New York State – Page 1833

Hit Channel 4 show starring Derry Girls’ Nicola Coughlan to return for second series

February 11, 2025 New York State Comments Off on Hit Channel 4 show starring Derry Girls’ Nicola Coughlan to return for second series

HIT Channel 4 show starring Derry Girls’ Nicola Coughlan is set to return for a second series.

The first series was the channels most-watched new comedy launch since Derry Girls.

Portrait of Lydia West and Nicola Coughlan.

Big Mood which follows two friends navigating adulthood has been renewed for a second season[/caption]

Nicola plays Maggie who is a writer who battles with bipolar disorder[/caption]

Nicola Coughlan at the Bridgerton Season 3 premiere.

Nicola has appeared in shows like Derry Girls, Bridgerton and the smash hit film Barbie[/caption]

Big Mood which follows two friends navigating adulthood has been renewed for a second season.

Nicola Coughlan plays Maggie, a young writer who battles with bipolar disorder.

Her best friend is Eddie, played by It’s a Sin star Lydia West.

The first series from writer Camilla Whitehill was Channel 4’s most-watched new comedy launch since Derry Girls, according to the network.

Fans and critics alike loved it and it reviewed well and attracted accolades for its depiction of bipolar disorder on screen.

At the start of Season 2, it’s been a year since Maggie and Eddie last saw each other, without any contact between them.

When Eddie suddenly returns for a wedding, she isn’t alone – Maggie has competition, in the form of an infuriatingly positive spiritual healer named Whitney.

Maggie needs to work out if her special brand of chaos can find space in Eddie’s new life, or she fears she will lose her forever.

Speaking about season 2, Nicola said: “Been one of the greatest joys of my life.”

“Deeply grateful to everyone who loves our mad, funny, sad show,” she added.

Channel 4 comedy boss Charlie Perkins added: “People really took to this zeitgeisty buddy-comedy with excellent central performances from Nicola and Lydia.

“Coupled with the heart and passion of all those involved in Big Mood, we’re excited to see how Camilla captures everything that people loved about the first series and beyond in series two.”

Laurence Bowen, CEO of Dancing Ledge Productions and executive producer, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Big Mood has been recommissioned by the wonderful Channel 4.

“The success of series one is a testament to Camilla’s exceptional writing and the brilliant central performances from Nicola and Lydia, whose chemistry brought the perfect balance of heart, humour, energy and authenticity to the show.”

Who are the Bridgerton siblings?

THERE are eight Bridgerton siblings in total.

Here’s who they are in age – and alphabetical – order:

Anthony – the oldest Bridgerton is played by Jonathan Bailey. He was the main focus of season two and after a lot of will-they/won’t they he ended up marrying Kate Sharma.

Benedict – the second son, played by Luke Thompson, is the focus of the third book. However his romance is not the main story featured in season three of the Netflix drama, which will instead focus on his younger brother, Colin

Colin – Luke Newton plays Colin, who is a favourite with the ladies. He is also the object of desire for Penelope Featherington, who is also the mysterious Lady Whistledown. However as the season starts he is unaware of this fact, and ready to hunt down the anonymous gossip writer.

Daphne – season one introduced us to Daphne, the oldest female Bridgerton sibling. Played by Phoebe Dynevor, viewers watched her romance with Simon Bassett, the Duke of Hastings, unfold, gaining actor Regé-Jean Page many fans.

Eloise – book-loving Eloise has delighted viewers with her rebellious spirit and tomboy ways. She made her debut in society during the second season and was horrified to find that her best friend, Pen, was Lady Whistledown. Eloise is played by Claudia Jessie.

Francesca – Hannah Dodd has been brought in to play Francesca in season three, as she makes her social season debut. Francesca was played by Ruby Stokes in the first two seasons.

Gregory – Gregory is played by Will Tilston. As yet he has not played a key part in the series as he’s too young to be presented before the Queen. His story features in book eight of the series.

