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Yearly Archives: 2023

After an incredible summer of music and magic at Ballybrannigan Beach in East Cork, BKultured Waves of Sound gig series is set to go with an all singing, all dancing, 90s party experience bang on September 16th with a performance from Attention Bébé.

After gigging at Electric Picnic, Beyond the Pale and All Together Now this summer, the self described ‘90's brassy ass dance groovesters’ are set to perform in perhaps their most unique setting yet; a cliff top in Cork overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

BKultured founder Niamh Hegarty said: "We're so excited about the incredible experiences we've shared with our community these past few months. And now, with Attention Bébé wrapping up the series, we're gearing up for an unforgettable grand finale. BKultured isn't just about a drink; it's a whole community coming together. Bringing Irish talent to the edge of the cliffs at Ballybrannigan Beach – seriously, what more could you want from a summer send-off?"

The gig series host BKultured Water Kefir is a Cork made fermented sparkling drink that’s equal parts flavoursome refreshment and gut-loving goodness. The gig takes place on the same coastal family farm where BKultured is made and its sister business, food trailer Niamh’s Larder, is stationed – both run by Cork entrepreneur Niamh Hegarty.

Guests to the live events will enjoy great music, stunning views, refreshing BKultured Water Kefir and healthy, delicious food from Niamh’s Larder.

BKultured contains all-organic ingredients, natural flavours and live probiotics that nourish the gut microbiome, helping to improve immunity, digestive issues and even mental health. Choose from two BKultured flavours: Jammin Ginger & Turmeric and Sassy Mixed Berry (RRP €3.99), available from retailers nationwide and bkultured.com.

Attention Bebe plays at BKultured Waves of Sound Summer Music Series on 16th September, 6.30 pm. Tickets (€40) are available at bkultured.com/event-list.

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A resounding alarm has been raised in the world of beauty against the surging popularity of Nasal Tanning Sprays, as Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) recently issued a statement condemning their use as a “significant health risk.'"

Now, Linda Stinson, CEO of Ireland's premier luxury tan brand Bellamianta, has joined the HPRA in vehemently denouncing the dangerous and unsettling social media-driven sales trend that continues to captivate the attention of beauty enthusiasts worldwide.

Nasal Tanning Sprays are promoted as a fast-track ticket to an authentic tan with minimal effort – so its initial allure is understandable. But beneath the façade of glamour and convenience lurks the active ingredient Melanotan 2, famously labelled “the barbie drug” due to its tanning and appetite-suppressing effects. It works by mimicking a hormone that tricks the body into producing excess melanin, the pigment that makes our skin darker when exposed to UV light, imbuing it with that ever so sought-after bronzed appearance.

The alarming truth is that this synthetic, hazardous substance is banned in multiple countries, including Ireland, the US, the UK, and Australia due to grave concerns about its safety. This is underscored by its multiple, well-documented side-effects, including sun hypersensitivity, pigmentation, rapidly accelerated skin ageing, vomiting and diarrhoea, kidney damage and potentially failure, sexual dysfunction and skin cancer. Perhaps most disturbingly, there have been multiple reports of the swift onset of skin cancer linked with the use of Melanotan 2, with one account involving a girl as young as 16 years old.

Adding to the concern is the reality that these sprays have managed to completely sidestep all required testing and safety regulations. Consequently, the potential long-term health effects remain unknown.

"We urge people to consider the fact that there is no supporting safety data available for this substance before they inject it into their body or inhale it into their lungs” the HPRA's director of compliance Grainne Power said. “[Melanotan 2] is a dangerous substance that has not been declared safe for human use and is illegal.”

Linda Stinson, CEO of luxury tan brand Bellamianta
 

As a leading advocate for safe tanning, Linda Stinson has not hesitated to back the HPRA in expressing her opinion on this proclaimed "miracle solution."

“Let’s be clear here – nasal tanning sprays laced with Melanotan 2 are a shortcut to disaster” she says. “You can enjoy the confidence of a glow without cutting corners that pose a risk to your health. Topically applied tanning products change the colour on the outer layer of your skin, so they don’t sink into your blood stream, and are thoroughly tried and tested. We are certified as Vegan and cruelty free.

