Archive October 14, 2025

Kelvin Fletcher and his wife Liz are back on screens, giving a fresh insight on farm living over on ITV. But the couple have revealed they’ve encountered disaster on their farm.

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Former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher and his wife Liz are back on screens – but they’re still reeling from a catastrophic fire on their estate.

Kelvin Fletcher welcomes cameras back onto his farm for a third series, and proudly tells cameras he finally feels like a bonafide farmer. “This is my version of a happy life, we’ve found our purpose now,” he says.

Joining Kelvin in the fourth year of Fletcher’s Family Farm is his wife Liz and their four children – Marnie, Milo and twins Mateusz and Maximus. “I’d even go as far to say the kids are farmers,” Liz says.

The family’s Peak District farm – nestled in Cheshire – is busier than ever. Lambing season is in full swing, and even the twins are lending a hand.

“It’s our fourth year lambing,” Kelvin says. “We’re well and truly in our groove. The lambs are flying out at the moment which is great. We’re not having to get involved at all. It’s exactly what you want.”

But there’s more than lambs joining the fold this season. For the first time, the Fletchers welcome a breeding bull to grow their herd – following the success of their prize cow, Cherry, who was crowned Supreme Champion at the Royal Cheshire Show.

“We’ve never had a male come on the farm to serve before. I’m excited,” says Kelvin, “The cows were way more excited than him.” The bull’s arrival holds a deeper meaning for Kelvin.

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He decided to name him Crowther in honour of his late best friend, Steven Crowther. “He’s named after my best mate who sadly passed away,” Kelvin says.

“Every time I look at Crowther, I think of my mate. Some of my best memories were with him by my side. If Crowther was going to be an animal, he’d be a bull.”

Kelvin even shared the touching tribute with his late friend’s parents. “I took a picture and sent it to his mum and dad. They were delighted,” Kelvin says.

However, amid the highs came a devastating low. During a rare family trip away, their farmhouse caught fire. “We took the whole family away and a few days in, we got a call saying the house was on fire,” Liz remembers.

“Our first reaction was ‘thank god we weren’t here.’” The fire tore through the roof of their beloved home they’d spent years restoring. To make matters worse – the extensive smoke damage has rendered the home inhabitable for the family.

“It was the stuff of nightmares,” Kelvin says, “Our neighbour called us. She was in a panic and the fire was roaring.” But their hands were tied. “The fire brigade was called. It was surreal. We were in another country, there was nothing we could do,” Kelvin remembers.

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Still, the Fletchers take it all in stride as they walk through the charred remains of their belongings in Fletchers’ Family Farm. “We just have to clean up and tidy up,” Kelvin says with a smile. “One thing I love is a rebound,” Liz jokes, “My ironing board’s gone. Luckily, I never did any ironing.”

The Fletchers aren’t just focused on livestock this year. Kelvin has set his signs on restoring the farm’s legacy as a mixed operation. “This farm was, once upon a time, a mixed farm,” Kelvin says, “It did livestock but it grew crops as well from barley, oats, potatoes. However, for the last 20 years, it’s been pure livestock.”

Now, the family are taking on a new challenge – growing their own oats. “We’re going to grow some oats and hopefully, in six, nine months from now we’ll be sitting at our breakfast table eating our own oats,” Kelvin says. The plan kicks off with Kelvin ploughing his first oat field with over four tonnes of specialist machinery.

But Liz wasn’t as convinced. “This is definitely Kelvin’s idea and I said I didn’t think it was possible,” Liz says. “We have a lot of things against us. But he was determined we were going to make oats. It’s such a different venture to us.”

Their oldest daughter Marnie, now eight, is also stepping into her farming boots. Passionate about animals, she’s raising her own herd of Jacob lambs and learning the ropes of shepherding from her father.

Fletchers’ Family Farm returns to ITV on Sunday, October 19.

Trouble Maker, from Revolution Beauty founder Adam Minto, is available at Superdrug – and I put it through its paces

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With plenty of exciting new launches in the beauty world right now, it can seem like there’s a lot of noise to cut through in order to decipher just what’s worth splashing the cash on. As someone with combination skin who only rarely wears makeup these days, I’m often on the lookout for products that do the job without fail – and the first time around.

I recently tried a new brand that launched just this summer and found myself with some new go-to products. Trouble Maker, from Revolution Beauty founder Adam Minto, and Sally Minto, is aimed at Gen Zalpha – a new cross-generational demographic they’re coining themselves – and includes lip, eye and face products with impressively low price points.

Trouble Maker “celebrates being playful, adorable, and good trouble,” and is currently available at Superdrug. The average price point for the brand is £5, with nothing costing more than £10.

I put several products from the new range through its paces, applying it early in the morning and checking how well my makeup had lasted throughout the day. Read on for the results.

