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Eight signs your partner is secretly broke from paying in cash to romantic gestures and even a change in routine
MORE than half of us miss red flags which show a partner is financially struggling, a new poll has found.
The research, by Experian, found women are most likely to be victims of economically abusive behaviour with 4.1 million UK women experiencing it in the past year.
“Money is deeply tied to power, trust and emotional security in a relationship,” explains chartered psychologist Dr Louise Goddard-Crawley.
“When financial issues are hidden or ignored, they can lead to secrecy, resentment or even financial abuse, which can be as damaging as any other form of control.
“You see, money isn’t just about paying the bills, it’s also a critical part of how we trust and care for each other.
“Honest and open communication about money, no matter how uncomfortable, creates space for solutions instead of secrecy. If you’re in trouble, ask for help.
“The longer financial stress is buried, the harder it becomes to untangle.”
Here, Louise reveals eight signs which might reveal your partner is flat broke.
THEY LIVE LIKE A POP STAR
IF your partner is always in designer clothes, booking luxury holidays, or eating at expensive restaurants but their salary doesn’t quite align with that lifestyle, it could be a sign they’re living beyond their means.
In one study, 40 per cent of respondents admitted to overspending in a bid to keep up with friends or maintain a certain image.
Overspending and reliance on credit can be ways of masking financial insecurity, and in some cases, it suggests they may already be in debt and trying to keep up appearances.
THEY PAY IN CASH
WHEN financial stress sets in, people often look for ways to manage appearances while quietly navigating money troubles.
If your partner suddenly prefers to pay in cash, it might not be about convenience.
Instead, it could be an attempt to avoid the embarrassment of a declined card or to keep transactions off their bank statements.
It’s a technique used by 35 per cent of Brits when wanting to save cash.
THEY WANT TO GET COSY ON THE SOFA
IF they used to love a dinner out or weekend trip but now keep suggesting “a cosy night in” or “just going for a walk,” they might not just be prioritising quality time.
Brits typically spend £69 a month on going out.
Avoiding social spending can be a subtle way of covering up financial strain, especially if they’re reluctant to admit why they’re suddenly opting out.
THEY TURN ON THE ROMANCE
IF expensive gifts were once their favourite way to show they care, but now they’re showering you with handwritten letters, surprise breakfasts, or candlelit baths, it could be a sign they’re finding ways to express affection without spending money.
A huge 48 per cent of us cut back on gift-giving when facing financial hardship.
While thoughtful gestures are meaningful, a sudden shift could indicate a financial reality they’re not yet ready to share.
THEY ARE GLUED TO THEIR PHONE
BUT not in the usual way. They may seem suddenly more protective of their phone, hastily swiping away notifications or intercepting a post before you can see it.
If you see this, they might be hiding overdue bills or debt reminders.
With the rise of Buy Now, Pay Later apps, like Klarna and Clearpay, more Brits are managing short-term borrowing through their phones.
Financial secrecy isn’t always about deception; again, it’s often driven by shame or the fear of being judged.
‘FREE’ IS THEIR LOVE LANGUAGE
A NEWFOUND enthusiasm for “free” might not just be a savvy shift. Instead, it could be a sign they’re being more strategic with money out of necessity.
If there is a change, so if they were once carefree with spending but now seize every cost-saving opportunity, such as a free gym membership of Netflix trial, it’s worth considering whether financial strain is at play.
According to one study, 18 per cent of those who have signed up to a free trial admit they did so because they were trying to save money or avoid spending altogether.
THEY HAVE CHANGED THEIR ROUTINE
LAST month, they were picking up the bill without hesitation. Now, they’re meal-prepping religiously and insisting on walking instead of taking the bus.
A dramatic shift in spending patterns, especially if they won’t explain why, can be a sign they’re trying to regain control after realising their finances aren’t in great shape.
They’re not alone, as 57 per cent of Brits have made significant changes to their spending habits amid the cost of living crisis to save cash.
THEY SELL THEIR FAVOURITE FOOTBALL SHIRT
SELLING a few bits on Vinted is one thing, but if they are offloading gadgets, clothes or even sentimental items, like a watch gifted by their grandparents, or that signed football shirt they’ve cherished for years, it could be a sign they are struggling to stay afloat.
