4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Dannii Minogue makes startling admission about sister Kylie’s terrifying breast cancer battle
DANNII Minogue has revealed how close she came to losing her pop superstar sister Kylie to breast cancer.
Kylie, then 36, was diagnosed in 2005 and had a lumpectomy and chemotherapy before getting the all-clear the next year.
Steven CheeDannii Minogue has revealed how close she came to losing her pop superstar sister Kylie to breast cancer[/caption]
GettyKylie, then 36, was diagnosed in 2005 and had a lumpectomy and chemotherapy before getting the all-clear the next year[/caption]
Recalling the ordeal, former X Factor judge Dannii, 53, said: “I remember when Kylie was really sick and there was the chance that we were going to lose her.
“As she recovered and the world was celebrating, we were all celebrating.
“I had lost my best friend to cancer and I was grieving. Celebrating and grieving.
“And at the same time, there were so many articles about women: What does she look like? How old is she?
“Because if she doesn’t look good for her age, she’s of no value to anybody. I just thought, age is such a privilege.”
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Banish limescale for good with a 20p kitchen staple – stubborn grime will vanish in minutes and your taps will look new
GETTING rid of limescale isn’t always easy, especially from tricky areas like taps in your kitchen and bathroom.
But did you know you don’t need to fork out on pricey products to get the job done?
GettyYou can banish grim limescale with a bargain hack[/caption]
GettyThe secret ingredient is probably already in your kitchen[/caption]
In fact, the solution you’ve been searching for is likely already in your kitchen cupboards.
Because of minerals like calcium and magnesium in hard water, limescale can form when the water evaporates and and the minerals are left behind.
You can’t use any old products to banish limescale though, as the wrong stuff can damage your taps, depending on what they’re made from.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, cleaning expert Manish Jain, founder of professional cleaning services Ministry of Cleaning, revealed how you can use ketchup to keep your home limescale-free.
“Limescale is not only unsightly but difficult to clean and often requires a whole lot of time as well as expensive cleaning products,” he said.
“That is until now as few realise there are some household ingredients that make removing limescale from certain appliances and items quick and easy.”
According to the pro, ketchup works as a great alternative to harsh cleaning products because of it’s acidic nature.
It turns out the acid in ketchup is perfect for breaking down grime and limescale on your taps – who knew?
So, how should you use ketchup for the best results?
Start with a clean cloth and dip it into the sauce, then simply rub it into your tabs, the pro explained.
Let it sit to work it’s magic for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
The best part is that if you don’t already have some ketchup at home, this hack will cost you as little as 20p, since you can buy a bottle of the red stuff for just £1 in Asda.
And if you don’t fancy that, you can also make use of any lemons you’ve got lying around.
It turns out the citric acid in lemons can also break down mineral deposits, so they’re perfect for cleaning.
Just cut a lemon in half and rub it straight onto your taps before rinsing of minutes later.
OTHER TRICKS TO BANISH LIMESCALE
One clever cleaning fan took to the popular Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tip group on Facebook to share her personal favourite hack for keeping limescale at bay – and it’s only cost you 18p.
“So many people ask about cleaning cloudy stained shower screens,” she wrote.
“I’m a cleaner and never stop learning methods. I had the opportunity to do a before and after this week at work.”
According to the keen cleaner, a magic sponge is all you need to banish the white build-up on your shower screen.
“I do this method and the stains vanish every time,” the Facebook user said.
“I use a wet magic sponge (my holy grail!), wipe down with a wet microfibre cloth and buff to a shine with a glass cloth.
“Takes less than a minute. Hope it helps you all.”
The best part is you can snap up a multipack of magic sponges for just a couple of quid, making this hack a budget-friendly one.
pack of 10 will set you back just £1.78 from Viking Direct, which works out at just 18p each – not too shabby at all.
Similar products are also available in most supermarkets, like the Flash Ultra Power Magic Eraser, which will set you back £3 for a pack of two.
More bathroom cleaning tips
Keeping a bathroom clean and fresh can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but with a few practical tips and a regular cleaning schedule, it can be much more manageable.
1. Regular Maintenance
Daily Wipe-Down: A quick daily wipe-down of surfaces, such as the sink, countertops, and taps, can prevent the build-up of grime and soap scum. Keep a microfibre cloth handy for this purpose.
Ventilation: Ensure that your bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent mould and mildew. Open windows or use an extractor fan during and after showers.
2. Tackling Limescale and Hard Water Stains
Vinegar Solution: Hard water can cause limescale build-up on taps and showerheads. Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the affected areas for a few hours, then scrub with a brush.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is another effective natural cleaner for limescale. Apply it directly to the affected areas, let it sit for a while, and then rinse off.
3. Cleaning the Toilet
Toilet Cleaner: Use a specialised toilet cleaner to scrub the bowl. Apply the cleaner under the rim and allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush.
Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar: For a natural alternative, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda into the bowl, then add vinegar. The fizzing action helps to lift stains and disinfect.
4. Shower and Bath
Showerhead: Remove mineral deposits by soaking the showerhead in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. You can do this by filling a plastic bag with the solution and securing it around the showerhead with a rubber band.