Hyacinth – the youngest Bridgerton sibling is played by Florence Hunt. Although younger than Gregory, Hyacinth’s story is featured in book seven.

Nicola is an Irish actress who first found fame in the comedy series Derry Girls, where she played Clare Devlin from 2018 until 2022.

She then took a starring role in Netflix drama Bridgerton – where she was famously revealed to be Lady Whistledown and found love with Colin Bridgerton.

She has also starred in the Barbie Movie and TV series Harlots.

Nicola voiced the Playroom Fairy in the movie The Velveteen Rabbit and played Queen Victoria in the TV series Dodger.

Big Mood Season One is available to stream on Channel 4.

India Post GDS Online Form 2025

February 11, 2025 New York State Comments Off on India Post GDS Online Form 2025

India Post GDS Recruitment 2025 Author: Sarkari Exam Team Tag: 10th Pass Job Short Information : Department of Post (India Post) has released the notification for the post of Gramin Dak Sevaks GDS. This recruitment has been issued for 21,413 posts. Online applying process for India Post GDS Recruitment 2025 has started from 10 February ... Read more

The post India Post GDS Online Form 2025 appeared first on Sarkari Exam.com.

‘Hatuwezi ishi place moja tunazidi kuzeeka’ – Miracle Baby on why he ditched Gengetone for Mugithi

February 11, 2025 New York State Comments Off on ‘Hatuwezi ishi place moja tunazidi kuzeeka’ – Miracle Baby on why he ditched Gengetone for Mugithi

Kenyan singer Peter Mwangi, widely known as Miracle Baby, has disclosed that he will no longer be part of the Gengetone music family. Taking to his Instagram account, Miracle Baby says even though Gengetone contributed positively towards his music career, he has decided to abandon the genre adding that from now henceforth he will be […]

Fury as paedophile escaped deportation because it would be ‘unduly harsh’ on his children

February 11, 2025 New York State Comments Off on Fury as paedophile escaped deportation because it would be ‘unduly harsh’ on his children

A PAEDOPHILE dad jailed for child sex offences has escaped deportation to Pakistan after a UK judge ruled it would be “unduly harsh” on his two toddlers.

The unnamed father, who was granted anonymity by an immigration court, had been banned from living with his kids after attempting to solicit three “barely pubescent” girls for sex.

He was jailed for 18 months. A lower tribunal judge, however, ruled he should not be deported back to the his homeland due to the impact on his own children.

The Home Office has appealed against the decision made under article eight of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Upper tribunal judge Judith Gleeson has also criticised the ruling as “contrary to the evidence, plainly wrong and rationally insupportable”, reports The Daily Telegraph.

The paedophile was originally granted leave to remain in the UK after coming to join his wife and two children, aged three and four, in 2018.

In March 2021 be began targeting what he believed to be three girls aged 12, 13 and 14 – though they are understood to have been police decoys.

His communications continued until his arrest in August 2022 – and he was jailed that December, the court heard.

During his sentencing, the judge said the predator was “in denial” about his crimes and there was “very little prospect” of rehabilitation.

They also said jailing him would have a reduced impact on his family as he was not then living with them.

The dad was placed on the sex offenders register and banned from using social media.

However, the tribunal judge who heard his appeal felt separating him from his children would be “unduly harsh”.

He was allowed to see his kids for up to 12 hours a day in “supervised contact”.

His wife had also claimed she was in some ways responsible for his predatory behaviour as she was unable to have sex after being treated for Covid.

Ms Gleeson has voiced support for the Home Office appeal, saying: “The first-tier judge’s findings of fact and credibility are contrary to the evidence, plainly wrong, and rationally insupportable.”

A Home Office spokesman said: “Foreign nationals who commit heinous crimes should be in no doubt that we will do everything to make sure they are not free on Britain’s streets, including removal from the UK at the earliest possible opportunity.

