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Two-week warning for thousands of households who risk missing out on £150 energy bill discount

THOUSANDS of households have just two weeks to act or risk missing out on a £150 energy bill discount.

Since October 2024, millions of households began receiving the cash through the government’s warm home discount scheme.

A hand adjusting a central heating thermostat.
PA
Data from last winter reveals that 128,000 individuals only received the payment after needing to reach out to the scheme’s helpline[/caption]

The discount, in most cases, is applied automatically if you’re eligible.

It’s knocked off your energy bill through your supplier, you don’t get paid the money directly.

Government data shows that the vast majority of people get the payments automatically.

However, data from last winter reveals that 128,000 individuals only received the payment after needing to reach out to the scheme’s helpline.

This is why it’s really important to keep an eye out for letters and make sure you’re getting what you’re entitled to.

If you have received a letter which asks for extra information, you need to respond to these by February 28, 2025, or you’ll miss out.

However, if you haven’t got the letter and you think you should have, you can ring the warm home discount scheme helpline on 0800 030 9322 or write to Warm Home Discount Scheme, PO Box 14127, Selkirk, TD7 9AH.

Again, you’ll need to do this before February 28 or you’ll miss out on this year’s payment.

How is the discount applied?

The method of payment for the warm home discount depends on the type of electricity meter you have.

For those with smart credit or prepayment meters, the discount is automatically applied.

However, households with older, traditional prepayment meters that require a key or card for top-ups cannot receive the discount directly.

Instead, they are issued vouchers to redeem at their local top-up point.

The Post Office began issuing these vouchers on behalf of British Gas, E.ON Next, Ovo Energy, EDF Energy, Scottish Power, and Good Energy from October 21, 2024. 

Around 190,000 warm home discount letters have been issued so far, worth a combined £28.5million, The Sun previously revealed.

The deadline to cash in your voucher will be stated in your letter.

This usually varies between 30 and 90 days from the point of issue.

If you’ve lost your voucher or it’s expire, you can contact their supplier to have it reissued.

Who’s eligible for the warm home discount?

Between October and December, the government issued letters to over three million households eligible for the scheme.

These will have told you that:

  • You’re eligible and you’ll get the discount automatically; or
  • You might be eligible, and you need to give more information.
  • You can call the helpline by February 29, 2024 to confirm your details.

To qualify for the Warm Home Discount, you need to claim either the guaranteed credit element of pension credit or a different qualifying benefit form the list below:

If you weren’t claiming any of the above benefits on August 11, 2024, you won’t be eligible for the payment.

Where someone claims a qualifying benefit, the government will assess their energy costs based on the type, age and size of property.

This means that you may not be considered eligible for the Warm Home Discount if you live in a more energy-efficient property for instance, even if you receive a qualifying benefit.

However, this rule doesn’t apply to recipients of the guarantee credit portion of pension credit.

Even if you weren’t getting pension credit on August 11, thousands of pensioners who applied for the benefit at a later date could still qualify for the £150 payment.

This is because pension credit rules allow first-time claimants to backdate their benefit entitlement by three months.

You will need to have launched your claim by 10 November and then successfully have it backdated to cover the qualifying date for the warm home discount on August 11.

But if you failed to apply before this date, you’ll miss out this winter.

What energy bill help is available?

There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.

If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.

This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.

If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.

Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.

But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.

For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.

British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.

You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.

EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.

Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).

The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.

Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.

Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.

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Ukrainian troops fear ‘betrayal’ as they beg Trump not to bow down to tyrant Putin in talks to end war

UKRAINIAN troops fear being “betrayed” by America as they beg Donald Trump to not roll over to tyrant Vladimir Putin.

Soldiers on the front line have told The Sun how they fear Ukraine could be handed over to Moscow in a peace deal.

Ukrainian soldier in camouflage carrying a rifle.
Supplied
Vasyl Savyn said his company didn’t need American weapons to fight[/caption]
Close-up of a man in a military helmet and face covering.
Eugen Sobchenko said he was ‘very concerned’ about a deal
Supplied
Ukrainian artilleryman carrying a large shell in a snowy forest.
Getty
A Ukrainian soldier carries a shell through a trench in the snow[/caption] Illustration of a proposed Ukraine peace plan map showing territorial divisions and troop deployments.

The American president has gone over the top of Ukraine and Europe’s leaders and appears ready to do business with the Kremlin directly and meet despot Vlad in Saudi Arabia.

Ukrainians appear willing to keep fighting for their country – but they know they need support to continue valiantly standing up to their much larger neighbour.

Volodymyr Zelensky said it was fair that America could talk to Russia but any peace deal involving Ukraine had to have Ukraine’s input.

Zelensky said the call “was not pleasant for me”.

UK PM Sir Keir Starmer was adamant on Thursday that Ukraine must be involved with any peace discussions that affect it.

But Putin’s cronies are popping the vodka at the thought of the US acquiescing to at least some of Russia’s demands on Ukraine’s sovereign territory.

Ukrainians react

Vasyl Savyn, 54, company commander of the 56th Separate Mariupol brigade said soldiers were not ready to give up because Trump wants to.

He said: “In our company we don’t have any American weapons; we are independent from Trump’s decisions.

“There are only people left on the front line who want to fight and see the victory.

“We may die here, but we will not give up.”

