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Many of us love a morning coffee boost, and investing in a coffee machine can make the at-home experience a lot nicer.

The Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine has been reduced from £175 to £116.10 on Amazon right now.

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Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine
£116.10 (was £175)

Buying coffee out has become very expensive, but sometimes instant coffee just can’t compete.

It may not be a household essential, but a coffee machine is nice little luxury to own, especially for those slow weekend mornings when you have time to sip at a frothy coffee.

The Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine is compact, so it won’t take up too much precious counter space.

With black and silver details, it’s a super-sleek design, and very simple to use too.

To make your coffee, you just have to pop a pod into the top, and then choose from two buttons – lungo for a longer, weaker drink or espresso for a more intense shot that you can drink straight away.

Seven coffee pods are included so you can get brewing straight away, but it also uses the size of coffee pods that are very readily available at supermarkets, so when you need a top-up you can get cheaper own brand versions too.

If you’ve got a thermal flask, you can easily take a coffee out and about with you, especially if you’re hoping the investment will save you money buying takeaway drinks.

The coffee machine has made its way into Amazon’s bestsellers list, so it’s proving popular online.

Shoppers are leaving their feedback on the Nespresso device, with one saying: ‘’Such a game-changer for morning coffees.

‘’Couldn’t live without it after I’d experienced having this.

‘’Easy to use, easy to clean, small and compact but still stylish on the kitchen side.’’

Another shopper commented: ‘’Great coffee machine!

‘’Love the style and colour, also fits cheaper brand coffee pods such as the Amazon range and Lidl.

‘’Makes lovely coffee, I’m so glad I invested in this machine!‘’

A third shopper added: ‘’A replacement for our old coffee machine which went well.

‘’We’re very pleased with it so far as it’s not too big and sits on our worktop nicely, plus it makes lovely coffee.’’

Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine
£116.10 (was £175)

If you’re still unsure which is the perfect machine for you, take a look at our pick of the best coffee machines.

Geneva is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but it’s also one of the most walkable – and the city centre is just a six minute journey from the airport

Geneva is a stunning destination, not just for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures but also for its pedestrian-friendly layout.

Despite being one of the priciest places to visit in Europe, footloose tourists are spoilt for choice in this Swiss city. The city centre is a mere six-minute journey from the airport, making it an ideal spot for those on brief trips who don’t fancy a lengthy transfer.

According to geneva.info, Geneva airport is situated four kilometres from the city. A train ride between the Geneva Airport and the central railway station in the city (Gare Cornavin) takes six minutes, while a bus journey lasts about 20 minutes.

READ MORE: Gen Z more willing to splash out on ‘dream honeymoon’ than save for house depositREAD MORE: ‘I’m a travel expert – there’s an easy way for students to boost their gap year budget’

Visitors can utilise public transport around the city without shelling out a single penny and can freely hop on and off its comprehensive transport network. Anyone lodging in approved accommodation, be that a hotel, youth hostel, or campsite, is entitled to the city’s Transport Card for free travel throughout their stay, reports the Express.

Walkable city

The city centre of Geneva is relatively compact, meaning most of its top attractions are located within a short distance of each other. Whether you’re staying near the lake or in the Old Town, many of the city’s highlights are reachable on foot.

You can stroll from the famous Jet d’Eau, the large fountain, to the charming Parc des Bastions, a renowned park, without needing to catch a bus or tram. Geneva’s streets, particularly around the Old Town, are pedestrian-friendly with wide pavements, abundant green spaces and clearly marked crossings.

One of Europe’s largest lakes, Lake Geneva, is a major attraction in the city. The lakefront paths are perfect for leisurely strolls or brisk walks, offering stunning views of the water, distant Alps and the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain.

The city boasts numerous parks that offer tranquil walking routes. Parc La Grange and Parc des Eaux-Vives, both situated along the lake, are perfect for an afternoon amble. Another favourite is Jardin Anglais, conveniently located near the city centre and offering picturesque lakeside vistas.

For those seeking more adventurous treks, Geneva’s position at the foot of the Alps provides easy access to hiking trails just outside the city.

READ MORE: Beautiful seaside town named ‘best for Brits’ with no tourists and amazing views

Public transport

While Geneva is easily navigable on foot, its public transport system offers a welcome respite for weary feet. The city has trams, buses, and even water taxis (known as Mouettes) that can swiftly transport you to any part of the city.

Moreover, if you’re staying at a hotel in Geneva, you’ll typically receive a Geneva Transport Card for complimentary public transport during your stay. In line with its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, Geneva encourages walking and aims to reduce car traffic. Several areas in the city have limited or no car access.

Adam and Steph, from Boston, have visited the UK several times and said they love the countryside and walking routes in the Cotswolds, but there is one thing that has left them ‘baffled’

American tourists have revealed what puzzles them most about Britain – our obsession with toast.

Adam and Steph, from Boston, Massachusetts, spoke their UK adventure whilst exploring the Cotswolds. When questioned about what caught them off guard during their visit, Steph quipped: “We have been to Britain quite a few times. I have been pondering the toast. Why is there so much toast everywhere?”.

