A MUM has been praised after sharing the genius hack she swears by to give her kids a toy room without making her house look messy.
As a home schooling mum, Paige has devoted a whole room in her abode to her kids’ learning – which also contains some toys.
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Paige took to TikTok to share a look inside her neat and tidy cottage-core homeCredit: TikTok / @riverchasersfamily
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The mum-of-three home schools her kids, but the kitchen and lounge are remarkably clutter and toy freeCredit: TikTok / @riverchasersfamily
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That’s thanks to the fact she’s dedicated an area behind the sofa to turn into a “mini toy room”Credit: TikTok / @riverchasersfamily
But as any parent knows, toys eventually make their way into different rooms, and can end up making the house look untidy.
So Paige came up with a clever idea to let her kids play in the lounge – one of the main family areas of the home – without it turning into another toy room.
In a video on her TikTok page, the mum-of-three showed the kitchen, toy room and lounge, all of which looked perfectly neat and tidy.
She then took the camera to behind the sofa, where she had set aside a large area for toys to go.
Read more Parenting stories
“Having a little mini toy room behind the couch was the best decision!” she wrote over the top of the video.
Thanks to the positioning of the sofa, the area is entirely invisible until you’re right on top of it.
And it also means that Paige doesn’t have to deal with tidying it up until she wants to.
“Really has help the house look a bit cleaner haha!” she added in the video caption.
People were quick to praise Paige in the comments section for the clever hack.
“This is so smart!” one wrote.
Stacey Solomon opens up about ‘very emotional’ morning but says tidying her house ‘cheered me up no end’
To which Paige replied: “It really works well!”
“So cute! Great idea!” another added.
“Your house is literally a dream – it’s beautiful,” a third gushed.
“Aww thank you!” Paige responded.
“We love it so much but we are growing and will need more room eventually.
“This space is huge, but tiny rooms is the down fall!”
How to baby-proof your house
IF you’ve got a baby coming very soon, here’s our top tips on how to get your home ready for their arrival…
Secure Furniture and Appliances: Use brackets or straps to anchor heavy furniture and TVs to the wall. Ensure that large appliances like fridges and ovens are stable and cannot tip over.
Install Safety Gates: Place gates at the top and bottom of stairs. Use gates to block off rooms that are not baby-proofed.
Cover Electrical Outlets: Use outlet covers or plates to prevent little fingers from poking into sockets. Ensure that electrical cords are out of reach or secured.
Lock Cabinets and Drawers: Install child-proof locks on cabinets and drawers, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Store hazardous substances, sharp objects, and small items that can be swallowed out of reach.
Use Corner and Edge Protectors: Attach soft corner and edge protectors to furniture with sharp edges. Consider using them on low tables, countertops, and fireplace hearths.
Secure Windows and Doors: Install window guards or locks to prevent windows from opening more than a few inches. Use door knob covers and door stoppers to prevent pinched fingers.
Maintain a Safe Sleep Environment: Use a firm mattress and avoid placing pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals in the cot. Ensure the cot meets current safety standards.
Keep Small Items Out of Reach: Regularly check the floor for small objects that could be choking hazards. Be mindful of items like coins, buttons, and small toys.
Adjust Water Heater Temperature: Set your water heater to a maximum of 49°C (120°F) to prevent scalding. Always test bath water temperature before placing your baby in.
Use Baby Monitors: Place baby monitors in the nursery to keep an eye on your little one. Ensure the monitor cords are out of reach to avoid strangulation hazards.
By taking these steps, you can create a safer environment for your baby.
“With all that wood accenting going on in there you could easily turn this into a hobbit house,” someone else pointed out.
Paige’s family home is located in Northern California, and is nestled within 10 acres of woodland.
She lives there with her other half and their three children – River Wildfox, Cedar Moon and Sequoia Rain.
A COUPLE has been slammed after sharing their children’s unique names online.
Aubree and Josh Jones, from the US, shared a clip of their family on social media, revealing which of them picked their kids’ names.
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Aubree and Josh Jones pose with their six childrenCredit: Instagram
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Trolls said the parents should refrain from naming anyone elseCredit: Instagram
The couple currently has six children and Aubree is pregnant with their seventh child.
In a recent Instagram clip, the couple revealed which of them picked their kids’ names, writing: “Who named each of the kids?”
“If you heard his picks, you would understand..” Aubree added.
But it seemed viewers weren’t convinced once they revealed each moniker, saying neither of them should be able to name any more children.
They started with their oldest daughter, named Trendy Chanelle, Aubree said she picked the first name while Josh picked her middle name.
Next was Zaylee Ruth, whose names were picked out by her mum.
Their third child was named Sunny Love, with Aubree picking the first name and Josh picking the middle.
Next up was their daughter, Truly Eclair, again, mum picked the first name while dad got dibs on the middle name.
Journey Rey came next, named by her mum and lastly, there was Rocky Joshua, named by his mum and dad.
The clip was shared on her Instagram account @whataboutaub which went viral with over 1.4 million views and 10k likes.
The three names I’d never pick for my children as a kids therapist & Rory is a hard no for starters
While the parents loved their choice of unique names, people in the comments section were clearly not impressed.
One person wrote: “These are great names for a Labubu.”
Another commented: “You realise you’re naming humans right?”
“Neither of you should be allowed to name children actually,” penned a third.
Banned Names in the UK
The UK has no law restricting names, but names that contain obscenities, numerals, misleading titles, or are impossible to pronounce are likely to be rejected when registering a child.
Hitler
Monkey
Cyanide
Martian
Akuma
Chow Tow
Rogue
Meanwhile a fourth said: “What are you naming… dogs?”
“Kids are going to have a rough time in school,” claimed a fifth.
In agonising scenes, the former Atomic Kitten star confessed: “I am absolutely s******* myself only because I really like Paolo.
“I want them to really like him too. So getting their approval means everything to me, but I’m a nervous wreck.”
As Paolo went to give the pair a hug, he only received a tentative embrace from Heidi as Kerry was seen aggressively pointing at her daughter.
He confidently exclaimed: “Nice to see you,” as Heidi gave off a nervous giggle.
“Nice to see you too,” she replied back, but it was Danielle who took charge of the grilling.
Watch the moment furious Kerry Katona lashes out at Celebs Go Dating matchmakers after string of awful dates
“We’ve been friends for like 16 years. Is it? So I’m ride or die, got her back.”
Paolo replied: “Obviously, I really like Kerry. We get on very well. The fact that I’ve met her was like mind blowing.”
This is when Kerry asked her daughter why she was being “so quiet,” who declared that she was ‘nervous’.
It seems Kerry was feeling the exact same way as she admitted: “I’m sorry, I’m sweating so much. Honestly, no. Don’t touch me. I’m really dripping.”
Celebs Go Dating 2025 cast
But Danielle confidently carried on with the questioning as she said: “So, I’m just saying she’s my best, best friend. So I’ve got questions.
“The whole fame thing, because Kerry does get papped a lot when you’re out and stuff like that.
“You need to know what you’re dealing with, really, don’t you?Because for me, as a friend in 16 years, I’ve seen so, like many people, trying to get with Kerry, and they’re on the fame and they’re on the money and they’re on the attention.”
However, Paolo admitted that his intentions are only admirable as he already has daughters and he just wants to settle down.
I want them to really like him too. So getting their approval means everything to me, but I’m a nervous wreck.
Kerry KatonaCelebs Go Dating
He explained: “This sounds really weird, but I already feel like the richest man in the world, I’ve got my daughters.
“So my daughter’s made that and then I’ve met somebody that I really connect with as well.
“So for me, I don’t need anything from anyone. I’ve been fully transparent from the beginning. So yeah, I think that’s really important.”
Paolo added” “I think if we just have the conversations, the awkward ones or whatever, get to know each other straight away, all your cards on the table.
Channel 4’s best competition shows
Channel 4 boasts a number impressive competition shows, but which ones are really the best?
Four in a Bed
Reality competition show Four in a Bed has been airing on Channel 4 since 2010. It follows four couples as they take turns to stay at each others B&Bs and hotels, rating their stays along the way. The couple with the establishment voted best value for money are the winners.
Come Dine With Me
Come Dine With Me has been staple British viewing since 2005, providing some outrageous telly moments over the years. Like Four in a Bed, the series moves around to different properties as it follows four contestants as they each host a (supposedly) gourmet dinner party for each other. After each dinner the guests score the host out of 10, will the winner being revealed on the final evening.
The Great British Bake Off
Another national treasure, The Great British Bake Off welcomes a group of 12 amateur bakers to put their culinary skills to the test with Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith judging their efforts. One contestant is eliminated each week until the final three face off in the last week.