“Since the election, we’ve removed 2,580 foreign criminals – a 23 per cent increase on the same period 12 months prior.”

Silhouette of a man standing at a window.

The dad was jailed for attempting to have sex with three underage girls[/caption]

Hollyoaks to air dark new sexual exploitation storyline as two young characters are groomed by sinister gang

February 11, 2025 New York State Comments Off on Hollyoaks to air dark new sexual exploitation storyline as two young characters are groomed by sinister gang

Hollyoaks will air a dark storyline focusing on sexual and criminal exploitation of young people.

The new narrative for the Channel 4 soap sees Hollyoaks tackle a prevalent issue as two young characters are groomed by a criminal gang.

Frankie and Dillon from Hollyoaks in a tense scene. — The new storyline for Hollyoaks sees Frankie and Dillon in danger

Frankie from Hollyoaks in a tense scene. — Hollyaks’ Frankie has faced a difficult storyline before

Best friends Frankie and Dillon will find themselves in danger when they are targeted with the offer of a lifestyle that they perceive to be glamorous.

The reality is they have been lured into world that it is difficult to escape from without intervention, where they will find themselves subject to criminal and sexual exploitation.

The upcoming storyline features character Frankie Osborne, a survivor of Sibling Sexual Abuse (SSA).

The abuse Frankie recently suffered at the hands of her twin brother JJ has inevitably had a lasting effect on the teenager and left her vulnerable to grooming.

Fellow resident teenager, Dillon, hasn’t had an easy time exploring his sexuality and has faced his fair share of hardships without the guidance of his parents.

In recent episodes the audience has observed underworld figure Rex take an interest in Dillon.

Wanting to gain Dillon’s trust and move him away from his family, Rex gifts the teenager a home, and over time, manipulation leads them to dealing drugs on behalf of Rex.

Later, for Frankie and Dillon this will lead to them being sexually exploited.

Hollyoaks Executive Producer Hannah Cheers said: “It is imperative that Hollyoaks is constantly talking to young people about safeguarding issues and ways in which abuse can infiltrate young lives.

“The audience naturally regenerates and the issues that young adults are vulnerable to are constantly evolving.

“Hollyoaks is in a unique position to shine a light on them, without lecturing, due to the way that the show tells stories.

“The research that we have, finds that the exploitation of young people is an insidious problem and growing concern for multi safeguarding agencies.”

Helen Ball CEO of Causeway said: “It has been a privilege for Causeway to have advised and supported Hollyoaks with the development of this storyline.

“It’s such a powerful way to shine a spotlight on the reality of youth exploitation in the UK, a topic that is often misunderstood.

“People can be shocked to discover how prevalent exploitation is in our communities.

“It’s happening in towns and cities up and down the UK, and it can take many different forms, with many different people affected.

“Men, women, adults and children can all find themselves trapped in exploitative situations.

“Criminal exploitation and sexual exploitation are two of the most common forms of modern slavery in the UK, and the two which this storyline will be featuring.

“It’s historically been rare for survivors of criminal and sexual exploitation to have their stories told and experiences reflected at a mainstream level, and so we’re grateful to Hollyoaks for their commitment and passion for telling this story sensitively and authentically.

“As well as raising much-needed awareness around exploitation, we hope it will build greater allyship, care, support and understanding for the brave survivors who have experienced, or are currently experiencing, these awful crimes.”

Hollyoaks is now available to stream from 7am Monday to
Wednesday on Channel 4 or watch live on E4 at 7pm.

Hollyoaks - cast member cull

HOLLYOAKS beauty Chelsee Healey has dropped the biggest hint yet she's been axed from the soap - yet what's happening at the Channel 4 show?

Earlier this year, the Channel 4 soap was forced to address the cull of cast members.

It came after The Sun was first to report Hollyoaks bosses plan to kill off a whopping 20 cast members.

Now Chelsee, who recently took time away from her role as Goldie McQueen to give birth to her second daughter, has now made a cryptic move on X.