The pair journeyed across the Cotswolds this summer and expressed their adoration for the rural landscape and hiking trails. Chatting in Chipping Campden, Adam remarked: “It is lovely here, and excellent mud! We love the rain!

READ MORE: ‘Ghost’ village where everyone forced to leave in 1943 as time stopped and gates lockedREAD MORE: The fabulous village with stunning river views crowned one of UK’s best places to live

“For us the walking is great, and the towns are quite beautiful. We both enjoy getting out in the countryside and dodging the sheep poop.”

The Cotswolds have witnessed a tourist surge in recent years, attracting growing numbers of both British and overseas visitors, reports the Express.

However, certain residents in the Cotswolds have bemoaned the rising visitor numbers owing to traffic jams and the proliferation of Airbnbs and holiday homes. Adam acknowledges he grasps locals’ worries, yet maintains that holidaymakers can benefit these areas.

He went on: “Tourism makes it a bit more of a varied economy, we support the shops and the restaurants here. It is a complex topic, but I think tourism plays a role in keeping these communities more vibrant.”

Steph concluded: “One of the reasons we like to walk in the countryside is because we don’t like tourist intense areas.”

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A LUCKY viewer of a brand new ITV game show has walked away with an eye-watering £1million.

Sienna McSwiggan, 20, secured the top prize last night on Win Win with People’s Postcode Lottery on Saturday night.

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The hotel manager from The Black Country took home the £1million cash prize, as well as two cars, two luxury holidays, a trip to Australia to see The Ashes and Take That tickets.

After answering the winning question correctly, Sienna questioned if it was real and said the money would be life-changing for herself and family.

She said: “I don’t even know what to say. I am in shock.

“I’ve literally got a penny in my account.

“I’m over the moon. It feel like a dream and someone’s gonna wake me up any minute.”

Hosted by Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, the quiz show sees contestants battling it out in the studio.

At home viewers can also get involved and play for prizes.

However, the show’s format also allows these viewers to become contestants in the studio.

Once they have bagged a prize, players have to face the ultimate decision.

They must choose between keeping their original prize or risk it all and trade it in to join Millionaire’s row.

Sienna took the gamble and traded a trip to the Maldives for a chance to win big.

The risk saw her take home one of the UK’s biggest telly prizes.

Last month, The Sun reported that another contestant took home a huge £20,000 jackpot.

After answering the final question correctly, Shayanne took home the winning prize.

Previously discussing the format, Mel Giedroyc said: “This quiz is so extra!

“Imagine winning something like a car just by playing along with a gameshow you’re watching on a Saturday night in your pyjamas?

“I can’t wait!”

Sue Perkins added: “If I wasn’t hosting this, I’d be playing it at home; sat in my leopard print onesie, cuddling the dog whilst trying to figure out The Nation’s favourite chocolate bar. Bring it on!”

Speaking to The Mirror ahead of yesterday’s finale, Sue added:  “Saturday’s show really is going to be a night like no other. 

“The thrilling thing, of course, is that all of this is going to be won by one person, and that person might even be a viewer turned contestant, who simply signed up, joined in from their sofa and got the surprise of their life.”

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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 

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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.

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

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• 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

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• 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. 

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last March 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 this week.

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LEO

JULY 23 – AUG 23

🔵 Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

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You’re ready to break long-standing bonds and make some fresh new ones – at home, at work and in love.

This can mean a total overhaul of feelings, to make more space for your own needs.

Pluto’s positive power is strong to support you in this.

A super-sensitive moon makes this a week of flashes of insight – do tune in to these.

Your learning style is updating, too.

AUTUMN LOVE FORECAST

What does Venus have in store for Leo over the next three months?

OCTOBER

Talk, talk – then talk some more.

This is your month to eliminate guesswork from love, set up clear new boundaries for both partners.

If you’re single, a voice that instantly intrigues you, even on a recording, can be your passion hot pick.

NOVEMBER

Staying in, and cuddling up, may be a million miles from the social scene you adore, but it’s so worthwhile in November.

Two people can reconnect, and realise both want more from the future.

DECEMBER

Now the fun can start – surprise gifts and celebration gestures are just one aspect of this pro-active passion month.

For single Leos, saying yes to every invite is the key to meeting someone special – so is a hand-made card, or display of creative work.

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.

BRITAIN’S smallest castle, a charming 19th century Gothic turret in the heart of Hertfordshire, has gone up for sale.

The Gazebo Tower is a glorious Grade II listed landmark which dates back to 1833 and is packed with royal-looking features inside its 645sqft of living space.

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Described as a “local icon”, this three-storey tower in Ross-on-Wye looks out over the River Wye and the Hertfordshire countryside.

Inside, each of its circular rooms – roughly 16ft across – has been transformed into a kitchen, a bedroom and a living room.

It also comes with a picturesque roof-top terrace, described as offering 360-degree views of the Black Mountains of Southeast Wales, the spire of Saint Mary’s Church, Chase Wood and Ross-on-Wye’s vibrant architecture.