Eugen Sobchenko, 41, an engineer from Odessa, said he was “very concerned” about the deal.

He believes Trump wants to give Putin enough concessions from Ukraine to frame the war as a win.

Eugen said: “Ukraine will turn into his unconditional victory both for the domestic citizen and for many external partners/countries.

“I want to hope that this is not the case, but I have little hope, unfortunately. This is indirectly confirmed by the Rouble exchange rate and the Russian stock market.”

Close-up of a young woman with long brown hair.
Supplied
Mariya Chechelnytska said she felt like a ‘great show’ was starting[/caption]
Ukrainian soldier with machine gun in a trench.
Vasyl said he would die rather than give up
Supplied

Another soldier, Eugen, from an Odessa anti-drone unit, said “nothing good will come out of” the deal for Ukraine.

Eugen said: “I have a strong feeling that we are being betrayed by our biggest ally. I don’t feel comfortable at all.

“Time will tell more, of course. I wish to be wrong.”

Vika Roik, 35, a business owner, said Trump wanted to be remembered as a “great man” of history but an unfair peace would only inflame tensions.

Vika said: “I think he is on the verge of losing an allied army in the future—the Ukrainian army—and the Americans will pay for it.”

Mariya Chechelnytska, 37, from Kyiv, said she felt like it was the “start of a great show” between two unpredictable leaders.

She said: “They both defend their personal interests to the last breath and are not very famous for keeping their word. These negotiations can hardly be successful from the first call.”

Kremlin pops vodka

The Kremlin appears to be popping the vodka at the prospect of winning the war.

Servicemen of artillery crew of the special unit National Police fire a D-30 howitzer towards Russian troops at a position in a front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine January 11, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer
Ukrainian National Police fire artillery at Russia
epa11662164 A handout photo made available by the press service of the 24th Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian Armed Forces shows newly recruited servicemen of the 24th mechanized brigade, named after King Danylo, improving their tactical skills on obstacle course at the training field in Donetsk region, Ukraine, 15 October 2024 (issued 16 October 2024), amid the Russian invasion. Russian troops entered Ukrainian territory on 24 February 2022, starting a conflict that has provoked destruction and a humanitarian crisis. EPA/24TH MECHANIZED BRIGADE OF UKRAINIAN ARMED FORCES/HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES
New recruits practice saving a injured comrade

Putin’s top crony Dmitry Medvedev has hailed Trump as stepping back from “apocalypse” as he celebrates the peace talks.

The former Russian President – who is mad Vlad’s top ally – gloated in a post on social media as he continued to push Russia’s false narrative that either it wins or there will be nuclear war.

Joe Biden backing Ukraine and waiting for Kyiv to lead peace negotiations was “a grave mistake,” Medvedev claimed, “which nearly wiped humanity off the face of the earth”.

In a follow-up post, Medvedev labelled Europe’s response to being cut out like a “frigid spinster” “mad with jealousy and rage”.

Leopard 1A5 tank firing during a live fire exercise in Ukraine.
Cover Images
A tank is fired by Ukrainians in the snow[/caption]
A rocket launching from a truck.
Reuters
A Ukrainian artillery pick up truck fires rockets at Russia[/caption]
Ukrainian soldier loading a shell into a mortar.
Getty
A Ukrainian soldier loads a mortar on Tuesday[/caption]

Relying on sexist tropes, Putin’s pal said Europe’s marginalised geopolitical role was like it having poor “chances of snagging a husband.”

He raged: “No wonder. Europe’s time is over. It’s weak, ugly and useless.”

European leaders have been left fuming that they and Ukraine appear to have been cut out of talks by Trump before the peace process even started to end the three-year-old war.

In a rebuke to the Americans, UK defence secretary John Healey warned: “There can be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine and Ukraine’s voice must be at the heart of any talks.

Volodymyr Zelensky on a phone call in his Kyiv office.
AFP
Volodomyr Zelensky says Ukraine must be involved in any peace talks[/caption]
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in suits.
AFP
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Saudi Arabia[/caption]

“We all want to see a durable peace and no return to conflict and aggression – and let’s not forget, Russia remains a threat well beyond Ukraine.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected any “dictated peace” and his defence minister said it was “regrettable” Washington was already making “concessions” to the Kremlin.

Nato chief Mark Rutte on Thursday said that it was crucial Kyiv is “closely involved” in any talks about what is happening in Ukraine.

Trump’s peace plan

The exact details of Trump’s are yet to be confirmed, but some key planks have been released.

US Defence Secretary Keith Hegseth said it was “unrealistic” for Ukraine to return to its 2014 borders before Putin invaded Crimea.

Hegseth also confirmed on Wednesday that the US doesn’t want Ukraine to join Nato or for American troops to be involved in defending the country.

Instead, European soldiers, including Brits, could then be used to guarantee Russia doesn’t invade again by policing a demilitarised zone.

A leaked peace plan said Ukraine could still become part of the EU in 2030 and that Trump would want the European bloc to drive Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction.

Trump and Putin's relationship

Donald Trump has a history of positive and admiring comments about strongman Vladimir Putin.

They have long prompted criticism from his rivals that he is “soft on Russia”.

Trump rejects that, saying that no US president was ever tougher on Moscow and that a US president needs a relationship with the Russian leader.

