smile

LOVE foreplay but have a lazy partner? Then Christmas has come early — ahem.

Meet The Poet by Smile Makers. Made with clever air-suction technology, this toy is no ordinary vibrator.

The Poet, £79.95 £55.95 from Smile Makers

It’s designed for earth-shattering clitoral orgasms. Add a bit of lube, and it practically mimics real oral sex — a godsend for those of us whose partners skip foreplay… or are single.

As a devoted fan of oral, I like to make it the main course — who needs guys anyway?

Its silky-smooth silicone material feels amazing against the skin, and with three interchangeable heads, you can find your perfect fit.

It’s already racking up glowing reviews and boasts a 4.7-star rating online — so guys, consider yourselves warned!

Pros

• Rechargeable battery
• Three interchangeable ‘mouths’ 
• Cheaper than similar toys on the market
• Waterproof
• Very quiet (if not totally silent)
• Two-year guarantee
• Five pulsation modes 

Cons

• Better for solo play than intercourse
• There are already similar products on the market
• Packaging could be more enticing 

Rating: 9/10

How I tested The Poet

The Poet, £79.95 £55.95 from Smile Makers

As The Sun’s Sexpert, I’ve tried my fair share of vibrators over the years — you can read my round-up of the best sex toys for women.

Where possible, I test the toys by myself, and then my partner is usually roped in for a test drive (not that he ever minds!).

The Nitty Gritty

First impressions

Okay, so the packaging could be a little more enticing, but once opened, the toy itself is very pretty and female-friendly.

Its purple-rose design is elegant enough to sit on your bedside table — no need to hide it away in a drawer.

The instructions are simple to follow, and the toy is easy to use.

Does it… Deliver?

The Poet, £79.95 £55.95 from Smile Makers

As someone who loves oral sex, I can honestly say this is one of the best air-suction toys I’ve tried.

I actually prefer it to toys from Womanizer, one of the first brands to use this kind of clitoral stimulation technology.

It’s more comfortable to use, gentler yet somehow more powerful, and much prettier too. 

Add plenty of lube and it really can feel as good — if not better — than the real thing.

It really can feel as good — if not better — than the real thing.

And yes, lads, you might want to be a little worried about that!

It’s also waterproof, so you can elevate your bathroom game with a cheeky solo session in the shower or bath.

Plus, it’s rechargeable (no more faffing about with batteries) and comes with a cute satin bag to tuck it away in.

How much is The Poet?

At £79.95, it’s cheaper than its racy rival, the Womanizer, as well as Lelo’s Sona 2, which, until trying this, was the best I’d tried.

Plus, it’s currently on sale for £55.95.

Lelo’s Sona 2 is pricier at £100.62 (currently on sale).

So, while this toy is a little up there in price, it’s still more affordable than many other premium brands — and it comes with a two-year guarantee.

Orgasms that are insured — what’s not to love?

Where to buy The Poet

Thanks to the sale, the best place to buy The Poet is probably the Smile Makers website.

But, it’s also available from retailers like SheSpot and Cult Beauty.

It’s worth shopping around, as different sites often run their own discounts.

Alternatives

At the premium end of the market, the Womanizer Next retails at £189 – almost £100 more than The Poet.

Both use air-tech suction, are whisper-quiet, waterproof, and made from soft silicone.

But I find the Womanizer a bit more rigid and less comfortable to hold and use than The Poet.

At the budget end, there’s LoveHoney’s Clitoral Rose Suction, which is super cute and very reasonably priced at £54.99.

It also uses clever air-tech suction technology and is waterproof, but it’s not as comfortable to hold as The Poet, which seems to mould perfectly to the body.

Then, bang in the middle, there’s Lelo’s Sona 2.

Like the Womanizer, it specialises in air-suction clitoral stimulation and is one of my favourite toys.

But The Poet is cliterally the best — and cheaper. 

Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has revealed the part husband David Beckham played in her creating her steely pose in which she rarely smiles for the camera

Victoria Beckham’s trademark pout has become symbolic with her appearance over the years. The singer and fashion guru, 51, is well known for her steely look on the catwalks and red carpets and is rarely spotted cracking a smile.

However, while her trademark look has long been speculated, the former Spice Girl has finally revealed the real reason behind keeping her teeth under wraps. Sorry David, but she’s gunning for you.

Victoria’s latest project sees her appear in her self-titled Netflix docuseries and she spills the beans on a number of the family’s most personal details. And this also includes her lack of smiling.

