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I was bullied so much for my ‘Toucan’ nose that I spent 12 years saving £8.7k for surgery – it’s totally changed my life
A WOMAN has shared how she was bullied for her “Toucan” nose so decided to save up for a nose job – and the results have changed her life.
Devyn Aiken, 30, a paralegal in Philadelphia, shared a series of videos on TikTok about the procedure, which cost her £8,700.
Speaking to People, Devyn shared: “I was bullied a lot, especially in middle school, and it was just from guys.
“They would call me all type of mean names like bird, Toucan Sam, so much mean stuff … I was like, ‘Oh, my goodness. This is all they talk about — my nose. So if I change that, what can they talk about?'”
Thankfully she didn’t feel “ugly” but just that she had a “huge nose that I hated”, which she felt grew noticeably larger during her tween and early teen years.
She added: “The earliest I can remember wanting a nose job was 14. I asked my mum, ‘Can I have a nose job?”
Typically most doctors won’t operate on a face that isn’t developed yet, and Devyn said it took her years to save up for the surgery – which she admitted was a “straight-up vanity” project.
Deciding to take action at 30, she booked in for rhinoplasty with plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Ginsburg in November 2024 after researching numerous clinics.
In total it cost her $11,000 (£8,700), which she feels is well worth the money.
Devyn has now racked up 63,000 followers thanks to her TikToks documenting the journey.
Far from feeling any shame for getting surgery, she felt like an honest account of the recovery and results could be helpful to others.
Thankfully her family were supportive of her dream every step of the way and just wanted her to be happy.
Before the surgery, she recalls being ill with nerves and “vomited all night”, resulting in her sleeping on the bathroom floor.
Thankfully the surgery was a success, and although it’ll take a full year for her swelling to fully decrease, Devyn shared how it has already changed her life.
The earliest I can remember wanting a nose job was 14. I asked my mum, ‘Can I have a nose job?’
Devyn Aiken
She revealed: “I just feel so happy every time I look in the mirror. It’s literally life-changing … Now I can just shop in peace. I can go out in peace and I don’t have to worry if someone’s making a comment. I feel relieved.”
Two months on, Devyn also got lip filler to boost her confidence even more.
What are the risks of getting surgery abroad?
IT'S important to do your research if you're thinking about having cosmetic surgery abroad.
It can cost less than in the UK, but you need to weigh up potential savings against the potential risks.
Safety standards in different countries may not be as high.
No surgery is risk-free. Complications can happen after surgery in the UK or abroad.
If you have complications after an operation in the UK, the surgeon is responsible for providing follow-up treatment.
Overseas clinics may not provide follow-up treatment, or they may not provide it to the same standard as in the UK.
Also, they may not have a healthcare professional in the UK you can visit if you have any problems.
Source: NHS
And it seems her followers have been equally impressed with her new look.
One person wrote under one of her transformation videos: “You look amazing! I completely understand why you had it done.”
Another added: “It looks so good & so natural. You’re beautiful, before & after.”
In the UK, rhinoplasty costs £4,000-£7,000 and there were around 1,950 procedures in 2023.
Shocking moment tennis match is suspended after shots are heard and gas deployed just metres from court
THIS is the shocking moment a tennis match was suspended after gun shots and tear gas were fired next to the court.
The horror incident occurred this morning at a Challenger Tour event, which is the second-highest level of tennis behind the ATP Tour.
(tw // tear gas, shooting)
— stateofsport21 // raz (she/her) (@eretzsport022) February 18, 2025
Oh my God, did I just see probs tear gas delayed play in Brazzaville Ch because-
The matches resumed alr as I speak, just brief interruption. But idk why it felt like tear gas to me but idk??@ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/qcdphUQcNn https://t.co/OhuKG6v7f4
During the first matches of the day in Brazzaville, DR Congo chaos suddenly erupted on the road next to the venue.
A group of people can be seen on the street before there is loud gun shots followed by screams.
They then sprint away as tear gas is fired to disperse the crowd.
The shocking scenes were picked up by TV cameras as Guy Den Ouden beat Ivan Denisov 6-1 6-3.
Both players causally walked off the court while bullets were fired.
Meanwhile, a match between Eliakim Coulibaly and Maik Steiner briefly continued with them unaware of the severity of the situation.
Play was reportedly suspended for just ten minutes before the ties continued as normal.
The commotion is seemingly related to the ongoing riots in the DR Congo.
Since late January there has been violent demonstrations due to conflict involving rebel groups and Rwanda.
The embassies of the United States, France, Holland and Belgium have all been targeted in recent weeks.
The Challenger Tour is yet to release a statement on what happened.
In another incident, Den Ouden, who is the world No270, said on Instagram that his phone was “stolen” in Brazzaville yesterday.
Savings accounts massacre as major banks and building societies announce hundreds of rate cuts
SAVERS face a spring massacre as major banks and building societies slash interest rates on more than one hundreds accounts, shrinking returns for millions ahead of the new financial year.
Some of Britain’s largest financial institutions, including HSBC, NatWest, and the government-backed NS&I, are lowering rates for their loyal account holders.
The Sun has analysed banking data to uncover that returns on more than 180 accounts are scheduled to be slashed in March and April.
Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said: “It’s so disheartening to see savings rates chopped in the last few days, but it just proves why savers are at the mercy of base rate cuts.
“Not even challenger banks have been able to escape making cuts as the market sentiment for lower interest rates has taken charge.”
Savers are being urged to check if their account is affected.
Whether you’re impacted or not will depend on the bank you’re with and the type of savings account you have.
For instance, with some types of accounts, the interest rate you get on your savings is locked in for a set period of time.
With others – often easy access accounts – the rate can change anytime.
Average savings rates have been steadily declining over the past 12 months.
Currently, average easy-access rates stand at 2.9%, down from 3.17% a year ago, according to MoneyFactsCompare.co.uk.
Similarly, the average one-year fixed bond rate has decreased from 4.08% to 3.94% over the same period.
That’s why ensuring you’re getting the best rate on your savings is crucial, especially when the Bank of England could make further cuts to the base rate later in March.
Rachel Springall added: “Savers need to proactively keep on top of the best rates and review their pots regularly to see if they are getting a raw deal.”
“Now is an ideal time for savers to consider grabbing a fixed rate deal so they can get a guaranteed return on their cash.
To help you stay informed, we’ve compiled a list of major banks and building societies currently reducing their savings rates, along with tips on comparing rates at any time.
It’s also worth noting that several challenger banks are still outshining well-known high-street brands, offering up to 8% returns.
However, these deals won’t last forever.
So, if your money is sitting in one of the accounts listed below, it might be time to consider switching for a better deal.
HSBC
HSBC is set to reduce the interest rates on its easy-access Premier Savings account twice in the coming months – first in February and then again in April.
From February 24, the rate for balances below £50,000 will drop from 1.98% to 1.74%, before decreasing further to 1.49% on April 17.
On the same day, the rate for the bank’s Online Bonus Saver – available to customers who refrain from making withdrawals during the month – will also decrease from 1.74% to 1.49%.
Additionally, rates on the Flexible Saver account will fall from 1.49% to 1.34% on 17 April.
HSBC is also cutting rates across some of its instant access cash ISAs from March 4.
HSBC Loyalty Cash ISA rates for Premier customers will fall from 3% to 2.75%.
Loyalty Cash ISA rates for all other customers will fall from 2.5% to 2.35%.
Rates offered on HSBC’s Help to Buy ISA will also fall from 3.2% to 2.96% for balances up to £12,000 and from 1.49% to 1.34% for balances over this amount.
NS&I SLASHES PRIZE FUND
FEWER big money Premium Bonds prizes will be available from the April draw, as the prize fund rate is slashed from 4.00% to 3.80%.
Premium Bonds provider NS&I said the odds of winning will remain the same, at 22,000 to one.
The changes mean that, for example, the estimated number of £100,000 prizes will decrease from 82 in February to an estimated 78 in April.
The number of £50,000 prizes will fall from 164 in February to an estimated 157 in April, while the number of £25,000 prizes will reduce from 328 to around 313 over the same period.
The number of £10,000 prizes will fall from 820 in February to an estimated 781 in April.
The number of £1 million prizes up for grabs will remain the same, at two.
There will be more chances to win a £25 prize, with the number increasing from 1,807,915 in February to an estimated 2,170,903 in April.
The total value of the prize pot will reduce from £430,052,425 in February to an estimated £411,118,825 in April. The number of prizes will remain around level, at 5,864,354 in February and an estimated 5,901,229 in April.
From March 5, the interest rate for NS&I’s Direct Saver will fall to 3.30% AER from 3.50% and the rate on Income Bonds will decrease to 3.30% AER from 3.49%.
Leeds Building Society
Leeds Building Society is slashing the savings rates offered on 42 variable rate savings accounts between March 19 and 21.
For instance, individuals holding a standard easy-access online E-Saver account will see savings rates drop from 2.15% to 2% as of March 19.
Similarly, Access Saver account holders will be subject to the same rate cut on the same date.
Customers with an Albion Access Account or Treasurers Saver Account will then see their savings rates fall on May 7.
Check to see if the savings rate on your Leeds Building Society account will fall using our tool below.
Leek Building Society
Leek Building Society is slashing the savings rates offered on 36 variable rate savings accounts on March 3.
Individuals holding a standard Easy Access Saver account will see a reduction in their savings rate from 2.45% to 2.2% next month.
Customers with an Easy Access Cash ISA will also see their rates fall from 3.25% to 3% on March 3.
Check to see if the savings rate on your Leek Building Society account will fall using our tool below.
NatWest
NatWest is slashing the savings rates offered on 11 variable rate savings accounts on March 6.
The rate offered on its Digital Regular Saver will fall from 1.50% to 1.25% for balances above £5,000.
These accounts require that you pay a set amount each month to get the interest rate advertised.
The rate offered on its easy access Flexible Saver will also fall from 1.50% to 1.25% on balances up to £25,000.
Check to see if the savings rate on your NatWest account will fall using our tool below.
Skipton Building Society
Skipton Building Society is slashing the savings rates offered on 94 variable rate savings accounts on March 6.
For example, those with a standard easy-access Branch eSaver will see their savings rate cut from 2.95% to 2.8%.
Customers savings into the building society’s 90 Day Notice Account will also see their savings rate cut from 3.25% to 3%.