Trump said he “got along great” with him during his first term where they met in person five times and nine publicly reported phone conversations.

Since the start of his second term, however, Trump has criticised Putin’s conduct of the “ridiculous” Ukraine war and said that the conflict is “destroying” Russia.

Trump has threatened more sanctions on Russia if it didn’t come to the negotiating table over Ukraine.

Putin, meanwhile, has sought to flatter

US President Donald Trump (L) chats with Russia's President Vladimir Putin as they attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' summit in the central Vietnamese city of Danang on November 11, 2017. (Photo by Mikhail KLIMENTYEV / SPUTNIK / AFP) (Photo by MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)
Trump chats with Putin in 2017

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Cake killer suspected of fatally poisoning three relatives with arsenic-laced treat found DEAD in her jail cell

THE woman accused of killing three relatives with a Christmas cake she poisoned with arsenic has been found dead in prison.

Deise Moura dos Anjos, 42, was found in her cell at a women’s prison in Guaiba, near the city of Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, this morning.

Zeli Terezinha Silva dos Anjos sitting on a small boat.
Jam Press
Zeli Terezinha Silva dos Anjos baked a cake that it is believed Deise had poisoned[/caption]
Photo of Maida Berenice Flores da Silva.
NF/newsX
Maida Berenice Flores da Silva, 58, was one of the three who died[/caption]
Cake believed to have caused multiple deaths.
Jam Press
The Christmas cake thought to have been spiked with arsenic[/caption]

Cops said they believe it was suicide.

Deise was taken into prison last month on suspicion of three murders and three attempted murders.

She always insisted she was innocent, despite police branding her a “serial killer” after her arrest.

Local cops had said that the evidence they had against her was “robust.”

Her mother-in-law, Zeli, baked the cake eaten by the relatives who fell ill – and Deise was suspected of having contaminated it with arsenic-laced flour.

The dessert had been baked at Zeli’s home before it was brought to a Christmas gathering in Torres on December 23.

Zeli, 61, was rushed to hospital but survived.

Zeli’s sister Maida Bernice Flores da Silva, 58, another sibling called Neuza Denize Silva Dos Anjos, 65 and Neuza’s daughter Tatiana Silvia Dos Santos, 43, all died within hours of eating the cake.

The horrifying case rocked Brazil over Christmas, and Deise was arrested on suspicion of murder after a “whitish liquid” was found at Zeli’s house.

In a shock twist, arsenic was also laster discovered in the body of Paulo Luiz Dos Anjos, Zeli’s husband, who died in September.

Illustration of family members involved in a Christmas cake poisoning case.

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Kanye West ‘paid $250k to have sex tape of himself in bed with escort while high on MDMA taken off the market’

KANYE West has been mocked over an “embarrassing” sex tape allegedly showing him hooking up with an escort while high on drugs.

Notorious former sex tape broker Kevin Blatt has claimed the rapper paid around $250,000 to ensure a video of an alleged night he had with a sex worker in Las Vegas while taking party drug MDMA was taken off the market.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West at Paris Fashion Week.
Getty
The alleged sex tape was being shopped around while Kanye was dating Kim Kardashian[/caption]
Screenshot of a direct message containing a hateful message and a shirtless photo of Kanye West.
Not known, clear with picture desk
Kevin took aim at Kanye in this Instagram post[/caption]
Close-up of a man wearing a newsboy cap and dark hoodie.
Kevin Blatt
Kevin Blatt is a well known celebrity sex tape broker[/caption]

Hollywood fixer Kevin, who made his name in the world of celebrity sex tapes by facilitating the release of Paris Hilton’s sex tape One Night In Paris, made the allegation in a post on his Instagram Stories in which he tagged Kanye directly.

He wrote: “Remember that sex tape I helped take off the market for you in 2012 with that hooker in Vegas?

“Yeah this JEW didn’t forget what a horrible performance and small [eggplant emoji] u had on MDMA.

“Hey, why don’t you GO F*** Your favorite person in the world YOURSELF.”

The post was accompanied by a picture that appeared to be from the alleged tape showing a shirtless Kanye in what looks like a hotel room.

A rep for Kanye declined to comment on the claims.

Kevin told The U.S. Sun the video was being shopped around in December 2012 and he stepped in to help Kanye and ensure it was never publicly released.  

It later emerged that it had originated from an old laptop of Kanye’s which had been stolen by a family member – in an incident Kanye rapped on his two tracks Real Friends and No More Parties in LA.

The lyrics for Real Friends are: “I had a cousin that stole my laptop that I was f***kin’ b*****s on/ Paid that n***a 250 thousand just to get it from him/ Real friends…Huh?”

While on No More Parties in LA, he said: “And as far as real friends, tell all my cousins I love ’em/ Even the one that stole the laptop, you dirty motherf****r.”

Kanye had been dating Kim Kardashian since April of that year, and she announced she was pregnant with his child in December – around the same time the tape was being shopped around.

It is not known when the tape was made – as there is no date stamp on it – but Kevin believes it was around a year or so before he began dating Kim, and the liaison took place at a hotel in Las Vegas.

Kevin, who has helped dozens of celebrities suppress their sex tapes, said he decided to speak out about the tape after Kanye’s vile antisemitic X rampage – and said he wanted the rapper to remember how many Jewish people had helped him during his career.