It’s currently available to buy for £330,000.

Estate agents Hamilton Stiller described it “an opportunity to own a landmark and one of Ross-on-Wye’s most striking features.”

One of the most whimsical touches to the property is how the double bed hides a bath underneath – making the most of the space.

The top floor also includes an en-suite wet room and a spiral staircase leading to a battery-operated roof hatch.

Athletes from the Ross Rowing Club can even often be seen sailing down the River Wye from the windows.

The quintessential market town of Ledbury is only 13 miles away, while trains to London Paddington take two hours.

This tower, once owned by Herefordshire Council, was sold in 2001 when its only floor was accessible by ladder.

Tony Billingham, who won the bid by post, lovingly restored the tower into a cozy, functional home and later opened it to visitors, donating proceeds to local charities.

This isn’t the only house that has caught widespread attention recently.

A seemingly ordinary home has gone up for sale at £400,000, but there’s one very unexpected twist that’s caught people’s attention.

Photos of the property reveal that one of its two bathrooms has been transformed into a home office – giving workers the chance to “do their business” without ever leaving the room.

A three-bedroom home in Walton, Chesterfield, has hit the market for £150,000, appearing perfectly normal from the street – but step inside, and things take a decidedly unexpected turn.

Baffled house hunters have branded the interior “bonkers”, with photos revealing a quirky layout and eccentric design choices that are anything but ordinary.

A charming seaside property with a fascinating backstory has caught the attention of locals and house hunters alike.

Listed for £235,000 in February, the home was purchased by a couple in July after making several visits over the summer.

Nicknamed “the Dolls House” by locals, the petite property is cleverly built in an alleyway between two neighbouring homes and offers breathtaking views of the coast.

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STRICTLY viewers have spotted a last minute wardrobe change as George Clarke danced his first Couple’s Choice – but did you see it?

Podcaster and social media personality George, 25, is competing on the show alongside new pro partner, Alexis Warr, 25.

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George and Alexis took the floor tonight with their couple’s choice accompanied by Soda Pop from K-Pop Demon Hunters.

The lively hip-hop dance thrilled the audience but viewers spotted a last minute costume change.

Taking to social media one wrote: “Thank GOD the wig changed.”

Another added: “WHYD THEY GET RID OF THE WIG.”

While a third exclaimed: “Not George taking that ugly blue wig off.”

“The fact he said NO WIG for the show,” added another.

Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo praised the dancers and declared: “I am so proud of you because earlier I felt you were not taking yourself as seriously as you could.”

Shirley Ballas agreed and said: “You were flying like an angel.”

However, Anton Du Beke stated: “You came alive…but I thought it lacked a bit of edge.”

Craig Revel Horwood echoed this and said: “It needed to be sharper.”

But Oti Mabuse added: “You’re doing a beautiful job and keep going.”

When the scores came in George and Alexis received 6 points from Criag, 8 from Oti, 9 from Shirley and 8 from Anton giving them a respectable total of 31 points.

Cheers rose from the audience and the adorable pair looked very happy with their scores.

Meanwhile, viewers have branded the show’s latest judge shake-up awkward after a baffling decision.

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 lineup

Strictly Come Dancing news and the latest line up

Cynthia has spent the week working with the celebrities and their partners to help them with their performance and offering up her advice during their training.

However, when the live show kicked off, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman confirmed that despite the huge hype surrounding Cynthia being on the panel, the actress was barred from scoring the couples.

As she wasn’t allowed a paddle to mark the pairs, Cynthia found herself sitting awkwardly among the judging panel as the other four judges offered up their scores.

It left fans at home begging the BBC to let Cynthia have a paddle last-minute after branding her inclusion on the panel “awkward”.

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LIAM Gallagher has become a grandfather for the first time after his daughter Molly Moorish gave birth to a baby boy.

The Oasis frontman, 53, had Molly, 27, in 1998 following a short-lived romance with her mum Lisa.

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The pair were estranged for 19 years but have become close and now Molly has given the rocker his first grandchild.

Molly shared the news of her son Rudi’s arrival on Instagram on Saturday, although it appears she gave birth a few weeks ago in September.

One picture featured her long term partner – footballer Nathaniel ‘Nat’ Phillips – holding their son while he wore a little red jumper with a big R initial on the back.

Another snap showed Rudi in his Moses basket facing the window with the sun coming in in front of him.

She also showed off some of the monogrammed items she had around the house for her baby boy.

She captioned the images: “a message to you, rudy.”

DIEGO COSTA may be retired, but he hasn’t lost any of the fire he showed in his playing days, KICKING OUT at ex-Liverpool right-back Martin Kelly in the Chelsea vs Liverpool legends match.

The ex-Brazil and Spain forward, 37, was running onto a through ball from Eden Hazard, when Kelly came through from behind to win the ball from the physical striker, leaving him furious.

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Costa, still on the floor, decided to lash out at Kelly with his studs, planting a foot into the right-back’s upper leg.

Kelly – who only officially retired from football YESTERDAY – was left furious, and we saw a familiar scene as Costa got to his feet and squared up to the 35-year-old.

