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I still argue with my wife after ‘failing’ at labour & upsetting midwife during my kid’s birth, says hunk David Gandy

HE is among the world’s highest-paid male models, with smouldering good looks and a six-pack you could grate cheese on.

But David Gandy has swapped his jet-setting lifestyle for school runs, sleeping alone and discussions about HRT after becoming a father.

David Gandy poses shirtless in white boxer briefs.

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Model David Gandy has swapped his jet-setting lifestyle for school runsCredit: David Gandy Wellwear
Stephanie Mendoros and David Gandy attend the cocktail opening of the Chopard exhibition 'L.U.C - L'art d'une Manufacture'.

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The Brit hunk has daughters Matilda, six, and Tabitha, three, with partner Steph Mendoros, aboveCredit: Getty – Contributor

The Essex-born hunk — who has daughters Matilda, six, and Tabitha, three, with partner Steph Mendoros — may be desired by women across the globe.

But he spent three months kipping by himself on the floor after Tabitha’s birth in 2021, because she was taking up his side of the bed.

In his most candid interview yet, David — who shot to fame wearing tiny white briefs in Dolce & Gabbana ads — tells the latest episode of Fabulous’ No Parental Guidance podcast: “Steph, in the first few months, was sleeping with the baby and was breastfeeding.

“And just so she got a good night’s sleep, she would have the baby there falling asleep.

“That is a situation where you are just going to be a hindrance. You are taking up room. You can’t help.”

He adds: “So when we were building our house, Steph had just given birth to Tabs.

I failed at labour. I kind of turned into George Clooney from ER and thought, “I’m delivering this baby. I was at the business end and the midwifehad to ask me to get out of the way

David

“We were staying in Steph’s old flat while the house was being built, and Matilda had this little room.

“I had nowhere to sleep. I slept on the floor for three months. I had to spin like a dog, trying to find somewhere to sleep.

‘Christmas alone’

“But as long as your partner can get sleep, that’s the main thing. I am fine with no sleep. Steph is awful.”

Since settling down with Steph, a barrister, heartthrob David is now more likely to be found hanging out with the other dads at the school gates than strutting his stuff on the catwalk.

And it seems the menopause is a hot topic for men as well as women.

“The dads have had the [HRT] discussion at the school gates,” David, 45, tells comedian Hannah East and model and influencer Louise Boyce, who host the podcast.

“They say, ‘Get the patch’. Then one dad will go, ‘They’re very horny on the patch!’.”

David and Steph got together in 2016 and daughter Matilda was born two years later.

The model admits that when his girlfriend went into labour, he turned into George Clooney’s character Dr Doug Ross from US hospital drama, ER.

“I failed at labour,” he says. “We still argue about it. I kind of turned into George Clooney from ER and thought, ‘I’m delivering this baby’.

Of course I tried the gas and air. They told me to go and have a sleep and then Steph needed me and the midwife had to go back to Steph and say, ‘I can’t wake him up

David

“I was down at the business end. The midwife had to ask me if she could have her stool back and if I could get out of the way.”

Like most men, David could not resist having a sneaky puff of the gas and air intended to relieve labour pains — only for it to knock him out completely.

He reveals: “Of course I tried the gas and air. They told me to go and have a sleep and then Steph needed me and the midwife had to go back to Steph and say, ‘I can’t wake him up’,” he recalls.

It is all a world away from David’s globe-trotting days as a top-earning male model with an estimated £12million fortune.

After growing up in Billericay, he went on to study marketing at the University of Gloucestershire, where his flatmate entered him into a modelling competition on ITV’s This Morning without his knowledge.

He went on to win a contract with Select Model Management — and a star was born.

His now- infamous campaign for Dolce and Gabanna’s Light Blue fragrance in 2007 — which saw him squeeze into tiny white trunks to cavort on a boat with a brunette — set women’s pulses racing and launched him to stardom.

He now has more than one million followers on Instagram as well as 25million likes on TikTok, not to mention high-profile campaigns for Burberry and Hugo Boss.

After meeting Steph and becoming a dad, he cut back on the commitments that involved him take around 100 flights a year, and has recently launched his own line of underwear for his David Gandy Wellwear brand.

