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Yearly Archives: 2023

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Wedding etiquette can be tricky business – how much should you spend on a gift? Is it rude to leave before 11pm? Can I tweet this photo of the bride?

Most people will have their own individual answers to these questions, but with so many differing opinions out there, it is easy for lines to become blurred.

In an effort to shed light on the general consensus of Irish wedding do's and don'ts, gift card company, One4All, surveyed 599 adults, and the result were very interesting indeed.

Destination weddings have increased in popularity over the past few years, and with that, many wedding guests are asked to travel abroad for their loved one's special day.

While this can often be a costly affair, 37 per cent of those polled said they would travel anywhere to watch their nearest and dearest tie the knot.

A further 61 per cent said they would travel outside Ireland, while 59 per cent agreed a wedding abroad would be an enjoyable experience.

When it came to gifts, research showed that Irish wedding attendees spend an average of €186 on bridal presents.

Add that to the cost of a new outfit, drinks at the reception and overnight accommodation and guests are looking at spending €643 on average per wedding – ouch!

But hey, you'll almost certainly get a fancy sit down meal – or at least 88 per cent of us think we should. Another 57 per cent believe a second helping of food should be provided later in the evening.

Interestingly, just 3 per cent of Irish adults believe a free bar should be provided at a wedding reception.

Opinions on social media differ from couple to couple, but with one in 10 people in Ireland revealing they have attended a wedding with its very own hashtag, it looks like technology is starting to play a bigger part in our nuptials.

That being said, the traditional approach also proved popular with 16 per cent saying they would consider a social media ban on their wedding day.

Commenting on the survey findings, group marketing manager for One4all Ireland, Aoife Davey, said:

“The research shows that the majority of people in Ireland are willing to go above and beyond for the wedding celebrations of loved ones whether that means travelling abroad or splashing out on a generous gift, and wedding guests prefer personal weddings now more than ever.”

We're a very generous bunch all together.

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Bindi Irwin has opened up about her battle with endometriosis. 

At the beginning of this year, Bindi revealed she had been diagnosed with the condition after years of suffering with pain, fatigue and nausea. 

Now, Bindi is speaking out about the ‘heartbreaking’ side of endometriosis as many people constantly ask her why she and her husband, Chandler Powell, haven't had any more children. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bindi Irwin (@bindisueirwin)

The pair welcomed their only daughter, Grace Warrior, into the world back in 2021 and have admitted to feeling ‘so lucky’ to have her. 

In an interview with People, Irwin explained, “I feel like it is a universal question for women, which is heartbreaking because you never know what's going on in someone's life and what's happening behind closed doors”.

“And someone asking you, ‘Why aren't you having more children? It's your responsibility to have more children’. It breaks your heart because we all have a different journey and a different story”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bindi Irwin (@bindisueirwin)

“For us personally, we feel so lucky to have Grace. I think that every day I wake up and I look at our beautiful daughter and think she is our tiny little miracle and it makes me cry because we were very, very lucky to have her”.

“And there was every chance that we wouldn't have been able to have a little one, so to have our beautiful girl, we are so lucky. And I wish more people would pause before asking, ‘Why aren't you having more children?’”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bindi Irwin (@bindisueirwin)

Speaking more about her diagnosis, Bindi revealed, “I was tested for everything. Every tropical disease, Lyme disease, cancer, you name it. I had every blood test and scan imaginable”.

“It’s so hard because you feel like it’s inescapable. You don’t know what’s wrong with you, and then when people tell you, ‘It’s all in your head’ or ‘you’re hormonal’ or ‘just have a cup of tea, lay down’, you end up feeling so desperately alone because there’s no answers”.

Once Bindi had the laparoscopy that revealed she had endometriosis, a reproductive condition where the tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, there were 37 lesions and a cyst on her ovary.

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Brenda Edwards has shared a touching tribute to her late son Jamal. 

Jamal, tragically passed away in February 2022, aged 31, due to cardiac arrest caused by recreational drug use.

Today would’ve been Jamal’s 33rd birthday and to mark the emotional occasion, Brenda has penned a moving message to remember her son. 

The Loose Women presenter took to social media to share the statement, alongside a video showing a collection of photos from throughout Jamal’s childhood and important moments from his career.

The pictures show Jamal performing on stage, meeting Queen Elizabeth II, releasing his own book and modelling, among other memories from the musician's life.

Brenda posted the video to her 118K Instagram followers with Ed Sheeran’s song Eye’s Closed playing in the background. Sheeran wrote the emotional song to honour the one-year anniversary of Jamal’s passing as they had been friends for many years. 