The Manchester lass, 36, re-posted a picture of her character crying to her page.

It came after Stephanie Waring, famed for her 28-year-long role as Cindy Cunningham, confirmed that soap bosses had axed her as part of the 20-person strong cast cull.

Another big name set to quit for good is popstar turned soap star Jamelia.

The soap’s resident hunk and TV favourite Owen Warner has also left the show amid the cuts with fans left devastated to say goodbye to his character Romeo Nightingale.

Jamie Lomas has also quit the show and will depart his Warren Fox role soon.

Haiesha Mistry famed for her role as Yasmine Maalik has also left after seven years.

Denise Van Outen and Johnny Vaughan prove bitter feud is really over with sweet red carpet reunion

February 11, 2025 New York State Comments Off on Denise Van Outen and Johnny Vaughan prove bitter feud is really over with sweet red carpet reunion

DENISE Van Outen and Johnny Vaughan may have fallen out for years but they’ve lost none of their cheeky charm as they had a red carpet reunion.

The duo, who stopped speaking to each other in 1999, were seen looking cosy once again as they teamed up to appear at the TV Choice Awards in London on Monday.

Denise Van Outen and Johnny Vaughan at the TV Choice Awards.

Johnny and Denise playfully posed on the red carpet at the TV Choice awards[/caption]

Johnny Vaughan and Denise Van Outen presenting The Big Breakfast. — The duo shot to fame in the 90s on The Big Breakfast

After a years long fallout, the pair are now back to being bosom buddies[/caption]

Dressing up to the nines – with Johnny in a suit and bowtie and Denise in a glitzy red dress – the couple cuddled up to each other as they posed for photographs.

Rather than stick to traditional poses, the pair then joked around with photographers, in a move that wouldn’t feel out of place from their Big Breakfast days.

During the 90s, Johnny and Denise proved to be a dynamic presenting partnership, causing chaos on morning television with their interview styles and high-energy games.

Throughout that time, the pair’s banter with each other proved a massive draw for viewers and celebrities, who flocked to the detached home set for a chat and catch up.

Sadly, their working partnership – and their once close friendship – ended in 1999 when a pay row ultimately caused Denise to quit the series.

The move sparked an on/off feud that continued for decades,

Speaking of what happened, Denise explained to Loose Women in 2017: “At that time we were like brother and sister. We were best friends – unbreakable.

“The whole relationship fell apart when we started to renegotiate our contracts because I always felt we worked together as a team and that’s how it should be.

“We created it together. Not just us but the rest of the team working on the show. I always had that mentality that it was about all of us.

“But Johnny – and I know there are other influences involved, and agents and everything – he was negotiating separately from me, which I found out and obviously confronted him.

“I realised then at that point that our friendship had gone in two different directions and for me it was tarnished.”

Thankfully, the pair have buried the hatchet in recent years, and have even started presenting together again for one-off events and specials.

After an appearance in 2023 on Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch, they’ll be curled up on the sofa together for a series of Celebrity Gogglebox.

Reflecting on their shared history last year, Denise told TV Mag: “There’s something about when you have history with someone – it’s a very different thing.

“We went through the same thing together on the show we worked on and we both became known in the public eye at the same time, so it was like a band forming.

“We both had the same experiences and you don’t get to share that with other people. So it’s a lot to do with that as well. And also we laugh a lot together.”

However, she joked that they’re now more like “an old divorced couple that have had to go to their child’s wedding.”

Denise Van Outen at the TV Choice Awards.

Denise looked stunning in a red dress at the event[/caption]

Denise Van Outen and Johnny Vaughan with henna tattoos. — Denise and Johnny hosted the famously chaotic Big Breakfast

Denise Van Outen and Johnny Vaughan in a selfie.