Bake Off: The Professionals
Bake Off: The Professionals puts a twist on GBBO, pitting two teams of professional pastry chefs against each other in every episode. It’s up to judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden to determine who has what it takes to make it through to the final.
Admiring his remarks, Heidi noted: “He’s very emotionally mature.”
To finish off the interrogation, Danielle asked Paolo what Kerry’s ideal weekend would look like in one final test.
He answered: “Her ideal day off would be to just get cozy, watch some movies and chill.”
Danielle admired his response as she then replied: “You know her well then.”
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Teenager Heidi was ‘unusually’ quiet as she gave him only a tentative greetingCredit: Channel 4
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Kerry was seen to aggressively point at her daughter as they were first introducedCredit: Channel 4
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He seemed to win the pair over by the end of their champagne drinksCredit: Channel 4
HAVING struggled to lose weight for years, it was a simple diet change that finally helped Emma Dennison to shed the pounds.
But with her huge weight loss came a big surprise – hiding under her loose skin.
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Emma Dennison weighed more than 20 stone at her heaviestCredit: Cover Images
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With the weight gain came plummeting self esteemCredit: Cover Images
Emma had tried to lose weight for years without success.
And after a catastrophic knee injury left her unable to exercise, she decided it was time to give up.
The 42-year-old weighed more than 20 stone, and as her size grew, her self-esteem shrank.
“I wasn’t always big. I was a bit heavier in school, but I stayed active through university,” she said.
“Then in 2006, I completely blew out my knee. I was in a full cast for eight months. That’s when the weight started creeping on.
“It wasn’t that I was eating junk all day – I just ate too much. And food became my comfort when life felt overwhelming.
“I didn’t recognise myself in the mirror. I’d stopped shopping for clothes I liked. I always had to go to the ‘fat shop,’ and even then, I hated everything. I stopped being in photos. I’d take a thousand of my kids and husband, but I’d avoid the camera.”
Emma is a full-time sheep farmer and mum to Henry, now ten, and Thomas, 8.
Her life never slowed down and she struggled with emotional eating and portion control.
When Emma and her husband Mervyn, from Tipperary, Ireland, began trying for a third baby, she didn’t suspect her weight might be a factor.
‘No shortcuts exist’ I’m an Irish teen who lost almost 60 pounds in 16 weeks following a routine that works wonders
She said: “All my hormone levels were fine, but we tried for two years and nothing happened. Eventually, I just said, ‘That’s it. We’ve got two beautiful boys. It’s not meant to be.’”
With the baby dream put to rest, Emma decided it was finally time to focus on her health and gave the 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan a go, a programme that mixes meal replacements and normal food with consultant support.
Starting the plan in September 2021, Emma steadily lost weight.
She said: “By May, I was down nearly six stone. Then the scales stopped moving. I was confused. Until that point, I had been consistently losing weight.”
THEN CAME A SURPRISE…
“One night, just for the craic, I took a pregnancy test. I was sure it would be negative… but it wasn’t,” she recalled.
“I was sitting on the toilet at half eleven at night, staring at it thinking, ‘Oh my God. I’m pregnant.’ I didn’t want to wake Mervyn so I lay awake half the night thinking about how I would tell him.”
When she saw the doctor the next day, the news got even more shocking.
“He said, ‘Emma, you’re not just pregnant – you’re already 15 weeks along.’ The weight loss had hidden my bump under loose skin”, she says. Her third pregnancy, Emma says, was worlds apart from her previous two.
“I had no Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction. I was active right up to the end. Two days before my C-section, I was shearing sheep. I honestly believe losing weight made the difference. I felt strong and capable for the first time in years.”
After giving birth to her miracle baby Alistair two years ago, Emma focused on expressing milk, a goal she hadn’t achieved with her older sons.
“I was constantly hungry while expressing. A lot of the weight went back on, but I didn’t panic. I knew I had a plan,” she said.
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Emma found success with the 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight PlanCredit: Cover Images
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With the weight loss came a surprise – she found out she was 15 weeks pregnantCredit: Cover Images
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Emma says weight loss has given her back her fertility, health, confidence and identityCredit: Cover Images
She returned to the 1:1 Diet in May 2023, and by December had lost the additional weight, reaching a total loss of eight stone.
Emma now fluctuates comfortably between a size 12 and 14.
She said: “Size 10 doesn’t suit me. I’m curvy and that’s okay. I’m in my 40s now, not my 20s. I want to be healthy, strong, and confident.”
One of the biggest changes came when she began to love fashion again.
She said: “I remember walking into a shop and picking up a top, knowing it would fit. I sat in the car afterwards and cried. That was a freedom I hadn’t felt in years.”
Since then, Emma has become a 1:1 consultant herself, training up while on maternity leave so she can help others see a similar transformation.
And her proudest moment came when she completed Couch to 5k – something her 14-year-old self never imagined.
She said: “I was forced to run a 1,500m race in school. I came dead last – and I mean a long way last. People laughed. When I hit 5k, I thought, ‘Up yours’ to every single one of them.
“Losing weight gave me back my fertility, my health, my confidence and my identity. And I no longer hide from the camera.”
The NHS 12-step plan to help you lose weight
FROM faddy diets to dodgy detoxes – most of us have heard it all before when it comes to weight loss.
But burning fat can be easy and mostly free.
In fact, the NHS has a whole load of medically-approved tips for weight loss and shedding body fat once and for all…
Don’t skip breakfast Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry.
Eat regular meals Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar.
Eat plenty of fruit and veg Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals.
Get more active Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of health benefits, exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone.
Drink lots of water People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need.
Eat high fibre foods Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils.
Read food labels Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan.
Use a smaller plate Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it’s full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full.
Don’t ban foods Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There’s no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance.
Don’t stock junk food To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice.
Cut down on alcohol A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain.
Plan your meals Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list.
A MUM bought Apple AirTags to keep her children safe at Disneyland – only for it to ‘ironically’ leave her daughter in hospital after swallowing the battery.
Lisa Marie says she purchased four of the tracking devices to ‘keep her children safe’ during a family trip to the theme park, but they ended up causing more harm than good.
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The mum originally bought the AirTags to keep her kids safeCredit: Kennedy Newsand Media
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The four year hold was hospitalised after swallowing the button batteryCredit: Kennedy Newsand Media
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The AirTag passed through naturally after four days of stressCredit: Kennedy Newsand Media
After realising the AirTags were broken during the holiday to the popular resort in Anaheim, California, US, in April, Lisa had stored them away in the glovebox of her car while she waited to get them repaired.
But the mum-of-four was left ‘terrified’ when her daughter Lily Grace made a ‘gulping sound’ from the back of the car on May 23 – and she realised that she’d swallowed one of the batteries.
The four-year-old was rushed to hospital where an x-ray scan revealed that the coin-sized battery had already reached her bowel.
The family faced an agonising four-day weight for Lily to pass the battery in her bowel movements – with her three siblings left ‘fearing she was going to die’.
Button batteries can cause significant damage to the lining of the child’s oesophagus or bowel – in some cases it may have burned through the lining completely to form a hole.
In 2020, two-year-old Johnathan Huff tragically died in Greensboro, North Carolina, after swallowing batteries from a remote control, which burned through his internal organs.
Thankfully Lily was left with no lasting side effects and was able to pass the battery naturally.
Lisa says she had repeatedly warned her children of the dangers of button batteries over the years, with the latest warning issued just two weeks prior to the incident.
In a social media post, Lily says her greatest fear had been a child swallowing a button battery so had repeatedly warned her children of the dangers of them over the years.
She goes on to admit the ‘irony’ of the batteries coming from Airtags she had bought to try to keep the kids safe.
iPhone owner admits ‘I’m actually scared’ after pop-up appears on Lock Screen – Apple reveals urgent steps if you see it
The stay-at-home mum is now urging other parents to ‘throw away’ items containing button batteries.
Lisa said: “I bought the Apple Airtags to keep my kids safe. Disneyland is scary so I bought them to track my kids.
“The things that I thought would keep my kids safe are actually what caused harm.
“The AirTags weren’t working so I put them into our glove box so that we could take them to the Apple Store.
“I never ended up finding one so we came back home and I forgot they were there. I thought I’d eventually get them fixed.
“I didn’t think that my daughter would go into the glove box, let alone open up the Airtags and find a button battery and swallow it.
“She was sat in the back of the car and she made a big gulp sound and told me she’d swallowed a quarter.
“Me and my husband were like what do you mean? Why would you swallow a quarter?
“It was crazy to us that anyone would do that but when she started making sounds, all I thought it my head was that it was a button battery.”
Lisa and her husband Markus, 48, originally from the US but now living in Vancouver Island, Canada, rushed Lily to hospital where an x-ray scan revealed there was a button battery in her bowel.