Brenda captioned the post, “33 years ago today I had the pleasure of becoming your proud mummy. You showered me with a beautiful smile, a big heart, lots of laughs and many wise words”.

“I miss you so deeply, I just can’t describe, but I know you’re watching over me and Nishee like always, just next to Mum and Dad”.

The TV host closed off by adding, “Blessed Heavenly Birthday my sweet beautiful baby Jamal. I Love you always and forever”.

Many famous faces headed to the comments to share supportive messages for Brenda.

Singer Jessie J wrote, “Love you Brenda. What a special man you raised. Miss him so much”.

“Sending love strength & guidance for the king & the family, heavenly bday”, said rapper Wretch 32. 

This Morning’s Ruth Langsford commented, “Oh Brenda….sending you and Taneesha so much love and the tightest hug. Hold your memories close darling”.

“Thinking of you today my friend… he was such a beautiful soul and will never be forgotten”, added Brenda’s Loose Women co-host Coleen Nolan.

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Adam Collard has finally revealed the truth behind his relationship with Lottie Moss.

The reality stars are currently taking part in the brand-new series of Celebs Go Dating.

However, before the series had even premiered on screen, rumours quickly began to circulate about the nature of Adam and Lottie’s connection. 

The co-stars were spotted in public a few weeks ago, looking very cosy together. Both Adam and Lottie have also taken part in several interviews to promote the show, during which they have spoken highly of each other.

Credit: E4

Now, in his first appearance on Celebs Go Dating, former Love Island bombshell Adam has taken the opportunity to address his relationship history with Lottie.

During last night’s episode of the popular E4 dating show, the 27-year-old could be seen having a chat with dating experts. At one point, Adam admitted that he had previously gotten involved with Lottie.

"One thing led to another after a couple of drinks and we ended up hooking up," he revealed, leaving the experts shocked.

Credit: E4

Adam then went on to add that “there was a little bit of chemistry with Lottie straight away.” 

When asked if his time with Lottie would end up affecting his Celebs Go Dating journey, the fitness instructor confessed that Lottie is "definitely in the back of my head".

Adam’s first appearance on Celebs Go Dating comes after Lottie recently revealed that she shared something “special” with him.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lottie Moss (@lottiemossxo)

In an interview on the Chloe vs The World podcast, the 25-year-old model recalled her first impressions of Adam.

“When I first saw Adam I was like, ‘Nah, he’s not my type. Literally not my type at all’ and then bam,” Lottie exclaimed.

“He’s very charming, he’s handsome, obviously 6’5, I like the tattoos. It’s weird, we just have a connection. Even the height and the tattoos wouldn’t have been enough but we have a special connection,” she added.

Celebs Go Dating continues tonight at 9pm on E4.

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Aer Lingus is delighted to welcome the teams, their delegations, cheerleaders, marching bands and the tens of thousands of and fans of Notre Dame and Navy who touched down in Dublin this morning for this year’s Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

This Saturday sees Week-Zero, the opening game of the 2023 college football season, take place in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. The game is set to attract the largest single movement of Americans outside of the US for one singular sporting event – almost 40,000 Americans will cross the Atlantic to Dublin this weekend to attend the sporting spectacle.

Pictured: Aer Lingus Cabin Service Manager Rosemary O‘Doherty with
Notre Dame Defensive Lineman Nana Osafo-Mensah
 

As title sponsor Aer Lingus is responsible for transporting the teams and their delegations to Dublin on dedicated chartered flights. This year the airline also supported the travel of Notre Dame’s cheerleaders and marching band who will be creating a huge spectacle for fans at the pep rallies taking place around the city as well as the game itself.

Aer Lingus welcomed almost 1,000 passengers on board from the US to Dublin across the three chartered flights alone:

  • One flight operating from South Bend in Indiana for Notre Dame’s players and coaching staff;
  • One flight from Chicago for Notre Dame’s cheer team and band;
  • One flight from Washington D.C for the Navy players.

The coordination of three charter flights is a huge logistical operation for Aer Lingus and required significant pre-planning across many teams both stateside and in Ireland to deliver a seamless travel experience for the college football delegations. Notre Dame, for example, flew out of South Bend in Indiana which isn’t an airport Aer Lingus typically operates from. To make this happen Aer Lingus’ team on the ground in the US made several site visits to South Bend to ensure the airport could accommodate a larger longhaul aircraft such as the Airbus A330 which operated the Notre Dame Team flight from there.