Bathtub: Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub the bathtub. For stubborn stains, make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water, apply it to the stains, and let it sit before scrubbing.
5. Tiles and Grout
Grout Cleaner: Grout can harbour mould and mildew. Use a grout cleaner or a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and water to scrub the grout lines. An old toothbrush can be particularly effective for this task.
Tile Cleaner: Regularly clean tiles with a mild detergent or a vinegar solution to keep them shiny and free of soap scum.
6. Mirrors and Glass
Glass Cleaner: Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean mirrors and glass surfaces. Wipe with a microfibre cloth to avoid streaks.
Shower Doors: Prevent soap scum build-up on glass shower doors by using a squeegee to remove water after each use.
7. Floors
Sweep and Mop: Sweep the bathroom floor regularly to remove hair and dust. Mop with a mild detergent or a suitable floor cleaner to maintain cleanliness.
PAKaleb Cooper has announced he is expecting another child, pictured with Jeremy Clarkson on Clarkson’s Farm[/caption]
But judging by his bank account – which shows he has over £1.5m stashed away – the TV show hasn’t harmed either.
His main company, Kaleb Cooper Contracting, now has almost £1.16m in assets and his other firm, Kaleb Cooper Productions has £242,000.
On top of that he has K Cooper Retail and a new firm Cooper Livestock Ltd – not at all bad to say he’s still only 26 years old.
The timing of the new accounts couldn’t be better as the Cooper brood is rapidly expanding.
Kaleb, who’s already a dad to three-year-old Oscar and 19-month-old daughter Willa, announced, via Instagram, that his girlfriend is pregnant with their third child.
Alongside a picture of an ultrasound scan and a baby grow he last week posted the words: “Very excited to announce that’s baby number 3 cooking…going to be a very very busy August.”
His partner Taya, who he’s been with for eight years, also added: “So excited, can’t wait. Our family is growing.”
He explained that he felt ‘useless’ during fianceé Taya‘s labour as he didn’t know what he should be doing at the time.
He explained: “It was f***ing terrible, because when I’m helping that cow, I know exactly what I’m doing. I can bring the calf around to the mum and so on.
“Now, when Taya was giving birth, I felt useless. I’m seeing her in pain having one of my kids.”
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4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Iconic major retailer with 1,100 UK stores to shut town centre shop in latest blow to high street
AN ICONIC retailer with 1,100 stores across the UK has closed one of its major branches for good – leaving fans in tears.
The closure comes as the retailer struggles to adapt to shifting shopping behaviours and mounting economic pressures.
WHSmith has closed one of its popular branches
WHSmith’s branch inBolton’s Crompton Place has shut its doors for good on Saturday, 15 February.
The well-loved store is said to have closed due to redevelopment plans, according to company officials.
A spokesperson for the retailer said: “We are disappointed to be losing our presence in Bolton and we would like to thank all our customers for their support and for shopping with us.”
Due to the closure, the stock of the store has been reduced to 75 per cent discount.
A member of staff Aaron Highet said: “It has been such a good experience and I’ve enjoyed my time here.
“The customers come in with a smile and want to chat. The staff have been lovely and are brilliant to get on with.”
Another shopper Wendy told the Bolton News: “I’m very sad about the closure. I have been coming here for decades to browse the magazines, books and pens.”
Store manager Sara Goldthorpe said: “We have had a lot of customers say they are disappointed about the closure.
“Lots of them come in to use their National Book Tokens and with World Book Day coming up, they will have to go to another branch.”
WHSmith is working with advisers at Greenhill Investment Boutique.
It is hoped that a deal can be reached within three months, according to sources.
Potential buyers circling the retailer, which opened its first London shop over 200 years ago, include retail turnaround specialists Hilco and Alteri, along with Doug Putman, owner of HMV, and Modella Capital, owner of Hobbycraft.
Investors have not wanted WHSmith to spend any more money on its high street arm, which has no real growth prospects.
Russ Mould at AJ Bell said; “Exiting makes strategic sense and there have been plenty of clues it would happen one day soon.
“The travel arm is where most of the profits are made. It makes sense to sharpen the focus on what a company does best by offloading less important interests such as the high street operations.”
Why are retailers closing shops?
EMPTY shops have become an eyesore on many British high streets and are often symbolic of a town centre’s decline.
The Sun’s business editor Ashley Armstrong explains why so many retailers are shutting their doors.
In many cases, retailers are shutting stores because they are no longer the money-makers they once were because of the rise of online shopping.
Falling store sales and rising staff costs have made it even more expensive for shops to stay open.
The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury’s hike to employer NICs from April 2025, will cost the retail sector £2.3billion.
At the same time, the minimum wage will rise to £12.21 an hour from April, and the minimum wage for people aged 18-20 will rise to £10 an hour, an increase of £1.40.
In some cases, retailers are shutting a store and reopening a new shop at the other end of a high street to reflect how a town has changed.
The problem is that when a big shop closes, footfall falls across the local high street, which puts more shops at risk of closing.