READ MORE: Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz’s heartbreaking cameo in Victoria’s Netflix showREAD MORE: David Beckham told Victoria ‘This can’t continue’ during desperate money showdown

She insists her look was simply formed after husband David stood on her “good side”. She said: “Here’s a fact, I’ve looked miserable for all these years because when we stand on the red carpet, this guy has always [stood] on the left.

“Now I didn’t realise that when I smile – which I do! – I smile from the left, because if I smile from the right, I look unwell. So I’m smiling on the inside but no one ever sees it – so that’s why I look so moody.”

As well as the admission about David’s positioning, Victoria later revealed it may have been a confidence thing at times. She said she was left feeling as though she didn’t want to smile after losing her way following the split of the Spice Girls in 2000.

As her solo career failed to hit the same heights, Victoria said people questioning her next moves began to take a toll on her. “I’d be lying if I said I was the best singer or dancer,” she said. “But when people are mean and you’re hearing things and you’re seeing things and you’re constantly made to feel you’re not good enough, that really hurts. I became so self conscious.”

She later added: “The minute i see a camera, I change. The barrier goes up, my armour goes on and that’s when the miserable cow who doesn’t smile comes out.

“I’m so conscious of that and I don’t like that, I’d rather not be that person. I’d love to have the confidence to walk out of a restaurant and smile but I just can’t do it.'”

And her change in persona was also noted by David who said he could see her confidence and bubbly side slowly disappearing.

Elsewhere on the series, Victoria admitted she became “good at lying” as she revealed how she was able to hide an eating disorder. The mum-of-four explained that she stopped eating because she was felt unable to control what others were saying about her during the height of her fame, but “I can control my weight”.

She revealed how she tried to control the narrative about what was being reported about her: “I could control it with the clothing, I could control it with my weight and I was controlling it in an extremely unhealthy way.

“When you have an eating disorder you become very good at lying and I was never honest about it with my parents.”

Victoria Beckham is available to stream on Netflix now.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: Best Prime Day tooth whitening deal is 70% off – and isn’t actually on Amazon

The Tudor Pass in Egham, Surrey, has been named the best fine dining restaurant in the UK – and it’s not hard to see why, with its stunning interiors and delicious food

Topping the charts in its local area and making a splash on the UK’s fine dining scene, this intimate restaurant with its breathtaking interiors is a must-visit.

Nestled in Egham, a town brimming with stunning architecture in the Borough of Runnymede, The Tudor Pass is a gem tucked away in the Surrey countryside. Its exclusive ambience, offering just seven tables, provides a unique experience that celebrates the rich history of both the building and its surroundings.

Patrons can look forward to an extraordinary dining experience, complete with interactive service, all without the commotion of an open kitchen. The culinary magic is orchestrated by Chef Stefano Di Giosia, whose signature dishes are a fusion of classic flavours, seasonal ingredients, and a dash of personality.

With previous stints at renowned establishments like The Fat Duck and KOL, his passion for food is evident in every dish he creates. This dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed, earning the restaurant a coveted Michelin star for its exceptional cuisine, much to the delight of its customers.

One satisfied diner took to TripAdvisor to share their glowing review, describing it as “one of the top international dining experiences from a foodie”. They added: “Our experience at Tudor Pass implores me to provide a review placing this as one of the top restaurants you can visit, and it is at a very reasonable price point compared to all of the others.”, reports the Express.

One diner shared their experience, writing: “We’ve enjoyed tasting menus at a number of restaurants, including those with a Michelin star. You usually get one or two courses that miss the mark a bit – but our meal at The Tudor Pass was wonderful from start to finish.

“Every course was delicately presented and a delight to eat – every course made us smile!” Another satisfied customer praised their meal for its “real depth of flavour”.

The Travellers’ Choice Awards via TripAdvisor have celebrated the crème de la crème of UK dining, compiling an ultimate list of top-notch eateries across the country. Nestled at number 23 on the 25-restaurant-long list is the Tudor Pass, rubbing shoulders with famed establishments like The Witchery Restaurant in Edinburgh and Gouqi Restaurant in London.

A recent guest penned about their dining experience, stating: “The food was sublime; the tasting menu was exceptional (and we’ve had a good few worldwide).”

Another chimed in: “This was so much more than we were expecting, and a number of the dishes, as well as the extra touches such as the story cards behind the dishes, made this feel more like a two-star than a one-star restaurant.”

The Tudor Pass is nestled within the luxurious five-star Great Fosters hotel resort, boasting breathtaking gardens that guests can admire through the mediaeval-style windows. Whether you’re a guest at the resort or looking to elevate a special occasion, it’s evident why this Edham eatery has earned its place on such a prestigious list – and the premium pricing certainly reflects the quality of the experience.