Check to see if the savings rate on your Skipton Building Society account will fall using our tool below.
How do I find the best savings rates?
WITH your current savings rates in mind, don't waste time looking at individual banking sites to compare rates - it'll take you an eternity.
Research price comparison websites such as MoneyFactsCompare.co.uk and MoneySupermarket.
These will help you save you time and show you the best rates available.
They also let you tailor your searches to an account type that suits you.
As a benchmark, you’ll want to consider any account that currently pays more interest than the current level of inflation – 2%.
It’s always wise to have some money stashed inside an easy-access savings account to ensure you have quick access to cash to deal with any emergencies like a boiler repair, for example.
If you’re saving for a long-term goal, then consider locking some of your savings inside a fixed bond, as these usually come with the highest savings rates.
What are the top savings rates?
The best fixed rate currently offered is ICICI Bank’s SuperSaver one-year fixed bond, which pays 4.65% and only requires a minimum investment of £1,000.
The best notice accounts offer slightly higher rates than the best fixed-term bonds.
These also come with more flexibility when accessing your cash.
OakNorth Bank’s 120 day notice account offers savers 4.75% back with a minimum £10,000 deposit, for example.
However, if you’re looking for a savings account without withdrawal limitations, then you’ll want to opt for an easy-access saver.
These do what they say on the tin and usually allow for unlimited cash withdrawals.
The best easy-access savings account available is from Sidekick Money, which pays 4.75% – and you only need to pay a minimum of £1,000 to set it up.
If you want to build a habit of saving a set amount of money each month, a regular savings account could pay you dividends.
Principality Building Society’s Six Month Regular Saver offers 8% interest on savings.
It allows customers to save between £1 and £200 a month.
Save in the maximum, and you’ll earn 27.53 in interest.
While regular savings accounts look attractive due to the high interest rates on offer, they are not right for all savers.
You can’t use a regular savings account to earn interest on a lump sum.
The amount you can save into the account each month will be limited, typically to somewhere between £200 and £500.
Therefore, if you have more to save, it would be wise to consider one of the other accounts mentioned above.
SAVING ACCOUNT TYPES
THERE are four types of savings accounts fixed, notice, easy access, and regular savers.
Separately, there are ISAs or individual savings accounts which allow individuals to save up to £20,000 a year tax-free.
But we’ve rounded up the main types of conventional savings accounts below.
FIXED-RATE
A fixed-rate savings account or fixed-rate bond offers some of the highest interest rates but comes at the cost of being unable to withdraw your cash within the agreed term.
This means that your money is locked in, so even if interest rates increase you are unable to move your money and switch to a better account.
Some providers give the option to withdraw, but it comes with a hefty fee.
NOTICE
Notice accounts offer slightly lower rates in exchange for more flexibility when accessing your cash.
These accounts don’t lock your cash away for as long as a typical fixed bond account.
You’ll need to give advance notice to your bank – up to 180 days in some cases – before you can make a withdrawal or you’ll lose the interest.
EASY-ACCESS
An easy-access account does what it says on the tin and usually allows unlimited cash withdrawals.
These accounts tend to offer lower returns, but they are a good option if you want the freedom to move your money without being charged a penalty fee.
REGULAR SAVER
These accounts pay some of the best returns as long as you pay in a set amount each month.
You’ll usually need to hold a current account with providers to access the best rates.
However, if you have a lot of money to save, these accounts often come with monthly deposit limits.
What’s next for savings rates?
Financial markets are exercising more caution regarding the pace of future interest rate cuts than previously anticipated.
While economists still predict three further cuts by the end of 2025, reaching a 4% base rate, this projection coincides with a revised inflation forecast.
The Bank of England now expects inflation to peak at 3.7% later this summer, higher than earlier estimates.
This upward revision is partly attributed to the impact of policies introduced in the October 2024 Budget.
Specifically, measures within the budget have contributed to a rise in cost inflation, pushing the overall inflation figure higher.
This presents a complex situation for the Bank of England, as rising inflation typically warrants higher interest rates to curb spending and stabilise prices.
The next interest rate announcement is on March 20.
If interest rates continue to fall, it spells bad news for savers, whose rates typically fall when the Bank’s rate is cut.
However, in the meantime, opting for a fixed bond can be a useful bet to help ride out future cuts to the base rate.
Jack Whitehall vows to return the Brits to their best ahead of presenting the 2025 awards
Jack Whitehall is returning to host the Brits because he had unfinished business after last fronting the awards as we emerged from lockdown.
The comedian is taking the reins for a fifth time after first doing so in 2018.
He felt that his run ended with a “whimper” because it was a socially distanced evening with no raucous behaviour.
Jack said: “The last show I did was in 2021, which had a fair few restrictions due to Covid.
“So it always felt like, due to circumstances beyond my control, I’d maybe gone out with a little bit of a whimper.
“I think the Brits 2025 is going to make up for that and be a really big night.
“When I first started out I was just like ‘Jack, don’t mess this up. This is such a big opportunity’. You don’t want to say the wrong thing and insult someone and then get taken off air.
“Then I got to a point where I was like, ‘It’s probably best now to not outstay my welcome’.
“And now, here I am, back again.”