Pros

• Lower price point than some others on the market
• Feels refreshing to apply
• Doesn’t have a strong smell
• Wide shade range in concealer products

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Cons

• Limited shade options are currently available online, though the range is said to be extensive
• Button foundation can be drying for anyone with dry/combination skin
• Setting spray needs to be topped up during the day

Trouble Maker product review

There are a lot of different products to choose from when it comes to Trouble Maker, but it’s all about making sure you pick the right ones for your skin and your needs. When it comes to foundation, primer and setting spray, there are options for a matte or dewy look, an option which keeps your makeup in place when breaking a sweat and even one which minimises the appearance of pores.

Below, I’ve taken a look at the different options I used and shared my thoughts on each – and even named my favourite, must-have Trouble Maker product.

Genius Grip Hydrating Primer – £5

Anyone with dry or combination skin will know the importance of a hydrating primer – and this might be one of the best I’ve tried. A dewy texture that glides on without being sticky and keeps your makeup in place all day? It’s a winner in my book.

The primer contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, making it feel like a skincare product at the same time. I’ve used it as a smooth base for makeup and had it last the whole day, and worn it alone to give my skin an extra glow when I’ve needed it. For £5, you can’t go wrong.

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The Button Pusher Cushion Foundation – £10

This cushion K-beauty inspired foundation is ideal for anyone wanting a lightweight, buildable coverage that lasts all day. I found the product applies smoothly onto the skin with the cushion, but needed an extra hand with a brush to get the perfect finish.

You only need a little bit to achieve a flattering, face-brightening look – and there are 20 shades available to choose from. It is said to be infused with “hydrating ingredients” like niacinamide, blueberry extract, ginger root extract, and aloe juice, though I found it somewhat drying on my combination skin, particularly around the nose and mouth, so it’s worth keeping this in mind.

Genius Grip Hydrating Setting Spray – £5

Another lightweight and breathable product infused with hydrating ingredients, this setting spray is ideal for those with skin on the drier side. It’s also great for if you’re on the go, as it’s small enough to pop in your handbag and keep it close all day if you need a top up.

The product felt smooth and lightweight on the skin, and not sticky like you find with some products. However, I did need to top up during the day, though this was easy enough to do as I could carry it with me at all times.

I wouldn’t say I’m ready to switch out my go-to Morphe Continuous Setting Mist for this Trouble Maker version just yet, but I’m more than happy to use it as an extra, on-the-go helping hand to keep my makeup perfect throughout the day.

Ditto Radiant Concealer – £4

One of my favourite products to try, the Ditto concealer proved perfect for brightening my under eyes and covering some stubborn blemishes. While only offering medium coverage, the product is buildable and lasts all day. I’m certainly as pleased with it as I am with my tried-and-true Lasting Perfection Ultra Cover Concealer from Collection.

The product is creamy and easy to blend – and available in 20 shades. It also contains ginger root extract, which aims to soothe inflamed or irritated skin, making it ideal for anyone with sensitive or spot-prone complexions.

Feral Brow Blade Pen – £4

By far my favourite Trouble Maker product, the Feral Brow Blade Pen features an angled tip that helps create super-fine, hair-like strokes. The applicator has be adjusted and there’s also a spoolie on the other end.

The wax-based formula helps give your brows definition and shape – and ensures they don’t move, smudge or transfer. Each time I’ve used the product, my brows stayed perfect all day. I get the feeling I’ll be sticking with this one for a long time.

Ian Watkins, who was serving a 29-year sentence for child sex offences, was pronounced dead after being assaulted at HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire on Saturday morning

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Lostprophets paedophile Ian Watkins was always a “dead man walking” at HMP Wakefield, a former prisoner said.

Inmates at the Category A men’s clink knew Watkins, 48, had been jailed for child sex offences, including the attempted rape of a baby, and reportedly made him a target. It is said the disgraced singer had been attacked previously following his sentence to 29 years in December 2013.

And, on Saturday morning, the paedophile was pronounced dead after being assaulted at the prison in West Yorkshire. Two men – Rashid Gedel, 25, and 43-year-old Samuel Dodsworth, both of HMP Wakefield – have been charged with Watkins’ murder.

An ex-prisoner said last night: “Watkins was effectively a dead man walking from the moment he arrived in Wakefield. There is an unwritten rule that you don’t ask people what crime they did, but everyone knew that Watkins attempted to rape a baby. He had been attacked before and was abused every day. He was a loner, self-centred and remorseless. He had no real friends and spent a lot of time on his own in his room.”

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Gedel and Dodsworth appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court yesterday. No pleas were entered and no application for bail was made. They are due to appear at Leeds Crown Court today.

HMP Wakefield is a high-security jail, which houses more than 600 offenders including hundreds convicted of sexual offences. A prison officer told the Daily Mail: “There are so many sex offenders in Wakefield, along with some of the most violent people in the country. It’s a very dangerous mix.

“With sex offenders, you could have people jailed for date rape all the way through to prolific child abusers, who are beyond any form of rehabilitation, mixing with violent criminals, murderers and gangsters.”