Things looked to be diffused, only for Costa to carry on playing before choosing Martin Skrtel as his next target.

The Slovakian defender challenged Costa just minutes later, with the striker still clearly unhappy, and then getting booked for squaring up to Skrtel.

And fans were left less-than-shocked on social media.

Taking to X, one wrote: “Diego Costa being aggressive in a Legends match is the most Diego Costa thing ever.”

Another said: “People don’t really change, and Diego Costa reminding us why.”

A third added: “Diego Costa will always be Diego Costa.”

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Even Eden Hazard weighed in at half-time, saying: “”This guy is still the same, you know. We just saw it.”

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

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IT is set to be one of the most momentous occasions in soap history.

For the first time ever, ITV‘s landmark shows will be combining for an epic hour of soap drama that is being teased as changing the course of both programmes forever.

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This January, Coronation Street and Emmerdale will join forces for the aptly titled Corriedale to herald the stars of the new ‘soap power hour’.

It’s a clever, bold and HUGE move by ITV with both programmes having faced mass cast axings, job cuts, dwindling ratings and general backlash from fans over the past few years.

It is hoped by executives that the special show will help to revitalise both shows and kickstart a new era for the programmes – as well as being a clever way to conceal the fact they’ve both lost 30 minutes of screen-time a week.

From next year, both shows will air for just 30 minutes per night – the equivalent of five episodes per week unlike the current six.

But with the epic stunt set to take place, which is currently being filmed on long night shoots and being kept tightly under wraps, there promises to be the deaths of fan-favourite characters from both programmes.

Being such a historic moment in TV means that it should come with an utterly unforgettable death that will go down in the soap history books.

With only one chance to get it right, here is who I think ITV should kill off now.

Eric Pollard

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Yes, you read that right.

Emmerdale bosses need to make an impact and as such, they should volunteer their longest-serving character ever as a sacrifice.

Not only would killing Eric off be the biggest unexpected twist that would have people gasping up and down the country, it would lay the foundations for the village to truly be changed forever.

Having been portrayed by Chris Chittell since 1986, he has become part of the foundation in the Dales.

But as an avid viewer, it hasn’t gone unnoticed that he has fallen into a rather bumbling repeated pattern of storyline in recent years.

Fans often see Eric disappear from screens for a number of weeks before popping back up to have a new brief crisis.

It quickly results in him snapping at anyone in sight and becoming public enemy number one with his grumpy old man act.

But just as quickly as the crisis arises, he soon realises the error of his ways and makes peace with his family and friends in true story-telling fashion.

Frankly, we’ve seen it multiple times and we really don’t need to see it again.

If bosses aren’t planning on placing Eric in a new mass murder plot or turn him into the Dales’ next gangster, I fear his potential plots have naturally come to an end.

Be brave Emmerdale and let go of your longest player if you truly want a memorable moment.

April Windsor

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The other character I think Dales bosses should be offering up to meet their maker in the crossover could not be more opposite to Eric.

If they don’t make their big death the village OAP then yes, a wayward teen schoolgirl is the next best way to go.

Played by Amelia Flanagan, April has been one of Emmerdale’s biggest success stories in terms of transition from very young child performer to a teen actress who is able to hold her own when it comes to lengthy and gritty storylines.

However, her transition from wise-beyond-her-years 10-year-old to a reckless and easily-influenced 15-year-old has never sat right.

Over the past 12 months, goody-two-shoes April has become soap’s most troubled teen ever out of nowhere.

She went missing for months, became homeless, began underage drinking, went through a heartbreaking teen stillbirth whilst living on the streets and has now found herself a drug mule in a shocking county lines storyline.

I can’t help but think this unexpected character development could be for one bigger reason.

Having faced many brushes with death over her chaotic year, the soap stunt could be the perfect time to portray a real story of a teen tragedy.

Seeing a teenager killed off would have the shock factor to last years if done correctly.

April meeting a tragic end also allows for the soap to delve into family heartache and tragedy following her potential passing.

MY EMMERDALE VERDICT: Emmerdale needs to go to the extremes and for me, it’s either the show’s oldest character or on the flip-side, one of their youngest.

Sean Tully

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When it comes to who Corrie could offer up for their soap death, the first person that comes to mind (and, let’s be honest, most fans’) would be Sean Tully.

How Sean has scraped through 22 years on the Street boggles the mind.

As both a TV journalist and viewer of the programme, I am yet to encounter anyone, either personally or professionally, who would make a campaign to save Antony Cotton’s character from getting the axe.

Of course, Sean does have many ties to the faces of Weatherfield and would likely see some moving performances from them in the aftermath of his passing.

But with the character having truly lacked a notable storyline for close to 10 years, his spot on the soap is purely taking away space from another character who could help provide a much-needed boost to the already fledgling soap.

And let’s be real, Corrie needs to be saving all the money it can amid the ongoing cash crisis.