She didn’t require surgery but the family faced an agonising four-day wait for the button battery to pass through in her bowel movements.
Lisa said: “As a mum, when we figured out it was a button battery I was like okay, her whole insides are burned out. I was on the bathroom floor of the hospital crying.
“It was very emotional and my husband had to dress up in surgery scrubs to see if they could scope it out.
“They couldn’t because it had gone to her bowels already – it was good that it was moving.”
They were then sent home and told to wait four days for things to progress.
“I was giving her laxatives and all kinds of things to try and get this thing out of her.
“I had her on trampolines, on a vibration plate, eating prunes, everything,” she said.
Finally, it did come out, but the emotional toll was a lot for the family.
“I didn’t sleep. It was awful. It was really hard, the other kids were like ‘I hope Lily doesn’t die’.
“I wouldn’t want that to happen to anybody else. It was very scary.”
Lisa is now urging other parents to throw out toys containing button batteries.
Lisa said: “If you have any toys that have button batteries in them then throw them out, get rid of them.
“The hard thing I’ve had is people buy gifts for the kids [which contain button batteries] so they keep showing up in my house.
“It’s like a nightmare that won’t go away. Really educate your kids. Just know that you’re never safe – be over cautious.”
Tearfully recalling the moment, she said: “I saw Leo on his bike perched up against a wall, and he was talking to himself as if he had an imaginary friend, and it made me fall in love with him so much.
“But equally and probably one of the reasons why it’s jerking tears is because, I guess for a second I thought, ‘oh god is this because he doesn’t have any siblings?’’.
Read more celebrity stories
As Ryan attempted to reassure his emotional partner, she revealed her first time mum fears that Leo’s behaviour was “abnormal.”
He reflected: “I think that’s very normal for kids, I’m pretty sure I had imaginary friends.”
To this, Louise shared: “I guess Leo’s our only child and we’re still first-time parents and navigating all of those milestones for the first time.
“And you don’t really know what to expect when you have one child, you have nothing to compare it to, so I didn’t know whether that was normal.”
However, she then claimed a fan had got in touch with her to tell her that a child having an imaginary friend was a “sign of intelligence.”
Alongside the podcast clip, Louise wrote: “First-time parenting really is just learning on the go, isn’t it?
Louise Thompson’s fiance Ryan admits he ‘resented her’ after traumatic birth of son where she asked him ‘am I dying?’
“Every week there’s something new, something that makes you stop and think.
“It can feel scary, but it’s also the most rewarding thing in the world.”
I worried that it was because we haven’t been able to give Leo a sibling yet
Louise Thompson
Opening up about the support from fans, the brunette beauty wrote: “One of my followers messaged me to say that having an imaginary friend at a young age is a sign of intelligence.
“That was really kind of her because as an anxious first time mum navigating this whole world as each milestone passes, I worried that it was because we haven’t been able to give Leo a sibling yet.”
Numerous other fans followed and eagerly rushed to the comments to share their support and reassure Louise that Leo’s behaviour was in fact “normal”, as one said: “Bless though wonderful mummy tears. That raw protective emotion we feel is unmatched to one another.”
A second chimed in: “All the only children I know are so smart, great with people of all ages and very capable and independent thinkers.”
Is it selfish having an only child?
MARRIED gift company owner Calypso, 40, has a five-year-old son. She says:
I took great pride in being an only child. That’s why I deliberately have just the one.
I never felt I was missing out on anything through not having a sibling. There was never a time when I craved a brother or sister.
It was not until I was in junior school, aged eight, that I gave it any thought. I wasn’t a loner – I had lots of friends – but the advantage was I got to have time alone too.
I’d make up games or draw for hours. If anything, being an only child stretched my imagination.
Mum worked long hours in the TV industry. People might think it’s glamorous but working freelance meant she couldn’t afford to have another child, financially or time-wise.
I’ve always been told I have “only child” traits, like working for myself or being a bit bossy. And I’m the first to say I am headstrong. I certainly don’t take to being told what to do, either.
I’d always known I would have just the one child – and that’s because I like my independence. We get to go away. I cycle everywhere with my son on the back of my bike and we live on a canal boat.
It’s a life we all love and it wouldn’t work with four of us. I also have more time for my other half, as my mum is very happy to look after one child.
I like an easy life. I just don’t know how parents cope with three kids. One child is enough for me to parent. I like my moments of peace and I don’t enjoy chaos.
I’ve got enough energy, resources and focus to make sure he gets my attention to live his best life.
It’s working so far. He hasn’t noticed that he doesn’t have any brothers or sisters.
He thrives on having lots of “Mum and Dad time”. My husband has a brother yet he wasn’t fussed about having more than one kid. He also prefers an easy life.
With the financial resources we have, I can give my son a good life filled with love, adventure and my undivided attention.
Maybe I’m selfish but we are working to our capabilities to keep a happy and healthy family unit.
Meanwhile, a third penned: ”I have a daughter, only child, and I still worry and she’s 33! She is the kindest, most grounded girl and I’m so proud of her….. you’re doing an amazing job.”
At the same time, one mother explained: “Our 5-year-old daughter used to have an imaginary friend called Boxy. I was worried at first but it’s very normal and also a sign of great imagination. I love her for it.”
With the desire to extend her family in the future, Louise has also spoken of difficulties and admitted she will “never carry another child.”
Our 5-year-old daughter used to have an imaginary friend called Boxy. It’s very normal and also a sign of great imagination
Instagram user
She told Grazia: “For a long time I was so triggered by babies – I couldn’t look at people’s babies and pregnancy announcements and those sorts of things.
“The tricky thing for us is that this just isn’t really possible in the conventional way because I’m not going to carry another child.
“I really wanted to freeze my eggs and some embryos last year, but I was overcoming my stoma surgery for a good chunk and then that was when I started to feel really well.
“And I feel like I slightly missed the boat but I can’t put the blame on myself because there wasn’t really an appropriate time before I started taking a bit of a dip again.”
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club
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The mum-of-one received a flood of support from fansCredit: instagram/@hesaid.shesaid.podcast
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Many reassured her and praised her son’s “great imagination”Credit: Instagram
The agency’s Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam said: “Sadly, we are again reminded how severe whooping cough can be for very young babies.
“Vaccination is the best defence.
“It is vital pregnant women and infants receive their vaccines at the right time, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks.
“This passes protection to their baby in the womb so that they are protected from birth.”
Overall vaccination rates for primary school pupils are at the lowest for 15 years — with almost one in five not fully protected from diseases.
Over the coming weeks, millions of children will be flooding into classrooms across the UK.
And there’s a real risk they will return home with more than a few new friends and knowledge.
Pharmacist Thorrun Govind tells Sun on Sunday Health: “There’s often lots of hugging and playing between friends they haven’t seen all summer — and all that close contact means germs can easily spread.
“They also tend to cough and sneeze without covering their mouths and don’t always wash their hands without supervision.
“With early wake-ups, hard work in lessons and sports clubs, children can also get tired, which weakens their immune systems, leaving them prone to picking up illnesses.”
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A baby whose mother was not vaccinated against whooping cough has died after contracting the infection (stock picture)Credit: Getty
HELEN Flanagan has hit back at cruel mum shamers while wearing a tiny bra and defending her boob job decision.
The former Coronation Street starlet, 35, has taken to Instagram to defend her boob job after cruel trolls left nasty comments on a recent snap she shared online.
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Helen Flanagan has opened up about her boob jobCredit: instagram
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She showed off her figure in a tiny bra and sequin suitCredit: instagram
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She said she would likely get ‘nasty comments’ for showing off her cleavageCredit: instagram
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She went on to show off her boob jobCredit: instagram
Over the weekend, Helen shared some glam snaps of her donning a chic dress.
Cruel trolls were quick to share their thoughts on her look, with one writing at the time: “Who on earth is she? dress is too small anyway.”
And in a sizzling video where she donned lingerie earlier this summer, another troll penned: “You really should save that for the bedroom.”
But now Helen has hit back at the haters with a defiant message.
Taking to her Instagram stories on Sunday, Helen explained how she attended the “most beautiful wedding” over the weekend before showing everyone her Pride outfit.
Helen could be seen donning a tiny bra with a silver sequin suit.
She then said how she would “probably get nasty comments” because she’s showing off her cleavage.
Helen went on to add how she has three kids and breast fed for around three years in total.
“Honestly, when I finished breast-feeding, I could have tied my boobs in a bow. They was so bad,” she confessed.
The next slide then saw Helen showing off her boob job after three pregnancies in an Instagram reel.
Helen Flanagan shamed over outfit as mums say their ‘son would be mortified’
She explained how she went under the knife because she was “so self conscious”.