David Gandy with his daughter on his shoulders, overlooking a body of water with houses on a hill in the distance.

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David on holiday with one of his daughtersCredit: instagram/davidgandy_official

But it could have ended very differently for David — who has also had high-profile romances with singer Mollie King, musical theatre actress Samantha Barks and TV host Laura Whitmore — because he thought Steph had stood him up on their first date nine years ago.

“We met through one of my good friends,” he recalls.

“We kind of knew each other before — we only lived a mile and a half away from each other. We arranged to go for a date, but Steph has a terrible sense of direction and ended up in the wrong pub.”

He adds: “When me and Steph got together, there was a discussion, like ‘When are we having children?’.

“I said I’ve been working solidly. I didn’t take holidays. I didn’t take time off.

“I spent Christmas alone because I was so exhausted sometimes. I just want two years of us two to enjoy being together’.”

Now, having had two kids with Steph, David thinks there should be more education for men about the hormone changes women go through when they embrace parenthood.

“When babies are born, no one ever tells the husband about the hormones,” he says. “Your wife’s hormones are all over the place, before and after giving birth.

I think we are so scared to let our children even out the front door

David

“No one explains that you are probably going to be wrong about everything for the next year and to just put up with it. Just go, ‘OK darling’.”

‘Give kids freedom’

While, nowadays, parents are often super-protective and more overbearing than previous generations, David is making a conscious effort to relax when it comes to raising his daughters.

He explains: “I’m trying to tell myself not to be too protective.

“I think we are so scared to let our children even out the front door.

At nine years old, I was on a bike going through Billericay, travelling five miles out, and my parents were like, ‘It’s cool’.

“My kids are outside for 20 seconds at a supermarket and I’m panicking. I just think we need to allow our kids a bit more freedom.

“That’s advice for all of us — ‘Don’t worry, no one knows what they’re doing’. Generally, everyone turns out OK.”

David Gandy modeling Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue underwear and fragrance on a boat.

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The star shot to fame wearing tiny white briefs in Dolce & Gabbana ads

But while he tries to be laid back, David, who is also an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, admits he is not a fan of the trend for “gentle parenting”.

He says: “I teach them, ‘You’re not having iPads. First of all, you have a conversation around the dinner table’.

“I take colouring stuff and I always make sure they’re entertained so they are not bored.

“But they are very polite. I’ve always said, ‘You don’t talk to someone like that. You don’t ask someone like that. Go and get it yourself. Go and do it yourself’.

“I got to a point with my mum and dad where they just needed to give me a look. It seems to work.

“My mum’s best threat that used to shut me up really quickly was, ‘I’m going to come and take your pants down in front of everyone and smack your bum’.

“My mum and dad never smacked me, but it was the threat of my bum being pulled out in front of everyone.”

And while his children might have excellent table manners, David jokes they treat him like a live-in chef at their home in London’s Richmond Park.

He says: “We have a pretty good rhythm going now. I do mornings — the kids are up with me.

“I do the breakfast, which they order from me.

“I am the waiter. I say, ‘What would you like? Do you want porridge today?’.

“And they say, ‘Daddy, I don’t want porridge, I want waffles. Can I have waffles with honey?’. Matilda musy think she’s at a Michelin-star restaurant.

“It’s actually not that chaotic. I put everything out in the evening as I am not a morning person.

“I’m OK once I get to my espresso machine.”

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Today is dawn of new era of hope for the Middle East & if it leads to lasting peace the world will rejoice

Hope for peace

TODAY marks the dawn of a new era of hope for the Middle East.

As US Vice-President JD Vance said yesterday, a truce brokered by Donald Trump has brought the region to “the cusp of true peace”.

U.S. President Donald Trump gives a thumbs up next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

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Donald Trump, pictured with Benjamin Netanyahu, has brought the Middle East to ‘the cusp of true peace’Credit: Reuters

While other world leaders postured and bewailed, the US President used his extraordinary power of persuasion to force Hamas and Israel to strike a deal to end two years of bloodshed.