Whilst killing Sean off would realistically go rather unnoticed in the long-run of the soap, marking the end of such a universally disliked character will have soap fans rejoicing in their droves and for that alone, Coronation Street will have achieved a milestone.

Dee-Dee Bailey

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This is a tough one to say.

But with actress Channique Sterling-Brown having confirmed she has quit the soap for pastures new, killing her off in the New Year stunt may be the only thing that allows her to be remembered as a legacy character.

It is safe to say, amid a crowd of unnecessary and irritating new characters since the pandemic, Dee-Dee has been a true breathe of fresh air.

She exudes classic Corrie and Channique is a formidable actress.

But with her choosing to walk away after just four years, I worry that she’s about to fall into a bad trap.

We have seen it time and time again with incredible actresses leaving soap after just a few short years at the promise of breaking out into even bigger roles.

But despite their talent, they fade into the abyss and the characters are too forgettable to encourage bosses to ever bring them back.

Case and point Amy James Kelly, who played Maddie Heath on Corrie between 2013 and 2015.

She rocked Weatherfield to its core but with Amy quickly being predicted for bigger and better things on Corrie, she quit before she became too tied down to the role.

But her star power soon faded and she failed to be the big star everyone had hoped and Maddie became forgotten about much quicker than expected.

I’d hate this to happen to Channique but I fear it may be written in the stars.

But if bosses decide to place Dee-Dee at the forefront of their most anticipated episode since 2010’s Tram Crash (which did wonders for the legacy of Molly Dobbs played by the iconic Vicky Binns) then they will cement her in the history books for YEARS to come.

Whilst I don’t want to see Dee-Dee die, it could be her only hope of remaining a Corrie icon.

MY CORONATION STREET VERDICT: When it comes to the Corrie death, bosses either need to take one for the team and free audiences from an abysmal character or preserve the legacies of who could have been a Street Queen.

Emily and her family moved from the UK to Florida in the US 12 weeks ago, and although they love their new life, there are certain things they don’t approve of about America

Moving across the pond might sound like an incredibly exciting experience as experiencing a new culture can be amazing – even if it takes some getting used to.

But while there might be many new phenomenal experiences to take in, there’s no doubt going to be things you miss about home, and things you aren’t so impressed by. This is what’s starting to dawn on a family-of-four who moved from the UK to the US, 12 weeks ago.

Emily, her partner Jay and their two kids relocated to Florida, and have been sharing their experiences so far online. Recently, although Emily revealed she has “fallen in love” with the warm evenings and “pond view” from their house, she also admitted there are things she doesn’t like about living in the US.

In a recent TikTok video, she explained the “10 things we don’t like since we moved from the UK to Florida”. Firstly, Emily mentioned the public bathroom stalls because of the gaps either side of the doors which you can “see straight through”. Emily added: “I don’t like it. I don’t like the lack of privacy.” Another thing which she doesn’t like is that WhatsApp “doesn’t seem to exist” because texting is much more popular. “To me, that is oldschool,” said Emily.

Next thing Emily has an issue with is “Florida drivers”, who she said are “wild and aggressive,” although she hopes to get used to the “craziness” soon.

Emily also said that since moving to Florida they have had “multiple people soliciting at our door, trying to sell their business”. Emily said she doesn’t like it, but knows she can stop it by putting up a sign.

She continued: “Five, when you’re filling up your car and it’s the slowest pump ever.” According to Emily, at every gas station they have been to it has taken “forever” to fill up the car.

Another thing Emily has noticed is “how long the mail takes” when it’s not an Amazon Prime delivery. “It takes a week to 10 days for anything to arrive,” she claimed. Emily also mentioned the “bugs at nighttime”, which are “relentless in Florida. She added: “The second that the sun goes down they are swarming everywhere.”

Next Emily said she doesn’t like the snakes, as they’ve already dealt with two on their property. She added: “I don’t really like having poisonous snakes in my garden.”

“Last but not least” on Emily’s list was the “very confusing healthcare system,” as she says there is a lot of paperwork, which she’s sure they’ll get used to. Despite all these things, she said: “Ignoring those 10 things, it’s still the best thing we have ever done and we love our life out here.”

The Foreign Office issued an alert on Saturday

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to anybody who is planning on taking luggage abroad with them. Tens of millions of overseas trips are made from the UK each year, and the FCDO regularly shares information aimed at keeping Brits safe while travelling.

In a new alert on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday the FCDO issued a warning regarding baggage. The post reads: “Criminal gangs are known to pressure people into carrying drugs.

“Always pack your own luggage and do not carry anything through customs for someone else.” Further information provided on an accompanying graphic warns: “There’s no such thing as a free holiday. You booked a jail sentence. Do not carry cannabis through customs for someone else.”

The warning comes after British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis out of Thailand. While low-strength cannabis is legal in the south-east Asian country, the FCDO warns, cannabis of any strength is illegal in the UK, and may be illegal in other countries you travel to.

It goes on to remind passengers that airports have “excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items” and explains that anyone caught carrying cannabis in other countries may be given a long prison sentence, and even the death penalty.

