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THE biggest customer service bugbears include rubbish hold music, no option to call back if you get cut off – and not being able to speak to a real person.

A poll of 2,000 adults revealed the biggest gripes when seeking help on the phone to a company, with long waiting times, and being asked to repeat your issue multiple times also on the top 30 list.

While 34% say automated responses that don’t address their service issues really grinds their gears, 28% get infuriated by rude staff.

More than a quarter (26%) can’t remember the last time they had a good customer service experience.

And despite 34% admitting they often shop around for better deals, 50% still wouldn’t feel confident making the switch with at least one of their providers if it ever came down it.

The research, commissioned by Utility Warehouse, which was recently named as a Which? Recommended Provider for Energy Companies 2025, also revealed the average time Brits have spent on the phone dealing with an issue is a whopping two hours.

With 89% saying they prefer to do this via a real person, rather than an automated system or chat bot.

To meet this need and help people better manage their relationships with utility providers, the company is running a special helpline for Valentine’s Day, to help people ‘break up’ with their current providers so they can find one that really cares.

Robyn Hyde at Utility Warehouse, which has also created a quiz that draws parallels between how we manage our utilities and our real-life relationships, said: “We know that for utility suppliers, offering a seamless, friendly and helpful experience for customers is not a nice-to-have — it’s essential.

“Too many people are stuck in frustrating relationships with their suppliers, left on hold for hours, battling unhelpful chatbots and struggling to get the service they deserve.

“This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to make the move and break free from bad customer service, and our expert break-up helpline which is open this weekend is ready with friendly, practical advice on how to switch to a more supportive provider.”

The research further revealed that a third have previously been put off calling a utility provider to avoid contacting the support helpline.

Four in 10 people won’t get in touch because they expect it to be stressful and, what’s more, 80 per cent feel utility companies don’t care about solving their problem.

“We’re experiencing higher-than-normal call volumes”, “I’m sorry, there’s nothing I can do,” and “Please hold while I pass you to my colleague” were cited as the most frustrating phrases to hear.

Sarah Louise Ryan, dating and relationship expert who informed the outcome of the quiz, said: “Personal relationships and dating styles may feel completely separate to the way we approach our connections to energy, broadband or mobile contract providers.

“But a person’s romantic style often directly reflects their outlook on utilities.

“The quiz can help consumers easily identify their relationship type to better understand their wants and needs from a provider which ultimately results in a better match.”

The OnePoll.com data also revealed that for 54% of those who would consider switching, bad customer service would be the main reason for them to end their current contract.

While 67&% would draw the line at general poor service.

But the hassle of switching has stopped 32% from making a move, and fear of signing up to even worse service has made 26% stick with what they have got.

FORMER Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh has broken her silence on a potential return to the soap amid its current cash crisis.

The star was well-loved for her excellent portrayal of Michelle Connor in the ITV soap opera between 2006 and 2019.

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Kym Marsh has broken her silence on a potential Coronation Street return[/caption]

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Kym played Michelle Connor on the show[/caption]

Since quitting the cobbles, Kym has become a regular face on the BBC‘s Morning Live show as well as landing a role in Waterloo Road.

But speaking exclusively to The Sun at the TV Choice Awards, Kym admitted she would “never say never” to heading back to Weatherfield if the time was right.

Kym told us: “I’d never say never to going back as I absolutely adore Coronation Street and I had some of my best years there.

“I learned so much on that show and I made so many friends.

“But I left to kind of pursue other projects and I’m still in the middle of doing that, but, maybe one day!”

Elsewhere, the star admitted that she hadn’t spoken to any of her soap pals about the ongoing cash crisis at the Manchester-based programme which has seen a flurry of stars axed from their roles with numbers of production staff also expected to be laid off.

The soap will be switching up its scheduling to air five nights a week for 30 minutes from January 2026 which will see it lose the equivalent of one episode a week.

However, Kym admitted she hadn’t been privy to any insight into how it has taken its toll on the cast with the actress revealing they have chosen to keep quiet on all things work.

Kym told The Sun: “I don’t know how they are all finding it at the minute.

“We don’t really talk about that, if I’m in contact with people, it’s more about what’s going on with their children – a lot more personal, light-hearted stuff.

