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British Gas, Octopus Energy, EDF and OVO customers urged to find secret boiler button that could cut £120 off bills

CUSTOMERS of major energy suppliers are being urged to check a secret boiler button that that could slash energy bills by as much as £120 a year.

With temperatures remaining low the cost of heating is top of many people’s minds – but there are easy ways to save.

Hand adjusting thermostat overlaid with rising energy cost graph.
Getty
Boilers have a temperature control button separate to your thermostat[/caption]

Boiler expert Joshua Houston from Greenmatch, a company that offers green energy services like heat pumps and double glazing, shared an important tip that can shave £10 a month of bills.

He said: ‘’February is a tough month. The increase in heating costs leaves us with less disposable income.

“But there are ways in which you can save a little bit of money. Even though £10 might not seem like a lot, it quickly adds up for you to spend on something else significant.” 

The tip involves reducing your “flow temperature” if you have a combi-boiler.

This can be found on your boiler’s control panel and involves adjusting the button.

Depending on the type of boiler you have, this can look like a dial that you can turn, or there may be a plus and minus button.

Reducing the flow temperature on your boiler can mean it works more efficiently by using less energy, and saving you money.

Joshua said: “You will also likely not notice a difference if the temperature is reduced by between 3-5°C.

“This simple trick can save you around 10% on your end-of-month bill, which equates to £10. Due to the low effort involved, it makes it a very easy way to keep cash in your pocket.”

When you press the button or dial down, you should see numbers on the display reduce.

This will reduce the temperature of the hot water coming out of your taps and circulating in your central heating system heating radiators.

Typically the standard setting is higher than it needs to be – 70 or 80 degrees Celsius – when they work more efficiency at 60 and will still keep you warm.

It won’t change the temperature setting on your thermostat, which is typically around 18 degrees Celsius.

If you have a water tank, beware stored hot water must be above 60 degrees Celsius to avoid legionnaire’s disease.

Energy prices are expected to rise again in April when the next price cap comes into effect, so cutting costs is more important than ever.

Experts at Cornwall Insights say the price cap, which applies to around 26million on standard tariffs, will increase to £1,784.91 a year.

The exact temperature to set your thermostat

ENERGY bills remain relatively high leaving many worrying over the thermostat.

Energy experts have revealed the exact temperature to set it at so that you can save cash and still keep warm.

When it comes to your thermostat, the Energy Saving Trust recommends you should set it to the “lowest comfortable temperature”.

For the majority of us, this is between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius.

It’s just the right balance between keeping your home warm, and keeping those energy bills as low as possible.

If you have your thermostat set at a higher temperature you can probably afford to turn it down and still keep cosy.

Of course, there are exceptions like anyone who is in ill health, and there is support available to cover extra costs.

Just by turning down the temp by a single degree, you could save as much as £100 a year.

If you cut it by more you will obviously make even bigger savings.

The Energy Saving Trust also says that you don’t need to turn your thermostat up when it is colder outside, the house will still heat up to the set temperature.

Currently it’s £1,738, which applied from January 1, and that was a 1% rise on the previous three months.

Remember though that the price cap is actually a cap on the unit price of gas and electric, and this number represents the typical dual fuel bill.

You can pay more or less than this depending on your usage. The price cap is adjusted every three months to reflect wholesale prices.

But some fixed energy deals could save you money as they are cheaper than the price cap.

Fixed deals are available for various periods, typically ranging from 12 to 24 months.

But taking out a fixed deal carries some risk of you paying more than those on the standard variable tariff if Ofgem’s energy price cap were to fall within your deal’s term.

How do I change my boiler’s flow setting?

For those with a combi-boiler, you’ll most likely have two dials on it – one for heating, and one for hot water.

The heating dial will most likely have a radiator icon on it, while the hot water dial will probably have a tap on it, according to The Heating Hub.

Nesta has created a handy step-by-step guide to turning down the heat on your boiler.

Boiler settings vary from model to model – so it’s a good idea to check the manual to find out exactly how to set yours.

If you have a hot water cylinder, you should keep the dial on 60c or more.

This is because hot water should be stored at a high enough temperature to stop bacteria like legionella from multiplying.

If you have a combi boiler, you don’t need to worry, legionella only breeds in standing water and combis keep it flowing.