It doesn’t sound like he will be knocking back many shots with Sam Fender or getting lairy with Sabrina Carpenter before showtime on March 1, though.
Jack added: “It’s quite zen backstage when I’m trying to get ready.
“I will probably be in there, just doing a sound bath or humming and trying to do some breath work to keep myself nice and calm.
“But then I go off like a coiled spring and bounce on to the stage.”
Zara is on shine form
Zara McDermott has taken the ultimate picture for her dating profile.
The newly single TV presenter wore a gold sequined skirt and green crop top on holiday in Dubai.
When she’s not making BBC documentaries, Zara is a keen singer and has got an amazing set of pipes on her.
She uploaded a video of her singing Billie Eilish’s L’Amour De Ma Vie to TikTok last week and absolutely nailed it.
If the telly work ever dries up, Zara could easily make it as a singer.
James takes trip to gig on Tube
James Blunt shunned a posh car in favour of taking the Tube to his O2 gig.
And by the looks of these snaps, not one person realised it was him. He went incognito on the Underground before playing to a crowd of 20,000.
I was there in London watching James on his Back To Bedlam 20th anniversary tour and he was on top form, revealing his debut album was conceived in a drug-fuelled haze.
He said: “I actually find it really hard to describe and come out like a normal human being.
“Because High, well, what do you f***ing think it’s about? There was an acid trip in Devon.”
Garrix on a 10-year Ibiza run
The world’s No1 DJ Martin Garrix is returning to Ibiza this summer to mark ten years of entertaining crowds at megaclub Ushuaia.
He will perform every Thursday from June 19 to September 25.
Martin said: “The first time I came to the island was back in 2012 and it’s felt like home ever since. This summer will mark ten years of my residency at Ushuaia Ibiza.
“A full decade, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it. Counting down the days now for the season to start, and I’ll bring some fun surprises.”
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy has broken the record for the best opening weekend for a romcom in the UK and Ireland, beating 2004’s Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason.
It made £11.8million in its first four days of release.
That surpassed the £10million the second movie made in the same period.
Zoe back in Radio 2 shake-up
Zoe Ball has announced her return to Radio 2 a couple of months after leaving the breakfast show.
The presenter is coming back to the airwaves from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday afternoons as part of a shake-up for the station’s weekend schedule, which will happen in May.
Mark Goodier’s Pick Of The Pops moves to 5pm to 7pm on Sundays, a slot that had been held by Rob Beckett, who has decided to step down.
He will leave the show in April, but will stay as a cover presenter. Rob said: “I’ve had such a laugh each Sunday getting to know the listeners.
“But as my tour schedule hots up and my family forget what I look like, I’ve decided to step away from a weekly show.
“You won’t get away from me that easily as I’ll be back presenting shows on Radio 2.”
Like A Question of Sport & Football Focus, Doctor Who’s demise is another example of BBC wrecking classic TV with wokery
QUESTION: What’s the only thing more woke than a show with drag queen baddies and trans heroes?
ANSWER: A show with drag queen baddies, trans heroes AND daleks who feel they’re the victim of racism.
Welcome, loyal viewers of 62 years, to the modern-day version of Doctor Who — a programme the BBC has locked in a woke choke with scripts that now read like suicide notes.
The Sun exclusively revealed yesterday how the show was facing the axe, with lead star Ncuti Gatwa poised to quit and staff on the show now working on the basis that it won’t be returning.
The BBC seems to have managed the same feat it did with A Question of Sport and Football Focus and trashing TV classics with wokery.
They maintain no decision has been taken on its future, and corporation chiefs say no commitments will be made until the second series under the new time lord airs later this year.
But it will need to perform a spectacular U-turn based on the viewing figures of Ncuti’s debut series last year which had a paltry two to three million tuning in on Saturday nights.
Compare that to the eight-figure levels that used to tune in for the show under favourites David Tennant and Matt Smith.
And don’t let the Beeb hoodwink you into believing that the on-the-night viewership is an irrelevant figure in the age of catch-up and on-demand.
Like Strictly Come Dancing, Doctor Who is supposed to be a BBC blockbuster providing event TV that the whole family sit down at the same time on a weekend to watch.
But as we reach peak wokery, the show’s hit rock bottom and the viewers are turning off in droves. Who can blame them?
As a kid watching Doctor Who, I’d quiver behind a cushion in fear of Davros and the cybermen. Now I do the same for fear of the blistering sermon screaming at me from my telly.
Even more frustrating is the fact that fans were already complaining about the PC storylines under Jodie Whittaker and showrunner Chris Chibnall from 2018 to 2022.
But then when Russell T Davies took over as show boss, he seemed to double down on the wokery.
Like millions of viewers who’ve now turned their backs on the programme, I’m not racist, homophobic, transphobic or xenophobic.
What I am is someone who wants Doctor Who to be a fight between a good guy (or gal) and some evil monsters who want to destroy the universe.
I don’t even mind a subliminal message simmering under the surface — but what I do mind is a politically correct agenda being forced down my throat like a goose destined to be foie gras.
For the Beeb bosses who just don’t understand what the problem is here, there’s one simple message: Give us our Doctor Who back, please.