We are leaps and bounds ahead of ensuring our products are merely “safe”. All our products are free from Parabens, Harsh Chemicals, GMO’s, Parfum, Alcohol, Animal derivatives, Petrochemicals, Sulphates and Silicones.

We have heavily invested in the development of formulas that use natural, skin-loving ingredients to support its overall health. Spray tans and gradual tanning lotions aren’t just options for those that want a golden glow – they’re the only choice for those who want to put their safety first.”

Award-winning cosmetics and tanning brand Bellamianta is a firm favourite among the beauty and tanning elite across the Emerald Isle and afar.

Bellamianta, meaning Beautiful Aspirations, put skincare first and foremost in their vast range of products, ensuring all are formulated with natural extracts and clean ingredients making them the ultimate skin treatment. Their sumptuous formulas are filled with natural moisturisers and enriched with shea butter and aloe vera which through vitamin A, C & E soothe and restore skin elasticity, and enriched with Pentavitin®, which hydrates the skin from within. These hard-working ingredients are carefully chosen and blended to provide a moisturised, longer-lasting tan that are free from Parabens, Harsh Chemicals, GMO’s, Parfume, Alcohol, Animal derivatives, Petrochemicals, Sulphates and Silicones, making them cruelty-free, vegan and safe to use while pregnant.

www.bellamianta.com

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Globally, up to 70% of people experience sensitive skin. These numbers are rising, and treating sensitive skin isn’t always straightforward. Sensitivity can be caused by genetics or brought on by lifestyle and/or environmental factors. Regardless of the cause, one thing is certain – sensitive skin’s barrier is often damaged and needs a chance to recover.

Enter Dermalogica’s new Stabilizing Repair Cream, a barrier-repairing moisturizer that helps put a stop to sensitive skin. The cream features a proprietary ceramide-building complex that works to help strengthen the skin’s barrier while also delivering skin-nourishing lipids, helping it become more resilient and less reactive over time – whether you have sensitive skin every day, or only a few days a month.

Ultra-soothing actives calm the skin on contact, helping to break the pattern of sensitivity. The lightweight balm-to-cream formula boasts soothing Cica and a botanical blend that relieves symptoms like itching, redness, and dryness.

Benefits include:

  • Soothes skin on contact
  • Repairs skin’s lipid barrier
  • Strengthens skin to help keep signs of sensitivity at bay

Stabilizing Repair Cream boasts the following hydrating and soothing actives:

  • Proprietary Ceramide-Building Complex provides nourishing lipids, strengthening skin’s barrier to lock in moisture and help keep signs of sensitivity at bay.
  • Soothing Cica helps to balance skin’s moisture content. Obtained using a more sustainable process designed for maximum output.
  • Lactobacillus Ferment helps skin hold on to hydration. More sustainable production process helps minimize water + energy use.
  • Resurrection Plant moisturizes, hydrates, and strengthens skin’s barrier.
  • Tasmania Lanceolota Extract soothes skin and helps reduce the appearance of redness. 100% natural origin; certified sourcing helps preserve biodiversity.
  • Boerhavia Diffusa Root helps reduce the appearance of redness, soothes, and comforts skin.

Clinical claim:

Helps stop sensitive skin within 1 week.  See a reduction in redness, irritation and itchiness within one week.  Independent clinical  test,  31  subjects, two  applications per day for eight weeks.

Availability: 

Stabilizing Repair Cream is available at Dermalogica.ie, Dermalogica Flagship Stores and authorised Dermalogica stockists.

RRP: €75/£65 (50ml)

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Paris Fury has been sharing an insight into school mornings for her and her family. 

Paris and her professional boxer husband Tyson share six children together and have their seventh on the way. 

As schools reopen after the summer holidays, Paris has opened up about how ‘chaotic’ her mornings are when trying to get her little ones ready for school. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Paris Fury (@parisfury1)

Paris’ youngest children, seven-year-old Tyson Fury II, five-year-old Valencia, four-year-old Adonis, and two-year-old Athena, attend school and nursery, while her eldest, 13-year-old Venezuela, and 11-year-old Prince John James are going to be homeschooled with the help of a tutor.

Sharing the details of the ‘craziest time of the day’ to her 1.5M Instagram followers, Fury posted a collection of photos of her little ones in their school uniforms. 