After falling out for years, the pair have been able to bury the hatchet[/caption]

Johnny still proved charming as he arrived in a suit to the event[/caption]

Johnny Vaughan and Denise Van Outen on the set of "The Big Breakfast." — Denise and Johnny called an end to their Big Breakfast run in 1999 after a pay row

Channel 5 in major U-turn over quiz show as it returns – a year after it was shelved by bosses

February 11, 2025 New York State Comments Off on Channel 5 in major U-turn over quiz show as it returns – a year after it was shelved by bosses

CHANNEL 5 have made a major U-turn over a quiz show as it is set to return – a year on from being shelved.

Puzzling, presented by TV historian Lucy Worsley, first launched on screens in 2023.

Channel 5 game show Puzzling is reportedly coming back for another outing[/caption]

Channel 5It follows bosses’ decision last year to shelve the programme[/caption]

TV historian Lucy Worsley serves as presenter[/caption]

The game show required contestants to use their language skills, lateral thinking, visual intelligence and memory to solve various mind boggling puzzles.

A total of 13 episodes of Puzzling have aired on Channel 5 to date.

Nearly two years on, the show is reportedly returning for a second series, according to TVZone.

However, Channel 5 are yet to formally announce the show’s comeback.

Bosses made the decision last year to shelve Puzzling after just one series.

Lucy previously shared she was under “huge pressure” in taking on the presenter role.

She told the Sun TV mag: “I’m a wreck, an utter heap of nerves. This is all new to me, and the pressure of it is extraordinary.

“There are so many things that could go wrong, for the contestants but also for me.

“I’m under huge pressure to get the question out quickly but correctly. It’s been a real joy, but also terrifying.

“Normally I’m out with a very small crew stuck on a rainy street corner in Edinburgh. I’m not used to working with such a large, complex team in such a big TV studio.”

Viewers likely best know the 51-year-old for historical documentaries on the BBC.

She has covered topics such as The Tudor lineage and Arthur Conan Doyle.

In addition, Lucy has fronted the likes of Suffragettes, British History‘s Biggest Fibs, Jane Austen: Behind Closed Doors and A Very British Murder.

Some of Puzzling’s viewers complained the star didn’t have the required charisma for her role.

Hardest Quiz Show Questions

Would you know the answers to some of quizzing TV's hardest questions

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – Earlier this year, fans were left outraged after what they described as the “worst” question in the show’s history. Host Jeremy Clarkson asked: “From the 2000 awards ceremony onwards, the Best Actress Oscar has never been won by a woman whose surname begins with which one of these letters?” The multiple choice answers were between G, K, M and W. In the end, and with the £32,000 safe, player Glen had to make a guess and went for G. It turned out to be correct as Nicole Kidman, Frances McDormand and Kate Winslet are among the stars who have won the Best Actress gong since 2000.
The 1% Club – Viewers of Lee Mack’s popular ITV show were left dumbfounded by a question that also left the players perplexed. The query went as follows: “Edna’s birthday is on the 6th of April and Jen’s birthday falls on the 15th of October, therefore Amir’s birthday must be the ‘X’ of January.” It turns out the conundrum links the numbers with its position in the sentence, so 6th is the sixth word and 15th is the fifteenth word. Therefore, Amir’s birthday is January 24th, corresponding to the 24th word in the sentence.
The Chase – The ITV daytime favourite left fans scratching their heads when it threw up one of the most bizarre questions to ever grace the programme. One of the questions asked the player: “Someone with a nightshade intolerance should avoid eating what?” The options were – sweetcorn, potatoes, carrots – with Steve selecting sweetcorn but the correct answer was potatoes.

One critic commented: “I adore Lucy Worsley when she’s allowed to be Lucy Worsley. But this quiz thing is painful.”

While another remarked: “Lucy Worsley is an interesting enough history presenter but utterly lacking charisma as a quiz host.

“C5‘s Puzzling is a bad HoG/OC rip-off with a migraine-inducing set design. Anaemic and unengaging.”

Puzzling is available to watch on My5.