It means thousands of Palestinians will return to what is left of their homes and get the food and medical aid they need, and Israelis can welcome back loved ones taken hostage during the terrorist massacre which started the conflict.

The 19th Century German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck once said that politics is “the art of the possible”.

But hard-nosed businessman President Trump has proved it can also be “the art of the deal”.

The path to lasting peace is still littered with pitfalls.

Hamas must be made to disarm and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu will have to be persuaded to drop his opposition to a future, self-ruling Palestinian state.

More tears will be shed in the days to come.

Much trauma awaits Israeli families whose loved ones return alive but emaciated or, tragically, in body bags.

There will also be anger if terrorist killers are freed as part of the deal.

Yet despite these hurdles, this is the brightest glimmer of hope the region has seen in a generation.

And if, one day, it leads to a lasting peace, the whole world will rejoice.

‘Hamas will NEVER stop’: The hidden dangers in Trump’s Gaza ceasefire – including chilling terror threat to West

Win for justice

THE phrase “justice must be seen to be done” is as relevant today as when it was first uttered in court a century ago.

That is why The Sun challenged an order banning a child rapist from being identified as an asylum seeker.

In a shocking example of two-tier justice, both the prosecution and the offender’s lawyer had opposed our attempt to report his status.

But this newspaper chalked up a landmark victory for open justice and Press freedom by fighting to have the order overturned.

Judge Maria Lamb gave an instant ruling that we were right.

The jury took just two-and-a-half hours to convict the serial offender.

A double triumph for common sense.

Silly Mili

ED Miliband’s fixation with Net Zero gets more desperate and costly by the day.

The Energy Secretary is targeting well-off families with £7,500 “bribes” to fit green heat pump systems most of us can’t afford.

His barmy campaign confirms what we already knew about Mr Miliband’s obsession with meeting unrealistic carbon emission targets.

It’s a waste of money — and he is a waste of space.

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‘Bright’ ex-Prem boss, 59, faces being made bankrupt after being taken to court by the taxman

EX-FOOTIE star and manager Iain Dowie faces being made bankrupt after being taken to court by the taxman.

Cult hero Dowie, 60 – who coined the term “bouncebackability” – has been hit with the bankruptcy petition by HMRC with a hearing due at the High Court.

Iain Dowie, Hull City manager, looks on during a game.

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Former football manager Iain Dowie faces being made bankrupt after being taken to court by the taxmanCredit: Getty
Iain Dowie, Hull City AFC football management consultant.

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The cult hero has been hit with the bankruptcy petition by HMRC with a hearing due at the High CourtCredit: Getty

It comes almost two decades after ex-Luton, Southampton and West Ham striker Dowie was clobbered with a huge legal bill after leaving Crystal Palace as manager.

A court ruled in 2007 that Dowie deceived Palace into waiving a £1 million compensation clause when he quit.

And a source said: “It looks like Iain’s financial problems might date back to that legal action – there doesn’t seem to be any other reason for it.

“It is a shame for him as he’s such a likeable bloke, but he hasn’t cashed in with punditry as much as some other ex-players and he probably could have done.

“But Iain is a bright bloke and I am sure he will bounce back.”

After leaving Palace, Dowie joined Charlton – but left the Addicks after just 15 games.

His contract contained a clause that Palace would receive £1 million in compensation if Dowie left to join another club.

The 59-cap Northern Ireland international worked as a sales manager and a Sky Sports pundit since his football career ended.

In 2023, Dowie told how he had landed a new position – as a mortgage advisor at a law firm.

He joined Alexander Grace Law, based near Burnley, as a business director leading its re-mortgaging team.

Carlo Ancelotti sentenced to one year for tax fraud

Dad of two Dowie, whose wife Debbie was also working for the company, said: “While people may wonder how I’ve gone from the football pitch to the office I have been working within the conveyancing arena for some four years now and when I was asked if I would come on board with them it was a no-brainer.”

Last year Dowie – who scored 105 goals in 388 league games – said he was lucky to be alive after suffering cardiac arrest during a spin class at a gym in Chorley, Lancs.

After he was treated by other gym-goers and paramedics, Dowie backed calls for more people to learn CPR and said he survived due to the “brilliance of everyone involved”.