STOLEN LAPTOP

“The tape was being shopped around in late 2012 and that was when I got involved,” Kevin told The U.S. Sun in an exclusive interview.

“Kanye had the video saved on his laptop and I found out later his cousin had stolen the laptop and that is what he raps about on No More Parties In LA.

“At the time I did not know that. The tape was being shopped around, Kanye did not want the tape getting out there and I helped make sure it didn’t, like I have helped many celebrities do. That’s how Hollywood works and I made a decent living out of sex tapes for a while.

“Kanye didn’t want it getting out because he was with Kim Kardashian at the time. I don’t think she would have married him if she’d seen it because it was with an escort and there were drugs involved – it wasn’t the best look.”

‘EMBARRASSING AS HELL’

“I watched the tape – if it had got out people would have laughed at him. He is out of it and it’s embarrassing as hell,” Kevin added.

“Let’s just say that any loverboy image he thought he might have had would have been completely destroyed.

“I’m not trying to make money out of this now, that’s not what this is about.

“I watched the tape – if it had got out people would have laughed at him. He is out of it and it’s embarrassing as hell.

Kevin Blatt

“The only reason I am talking about it now is because I want Kanye to realize that his actions have consequences – I don’t want him to forget how many Jewish people – like me – have helped him over the course of his career.

“He is surrounded by Jewish people every day and they have helped him reach the top of his game – and then he’s going to say these disgusting things?

“Antisemitism hasn’t been this high since the Holocaust and Jews are going to fight back because we cannot let that ever happen again. This cannot be tolerated by anybody.

“Kanye wants everyone to think he’s a genius but the fact is he’s clearly unhinged. And he needs to be stopped, so I’m willing to speak up.”

VILE TIRADE

It comes after the Yeezy founder went on a disturbing three-day antisemitic rant on X over the weekend, in which he claimed “I’M A NAZI” and “I LOVE HITLER.”

The shameless rapper wrote: “Hilter was soooooo fresh,” before posting “I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT THE F*** ANTI SEMETIC MEANS.”

“He [Kanye] is surrounded by Jewish people every day and they have helped him reach the top of his game – and then he’s going to say these disgusting things?

Kevin Blatt

In a series of vile posts, he wrote how he had “dominion” over his wife Bianca Censori and boasted about their Grammy red carpet stunt in which she appeared in a completely sheer dress which displayed her naked body in full.

He went on to make a series of offensive misogynistic posts, claiming rape victims were lying, before declaring he was “God”.

“Fat b*****s are sex offenders I see them and I’m sexually offended,” he wrote in one Tweet.

In another post on Sunday, he wrote: “LEGALIZE PROSTITUTION”.

He also called for President Donald Trump to free Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is currently in jail on sex trafficking charges.

BACKLASH

The tweets were widely condemned and Kanye’s X account was deactivated on Monday.

Elon Musk wrote: “Given what he has posted, his account is now classified as NSFW.

“You should not be seeing that anymore.”

Kanye had earlier thanked the Tesla boss for allowing him to “vent” on his platform.

He added: “It has been very cathartic to use the world as a sounding board.”

‘SOURCE OF OWN DEMISE’

Ye later posted a video in which he promised he was of sound mind when he made the horrific posts and did not need an “intervention”.

The rapper has previously spoken about how he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after he was hospitalized for a psychiatric emergency in 2016.

Earlier this month he claimed he had been misdiagnosed with bipolar and actually has autism – although one ex-employee has claimed he’s the “source of his own demise”.

His Yeezy website has now been removed and fans claiming they are boycotting his upcoming album.

Meanwhile, a tech mogul told The U.S. Sun that the star would be unable to conduct business in the United States the way he used to after his hate-filled outburst.

Kanye West wearing a gray jacket.
Getty
Kanye has been widely condemned for his anti-Semitic comments[/caption]
Kanye West and Bianca Censori at the Marni fashion show.
Getty
Kanye is currently married to Bianca Censori[/caption]

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Free car parking SCRAPPED in £500,000 move impacting thousands of drivers despite ‘overwhelming opposition’

FREE parking in a city’s car parks is set to be scrapped in a move that will impact thousands of drivers.

Southampton City Council plans to end two hour’s free parking at 17 car parks in Bitterne, Portswood, Shirley and Woolston.

London parking meter.
Getty
Free parking in a city’s car parks is set to be scrapped[/caption]

The charging period will also be extended from Monday to Saturday 8am – 6pm to Monday to Sunday 8am – 8pm.

New rates of 50p per hour for one hour and £1 for two hours would replace the current two-hour free option.

The amended tariff will take effect and the changes will be implemented on April 1.

The council said the move would raise more than £500,000.

Southampton City Council added that officers will monitor and review the impacts of the changes between April and September.

A cabinet meeting on Tuesday night approved the changes to tariffs and charging hours.

The BBC reported on how local businesses raised concerns about the impact the measures would have on footfall.

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We have listened to the consultation and have reduced the period for charging from midnight to 8pm.

“We will be working with local schools close to the district centres to ensure drop off and pick up is not adversely impacted.

“This additional income does support our spending on home to school transport which has increased significantly in recent years, concessionary bus fares and the upgrade and maintenance of our highway network.

“I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and gave us their feedback.

“We appreciate the strength of feeling of residents and as a result of the comments received have made adjustments to the proposed tariffs.

