Martin Roberts urges homeowners to do this one thing now to save homes from damage during cold snap

As temperatures continue to plummet, the TV presenter and property expert says UK households should to check their properties. And, he says, there are lots of clever ways to protect them from damp and mould…

New research commissioned by Health Equals has suggested that an estimated 6 million families in the UK are living with issues like damp, cold, and mould in their homes – alarmingly, 3 million of them are children. TV presenter and property expert Martin Roberts urges that this should be seen as public health crisis.

He says: “We often don’t realise the significance of our home environment in relation to how it affects our health. But the environment in which you live, not only affects your mental wellbeing, but also has now been proven beyond doubt to affect and potentially very seriously affect your health and the health of your family, and kids especially.”

Damp and mould in homes pose significant health risks, primarily affecting the respiratory system, causing coughs, wheezing, shortness of breath, and worsening asthma, but also leading to skin rashes, eye irritation, and allergic reactions. Mould produces allergens, irritants, and sometimes toxins, impacting vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with existing conditions, potentially causing serious illness, infection, and even affecting mental wellbeing.

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“It’s got to be recognised as a public health crisis, the amount of damage it’s doing to people, but also the knock on effects it is having on the National Health Service,” says Martin. “But there are ways to protect your property – be it rented or owned.” Here’s how…

Landlords need to act

“People who are providing housing need to act quickly to make sure that they know problems are resolved,” says Martin. “I think often if you’re a renter you are slightly nervous about kicking up a fuss. The demand for rental properties is huge, people don’t want to rock any boats. But speaking as a landlord myself, I’d want to know if if there were issues in my property that I maybe wasn’t aware of because if I deal with them, not only am I doing something to help my tenant and help their health, but also, I’m probably preserving the lifetime of my property.”

Monitor your home

“Monitor the status of your home to try and avoid the various types of of damp which cause various types of mould. That’s either caused by water coming in from cracks in the fabric of the building, or rainwater gutters that aren’t working, or soil beds that are built pushed up outside the outside of the house,” says Martin.

“Condensation caused by people breathing is an issue too. As human beings we breathe out water in our breath, and also create moisture when cooking and using the tumble dryer, or when having a bath or shower. We’ve got to recognise we need to get circulated air flowing. Often, modern houses can seem like they’re a bit hermetically sealed so there’s no natural airflow. People need to strike a balance between keeping the house warm and getting fresh air into that house.”

What to look out for

“Thankfully the issues are usually very visible. Damp and mould shows itself in, literally, mould on the walls,” says Martin. “Around the windows, in the back of cupboards, generally lower down on walls. And that’s usually black. It can look more like a fungus, often it’s just a sort of black staining. Then when it comes to damp, you can tell using all your senses. Feel the walls, does it feel damp? Does it feel cold? Does it feel wet? Damp tends to smell musty, like an old pair of socks.”

Locate the problem

“Look for telltale signs of water coming in,” says Martin. “It’s normally around on the exterior walls of a property or on a chimney breast. Go outside when it’s raining with your umbrella and look at the gutters. Is something overflowing? Is water flowing freely down the drain pipes? Is the drain itself full of leaves? Is water able to get away quickly? ‘Cause that’s what you want.

“Is there a flower bed that’s gradually crept up the side of the wall outside over time that could be causing a damp patch inside. Properties aren’t rocket science, you know. Normally there’s a cause and effect. Normally you can say, ‘well actually I’ve got a bit of damp there, what’s on the other side of that?’ ‘Oh look, there’s a drain pipe that’s got a crack in it’.”

Add some air flow

“A more modern issue is condensation,” says Martin. “We strive to make our homes more energy efficient. We cut down on drafts, we’ve got double glazing and the doors fit well. I mean old houses used to have badly fitting doors, badly fitting windows, you know, and air would flow through them and damp you know generally wasn’t from condensation, generally wasn’t an issue. So this this in this day and age when we seal our homes, it it doesn’t stop us as human beings creating moisture, you know. So just try and do what you can. And if you’re cooking in the kitchen, open the window while you’re cooking.”

Check your tumble dryer

“If you’ve got a tumble dryer, they have those kind of flexible tubes at the back and sometimes – because the tumble dryer often sits on the top of a washing machine which is vibrating – these move, so all the the damp air from your dryer is is is is spilling out into the house.”

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Clean out gutters

“It’s a classic time for all the gutters to get to get clogged with leaves and other stuff. So either do it yourself or if the gutters are high up, get somebody in just to clean out your gutters for you. Make sure the water is flowing away.”