People don’t always talk about financial difficulties outright, but they do often leave clues in their behaviour.
Be especially wary if they suggest selling anything of yours.
- For more information about chartered psychologist Dr Louise Goddard-Crawley visit www.drlouisegc.co.uk
I’m not here to make up the numbers after my horror injury, I’m here to make some noise, says Brit UFC star Bukauskas
MODESTAS BUKAUSKAS has vowed that 2025 will be his breakthrough year in the UFC.
It’s been two years since the former Cage Warriors light-heavyweight champion made an emotional return to mixed martial arts‘ premier promotion.
He made it back to the promised land 17 months after suffering a potentially career-threatening knee injury in his clash with Khalil Rountree Jr.
Bukuaskas’ second octagon stint has comprised of one defeat and three victories, the last of which was a submission triumph over Marcin Prachnio last July.
Barring defeat to Vitor Petrinho, ‘The Baltic Gladiator’ is happy with how things have gone in his second UFC run.
But he’s determined to up the ante this year, declaring in an exclusive interview with SunSport: “This is the year for me to make some noise.
“Personally, I feel like I’ve not made enough noise in the UFC.
“I’ve had some good wins and stuff, but I haven’t really had that performance to send shockwaves into the system.
“One of the goals written on my board is that it’s time to make some noise in the UFC and work towards that top 15 and get those fights and wins in the top 15.
“So realistically, [the goal] for this year is to make myself a stable house name in the top 15. And it all starts on Saturday.”
He added: “I’m not just here to fill up the numbers. I’m here to make a statement. Like I say, just onwards and upwards.”
Ironically, Bukauskas feels better placed to make a run at the light-heavyweight division’s elite now than he did before several of his knee ligaments were ripped to shreds.
“It was definitely a roller coaster,” he said when recalling the long road back to the UFC. “Definitely a roller coaster.
“But I’m glad it went through it because it made me who I am today.
“And it’s made me unlock more of the powers of the ‘Baltic Gladiator’, that’s for sure.”
Bukuaskas’ hopes of cracking the top 15 starts with a Seattle showdown with Raffael Cerqueira, who will be champing at the bit to have his hand raised following defeat in his debut last October.
And he hopes to put himself in position to face the big names in the 205lbs division later this year with a standout performance.
“I’m always fighting for the finish,” Bukuaskas said. “I don’t just want to fight to win on points.
“Sometimes it goes that way, but I’m here to make the finish.
“So you can expect me to come out explosively, come out dangerously and come out there to get the finish.”
Hollywood superstar set to star in first James Bond spin-off after Amazon’s shock 007 takeover
BRITISH actress Florence Pugh is poised to play Miss Moneypenny in a TV spin-off from Amazon’s takeover of the Bond franchise.
The show, titled The Moneypenny Diaries, is set to be the first of many dramas on boss Jeff Bezos’ Prime after the deal was struck this week, meaning Amazon has the creative rights to 007.
It is likely to be based on the books of the same name, which are set in the Fifties and the Sixties — meaning it could be a prequel to the movies.
Florence, 29, joins a list of actresses who have played the role of the MI6 secretary.
Lois Maxwell played the character from 1962 to 1985, opposite Sean Connery, George Lazenby and Roger Moore.
Caroline Bliss starred as M’s secretary when Timothy Dalton was Bond and Samantha Bond was Moneypenny with Pierce Brosnan.
Naomie Harris was most recently the secretary in Daniel Craig’s films.
The Moneypenny Diaries are a trilogy of novels and two short stories, published from 2005 to 2008 by Samantha Weinberg under the pseudonym Kate Westbrook, providing a backstory for the character.
A TV insider said: “Depending on your point of view, having the story of such a loved character played by a top British actress is either a dream combination or a nightmare.
“Many Bond fans fear that the Amazon deal will lead to the brand being diluted down with spin-off stories and prequels which diminish the purity of the British icon.
“The films portrayed a distinct version of 007 inspired by the character created by Ian Fleming 70 years ago. But this drama will most likely be based on a series only penned over the last two decades.