“We will monitor usage over the coming months and review the tariffs if required.”

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Watch the exact moment Elma ‘panics she’s lost Love Island’ after Ekin-Su’s brother tells her to watch her back

LOVE Island All Stars fans spotted Elma Pazar “panic” after Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu had a chat with her brother about their fallout.

Ekin spoke to Arda via video link in the special ‘friends and family’ segment and was warned by him to ‘watch her back’.

Screenshot of a woman speaking outdoors.
Ekin-Sue told the girls some home truths following a chat with her brother
Ekin-Su crying during a video call with her brother.
Fans are convinced Elma looked ‘panicked’ by what she had to say
Eroteme

Arda told Ekin that some of the girls did not have her best interests at heart and complained about Elma refusing to “let go” of The Heart Rate Challenge.

Ekin had given Elma’s man, Sammy Root, a kiss on the lips in the challenge more than a week ago and it has been the main cause of their ongoing bitter row.

Eagle-eyed fans now believe Towie star Elma is ‘panicking’ about her place in Monday’s final after Ekin’s heart-to-heart with Arda .

Following Ekin’s private chat with her sibling, she emerged from the villa told the girls in the garden: “He said be careful.

“Keep being you but be careful with who your friends are.”

Catherine Agbaje asked Ekin if Arda mentioned her “situation” with Elma and she replied: “He’s my brother, he’s going to back me up, but said that the kiss situation wasn’t let go.

“He sees it and I didn’t know that too until now, so I’m just going to be cautious.”

Ekin added: “You can’t please everyone I guess.”

Elma, dressed in a bright pink swimsuit, was sat across from Ekin when she made the revelation – and she did not utter a word.

Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: “Elma’s face when Ekin told them all what her brother said.”

Another added: “Elma’s gone quiet now listening to what Ekin’s brother said.”

And a third chimed in: “I bet Elma will change her tune after hearing what Ekin brother had to say…”

Ekin was one of several islanders – including Elma – who were treated to a video call with either a friend or family member on Wednesday night.

She was delighted to see Arda, a plumber and musician, on the telly screen when she entered the bedroom for their chat.

Arda told her how proud he and their parents are of Ekin and admitted her man Curtis Pritchard had “grown” on him.

The conversation then turned to Ekin’s fallout with Elma.

“It kicked off,” Ekin told her brother. “Elma and Sammy asked whether Ekin and Curtis had the weakest connection.

“But luckily the public said we are a strong connection. And that felt really good.”

Arda told her: “There we go. If the public don’t think you’ve got a good connection and don’t think you are the weakest couple, who do you think is?”

Ekin said she was unable to answer his question, so threw it back at him.

Arda told her he believes Harriett Blackmore and Ronnie Vint have the weakest connection.

Love Island All Stars 2025 official line-up

Love Island All Stars is back on TV for season 2.

Here we take you through the line-up of all the Islanders who are in the villa so far.

Bombshells

Each series brings with it a string of hot single bombshells making their epic entrance into the villa.

Here’s who has joined the villa so far:

Ekin asked: “What about the girls, what are they like in here? Does it always seem like they have my best interests?”

Arda replied: It doesn’t always seem like it, I’m not going to lie. They all like to jump on you the minute something goes wrong.

“Like the other day with Elma not letting that go.”

Ekin told him: “She won’t let the kiss go.”

Arda agreed: “I know. I’m like, ‘Come on. Why are you starting all this row?’

“It’s definitely shown me that some of the girls in there aren’t really… like, have your back all the way.”

He added: “Bless Curtis. He really has your back. But why have none of your girlfriends got your back?”

Ekin emerged from the chat and gathered the girls around, telling them: “It was my brother. We have some talking to do, ladies.”

Meanwhile, Elma’s days could be numbered after dumped bombshell Ron Hall confirmed his return to the villa.

Ron has an axe to grind and, before getting on a plane to South Africa, he made it clear he wants to see Elma gone.

  • Love Island All Stars continues tonight, 9pm, ITV2/ ITVX
Ekin-Su video calling her brother.
Ekin’s brother Arda chatted to her via video link
Eroteme
Ekin-Su on a video call with her brother.
The Turkish actress grilled him about the girls in the villa
Eroteme
Ekin-Su laughing while covering her mouth.
Arda told Ekin to ‘watch her back’ in a stark warning
Eroteme

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PSG rivals moving into 19,000 capacity stadium right next to Parc des Princes after Jurgen Klopp moaned about atmosphere

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN’S rivals Paris FC have moved into a 19,000-capacity stadium right next to the Parc des Princes following complaints from Jurgen Klopp about their atmosphere.

The French minnows currently play in Ligue 2 and are hoping to seal promotion to the top flight this summer.

Aerial view of the Parc des Princes and Jean Bouin stadiums in Paris.
AFP
Paris FC are set to move into a stadium right next to PSG’s Parc des Princes[/caption]
Aerial view of the Parc des Princes and Stade Jean Bouin stadiums in Paris.
AFP - Getty
The Ligue 2 side will play at the 19,000-seater Stade Jean-Bouin from next seaason[/caption]
Jürgen Klopp, Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull.
Getty
Red Bull chief Jurgen Klopp felt that Paris FC needed to move to improve their atmosphere[/caption]
Illustration of a rugby match at a stadium.
Getty
Paris FC hope to improve their standing at their new home[/caption]

But should they enter Ligue 1 for the 2025/26 season, Paris FC will end up having an incredible derby with city rivals PSG.