*Lives are being cut short by up to 16 years in parts of the UK. Damp, cold and mould in our homes is part of the problem. To be part of the solution, see HERE. Let’s #MakeHealthEqual.

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BBC radio star dies as tributes paid to ‘wonderful warm-spirited’ broadcaster

The presenter started working working at the BBC radio station in 1967 was described by former colleagues as ‘one of the best people in broadcasting’ following her death

A BBC radio pioneer has died and tributes have flooded in from her former colleagues and friends. Liverpool-born Jenny Collins, who has died aged 83, was one of the founding members of the Merseyside radio service, which was set up in 1967 and was only the third local BBC radio station.

She began her lengthy career as a reporter and on-air presenter, taking calls from listeners and hosting Junior Spin, before moving into senior editorial roles such as programme controller, according to the BBC. Following her death, which was announced on January 2, her former colleague Roy Corlett said she had helped “build something that is still here, still going strong nearly 60 years on”.

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Another former colleague and former Radio Merseyside presenter, Roger Lyon, published a moving tribute on Facebook, describing her as “a genuinely lovely person” with “a great broadcasting voice”.

“Very sad to hear today of the passing of one of the founding members of Radio Merseyside, the lovely Jenny Collins,” he wrote. “She was there at the start in 1967 and performed many duties both in front of and behind the mike.

“I still have letters that we swapped in the mid 90s when I was living and working in Oz, and she was acting Programme Controller, planning what shows I could do on RM when I returned.

“The last time I saw her was about 4 years ago when she was my guest on RM chatting about her career working there. She was married to Steve Voce who for many years presented a jazz programme called Jazz Panorama. She had a great broadcasting voice and was a genuinely lovely person. R I P.”

His heartfelt post was quickly flooded with similar sentiments, including one who described her as “one of the best people I ever met in broadcasting”. The former head of BBC Radio Merseyside, Mick Ord, also commented: “RIP Jenny. A wonderful, warm-spirited woman who played an integral role at Radio Merseyside for many years.”

Jenny’s late husband Steve Voce, who died in November 2023, was also a member of the BBC Radio Merseyside alumni, and worked at BBC Radio 2 and as a music reviewer. His obituary in the Jazz Journal referenced his “lively, witty and often acerbic style” of reviews, which were “much appreciated by many JJ readers”.

Editor Mark Gilbert wrote: “When I asked him for a biography for our contributors page, I got simply ‘In the first half of his life Steve Voce was preoccupied with listening to jazz, boozing and adultery. In the second half of his life he gave up adultery.’ There was a lot more to the life and work for jazz than that. It probably isn’t excessive to suggest he lived for the music.”

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Emmerdale and Corrie star Paula Lane gives birth and shares first pics and cute name

Emmerdale actress, Paula Lane, who also played Kylie Platt in Coronation Street from 2010 to 2016 has given birth to her third child

Coronation Street star Paula Lane has given birth to her third child, who she says was “so longed for.” The Emmerdale actress, 39, shared adorable snaps of her son, who she has called Patrick, snuggled up in a blue knitted babygrow and bobble hat with his proud parents and pet dog.

Captioning the carousel in which Paula cuddles her bundle of joy, who is wrapped up in a blanket, she wrote: “Welcome to the ranch, Patrick. We are all completely and utterly in love. So longed for…thank you for completing us.” Also seen on her Instagram Stories is a shot of the tot in his dad, Tom Shaw’s arms. Paula’s husband is also holding a bottle of whiskey with ‘Paddy’ written on the label as he celebrates becoming a father for a third time.

The actress, who plays Ella Forster in Emmerdale, was inundated with well wishes from her famous pals, who were quick to reply to the joyous news.

Emmerdale actress Amy Walsh gushed: “Awwww. Huge congratulations.” Meanwhile, I’m A Celebrity star, Lisa Riley, said: “Sending the hugest amount of love to you Tom and the children from Me and Al…..Patrick will be loved and loved some more.”

Paula and Tom announced they were expecting last summer. In an Instagram post, she tagged her husband and wrote: “Some special news to share from us.” She added: “Christmas just got a bit more magical. Our baby boy due December 2025.”

The post, which included a photo of a baby scan surrounded by cards addressed to the “best big sister” and the “best big brother”, received thousands of likes.

Paula, who already shares son, Arthur, and daughter, Penny, with Tom, chose Alison Goldfrapp’s song Hey Hi Hello as the soundtrack to her announcement. Among the well-wishers was Lisa, Paula’s Emmerdale co-star ,who plays Mandy Dingle.