Legionella bacteria flourishes between 20-45 degrees Celsius, so it’s important to store water at a higher temperature.

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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The real reason Donald Trump will NEVER boot Harry & ‘terrible’ Meghan out of US – & it’s all because of King Charles

HE’S quipped that he won’t deport Prince Harry from the US because the former royal has “got enough problems” with his “terrible” wife.

But the real reason Donald Trump will never force the Sussexes out of the country is actually thanks to a blossoming friendship with Harry’s father.

Donald Trump sitting at a desk in the Oval Office.
Donald Trump ruled out deporting Prince Harry because he ‘has enough problems with Meghan’
EPA
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walking together.
Splash
Trump has previously called Prince Harry ‘whipped’ and accused him of ‘betraying the Queen’[/caption]

The Sun can reveal that it is thanks to his “warm relationship” with King Charles and his “respect” for the Royal Family that Trump won’t kick Harry out following a row about his visa application.

The President knows that if he were to deport Harry from California and his 14-bathroom mansion the 40-year-old royal would have nowhere to go, causing a headache for the King.  

A source said: “Having him back in the UK is actually harder than having him kept away in the USA.”

In public Trump has made it clear he has little time for the moaning Sussex duo calling Harry “whipped” and said he “betrayed the Queen” with his tell-all memoir and Netflix show.

He has also said “I’m not a fan” of Meghan and called her “nasty”.

Harry, meanwhile, was caught saying Trump had “blood on his hands” over environment policies and Meghan has previously called him “misogynistic” and “divisive”.

The Duke of Sussex’s right to live in the US is the focus of a court case over whether or not he lied about taking cocaine, marijuana and hallucinogens on his visa application.

But asked directly if he would deport Harry, the President said: “I’ll leave him alone”.

The King, 76, is in regular communication with The Donald after they struck up a rapport during his first term in office, including during his State Visit to the UK in June 2019.

They are said to share much in common and the King is known to write many letters to America, while Trump values the friendship with the King.

Trump has always spoken of his respect for the late Queen Elizabeth II and it seems he is keen to maintain a close relationship with the rest of her family.

In December, he boasted of meeting Prince William in Paris, where he claimed they had a “great, great talk” and declared the heir to the throne a “good looking guy”.

It is an ironic twist that after spending years blasting his brother and father it is their relationship with Trump that is keeping Harry safe.

Relations between William, Charles and Harry are still frosty, with Harry only given a 30 minute audience when he flew back to the UK in February 2024 following his father’s cancer diagnosis.

President Trump, Melania Trump, Prince Charles, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House for tea.
PA
The Sun can reveal that Trump won’t kick Harry out due to his ‘warm relationship’ with King Charles and his ‘respect’ for the Royal Family[/caption]

When he returned to London in May, Harry reportedly turned down the chance to stay at Buckingham Palace – and was told his father was too busy to see him. 

After insults from the Sussex camp aimed at Kate and Camilla, only a public apology from outspoken Harry would begin mending any fences.

PRIVATE MESSAGES

But the Charles and Trump friendship is now key in Harry’s right to remain in California with Meghan and their two children Archie, 5. and Lilibet, 3.

A day before Trump’s inauguration King Charles sent a private message of congratulations.

It was understood to reflect the “enduring Special Relationship’ between the UK and USA.

The King also wrote a private message of support after Trump survived an assassination attempt.

The message was delivered via the UK embassy in Washington DC after Trump, who was running for President at the time, survived a shooting while he was speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania in July last year.

Trump is also in line to receive his second State Visit to the UK.

Although there is “nothing in the diary” this year it is understood there are plans to roll out the red carpet.

Thanks to his UK links – his mother Mary was born on a remote Scottish island – Trump places much importance on his relationship with the country. 

Donald Trump at a political rally.
Getty
King Charles privately wrote to Donald Trump after he survived an assassination attempt[/caption]
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The Mega Agency
Charles and Trump friendship’s is now key in Harry’s right to remain in California[/caption]

He has hailed his connection to Queen Elizabeth II insisting that he was “her favourite president”.

Last November, Trump wished the King well during his cancer fight and praised the “fantastic” Queen Elizabeth II.

Footage showed the US president-elect leafing through a glossy book of photographs while on a jet during the campaign.