That’s because they are set to move into the 19,000-seater Stade Jean-Bouin, which located right next to PSG’s Parc des Princes.

The fancy arena is currently used by rugby side Stade Francais.

However, they will share it with Paris FC from next season, with a deal agreed until 2029.

The second-tier side have been playing at Stade Charlety this term, which is located to the south of Paris and has a capacity of 20,000.

But fans are not happy with it due to it mainly being used as an athletics stadium.

Seats are located far away from the pitch.

And nobody was more displeased after a visit than Liverpool legend Klopp.

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS

The German now works as Global Head of Football at Red Bull.

They became minority investors in Paris FC late last year.

Aerial view of Charlety Stadium in Paris.
AFP
Paris FC currently play away from the city centre at the Stade Charlety[/caption]
Stade Sébastien-Charléty before a UEFA Women's Champions League match.
Getty
It is primarily an athletics stadium and features the pitch far away from the crowd[/caption]
Exterior view of the Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris.
Getty
Stade Jean-Bouin has a more modern look to it[/caption]
General view of Stade Jean Bouin during a rugby match.
Getty
It is also the home of top rugby side Stade Francais[/caption]

And Klopp went to visit Stade Charlety to see them in action.

But after being treated to the incredible atmospheres of Anfield and Borussia Dortmund’s Yellow Wall, Paris FC were found lacking.

Klopp said: “The stadium is a stadium where you cannot create an atmosphere.

“It is long ago since I watched a game from that far and I was in the stadium rather than in front of the TV.”

As a result, Paris FC will now play at the Stade Jean-Bouin and will be hoping to become their city’s dominant side should they win promotion this term.

Owner Antoine Arnault said: “Reaching this agreement to play at Jean-Bouin from next season was a priority for my family to offer our supporters, partners and spectators a perfect setting to see Paris FC teams.”

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Is Costco worth it? As chain hikes membership prices, we reveal who shouldn’t shop there & the one deal EVERYONE loves

Illustration of a shopping basket with groceries and price comparisons.

WITH over two million members and 29 locations in the UK, Costco is often regarded as THE destination for bulk-buying.

But with membership prices set to go up in weeks, are their deals still saving you money? And is it still worth signing up?

People entering and leaving a Costco Wholesale store.
Getty
We look at whether Costco membership is really worth it and who really benefits[/caption]

The US wholesale warehouse chain has amassed a cult following since it first opened here in 1993.

But now the price of its annual membership is set to rise by up to 42 per cent.

From March 1, the fee to sign up to Costco will go from £28 to £35 for individual members. 

We’ve investigated the new membership terms as well as the price of top items to see if its fees and bargains are worthwhile, as well as who is getting their money’s worth and who isn’t.

Price comparison of Cushelle toilet paper at Costco and Asda.
Cushelle loo roll turned out to be cheaper at Asda, our reporter found
Activia Gut Health yogurt price comparison: Costco (£6.48) vs Asda (£7.94).
Costco worked out far cheaper for Activia yogurt when buying packs of 16
Price comparison of Scott's Porridge Oats at Costco (£4.39) and Big Foods (£3.50).
The same size of Scott’s porridge oats was found for cheaper elsewhere, although not including delivery

What’s happening to membership fees?

As well as the membership price hike, adding an extra cardholder onto that policy will now cost £20 up from £14 – a 42 per cent increase.

Trade customers will pay £25 for membership from next month – up from £22 now. 

Individual membership fees have VAT added at the checkout too, meaning the total cost of annual Costco membership will be £42 – up from £33.60. 

Shoppers need to ensure that their bulk purchases genuinely save them money

Richard PriceGrocery expert

Business customers will pay £30 including VAT – although businesses can claim back this tax on both membership and any purchases at the store.

There is a hack to avoid the hike this year, however. 

If you renew your membership before March 1, you’ll pay the current price and membership can be renewed up to 90 days ahead of your card’s expiry.

Is Costco worth it?

Experts are warning the new, pricier, cost of being a Costco member won’t be worth it for some.

“Shoppers need to ensure that their bulk purchases genuinely save them money,” says Richard Price, grocery expert and owner of online supermarket, Britsuperstore.

“To make the £35 individual annual membership worthwhile, a shopper should be saving at least £3 per month (or around 70p per week) compared to supermarket prices. 

“Those who regularly buy household essentials, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable foods in bulk will likely see these savings quickly add up.

“However, infrequent shoppers may find that the membership fee outweighs the benefits.”

Budgeting experts used to recommend smaller households share the cost of a Costco membership with a friend to lower the price while still benefiting from access to bulk savings

But alongside the price rise, Costco has announced new rules stating shoppers can only add an extra ‘gold star cardholder’ if they are a partner or spouse living in the same household. 

So for each household to break even on the extra £7 added to the membership, you’d need to save at least £7 more per year compared to regular supermarket shopping

“If bulk toilet paper at Costco offers a £3 saving per pack, purchasing three packs a year would justify the extra cost,” Richard adds.

Bog roll bargain, or just bog standard?

Here, we compared the price of four popular items often found in shoppers’ baskets to take a snapshot look at who comes out on top price wise.