She penned, “It’s back to School! By far the craziest time of day in the Fury household is the period between 7.30 a.m. (when my alarm goes off ) and 8.30 a.m. (when Tyson drives the kids to school)”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Paris Fury (@parisfury1)

“I’ll wake up, rub my eyes, take a deep breath, spring out of bed and prepare for an hour of chaos, like any house at this time of year! I can’t quite believe it’s back to school time already!”.

“I love picking the kids up from school, even if it can get really crazy. Once they’ve piled into the van, Prince, Little Tyson, Valencia and Adonis will all talk at once, ten to the dozen, desperate to tell me about what they’ve learned in the classroom and who they’ve played with in the playground”.

Paris went on to admit, “They’ll fight to get their voices heard, and it inevitably descends into a massive, deafening row… It can be pretty trivial stuff in the scheme of things but I love to listen to their chatter, especially if they’re really excited and enthusiastic about something. I’m looking forward to hearing all about it today when they get home”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Paris Fury (@parisfury1)

“These photos (except todays) are included in my new book How Does She Do It? You can now pre-order signed copies from @Waterstones! (link in my bio)”.

Many of Paris’ fans headed to the comments to share their admiration for her with one person commenting, “Love it!!! You are an amazing mother!”.

“Oh my gosh – they’re all so cute and grown up. Beautiful family”, penned a second fan. Another wrote, “One of the most REALEST Mums ever”.

When chatting about the return to school on her Instagram Stories earlier this week, Paris revealed, “Tomorrow will be the first day all four little ones are in school/nursery and the big two with a tutor for homeschool. Roll on Friday”.

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It’s time to get your tastebuds tingling as Domino’s, the nations best loved pizza company, launches The Ultimate Spicy Meatball pizza, topped with Jalapeño’s and a Spicy Siracha drizzle, available from today until November 12th.

The new pizza, the third in the ‘Ultimate’ range, packs a punch. Topped with pepperoni, fan favourite pork meatballs, red onions and sliced jalapeños. Once freshly baked, it's then topped with a drizzle of new spicy sriracha for an added kick.

Invented in store by Chanandeep Singh, a Domino’s team member, from Solihull, the new pizza was created based on feedback from customers and fans, including the added spice. Can you handle the heat?

If the heat does get too much, and you need a break between slices, Domino’s is also launching a brand-new classic side. New Domino’s Fries will be debuting alongside the Ultimate Spicy Meatball and, unlike the new limited time pizza, will be a permanent addition to the Domino’s menu.

Different to traditional fries, Domino’s crispy Fries are expertly cooked for a golden brown, extra crispy bite every time.

But what happens after the perfect pizza and Fries combo is all but eaten? Well, a new dessert of course!

Also joining the new roster from today until January 1st are the delectable Twisted Dough Balls® – Chocolate Cinnamon. Made using Domino’s signature fresh dough, the dough balls are dusted with cinnamon sugar, baked and then topped with delicious, melted milk chocolate.

Sam Wilson, Head of Heat at Domino’s said: ‘There’s nothing better than giving our fans a bit of what they love the most, and meatballs are a definite fan favourite. This time though, we’ve given our meatballs a spicy upgrade with Jalapeños and Sriracha drizzle. And to make it even more delicious, you can add the perfect bite with the new Fries, or a delightful, sweet treat with our Twisted Dough Balls® – Chocolate Cinnamon. Name a better trio. I dare you.”

The Ultimate Spicy Meatball pizza, Fries and Twisted Dough Balls® – Chocolate Cinnamon are all available to order online, through the Domino’s app and in Domino’s stores across Ireland now.

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If you’re a lover of antiques and jewellery, then you’re not going to want to miss this Antique Fair.

A collection of Egyptian Revival jewellery is set to feature at Timeless, the Irish Antique Dealers’ Fair, which is running in Dublin’s RDS from September 15-17. 

This collection of stunning pieces was created following the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun and is really impressive to witness in-person. 

Timeless, Ireland’s largest selection of classic pieces that stand the test of time, will include a fascinating blend of contemporary and antique-focused exhibitors.

This antique fair is an opportunity for all ages and tastes to explore and discover stunning once-off, yet affordable, pieces that appeal to them.