Pointing to a picture of him and his wife Melania standing alongside the late Queen, he says: “This is with Queen Elizabeth, who was fantastic, by the way.”

He goes on: “These images – I mean, who has images like this? And these were relationships, too.”

The footage, part of former Fox News host Tucker Carlson’s docu-series Art of The Surge, shows Trump pictured with Charles and Camilla, who were then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

Having him back in the UK is actually harder than having him kept away in the USA.

Trump says: “Look, he’s now the King — here’s Charles with the guard. It’s a piece of history at the highest level. Look, it’s Charles, so beautiful.

“Hopefully he’s going to be well, because he’s a really good person. Camilla is fantastic. You get to know them so well.”

Charles and Trump are believed to have first met at a glitzy bash at New York‘s Museum of Modern Art during his and Camilla’s tour of North America in 2005.

They spent a lot of time together during Trump’s 2019 State Visit to the UK.

Charles and Camilla carried out the official welcome at Buckingham Palace garden and at the State Banquet.

The following day Charles and Camilla joined a dinner hosted by Trump at Winfield House in Regents Park.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games.
Reuters
In December, he boasted of meeting Prince William in Paris, where he claimed they had a ‘great, great talk’[/caption]
Queen Elizabeth II and Donald Trump inspecting a guard of honor at Windsor Castle.
Getty
Trump has always spoken of his respect for the late Queen Elizabeth II[/caption]

Trump later said: “He is really into climate change, and I think that’s great. I mean, I want that. I like that.”

A meeting between the two was scheduled to last only 15-minutes but Trump and Charles chatted for an hour and a half.

Trump later said that Charles ‘did most of the talking’.

The then-Prince of Wales stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the US President at the 75th anniversary of D-Day landings shortly afterwards, and Charles and Camilla also hosted Trump and Melania for tea at Clarence House.

The official meetings were the start of a warm cross-Atlantic friendship which is coming into fruition now Trump is back in office.

It is a far cry from his relationship with the Sussexes.

Last week, Trump weighed into Harry’s visa row when asked if he should be deported, saying: “I don’t want to do that. I’ll leave him alone. He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.”

The following day Harry appeared to take a veiled swipe at Trump during his opening speech at the Invictus Games where he told competitors’ “courage, values, and humanity” deserved special acknowledgment at a time “when there is no shortage of crises, no absence of uncertainty, no lack of weak moral character in the world”.

Think tank The Heritage Foundation is still fighting in court for the US government to release Harry’s visa application.

DRUG CONCERNS

They are demanding to know whether Harry declared his drug taking during his application to live in the US in 2020.

Applicants are usually rejected if they have a history of drug taking – which raises questions over Harry, who revealed his use of cocaine, marijuana and hallucinogens in his memoir Spare and promotional interviews.

Harry has blasted the UK in the five years since he and Meghan fled to the US and is embroiled in an ongoing legal row against the Home Office over a decision to downgrade his taxpayer funded security.

He has not brought his children to the UK since the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, meaning the King has only met Lilibet once in person.

While Harry is said to have hoped Charles would intervene on his behalf, sources close to the King say it would be “wholly inappropriate” for him to get involved.

Meanwhile Harry told Oprah Winfrey during a mental health series for Apple TV  in 2021 that he felt “tense” and “triggered” whenever he flew back to the UK.

Why did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle step back as senior working royals?

PRINCE Harry has always wanted out of the Royal Family and the repercussions will be felt for years, an expert has claimed.

The Duke of Sussex has lived in California with his wife Meghan Markle since 2020 after they dramatically quit their jobs as working royals and moved across the pond.

Katie Nicholl, who is Vanity Fair’s royal correspondent, told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show that Megxit did not come as a surprise to her.

Speaking to The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson, the commentator explained: “Anyone who knows Harry is aware he’s always wanted a way out of the Royal Family.

“He’s said multiple times on the record that he wished he’d never been born a prince.

“I think he really is living the life he wants to now. It’s very, very sad that it’s played out the way it has.”

In a statement made on the Sussexes’ Instagram account as they stepped back in 2020, the pair wrote: “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.

“We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.

“It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.

“We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.

“This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.”