FCDO guidance continues: “Legal processes before court hearings can be long and expensive. It can take many months for a case to go to trial. In some countries, you can be arrested if you have traces of cannabis on your clothing, baggage or within you.

“Random blood and urine tests can be taken to see if it is within you. It is illegal to take cannabis out of Thailand without the appropriate export permissions issued by the authorities.

“Illegally carrying cannabis, particularly large quantities, can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment in Thailand.”

MEXICO CITY — Amid the constant blare of car horns in southern Mexico City, it’s hard to imagine that Cuicuilco was once the heart of a thriving ancient civilization. Yet atop its circular pyramid, now surrounded by buildings and a shopping center, a pre-Hispanic fire god was revered.

“This is incredible,” said Evangelina Báez, who spent a recent morning at Cuicuilco with her daughters. “In the midst of so much urbanization, there’s still this haven of peace.”

Her visit was part of a monthly tour program crafted by the National Institute of Anthropology and History, known by its Spanish initials as INAH.

Aside from overseeing Mexico’s archaeological sites and museums, the institute safeguards the country’s cultural heritage, including restoring damaged monuments and artworks as well as reviewing construction projects to ensure they don’t harm archaeological remains.

Its historians and archaeologists also lead excursions like the one in Cuicuilco. Each academic expert picks a location, proposes a walking itinerary to the INAH and, once approved, it’s offered to the public for about 260 pesos ($15).

“I joined these tours with the intention of sharing our living heritage,” said archaeologist Denisse Gómez after greeting guests in Cuicuilco. “Our content is always up to date.”

According to Mónica de Alba, who oversees the tours, the INAH excursions date to 1957, when an archaeologist decided to share the institute’s research with colleagues and students.

“People are beginning to realize how much the city has to offer,” said De Alba, explaining that the INAH offers around 130 tours per year in downtown Mexico City alone. “There are even travel agents who pretend to be participants to copy our routes.”

María Luisa Maya, 77, often joins these tours as a solo visitor. Her favorite so far was one to an archaeological site in Guerrero, a southern Mexican state along the Pacific coast.

“I’ve been doing this for about eight years,” she said. “But that’s nothing. I’ve met people who have come for 20 or 25.”

Traces of a lost city

Cuicuilco means “the place where songs and dances are made” in the Nahua language.

Still, the precise name of its people is unknown, given that the city’s splendor dates back to the pre-Classic era from 400 to 200 B.C. and few clues are left to dig deeper into its history.

“The Nahuas gave them that name, which reveals that this area was never forgotten,” said archaeologist Pablo Martínez, who co-led the visit with Gómez. “It was always remembered, and even after its decline, the Teotihuacan people came here to make offerings.”

The archaeological site is a quiet corner nestled between two of Mexico City’s busiest avenues. Yet according to Martínez, the settlements went far beyond the vicinity and Cuicuilco’s population reached 40,000.

“What we see today is just a small part of the city,” he said. “Merely its pyramidal base.”

Now covered in grass and resembling a truncated cone, the pyramid was used for ritual purposes. The details of the ceremonies are unknown, but female figurines preserved at the site’s museum suggest that offerings were related to fertility.

“We think they offered perishable objects such as corn, flowers and seeds,” Gómez said. “They were feeding the gods.”

Echoes of living heritage

According to official records, Mexico’s most visited archaeological sites are Teotihuacán and Chichén Itzá. The first is a pre-Aztec city northeast of the capital known for its monumental Sun and Moon pyramids. The latter is a major Mayan site in the Southeast famed for its 12th-century Temple of Kukulkán.

The INAH oversees both. But its tours focus on shedding light on Mexico’s hidden gems.

During an excursion preceding Cuicuilco’s, visitors walked through a neighborhood in Ecatepec, on the outskirts of Mexico City, where open-air markets, street food and religious festivals keep local traditions alive. A few days prior, another tour focused on La Merced market, where flowers, prayers and music filled the aisles during the feast of Our Lady of Mercy.

October’s schedule takes into account Day of the Dead traditions. But tours will feature a variety of places like Xochimilco, where visitors can take a moonlit boat tour through its canals and chinampas, and Templo Mayor, the Aztec empire’s main religious and social center in ancient Tenochtitlán.

“These tours allow the general public to get closer to societies that are distant in time and space,” said historian Jesús López del Río, who will lead an upcoming tour on human sacrifices to deities in Mesoamérica.

“Approaching the pre-Hispanic past is not only about how the Maya used zero in their calculations or how the Mexica built a city on a lake,” he added. “It’s about understanding how those societies worked — their way of seeing and relating to the world.”

Hernández writes for the Associated Press.

THIS is the incredible moment a 10-year-old hero sister with quick thinking stopped her younger brother from choking – saving his life.

Footage showed the siblings jumping on a trampoline in their backyard when the seven-year-old brother began choking.

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It all started when sister Lia and brother Logan started playing a game which involved eating sour candies while jumping on the trampoline.

However, Logan began choking as soon as he put one of the treats in his mouth and tried to swallow.

The clip showed him stopping abruptly and clutching his chest as the candy got stuck in his throat.

