, creating what I call a ‘mud porch’. It’s basically a doormat that works in the wild. Campers can step onto it, wipe their boots, and leave all the mess behind before entering their tent,” he explains.

The process couldn’t be simpler. Position the waterproof liner just outside your tent door, ensuring it covers the main traffic area. The rubberised surface grips well to most ground types, while the waterproof material means it won’t absorb moisture or become a soggy mess like traditional mats.

READ MORE: Brits ‘scared away’ from Majorca as holiday hotspot left ‘completely dead’READ MORE: ‘I’m an Alton Towers rollercoaster expert and people always make one mistake on rides’

Campers usually just try the shoes-off approach when it comes to coming inside, but Richard explains why this rarely works in practice.

“Asking everyone to remove muddy boots sounds good in theory, but you’re still left with wet socks and nowhere clean to put the boots,” he says. “Plus, it’s not exactly comfortable hopping around on one foot in the rain.”

Traditional camping mats often fall short as well. They’re usually too small, absorb water, and can become slippery hazards when wet. Towels, another common solution, quickly become saturated and useless.

“The car boot liner gives you a proper-sized clean zone that stays functional even in the worst weather,” Richard notes. “It’s also easy to rinse off or wipe clean, and it rolls up small when you’re packing up.”

Richard’s budget-friendly approach doesn’t stop at boot liners. He’s discovered several other unexpected items that work brilliantly in the great outdoors.

“Shower curtains make excellent groundsheets for under your tent. They’re completely waterproof and cost a fraction of purpose-made camping groundsheets. Dollar store microfiber cloths are perfect for quick clean-ups, and those cheap plastic storage boxes? They’re ideal for keeping your gear dry and organised,” he adds.

“A simple plastic tablecloth can create an instant clean eating area, and those disposable plastic plates from party shops are more practical than heavy camping crockery.”

While going on a plane is exciting for a holiday adventure, it can be uncomfortable and a shock when our ears pop during a flight – a doctor has detailed how to help this

Jetting off on holiday is thrilling, but the journey can sometimes be a bit of a grind. You have got to pack your bags, rock up to the airport early, track down your gate, and if you’re not a fan of flying, settle those last-minute jitters. Then, just as the aircraft lifts off, many of us end up with blocked ears, which isn’t exactly pleasant when you’re thousands of feet above ground.

The climb or descent of the plane and the resulting changes in cabin air pressure can lead to an unpleasant sensation in your ears. While you’re gazing out at the fluffy clouds and expansive blue, you might be curious about the cause behind this discomfort.

Specsavers has explained: “Stress is put on the eardrum as a result of high-pressure environments and it is usually caused by rapid changes in altitude. You’ll recognise it if you’ve ever felt your ears ‘pop’ after a flight or going diving.”

Now, one doctor has delved into the reasons behind why our ears feel blocked on a flight and how we can alleviate the issue. Doctor Michael, a popular health guru on TikTok with a following of half a million, reassures that the common ear-popping experience should not cause alarm.

READ MORE: Noel Gallagher’s daughter Anais sums up Manchester Oasis gig with one word

Using a diagram to illustrate, he points out the eustachian tube [between your nose and ear and goes across your cheek], explaining: “It is caused by this tube that connects the back of your nose with the inner ear.”

He elaborated: “When you’re flying, you probably hear your ears popping and that’s this tube kind of equalising the pressure of your inner ear. You can do it yourself by swallowing or holding your nose and breathing against it.”

Dr Michael also suggested opening your mouth really wide. If these techniques don’t work – or if they exacerbate the problem – it’s likely you’re dealing with something called eustachian tube dysfunction.

He explained: “It happens when you’ve had a cough or a cold or you’re really congested here and that eustachian tube just closes over.”

The medical expert advised that if this often occurs while you’re flying, there are preventative measures you can take before boarding a plane to avoid this issue.

Dr Michael recommended using eucalyptus oil. He said: “Put it in some boiling water and let the steam go up into your nose and open up this sensation tube.

“Or if you want something a bit more long lasting, a couple of days before your fly, you should start using a steroid nose spray. I would do a spray in each nostril twice a day, about three or four days before you fly.”

If you’ve tried all these methods and none have worked, Dr Michael suggests it’s time to consult an ears, nose and throat specialist.

For more information see the NHS website/app or consult your GP.

Do your ears suffer when you go on a plane? Comment below…

Brits on holidays this summer have been warned not to make an easy poolside mistake or they could risk facing some pretty hefty fees if things go wrong

There’s nothing quite like cooling off in the pool after basking in the sunshine while on holiday. However, Brits are being warned to stay vigilant if they step away from their sunlounger, or they could risk some hefty fees.

A travel insurance expert has warned that there are some easy mistakes we all make that quickly invalidate your travel insurance, meaning that if things do go wrong it’s likely your claim will be rejected.

One of those is stepping away from your bag, even if you can see it from the pool and feel like your surroundings are fairly secure.

“Stepping away from your bag for even a few minutes can invalidate your claim,” warns Niraj Mamtora, Director at Forum Insurance. “People think a quick dip or a trip to the bar is harmless, but from an insurance perspective, you’ve left those items unguarded. That’s classed as negligence. Most policies will state clearly that unattended belongings in public areas are not covered, regardless of how short the time or how secure you felt.”

READ MORE: Brit couple furious over ‘unfair’ sunbed rules after hotel issues stern warningREAD MORE: Europe’s ‘sunniest beach’ has golden sands, crystal waters and flights from £17.99

It’s not just about insurance either. Hotels are increasingly cracking down on people who leave their belongings unattended for a few hours, in a bid to fight back against sunbed wars. This has included introducing time limits on how long staff will leave an unattended lounger before picking up the belongings and taking them to reception, where holidaymakers can retrieve them.

‘Sunbed wars’ see people frantically rushing in the early hours of the morning to leave their towels on sunbeds to claim these for the day. However, tensions rise when people do this but don’t return for hours at a time, leaving others unable to enjoy the pool despite there being empty beds.

READ MORE: Sleep expert reveals when you should try to stay awake on flights to beat jet lagREAD MORE: Holiday warning for Brits as selfie mistake could land you with £100,000 fine

Just recently, holidaymakers were spotted using a sneaky tactic before the pool staff had even laid out the loungers, with other tourists slamming the “pathetic” behaviour. Meanwhile, one British couple was recently livid when they returned to a stern warning from hotel staff after they’d left their loungers for half an hour, claiming that other holidaymakers had been away from their sunbeds for longer but not received any backlash.

If you are going to step away from your sun lounger, you may want to leave your valuables back in your room – but even then, Niraj warns that you’ll want to make sure they’re in the safe.

“Valuables not stored in a locked safe are rarely covered,” explains the insurance expert. “If you leave your passport, jewellery, or expensive tech out on the bedside table or tucked into a suitcase, and they’re taken, your insurer may argue you failed to secure them properly.

“The policy wording often requires that high-value items be locked in a hotel safe when not in use. It’s a small effort that makes a big difference to whether you’re covered.”

Have you had issues with sunbed wars on your holiday? Email us at [email protected].