Dowie famously used the word “boucebackability” to describe a Crystal Palace comeback and it entered the Oxford dictionary in 2005.

A spokesperson for the star did not respond to a request for comment.

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Chinese spygate case is most serious scandal Starmer has faced in office – here’s why it could be what finishes him off

IF a Chinese bloke had been caught spying for the UK in Beijing, he’d currently be hung up by his toes in a cell, awaiting execution.

That’s how the Chinese sort things out. Nobody in Beijing would be worrying much if the UK is a threat or not.

Illustration of a large caricature of Xi Jinping with laser eyes, against a British flag, with a smaller caricature of Rishi Sunak in his jacket pocket.

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If a Chinese bloke had been caught spying for the UK in Beijing, he’d currently be hung up by his toes in a cell, awaiting execution
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at a press conference.

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The Chinese spygate case is the most serious scandal Starmer has faced in officeCredit: Reuters

Bullet or lethal injection, Wu’s yer uncle.

Or maybe they would be pawed to death by an angry panda.

But it’s more often a bullet between the eyes.

Most countries take spying and espionage very seriously.

Indeed, ensuring we are safe from foreigners who might do us harm is the first duty of a government.

But clearly it is a duty that Sir Keir Starmer does not take remotely seriously.

Last week, two Brits were due to be tried for spying for the Chinese.

They were Christopher Cash, a parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry, a researcher who works in China.

Both deny any wrongdoing.

But suddenly, at the last minute, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case.

Labour’s China spy trial explanation is total rubbish slams former security minister Tom Tugendhat

It didn’t bother explaining why — one minute the trial was on, the next it was dead meat.

Industrial secrets

It now transpires that the CPS took advice from British government officials.

It is entirely possible that the UK’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, a good mate of Keir, was one of the officials involved.

Shortly after their meeting with the CPS, the decision was taken to drop the case.

Why? They apparently told the CPS China couldn’t be called a “threat” to the UK.

Instead, it was just a “geo-political challenge”.

And so the charges against Cash and Berry wouldn’t stick.

In a previous spying case it was decided that charges were relevant only if it involved “a country which represents, at the time of the offence, a threat to the national security of the UK”.

Have you ever heard anything more ridiculous?

If China isn’t a threat to the UK, then who is?

The head of MI5, Sir Ken McCallum, has reported that the Chinese have tried to entice 20,000 Brits to act as spies for them, against our interests.

Did nobody think to ask Sir Ken if he thought China was a threat? I suspect I know the answer that would have been forthcoming

He also claimed that 10,000 UK businesses were at threat from the Chinese trying to nick industrial secrets.

In addition, he said that MI5 had 2,000 current investigations into Chinese spying activity — and that a new case was opened on the Chinese — behaving very deviously indeed — every 12 hours.

Did nobody think to ask Sir Ken if he thought China was a threat?

I suspect I know the answer that would have been forthcoming.

Of course the country is a threat.

It is menacing other nations down in South East Asia.

It has a whole bunch of nukes pointed directly at the West.

It arrests dissidents who want western-style freedoms.

And it does everything it can to undermine the UK’s politics and industry.

Truth be told, anybody who is working secretly for a foreign country in the UK is a threat to this country.

Especially if they are working in the House of Commons.

This seems to me so obvious that it should not need stating.

If their secret outside income involves a vast load of Yuan, some fortune cookies and cans of bubble tea, then we should investigate very seriously.

The truth in this particular case, though, is particularly damning.

It seems almost certain that Whitehall officials intervened at the behest of the Government.

And that they did this so as not to p**s off the Chinese — because aside from being a threat to the UK, which China certainly is, we are going cap in hand begging for investment from them.

Other nations don’t have a problem with employing a dual approach.

Make no mistake, we may need to do business with the likes of China, much as we did once with Russia — but they ARE the enemy

They understand that while they all need to do trade with horrible totalitarian countries such as China, they also need to count their spoons, if you get my meaning — and at the slightest sign of devious behaviour, call them out.

The Chinese understand this too.

Yes, being caught with a bunch of spies in our Parliament may be embarrassing for a short while.