Helen then spoke to her fans again in the next slide where she said she has naturally always had “really big boobs”.
“Before I had kids, I had natural E cup boobs,” she confessed.
She later added how she gets comments “all the time” where people say “oh, you’re a mum, you should cover up” and “your kids would be ashamed of you”.
I don’t think there’s anything shameful about being confident or about being sexy. I don’t think that’s a bad thing.
Helen Flanagan
Helen hit back saying: “This is actually my body.”
She noted that even though she has had surgery from breast feeding and had excess skin, despite having had an implant put in each of them – they are now their natural size and how they always were.
“Should I be ashamed of how I look because I’m a woman and this is how I look?” she asked.
“So, I don’t think there’s anything shameful about being confident or about being sexy. I don’t think that’s a bad thing.
“I don’t understand how that makes you a bad mum?” she said, sounding confused.
“I’m not perfect, but I try and show my children the importance of being kind,” Helen added, noting how she would never want them to “drag other women down”.
She explained how she wants her daughters to grow up being kind to other women, and kind in general.
“That, I think, is good parenting,” Helen slammed before making a dig at people who call her out for wearing a low cut dress, adding “that’s not nice”.
“That’s bad parenting,” she added.
Helen went on to say how she wants her daughter to dress in ways that make her feel confident as she grows up.
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Helen often gets cruelly mum-shamed by trolls onlineCredit: Instagram
BBC star Michael Ball has been supported by fans after revealing the heartbreaking news that his mum has died.
The star took to X to share a post of his mum, Ruth Parry Ball, to announce her passing.
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BBC star Michael Ball has been supported by fans after revealing the heartbreaking news that his mum has diedCredit: Getty
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The star took to X to share a post of his mum, Ruth Parry Ball, to announce her passingCredit: X
She looked in great spirits in the throwback photo, in an all white outfit with a wide brimmed hat on.
Ruth died at the age of 91, and Michael penned to his followers: “Ruth Parry Ball1934-2025x”
Fans flooded the comments with their condolences, as one person wrote: “Awww Michael I’m so so sorry. Your heart must be broken. I honestly know how you feel. My Mum died on Tuesday and the tears has not stopped.”
A second person said: “Michael I’m sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.”
Read More on Michael Ball
A third commented: “What a beautiful photo. So sorry for your loss.”
And someone else said: “So sorry to see this. God bless her and all who love her and will miss her.”
Michael shared a close bond with his mum, and would often post photos of her on social media.
Last year, he spoke about how they’d celebrated her 90th birthday with a post of them all doing a zipline.
He said: “We celebrated my dear mum’s 90th birthday this past weekend with a trip to Wales with the whole family. What did we get up to, I hear you ask – well we took a 90 year old on the fastest zipline in the world of course! Mx”
The One show’s Alex Jones completely loses it as Michael Ball announces shock new career
Michael and his dear mum could be seen smiling away as they got ready to take the zipline on.
The star has an English father, and his mum Ruth was Welsh.
Michael’s dad is Tony Ball, who was awarded an MBE for services to the industry.
Meanwhile, Michael was appointed an OBE in 2015 for his services to musical theatre.
As a teenager Ball joined a youth theatre, then studied at Guildford School of Acting.
His first role was in Godspell in Aberystwyth, but he got his first major break in The Pirate of Penzance in Manchester.
He later went on to play Raoul in The Phantom Of The Opera before going on to represent the UK in the 1992 Eurovision Song Contest – where he finished in second place with the song One Step Out Of Time.
More recently, Michael has taken stage roles in shows like Hairspray and Sweeney Todd.
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Michael shared a close bond with his mum, and would often post photos of her on social mediaCredit: Getty
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They went zip lining for her 91st birthdayCredit: Instagram
VICK Hope has spoken out for the first time since welcoming her son last month.
The DJ, who is married to Calvin Harris, shared a series of new pictures of her baby boy and told fans she was “utterly besotted.”
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Vick Hope has returned to social media after giving birthCredit: instagram
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The star shared some stunning pics with her sonCredit: instagram
Alongside the stunning images her home birth in Ibiza, where the couple have a house, she said: “Our beloved baby boy Micah Nwosu Wiles completed his journey to us on Sunday 20th July in a beautiful, powerful home birth here in Ibiza, surrounded by love and nature and chickens.
“Emerging from our little newborn bubble to say happy first month Micah, you are magical and we are so utterly besotted with you.”
At the start of August, Calvin revealed Radio 1 star Vic had given birth with his own post.
He wrote: “20th of July our boy arrived. Micah is here!
“My wife is a superhero and I am in complete awe of her primal wisdom!
FROM their sultry connection in the jungle to bitter legal feuds, Katie Price and Peter Andre’s fiery war of words has spanned 16 years.
And, as their recent explosive row has proved, it shows no signs of ending soon – but one person who has so far remained silent is their 20-year-old son Junior Andre.
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Junior Andre, pictured with mum Katie Price, has so far remained tight-lipped during his parents’ latest feudCredit: The Mega Agency
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According to a source, Junior is on dad Peter Andre’s side ‘100 per cent’Credit: Getty
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An insider said Junior tries to ‘disassociate himself as much as he can’ from his mumCredit: Getty
While his 18-year-old sister Princess is currently taking centre stage with her ITVdocumentary, The Princess Diaries, Junior prefers to keep out of all drama.
According to a source, when it comes to his feuding parents, the aspiring singer is firmly on dad Peter’s side, and is “embarrassed” by former glamour model Katie.
A source told Fabulous: “Junior is on his dad’s side 100 per cent.
“He has no time for his mum as harsh as that sounds.
“She represents negativity and sadness in his life and he has been trying to move away from that and heal for a long time.
“He hates how his mum is a laughing stock and tries to disassociate himself as much as he can without starting World War 3.”
Junior’s Instagram page, where he boasts 555,000 followers, rarely features his reality star mum.
The glamour model, 47, who is currently dating Married at First Sight’s JJ Slater, 32, hardly features in any of his posts, unlike his dad, 52, and Princess, whom he regularly posts pics and videos with.
The insider added: “He posts a happy birthday message to her to keep up appearances and to not ruin her day but they don’t hang out much at all.
“As far as Junior is concerned, he’s his dad’s son.
Emotional Peter Andre reveals strict rule for Princess and Junior
“His dad has brought him up and raised him to be the man he is today – he knows he wouldn’t be anywhere today without his dad’s love and support.”
And insiders say that Emily has been “more of a conventional mum” to Junior over the years.
They added: “Junior wasn’t lacking anything and so he had no need to see Katie.”
Junior is said to have made the decision to avoid the notorious nine-bedroom Sussex pad – which has now been sold – as it was “so horrific.”
BOMBSHELL STATEMENT
The source claimed: “Junior hasn’t had much to do with his mum in recent years.
“He totally avoided visiting her at the Mucky Mansion. He didn’t want to live in squalor.
“It was constantly chaotic and the house was always full of people and this revolving door of men – and Katie’s dramas.”
After he left, they say Junior rarely went back to visit Katie and as she wasn’t welcome at Pete’s house “they didn’t see each other much” and now “he rarely visits her”, despite her moving out of the squalid home.
Junior was later joined by sister Princess, and it has been revealed the family courts issued a legally binding order for the living arrangement in 2019.
Peter then hit back at Katie’s claims, slamming her in a furious Instagram statement.
Peter wrote: “For sixteen years I have stayed silent in the face of repeated lies from my ex-wife and her family, out of respect for my children and loved ones, but staying silence has been incredibly frustrating.”
He continued: “That ends today.”
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Mysterious Girl singer Peter wed Katie in 2005 before splitting four years laterCredit: Getty
This outburst is said to be out of character for Peter, who allegedly “never bad mouths Katie in front of the children”.
However, Junior, who the source claims is an “exceptionally bright young man”, has “seen it all and come to his own conclusions”.
The insider claimed that Junior was “shocked” that Peter spoke out but “doesn’t blame him”.
However, they added: “He’s really sad to see his mum and dad’s feud playing out in public again.
“Obviously he’s read a lot about it over the years – he’s old enough to read Google.”
PRIVATE LIFE
While Katie famously courts the spotlight, and his sister is doing her new documentary, the 20-year-old is said to prefer a “quiet life at home with his girlfriend”.
Junior has been dating his girlfriend Jasmine Orr, 24, since last April, with their relationship going from strength-to-strength.
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Junior has moved out and is now living with girlfriend Jasmine OrrCredit: Getty
The couple have now opened up about a huge step they have taken together, while talking about the possibility of getting wed.
Revealing their huge milestone to OK! Magazine in a new interview, Junior explained how he and Jasmine, who previously appeared on Celebs Go Dating in 2023, now have a place of their own.