Pricing

• Lunch – Wednesday to Friday – 4-course tasting menu £95 and Signature tasting menu £125
• Lunch – Saturday – 4-course tasting menu £125 and Signature tasting menu £155
• Dinner – Wednesday and Thursday – 4-course tasting menu £125 and Signature tasting menu £155
• Dinner – Friday and Saturday – Signature tasting menu £165

When is AI not artificial intelligence? When it refers to ammonia inhalants, aka smelling salts.

When are these AIs in the news? When it was reported that the NFL banned their use, San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle protested, and the NFL walked back the ban a day later. The league’s players association clarified that players can still use AIs as long as teams don’t provide them.

Got it?

The NFLPA sent a memo to players on Wednesday saying that the ban only prohibits team employees from distributing AIs during games.

That must have pleased Kittle, who when under the impression that AIs were banned completely, grabbed a microphone on an NFL Network broadcast to say, “I honestly just came up here to air a grievance. Our team got a memo today that smelling salts and ammonia packets were made illegal in the NFL, and I’ve been distraught all day.”

The five-time All-Pro tight end said he used the substances for an energy boost before every offensive drive and joked that upon learning of the ban he “considered retirement.”

Except that it isn’t a ban. Kittle will just have to bring his own AI stash to ballgames.

“To clarify, this policy does not prohibit player use of these substances, but rather it restricts clubs from providing or supplying them in any form,” the NFLPA memo said. “The NFL has confirmed this to us.”

The use of AIs by NFL players has been under the radar despite apparently being a common practice. Their primary use is to prevent and treat fainting, with the Federal Aviation Administration requiring U.S. airlines to carry them in the event a pilot feels faint.

The ammonia gas irritates the nasal membranes, causing a reflex that increases breathing and heart rate. That can keep a person from fainting, and apparently can also help a person block and tackle.

In short, an AI — which has been described as smelling like cat urine — is a performance-enhancing substance.

The NFL, however, cited a warning from the FDA that AIs can mask symptoms of a concussion and have not been proven to be safe or effective simply to increase energy.

“In 2024, the FDA issued a warning to companies that produce commercially available ammonia inhalants (AIs), as well as to consumers about the purchase and use of AIs, regarding the lack of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of AIs marketed for improving mental alertness or boosting energy,” the NFL memo to teams stated. “The FDA noted potential negative effects from AI use.

“AIs also have the potential to mask certain neurological signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion. As a result, the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee recommended prohibiting the use of AIs for any purpose during play in the NFL.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield — who says he uses AIs — said the logic behind the NFL no longer supplying them is convoluted.

“I think the reasoning was that it masked concussion symptoms,” Mayfield said on “Up and Adams.” “But if you get knocked out, which is the whole purpose of smelling salts — to wake you up — you’re not allowed back in the game.

“I think it was a quick trigger to ban them, just to kind of CYA [cover your ass].”

Maybe NFL officials figure that by no longer supplying AIs and forcing players to bring their own batch to games, their liability in case of concussions or other medical complications is reduced.

“You just got to bring your own juice to the party, got to wake up ready to go,” Mayfield said.

Before Chris Paul’s voice echoed through the room, his reasons for returning home were staring at him.

His three children, perched quietly next to their mom, Jada Crawley, watched as Paul talked about why he decided to return to the Clippers. Paul’s mother sat in the second row of the news conference with a beaming smile.

Chris Paul was back home.

“It was a no-brainer. The easiest decision in this is sitting right up here,” Paul said, gesturing to his family in the front three rows. “Right here, it’s my family.”

When Paul was first introduced as a Clipper in December 2011, he spoke of measuring up against “big brother” Chauncey Billups and soaring alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan — a core that would lob their way into Clippers lore.

Paul’s first message to L.A. were three constants — the allure of the city, the talent beside him and a title that still eluded them.

On Monday, Paul traded the sharp lines of his 2011 debut suit and red silk tie for something looser — flowing black slacks, red Nike Air Jordan 1s and a flash of gold on his wrist. And 14 years after his L.A. premiere, he spoke of sharing the court with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.

But this time, the Clippers star-studded lineup wasn’t what lit his path home.

“If I’m really honest, I wanted to get back and play here by any means necessary,” Paul said. “I didn’t even care what the team looked like. I just wanted to be home, be here with the Clippers.”

Chris Paul’s wife, Jada Crawley, center, sits next to their children and family during Paul’s news conference at the Intuit Dome on Monday.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Gratitude washed over Paul’s words — for his year in San Antonio, for Clippers coach Tyronn Lue, for Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and for a 21st season. But anchoring it all was his family.