And their $100m Netflix show ‘Harry & Meghan’ caused controversy when it branded the Commonwealth, much loved by the late Queen, as ‘Empire 2.0’.

Academic Afua Hirsch gave the association of nations the label, while author Kehinde Andrews claimed ‘nothing has changed’ from the UK’s colonial past, apart from the Royal Family’s ‘better PR’. 

Many saw the comments as an attack on the Queen’s legacy by the Sussexes, who had previously served as 

President and Vice President of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, which supports youth empowerment in Commonwealth countries until they lost their patronages during Megxit

It seems that Harry and Meghan don’t want to be back in Britain – and many Brits don’t want them back either.

So it’s good news for everyone that the King and President Trump have such a special relationship.

Prince Harry interacting with a young girl in traditional Indigenous clothing.
Getty
Harry appeared to take a veiled swipe at Trump during his opening speech at the Invictus Games[/caption]
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games.
Getty
It seems that Harry and Meghan don’t want to be back in Britain – and many Brits don’t want them back either[/caption]

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Smash-hit Nintendo game ‘worth £820’ if you still have a copy at home as list reveals old titles now valued at hundreds

A SMASH-HIT game loved by millions is potentially worth hundreds of pounds if you’ve got the right copy at home.

The title appears on a list of the most valuable Nintendo 64 games being snapped up by fans of the beloved nineties console.

2DEWDJM A Nintendo 64 Console With the Power Indicator Light On and Super Mario 64 in the Cartridge Slot and a Controller Plugged Into It
The Nintendo 64 is one of the best-loved consoles of all time
Alamy
Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time is considered to be one of the greatest games ever made
Handout / Public Archive

Nintendo sold more than 32 million units of the console globally – and it was a big hit in Britain.

One of the console’s most iconic games was The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

The action-adventure title came out in November 1998 (although it didn’t land in the UK until December) and is widely seen as one of the greatest games of all time.

According to video game collectibles tracker PriceCharting, a top copy of the game is worth as much as £821.73.

PriceCharting tracks prices of old games and consoles based on sales across the internet to give a good idea of how much they’re worth.

And the website lists a brand-new sealed copy of the game as being worth £820.

If you’ve had it professionally graded, the value rises to a whopping £956.

Sadly the price drops steeply for unsealed versions of the game – but you can still fetch a decent price for them.

For instance, a complete-in-box version of the game (with the cartridge and all the original bits) is valued at £51.

And just the manual alone is said to be worth as much as £43.

If you’ve got the loose cartridge on its own, you could get about £17.

And the box with nothing inside has an estimated value of just under £12.

It’s worth noting that these aren’t guaranteed prices: they’re just approximations based on recent sales of the game.

So you might find that you’ll get lower offers for your old Nintendo classic. Similarly, they could fetch even more money that the values listed here.

RARE RICHES I bought a classic video game at Walmart for $16 - it’s a steal because another went for $228K at auction.. TAKEN WITHOUT PERMISSION.. https://comics.ha.com/itm/video-games/nintendo/the-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time-wata-98-a-sealed-standard-release-n64-nintendo-1998-usa/a/7261-28131.s
A sealed and graded copy of Ocarina of Time could be worth nearly £1,000
Heritage Auctions

Ocarina of Time was the first game in Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda series to have 3D graphics.

The game saw players controlling hero Link in a quest across Hyrule to stop big baddie Ganondorf.

And gamers would play tunes on a virtual ocarina to progress through certain challenges.

It landed to critical acclaim, with reviewers heaping praise on its storyline, original soundtrack, gameplay, and impressive visuals.

OTHER TOP TITLES TO CHECK FOR

Here's how much PriceCharting says some of these classic Nintendo 64 games are now worth...