I don’t particularly care what the time lord’s racial origin is, or their sexuality, or their gender for that matter — he or she just has to be an eccentric genius dazzling us with bonkers gadgets and sci-fi gibberish.
He isn’t a lecturer taking a seminar in socio-political studies at a left-wing polytechnic — he’s just an intergalactic sheriff policing the universe.
And if you still don’t believe Doctor Who is being choked by wokery, just consider these storylines from Doctor Who over the past five years . . .
ENVIRONMENT
“Orphan 55”
January 2020
The doctor lands on a mysterious, desolate planet filled with terrifying, mutated creatures. Any humans are forced to live in a small enclosed space due to the toxic atmosphere.
But this dead world, called Orphan 55, turns out to be Earth in the future after its been ravaged by ecological disaster and nuclear war. Talking to her companions from the 21st Century, the doctor says: “It’s one possible future, it’s one timeline.
“Unless people face facts and change catastrophe is coming. But it’s not decided.
“The future is not fixed. Humans, I think you forget how powerful you are. People can save planets or wreck them. That’s the choice.”
PREJUDICE
“Revolution of the Daleks”
January 2021
After a year dominated by the Black Lives Matter protests, Doctor Who appeared to tackle the thorny topic of prejudice.
The episode featured a minority of Daleks who were victimised by the wider Dalek community because they consider them to be “genetically impure.”
In an impassioned speech, the then doctor Jodie Whittaker explains: “Daleks mean hate – and like hate they will spread if they’re not stopped.”
She also highlights the hypocrisy often involved in any form of prejudice, even one shown by groups of fictional aliens wheeled around in metal bins.
“For a race born out of mutation,” she explains. “They’re pretty obsessed with purity.”
TRANS
“The Star Beast”
November 2023
When aliens threaten to destroy London by opening up a giant fiery chasm through the capital, it isn’t the doctor, played by David Tennant, who can rescue the city, it’s Donna Noble’s daughter, Rose.
Because the character, played by Yasmin Finney, is trans she has a similar genetic make up as the doctor – who can move from male to female – and therefore plug into life-saving, extra terrestrial technology.
The episode also features a scene in which the doctor is scolded by Rose for referring to the alien creature, The Meep, as a male. The doctor says: “True.
Yes, sorry. Good point…are you a he or she or they?” To which the creature replies: “My chosen pronoun is the definite article.”
GAY DOCTOR
“Wild Blue Yonder”
December 2023
After a meeting with Sir Isaac Newton, played by It’s Sin actor Nathaniel Curtis, the doctor, now played by David Tennant, realises he has a bit of crush on the famous physicist.
Realising he’s regenerated into a gay man, he ends up casually coming out to his companion Donna Noble, played by Catherine Tate.
It begins on board an alien spacecraft when she asks: “Was it me or was Sir Isaac Newton hot?” The Doctor replies: “He was, wasn’t he? SO hot. Is that who I am now?”
Donna realises what he’s saying and suggests she probably knew the truth all along, adding: “Well, it was never that far from the surface, I thought.”
CHRISTIANTY & CAPITALISM
“Boom”
May 2024
The doctor finds himself on a planet called Kastarion 3, where a war is apparently being fought between Christian men and women and an enemy that doesn’t actually exist.
It turns out the conflict is entirely fabricated and the illusion is just a way to make money out of people’s misery by selling arms. The episode takes a huge swipe at Christianity – and no other religion – for playing its part in brainwashing its troops.
The doctor says: “Most armies would notice they were fighting smoke and shadows but not this lot. You know why? because they have faith. Faith. The magic word that keeps you never having to think for yourself.”
DRAG QUEENS
“The Devil’s Chord”
May 2024
American drag artist and former RuPaul‘s Drag race winner, Jinkx Monsoon gets a starring role in this episode playing arch villain Maestro.
The doctor and his companion Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson, go to see the British rock band the Beatles in 1963, only to find that the world has mysteriously lost interest in music.
Maestro, they discover, is summoned by playing The devil’s chord and sucks up the essence of music. She says: “Every song that goes unsung feeds me.
“I get stronger and stronger until I can reach out and steal the music of the spheres. Then, the universe will stop turning.” But that still doesn’t explain why Maestro was played by a drag artist.
Five cheap and free activities for the kids during the cold and wet February half term
COLD and wet weather can make February half term hard for entertaining kids.
And soft play or other indoor attractions where they can stay dry and warm can be expensive.
But many shops have free or cheap fun for kids, and you can maybe shop too.
Here are some ideas . . .
PET SHOPS: Look up local shops that have animals the children can look at.
Try a reptile store for lizards and aquariums. Pets at Home has free workshops throughout half term. Kids can meet small animals, and maybe enjoy some colouring and puzzles. See petsathome.com/workshops.
GROCERY SHOP: Taking smaller kids with you when you buy the weekly food can often be hard work. But Lidl’s child-size trollies help to ease the pain.
This lets you to do your shopping while keeping the little ones entertained. Kids love pushing the mini-trollies around the store.
GARDEN CENTRE: Dobbies is running its free Little Seedlings holiday club where youngsters can learn all about flowers and where they come from.
The sessions last 60 minutes and children will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Book online at dobbies.com/events.
IKEA: The furniture store runs free events for children over half term. You can expect teddy bear store trails or bedtime story competitions with no registration required.