“Yes, we’ve moved into our own little flat together,” he told the magazine.
He then detailed their one-bedroom abode in Surrey, and spoke about how they are currently decorating it.
Junior then gushed about wanting to spend “every day” with his girlfriend and said that they felt “ready” for the next step.
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The couple have spoken about getting marriedCredit: Splash
Growing up, Junior is said to have “hated” being featured in Katie’s photoshoots and TV shows.
The insider added: “He was just a young boy finding his way in life and wanted to focus on his hobbies and friends.
“He grew up embarrassed of his mum and it’s hard to shake that.”
Pete paid for Princess and Junior to have a private school so they have had the very best education and they are incredibly bright.
The source added: “Junior has protected his energy and spirit and Pete is very proud – and relieved – that he hasn’t turned out to be anything like his mum.”
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Junior is said to have ‘hated’ being featured in Katie’s photoshoots and TV showsCredit: Getty
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He is said to prefer a quiet life in his home with partner JasmineCredit: ITV
MOVING ON
In recent months he had been impressed by Katie making changes and was looking after herself.
However, the recent feud has left Junior with a “bad taste in his mouth”, according to the source.
They claimed: “Now, he feels more sorry for her.
“He’s sad about it all.
“He wants to get on with his life and explore his own path, but he feels like his mum is constantly in the background casting negativity over everything.
“He thinks she just needs to get over it [not being with his dad] and move on now so everyone can get on with their lives in peace.”
Katie Price’s love life
We take a look back at the highs and lows of Katie Price’s relationship history.
1996-1998: Katie got engaged to Gladiators star Warren Furman – aka Ace – with a £3,000 ring. But their relationship didn’t make it as far as ‘I do’.
1998-2000: Katie described Dane Bowers as ‘the love of her life’ but she broke up with the singer when he allegedly cheated on her.
2001: Footballer Dwight Yorke is the father of Katie’s eldest child Harvey. He has had very little to do with Harvey throughout his life.
2002: Rebounding from Dwight, Katie famously had one night of passion with Pop Idol star Gareth Gates, allegedly taking his virginity.
2002-2004: Katie was dating Scott Sullivan when she entered the jungle for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!. He threatened to “punch Peter’s lights out” when chemistry blossomed between her and Peter Andre.
2004-2009: The jungle romance resulted in Katie marrying Aussie pop star Peter. They had two kids, Junior and Princess, before their bitter split in 2009.
2010-2011: Fresh from her break-up with Peter, Katie enjoyed a whirlwind relationship and marriage with cage fighter Alex Reid. They split 20 months after their Las Vegas wedding.
2011: Katie briefly dated model Danny Cipriani… but it ended as quickly as it begun.
2011-2012: They didn’t speak the same language, but Katie got engaged to Argentinian model Leandro Penna in 2011. He later fled home to South America.
2012-2018: Wedding bells rang once more after Katie met Kieran Hayler in 2013. They had two kids together, Jett and Bunny, before their break-up and divorce.
2018-2019: Katie moved on quickly with Kris Boyson. They had an on-off romance for one year and even got engaged. They split for good in 2019.
2019: Katie was linked to Charles Drury during her on-off relationship with Kris. Charles, who also dated Lauren Goodger, has always denied being in “official relationship” with her.
2020-2023: Car salesman Carl Woods took a shining to Katie in 2020. Their relationship was up and down for three years. They broke up for a final time last year.
2024-present: After weeks of rumours, Katie confirmed her relationship with Married At First Sight star JJ Slater in February this year.
A COUPLE have been mistaken for mother and son online due to their height difference – despite being just two years apart in age.
At 21, Millie is two years younger than her fiancée, Chelsea – but is often called her “mum” or “big sister” when she shares pictures and videos of them online.
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Millie (right) and Chelsea (left) have received an outpouring of shocked comments onlineCredit: Jam Press/@mimiandchow
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The loved-up duo are currently planning on getting IUI fertility treatment in order to start their own familyCredit: Jam Press/@mimiandchow
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The couple, who are both support workers, have been together for nine yearsCredit: Jam Press/@mimiandchow
While Millie is 5ft6, Chelsea is five inches shorter at 5ft1, and has more youthful features, leading to an outpouring of shocked comments online.
Videos of the pair have garnered over one million views, and left them fuming over the trolling they’ve received as a result.
“It affects us when people are accusing me of being attracted to children,” Millie, from East Midlands, UK, told What’s The Jam.
“It’s disgraceful as Chelsea is older than me.
“Other comments call her my son, or nephew, or brother.
“We understand the comments about the age difference – we personally think it’s just about Chelsea’s height.
“But viewers read more into it and say her features are young.
The couple, who are both support workers and have been together for nine years, say the comments have affected how they interact with one another when they are out and about.
Millie said: “We’ve been made to feel we can’t act like a couple in public.
I’m a 48-year-old cougar and have a toyboy 13 years younger
“If people saw me holding hands with my ‘son’, we would get funny looks.
“We’ve accepted it now and just accept the fact that we may not always [be able to] act like we are in a relationship.”
A recent video shared by the pair went viral on TikTok, garnering 1.7 million views, showing the couple posing next to each other on a balcony, showing off their height difference, which is exacerbated by Millie wearing wedged shoes.
Celebrity couples with height differences
Zendaya (5’10”) and Tom Holland (5’8″)
Cameron Diaz (5’9″) and Benji Madden (5’6″)
Eniko Parrish (5’7″) and Kevin Hart (5’4″)
Gwendoline Christie (6’3″) and Giles Deacon (6′)
Tina Fey (5’5″) and Jeff Richmond (5’2″)
Nicole Kidman (5’11”) and Keith Urban (5’10”)
Helen Lasichanh (5’11”) and Pharrell Williams (5’9″)
Erin Darke (5’7″) and Daniel Radcliffe (5’5″)
One person commented: “How old is your son?”
“I don’t understand this. What’s her son got to do with her height?” another baffled user wrote, to which the couple responded: “Because we’re together. Not son and mother. Two grown women in their 20s DATING.”
Another viewer said, “Please tell me that’s your brother.”
“This is mother and son, right?” another user asked.
Someone else commented: “I legit thought this was your little brother.”
“Is he 12?” another person wondered.
But the couple aren’t letting the hate get to them, and are currently planning on getting IUI fertility treatment in order to start their own family – keeping their 16,000 followers updated along the way.
Mrs Hinch looked on proudly as her sons got to work tidying and cleaning the houseCredit: Instagram
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The pair were armed with cloths and dusters as they got to workCredit: Instagram
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And despite the fact the boys looked to be enjoying what they were doing, Mrs Hinch was attacked by trollsCredit: Instagram
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One person said they were glad she wasn’t their mum for setting up the “activity” during the school summer holidaysCredit: instagram
And it seems she’s hoping that she’s passed on this love to her eldest boys – Ronnie, five, and Lennie, three.
As she took to her Instagram page this week to share a Reel which showed the pair helping her out cleaning the house.
In addition to dusting and tidying, the boys were seen changing the tablecloth in the kitchen and wiping the surfaces.
They even appeared to have inherited her home tweaks, such as her famous pillow “chop” – hitting the middle of cushions and pillows to give them a distinctive look – as Ronnie was seen copying his mum.
Read more about Mrs Hinch
Alongside the video, Mrs Hinch wrote: “Here’s to raising boys who know that teamwork starts at home.
“It’s not about the mess, it’s about the message, learning that we’re a team, and everyone’s part matters.
“I would love for my boys to grow up knowing the basics of how to manage a home, not just for themselves, but so the heavy load doesn’t always fall on one partner’s shoulders.”
And while the majority of people praised Mrs Hinch for the Reel, there were also a few negative comments.
“Poor kids making them clean,” one wrote.
“Pleased you ain’t my mum. School holidays are for a reason!”
Inside pregnant Mrs Hinch’s swanky looking nursery with Temu buys, Facebook bargains & Ikea DIY
Mrs Hinch then responded in a post on her Instagram Story, as she wrote: “I don’t make my children clean the house everyday AT ALL In fact, they want to help!
“It’s not even about the cleaning, or the mess.
“It’s about teamwork, helping each other, learning little life skills and even making it fun if I can.”
She thanked those who had left kind comments, and concluded: “And to those who feel the need to be so negative, honestly, let mums parent their kids without judgement. Please!”
And Sophie’s post was backed by others in the comments, with one writing: “I can’t believe people had a go at you over this!
“Jeez people wanna lighten up!!”
Mrs Hinch’s whopping £4.4million fortune
HOMEMAKER Sophie Hinchcliffe makes a whopping £4,313 per day. The star, known best as Mrs Hinch online, has cleaned up with bumper earnings for her social media, with reported new figures for company Mrs Hinch Limited.