But it won’t be allowed to get in the way of China making more money.

It seems that our government was too frit to risk it.

Too scared that the Chinese might react nastily and pull investment.

Or decide not to invest in the future. We mustn’t offend the Chinese.

Strategies like this simply do not work — and the Chinese, just like their big mates the Russians, will continue to spy on our institutions and do everything they can to harm our state.

Enemy is laughing

Make no mistake, we may need to do business with the likes of China, much as we did once with Russia — but they ARE the enemy.

And currently an enemy that is laughing its head off.

The government officials involved will be coming before the House of Commons Joint Committee on National Security Strategy.

If it is discovered that Jonathan Powell did warn off the CPS from pursuing the cases against Cash and Berry, then Powell should resign or be sacked.

Unless, of course, Powell was simply doing the bidding of the Prime Minister or the then Foreign Secretary, the intellectual colossus who is David Lammy.

If that’s the case then THEY should resign.

One way or another, we cannot allow Chinese spies to run amok in this country of ours just because we want to trouser some more wonga down the line, through Chinese investment.

This is a truly important week for Starmer.

The Chinese spygate scandal is the most serious he has faced since taking office last July.

It could yet be the finish of the man.

Which won’t make me lose a terrific amount of sleep, I have to tell you.


THE Man Who Never Sweats is probably feeling a bit moist under the armpits right now.

It has been discovered that Prince Andrew was still sending chummy texts to disgraced paedo Jeffrey Epstein long after the royal said he was.

Andrew is alleged to have messaged him to say: “We are in this together.”

This happened 12 weeks after the point at which Andrew claimed, in that BBC interview, to have cut off all contact with the odious slimeball.

It’s high time King Charles took action and kicked Andrew out of his Royal Lodge home in Windsor Great Park.


I’M sure there must be some people on those pro-Palestinian marches who are not actually dyed-in-the-wool antisemites.

But if so, how do they react to a comrade saying that they “don’t give a f***” about the Jewish community?

Or the protesters in Glasgow who unfurled a banner praising the “martyrs” of Hamas for murdering about 1,200 Israeli civilians and taking 251 hostage on October 7, 2023?

Or the chants about killing the IDF?

Or the demands for Israel to cease to exist?

Or for a global intifada?

It is one thing to have a few doubts about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

It is altogether another to stand alongside rabid, Jew-hating jihadis, chanting their odious slogans.

Isn’t it time these fellow travellers had a Mitchell and Webb moment and asked themselves: “Hey . . . are we the BAD guys?”

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Virgo weekly horoscope: What your star sign has in store for October 12 – 18

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.

VIRGO

AUG 24 – SEPT 22

🔵 Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

a virgo sign that is on a brown background

Familiar work patterns are fine – but this week you need more, and Pluto is there to provide it. 

You have the ideas, and the courage, to break with tradition and suggest some new ways forward. 

Do use this while it’s hot. 

As for love, all the values a couple share can be tested, but come through tougher. 

Single?  Your soulmate could rock a role in the world of finance.  

AUTUMN LOVE FORECAST: What does Venus have in store for Virgo over the next three months?

OCTOBER: Maybe two people are not operating on the same system of values – this could threaten long-term bliss.

What your zodiac sign says about your home decor

This is your month to get this reviewed, and revised. 

It’s important to Virgo that morals are in line. 

Single? You may see the same face once a week all October – then suddenly click.  

NOVEMBER: Experimenting with love-talk can open up a whole new side of passion – this is a great month to start, with Venus softening and spicing up your communication sector.   

DECEMBER: An instant feeling of safety and security around someone is your strongest sign of love compatibility in December – this bond is worth pursuing, even if there are obstacles in the way. 

A family Christmas celebration can lead to two new members

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

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How to change your body shape and tone up the RIGHT way – and mistakes to avoid

If you’re looking to change your body shape, we’ve got you covered.

Here, Laura Hoggins, a personal trainer and author, takes you through your new workout plan.

Your New Workout 

Include a few compound movements in each workout, which work multiple muscles and joints at once. Do eight to 12 reps in each set.

“Women should lift heavy enough that the last two to three reps of a set are challenging but doable with good form,” says Laura.