Loyalty members can also access free workshops such as make-and-take bedtime boxes. Dates and events vary by store. Find your nearest at ikea.com.
JOHN LEWIS: Selected branches of John Lewis run free regular meet-ups to help new parents connect.
Adults get a complimentary hot drink, and a glass of juice is on offer for pre-schoolers who can also play with toys. Dates vary.
To find out more or book, see experiences.johnlewis.com.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
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Little helper
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Meghan’s relaunch plumbed new depths of hypocrisy as she & Harry flog themselves (and their kids) to the highest bidder
HERE we go again . . . Meghan invading her own privacy with a cutesy, seemingly off-the-cuff (as if) video posted to her 1.8million Instagram followers.
The “Duchess of Sussex” has announced that her fledging brand American Riviera Orchard has already been renamed As Ever.
Whatever.
If the patent applications are anything to go by, she’s about to start flogging us not just “fruit preserves” (aka jam) but everything from napkins and haircare to trowels and pruning forks. Hold me back.
As ever (see, it’s catching on already), Meghan is centre stage of the project, which will capitalise on the release of her imminent Netflix show With Love, Meghan, in which she will let us in on all her little home-making secrets.
Step one: Marry a British prince who can afford a nine-bed, 16-bathroom mansion in California.
Talking of which, Prince Harry who, lest we forget, vented at his family in the self-pitying memoir Spare, is reduced to an out-of-sight bit part, handing her the phone with the words, “it’s recording”.
Oh the irony. Spare indeed.
But then, being happily married with two gorgeous children is all part of the deal when it comes to selling an idyllic home life to the buying public.
Hence the girly giggle to her off-camera husband and the cover photo for As Ever’s website, which shows Meghan running hand in hand with daughter Lilibet across a lawn.
You can’t see the child’s face but if, as the couple have repeatedly said, you want complete privacy for your kids, then it’s probably best to leave them out of any public-facing initiatives altogether.
As an actress, Meghan is clearly accomplished at speaking to camera as if she’s been caught in an unguarded moment.
And this short recording of her looking casual in a white shirt, jeans and ponytail is a classic example of that.
It’s a reminder that, had she stayed in the UK as part of the Royal Family, she would have been a great asset to various charity initiatives.
But the decision to walk out and plough their own furrow rapidly led to realisation that, in the dog-eat-dog world of corporate America, being an ex-royal doesn’t cut the mustard if there’s no other skill set to go with it.
And that their expensive lifestyle doesn’t pay for itself.
Hence why Meghan is now trying to flog us over-priced mustard etc to pay the bills.
She and Harry want the cake of constantly bleating about their need for privacy while eating up whatever profit they can make by flogging themselves to the highest bidder.
As Ever.
LOVELY LIPPY’S A GOOD START, MAURA
MY delightful I’m A Celebrity campmate Maura Higgins is the face of Mac make-up’s newest campaign for “nude” lipsticks.
And bless her, she’s sent me a goody bag of samples. Thanks Maura.
Now, can you please send me the body to go with it?
ARE YOU CHER?
WHEN Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively tried to laugh off their feud with Justin Baldoni at a star-studded event in LA, it was reported that onlookers Kevin Costner and Cher looked less than amused.
Oh I don’t know.
These self-celebratory sleb-fests can go on a bit, so one suspects Yellowstone actor Kevin was yearning for his bed and merely trying to see the time on someone else’s watch.
And as for Cher, she’s had the same expression for the past 20 years . . . so who knows?
IRANIAN ORDEAL OF OWN MAKING
WITH the UK weather so nippy, you’re probably dreaming of the summer and scrolling through options of where you might venture on holiday.
A British resort, perhaps? Or maybe a short hop to the Costa del Sol?
But what’s the betting none of you are thinking: “Hmmm, I hear that Iran is lovely for a quick getaway?”
And even if you were mad enough to even contemplate it, a cursory glance at the Foreign Office website would tell you that it “advises against” there.
To hammer it home, there’s a map of the region coloured in red for danger and the warning that British nationals are “at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention”.
Yet all of the above was disregarded by British couple Craig and Lindsay Foreman who, by their own admission, decided to travel there “despite the advice of friends, family, and the FCDO”.
Get them back
‘Yes, we’re aware of the risks,” they posted.
“But we also know the rewards of meeting incredible people, hearing their stories, and seeing the breathtaking landscapes of these regions could far outweigh the fear . . . We hope to share the beauty, hospitality and humanity that often go unnoticed.”
Sigh. Their belief the presence of incredible people negates the chances of encountering the corrupt and opportunistic within a tyrannical regime is naive, and they have now been arrested and reportedly charged with espionage.
Their poor family – whose concerns they ignored – are distressed, concerned and having to focus on trying to get them back.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office – whose warnings also went unheeded – is now in contact with the authorities in Iran, so let’s wait and see what the deal is.
But what’s the betting that it won’t be, “Oh sorry, honest mistake, we’ll release them with no strings attached.”
I sincerely hope it gets resolved and, in the meantime, that they’re being treated well.
But the fact remains this regrettable situation was entirely avoidable.
NOT MUCH USE
THE research proof is in – young people are confused by food labels and, consequently, waste a lot of produce that’s perfectly edible.