Paul is no longer thinking about playing in another city away from his family. The tearful send-offs are behind him. His mornings now begin with sunrise workouts with his son. He winds down in the evenings talking to his daughter.

“To tell you the truth, my wife and my kids probably [are] tired of me already,” Paul said, his wife laughing. “Because ever since I got the news, every time we home, I’m just jumping around talking about, ‘I’m home, I’m home, I’m home.’”

Chris Paul, signs autographs and greets fans during a news conference at the Intuit Dome on Monday.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

As familiar as he is with the Clippers, Paul said his return still felt surreal — the No. 3 stitched onto a Clippers jersey, his name gleaming above the locker and a “Welcome Back” message circling the halo board.

What makes it even sweeter? A brand new stage. The last time Paul played for the Clippers, they played at Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena). On Monday, he got an up-close look at the Intuit Dome.

“Walking around now, it’s a total different feeling,” Paul said. “Last time I walked through here, I was just sort of peeking because I didn’t know if a guy on the current team was here and they [were] like, ‘What the hell are you doing here?’”

Paul noted the franchise’s makeover — new colors, new logo — but one thing, he said, hadn’t budged: the fans.

One corner of Crypto.com Arena still lives staunchly in Paul’s memory. Section 114 housed the pockets of Clippers die-hards he’d glance at after every dagger three or rim-rattling “Lob City” spectacle.

Some fans, Paul said, even pledged loyalty in ink. Back then, some made a pact that if the Clippers scored 114 points in a game, they’d get a “114” tattoo. When the team delivered, so did they.

“The fans here are like none other,” Paul said. “They are really fans of the game. … The team and everybody, they deserve good things and deserve to see this team win.”

Paul got a full dose of nostalgia a short time later when dozens of Clippers fans gave him a standing ovation, chanting, “CP3!”

He sank into his seat, shoulders folding inward as he clasped his hands — emotion creeping in as the cheers grew louder.

“This is crazy,” he said.

So as Paul rose from the podium and thanked the media, his mother held her gaze, her smile still stitched in place. For eight years, she’d grown used to goodbyes. But this time, there would be no parting hug.

“This is one of those things I kind of manifested for a long time, sort of tried to speak it into existence,” Paul said. “Because I love to hoop, I love to play this game, but I love my family more than any of it.”

BEVERLY HILLS — Julian McMahon, an Australia-born actor who performed in two “Fantastic Four” films and appeared in TV shows such as “Charmed,” “Nip/Tuck” and “Profiler,” has died, his wife said in a statement.

McMahon died peacefully this week after a battle with cancer, Kelly McMahon said in a statement provided to the Associated Press by his Beverly Hills-based publicist. He was 56, according to the New York Times.

“Julian loved life,” the statement said. “He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.”

McMahon played Dr. Doom in the films “Fantastic Four” in 2005 and “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” which came out two years later.

Additionally, he had roles in the TV shows “Home and Away,” “FBI: Most Wanted” and “Another World,” according to IMDB.

Actor Alyssa Milano, who appeared with McMahon on “Charmed,” mourned his death on social media, saying “Julian was more than my TV husband.”

“Julian McMahon was magic,” Milano said. “That smile. That laugh. That talent. That presence. He walked into a room and lit it up — not just with charisma, but with kindness. With mischief. With soulful understanding.”

Thomas Tuchel has encouraged his England team to play as they train – with smiles on their faces.

The German was critical of the performance as England laboured to a 1-0 win over minnows Andorra in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier.

Former Chelsea boss Tuchel says the players have trained very differently, however, so he has urged the Three Lions to play with freedom, take heed of instructions, and “just go for it”.

Tuchel began work as England head coach in January and Tuesday’s friendly against Senegal in Nottingham will be his fourth game in charge.

“I see us train with a smile, but not play with a smile,” Tuchel said.

“We need to improve, for sure. We need to improve in connections, in support, in interactions in the group.

“I feel we are too isolated on the pitch. We have not clicked yet.

“We have a lot of positives to take away in training and in the sessions I see a lot of it, and it will obviously take a little bit to translate it to the pitch.”

Tuchel added: “The best thing is to focus on the principles of the game, to give clear instructions to the players, [on] what we expect from them in their role.

“And then they forget about the shirt and how heavy it is. They [can be] free in the role and they know what to do, that they have people around with whom it is easy for them to connect. And then just go for it.”

WHY do we have so many awareness days, weeks and months? Some of them seem utterly ridiculous. The health related ones, though, are a good idea. 