The collection of jewellery, curated by Garret Weldon of JW Weldon Jewellers, are attributed to a revival of Egyptian-inspired style in the late 1920’s as a result of the discovery of the tomb of pharaoh Tutankhamun.

The unusual collection includes a Deluret ring, a brooch depicting the goddess Isis, a necklace featuring a scarab, a bangle showing two snakes kissing, and a bracelet charm with a sarcophagus and removable mummy.

Speaking about the unique and rare collection, Garret revealed, “Throughout history you find revivals of Egyptian style, most notably the 1860s and late 1920s, in this case the revival was sparked by Howard Carter’s discovery of the largely intact tomb of King Tutankhamen".

“It is extremely rare to come across these pieces, and I have never had a collection like this. They are exceptional pieces, and each, in its own right, is a masterpiece”.

“There is scarcity, there is condition, there is artistry, and there is execution, and they are all seen in these pieces. The fact that they aren't stripped and peeled in any way is amazing”.

A highlight from the incredible collection is the scarab necklace. In perfect condition and truly exceptional enamel, this necklace comprises of lapis lazuli, glass and sardonyx beads, set with ruby, diamonds and gold. The piece is priced at €16,500.

When discussing the remarkable necklace, Garret explained, “This necklace is very similar to a piece I saw in an Egyptian museum in Turin, and for me, this is a work of art. It has such vibrant colour, and is as good as you'd ever see in Egypt”.

The ring from the collection is made in lapis lazuli and gold. The piece is from Deluret, who is an incredibly rare maker, and is priced at €11,500. The one-off piece is in impeccable condition and gold work quality, with a beautifully and intricately carved peacock headdress. It is strongly inspired by pieces in museums and what was seen and brought back at the time in terms of styles, colours, and enamellings.

The brooch, which features Isis with her wings wide, is unsigned but likely came from Galliano. Made from gold and sardonyx, it is priced at €12,950.

Garret says, “Each piece is unique and the real joy of Timeless is discovering that something different, the one magical piece that makes a home.The best of the past is also best for the future, as our trade is the original sustainable industry and helps the planet through a reduction in manufacturing and waste”.

“At Timeless it is all about love. Antique dealers love what they do, and they want you to have something you love too. And, from a customer’s perspective, there is nothing like seeing collections in person to really seek out that perfect treasure – the statement piece or the stunning gift”.

Art lovers will also be catered for with some of the country’s top galleries in attendance at the Antique Fair.

For more information, see timelessfair.ie.

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Wedding bells will soon be ringing for Vanessa Hudgens and Cole Tucker!

Vanessa has been opening up about planning her and Cole’s wedding as they prepare to tie the knot.

The High School Musical actress announced her engagement to her fiancé back in February. 

As their big day approaches, Vanessa has spoken out about how ‘wild’ it is to plan their wedding. 

While chatting to People, Vanessa explained, “It's wild. It's crazy, the industry of weddings”.

The 34-year-old went on to say that organising the ceremony has been “kind of mind-blowing” so far.

“My best friend is getting married as well. And she's going through it and I was just like, ‘My God, dresses are so expensive’. It's nuts”.

Vanessa previously admitted that she and Cole contemplated eloping because of how hard it was to plan their special day. 

On The Drew Barrymore Show, Hudgens explained, “It's hard. I don't know, finding a venue is tough”.

“I kind of just want to elope. I really, I'm lost… I mean he just wants to get married to me. He's like, ‘Whatever you want babe’”.

The pair went ‘Instagram official’ on Valentine’s Day of 2021 when Vanessa shared a photo of the pair kissing with the caption, “It’s you, it’s me, it’s us”.

Later that same year, she explained the sweet story of how she and Cole met, revealing that the pair had been in a Zoom meditation group together. Their relationship later blossomed after Vanessa slid into the baseball player’s DMs. 

When announcing the wonderful news of their engagement earlier this year, the couple shared gorgeous photos of themselves in Paris with Vanessa’s stunning ring on display. 

The Spring Breakers star captioned the sweet post, “YES. We couldn’t be happier”.