“So I don’t really know what’s going on [backstage] at the moment.”

A series of Corrie’s biggest names have either chosen to walk away or have been axed by bosses in order to free up much-needed funds in recent weeks.

Colson Smith, Shelley King, Paddy Bever and Sue Devaney are all understood to have been axed by the programme with Sue Cleaver and Charlotte Jordan having also made the decision to quit and walk away amid the tough period.

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She admitted her former co-stars have kept quiet on the show’s current changes[/caption]

A POPULAR clothing shop is set to permanently shut after 113 years with “heaving hearts” as it launches a huge 50 per cent off closing sale.

The family-owned clothing store in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire was established in 1912 during the reign of King George V.

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Facebook/Clement taylor

After over a century in business, Clement Taylor will close its doors due to a lack of “footfall” and “rising costs”.

The store provided school uniform and gifts.

Locals said it was one of their “favourite places to buy something special”.

A spokesperson for Clement Taylor revealed it will close once all the stock has gone – which could be in just a few weeks.

The spokesperson said in a Facebook post: “It is with a heavy heart that after 113 years of trading, we will be closing up shop.

“We will still be trading for the next few months to clear stock. So come in and grab a bargain.

“We will have huge reductions on most items. We would like to thank our loyal customers over all these years for their support and custom.”

In a more recent Facebook post, uploaded on February 9, the retailer uploaded a video of its remaining stock.

The caption read: “Last few weeks before we close. We still have loads of bargains. 50% or more of almost all stock.

“We also selling old shop displays and antiques. Gifts and memorabilia.”

Some of the products on sale include men’s trousers, school uniform, coats, hats, suits, shirts and ties, ranging from £5 to 15.

It added: “Plus soft toys now 40% off as well as model kits etc.
all enquiries must be in person in store.

The comment section of the Facebook post also revealed the exact closure date.

One shopper asked: “What date do you close, please?”

To which a representative replied: “We won’t be trading after the 5th of April but could be sooner depending on other circumstances.”

Other shoppers shared their sorrows.

One said: “Such sad news you are closing.”

Just six months ago, the store was still earning gleaming reviews.

One person said: “Quality at its best every time. Lovely staff always friendly and helpful. Such a lovely family run shop.”

And then a second person said: “Visited today and kitted out my son for High school. The staff were so helpful and friendly.

“We were sorted within 15 minutes. Excellent service , we will definitely be back and spreading the word about this little gem of a shop thank you.”

Followed by a third: “Fantastic shop and staff, always has been. Will do anything for you and have things in no other shop does.

“It’s nice to have a place that doesn’t judge people.”

Clement Taylor origins back to the late 1800s as the founders father owned several shops in the area.

Despite being passed through a number of owners, the store has always stayed within the Taylor family.

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A WOMAN has revealed that she didn’t want to spend over £2,500 a month on rent and bills for a mouldy flat, so decided to live in a van instead. 

Leanne, who lives on the road with her partner Billy and their dog, explained that whilst they could splash cash on renting a property, they instead love their much more affordable way of life. 

Tiktok/@billyandleanne

Tiktok/@billyandleanne

But eager to clap back at trolls who aren’t as on board, Leanne took to social media and responded to a comment from a hater that read ‘just buy a house or rent’.

To this, Leanne clapped back: “You’re right, why don’t we just rent or buy a house? Well let’s start with averages of how much it’s gonna cost us.”

Leanne then shared a breakdown of estimated monthly costs for living in a house or flat, as she claimed that according to Google, rent will cost £1,200 on average for a small flat or a small one bedroom house.

Not only this, but whilst Leanne claimed that the average cost of gas will cost a household £160 a month and electricity will set people back £60, she also recognised that the standard price of broadband is £40 a month.

She then added: “You’ve got to pay council tax – according to Google,  that’s £100 a month.”

Leanne then recognised that home insurance can typically cost £40 a month, whilst car insurance for two vehicles would cost her around £200 a month, as well as car tax, which is around £60 a month.

As well as this, she claimed that on top of all of those costs, she would need to pay around £40 a month for water, as well as food costs, bringing her estimated grand total to £2,515.

But instead, Leanne lives in a van and doesn’t pay council tax, rent or electricity.