She commented: “CONGRATULATIONS. HOORAY! ! ! Now I can tell everyone. So much love to you, Tom and the children. Can’t wait for Christmas cuddles.” Amy, who ;plays Tracy Metcalfe in the soap, responded: “Congratulations lovely.”

Paula’s on-screen sibling Michelle Hardwick, who portrays Vanessa Woodfield, commented: “Best news! Massive congratulations to you all! So exciting.”

Meanwhile, Danny Miller, who portrays Aaron Dingle, penned in his response to Paula’s post: “Congratulations guys.”

Paula is most recognised for portraying Kylie on Corrie, with the character brought in as the sibling of Becky McDonald (portrayed by Katherine Kelly). She subsequently formed a romance with David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd), whom she eventually wed.

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However, following her introduction six years earlier, Kylie met a sad end in scenes which broadcast in 2016. Audiences witnessed Paula’s character perish in the arms of her sobbing spouse, David, while lying in the middle of the road after suffering fatal stab wounds.

Love Island’s Liam Rearson dating stunning law student as ex Millie Court joins All Stars

The personal trainer has enjoyed a string of dates with the brunette, whilst his ex Millie is having another shot at finding love in the famous villa

Love Island hunk Liam Reardon has wasted no time in finding love again after breaking up with Millie Court. The personal trainer is reportedly dating law student Lara Grace, with the pair growing close after a string of dates over the Christmas period.

According to reports, Liam was spotted cosying up to the 21-year-old law student from South Wales at Caldicot Football Club. Meanwhile, his ex, Millie, with whom he won the 2021 series, is preparing to enter the All Stars villa next week after the pair split up last year.

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The Sun reports that the pair were “inseparable all evening, laughing, chatting and clearly comfortable in each other’s company.”

It seems Liam has already won over Lara’s family, with sources revealing that her mum was there as the couple enjoying some festive drinks with friends. The pair – who are thought to have started dating two months ago – also follow each other on Instagram.

Earlier this week, Liam’s ex, Millie, revealed the lessons she’s learnt from her romance with Liam. The pair dated on-and-off until breaking up in September last year, with insiders claiming that the long-distance relationship was too “difficult” for them to navigate. Speaking to The Mirror and other press ahead of All Stars, Millie seemed to hint that this was the case.

When asked whether she would date an international contestant after doing long distance with Liam, Millie said: “Only if they agree to move to London – I’m not moving!”

As for what she had learnt from her first stint on Love Island, which saw Liam cheat on her during Casa Amor, Millie said: “I mean I’m 29 now, so I’d say I’ve definitely matured, grown up a bit.

“I won’t take as sh** this time, oops sorry for my language. But who knows? You know when you really like someone, sometimes they make a mistake and I don’t know, I can’t speak for future Millie, hopefully I won’t take any s**t.”

Millie added that she’s willing to step away from her usual type to find love this time around. “I feel like I’ve got a very specific type.

“I have to have someone that’s taller than me because I’m quite tall for a girl, especially with heels on.

“I’m very strict with that and I think maybe that’s not working. So maybe I need to switch it up a little bit. Give some other boys a try that aren’t not my usual type.

“See what the connections are like if there’s a vibe there and maybe I shouldn’t always look for brunettes with the beard. Knowing me I probably will fall fancy for someone like that.”

Millie admitted that she’s returned to Love Island with hopes of settling down. “I’m 30 this year, so I am on the hunt to find my husband and someone who I can have kids with because I don’t want another relationship that doesn’t work out.

“I want to find the one,” she said. “So hopefully that happens.”

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Body language expert ‘discovers Secret Traitor’ after analysing six favourites

A body language expert shared how the potential Secret Traitor could be strategically blending in with the faithfuls to hide their true identity, after viewers spotted a huge clue

Ahead of the Secret Traitor being revealed in tonight’s The Traitors episode, an expert has analysed the body language of six players linked to the deceitful role. Bookmakers have listed Fiona Hughes, Amanda Collier, Jessie Stride, Sam Little, Harriet Tyce, and Ellie Buckley as potential candidates, with Fiona currently the favourite.

Amid a flood of fan theories, however, suspicion has largely fallen on Ellie, a psychologist, and Harriet, a crime writer and former barrister, for separate reasons.

During an episode last week, Ellie was overheard saying: “People will question whether you are sitting and watching as a kind of Secret Traitor,” while in the interview room. With faithfuls unaware of this year’s plot twist, many were convinced this was a slip-up.

Fans have also speculated that she may have already known her fellow player Ross Garshong before filming, after a picture appeared to show them stood side-by-side. Furthermore, Ross has reportedly also previously reacted to two of Ellie’s LinkedIn posts, which have since been deleted.