Super Mario 64

  • Professionally Graded: £3,795
  • New: £465
  • Complete: £46
  • Loose: £16
  • Box: £30
  • Manual: £10

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

  • Professionally Graded: £4,023
  • New: £547
  • Complete: £104
  • Loose: £49
  • Box: £28
  • Manual: £17

Paper Mario

  • Professionally Graded: £405
  • New: £368
  • Complete: £322
  • Loose: £120
  • Box: £79
  • Manual: £116

Pokémon Stadium

  • Professionally Graded: £1,767
  • New: £277
  • Complete: £63
  • Loose: £13
  • Box: £24
  • Manual: £10

Pokémon Stadium 2

  • Professionally Graded: £579
  • New: £283
  • Complete: £123
  • Loose: £89
  • Box: £56
  • Manual: £31

Mario Kart 64

  • Professionally Graded: £1,662
  • New: £312
  • Complete: £58
  • Loose: £24
  • Box: £24
  • Manual: £9

007 Goldeneye

  • Professionally Graded: £1,007
  • New: £180
  • Complete: £44
  • Loose: £9
  • Box: £26
  • Manual: £8

Keep in mind that these are valuations based on previous sales, and don’t guarantee you’ll get those amounts if you try to flog your own copy.

Picture Credit: Alamy

More than seven million copies of the game were sold globally.

And it became the fastest-ever-selling game in Britain at the time, until it was beaten by Gran Turismo 2 in 2000.

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Man City vs Real Madrid LIVE SCORE: Champions League updates as European giants clash after Brest vs PSG – latest

MANCHESTER CITY welcome Real Madrid to the Etihad for the first leg of their Champions League knockout phase play-off TONIGHT.

Pep Guardiola‘s side will be looking to take a lead to the Spanish capital as they will know the European kings will be tough to beat on their own patch next week.

A last-16 clash with either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen awaits the winner over two legs.

However, we will first have LIVE COVERAGE from the All-French clash in France, where Paris Saint-Germain have travelled to face Brest.

  • Kick off time: 8pm GMT
  • TV/Stream: Amazon Prime Video
  • Man City team: To follow…
  • Real Madrid team: To follow…

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Follow our live blog below…

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Kym Marsh shares heartbreaking post on 16th anniversary of her son Archie’s death

KYM Marsh has shared a heartbreaking post on the 16th anniversary of her son Archie’s death.

The former Coronation Street actress and Waterloo Road star took to social media to mark his passing.

Kym Marsh at the TV Choice Awards.
Kym Marsh has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her son Archie
Getty
Memorial display with baby's footprints, angel figurine, and candle.
Instagram
The actress shared a snap showing a collection of items, including a picture of Archie’s footprint[/caption]

Archie Jay Lomas died moments after he was born, having arrived 18 weeks early in 2009.

Kym and former husband, Hollyoaks actor Jamie Lomas, were left heartbroken and have continued to honour his memory.

Paying tribute to her son, Kym took to Instagram to share a snap showing a collection of items, including a picture of Archie’s footprint.

Penning an emotional message, the actress said: “16 years without you.

“It feels like yesterday we said goodbye. Every year I try to write something new. But the fact is that there is nothing new to say. 

“I still miss you every day, that will never change. I still hurt and feel pain the same as always. I still would give anything to have you here with us to celebrate your birthday.

“To see you smile when you opened your gifts, to hear you laugh at the silly things people would write in your cards, to see Polly annoying her big brother and the two of you doing the silly bickering that siblings do, to give me a hug and tell me you love me, but that I needed to let go now cos I’m embarrassing you haha.”

Kym, 48, has been a staunch advocate for raising awareness around premature births, stillbirths and premature death – even using her own experience for a harrowing Coronation Street story in which her character Michelle gave birth to a stillborn son.

She continued: “We all miss you so much, there will always be my one missing, but I take great comfort in knowing that grandad is up there with you now. He’s hugging you for me, for us. He’s making you laugh with his silly jokes and he’s showing you how much you’re loved every day. 

“I wonder what you would look like now? If you’re anything like your siblings then you’re a beauty. They miss you Arch. They really do. We all do. 

“We will honour you today kiddo and celebrate the wonderful young man that you would most certainly be. Happy birthday son. Love you always and forever. Mum ❤❤❤.”

Last year Kym tragically lost her dad David after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer.

She revealed how Archie’s final resting place is now alongside his grandfather, after they were buried together.

She explained to OK! Mag: “I felt that there had to be a time when I let Archie rest.

“Fifteen years is a long time to carry his ashes around. They have been everywhere with me – even to South Africa.”

Kym Marsh's career so far

Actress, singer and presenter Kym Marsh has a career spanning almost three decades, across a wide variety of projects. Here is a look at Kym’s body of work so far.