Pictured: Notre Dame Defensive Lineman Nana Osafo-Mensah, with Aer Lingus Chief
Corporate Affairs Officer, Donal Moriarty, Chief Customer Officer Susanne
Carberry and John Anthony President & CEO of Anthony Travel
 

As well as the teams Aer Lingus also transported 17 tonnes of cargo in advance of the teams’ arrival to have in place in in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin for their pre-game training.

Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive said:

“We play a unique and special role in making the Aer Lingus College Football Classic happen, not just as title sponsor but in flying the teams and the many thousands of US visitors travelling to Ireland for the event. This year’s game will see the single largest-ever movement of US citizens internationally for a sporting event which is a significant milestone and represents a huge opportunity to showcase Ireland as the great destination it is. We extend a warm Aer Lingus to all those travelling to Ireland for the game.”

Next year will see the third game of the Aer Lingus College Football Series take place with Georgia Tech vs Florida State in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, on Saturday, 24th August 2024.

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Main feature image: 

Pictured: Aer Lingus Cabin Crew Catia Marques and Rosemary O‘Doherty with Notre Dame Linebacker JD Bertrand son of Jim Bertrand who captained Blackrock to 1981 Leinster Senior Cup.

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We finally have our first glimpse at Love Is Blind: UK!

In February of this year, Netflix confirmed that it was taking its popular Love Is Blind series to the UK, giving singletons a chance to fall in love and get engaged, sight unseen.

The Love Is Blind franchise has been one of Netflix’s biggest reality hits, with successful versions in the United States, Japan and Brazil.

Now, we finally have our first look at the first series of Love Is Blind: UK!

Credit: Netflix

After recent speculation, the streaming giant has confirmed that husband and wife duo Emma Willis and Matt Willis will be presenting the British version of the show.

Taking to social media earlier today, Netflix released a brief teaser of Love Is Blind: UK, which showcases its new presenters going into the pods themselves.

“You’ve got a lovely voice,” Busted singer Matt teases his wife, as Emma replies beyond the wall: “It’s so bizarre!”

“I imagine if you’re coming in here for this purpose, you are prepped and you’ve probably been online dating for years, and you’re so sick to death,” the former Big Brother host continues.

“But do you know what it makes me realise? We haven’t been on a date for nearly 20 years, and I wouldn’t even know where to begin,” Emma exclaims, as the pair laugh without being able to see each other.

“Introducing your hosts of Love Is Blind: UK… Welcome to the pods, Emma and Matt Willis!! Coming 2024,” Netflix teased in their caption.

Credit: Netflix

This is not the first piece of Love Is Blind news that Netflix has revealed in recent days. Earlier this week, producers behind the series confirmed that the fourth season of the Love Is Blind: After The Altar reunion series is due to launch next Friday, September 1. 

Season four’s reunion episodes will promptly be followed by the fifth season of Love Is Blind, which will premiere on Netflix on September 22.

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Ferne McCann has spoken out about her ongoing struggles with body confidence.

The former star of The Only Way Is Essex welcomed her second child into the world on July 6, alongside her fiancé Lorri Haines. 

Now, almost two months on from the birth of her daughter Finty, Ferne has admitted that she has been finding it difficult to come to terms with her postpartum body.

Taking to Instagram earlier today, the 33-year-old chose to post two candid snaps of herself and her current body.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ferne McCann (@fernemccann)

“Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Ferne penned at the beginning of her lengthy caption. 

The reality star then went on to explain how her postpartum experience has been different compared to the birth of her first child, five-year-old daughter Sunday.

“My experience this time round is completely different after giving birth to Sunday. My body seems to be taking longer to go back to normal (whatever that is supposed to look like!) and in the last couple of days I’ve noticed an impatience with myself,” Ferne continued.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ferne McCann (@fernemccann)

"You can either pick yourself apart or you can shower yourself with kindness & love. From today, I’m picking the latter! My body created & carried my baby girls so how can I insult it? But in my low moments that’s exactly what I’ve done and I’m sure many women can relate to this,” the former I’m A Celeb contestant confessed.

Ferne concluded her caption by writing: “So… I’m getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, owning it all! This is where I’m at, this is how I look and it’s up to me to start making some healthy changes to my life to start feeling strong physically and mentally and comfortable in my own skin.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ferne McCann (@fernemccann)

Many of Ferne’s 2.9M Instagram followers have since expressed their love and appreciation for the mum-of-two’s openness.