It is National Smile Month. One in three adults have tooth decay, so this campaign promotes eating less sugar and processed food, drinking more water and visiting the dentist.

And I’ve put some products to the test to help you smile . . .  

MOUTHWASH 

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IF ever there was a man who says “teeth” it is TV presenter Rylan Clark – his are gleaming! And he has teamed up with British oral care brand Waken. 

I am not always keen on products pushed by celebs, but Rylan believes in Waken and has invested in it. I like it too. I love their whitening toothpaste and the Waken Advanced Care Mouthwash. 

It is made with natural peppermint, strengthens enamel with fluoride, and comes in a recycled bottle. This is alcohol free and a 500ml bottle costs £5.  

The company has just started selling in major supermarkets. See wakencare.com 

CHEWING GUM 

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I CHEW so much gum I could put a cow to shame – but not all gums are good for you thanks to the sweeteners, sugar and chemicals in them. 

But some do have health benefits. 

Peppersmith is one such example. It contains the plant-based sweetener xylitol and is approved by the Oral Health Foundation. 

Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol after meals, is scientifically proven to reduce cavities, neutralise harmful acids, and keep breath fresh. 

Xylitol is a natural sugar alternative that bacteria cannot digest, meaning it actively fights tooth decay. 

It also helps to strengthen enamel – unlike sugary mints and gum that mask bad breath and contribute to cavities. 

The gum comes in mint, lemon and strawberry flavours. I wasn’t keen on the fruity ones – but the mint is great and is £1.35 for 15g at Sainsbury’s. 

See peppersmith.co.uk. 

TOOTHPASTE 

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SALT toothpaste made by Weleda has been around for more than 100 years, but has soared into the brand’s list of bestsellers in the last two years. 

That’s because it is a chemical-free, eco-friendly toothpaste popular with those looking to avoid additives – there are no detergents, bleaches, foam boosters or optical brighteners in the product. 

No fluoride either – some people are worried that too much can lead to dental fluorosis or skeletal fluorosis, which can damage bones and joints. While rare, fluorosis is a factor. 

This toothpaste uses sodium bicarbonate, which is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water. This helps to promote healing in the mouth, and to ease ulcers, cuts and sore patches. 

It is totally free from microplastics too. It tastes like bicarbonate of soda but my mouth felt really fresh after using. I liked it. It’s priced at £5.95 for 75ml. 

See weleda.co.uk. 

Chloe Kelly said she considered taking a break from football before Arsenal “put the smile back on my face” and transformed her difficult season “from a real low to a real high”.

Kelly started Saturday’s Champions League final as the Gunners stunned holders Barcelona to win a first European title in 18 years.

The England international came through the Gunners’ youth ranks between 2010 and 2015 and was given a chance back at the club after struggling for game time with Manchester City, making just one start in the WSL before her deadline day loan move to north London.

She said she “wanted to be happy again” in a social media post and then-City boss Gareth Taylor said it was “really disappointing” how the bitter transfer saga between Kelly and the club came to an end.

“I said I was coming to this club to find happiness with football and I have a medal round my neck,” an emotional Kelly told BBC Sport’s Jo Currie. “Every day that I come into the club I’m smiling. They put the smile back on my face so I will forever be grateful for that.

“I took a step to try and make things better for myself and I’m grateful for the people around me that supported me to take that step. This one is for everyone that helped me do that.”

Kelly has made 13 appearances in all competitions since re-joining Arsenal, scoring twice.

She helped the Gunners secure a second-placed WSL finish and now has Saturday’s triumph in Lisbon to celebrate.

“Definitely up there,” Kelly, who scored England’s winning goal in the Euro 2022 final, added on where the victory ranks. “The journey it has taken to get here, it’s definitely been a battle.

“Now to celebrate this moment with the girls, with Arsenal Football Club but also my family that have been there through the dark days to now, I’m just really grateful.”

On whether taking a break from football was a real option before her January move, Kelly said: “It definitely was. I don’t think people understand at times the emotions that sometimes go through people’s minds.

“It’s hard to explain but we’re here now and we’re at the other side of it. It’s football, sometimes there’s high, there’s lows and there’s bits in between. From a real low to a real high, I am very grateful for Renee Slegers.

“The first thing I said to Renee when we beat Lyon in the semi-final was ‘thank you for this opportunity’.”

Kelly’s contract at City expires in June and her loan move was only until the end of the season.

On whether fans can expect to see her in an Arsenal shirt again next season, she added: “Who knows. I just know I have given my all for the club and the club has given their all for me, so I’m always grateful.”