Retail parks are increasingly popular with shoppers, who want to be able to get easy, free parking at a time when local councils have hiked parking charges in towns.
Many retailers including Next and Marks & Spencer have been shutting stores on the high street and taking bigger stores in better-performing retail parks instead.
In some cases, stores have been shut when a retailer goes bust, as in the case of Carpetright, Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, Paperchase, Ted Baker, The Body Shop, Topshop and Wilko to name a few.
What’s increasingly common is when a chain goes bust a rival retailer or private equity firm snaps up the intellectual property rights so they can own the brand and sell it online.
They may go on to open a handful of stores if there is customer demand, but there are rarely ever as many stores or in the same places.
The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year.
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Masked Singer’s Joel Dommett reveals plan to host hit show he says is ‘best on telly’ after Gino D’Acampo was axed
HE’S one of the nicest men on telly, but Joel Dommett has shown surprising opportunism in the wake of allegations surrounding fellow TV star Gino D’Acampo.
ITVITV have confirmed that it won’t be showing Gino D’Acampo’s most recently-filmed series of Family Fortunes[/caption]
Joel Dommett says he wants to take the reins on the quiz
And now that The Masked Singer has ended, Joel says he wants to take the reins on the popular quiz because he’s always fancied Gino’s job.
He told the Always Be Comedy podcast: “Now Gino D’Acampo is gone, maybe I’ve got the chance to slide in. I’ve been waiting for that.
“Honestly, Family Fortunes for me is the best show on telly and I know people will say, ‘What are you talking about?’. The perfect format is where the right answer or wrong answer, are both satisfying, but that’s so hard to achieve.”
Joel wrapped up the latest series of The Masked Singer on Saturday night, as musical theatre’s Samantha Barks, aka Pufferfish, emerged as the winner.
Now, he’d love to put a twist on the traditional format of Family Fortunes, which has been hosted by Gino since 2020.
He said: “I really think Family Feud, the American version, is THE best telly show in the world.
“So I would love to do the UK gig, but I would turn it into a different show.
“The American one leads you down a fun garden path with every answer, so when they say ‘name a race’, they want you to say ‘the 100 metres’ or ‘a heptathlon’, but someone says ‘Chinese people’ and everyone laughs. That’s what you need in it!”
The third series of Family Fortunes under Gino was scrapped by ITV after multiple allegations of bad behaviour came to light, though the channel has yet to confirm what plans they have for it moving forward.
Meanwhile, Joel’s other ITV gameshow, In With A Shout, has been shelved after two series — and it’s not clear when or if a third will be made.
And his big BBC gig, Survivor, has had a huge question mark over it as it went out in 2023, but the Beeb have yet to confirm a second outing.
Sounds like Joel has plenty of good reasons to eye up Gino’s old role.
Chuffed Puffer’s new gig
FRESH from her Masked Singer victory, when she was unveiled as Pufferfish, Samantha Barks has announced a one-night- only solo concert.
The actress and singer – who played Elsa in the West End production of Frozen and also starred in Les Miserables – will take to London’s Palladium on April 5.
Pufferfish AKA Samantha Barks has announced a one-night-only solo concert
Supported by a live band, the star will reel off her best-known hits – though she will have to get used to the crowds seeing her face again after getting comfy in her costume on the ITV singing contest.
Samantha said: “It’s been so fun to perform inside the mask, it’s so liberating.”
The actress, who appeared on the cobbles from 2017 to 2019, filled out the application for First Dates on behalf of her mum to give her a boost.
GettyVictoria Ekanoye filled out the application for First Dates on behalf of her mum to give her a boost[/caption]
Candy will appear on the Channel 4 show at 10pm tonight, on her first date in seven years after a battle with breast cancer knocked her confidence.
Victoria went on to battle the same cancer in 2021, before confirming she too had beaten the disease last year after undergoing a double mastectomy.
Unfazed by the idea her mum might out-do her on telly, and find herself a new career path, Victoria said: “She’ll outshine me, I’m going to retire – because she’s just TV gold.
“She’s funny without trying to be, and I just know people are going to love her!”
Kate behind the camera
KATE WINSLET will make her directorial debut in Netflix film Goodbye June.
She will also star in the drama, alongside Toni Collette, Timothy Spall and Helen Mirren.
Set in England, it sees a group of siblings united in “sudden and trying circumstances”.
It will go into production soon.
Goodish Gregg gag axe
DAVE GORMAN has had to axe an episode of his Modern Life Is Goodish series after material about TV presenter Gregg Wallace was cut.
The U&Dave show will return on February 24, but the run has been shortened to three episodes.
Dave Gorman has had to axe an episode of his Modern Life Is Goodish series(C) Avalon
It had been written and performed before the MasterChef host was accused of sexual harassment and making inappropriate comments – claims Gregg denies.
Dave’s fascination with Gregg and his rise to fame and role as presenter of Inside The Factory was at the centre of much of his live tour last year.
During the comedy set, Dave referred to the grocer-turned-TV-host as a “six-year-old in a man’s clothing”, as he poked fun at his unusual career path.