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It’s time to dig out the shorts and shades, because summer is not over just yet! With many of us welcoming the unexpected sunshine, Fáilte Ireland has curated a list of some of the best coastal spots to visit across Dublin to make the most of what might be the last few days of ‘summer’ 2023.

Home to some of the most stunning towns and villages, the Dublin Coastal Trail offers some of the most scenic spots in the country as well as many brilliant restaurants and cafes to pop into for an ice-cream or coffee.

The Dublin Coastal Trail is a stunning route stretching from Skerries in the north of the county right down to Killiney in South County Dublin and is easily accessible by rail. The seasoned sun worshiper, or indeed anyone looking to cool off during this sunny weather, is spoiled for choice with so many amazing strands and beaches to visit.

Land or sea, whatever your preference, here are some of the must-visit places to relax at during this current sunny spell:

Skerries

Skerries is home to a range of beautiful coastal walks with paths that loop around the headland of Red Island and connect its North and South beaches. Both beaches are perfect locations to dip your toes in the water or enjoy a shoreside picnic on a hot summer's day.

Dotted with traditional windmills, Skerries offers unique views unlike anywhere else. Skerries windmills have been standing for centuries and are open for tours all year round. Inside, visitors can explore the fully restored complex which once housed a water mill and bakery. For those looking to whet their appetite following a day of adventuring, Blue Café Bar overlooks Skerries Harbour and boasts a range of delicious Mediterranean-style bites and cocktails

Howth

The iconic fishing village of Howth draws hundreds of daily visitors to its shores and is home to beautiful beaches including hidden gems such as Burrow Beach and Balscadden Bay Beach.

Howth is world-renown as home to some of Ireland’s most majestic views. The breathtaking Howth Cliff Walk is a must for locals and day-trippers alike, especially on a bright day, when 360° views of Dublin Bay and iconic Dublin landmarks such as Poolbeg Chimneys and Poolbeg Lighthouse can be marvelled at.

Following a walk on the cliffs, visitors can enjoy a refreshing drink from Howth Summit or a delicious feed from popular restaurants such as Wrights of Howth, Beshoff Bros, and The Bloody Stream.

Malahide

Low Rock can be found along Malahide’s Coast Road and is a beautiful natural cove encased by a boundary of rocks. It’s the perfect location to watch the sun set over the sea as the waves roll gently to shore.

While here, visitors can also enjoy the stunning surroundings of Malahide Castle and take advantage of some of the shady trees in the area for a picnic. It is the perfect location for a walk in the sunshine and there is a broad range of ice cream parlours in the vicinity such as OMG Ice Cream and Pappagallino's Ice Cream. As the saying goes in Italy – that's amore!

Bull Island, Clontarf

Bull Island is connected to Clontarf’s mainland by a unique wooden bridge offering sweeping views of Dublin Port and the surrounding bay. Regular visitors at this beach often treat themselves to a drink or snack at the nearby Happy Out hut before taking a walk to the end of Bull Wall to see the Star of the Sea statue.

Clontarf is a hub for local businesses and boasts several coffee houses and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing iced coffee from Ebb & Flow, or a mountain of pancakes from Póg. Another highly commended eatery in the area is Bay Restaurant Clontarf, which offers stunning sea views and is the perfect location to watch the sunset or to enjoy an evening dinner by candlelight.

Dalkey

Dalkey, one of Dublin’s most revered coastal spots, those who visit Vico Baths on a sunny day may feel they have been transplanted to the Amalfi Coast itself thanks to the stunning views of Sorrento and Dalkey Island. Just a 15-minute walk south of Dalkey DART station, Vico Baths has even been given the A-list seal of approval by both Matt Damon and, more recently, Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde, who paid it a visit last summer. Visitors can also take a boat trip from Coliemore Harbour to Dalkey Island and say hello to the resident seals and wild goats.

For day trippers, Dalkey Castle, which is one of the two remaining medieval townhouse castles in Dalkey dating back as far as the 14th century, is an ideal spot for families to take their little kings and queens on a picnic to enjoy some family time together.

If al fresco dining isn’t top of the list, Dalkey is a gastro village that boasts a variety of popular restaurants such as Devilles and Ragazzi Gastro Market.