“Even more worrying is the fact that they actually feature Bond himself, which raises the prospect of there being multiple actors playing 007 in different films and shows.”
Playing Moneypenny is a plum role for Florence, who has starred in films Oppenheimer, Dune Part Two and Don’t Worry Darling.
Although she has large shoes to fill, the Oxford-born actress is more British than the woman best known for playing the role, Lois Maxwell.
Lois, who appeared in the first 14 films, was born and raised in Canada but went to drama school in London where she met Roger Moore.
Amazon were approached for comment.
Popular UK seaside theme park to close 5 rides for good ahead of summer
HOLIDAYMAKERS have been warned of five rides closing for good at a popular UK theme park this summer.
Brits were disappointed to hear some of their favourite attractions would be shuttered at the popular seaside resort of Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
It comes as the company is “re-investing” and going through an “evolution” to continue delivering the best experience to customers.
As part of the move, five rides will be torn down permanently.
The famous Eddie Stobart Convoy, an antique car ride, will no longer greet visitors.
And, the Alpine Rallye, a 1961 junior track ride formerly known as Thor’s Turnpike, is also scheduled for the chop.
Another ride due to be axed is the Thompson Carousel, a 1977 vintage carousel.
Ticket-holders also have to wave goodbye to a similar 1979 carousel ride Gallopers.
The fifth and final ride to be winding down operations is the Red Arrows Skyforce – a 2015 Gerstlauer sky fly ride.
A spokesperson confirmed: “The smaller rides were already being run on reduced opening times and our rider data showed that they have some of our lowest throughput, while Skyforce is 10 years old this year.
“After a great deal of thought, it was clear to us that the right decision is to make changes which will allow us to reinvest into a bigger and better future.
“We’ll be sharing more about that future very soon, and we can promise there’s lots to look forward to.”
This comes as the Blackpool Pleasure Beach was crowned the best family-owned theme park in the country.
The seaside theme park, which first opened in 1896, has smashed records and won prestigious awards as it continues to impress visitors.
And it was even hailed one of the best family-run attractions in the world by Blooloop.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort was the only UK theme park named on the list, making it the best in the country.
It competed with huge global theme parks on the list from Europa Park in Germany, to Siam Park in Tenerife and IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai.
Meanwhile, Alton Towers and Thorpe Park, weren’t named on the list because they’re owned by larger companies.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort has been kept in the family since it opened – it was founded by William George Bean, the current owner’s great grandfather.
Boss and owner of Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort, Amanda Thompson OBE, added: “We’re honoured to be recognised as one of the best family-owned theme parks in the world, and the only UK park to make the list.
“My great grandfather founded Pleasure Beach and it has remained in our family ever since, where we continue to keep his passion for innovation and entertainment at the heart of everything we do.
“As ever, this recognition is a celebration of our incredible team and the loyal visitors who make Pleasure Beach Resort a truly special place, year on year.”
Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort is home to the only two rides in the country to have been given a prestigious global award.
Last year, the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) awarded two rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach with Rollercoaster Landmark Plaques – the Big Dipper and the Grand National.
The iconic Big Dipper was proud to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2023.
The seaside theme park is also home to The Big One, the UK’s tallest coaster.
And, the country’s first looping roller coaster, Revolution, can be ridden at the resort.
But the line-up is set to get even better when the seaside theme park reopens a much-loved ride later this year.
Formerly known as Ice Blast, the 210ft tower ride will reopen under the new name of Launch Pad.
It’s been given a new pressure cylinder, meaning the ride is faster than before.
And last year, theme park filed a registration of a charge with Companies House, which stated that the a new feature is set to be located somewhere at the park.
In the descriptions on the charge, it discusses an “Intamin Gyroswing located at Blackpool Pleasure Beach” – although not much else is known about the new ride.
Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort will open for its summer season on March 2, with prices from £28 for kids and £30 for adults.
At the end of last year, Alton Towers announced it would be closing its oldest ride permanently.
Meanwhile, here’s an exciting new look at the nearly-completed Epic Universe, which will open later this year.
How to spend a weekend in Blackpool
TRAVEL writer Catherine Lofthouse visited Blackpool last year with her family, here’s what she thought…
Bumbling along the beach in Blackpool, with the iconic tower as a backdrop, it feels like we’ve stepped inside a postcard, capturing the very essence of the great British seaside.