In fact, according to Companies House, she has more than a million reasons to be smiling with the company’s takings in 2024 amounting to a huge £1,574,405 annual profit.
They also reveal that Sophie has amassed a huge £5 million worth of assets in her firm since it first launched.
Mrs Hinch Limited, which was set up in 2019, started off with online videos detailing cheap cleaning hacks, ways to save money, and advice to run a family home.
Sophie was also praised for her honesty when it comes to raising her sons, giving advice to mums who could be struggling, lifting the lid behind a world that could be picture perfect.
She proved so successful, she has since been expanding her businesses to multiple different ventures, including her own cleaning range, books, interior design services and baby goods.
In 2024, her company’s reported cash at bank and in hand at £4,179,283, monies due in at £748,130 and tangible assets at £81,123.
After allowing for £644,402 in bills, Sophie retained £4,364,134 worth of profits in the firm – including her latest takings.
Her assets include a £99,775 car bought in 2024 – with her latest account proving her most successful set of figures so far.
“I hadn’t seen this reel until I saw the negative comment you posted in your story, the boys seem to be having so much fun,” another added.
“I don’t see the harm in letting them help, you and Jamie are raising the boys amazingly, they are learning responsibility in a fun way.”
“This is so beautiful!” a third said.
“How anyone has found anything negative in it whatsoever I’ll never know!”
“Can’t believe some people felt the need to leave nasty comments on this – saddos,” someone else sighed.
There were also those who flooded the comments with praise for Mrs Hinch for getting her boys started so early on.
Poor kids making them clean!
TikTok troll
“Love how the boys help out, it’s so cute!” one wrote.
“This is awesome Sophie. Great to get them involved,” another added.
“You’re raising a new generation of men that will support their partners,” a third gushed.
“My son absolutely loves cleaning the oven/car,” someone else said.
“When he was 4 he would pick that as a special treat!
“My daughter asks for cleaning products for her own room now she’s almost 12.
“Great mindset to be had! Well done!”
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The boys even know how to do their mum’s famous “pillow chop”Credit: Instagram
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And seemed more than proficient as they got to workCredit: Instagram
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Mrs Hinch also has a baby boy called Vinnie, but he’s a bit young to be cleaning yetCredit: Instagram
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She concluded her Reel with a hilarious snap of her beloved dog HenryCredit: Instagram
TWO babies have been killed by an infection reportedly linked to their hospital’s contaminated dish soap – sparking an urgent recall.
The premature tots weighed less than two pounds each when they mysteriously died just hours apart at the San Maurizio Hospital in Italy.
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Two babies died at the San Maurizio Hospital in Bolzano, ItalyCredit: South Tyrolean Health Service
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Serratia marcescens is a species of bacteria linked to the dish soap used at the hospitalCredit: Getty
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The hospital will not be treating any high-risk infant patients in its neonatal ward during the probeCredit: South Tyrolean Health Service
The pair had previously been diagnosed with an infection caused by Serratia marcescens, a deadly germ for those with underlying conditions.
Both the babies were born three weeks ago, one the 23rd week of gestation and the other on the 27th.
The babies tragically passed away within hours of each other between August 12 and 13.
The babies developed sepsis from the fatal infection which was linked to the industrial dish soap at the hospital in Bolzano, about 150 miles south of the Italy-Austria border.
The contamination was confirmed by Josef Widmann, the medical director of the South Tyrolean Health Authority.
Hospital director Pierpaolo Bertoli said: “The presence of this bacterium is not uniquebecause it constantly poses a risk to neonatal intensive care units.
“This is not so much because of the type of germ but because of the particular vulnerability of these little patients due to their immature immune systems.”
All dish soap used by the Bolanzo hospital system was very quickly removed from the hospital.
While the investigation is ongoing, the hospital will not be accepting any more high-risk premature babies, medical director of the hsopital Dr. Monika Zaebisch added.
All other cases, in the meantime, will be diverted to hospitals in Trento, a different region nearly 40 miles outside of Bolzano.
Woman, 45, becomes second person to die after eating ‘toxic broccoli’ as 17 others poisoned as veg recalled across Italy
Zaebisch added: “At the Bolzano hospital, we have implemented all preventive measures to prevent the transmission of germs.
“The ward staff strictly adheres to hygiene measures. Unfortunately, these two cases could not be prevented,” Zaebisch assured.
Police have launched a probe into the infants’ deaths.
Authorities are weighing whether or not to order autopsies on the babies, which will help determine if charges of malpractice could be made.
WITH huge smiles, cheering crowds and an incredible ten-year career of hits under their belt, Little Mix went out with a bang in 2022 as they completed their biggest ever UK tour.
Backstage, Perrie Edwards knew she was about to enter an exciting new chapter of her life because, just as the girl group was preparing to go on a break, she was secretly expecting her second child.
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Brave singer Perrie Edwards reveals how she’s lost two babiesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Perrie with son Axel with and footballer fiance Alex Oxlade-ChamberlainCredit: Instagram
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From left to right, Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock of Little MixCredit: Getty
But in a devastating new interview, the singer revealed that, months later, she lost her baby at 24 weeks.
Perrie, 32, who now has son Axel with footballer fiance Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, said she had discovered she was pregnant again “not even a year” after his birth.
She recalled: “I was rehearsing for the last Little Mix tour, and I thought, ‘I don’t feel good’. Every symptom under the sun. I was like, ‘I think I’m pregnant’.”
But as her pregnancy progressed past the five-month mark, Perrie began to suspect that medics had spotted something wrong with her unborn baby.
Read more on Perrie Edwards
‘Loved being pregnant’
She said: “We went for what was a 20-week scan, but we were actually 22 weeks, and that was just the worst day of my life. Like, horrendous.
“I just knew something was wrong in the scan. I’ve never experienced an out-of-body experience where everything goes in slow motion.”
Two weeks later, Perrie and Alex were given the heartbreaking news that there was no heartbeat. She said: “So then I remember sobbing. Alex was injured at the time and couldn’t really drive.
“He was struggling to drive, but I couldn’t see straight. I was just distraught. We basically lost the baby at, like, 24 weeks.”
Perrie bravely opens up about her anguish on the We Need To Talk podcast with Paul C Brunson, out this morning.
And she revealed Axel, who turns four on Thursday, was a “rainbow baby” — the term used for a tot born after a previous pregnancy loss.
Perrie Edwards says she still cries over Jesy Nelson leaving Little Mix five years on – but insists ‘we did everything we could’
The star explained: “I had a miscarriage very early on with my first ever pregnancy.
“I remember finding out I was pregnant. Obviously, I started bleeding not long after, and I went to hospital and I had the scan and they were like, ‘There’s no baby.’ And I was like, ‘Oh, I’ve made this up.
“Maybe I got a false positive or something’. I remember being on my own at the appointments.” Perrie said of the cherished son she went on to have in August 2021: “Axel’s a rainbow baby.”
In heartbreaking detail, she also recalled how she had already planned out her baby’s bedroom before her second miscarriage.
She admitted: “It’s weird, because the first time it happened, I think because it was so early, I was like, ‘Oh, that’s hard’.
“But I think when you’re 24 weeks and you’ve planned out that room and all these things, it’s really hard. And nobody knows other than immediate friends and family.
“I remember shortly after, friends would message and be like, ‘How’s the bump?’ And I’d be like, ‘There is no bump’.”
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Perrie recalls how she had already planned out her baby’s bedroom before her second miscarriageCredit: Getty
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Perrie, left, with Little Mix on The X Factor in 2011Credit: Rex
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Perrie sold over 75million records, released six albums and had five No1 singles with Little MixCredit: BackGrid
The You Go Your Way singer said her first pregnancy loss had made her naturally apprehensive when she learned she was expecting Axel.
She explained: “When I was pregnant with him, I loved being pregnant, it was one of the happiest times of my life. I just love carrying babies.
“And it was lovely. But I was a bit on edge, thinking, ‘Oh gosh, I want to get past the 12 weeks. I want to get past this’. And when I get past every scan, that pregnancy was complete bliss, it was perfect.”
Thankfully, Perrie had former England midfielder Alex, 32 — who fans nickname The Ox — by her side. The couple have been together since 2017 and got engaged in 2022.
I didn’t even want to meet anybody. I was like, that’s me done. I don’t think I could bear that pain.
Perrie Edwards
Their relationship came two years after Perrie’s engagement to first love Zayn Malik, of One Direction, fell apart before millions of fans.
They had met in 2011, when X Factor stars One Direction returned to perform on the series of the singing contest that Little Mix won.
Months later, they were a fully fledged couple, but it was never plain sailing. Zayn was alleged to have cheated with an Australian waitress in a London club, and was later hit with more claims of infidelity.