  • Hear’say (2001-2002): Kym and the four other winners of reality TV series Popstars formed the band Hear’say. Her bandmates include Myleene Klass, Suzanne Shaw, Noel Sullivan and Danny Foster. She left the group in January 2002, with the brand breaking up months later.
  • Coronation Street (2006-2019): Kym joined the cast of ITV soap opera Coronation Street in 2006, playing the character Michelle Connor. During her time in the soap, the character’s storylines included marrying Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) and discovering her son Ryan was not hers biologically – having been swapped with another baby at the hospital. Kym left Corrie in 2019, after 13 years.
  • Popstar to Operastar (2010): She appeared in series one of this show – which saw eight stars known for singing pop music trained in how to sing opera. Fellow contestants included McFly’s Danny Jones and The Saturdays’ Vanessa White. Kym placed fourth overall; the now-late singer Darius was named the winner.
  • Morning Live (2020 – present): Morning Live first debuted as a 40-part series to connect with viewers’ real-life concerns and to offer trustworthy and expert advice. Kym co-fronted the show alongside Gethin Jones – the likes of Michelle Ackerley and Helen Skelton have since also come on board.

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My boobs were so saggy you could tie them in bows – I stopped feeling sexy but now they’re perfect, says Helen Flanagan

HELEN Flanagan has opened up about her decision to get a boob job after breastfeeding her three children left her feeling “so self-conscious.”

The 34-year-old actress shares Matilda, nine, Delilah, six, and Charlie, three, with her footballer ex-fiancé Scott Sinclair.

Helen Flanagan in Ann Summers lingerie.
Instagram
Helen has revealed why she chose to get a boob job[/caption]
Woman breastfeeding baby.
Instagram
She breastfeed all three of her children[/caption]
Before and after photos of a woman in lingerie.
Instagram
Helen revealed that she lost her confidence after ‘barely’ fitting a B cup[/caption]

Feeling that her breasts had become so droopy she “could have tied them in a bow,” she opted for breast enlargement surgery.

In January 2023, she went to Pall Mall Cosmetics in a bid to “regain her confidence within her body” and help with the “loss of volume in her breasts.”

Speaking in more detail about her reasoning for having surgery in an recent Instagram post, Helen explained: “I get asked a lot about my boob job in my DMs.

“I breast fed three babies for three years in total. 

“At the end you could have tied my boobs in a bow though I have no regrets at all breastfeeding my babies.

“I went with Pall Mall cosmetics and I had Breast Enlargement with Mr Hussain, who made me feel really comfortable and I felt in good hands.

“I’m glad I didn’t have to have a lift and I could have them naturally lifted by the implants.” 

She explained that she had a “few consultations” till she was happy with the decision of her implant size which was 340CC – Motiva Round – and opted for a dual plane placement. 

Helen and their former Preston North End footballer called their 13-year relationship off in 2022. 

She continued: “I lost a lot of weight from my break up and I didn’t want my boobs to be too big for my frame but I needed them to fill out the skin that needed lifting. 

“Now they are just perfect for my frame and I feel they are really natural, like my boobs before my kids.

“When I look back to when I really wanted my surgery done it was sad as I didn’t feel confident and sexy with their dad, I always had to have a bra on and I was so self conscious about my boobs.

“I remember crying in the shower after I finished feeding Delilah as I just didn’t feel like me and I was so self conscious of my boobs and how the skin just sagged, even though there dad always said I was beautiful. 

“I knew I wasn’t done having babies though so I waited till after Charlie to have my boobs done.” 

Woman in pink lingerie and robe.
Instagram
Now she feels confident in her body[/caption]
Woman in pink jeweled bikini.
Instagram
The actress regularly posts pictures of her in swimwear and underwear[/caption]
A woman in pink pajamas cuddling her two young daughters, also in pajamas, while reading a book.
Instagram
She shares three kids with her ex Scott Sinclair[/caption]

Before having children Helen was a natural E cup but after three pregnancies and three years of breastfeeding she “couldn’t even fit a B cup bra with it being baggy.” 

She continues: “I don’t regret any of my breast feeding, it was such a beautiful, precious part of my life and I loved bonding with the babies…. I don’t think I’ll ever have a baby again though.

“I think it’s sad as women to say ‘that’s me done now, never ever again’ so I’d rather say it’s highly unlikely for me that I will ever have another baby again.