“Yes! Your body is amazing & your job is just to look after it as best you can as it looks after you,” one fan replied.

“Love your honesty! It’s time we celebrated real bodies,” another added.

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Kaz Crossley has opened up about her experience in a Dubai prison following drug use.

The former Love Island finalist was detained at an airport in Abu Dhabi in February, and was subsequently sent to a prison in Dubai for several days.

Now, a few months on from her terrifying experience, the 28-year-old has chosen to recall what really happened.

Kaz recently appeared on the Saving Grace podcast, where she was asked to detail the events leading up to her detainment.

The reality star explained that she went out to Dubai for work in early 2020, and ended up in a relationship. However, Kaz soon discovered that her then-boyfriend was “emotionally abusive”.

After she called time on their relationship, Kaz’s former partner secretly released a video, in which she could be seen snorting a white substance at a party. 

“I didn’t know, and I was with him for a year after that. We were sleeping in the same bed together, he had that video and I had no idea,” Kaz teared up in her interview.

Credit: Saving Grace YouTube

The beauty influencer then flashed forward to how the leaked video led to her experience in Dubai.

“A year after that situation, I’m on my way to Thailand, and without even thinking this company has booked me a transit in Abu Dhabi,” she recalled, before adding that she was stopped upon landing.

“I got taken to the police station, and they were like, ‘You have a case in Dubai,’ and I was never told. No one contacted me,” Kaz continued.

“They put me in a car and escorted me, and we turned up at a jail. They strip searched me and took all my stuff,” she explained. 

“Next thing you know, I was behind bars with all these other women,” Kaz noted, clarifying that she “didn’t get arrested” but felt “so confused” at the time.

The former bombshell later shared that she was detained for four days before being released. 

“As soon as they let me out, I just remember feeling so relieved,” Kaz concluded.

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Laura Anderson has shared a big pregnancy update with her fans. 

The former Love Island star is expecting her first child with ex-boyfriend and Hollyoaks star Gary Lucy.

As she prepares to welcome her baby girl into the world, Laura has shared an honest insight into her pregnancy experience lately. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by  (@lauraanderson1x)

Opening up on social media, the 34-year-old revealed she’s ‘trying to enjoy the calm’ before her bundle of joy is born. 

Laura posted a video of herself bouncing on a birthing ball to her 1.5M Instagram followers and explained, “Hate this bloody ball & this tea tbh but I had a sweep today. Not something I thought I’d get but gave it a bash”.

“Thank you all for your messages, just giving those interested a lil update”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by  (@lauraanderson1x)

“No doubt I’ll be quiet on here for a bit as life is sort of standing still atm”.

The former reality TV star closed off by admitting, “Trying to enjoy the calm but it’s hard”.

While Laura hasn’t shared her exact due date with the public, she previously revealed she was due to give birth in August. 

Earlier in her pregnancy, Anderson was worried her little one would arrive early after a psychic told her there’s a chance she’d give birth six weeks earlier than expected. 

She opened up about it to OK!, by saying, “I went and saw a psychic this week, who told me that my baby is going to come six weeks earlier than my due date, which is so strange because that's what I've been thinking all along”.

“I've had it in my head that I was going to have her early, but it's giving me pure anxiety because I am not ready”.

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FREENOW, Ireland's leading multi mobility app is gearing up for one of the busiest weekends of the year as it predicts a 20% increase in demand compared to the same weekend in 2022. The expected increase is fueled by the arrival of thousands of American football fans for the highly anticipated Aer Lingus College Football Classic, set to take place at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, August 26th.

The sold-out game, featuring the showdown between Notre Dame and Navy, will see 39,176 American fans making the journey directly from the United States, setting a new world record for the largest number of Americans travelling internationally for a single sporting event.

Taxi Rush Hour

With the Aviva Stadium brimming with spectators from across the United States, FREENOW forecasts the period between 6 pm and 7 pm on Saturday, August 26th will be the busiest. During this hour alone, FREENOW anticipates up to 4,000 requests, with an estimated 66 requests per minute.

As the football game concludes and fans disperse throughout Dublin to enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, FREENOW expects a high demand for taxis, especially within the city center. Popular tourist areas and pubs, including Temple Bar Pub are expected to be popular drop-off locations.

In conjunction with the influx of US visitors, FREENOW is anticipating a 25% increase in taxi trips from the airport over the weekend compared to previous weeks. Furthermore, it expects a 10% uplift in airport drop-offs on Monday, August 28th.