Costco was selling a 32 pack of Cushelle loo roll for £26.89, or 85p per roll – and there’s a minimum two-pack purchase, so you’d face an outlay of £53.78 for 64 loo rolls

But Asda is selling Cushelle loo roll for £4.68 for six rolls, or 78p per roll – and its rolls contain an average 252 sheets per roll, compared to the Costco pack’s 236 sheets. 

And that’s without factoring in the VAT and membership fee meaning Asda works out cheaper.

If you’re not fussy about brands, then it’s worth looking at own-brand offerings.

Online, Costco shoppers can buy a pack of a whopping 1,440 Kirkland loo rolls at just 55p per roll – but the average British home would struggle to find a place to hide over 1,000 toilet rolls!

Deal or no deal

What about other items? We looked at popular basket fillers.

We found Costco selling 16 Activia 0% fat mixed fruit yogurts for £3.99 thanks to a special offer running at its warehouses.

However, on the same day, Asda was selling an eight-pack of the same yogurts for £3.97.  

This works out at 25p per yogurt at Costco versus 50p at Asda – but how much of a bargain that is, of course depends on whether you need and could consume 16 perishable yogurts before the use by date.

Costco was selling a 3kg box of Scott’s porridge oats for £4.39 but the same pack is available from Big Foods for just £3.50.

If you’re not bothered about the brand name, supermarkets are much cheaper. Tesco’s porridge is £2.70 for 3kg. 

With prices changing daily and sometimes hourly thanks to dynamic pricing, finding the best deal can be anything but straightforward.

It doesn’t help that the items are slightly different in size too, so it’s hard to compare like-for-like baskets.

And you need to make sure that you will use the items before they perish or that you have enough room to store them.

I’M A BULK BUYING EXPERT, HERE ARE MY TOP TIPS

HAYLEY Merrick started bulk-buying toiletries when she realised how much she could save by stocking up in big quantities.

The 38-year-old from Staffordshire shared her top tips.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
She estimates to have saved hundreds – if not thousands of pounds – by bulk buying staple beauty products.

She explains: “My current moisturiser is an unscented and unbranded base cream in a 2.5 litre jerry can.

“It’s been a while since I bought it as it lasts ages and when it runs out I tend to shop around to get the best deal.”

THINK ABOUT YOUR SPACE

It can be tricky to bulk buy if you’re living in a smaller pad – but not impossible.

Hayley says: “The only downside is storage space, however despite often stocking up on things for several months or even years, I don’t buy large items in huge enough quantities for this to be an issue.

“I have various cupboards that I use – some in the kitchen, the bottom of the bathroom cabinet and in the spare room.

“I then tend to decant things like porridge oats into large glass storage jars.”

START SMALL
Want to give it a go, but not sure where to begin?

Hayley says: “Start with products that you love and need replacing frequently, such as shower gels, soaps and other consumables.

“Have a look online and find bulk deals.

“Amazon usually has them, or if you fancy a change check out natural and organic skincare ingredient stores.

“They often have bulk base creams, shower gels and shampoos.” 

So who really benefits?

But there are deals that might make it worth it for you.

Costco members always rave about its deals on petrol – which can often be cheaper than local forecourts – as well as clothing and technology. 

Ashley Bailey, founder of AI online shopping assistant, Dig This Deal, is a Costco member.

He says: “Costco feels tailored towards those working in the food industry, who buy bulk and can claim back the VAT on the items they buy. 

“For a normal consumer, when you take in the hike in membership costs and the cheaper or equivalent options online, it doesn’t make sense. 

“I’ve seen good sales of products such as Apple AirPods, smartwatches and vacuums at Costco, but the deals are usually comparable with what you could find on eBay, Amazon or other online retailers.”

The main rule to weigh up the pros and cons of Costco membership is to work out how often you visit the stores, and your average savings.

When you visit a Costco store in person, it’s so tempting to fill up your trolley with exciting bits and bobs – but these can really add up.

Work out what items you could bulk buy and see if you would get an average saving of at least £7 per month to see if you can justify the membership increase.

If not, it could be time to consider parting ways with the bulk-buy giant.

How do I join Costco?

You have to own or manage a VAT-registered business to join as a trade member.

For individual membership, you need to work in (or have retired from) a profession such as accounting, teaching, chartered surveying, or medicine.

Front-line workers such as NHS staff, police officers and members of the armed forces can also access individual membership. 

Some members of organisations such as the National Trust and AA say they have been able to access Costco membership via these schemes too. 

A list of accepted jobs and qualifications can be found on the Costco website

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

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The age Brits learn to embrace themselves ‘just as they are’ revealed as major life events trigger change

BRITS learn to embrace themselves – just as they are – at the age of 33.

A study of 2,000 adults found after years of trying to please other people, and worrying what they think, the middle of the fourth decade leads to a change in mindset as they begin to reveal more of their true self.

Women in pink pajamas watching a movie in a theater.
Popworks is hosting a special screening of the new Bridget Jones film
Two women in pajamas laughing while watching a movie and eating popcorn.
The cinema is encouraging viewers to come to the flick in their pyjamas

At this point, 88 per cent believe it’s important to be themselves and not live by someone else’s expectations.

And 23 per cent of Millennials, those aged between 29 and 44, feel they no longer need to dress a certain way because it’s ‘the done thing’.