Whether you love a back-to-basics bucket-and-spade beach break, want a thrill a minute at one of the UK’s oldest theme parks or fancy a night on the tiles, there’s everything you need at Blackpool.
As a Strictly fan, I’d wanted to pay homage to the home of ballroom, but didn’t find much else to make me break out in song and dance.
But this summer, it feels like Blackpool is on the up.
Everywhere I look, there’s building work taking place and existing attractions being spruced up.
There’s been investment along the seafront, with Merlin, the company behind Alton Towers and Legoland, recently opening its eighth attraction in the town with the arrival of the Gruffalo Clubhouse for little ones.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is redeveloping some of its big name rides too, like Valhalla, which draws in theme park enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond.
Away from the beach, work is taking place to restore the historic Winter Gardens and their surrounds to their former glory.
Watch incredible moment pair win £100k after shock gamble on One Question leaving Claudia Winkleman gobsmacked
AN incredible moment on One Question saw a pair of contestants win £100,000 following a huge gamble.
Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the Channel 4 quiz returned for its long-awaited second series earlier this month.
Father and daughter David and Emily, from Chorley in Lancashire, competed in tonight’s episode.
One Question’s format sees contestants attempt to answer a single question for an eye-watering jackpot.
Contestants are usually given 16 possible answers – but David and Emily made a bold move.
They were asked “What is Smith?” – but believed they knew the correct answer before they’d seen all 16 options.
Claudia declared: “This has never happened before in One Question history.
“If you are right, you win £100,000…”
Although the father-daughter team seemed confident, it all became too much for presenter Claudia.
She exclaimed: “I can’t cope. I’m sorry I can’t leave. You are amazing.”
The Traitors host continued: “I’m sorry I don’t know why I want to cry, this is ridiculous…”, as she got up on her chair.
Incredible scenes saw their risk pay off – as the contestants scooped the huge jackpot.
Afterwards, Claudia praised Emily by saying: “That has never happened before.
“Your brain served you well. And you know what else did? Your Dad.
“He just sat next to you and said, ‘I’ve got your back. Go for it.’
“That’s life-changing money. That’s a lot of money. And you did that in under six minutes.”
She then joked: “What I need you to glean from this is you two need to play more quizzes.”
Meanwhile, David revealed he was feeling “fairly calm” after the huge win.
He added: “It’s not sank in. It hasn’t sank in at all yet. I’ll probably break down crying.”
David then burst into tears as daughter Emily wrapped her arms around him.
Visibly emotional, he then told how happy he was for his daughter.
Claudia said: “I’m happy for her, I’m happy for you. You can get more tattoos if you want.”
To which David replied: “I’ll hope to get shot of them!”
The pair’s triumphant victory follows Claudia previously hinting at a big win on One Question.
Claudia Winkleman's career so far
Holiday (1992–1996): Claudia started her TV career as a travel show presenter, delivering segments from exotic locations.
Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two (2004–2010): Although she worked on a few shows between Holiday and Strictly, Claudia really came into her own as a presenter on this spin-off, where she could be seen offering behind-the-scenes gossip and interviewing contestants. She hosted It Takes Two from its inception until Zoe Ball took over from her in 2011.
Strictly Come Dancing (2014–present): After Sir Bruce Forsyth left the BBC show due to health concerns, Claudia joined Tess Daly as a co-host of the main show. This is one of the jobs Claudia is best known for.
Film 2010 (2010–2016): Claudia succeeded Jonathan Ross as the host of the BBC’s flagship film review show in 2010. She was praised by The Guardian for being a “passionate and engaging advocate of cinema” in this role.
The Great British Sewing Bee (2013–2016): Claudia brought her wit to the crafting competition for three years.
The Traitors (2022-present): Claudia’s dark hair and resting mysterious face have become synonymous with this hit reality show. Despite her attempts to leave after the first series in case future seasons flopped, BBC bosses were determined to keep her on, so it seems unlikely she’ll stop heading up the show anytime soon.
She teased: “Obviously I can’t give you any details, but I did cry.