Pretty much every Boomer parent could have told them this.
In Britain alone we waste 10million tonnes of food, much of it because people are “overly precautionary” about sell by/best before/use by dates.
Having been brought up by a war baby who would happily cut off the mould from a loaf and declare “it’s fine”, the only dates I pay heed to are “use by” on fish and chicken.
The rest of the time I use the best indicators of all for restricting food waste – my eyes and nose.
IDEAS ARE SO DATED
A NEW TV show is reportedly in development that’s being described as the spawn of The Apprentice and Love Island.
Called The Ultimate Power Couple, it will put lovers through challenges to uncover the best business duo.
Ye Gods. Is there any TV format that has been milked as dry as the dating/relationship genre?
Not even middle-aged blokes doing buddy travel shows comes close.
Ever since Blind Date was a smash hit, we’ve had Love Island, Love Is Blind, Married At First Sight, Temptation Island, Ex On The Beach, Dating Around, Dated And Related, The Later Daters, The Boyfriend, Perfect Match, Too Hot to Handle, Beauty And The Geek, The Bachelorette . . . I could fill this page with examples.
And now it’s bleeding in to the challenge formats.
Whatever next . . . Traitors: Couples Special? Where do I send the invoice?
DON’T BOOB
NEW research reveals that 21 per cent of women are skipping breast cancer scans because they are either worried about going topless, haven’t found a lump, or think it will hurt.
Trust me, none of the above will come even close to being told that you have advanced breast cancer and you could have caught it early.
MOBO host Indiyah Polack stuns in daring dress as she joins Amber Gill and Ayra Starr on red carpet
THE MOBO Awards were lit up with glamour tonight as the stars of music took to the red carpet.
The ceremony – which started almost 30 years ago – celebrates and elevates black music in the UK.
In a historic move, the MOBO awards are being held at the Utilita Arena Newcastle.
The stars were out in force to help celebrate the winners at tonight’s
Leading the glam tonight was MOBO host Indiyah Polack who looked incredible in her black leather dress.
The Love Island star wowed in this daring gown that came complete with nipple tassels.
The rising star was joined by other celebs including fellow Love Island star Amber Gill.
Radio host Vick Hope wowed in her plunging outfit, while singer Ayra Starr looked sensational in her impressive gown,
This year’s star-studded lineup of nominees was released last year.
This includes the likes of Raye and Skepta for best video as well as Jorja Smith and Little Simz for best female act
HOST WITH THE MOST
Indiyah has returned to co-host the 2025 ceremony alongside Strictly star Eddie Kadi.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, the reality beauty revealed the moment she ‘fell to her knees’ after hearing the news.
She said: “I remember exactly where, I was at a Fenty Beauty event and I literally fell to my knees because I thought my agent’s trying to pull a prank on me, I was like, what are you talking about?
“It just felt so surreal, it was such an honor to even be offered the opportunity.”
Eddie Kadi also spoke about how excited he is to host at this year’s awards, he said: “Even just being called to present an award at the MOBO’s is an honor.
“It’s a thing that I’ve grown up with as a kid so to be called in as a host and then do it with Indiyah as well, listen, I can’t ask for anything else, man.
“I’m excited already because I know we’re gonna have a lot of fun.”
MOVE TO NEWCASTLE
This is the first year the MOBO’s have been held in Newcastle.
In the run up to the awards, Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of MOBO Group, said: “Newcastle is a city steeped in history, culture, and a dynamic sense of community alongside an electric nightlife, making it the perfect host city.
“We are honoured to bring the MOBO Awards to this iconic destination, eager to deliver a show that will resonate far beyond the North East.
“Beyond the awards night, through the MOBO Fringe Festival, we will be engaging with the local community to create an inspiring and impactful programme that highlights the significant cultural influence of Black music.
“Newcastle, get ready for a time to remember!”
Over the years MOBO has helped nurture home grown talent such as Skepta, Dave and 2022’s Mercury Prize winner Little Simz.
Last years MOBO awards took place in Sheffield.
After string of turbulence disasters & horror crashes – has flying become more dangerous… and how can you stay safe?
IT feels a month doesn’t go by without a new aviation disaster, or near miss.
Last year was one of the worst for air accidents that anyone can remember – and it looks as if this run of bad luck has continued into 2025.
Lying upside down on the tarmac of Toronto International Airport, it is nothing short of miraculous that all 80 passengers and crew onboard survived Monday’s dramatic crash landing.
It comes after a string of high-profile aviation incidents in which, unfortunately, those on board were not as lucky.
Last month, American Eagle Flight 5342 came crashing down in Washington DC after colliding with a military helicopter, killing all 67 on board.
This followed a devastating crash in South Korea that killed all but two of the 177 on board in December.
These horrific disasters are affecting prospective travellers too. A recent survey by analytics company Quantum Metric found that one in four plan to take fewer flights due to safety concerns.
So what is going on in our skies – and is it really a dangerous time to fly?
Speaking to The Sun, aviation experts insist flying remains an incredibly safe way to travel.
“When you look at it, [flying] is still pretty safe,” says aviation security expert Julian Bray. “It’s six times safer than going out in your car.”
“Although when these accidents and incidents do happen, they tend to be quite dramatic in terms of casualties and outcome.”