In 2013, he demonstrated his commitment by getting a portrait of Perrie tattooed on his arm and even bought her mum a house in Dorset.
But in 2015, they split — and she was left devastated, with reports at the time that he had ended their almost four-year romance by text.
The ordeal inspired one of Little Mix’s biggest hits, the chart-topping Shout Out To My Ex.
‘Always the underdogs’
However, Perrie held a dignified silence on the ins and outs of their relationship and how it ended.
Reflecting on it now, she explained: “I think definitely, at the time, I thought everything we experienced in our relationship was normal. Because it was my first relationship, first love.
“I was like, ‘Oh, this is how it’s supposed to feel. It’s supposed to feel a little bit toxic. In some ways, this is probably normal, right?’.
“And then, when I became single, I was almost thinking, ‘I never, ever want to go through that again’. I didn’t even want to meet anybody. I was like, that’s me done. I don’t think I could bear that pain.
“But now, I’m thinking, ‘Oh, that probably wasn’t good’. And I’ve noticed it a lot.
“Like in the start of the relationship, I would handle things differently with Alex, and he’d come at it with such a level head that it would throw me.”
On what kind of man Alex is, Perrie continued: “He’s very mature. He’s very laid back. He’s very level-headed.
“He’s not the type to get mad or get angry or get funny about things. It might sound boring to some, but it’s so unproblematic.”
During her time in Little Mix, Perrie — alongside Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and, up until the end of 2020, Jesy Nelson — sold over 75million records, released six albums, had five No1 singles and became the first girl band in 41 years to win the British Group gong at the Brit Awards.
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Perrie’s engagement to first love Zayn Malik, of One Direction, fell apart before millions of fansCredit: BackGrid
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Perrie on Paul C. Brunson’s Hit Podcast ‘We Need To Talk’Credit: Supplied
Since then, she has signed a deal with Columbia Records, which has a roster featuring Adele, Beyonce and Harry Styles, and released a handful of solo singles, including Forget About Us, which peaked at No10 last year.
This Friday, Perrie is back with her latest single, If He Wanted To He Would. But she still feels like Little Mix were underestimated.
She said: “I still think they looked at us and thought it was four little girls in a pop group.
“I don’t think they really saw the graft and the dedication and the numbers and the success that we had. I still think people kind of overlook it a little bit.
“And we were always the underdogs. Like from the very beginning, it was like, ‘You won’t do very well. Bands don’t do that well and it won’t last’.
“That’s what gave us the fire in our bellies to want to work so hard to prove everybody wrong.”
Despite her later success, the Black Magic singer had a tough childhood as she was born with oesophageal atresia, a condition where the oesophagus doesn’t fully develop, and she was in and out of hospital as a youngster.
She told the podcast: “I was there every other week for an operation, so I was used to being put to sleep.
“Instead of counting down from ten, I’d be like, ‘Meet me downstairs in a van,’ (singing), off I went.”
It was Perrie’s passion and talent for singing which meant her mum Debbie was always confident she would make it in music.
She said: “I remember sobbing that I failed my GCSEs, and my mum was like, ‘It’s OK, darling, you’re going to be a singer’.
“I was like, ‘Why is she such an irresponsible parent? I’m never going to get a job.’ And she was like, ‘Well, you’re not going to need a job. You’re going to be a singer’.”
Speaking to the Special Forces staff on the show, an emotional Adam explains how he was diagnosed with depression.
He struggles to get his words out before saying: “One of them was with my partner…and…we, erm lost something…when it was really close to getting there a second time and telling everyone.”
As the tears fall, the staff clarify that he’s talking about a miscarriage and Adam nods.
Read More on Celebrity SAS
He adds: “I think I was proud of the fact that I was excited for it, which I didn’t think I ever would be.
“And when it got taken away, and it was 10 times worse for her, I think it hit us like a tonne of bricks.
“We just really, really went to a bit of a bad place. And to be honest, in front of her I pretended I was cool, and pretended I was absolutely fine.”
Later in the episode, the tears flow again as the celebrities are tasked with reading out their ‘death letters’, which they were asked to write to their loved ones.
As Adam stands up to read his out, he pays tribute to Laura and how much he is thinking of her, before saying: “The last few months have been really tough, but nowhere near as tough as you.
Adam continues to read: “We lost a baby recently” but then starts to sob, as his co-stars look just as emotional, not knowing what he had been through until that moment.
Laura Woods gives birth to first child with Adam Collard as couple reveal sweet name in adorable post
He says: “I wish I had one more night to give you the world’s biggest cuddle. Love you always, Adam.”
Conor Benn then goes over to give Adam a cuddle, who sheds more tears as he is consoled over his loss.
In a piece to camera, Adam praised Laura, saying: “I’d say I’m pretty closed off as a person and she definitely helped me to open up.”
MISCARRIAGE is generally the death of an unborn baby in the first 24 weeks – approximately six months – of pregnancy.
Miscarriages may not be spoken about a lot but they are very common. Baby loss charity Tommy’s estimates there are at least 250,000 per year in the UK and that one in every five pregnancies ends in miscarriage.
It may not be clear why a miscarriage happens but they are rarely caused by anything done by the mother or father. Usually the embryo has a random genetic defect that means it cannot develop properly.
Most women can go on to successfully have healthy babies in the future.
The NHS says most miscarriages cannot be prevented but avoiding smoking, alcohol and drugs while pregnant can reduce the risk.
Some of the other most common reasons for a pregnancy to fail in the first 24 weeks are ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy is where a fertilised egg implants somewhere outside of the womb, usually in a fallopian tube. It cannot survive and grow there so either dies naturally or must be terminated.
Molar pregnancy is rarer but happens when a fertilised egg and/or placenta does not develop properly at the start of a pregnancy. There is no single reason why it happens and cannot be prevented, though it may be more common in very young or old mothers.
A baby who dies after 24 weeks is considered a stillbirth.
Source: NHS
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Adam is very emotional as he speaks about what they went through
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The couple welcomed son Leo in January following their previous heartacheCredit: Instagram
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins airs tonight at 9pm on Channel 4 with all episodes available to plus members on Channel4.com
A TOP Boy star has welcomed a child with his girlfriend.
Giacomo Mancini took to social media on Saturday to share the very exciting news with his 7,000 followers.
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A Top Boy star has welcomed a child with his girlfriendCredit: Instagram/giacomomancini8
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Giacomo Mancini in Top BoyCredit: Channel 4
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Giacomo shared a series of images with his followersCredit: Instagram/giacomomancini8
Posting a carousel of images of the tot, he told fans that they’d welcomed a baby girl and revealed her name to be Mia.
Giacomo wrote: “Mia Bella Mancini. August 9th 2025..The day you captured our hearts. Mummy and Daddy love you so much it hurts!”
The 30-year-old Top Boy star is best known for his first acting role as Gem in the Netflix award winning series.
He went on to star in Ripper Street in 2013, Pan in 2015, and Orthodox and Supacell in 2024.
Among the images shared by the star was one of his daughter fast asleep.
In another, little Mia was being carried out of the hospital by her happy parents, and he also gave a peek at her nursery.
The happy dad was also pictured lying on the sofa with his bundle of joy, as well as popping out for a walk with her in the stroller.
Giacomo also made sure to buy his new addition a Chelsea football kit with her name on it.
Fans flooded the comments with their messages of congratulations, as one person wrote: “Congratulations to you both. She is beautiful.”
Watch as Ashley Walters admits he was a functioning alcoholic on Top Boy
A second penned: “Massive congratulations to you both,” and a third echoed: “Congratulations 🩷 obsessed 😍. Can’t wait to meet her.”
Two months ago, the actor posted some sweet photos from their baby shower.
Standing with his stunning wife, he wrote: “The Family. 8 Weeks To Go. We Couldn’t Be More Excited To Welcome You Into Our World. Thank You To Everyone For Showering Our Baby. Everyday You Continue To Amaze Me And I’m So So So Proud Of You.”
The series that Giacomo stars in is one of the biggest shows on Netflix.
The popular show tells the tale of rival drug-dealing gangs on a notorious London estate, leading some fans to wonder if it’s based on a true story.
However, the topics the show addresses, the setting of the show and the issues they represent are very real.
The Netflix series mainly focuses on the drug wars between Summerhouse, headed by Dushane, and other rival gangs, who fight for control of London‘s drug empire.
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He’s got his daughter Mia a Chelsea football kitCredit: Instagram/giacomomancini8
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Giacomo shared stunning photos from the baby showerCredit: Instagram/giacomomancini8
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The 30-year-old Top Boy star is best known for his first acting role as Gem in the Netflix award winning seriesCredit: Channel 4
A SAVVY mum has shared a “genius” trick to guarantee there are no tears when applying sun cream.