The format challenges contestants to solve mind-boggling puzzles[/caption]

Kay Burley jets out of UK as she reveals first moves after retiring from Sky News following 36-year career

February 11, 2025 New York State Comments Off on Kay Burley jets out of UK as she reveals first moves after retiring from Sky News following 36-year career

KAY Burley has jetted off to Africa just days after shocking Sky News viewers with her retirement.

The broadcaster, 64, closed the final show of her Sky News Breakfast programme on February 5 with her huge career reveal.

Kay Burley is jetting overseas after retiring from her role at Sky News[/caption]

She captured her glass of Prosecco at Departures as she prepared to head to Africa[/caption]

Kay Burley on Sky News. — It came after she shocked Sky News viewers with her announcement on her departure last week

Now Kay – who has vowed to “indulge in other passions” away from the screen – has kicked off her adventures overseas with a Prosecco at the airport.

She captured her glass of bubbly next to her passport and plane ticket and wrote in her caption: “Thanks @british_airways. See you in Africa everyone.”

One fan posted: “Have a amazing time,” as another wrote: “Enjoy every minute Kay. Looking forward to all your updates x”

A third put: “Enjoy! Cheers Kay.”

One then confessed: “We miss you.”

She followed with a video of a leopard climbing a tree and added the words: “Off to my beloved Africa.

“Stay tuned if you’d like to see daily videos of life in the African Bush.”

Kay previously jetted off to South Africa in 2020.

It came after she was suspended from the channel for six months for breaking covid rules.

CAREER REVEAL

Kay’s Sky News exit came in an unexpected statement at the end of one of her shows last week.

She said: “From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it’s been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business.

“News by its very nature is often devastating and together we’ve covered so many life-changing events – from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster.

“But we’ve also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven’t we – the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and DAYS waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing.

Who is Sky News presenter Kay Burley?

Born December 17, 1960, Kay Burley is an English television newsreader and presenter.

Kay joined Sky News in 1988 and has since hosted more hours of live television than any other news presenter.

Although Kay keeps her personal life private, it is understood she has been married twice and has an adult son called Alexander.

Before Sky News Kay worked for BBC local radio, Tyne Tees Television as well as ITV’s TV-am as a reporter and occasional newsreader.

Kay also published her debut novel, First Ladies in 2011, which was followed by her second book Betrayal in 2012.

During her career, her notable assignments included fronting Sky News coverage from Sri Lanka after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and the wedding of King Charles and Queen Consort, Camilla Parker Bowles.

“But after over a million minutes of live TV news – more than anyone else in the world – its time for me to indulge in some of my other passions – including my love for travel.

“So, after covering 12 separate general elections – including Sir Keir Starmer‘s victory last year – I am retiring from Sky News – let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news!

“Thank you for waking up and tuning in every morning. I can’t tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You’re awesome.

“I will post more on my social media and hope to see you around. Please keep in touch.”

She has hosted the 24-hour rolling news channel’s breakfast programme for the last five years, moving from her afternoon slot in 2019.

Kay first joined Sky when it launched in 1988 and claims to have hosted more live television than any other broadcaster.

The journalist has been the face of Sky News for major world events, such as the death of Princess Diana, the births of the Royal babies and the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Sky bosses took her off air for six months in 2020 after her birthday bash flouted Coronavirus lockdown rules at the time with the anchor apologising for the “error of judgement”.

Kay has a grown up son called Alexander, who she shares with her ex-husband Steve Kunter.

As well as hosting live TV, she published her debut novel, First Ladies in 2011, which was followed by her second book Betrayal in 2012.

She shared a video of a leopard as she told how she would be heading to her ‘beloved’ Africa[/caption]

William Hill giveaway: Claim free bets, win boosts or casino free spins every weekend in February

February 11, 2025 New York State Comments Off on William Hill giveaway: Claim free bets, win boosts or casino free spins every weekend in February

William Hill freemium weekends in February.