“I think because for me it would be nice to get my life a bit calmer again.

“Being a mum and struggling on and off sometimes with mental health it can be hard so I’d rather just put all my focus on my beautiful babies that I do have and our bonds will just get closer (I hope) the older they get.”

What do we know about Helen Flanagan’s new boyfriend Robbie Talbot?

HELEN Flanagan has revealed that she is in a new relationship.

While appearing on Celebs Go Dating, she confessed that she was already taken – here’s everything we know about her boyfriend Robbie Talbot.

Helen has opened up about her relationship with former footballer Robbie Talbot.

He is a decade older than the actress.

Robbie was born in Liverpool on October 31, 1979 which is how he earned his nickname Halloween Hitman in football.

He has played for a series of non-league teams such as Burton Albion, Burscough and Morcambe.

He then became a coach at Ashton in 2010.

Robbie is retired from football.

He left his role as Assistant Manager at Ashton due to family and work commitments in 2011.

It’s unknown what he has done for work since leaving football.

Helen admitted that she was dating Robbie while appearing on Celebs Go Dating.

In a first for the show, it has been revealed that her relationship had to be written into the series due to requirements that those taking part have to be single.

The pair went public at her birthday party on August 10, 2024.

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Man Utd to sack up to 200 MORE staff as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s hated cuts continue with flops the ‘worst team in history’

MANCHESTER UNITED are set to axe up to 200 more staff in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s latest brutal cost-cutting move.

The British billionaire paid £1billion for 27.7 per cent of the club last year and has since gone to desperate measures to fix finances at Old Trafford.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United co-owner, watching a match.
Alamy
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to axe more behind-the-scenes members of staff[/caption]
Protest against rising ticket prices.
AFP
Fans have already protested the Ineos regime[/caption]

The Sun understands that between 100-200 employees will be sacked in his latest bid to reduce costs.

All departments are at risk of seeing their numbers slashed.

A source exclusively told The Sun: “Ultimately, football is a business but there are hundreds of people who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes who contribute to any club’s success. 

“Morale is already on the floor after last year’s job losses. This will come as another big blow.”

It comes after Ratcliffe made 250 of the 1,150 workforce redundant in July.

Man Utd have lost £300million across the past three years and despite cash injected by the Ineos regime, the long-term picture remains “challenging”.

Ratcliffe is determined to bring the glory days back to the club and is willing to transform things on and off the pitch.

Man Utd are exploring every option to save money and increase revenue.

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The news comes just a day after the New Zealand’s rugby team sued Ineos for “failing to pay sponsorship fees.”

Ratcliffe’s controversial first year at United included raising ticket prices, getting rid of Sir Alex Ferguson from his £2.16m per year ambassador role and cancelling the staff Christmas party.

He even ended the £40,000 donation to a fund that helped ex-Man Utd players after retirement and replaced staff’s festive £100 bonus with a £40 M&S voucher.

All while there has been little to cheer on the pitch, with the team languishing in 13th in the table.

Manager Ruben Amorim even admitted relegation was a “possibility” earlier this season and called his side the “worst United team in history“.

The club announced at the end of last year that they were going to scrap concessions and hike ticket prices to a minimum of £66 per ticket for members – the most expensive lowest price in the Premier League.

It led to fierce criticism from club legends like Paul Scholes and fans protested with banners that read: “Stop exploiting loyalty.”

Supporters also vented their anger at Ratcliffe after their 1-0 win over Fulham three weeks ago, with X-rated chants and a confrontation as the owner left the stadium at full-time.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first year at Man Utd

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…

December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old Trafford

January 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington 

January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO 

February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed 

February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin added

March 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre move

March 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s football

March 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old Trafford

March 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in December

April 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled 

April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director 

April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton 

May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanliness

May 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roof

May 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish 

May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy 

May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticket

May 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axed

May 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of result

June 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground 

June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into office

June 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s team

July 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensation

July 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026

July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.

July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment 

July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  

July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125

July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex Wylie

August 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window 

August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toilet

October 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex Ferguson

October 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled 

October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matches

October 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15m

November 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause 

November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim 

November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings 

November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association

December 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” 

December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66

December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting director

December 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucher

December 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth

December 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two stars

December 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity

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