You can use dumbbells or a barbell for these exercises:

SQUATS 

Women doing dumbbell deadlift workout in 2 steps to target lower body resistance training. Fitness and bodybuilding challenge.

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Squat position, from how you start and in the squat itselfCredit: Getty
  • Hold a dumbbell in each hand, letting them hang at your sides. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, chest up, and core tight.
  • Initiate the squat by pushing your hips back, as if you are reaching for a chair behind you.
  • Bend your knees and lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the floor (or as low as you can comfortably go while keeping your back straight and chest up). Keep the dumbbells close to your sides.
  • Push through your heels and the middle of your feet to powerfully drive back up to the starting position.
  • At the top, fully straighten your legs and squeeze your glutes for a complete repetition.

Try a goblet squat with one, heavier dumbbell held at the chest, or with a barbell on your upper back/neck.

DEADLIFTS

Women doing Barbell Deadlift workout in standing pose. Illustration about Fitness diagram about correct exercise poses with Heavyweights equipment in the gym.

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Here’s how to do the barbell deadliftCredit: Getty
  • Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Bend over and grip the bar with your hands just outside your shins.
  • With the bar still on the floor, bend your knees until your shins touch the bar. The bar should be going across the mid-foot. Keep your hips low, chest up, and back straight. Take a big breath and brace your core.
  • Drive through your heels, pushing the floor away. Stand up by extending your knees and hips simultaneously. Keep the bar in contact with your body (dragging it up your shins).
  • Finish the lift by standing tall. Squeeze your glutes together and lock your hips and knees.
  • To lower the bar again, hinge at your hips first, keeping your back straight, and allow the bar to descend down your thighs. Once the bar passes your knees, bend your knees to lower it to the floor with control.

BENCH PRESS

Illustration of a woman doing bench presses.

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Bench chest press with a barbellCredit: Getty
  • In the gym, set up a barbell on a rack with a flat bench underneath it. Lie on the bench and, planting your feet firmly on the floor, grab the bar with an overhand grip slightly wider than shoulder-width.
  • Squeeze your shoulder blades back and down (like you’re pinching a pencil between them). Arch your upper back slightly and drive your feet into the floor to lock in your entire body.
  • Take a deep breath and push the bar straight up and off the rack. Move it forward until it is balanced directly over your shoulders. This is your starting position (see illustration above).
  • Slowly lower the bar to your mid-chest, just below your collarbone. Keep your elbows tucked to a 45-to-70-degree angle from your body (avoid flaring them out wide).
  • When the bar lightly touches your chest, press it forcefully up and slightly back (not straight up) until your arms are fully extended over your shoulders. Exhale, and then repeat the movement for the next rep.
The 5 best exercise swaps for when you can’t be bothered to go to the gym

Try with dumbbells if you are at home or are new to the exercise and want more flexibility or range of motion, for example.

BENT OVER ROWS

Sport Women doing Fitness with Dumbbell by Deadlift Back Row pose in 2 steps. How to Build Muscle and Boost metabolism with Weighted Workout.

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Bent over rows – bring the elbows up to your ribsCredit: Getty
  • Stand with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing each other (neutral grip). Bend your knees slightly, then hinge at your hips so your torso is close to a 45-degree angle to the floor.
  • Keep your back straight, chest up, and core tight. Let the dumbbells hang straight down, just below your knees.
  • Lead the movement by pulling your elbows up and back towards the ceiling, drawing the dumbbells toward the sides of your chest/lower rib cage.
  • At the top of the movement, squeeze your back muscles together (imagine pinching a pencil between your shoulder blades).
  • Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position with your arms fully extended, maintaining the bent-over posture for all repetitions.

Try with a barbell too.

OVERHEAD PRESS WITH SQUAT

Sport Women doing Fitness with Dumbbell Squat and Overhead Press Exercise in 3 steps. Diagram of How to easy Fitness training target to Arms, Shoulder, Quadricep, and Gluteal muscles.