Sandycove and Glasthule

The iconic Forty Foot, just a 30-minute DART journey south of the city centre, is the perfect place to unwind and take in the surrounding views of Dún Laoghaire and Howth. Popular for centuries this seaside location has featured in James Joyce’s Ulysses and more recently, Sharon Horgan’s BAFTA-winning series Bad Sisters!

Sandycove is jam packed with delightful coffee spots. Sandycove Store and Yard offers not only delicious coffee and sweet treats, but it also boasts a sauna and a hot tub. An ideal spot for you to unwind and rest up after a day spent enjoying the sunshine.

Seafood lovers are spoilt for choice with the range of restaurants dotted around the town and Cavistons offers a range of five-star-rated dishes. Following that, 64 Wine comes highly recommended for a little tipple with friends and loved ones.

With the onset of high temperatures, it is important to ensure that you stay hydrated and cool off in shady spots when needed. Be sure to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and make sure that the ground is cool enough for your dogs to walk on before discovering all the Dublin Coastal Trail has to offer.

For more information on visiting the Dublin coastal trail, please visit www.visitdublin.com.

Photo credits: 

Skerries Beach, by Fionn McCann

Howth Cliff Walk, by Cahir Davitt

Malahide Coastal Walk, by Fionn McCann

North Bull Wall, by Antoinette Reilly

Dalkey Island, by Fionn McCann

Sandycove Coast, by Adrian Hendroff

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Molly-Mae Hague has had an adorable reunion with her daughter!

The former Love Island finalist welcomed her first child, a baby girl named Bambi, into the world in January with her fiancé Tommy Fury.

Over the last few days, Molly-Mae has been sharing snippets of her work trip to New York City to mark the launch of Pretty Little Thing’s collaboration with Naomi Campbell.

Now, upon her return to the UK, the 24-year-old has revealed that she was greeted with an emotional surprise in the arrivals department of Manchester Airport.

Credit: Molly-Mae Hague Instagram

Taking to her Instagram stories earlier today, Molly-Mae uploaded a heartwarming black-and-white clip of her holding and kissing seven-month-old Bambi in her arms.

“Someone got up super early to come and surprise their mama at the airport,” the mum-of-one gushed alongside the video, adding: “Best surprise ever.”

Following her return to her Manchester home, Molly-Mae then went on to document what herself and little Bambi got up to this morning.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Molly-Mae Hague (@mollymae)

The Pretty Little Thing influencer posted a brief clip of baby Bambi enjoying her breakfast, with the tot's dad Tommy and grandfather John Fury on the TV.

“Breakfast and catch ups with daddy and grandad on the telly,” Molly-Mae penned lovingly, referring to Tommy and John’s joint interview on Good Morning Britain ahead of the 24-year-old boxer’s fight against KSI.

Molly-Mae’s emotional reunion with Bambi is the second time that the former Love Island star has recently been surprised by family.

Credit: Molly-Mae Hague Instagram

In July of this year, doting dad Tommy and baby Bambi surprised the new mum in Paris, to mark the couple’s fourth anniversary.

At the time, the father-daughter duo managed to surprise Molly-Mae as she was in the middle of gushing over her young family.

“I can’t wait to get home to my child,” the influencer admitted as Tommy and Bambi approached behind her. The family-of-three then went on to enjoy their first trip to Disneyland Paris together.

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Alison Hammond has been revealing all about her new role on The Great British Bake Off!

The beloved TV presenter recently finished filming her first series of the Channel 4 baking competition as its new co-host. Alison will now be co-presenting the show with Noel Fielding, after Matt Lucas chose to step down from his role in December of last year.

Ahead of Bake Off returning to our screens later this year, Alison and one of the show’s judges, Prue Leith, have been speaking to MailOnline about how the new presenter has gelled into the team.

Credit: Channel 4

Firstly, Prue admitted that it’s “so nice” to have another woman at the head of the GBBO cast. 

“I adore Matt, Paul and Noel, but it was like dealing with a bunch of primary school children sometimes,” the 83-year-old teased.

“Alison's a breath of fresh air. Yes, she's naughty, but she leads the gang and has a tremendous base of kindness. She naturally likes people,” Prue praised, adding that her new colleague is a “teasing, spirited, fun woman.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Dame Prue Leith (@prueleith)

Meanwhile, Alison went on to speak highly of the baking legend, noting: “Prue's a gentle guiding force, generous, kind and knowledge-able. It's kind of like having my mum there.”