“I don’t really cry because I’m over 50, wearing too much fake tan and too much eyeliner, but it was a proper moment.
“It was a proper moment for everyone in the studio and that’s when you know it’s good.”
One Question airs on Channel 4.
‘I’ve left there with a mural’ – Wilfried Zaha has no regrets over Crystal Palace exit despite two failed transfers
WILFRIED ZAHA has no regrets as he embarks on his American adventure in Charlotte.
The Crystal Palace legend, 32, is now a Major League Soccer player following two years on the move.
Zaha scored ten goals for Turkish giants Galatasaray after leaving the Eagles on a free transfer in 2023, before heading out to Lyon in France for the first half of this season where he made only six appearances.
Having cut that loan short he has landed in MLS, convinced by Charlotte boss Dean Smith to make the switch to North Carolina.
The Ivory Coast international admits things did not work out after leaving Palace, where he played 458 times and is the club’s third-highest appearance-maker behind Jim Cannon and Terry Long.
However, he is convinced he is still the same player who earned himself a mural on the side of a house next to Selhurst Park.
Forward Zaha joined the Eagles academy at the age of eight and went on to have a stunning career with them, scoring 68 of his 90 goals for the South London side in the Premier League after making his first-team debut in March 2010.
He said: “It doesn’t stop my journey. I’ve left Palace and I left Palace in a good way. I’ve played for a childhood club, I’ve left there with a mural.
“I feel like there’s nothing more I could have done really.
“I’ve gone to Turkey, I’ve managed to play Champions League, score a Champions League goal. So I’m just ticking boxes of things that I’ve wanted to do from a child.
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“I’ve managed to do that and things happen. All I can do is just keep my head down and just keep on working. I was in Turkey, it didn’t work out with Gala.
“It didn’t work out with Lyon. It doesn’t stop me. I’m still thinking I’m still the player that I am and if I get the opportunity, I’m going to show it every time.
“These are just experiences that make me who I am, make me stronger. So it’s a thing where it happens, I move on from it and do the best that I can.
“I have come in here to score goals and try to win stuff. I set myself incredibly high standards. So when I do speak, people will actually listen because I show you an example by what I do.
“Going into the season, I want to try to score as many goals as I can. That’s what I mean by my own history here.”
After a couple of difficult years, there is some hope Charlotte can offer the feeling that Palace did when Zaha returned from his failed move to Manchester United.
Speaking about the last two years, he added: “I don’t really have any animosity. It is what it is. I’m only going to give back the love that you give me.
“If you give me love and give me the opportunity to repay you, then I’ll do that. It just hasn’t worked out over there.
“I’ve come here, I’ve been welcomed, I’ve been shown so much love. All I can do is repay you on the pitch. That’s what I’m here to do.”
Zaha had seen little of MLS before being approached by former Aston Villa and Brentford manager Smith at a London hotel last year about a potential move.
Former Palace team-mate Christian Benteke won the Golden Boot at DC United last season, and Zaha started watching the odd game following the Belgian’s switch.
He has also been swatting up on his new pals, including ex-Burnley man Ashley Westwood, by watching YouTube clips.
Having Smith and Westwood at the club was an attraction, and the winger also consulted Palace’s American defender, Chris Richards.
Zaha added: “I’ve tuned in a bit more because of my friend Christian Benteke. The standard is definitely getting a lot better. So many players are coming here and the world is paying attention.
“I was on YouTube just watching the Charlotte games. So I was just seeing what the team’s like and positives and stuff like that.”
While he is Stateside, Zaha will also be keeping an eagle eye on AFC Croydon Athletic — the non-league club he part-owns with rapper Stormzy.
Croydon won promotion to the eighth tier — the Isthmian League South East Division — in their first season at the helm.
Before Zaha begins the MLS campaign with Charlotte at Seattle Sounders in the early hours of Sunday morning UK time — and looks forward to tangling with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami next month — he needs to find some clobber!
Zaha, who is staying in a Charlotte hotel, said: “I’m scrambling with clothes right now. That’s what I’m waiting for. My clothes — and my family, that’s about it. I’m good to go.”