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The overhead press stepsCredit: Getty
  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand by your sides (palms facing inward). Keep your chest up and core tight.
  • Initiate the squat by pushing your hips back, as if you are sitting down into a chair.
  • Bend your knees, keeping your back straight and the dumbbells hanging close to your body. Go down until your thighs are parallel to the floor, or as low as comfortable.
  • Push through your heels and the middle of your feet to drive your body back up to the starting position. Fully straighten your legs and squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement.

Add on a couple of accessory lifts, which target specific areas and work only one side of the body at a time.

Think biceps curls or single-leg glute bridges.

Short on time?

“I suggest pairing exercises together from opposite muscle groups (such as quads and hamstrings), or an upper and a lower exercise to get the biggest bang for your time spent in the gym,” says Laura. 

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Horoscope today, October 11, 2025: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in March 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

♈ ARIES

March 21 to April 20

Talking and listening are your stand-out skills today, but it’s important to know when to draw a line, as you need to further your own projects.

So try to feel a two-way focus sharpen.

Mars stirs transformation ideas, and yes, you’re ready to reinvent a love-bond.

Single? New attraction flickers by firelight.

Get all the latest Aries horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions.

a poster for mystic meg with maggie innes saturday

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Your weekly horoscope for Saturday

♉ TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

There’s room for manoeuvre in a health pledge, so don’t allow yourself to get too fixated on a goal, or a schedule.

When you find a way that’s right for you, the rest can follow.

Saturn may give you false friendship starts, but your instincts about a new individual are spot on.

Your oldest relative gives great advice.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♊ GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

There’s a commitment you want, and need, to make – but it’s important to keep everyone you care about informed, so don’t skip this stage.

Talking, even casually, about your past inspires a story idea that can be a hit – but also highlights where to address an emotional gap.

Lucky numbers start with “2”.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♋ CANCER

June 22 to July 22

The sun’s in your stability sector and inspires you to see the very best in every situation.

So you can move on, even if you need to do it solo.

Playing a part in passion isn’t right for right now, so do commit 100 per cent to being your authentic Cancer self.

Someone you admire in a local group is starting to notice you.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♌ LEO

July 23 to August 23

You have hot persuasion power, and any role linked to getting people to try, or buy, can work well for you.

In passion terms, too, you’re able to persuade partners over to your way of thinking.

This can apply if you’ve just connected.

Moon magic filters through your chart to boost positive thinking – and connections.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♍ VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

There’s a spark of impulsive Mars deep in your communication centre, that makes today stand out.

Maybe you’ll surprise yourself, but you can achieve great results.

The sun lights your values zone – so not dismissing problems is a step to solving them.

Passion blooms where floral visuals are shared.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

a purple circle with the zodiac signs in it
Personal ability to change rises with Jupiter’s inputCredit: Getty

♎ LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

You’re loving your time in the sun, as deep-seated confidence grows.

There’s very little you can’t help happen right now – or at least try.

Meanwhile, Jupiter encourages talking about a gap in your life, or heart, with someone who’s new to your circle, yet feels familiar.

Prizes link two separate parts of your past together.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

List of 12 star signs

The traditional dates used by Mystic Meg for each sign are below.

♏ SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

Your chart carries some challenges today but you cope so well.

So don’t hold yourself back from pushing forward.

You really rate romance, and have fabulous ideas to show you care – this time, do see them through.

Single? Your soulmate shares a music passion.

An odd-numbered team can be lucky.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♐ SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

If you’ve tried a lot of ways to fix a family situation – Saturn suggests stepping back now.

You can see simple solutions from afar, and realise who holds the keys to your future.

Personal ability to change rises with Jupiter’s input – this can line up a surprise passion bonus.

Don’t rush to choose, enjoy the process.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♑ CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

Finding solutions is your star skill of the day – so even when other people give up, keep pursuing information.

You can bring people or promises back together, this time for keeps.

A new group may be making space for you, but do you want to join?

The ultimate choice is yours.

Love is strong when you believe in it.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

a zodiac circle with the signs of the zodiac on it

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A deep well of personal success in your chart makes anything possibleCredit: Supplied

♒ AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

A stop-start system or sequence of steps is ready to push forward again, as an enterprising moon carries you along.

So be ready to decide who you want to keep in your heart and head.