Whilst Leanne and Billy have to wait 45 minutes for their shower to heat up, the content creators don’t see any other downsides to their life on wheels.

Leanne shared: “We could indeed move into a small flat in the UK like many of our friends and people we know are doing, for mould filled places that are not fit for living in and the extortionate prices for gas, electric, water and much more.

“While it sounds absolutely amazing, I think we can put up with filling up our shower with a bucket and waiting 45 minutes for it to heat up.

“Our electricity is free, it comes from the sun, and our water is included in the price of campsites or land rent – so yeah, that’s why we don’t rent or buy a house in the UK.”

You are living an amazing life

TikTok user

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @billyandleanne, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 169,900 views. 

Social media users were impressed with Leanne’s way of living and many eagerly flocked to the comments to express this. 

One person said: “You are living an amazing life.” 

Another added: “Good way of living.” 

A third commented: “Well said, my husband and I also live in our van.”

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THE Welsh Open is UNDERWAY as 64 stars compete in the final Home Nations Series event of the season.

Defending champion Gary Wilson crashed out in the first round after a shock 4-3 defeat to Ishpreet Chadha on opening day.

Ronnie O’Sullivan was set to begin his campaign against Jamie Rhys Clarke this afternoon, but it has now been confirmed that Rocket has withdrawn from the tournament, and Clarke gets the bye.

The race for the £150,000 Home Nations bonus concludes at the Welsh Open, with Neil Robertson currently leading the way for the huge cash prize.

• Start time: From 10am GMT
• Live stream: discovery+ / BBC iPlayer
• TV channel: BBC Red Buttom

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WARREN Gatland is set to depart his role as Wales rugby head coach just two games into their horror Six Nations campaign.

Wales are suffering from the worst run of form in their history after 14th consecutive defeats and have slumped to 12th in the rankings.

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Warren Gatland is set to leave Wales rugby[/caption]

Gatland led Wales to another embarrassing defeat in the 22-15 Six Nations loss to Italy in Rome on Saturday.

Gatland and the WRU will now part ways mid-Championship, according to The Mail.

Wales fancied a first win in 14 games against Italy but went out on a limp and are favourites to wooden spoon for successive years.

The margin of defeat in Rome flattered Wales.

They bagged two late tries when Italy were thinking more about their lap of honour than seeing the game out.

Wales are closer to Brazil and Belgium in rugby’s world rankings, than to South Africa and New Zealand.

Second-tier nation Georgia climbed above them after a 40-7 win over Holland.

Gatland has now been in charge of Wales’ worst and best ever runs.

They actually won 14 in a row in 2017-19 and briefly topped the world rankings.

And with Ireland and England travelling to Cardiff, sandwiched around a trip to Scotland, even the most passionate Welsh supporter expects another whitewash.

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OVER half of Brits are secretly battling a ‘silent killer’ condition, according to new data – and it’s recently been linked to an increased risk of dementia.

The condition usually doesn’t cause any symptoms in the early stages and can also raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

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Over half of Brits are living with dangerously high cholesterol – and many don’t know it[/caption]

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Using data from over 40,000 customers in 2024, Medichecks analysed cholesterol levels across the UK to explore how location, lifestyle, and biology impact heart health.

It found over 50 per cent of us have dangerously high cholesterol levels, and the UK’s cholesterol trends show clear differences by region, gender, and age, influenced by lifestyle, diet, and genetics.

While London leads with the best HDL ‘good’ cholesterol levels, Yorkshire and the Humber struggles with higher non-HDL cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in our blood and produced naturally in the liver.

Every cell in our body needs cholesterol to stay healthy, as it plays a key role in maintaining cell membranes, producing vitamin D, bile acid, and essential hormones like testosterone and oestrogen.

However, too much of the wrong type of cholesterol can be dangerous.

HDL ‘good’ cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of arterial plaque build-up.

Non-HDL ‘bad’ cholesterol includes LDL and other types that can contribute to blocked arteries and cardiovascular disease.

High cholesterol is often caused by an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, being overweight or obese, smoking and drinking alcohol.

But for some, the story is very different.

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol from birth.

It’s passed down through families and means that about 1 in 250 people are born with high cholesterol – putting them at serious risk of heart disease long before the average person even notices a problem.