Shiri Bibas’ body returned to Israel in SECOND attempt, Hamas claims, after sending wrong remains in sick mix-up
HAMAS has handed over the body of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas, it claims, after it sent the wrong remains in a sick mix-up.
It’s the second attempt at returning the hostage for the terror group after it claimed to have handed over the mum with her two children.
Hamas handed over the bodies of Shiri’s 9-month-old Kfir and four-year-old Arie as well as a casket believed to contain the remains of Shiri.
But hours after the initial twisted handover ceremony, the IDF announced they couldn’t identify the body as Shiri’s.
The evil group said it was investigating a possible error in identifying the human remains handed to Israel instead of Shiri.
A Hamas senior official Ismail al-Thawabteh said Shiri’s body was “turned into pieces” in an Israeli airstrike – which Israel vehemently denies ever took place – and may have been “mixed with other bodies under the rubble”.
A statement by Hamas said the group was dealing with the claims with “complete seriousness” and it would announce the results “clearly”.
A member of Hamas’s political bureau, Basem Naim, blamed “unfortunate mistakes” adding that Hamas has no interest in keeping any bodies or not to abide by the signed agreements.
They claimed that the casket which Hamas said belonged to the mum actually contained “an anonymous, unidentified” person with “no match” found for any other hostage.
The harrowing statement from the IDF added that it was a “violation of utmost severity” by Hamas.
They demanded the terror group “return Shiri home along with all our hostages” immediately.
The heinous move by the terror group to allegedly lie about the handover has been widely condemned.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as an “unspeakable” act which shows “the cruelty of the Hamas monsters know no bounds”.
He added in a video statement: “We will act with determination to bring Shiri home along with all our hostages – both living and dead – and ensure Hamas pays the full price for this cruel and evil violation of the agreement.”
Netanyahu also claimed the body handed over at the twisted parade on Thursday morning belonged to an unknown Gazan woman.
Hamas reportedly attempted to explain their way out of the fury by claiming the remains belonged to the mum as well as a mixture of other human remnants.
A Hamas official told AFP they are investigating the “mistake”.
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon quickly slammed the Palestinian militants as he said they treated the coffin like a “worthless shipment”.
“This is a new low, an evil and cruelty with no parallel,” he said in a statement.
“There are no words that can describe such an atrocity.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the killing of the two children, which Hamas denies, and the failure to return Shiri’s body was “sick”.
“The vile killing of the Bibas children by Hamas terrorists is sick and abhorrent, as is the failure to return the body of their mother Shiri to the grieving family,” the Foreign Secretary posted on X.
“Her body must be returned. The hostages must be released. This nightmare must end.”
US president Donald Trump’s envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, said the stunt now puts the ceasefire deal into serious jeopardy.
He warned Hamas must release all the remaining hostages or face “total annihilation”.
Shiri’s despairing face as she was kidnapped while clutching her two children became a symbol for the horror of the October 7 massacre.
The IDF say they have managed to identify the bodies of Shiri’s young sons, Ariel and Kfir as well as retired Israeli journalist Oded Lifshitz.
The apparent causes of the deaths were also revealed.
According to the IDF, citing intelligence and forensic findings, the two little boys were “brutally murdered” by the Hamas thugs in November 2023.
So was Lifshitz who had originally been kidnapped alongside his wife.
Baby Kfir – the youngest captive – was only nine months old when he was barbarically forced to spend the majority of his life as a Hamas prisoner.
Israel say he likely died when he was only 11 months old.
The official flag of Israel has been turned orange on social media in honour of the brothers due to their ginger hair.
The IDF confirmed that while Hamas’ violation would be “dealt with severely,” Saturday’s prisoner swap is expected to go ahead as planned.
At least 66 hostages still remain captive in Gaza over 500 days on from the initial bloodshed with those who died in captivity finally being returned to their loved ones.
Only half are believed to be still alive, Israel fears.
A top Hamas official said another six living hostages will be freed on Saturday before another set of bodies are returned.
The six are said to be the last living hostages Hamas will release during the first phase of the fragile ceasefire agreement.
They are Eliya Cohen, Tal Shoham, Omer Shem Tov, Omer Wenkert, Hisham Al-Sayed, and Avera Mengistu, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