You have a sunny side that creates passion, and someone you often smile at from a distance can be waiting for a sign.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♓ PISCES

February 19 to March 20

A deep well of personal success in your chart makes anything possible – if you truly commit.

This is not the time for half-hearted goals, so make clear choices.

Partners make an impressive team, but it’s important to support each other.

If you’re free to meet someone new, say yes to an invite with a music theme.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

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Horoscope today, October 10, 2025: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

♈ ARIES

March 21 to April 20

Saturn’s influence starts your day with a strong cash drive – so review spending and saving, as you can see simple fixes, even for old problems.

Later, Uranus makes mischief in your communication zone and careless words could slip out so be careful.

So read through all messages twice before you send.

Mystic Meg with Maggie Innes, Friday.

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Your weekly horoscope for Friday

♉ TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

It’s so tempting to let difficult people go from your life, but your chart encourages extra talking first, and asks you to swop moral high ground for a more understanding stance.

You only need to do this once – as results should speak for themselves.

Taurus luck is strongest where matching outfits are worn.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♊ GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

Trusting your own judgement is easier as the moon intensifies inner vision – even if this tells you something you resist at first, today it’s enough to accept the challenge.

Neptune softens people bonds that may have become too rigid.

Even if you feel the moment has passed, you still have a chance to speak.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♋ CANCER

June 22 to July 22

Pluto pushes through any justification you have given yourself for holding back feelings or information – and creates an unexpected chance to put this right.

It’s not easy to accept this, but it’s important to try.

Your love chart is based on adoring a partner’s flaws as well as strengths – and doing the same for yourself.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♌ LEO

July 23 to August 23

Being part of a group, rather than always needing to lead it, can be the key to letting some deep indecision go.

From a work team to a love partnership, proving you can be unselfish and understanding is your passport to happiness.

Even if this means following orders you don’t 100 per cent agree with. Luck circles “42”

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♍ VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

As Pluto’s input intensifies, you may feel it’s pointless to set more health goals, as they always seem to be scuppered.

But this is just what you need to laser-focus your mind on. It is waiting there for you, and today you can make a start, no matter what.

Passion could call your name in a place you least expect it.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

a purple circle with the zodiac signs in it
Even stick-in-the-mud Saturn is prepared to support your dreamsCredit: Getty

♎ LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

There’s so much positive movement in your chart.

Even stick-in-the-mud Saturn is prepared to support your dreams, especially any that link to higher learning.

So instead of seeing things that could go wrong, spend today expecting everything to go right.

Your name on, or in, a love story can be coming so close.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

List of 12 star signs

The traditional dates used by Mystic Meg for each sign are below.

♏ SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

It’s not always comfortable to scrap a plan and start again – but today this is easier for you than usual.

So if you sense a creative idea has gone astray, you can get it back into line, with skill and flair.

In love terms, too, it’s not too late to express any misgivings and make a new plan.

Single? New love has a one-off name.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♐ SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

Smoothing all kinds of deals is your star skill of the day – however far an agreement may have gone, you can still make your unique mark on it.

And you also have the ability to keep friends, family or even strangers, talking on target, rather than breaking away.

As for love, if you seek to set a special date, this can be the day.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♑ CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

Healthy choices need to feel and look right.

If there is any disconnect here, this is your day to make a move.

Just because everyone else is taking a particular path, doesn’t mean you have to follow.

Love is on a learning curve that won’t always be easy, but will always be worthwhile, especially where “M” is concerned

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

a zodiac circle with the signs of the zodiac on it

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Saturn’s steady hand supports trying before you buyCredit: Supplied

♒ AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

Creative sparks crop up through your day – make sure you have mundane tasks done early on, so you can focus on the fun side of success.

A role you adore, even if it pays little in cash terms, can be an emotional goldmine, and you can spot it first today.

The luck factor links to recent new parents, or pet parents.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♓ PISCES

February 19 to March 20

Tapping into instincts linked to homes and families can be a rewarding action – as you recognise how special your skills are here.

Saturn’s steady hand supports trying before you buy – not just items or buildings, but emotions, too.

Your willingness to put yourself out there can be what someone special is waiting for.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

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