Dr Natasha Fernando, Medical Director at Medichecks, said:
“Many people assume they’re safe just because they don’t ‘look’ unhealthy.

“But the reality is that high cholesterol can affect anyone, regardless of their weight, diet, or lifestyle.

“The only way to know your risk is to get tested.”

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Erectile dysfunction can occur if high cholesterol is advanced[/caption]

The symptoms of high cholesterol

High cholesterol doesn’t usually cause symptoms in the early stages. You can only find out if you have it from a blood test.

But buildup of cholesterol can happen over years, and symptoms can appear once arteries are significantly affected, said Dr Fernando.

She warned of the possible late-stage high cholesterol symptoms to look out for:

• Angina (chest pain) – reduced blood flow to the heart.
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) – leg pain, cramping.
• Xanthomas – fatty deposits under skin (rare).
• Erectile dysfunction – due to restricted blood flow.

When a heart attack or stroke might occur in someone with high cholesterol depends on lifestyle, genetics, and overall health.

Dr Fernando advised: “Once symptoms appear, arteries are already narrowed, a heart attack or stroke could happen within months or years if left untreated.”

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A study found older adults whose cholesterol changes over time may be more likely to develop[/caption]

Cholesterol’s link to dementia

A study published in January this year in the online issue of Neurology found older adults whose cholesterol changes over time may be more likely to develop dementia than people whose cholesterol is stable

Rob Hobson, Registered Nutritionist and author of Unprocess Your Life, commented: “The research highlights an important aspect of cholesterol management which is its variability over time.

“While we typically focus on absolute cholesterol levels, these fluctuations could signal underlying metabolic instability (irregularities in the body’s ability to regulate cholesterol, blood sugar, and other key markers), potentially increasing the risk of dementia.

“This study also adds to the growing evidence linking cardiovascular health and brain health.”

He added: “It also highlights the importance of long-term dietary patterns that support stable lipid levels.

“The best example is the Mediterranean-style diet rich in healthy fats, fibre, and antioxidants.

“More research is needed, but this study is a good reminder that consistency in heart-healthy habits may be just as important as the numbers you get from a blood test.”

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Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that help to reduce LDL cholesterol[/caption]

What to eat to lower cholesterol

Diet is one of the best ways to reduce cholesterol, with certain foods shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties.

Rob recommends five foods in particular to keep cholesterol levels in check:

• Oats are high in soluble fibre that binds with cholesterol, preventing it from being absorbed.
• Nuts, especially almonds and walnuts, are rich in monounsaturated fats that help to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol.
• Dried fruit (e.g. raisins, sultanas) are rich in soluble fibres that can bind to cholesterol in the gut and help to remove it from the body.
• Oily fish (e.g. salmon and trout) are rich in heart friendly omega-3 fatty acids. These fats can help increase HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
• Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that help to reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. This oil is also rich in compounds such as oleocanthal, which has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body.

See below for some other ways to lower cholesterol.

THE FBI has discovered thousands of new top-secret JFK assassination files after Trump’s order bust open all the remaining documents.

The 2,400 unseen records contain 14,000 pages of material not known to exist – which could shed new light on the mysterious murder.

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President Trump ordered the last JFK files to be declassified on his second day of office[/caption]

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President John F Kennedy was assassinated in 1963[/caption]

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The White House has been informed about 14,000 pages of JFK assassination documents that were never reviewed[/caption]

This huge bundle was withheld from a board set up in the ’90s to review all documents related to the case, and was also kept from the National Archive.

Conspiracy theories about the assassination have swirled for over 60 years as the public speculated that unreleased top-secret files might show Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone.

President Trump signed an executive order to declassify all remaining records about the 1963 shooting on his second day in office.

With the same ink, he also ordered all records related to the deaths of President Kennedy’s brother, Robert F Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King.

A review board was set up in 1992, and government agencies were supposed to turn over all evidence they had related to JFK’s assassination.

The White House was on Friday informed that – in fact – not all of the documents had been submitted, and there remained a trove of unscrutinised intel, as reported by Axios.

Jefferson Morley, an expert on the assassination, told the news site: “This is huge. It shows the FBI is taking this seriously.”