Fiona Brady, Head of Operations and Public Affairs for FREENOW said: "The College Football Classic is expected to be one of the biggest sporting events for travel and is set to make for a busy weekend for our drivers across the city. With such an exciting weekend ahead, we want to ensure that everyone gets to thoroughly enjoy it, so, where possible, we recommend that passengers pre-book their taxis in advance using our Reserve booking option to avoid delays."

Travel Tips:

As the College Football Classic promises to amplify taxi demand, FREENOW advises passengers to consider the following tips for getting to and from planned destinations with ease.

  • Pre Book your trip on the app by hitting the ‘Later’ button to avoid booking delays or long waiting times.
  • Consider multiple public transport options such as buses, DART, Luas and Rail.
  • Avoid peak times where possible.
  • Move away from high footfall areas if possible.
  • Consider sharing a taxi with friends or family where feasible to do so.

For more information, please visit www.freenow.ie or download the FREENOW app from your preferred app store. 

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Faye Brookes is now a married woman!

It has been confirmed that the Coronation Street star has tied the knot with her partner Iwan Lewis, after a whirlwind romance between the pair.

The actress, who is best known for playing the role of Kate Connor in the ITV soap, celebrated her wedding yesterday at a church in the Cotswolds.

The newly-married couple were spotted exiting the Shipton Moyne Church, following their fairytale ceremony.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Faye Brookes (@faye_brookes)

The 35-year-old bride looked breathtaking in an off-the-shoulder gown, with a bedazzled corset and a puffed-out skirt. 

Meanwhile, Iwan looked wonderfully handsome in a black suit and white shirt. The groom also had flowers in his top pocket, to perfectly match the bride’s bouquet.

Faye and Ivan later made their way to their reception in style, as they drove off in a vintage soft-top Aston Martin.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Faye Brookes (@faye_brookes)

The couple have previously teased details about their nuptials on social media. In February, Faye chose to share a glimpse into her wedding planning, revealing that she had found her dream wedding gown at a luxury bridal boutique in Leamington Spa.

The news of the happy couple’s marriage comes 10 months into their romance, after they started dating in October. 

Faye and Ivan first met in 2011, when they were both cast in the UK and Ireland stage tour of Legally Blonde. Faye starred as the lead role of Elle Woods, whereas Iwan played her onstage love interest, Emmett. The pair became friends and have remained in each other's lives ever since.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Faye Brookes (@faye_brookes)

Four months into their sweeping romance, soap star Faye announced her engagement to Iwan in January. 

"We’re thrilled to announce that Iwan and I are engaged," the actress gushed in a statement to OK! at the time. 

"He proposed on New Year’s Eve. I am going to be marrying my best friend in the world after 16 years of friendship,” she added.

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Amy Dowden has issued a heartbreaking update amid her ongoing battle with cancer.

The Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer is currently receiving chemotherapy treatment. Amy had already undergone a mastectomy earlier this year for breast cancer, but further tumours were later discovered.

Amy has remained open with her social media followers throughout her cancer journey, including her experience with chemotherapy. 

The 33-year-old Welsh dancer previously shared that she has been using a cold cap on her head during treatment, in an attempt to prevent hair loss. However, Amy has now admitted that she has begun to lose her locks.

Credit: Amy Dowden Instagram

Taking to her Instagram stories last night, the Strictly star posted a snap of herself holding a large clump of hair.

“Welcome home!” Amy penned, alongside several heartbroken emojis. “So much every day! So hard! One day at a time!”

In an additional update to her Instagram feed, Amy went on to reveal that she has had a prolonged stay in hospital due to blood clots.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Amy-Dowden (@amy_dowden)

“And I’m going home to my own bed! Thanks again to the marvellous NHS! Got some blood clots but I’m feeling good other than a sore and swollen arm. Another hurdle along this journey. But again forever grateful to the nhs and my heroes around me. Can’t wait to get into my own bed since Monday though,” the star penned.

Many of Amy’s fellow Strictly stars have continued to send their love and support amid her cancer battle.

“you got this @amy_dowden,” replied Gorka Marquez.

“much love to you Amy,” wrote 2021 finalist John Whaite.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Amy-Dowden (@amy_dowden)

“Sending love Amy,” added Kai Widdrington.

Amy was initially confirmed as part of this year’s Strictly lineup back in April, but has since had to pull out following her additional cancer diagnosis. 

The pro dancer has continued to express her upset at having to withdraw from the show, writing earlier this month: “That’s what’s hurting the most right now, I’d do anything to be there with my fellow strictly pros”.

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