PUNTERS can enjoy a fabulous February with William Hill’s bumper giveaway.

Throughout February, William Hill will reward existing customers with free bets, super boosts on their winnings and free spins to spend on a huge selection of casino games every single weekend!

Not got a William Hill account? No problem! Sign-up now and you will receive a colossal £60 welcome bonus, plus you’ll also be able to claim February’s giveaway!

Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles here

New customers: Grab your £60 in free bets and bonuses – HERE*

Claim your free February giveaway – HERE*

How to claim...

Freemium Weekends February

Visit the William Hill website HERE*
Log into the William Hill Sportsbook platform
Upon logging in, eligible customers will see the available promotion on the homepage
Customers must then ‘opt in’ by clicking through to the dedicated promotion page for each promotion they wish to participate in
These promotions will be available on each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout February

Freemium Weekends February!

Enjoy February with William Hill’s new promotion – Freemium Weekends February!

From 1st February until the 28th February, William Hill will make available one of the following offers available to you on each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the month:

Free bets to spend on sports
A winnings Boost promotion
Free spins for specific casino games

It’s super easy to claim. Simply log into the William Hill Sportsbook platform and eligible customers will see the available promotion on the homepage.

Customers must then ‘opt in’ by clicking through to the dedicated promotion page for each promotion they wish to participate in!

Claim your free February giveaway – HERE*

£60 New customer offer

Not got a William Hill account? No problem!

It’s really easy to register an account and you can get your hands on that generous £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the footy!

Simply register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60

After that, stake at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greater.

After settlement — win or lose — William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football and in the casino!

New customers: Grab your £60 in free bets and bonuses – HERE*

*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chase their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

Are you missing out on a hidden pay rise? Anyone working and aged between 22 and 66 needs to check

February 11, 2025 New York State Comments Off on Are you missing out on a hidden pay rise? Anyone working and aged between 22 and 66 needs to check

WORKERS should make a simple check as they could be missing out on a hidden pay rise worth thousands of pounds.

Anyone over the age of 22 and under 66 who earns over £10,000 is automatically enrolled into a pension through their job.

Pound coins and bank notes. — Extra cash is paid by your employer and the government for your retirement

This means millions of people are saving for their retirement earlier under the auto-enrolment rules, which were first introduced in 2012.

Before that, it was up to individuals to set up their own saving plan either through their work or privately.

Now everyone eligible is opted in and pays a percentage of their salary into a pension, unless they choose not to (opting out).

On top of that, employers pay in money too giving workers an extra boost,

The minimum contribution is 8%, with 5% coming from workers and 3% from the company they work for.

Some employers pay in more than the minimum, matching what you put in.

On top of this, you also get something known as tax relief.

So if you put £100 in to your pension, instead of paying income tax on that amount, the government instead puts it into your pension.

If you’re a basic rate taxpayer that means that 20% – so £20 in this example – is added by the government in the form of tax relief. You pay in £80.

It’s the law that your employer must pay in to your pension if you make contributions.

HOW TO CHECK

When you start a job you should be informed about your pension including which provider it’s with.

If you’re not sure, ask your employer for information.

You should be provided with an annual pension statement which shows how much has been paid in.

Many providers also let you log in to your online account to check at any time.

Your statement pay show different numbers to the pension deductions on your payslip, as the pension one will show tax relief.

If you’re not clear what your pension statement shows ask your employer.

What are the different types of pensions?