It also emerged 32 per cent of those who have stopped caring what others think believe doing something like going out without makeup is totally ‘natural’ for them now.

While 54 per cent now prioritise comfort over style, with 52 per cent going as far as to say living a ‘low maintenance’ lifestyle for themselves feels like the ultimate act of self-care.

And this rises to 59 per cent of Millennials.

The research was commissioned by Popworks to celebrate its partnership with new film Bridget Jones: Mad About the  Boy, by hosting a special screening for film fans who relaxed in their pyjamas, embracing themselves ‘just as they are’. 

Vue is also encouraging film fans to head to cinemas in their pyjamas for the chance to win treats.

Lizzie Barnes, from the snack brand, said: “There are many things we have all done over the years to perhaps hide a part of us or try to impress others.

“But once you reach a point where you embrace your true self, it can be a huge, positive step.

“We want to encourage people to embrace themselves just as they are – just like our protagonist, Bridget.

“Fancy popping to the cinema in your PJs? Why on Earth not?”

The study also found although the overall average age for self-acceptance is 33, men start to embrace their true selves at 30 while women take a little longer at 36.

Almost a third (30 per cent) believe their partner helps them feel good about themselves, while 28 per cent credit parents.

Becoming a parent helped 25 per cent start to better accept who they are, while 21 per cent felt it happened after turning a milestone age.

But it also emerged that a third are now so self-confident, they’re happy to, at least sometimes, strut outside in a pair of pyjamas.

For 41 per cent of these, it’s simply more comfortable, while 20 per cent reckon they look more ‘them’ when in their cosies, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

TOP FIVE LIFE CHANGES THAT INSPIRE BRITS TO EMBRACE THEIR TRUE SELVES:

1.    Becoming a parent
2.    A loved one passing away
3.    Turning a milestone age
4.    Getting married
5.    Getting a new job

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Gunners captain Kim Little signs new deal with Arsenal 17 years on from joining women’s top-flight giants

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 13: Kim Little extends her contract with Arsenal Women at Emirates Stadium on February 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 13: Kim Little extends her contract with Arsenal Women at Emirates Stadium on February 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

KIM LITTLE hopes to savour more special moments with Arsenal after extending her contract with the club.

The new deal will see the veteran Gunners skipper continue her career with their WSL side until at least June 2026. 

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 13: Kim Little extends her contract with Arsenal Women at Emirates Stadium on February 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Kim Little says playing for Arsenal has brought her many special moments
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: Beth Mead and Kim Little of Arsenal celebrate with the Continental Tyres League Cup Trophy after their team's victory during the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Molineux on March 31, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images) (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX ***
The Gunners captain hopes to win more silverware with the club having them to win six league titles, three FA Cups and six league cups
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: Alessia Russo and Kim Little of Arsenal during the Arsenal Women's training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on March 27, 2024 in London Colney, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Little and her team-mates are due to face Tottenham the WSL on Sunday at the Emirates

It follows the club exercising their option to extend her contract.  

Little, 34, who is set to face Tottenham in the WSL North London derby this Sunday, said: “I’m delighted to extend my contract and play another year with Arsenal. 

“It’s quite unique to play for a club for the length of time I have, and I don’t take that for granted. 

“That time brings many special moments, and I look forward to making a few more of them.”

Little, who began her senior playing career with Scottish Women’s Premier League outfit Hibernian, joined the Gunners at 17 in 2008.

The former Scotland playmaker, regarded as one of the best players of her generation, has gone on to become the team’s third highest appearance maker.

Her silverware wins with the club includes six league titles, three FA Cups and six Women’s League Cups

The player, who was awarded an MBE for services to football in 2023, has made 363 appearances for the team. 

Gunners women’s football director Clare Wheatley said: “Kim is one of the very best – as a player and as our captain. 

“She continues to help drive us forward and set standards on and off the pitch. 

“We value Kim’s contribution immensely, and I know our supporters will be thrilled that Kim’s Arsenal journey is continuing.”

Little, who has scored 174 times for Arsenal, began her football journey playing for a primary school boys’ team in Mintlaw, the village where she grew up in Aberdeenshire. 

Her senior club career includes her first Gunners stint from 2008 to 2013 before two seasons with US side Seattle reign and a one-term loan spell at Australian outfit Melbourne City. 

After rejoining Arsenal in 2017, Little went on to help them win their fifth League Cup in March 2018. 

This followed the midfielder recovering from a knee ligament rupture sustained in May the year before. 

In 2018-19 Little played 11 times in the top tier for the Arsenal side that won the WSL title under their former gaffer Joe Montemurro. 

At present their chances of a title win this term look slim with the team fourth and ten points behind league leaders Chelsea.

However the Gunners are eager to add more trophies to their collection having reached the quarter-final stages of the Champions League and the FA Cup. 

Arsenal manager Renee Slegers and Alessia Russo applaud fans.
PA
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers says Kim Little has important role to play in her team’s trophy chase[/caption]

And head coach Renee Slegers insists Little has a significant role to play in Arsenal’s push for more silverware 

The Gunners boss said: “Kim is a wonderful footballer and captain and has an important part to play in the goals we want to achieve. 

“I’ve learned so much from working with Kim and I’m looking forward to that continuing as we aim to win trophies together.”

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