The partner of one serving prisoner told the same publication last night: “He said that there was cheering when word spread that Watkins had been killed. All of the prisoners were locked in their cells, but word spread quickly. He was hated because his crimes were so sick.”

A source also said staffing levels are generally low at run-down HMP Wakefield, which is set against the drab backdrop of buildings that date back to the Victorian era. Child killers Roy Whiting and Mark Bridger are serving time at the clink, as is the likes of Jeremy Bamber, who murdered five members of his family at White House Farm in Essex in 1985.

Beauty lovers who pay £89 can get £804 worth of products ‘free’ with the 12 day skincare calendar which includes everything from serum and a cryo-exfoliator to hand spa and night treatments

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With plenty of beauty advent calendars hitting the high street, it can be hard to know which are worth the splurge. Whilst many offerings include makeup, haircare, and fragrance, it’s rare to find a festive countdown that’s been specially created for skincare fans.

Now, glow-loving skin enthusiasts can shop the 12 Days of Radiance Advent Calendar from Symbiosis Skincare, and shoppers get £805 worth of freebies with the festive countdown.

The good news doesn’t end there however, as the calendar normally retails for £99 (worth £894) but shoppers can save an additional 10% using the code ADVENT10, bringing the price down to just over £89. That’s 9.9% of the total worth of the advent calendar.

There’s limited stock of the new calendar available and the brand says it’s unlikely to be restocked once it sells out. The carefully curated edit features 12 results-driven products designed to offer radiance and see shoppers through the party season and beyond.

All the products in the Symbiosis advent calendar are cruelty-free and have been dermatologically developed. What’s more, shoppers who have reviewed the item say it ‘stands out’ thanks to its ‘luxurious packaging’ and ‘very nice products.’

Get Christmas ready

£894

£89

Buy here

As a beauty writer, I’m impressed that there’s a variety of items to use at different times during the festive season. From the Detoxifying & Oxygenating Mask and Ultra-Rich Regenerating Night Treatment to pamper skin during chilled days, through to the Haute Definition Brush and Instant Perfecting Primer which are ideal for use prior to Christmas parties.

Other skincare advent calendars available to shop include Boots’ 24 Days of Skincare advent calendar which retails for £70 but contains products worth £289.

Shoppers have left it rave reviews on the beauty retailer’s website, saying: “Fabulous item, such good value, many full size items.” It contains big names such as K Beauty brand Anua, Byoma, and The Inkey List.

Alternatively, shoppers may wish to consider the Kiehl’s advent calendar which can be purchased exclusively from Selfridges for £120 but is worth £244. It’s suitable for all skin types and includes 24 of the brand’s most popular products.

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What’s included in the Symbiosis Skincare 12 Days of Radiance Advent Calendar?

• Revitalising & Redensifying Facial Serum
• Purifying & Imperfections Correcting Micellar Water
• Radiance Enhancing Hand Spa Treatment
• Ultra Fine Balancing Sorbet Facial Cryo-Exfoliator
• Ultimate Resurfacing 12 Hour DUO Moisturiser
• De-puffing & Dark Circles Relief Eye Serum
• Ultra-Rich Regenerating Night Treatment
• In Depth Detoxifying & Oxygenating Mask
• Enlightening & Exfoliating Cleansing Gel
• Instant Perfecting Primer
• 2-in-1 Eye & Cheek Skintight Recovery Pads
• Haute Definition Brush

One happy skincare fan who purchased the calendar enthused: “So many calendars but this one stands out. Luxurious packaging with steady boxes and very nice products. I love luxury skincare. This is perfect for me.”

Another said: “Wow. The calendar has just arrived here in fantastic condition and it looks gorgeous. The products smell fantastic and I am looking forward to trying each one. I am indeed so happy about this calendar that I am thinking about buying a second one for me (as there are 12 doors only -what a great excuse) or to give it away. I can’t wait for Christmas time.”

It’s worth noting that the brand’s highly-rated Collagen & Isododecane Instant Perfecting Primer 30ml retails for £89 when purchased separately, but it’s featured in the advent calendar, meaning shoppers are essentially getting the rest of the items included for free.

Also featured in the festive countdown is the brand’s Hyaluronic Acid + R.N.A. – De-puffing & Dark Circles Relief Eye Serum which retails for £97 when purchased alone.

The item boasts a perfect five out of five star review score on the Symbiosis website, with one beauty lover saying: “I’ve been using this serum under my eye area for a month now and I can’t believe the difference it has made.

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They continued: “With sleepless nights and working long hours I wanted something to take away that tired/puffy eye look and this has been a miracle worker. I absolutely love it and would highly recommend.”

Whilst there’s currently no negative reviews of the calendar on the brand’s website, it’s worth noting that it’s only a 12 day countdown, so shoppers who usually opt for a 24 day design may not find it suitable for their needs.

It’s also worth considering that whilst the items in the Symbiosis calendar are suitable for all skin types, shoppers who are quite prescriptive about their skincare routine may find there’s items that aren’t to their taste or that they simply don’t use.