Nonetheless, from an increase in turbulence to shoddy manufacturing issues and overworked air traffic control, experts point to a number of modern phenomena that have impacted recent tragedies.
Turbulence trauma
It’s a fact of flying, but it’s getting worse, according to scientists.
Researchers based at the University of Reading have found that the duration of severe turbulence in the North Atlantic has increased by more than 50 per cent since 1979 – especially around jet streams, the flows of air at cruising height.
In May last year, Singapore Airlines Flight 321 was violently pushed up nearly 400ft in only a few seconds.
Over 40 people on board were treated for serious injuries – and one 73-year-old man even lost his life.
“It’s wrong place, wrong time,” says Marco Chan, a former airline pilot and a senior lecturer in aviation at Buckinghamshire New University.
“Us pilots can’t see the turbulence. It’s just wind after all – there’s no detection on our radar system.”
Airlines use jet streams to save fuel and get to their destinations faster – so flights could get more and more unsteady as air temperatures rise.
Fortunately, fatalities from turbulence remain extremely rare, with only a handful of deaths in the last three decades.
Design flaws
The last few years saw Boeing, one of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers, embroiled in scandal over poor design and shoddy manufacturing.
In January 2024, a packed flight over the US narrowly escaped disaster when a side panel was torn mid-air.
The investigation found critical bolts were missing.
Whistleblower Sam Mohawk described the factory floor as “chaos”, with faulty parts potentially making their way into aircraft.
It followed serious incidents in 2018 and 2019 that saw 346 people die when a Lion Air Boeing 737 Max 8 jet and an Ethiopian Airlines Max 8 crashed just minutes after take-off.
Last year, the firm agreed to plead guilty to criminal fraud in the development of the Max and pay hundreds of millions of dollars in fines.
Thankfully for fliers, the airline giant has since made strides to regain its reputation for safety.
“It used to be run by marketing men. We found out that literally Boeing was marking its own homework,” says Julian.
“You’ll be pleased to hear that an engineer is now the chairman of Boeing, and they’re going in a completely different direction.”
Air traffic control chaos
In the aftermath of last month’s Washington DC crash, it emerged that an air traffic controller had left their post early on the night of the incident.
More concerningly, 90 per cent of air traffic control facilities in the country have been operating below FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) recommended staffing levels, according to US media reports.
“For years, America has been saying their airspace is safe. But the reality is they’ve jammed an awful lot into it,” says Julian.
A day of cancellations can also lead to heightened risks, with air traffic congestion a major risk.
“With more flights than usual operating with the same timeframes, airports and airspace can become overcrowded,” Marco says.
“Aircraft availability and maintenance requirements also become strained in these scenarios, which may lead to compressed turnaround times, increasing the risk of operational errors, maintenance oversights, or unexpected mechanical issues that could cause further delays.”
Warzone conflicts
On Christmas Day last year, Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 crash landed in a fireball after being hit by a Russian missile.
As conflict spreads around the globe, more and more airspaces are becoming too risky to fly into.
“Back in the day, missiles didn’t go high enough – but now they can,” explains Julian.
“Conflict zones tend to spring up quickly, or you might find a country will close down its airspace even when you’ve got aircraft in the sky.
“Very quickly your aircraft has to divert – but has it got enough fuel to do it?”
Why flying is still safe way to travel
By Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Recent horror stories of tragic turbulence, mid-air collisions and overturned planes are getting holidaymakers in a tizz, with many questioning whether or not they should be jetting abroad for their annual getaway this year.
But the truth is: flying is pretty much the safest method of transport there is. Aside from trains, perhaps.
To put it into perspective, approximately 1.19 million fatalities occur globally each year as a result of road traffic incidents, while the figure for plane fatalities is around 100 per year on average.
This means your daily commute to work probably puts you at greater risk than your summer holiday flight.
Rest assured, staff undergo vigorous safety checks ahead of take-off, while thorough maintenance checks are carried out every few hundred flights.
We are lucky enough to have some of the safest airlines right here in the UK, with Ryanair and easyJet named two of the safest in the world in AirlineRatings.com annual round-up for 2025. Wizz Air, Jet2 and British Airways are also on the list.
If you’re still feeling uneasy, the best way to keep yourself safe is by listening to the safety demonstrations and wearing your seatbelt when seated.
It’s understandable that people are panicking, but try to let the statistics reassure you that flying really is safe.
And now, rogue rebel groups increasingly seem to have access to weapons and equipment capable of hitting airliners – with scant concern for the diplomatic consequences.
The safety of flights bound for the UK relies on strong security measures being in place abroad, but standards can vary around the globe.
Tips to stay safe
The number one tip to staying safe is to keep your seatbelt on, recommends Marco – all the time.
To minimise turbulence, sitting in the middle of the plane near the wings is best, he adds.
But if you want to maximise your chances of surviving a crash, you’re better off going as far back as you can.
This is where the two survivors of the devastating South Korean crash in December were located.
“Read the evacuation card, and go to your nearest exit”, Marco says – especially as you could be left fumbling around in the dark should something go wrong.
While all manufacturers are subject to rigorous safety checks, you can check the aircraft you’ll be flying with by checking the details of your reservation on your airline’s website.