WE round-up the main types of pension and how they differ:

Personal pension or self-invested personal pension (SIPP) – This is probably the most flexible type of pension as you can choose your own provider and how much you invest.
Workplace pension – The Government has made it compulsory for employers to automatically enrol you in your workplace pension unless you opt out.
These so-called defined contribution (DC) pensions are usually chosen by your employer and you won’t be able to change it. Minimum contributions are 8%, with employees paying 5% (1% in tax relief) and employers contributing 3%.
Final salary pension – This is also a workplace pension but here, what you get in retirement is decided based on your salary, and you’ll be paid a set amount each year upon retiring. It’s often referred to as a gold-plated pension or a defined benefit (DB) pension. But they’re not typically offered by employers anymore.
New state pension – This is what the state pays to those who reach state pension age after April 6 2016. The maximum payout is £203.85 a week and you’ll need 35 years of National Insurance contributions to get this. You also need at least ten years’ worth to qualify for anything at all.
Basic state pension – If you reach the state pension age on or before April 2016, you’ll get the basic state pension. The full amount is £156.20 per week and you’ll need 30 years of National Insurance contributions to get this. If you have the basic state pension you may also get a top-up from what’s known as the additional or second state pension. Those who have built up National Insurance contributions under both the basic and new state pensions will get a combination of both schemes.

If you think you’re missing any contributions, speak to your employer.

It’s best to do this in writing so you have evidenced of the conversation, according to Moneyhelper, a government website that helps with your finances.

They should investigate and make any payments you’re owed.

You could also ask for compensation if you think you’ve lost out financially or it’s taken time and effort for you to sort.

If you’re not happy with the way they handled the complaint, or they have not responded within eight weeks you can escalate your complaint to The Pension Ombudsman.

This is free and independent and your employer must comply with its decision. This could be paying missing contributions or compensation if you’ve lost money or been inconvenienced.

It can also issue fines against companies that break the law by not making contributions on behalf of staff.

Hundreds of complaints are made to the ombudsman each year over this issue, which often affects smaller businesses.

In some cases employers have been forced to pay missed contributions worth thousands of pounds and compensation of up to £1,000.

The amount paid, if any, depends on each individual case.

You can also report your employer to The Pensions Regulator.

For further help if you have missing employer contributions you can contact:

www.moneyhelper.org.uk or phone 0800 011 3797
www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/contact-us or phone 0345 600 7060
www.pensions-ombudsman.org.uk or phone 0800 917 4487

What if I earn less than £10,000 or I’m under 22?

Just because you earn less money or are younger doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from the extra pension boost from your employer and the government.

If you’re aged 17 to 21 and earn between £6,240 and £10,000 a year you won’t be auto-enrolled – but you can ask to join.

Your employer must contribute if you join.

If you earn less than this you can still ask to join, but your employer won’t have to make any contributions.

There are plans to lower the age at which you can be auto-enrolled and the amount you need to earn.

Workers will start saving from the age of 18 and the lower limit of £6,240 will be axed to get more worker saving for their future.

It’s also worth noting that opting out of auto-enrolment means you miss out on all contributions – your employer’s and tax relief as well as you’re own.

If you reduce your contributions below the auto-enrolment minimum of 5%, your company isn’t required to put in the 3% either.

What is pensions auto-enrolment?

HERE's what you need to know about pensions auto-enrolment:

What is pension auto-enrolment?

Since October 2012, employers have had to enrol their staff into workplace pension schemes as part of a government initiative to get people to save more for retirement.

When does auto-enrolment apply?

You will be automatically enrolled into your work’s pension scheme if you meet the following criteria:

You aren’t already in a qualifying workplace scheme.
You are aged at least 22.
You are below state pension age.
You earn more than £10,000 a year
You work in the UK.

How much do I contribute?

There are minimum contributions that you and your employer must pay.

Your minimum contribution applies to anything you earn over £6,240 up to a limit of £50,270 in the current tax year. This includes overtime and bonus payments.

A minimum of 8% must be paid into the pension, with you contributing 5% and your employer paying at least 3%.

What if I have more than one job?

For people with more than one job, each job is treated separately for automatic enrolment purposes.

Each of your employers will check whether you’re eligible to join their pension scheme. If you are, then you’ll be automatically enrolled in that employer’s workplace pension scheme.

Can I opt out?

You can choose to opt out, but you’ll miss out on the contributions from the government and from your employer. If you do choose to opt out you can opt back in later.