As Logan began choking on the candy, Lia quickly began patting his back and performed the Heimlich manoeuvre.

The candy then flew out of his mouth, relieving Logan from the discomfort.

The clip was shared by the local police, who revealed that Lia learned the life-saving technique from a babysitting guide and her mother. 

Her mum Heather James, told NBC News: “It was a hard watch,’ their mother.

“As much as it hurts my heart to watch, I’m just so proud of her.”

Mum Heather is a member of the Lavon Police Department’s special programs division, which teaches different life-saving courses.

She revealed she was in the kitchen when the terrifying ordeal unfolded, but said Lia rushed in to tell her everything.

She added that her son Lpgan “swore he will never be on the trampoline with a piece of candy again”.

It’s a parents worst nightmare to imagine a situation in which they have to save their child from choking.

But in that moment, it may be you who will have to step up and perform first aid.

The NHS says if you can see an object lodged in your child’s mouth, take care to remove it because blindly poking at it could make things worse.

If the child is coughing, encourage them to continue as they may be able to bring the object up. Don’t leave them.

If the coughing isn’t effective (it is silent or they cannot breathe properly), shout for help immediately.

If the child is still conscious, use back blows. 

First aiders at St John Ambulance give the following advice based on the child’s age.

Different airlines have different seat dimensions and leg room — and you may wonder what standard tickets actually provide

With autumn in full swing, many people in the UK are heading off for winter sun or a European city break. But comfort on flights can be hard to come by, especially on the cheaper airlines.

Cramped legroom and tight seating can put a damper on your flight experience. It’s well known that seat sizes and leg space vary from airline to airline. For those unwilling to fork out extra for “extra legroom” options, you might be wondering what standard tickets actually offer.

Luckily, back in 2023, Which? conducted a study looking at legroom and seat width among 12 leading short-haul carriers flying out of the UK, reports the Express.

The study looked at “seat pitch” — the distance between your seat and the one in front — as a measure of legroom. Aer Lingus, Lufthansa, and KLM came out on top, offering a generous seat pitch of 31 to 32 inches, 29 to 33 inches, and 30 to 32 inches respectively. On the other hand, Wizz Air and TUI were at the bottom of the pile, both providing a seat pitch of just 28 inches.

When it comes to seat width – the actual space between the two armrests either side of your seat – most airlines offer similar dimensions, around 17 inches. However, easyJet, TAP Portugal, and Lufthansa provide slightly more room, at 18 inches.

Airlines that offer the most to least legroom (in inches)

• Aer Lingus: 31-32
• British Airways: 29-31
• easyJet: 29
• Jet2: 28-31
• KLM: 29-33
• Lufthansa: 30-32
• Norwegian: 29-31
• Ryanair: 30
• TAP Portugal: 28-31
• TUI: 29
• Vueling: 29-30
• Wizz Air: 28

AFTER a decade of uncertainty, pain and torment, Logan Gifford can now call himself the father of his younger brother.

Logan, 27, was raped by his depraved mother at the age of 10 and forced to live through almost seven years of sexual abuse – which only stopped when his mum fell pregnant.

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When mum Doreene gave birth, speculation around who the father was quickly swirled.

Doreene – who was convicted of sexual assault, incest and lewdness in 2015 – claimed it was from an affair she had had away from Logan’s dad Ted.

But it wasn’t until Logan was in high school that he started to unravel the disturbing potential reality of his family tree.

Wanting to secure justice for both himself and his younger sibling, Logan became locked in a custody battle over the boy – who was living with his father Ted.

Logan wanted to find out who was the true father and if it was him to support the 15-year-old as much as possible.

After months of uncertainty and DNA tests, Logan has now officially been declared the teen’s dad in a Nevada court.

Speaking to The Sun on the verdict, Logan said: “The legal determination was made through the court process, but the biological and emotional realities remain deeply intertwined and unresolved.

“My goal has never been about winning a legal argument — it has always been about protecting my brother and ensuring the truth is fully known.”

The Las Vegas local has been trying to uncover the truth for years after he put Doreene behind bars in 2015 for the abuse.

As he battled to overcome the mental scars of his childhood, Logan started therapy.

It was during one of these sessions that he was asked about the possibility that he could be the father of his brother due to the years of abuse.

Logan said his brother went through a “complex” birth as he was deprived of oxygen and “came out purple”.

His brother went through years of speech and physical therapy and continues to struggle with a range of cognitive difficulties, requiring support at home and school.

Children born as a result of incest face a much higher risk of genetic disorders and disabilities due to the increased likelihood of inheriting recessive genetic mutations.

This case stems from a lifetime of trauma and abuse – circumstances no child or family should ever have to endure

Logan Gifford

Babies who are starved of oxygen can develop Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy, which causes brain injuries and can lead to disabilities such as cerebral palsy, seizures and developmental issues.

Logan has long battled with the idea that he may have been the reason for his brother’s disabilities – due to his incestuous conception.

Logan said: “This case stems from a lifetime of trauma and abuse – circumstances no child or family should ever have to endure.