“You're constantly listening to her amazing stories. She's so entertaining,” the This Morning star added.

The two women then went on to reveal that Alison’s appearance on Celebrity Bake Off in 2020 led them to form an early bond, before the 48-year-old became a GBBO presenter. 

Credit: Channel 4

“We bonded in the sense Prue enjoyed my chocolate brownies with Daim bars in them,” Alison exclaimed. “She asked for the recipe. I've been dining out on this ever since. She's got the recipe on her fridge.”

Prue went on to confirm the revelation, explaining: “I've only taken two recipes home in the time I've been on Bake Off. Alison's was one, long before we knew she'd be a presenter.”

Alison’s debut on The Great British Bake Off is set to air later this month. 

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Owen Warner has revealed that his mum has received a worrying update about her health.

The Hollyoaks star is extremely close to his mother, Polly. Fans of Owen may also recognise her as she reunited with Owen during the final of I’m A Celebrity.. Get Me Out Of Here! last autumn. 

Sadly, almost one year on from his stint in the jungle, Owen has now admitted that he and his family are deeply concerned about his mum’s health.

Credit: Polly Warner Instagram

Polly has suffered from a congenital heart condition throughout her entire life. The mum-of-three previously had open heart surgery as a child, and has since gone through several operations as she raised her three sons – Owen, Louie and Jake.

However, it has now been confirmed that Polly will most likely need to have a heart transplant one day in the future, as the treatment and operations she has undergone in the past have not been enough to ease doctors’ concerns.

In an interview with MailOnline, Owen opened up and expressed his worries about his mother’s future.

Credit: ITV

"Nothing makes you step back and look at things more than somebody in your family having problems with their health,” the 24-year-old confessed.

"Our mum means so much to us, she's the heart of the family, so the news we've had over this past year has been really hard to hear,” he continued.

However, the actor, who is best known for his role as Romeo Nightingale in Hollyoaks, has vowed to do everything he can to help his mother.

Credit: Polly Warner Instagram

"Mum has helped us all through so much and been so strong for us all, now it's our turn to do the same for her,” he promised.

In his interview, Owen explained that the Warner family plan to make donations towards life saving research that could potentially help Polly and other patients in the future.

As well as this, Owen’s brother Louie has also committed to taking part in the Goodwood Marathon later this month, in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

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Today is International Literacy Day.

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has shared his hopes for adults in Ireland to unlock their full literacy skills on International Literacy Day.

Harris is inviting adults to improve their literacy, numeracy and digital skills via the Adult Literacy for Life strategy. 

The ALL strategy was launched by Minister Harris on International Literacy Day 2021 with an ‘ambition of an Ireland where every adult has the necessary literacy, numeracy and digital literacy to fully engage in society and realise their potential’.

The strategy’s plan is to make literacy supports as visible, accessible and inclusive as possible for everyone who may wish to avail of them and improve their reading, writing, numerical and digital literacy skills.

Earlier today, while speaking at the City of Dublin Adult Education Centre in Ballymun, Simon released a statement to reveal his hopes for adult literacy in Ireland. 

“I am heartened to be here on International Literacy Day listening to learners tell their story of how improving their literacy positively impacted their lives”.

“Today’s event is just one of 30 different events and activities, up and down the country, being held to promote adult literacy this month. These events have been organised by our Regional Literacy Coordinators and the Education and Training Boards, to help start a conversation around adult literacy”.

“I have huge ambitions with regard to Adult Literacy and the strategy I am driving has ambitions aims to reduce the number of adults in Ireland with unmet literacy needs from 18% to 7%, reduce those with unmet numeracy needs from 25% to 12% and those without basic digital literacy skills from 47% to 20%”.

“The Adult Literacy for Life Strategy is a whole of Government and whole of society approach to literacy. There is a vast amount of really fantastic work going on nationwide in providing literacy services and we want to ensure that everybody knows about it and knows how to access it”.

He closed off by adding, “I would encourage you to contact your local education and training board, and indeed call our freephone number 1800 20 20 65 for more information”.

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