Not only does it make the process much more fun for youngsters, but if your little one hates having sun cream applied, then you’ll need to check this out.
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If applying sun cream to your kids is a bit of a chore and always ends in tears, you’ve come to the right placeCredit: TikTok/@gemmamccartan
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Luckily for you, here’s a quick and easy hack that makes the process smoother, more fun and even better, guarantees no tearsCredit: TikTok/@gemmamccartan
With this simple tip, which has been hailed the “best sun cream hack ever,” you’ll need an unexpected kitchen essential.
Posting on social media, Gemma McCartan, a mum-of-two and full-time content creator from the UK, gave her followers a close-up look at her trick, which involves using spoons when applying spray sun cream.
Alongside her short video, the influencer beamed: “The best sun cream hack for kids EVER.”
She then said: “To the mum who posted this, I love you.”
Read more Fabulous stories
Instead of wrestling her son Max to close his eyes so she could apply the spray sun cream to his face, the youngster instead put two spoons over his eyes.
Gemma was then able to spray his face with sun cream, without it getting in his eyes and causing any tears.
Moments after, the woman’s daughter then did the same, yet again ensuring a seamless application with no irritation of the eyes, whilst at the same time, making the often agonising process much more exciting.
Thrilled with her hack, Gemma later wrote: “It’s been a game changer.”
Clearly beaming with the simple trick, the mother added: “It’s made my day, I had the kids crying on holiday until we found this hack.”
Gemma’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @gemmamccartan, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 200,800 views.
Kelsey Parker mum-shamed for admitting she doesn’t put suncream on her kids
Not only this, but it’s also amassed 2,074 likes and 138 comments.
Parents were impressed with the “genius” trick and many thought it was a “great” idea.
One person said: “What a brilliant idea.”
Another added: “That is genius.”
My son has allergies so this is amazing
Gemma McCartan
Whilst a third commented: “Not only practical, it gives the kids a feeling of control over what’s about to happen, so they are more willing to cooperate. Great idea.”
Meanwhile, someone else gushed: “Best idea ever for sun cream.”
The importance of sun cream in your skincare routine
Dermatologist and skincare enthusiast Andrea Suarez – known as Dr Dray – revealed why you should wear suncream.
The one thing you can do that will make the biggest difference – and this matters for all ages – is protecting your skin from the sun, Andrea stressed.
“The vast majority of external aging is due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation,” she continued, not because you’re “not using some jazzy serum or layering 90 different things on your face everyday”.
“If you’re not doing in your 20s, get on that now.”
But she said the use of sun cream alone doesn’t go far enough. Andrea urged that you also wear sun-protective clothing like broad-brimmed hats and long sleeves, on top of not staying out too long in the sun.
Doing this over your lifetime – and all year, not just during the summer or on sunny days – “will reduce the visible signs of photoageing”, Andrea said.
Those are wrinkles, muddled pigmentation and sagging skin.
However, at the same time, one user wrote: “Should have cream on eyelids too as they can burn, I know it stings if it gets in eyes but it’s such a sensitive area so best to have full coverage.”
To this, Gemma wrote back and explained: “Yes but my son has allergies so this is amazing.”
Not only this, but another person asked: “Won’t they get a burnt line where the handles are?”
In response, Gemma confirmed that instead of spraying the sun cream on her youngster’s eyelids, after the fun part, she then uses her finger for a more controlled application, as she acknowledged: “I use my finger to do the sides and lids.”
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MARRIED At First Sight star Rozz Darlington has given birth to her first child with partner Jordan Morris.
The new mum shared the happy news with her fans on social media today, posting a photo of the adorable newborn.
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MAFS star Rozz Darlington has given birth to her first child with her partner
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The new parents welcomed a baby girl who they have called Arabella
Rozz was seen holding the small tot in her arms while lying on her hospital bed.
Her boyfriend Jordan looked over the moon as they both smiled for a photo with their little daughter, who they sweetly name Arabella.
They shared a series of snaps of their baby girl wearing a white baby grow, a pink beanie hat and wrapped in a yellow blanket.
There was also a close-up photo of her baby feet and another photo of doting dad Jordan.
The new parents shared the photos on Instagram and wrote: “A baby Girl!!! Arabella Morris – Darlington has arrived! 8th August weighing 6lb 10! We are totally in love.”
Rozz’s fellow MAFS co-stars were quick to share their congratulations to the pair.
Ella Morgan wrote: “My bestie is a mummy!!! She’s beautiful! I can’t wait to meet her!!! Love you! So proud of you both.”
Jay Howard posted: “I’m in love!! Obsessed with her 😍 I’m so proud of you Rozz well done babe she’s adorable. I can’t wait for a snuggle.”
Tasha Jay commented: “I’ve been crying since this morning. So so happy for you both and so proud of you! Can’t wait to give my little strawberry the biggest cuddle. Aunty Tasha loves you angel.”
Sharing a collection of snaps from the baby shower, Ella added the eyebrow-raising caption: “Our Baby Spice is having a mini Baby Spice @rozzdarlington @ellamorganc @itstashajayxx @jay_howard the Spice Girls reunited .. + 1!”
However, she did go onto add a hashtag reading “boy or girl” which could be to throw people off the scent.
Picking up on the hint, one fan said in the comments: “Is this confirmation Baby Spice is a pink one?!”
Following the programme, Rozz moved on with Jordan and went public with their relationship in June of last year.
Looking stunning at her baby shower, Rozz showed off her baby bump in a gorgeous yellow gown.
Her co-stars held onto her baby bump in one snap before she was seen posing with Jordan who sweetly planted a kiss on her cheek as part of the celebrations.
Rozz went all out for the day with a balloon wall being the centre of attention for the party.
She also had an elaborate flower display as well as a cake that appeared to read “baby M-D” in icing on the top.
A WOMAN has revealed that she instantly fell in love with her step-brother after he moved in to the family home, and ended up pregnant with his baby.
Tookie and Krys first met as teenagers, when Krys moved back in with his mother, after years of separation.
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Tookie and Kris are step-siblingsCredit: YouTube
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They share a daughter named BlueCredit: YouTube
Tookie was already living with Krys’ mum, and was being raised as her step-daughter.
“When I first saw her I thought she was too good for me”, Krys told Love Don’t Judge.
“I didn’t talk to her because I was too nervous”.
However, Tookie was instantly attracted to Krys, describing his “nerdy” look as “sexy”.
Read more real life stories
The duo, who were 15 and 17 at the time soon grew close, and after Tookie initiated things, they began sleeping together.
“One thing led to another, and we made a baby”, Krys said.
The couple were able to keep their relationship under wraps until Tookie became pregnant.
Jamie, Krys’ mum, found out about the pregnancy after receiving a phone call from Tookie’s mum.
“I expected Tookie and Krys to behave to eachother like brother and sister”, Jamie said.
Krys had only just got back in contact with his mother when he got Tookie pregnant, and was worried their bond would become fractured again.
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Jamie said she was hurt and disappointed by the actions of the pair, but still loves Tookie as a daughter.
The couple now share a daughter named Blu, who is 20 months old.
Despite his young age, Tookie said that Krys was a great help following her birth, and she didn’t have to lift a finger.
“I love the way he is, you’re a good father”, Tookie said to Krys.
Here’s why I love being a young mum
Tracy Kiss, who fell pregnant at 19, has revealed what she believes are the pros of being a young mother.
The personal trainer and blogger, from Buckinghamshire, believes women who give birth in their teens make BETTER mothers than those in their 30s.
She claims young mums snap back into shape quicker, have more energy and relate more easily to their children, meaning they’re better behaved and happier.
Tracy told Fabulous: “Women who become first-time mums in their teens make better parents than those in their 30s or 40s.
“I believe if I’d been 10 or so years older before becoming a mother then I wouldn’t have the relationship I have with my children now.
“For a start, being older I would have had less energy and therefore less patience.
“I wouldn’t be as enthusiastic to speak to people after months of sleepless nights as I was in my teens.
“My body snapped back to its pre-pregnancy size through fitness post-birth, which in turn gave me the confidence to date and find love again. I’ve never been happier than I am now at the age of 30 with two children.
“If I’d have been alone at 40 with a newborn baby I’d be more tired, less happy with my body, less energetic and far more stressed from the shock of living my life for myself instead of putting others first. Sometimes age and the innocence of ignorance is a good thing.
“As a teen mum I just got on with it, found my feet and became responsible and capable because at the time I didn’t know any different.”
The couple get lots of hate online for their unique relationship, but don’t let trolls get them down.
“If you’re still judging, then honestly, you’re miserable”, Krys said.