He added: “The FBI is finally saying: ‘Let’s respond to the president’s order,’ instead of keeping the secrecy going.”

The existence of the documents came to light when the Office of the Director of National Intelligence submitted its plan for carrying out Trump’s order.

It isn’t yet known what they contain, but the fact they were for years held back – against orders – will raise questions about government transparency.

Gerald Leo Posner, an expert author on the assassination, said the newly-disclosed FBI files arouse suspicions that that other agencies are withholding documents.

He said: “It’s another reason why you will never get a consensus on this case because no one will ever agree that all of the information has been released.”

President John F Kennedy was shot in the head and neck by a 24-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald whilst travelling in an open-top car parade in Dallas, Texas.

The President John F Kenney Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 said that all government files relating to the event must be made public by October 2017.

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This photo was taken minutes before JFK was shot dead in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963[/caption]

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Lee Harvey Oswald during his arrest on November 22, 1963[/caption]

However, there was a loophole built in that allowed their release to be delayed for national security and privacy reasons.

Trump’s order on January 23 read: “More than 50 years after the assassinations of President John F Kennedy, Senator Robert F Kennedy, and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Federal Government has not released to the public all of its records related to those events.”

“Their families and the American people deserve transparency and truth.

It added: “It is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay.”

John F Kennedy’s grandson, however, blasted Trump’s order to release the secret assassination files.

Jack Schlossberg to responded to the announcement by saying: “The truth is sadder than myth”.

Trump had promised to first term, but was persuaded the CIA and FBI that some documents should remain private to avoid the possibility of revealing national security secrets.

President Biden then ordered the limited release of some records, but government spooks continued to insist that full disclosure of the documents could compromise “sources and methods” of the intelligence spy.

After Biden, the number of outstanding files was thought to stand at 3,500.

PUNK Rock icon David Johansen of the New York Dolls has revealed he has been fighting stage four cancer for almost a decade.  

The 75-year-old rocker, who helped kickstart the glam punk movement in the 1970s, shared the news via the Sweet Relief Fund with the help of his daughter, Leah Hennessey. 

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David Johansen has reveals he’s been secretly battling cancer for 10 years[/caption]

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The star is famed for fronting the New York Dolls in the 1970s[/caption]

Following the launch of the Sweet Relief Fund, David released a statement, asserting he is trying to remain positive amid his health woes. 

“We’ve been living with my illness for a long time, still having fun, seeing friends & family, carrying on, but this tumble the day after Thanksgiving really brought us to a whole new level of debilitation,” he said via Brooklyn Vegan. 

“This is the worst pain I’ve ever experienced in my entire life. I’ve never been one to ask for help but this is an emergency. Thank you.” 

Tragically, the donation page details the severity of his health problems, revealing David’s cancer had progressed, and in 2020 – in the midst of the pandemic – the family had discovered he had a brain tumour. 

As a result, he has been unable to work as he continues to receive treatment. 

“There have been complications ever since,” Leah wrote on the site. “He’s never made his diagnosis public, as he and my mother Mara are generally very private people, but we feel compelled to share this now, due to the increasingly severe financial burden our family is facing.” 

To make matters worse, David suffered a fall in his home in November last year, breaking his back in two places and leaving him incapacitated. 

The family are appealing to fans to help raise funds in order to give David round-the-clock professional care, as his wife is currently doing it all herself.

New York Dolls shot to fame in the 1970s, releasing their self-titled debut album in 1973 to critical acclaim, but a small amount of success.

They were known for their radical and androgynous fashion style including make-up, platformed shoes and skin-tight PVC trousers.

Shortly after the release of second album, Too Much Too Soon, in 1974, the group started suffering a neverending rotation of band members.

David remained consistently the lead singer from the band’s launch until 1976, when he launched a solo career under the name Buster Poindexter.

But the music of the New York Dolls lived on, turning them into a cult success story, with artists including David Bowie, Joan Jett and The Smiths crediting them as influences in their work.

In 1988, David would appear alongside Bill Murray in Scrooged, comedy send-up of A Christmas Carol, in which he played the Ghost of Christmas Past.

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The singer broke his back in two places at Thanksgiving, putting further strain on his health[/caption]

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Despite only releasing two albums, the band have continued to be cult icons[/caption]

The knockouts are back.