“My parents did my brother, who is disabled, a disservice in not fully understanding why he was born the way he was.”

The court’s decision allows Logan to claim custody for his brother – but his father, Ted, has not completed a DNA test yet.

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Logan explained: “The DNA testing that was conducted produced results showing that I was not ruled out as his biological father.

“At the same time, Ted – the man who was presumed to be the biological father – defaulted, meaning he declined to participate in the process and failed to appear.

“As a result, the judge issued a ruling based on the available evidence and that default.

“This outcome highlights how complex and painful this case truly is.”

A few years after the abuse ended, Logan decided to report his mum to the police.

At the time, Logan believed he had dealt with the biggest problem in his life by putting his mother behind bars.

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Any deviation from the beaten track comes with moments of uncertainty. Is this the right dirt track? Is our progress going to be thwarted at any moment by an impenetrable thicket, or worse still an implacable landowner who will force a ham-fisted reverse? As it turns out, we are only temporarily stalled by two male peacocks jousting in the middle of the lane in a kaleidoscopic blur of feathers and fury. We wait for them to retire to the grass verge and continue to bounce up the track until we see a sign for our cottage pointing to the left. This leads us deeper into a woodland of oak, ash, birch and Douglas fir, until we finally see a brick-and-stone house standing in a clearing set back from the trail.

From the outside, Van Cottage looks like a pioneer homestead, with a crooked stone chimney to one side and a metal-roofed veranda to the other. Around the corner there’s a wood-fired hot tub, and beyond the garden fence in a little forest glade is a small brick dunny. The house sits on a ridge, and the garden offers views over the carmine-coloured ploughed fields and billowy woodland of Herefordshire.

If you fancy escaping the wind, rain and gloomy mornings this half term there’s a beautiful, Mediterranean island lined with stunning beaches where the sun is still shining

The long hot days of summer are well and truly behind us and after being spoiled with numerous heatwaves this year, the cold nip of autumn may be biting a little more fiercely than usual.

As half term approaches, the dark and early school starts could be starting to take their toll on the kids too. Tired from the stresses of their new routines with different teachers and classes, a trip away may be just what the whole family needs.

If the thought of some late October sun appeals before the madness of Christmas descends and the UK weather gets even colder, there are places where the temperatures still remain pleasantly warm.

READ MORE: Spain’s lesser-known ‘Garden of Europe’ that’s 21C in November gets new UK flightsREAD MORE: The fabulous village with stunning river views crowned one of UK’s best places to live

Located south of Turkey and southeast of Greece, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. While many other tourist hotspots have already closed or are winding down for the winter, the main resorts here are still open in at this time of year.

This makes it the ideal place to head off for half term for some much needed rest and relaxation. The weather should also be on your side too because it’s one of the warmest places in this part of the European Union thanks to its subtropical climate.

The summer generally lasts eight months from April through to November, and temperatures during October can reach 28C or higher on occasion. Even in the cooler four months, it’s possible to enjoy 20C. Coastal areas in December are blessed with as many hours of sunshine as London gets in May on average, so sun seekers are certainly well catered for.

Luckily there is more than 400 miles of coastline to enjoy as well where you can partake in some water sports, watch the world go by in the many beachside bars and indulge in the delicious local cuisine at the numerous restaurants.

Resorts make the most of their sun-soaked climate and welcome holidaymakers late into the season. In high summer, the beaches in Protaras and Ayia Napa are heaving in but by this time of year they are much calmer, so great for families to make the most of with the sea temperature averaging around 24C.

Those with younger children or elderly travellers may prefer the sandy, tranquil beach of Fig Tree Bay in Protaras where it’s possible to explore the beautiful turquoise waters with a spot of snorkelling or on a boat trip. Limassol offers a long stretch of gorgeous coastline with some Blue Flag beaches and a stunning marina.

On the East Coast restaurants and kids’ clubs in Paphos and Limassol are still running and lively. For children who are too old for hotel clubs and making sandcastles, there’s plenty to entertain them too. The island has lots of water and amusement parks. Party town Ayia Napa is home to a number, with the Greek mythology-themed WaterWorld being the most famous, while the naturally landscaped Aphrodite Waterpark is situated in Paphos.

If culture is more your thing, or you want to enlighten the kids a little on their break, you can soak up the rich history of Cyprus, birthplace of Aphrodite, by visiting some of the many churches in Larnaca or relics from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras The Tombs of the Kings is definitely worth a look. The UNESCO World Heritage Site offers visitors a glimpse into the mysterious burial practices in underground tombs dating back to the 4th century.

Recent visitors to Cyprus have shared their experiences on TripAdvisor, with one advising on the weather during autumn. “We have been four times to Paphos in October,” they wrote. “The temperature in mid October in the early afternoon has been around 28 degrees with beautiful blue skies. We have been able to eat outside in the early evening and used a pashmina later.

“Could still swim in the pool but it was a bit chilly. The sea, however, was fine to swim in.” Another added: “We’re always there mid-October and it’s lovely – still short sleeves in the evenings.”