As for Harriet, eagle-eyed fans spotted her picture in the background of The Traitors: Uncloaked, alongside the three known traitors, prompting speculation that this could be a clue.

Sharing her body language expertise, Dr Beth Dawson, partnered with Mecca Bingo, has delivered her analysis of who she thinks could be the Secret Traitor.

Fiona

“Fiona’s body language is notably controlled and composed, with a steady posture, minimal fidgeting and a calm facial expression even in tense group discussions. This low level of emotional leakage can be difficult to read,” Beth says.

“But effective liars are used to regulating their reactions carefully. However, her calm demeanour can just as easily reflect natural self-confidence and emotional discipline. She doesn’t show strong signs of cognitive load, such as over-explaining, forced eye contact or sudden posture changes, which makes her behaviour ambiguous rather than overtly deceptive.”

Verdict: No

Amanda

According to Beth: “Amanda consistently displays warm body language, using open posture, frequent nodding and reassuring facial expressions that help put others at ease. Her eye contact and tone appear relaxed, meaning her expressions, voice and gestures align naturally.

“While traitors can use warmth strategically, Amanda shows little outward signs of tension or self-monitoring beneath the surface. Her behaviour suggests genuine social ease rather than performance, but this could be easy for Amanda to control and master as she’s a retired police detective.”

Verdict: No

Jessie

“Jessie shows signs of nervous energy, including frequent movement, visible emotional reactions and difficulty masking stress or relief. Her expressions change quickly and openly, which suggests emotional transparency rather than calculated control,” says Beth.

“This level of leakage is hard to sustain for someone hiding deception over time, as traitors usually suppress or manage reactions more carefully. Jessie’s body language reads as anxious but honest, aligning more closely with a stressed faithful than a Secret Traitor.”

Verdict: No

Harriet

According to Beth: “Harriet’s body language becomes noticeably defensive when she feels accused or scrutinised, with inward postures, tension in the jaw and an emotionally charged response style. She sometimes over-explains herself, which can look suspicious, but these behaviours are more consistent with a threat response than with deception. She stays calm and strategic whilst self-protecting rather than manipulating.

“She was well composed at the roundtable when she accused Hugo, which she has experience in, given that she’s a former barrister. Her behaviours could signal that she’s the Secret Traitor.”

Verdict: No

Sam

“Sam presents with confident, relaxed body language, often appearing comfortable speaking at length and holding his ground during discussions. He shows relatively low fear responses when suspicion arises, which can be a subtle traitor cue, as traitors often feel safer than faithfuls who fear wrongful banishment. His posture and gestures suggest dominance and assurance, which could be strategic or simply part of his personality,” Beth observes.

“Among this group, his body language is one of the more plausibly traitor-coded, though still not definitive on its own. He came across as very loud and notably wrong in the opening episode, which raises doubts for me about him being the Secret Traitor.”

Verdict: No

Ellie

“Ellie is highly expressive in both face and body, showing rapid emotional shifts and a tendency to seek reassurance through eye contact and group feedback. Ellie is one person we haven’t seen much of – she hasn’t been put on the spot at any point and hasn’t been under any suspicion at the roundtable,” says Beth.

“It’s clear she’s going under the radar, which could well be a production move, making it harder to tell whether she is the Secret Traitor.

“Her reactions appear spontaneous and difficult to regulate, which makes long-term deception more challenging. This could be intentional, as she’s a psychologist. Her body language at times reads as emotionally open and low in deceptive indicators, aligning more strongly with a faithful profile.

“It’s been rumoured that she has a secret connection with another cast member, Ross, so that puts question marks on her deceptive indicators because if she’s hiding that, then she clearly has what it takes to be the Secret Traitor.”

Verdict: Yes

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Cat Deeley wears check trousers from Claudia Winkleman’s go-to clothing brand

Earlier this week, the ITV presenter looked chic in some check trousers from a fashion brand loved by Claudia Winkleman

When it comes to serving reliable fashion inspiration, Cat Deeley and Claudia Winkleman are very much a double act. And now, it seems the This Morning presenter has taken inspiration from Claudia herself.

Stepping out in a pair of statement check trousers this week, Cat was spotted wearing a design from one of Claudia Winkleman’s go-to clothing brands: Brora. The houndstooth wool trousers (£275) are a timeless nod to heritage dressing with a modern twist – something both presenters do exceptionally well.

For the uninitiated, Brora is a British fashion brand best known for its luxurious knitwear, particularly its Scottish cashmere. Over the years, it has built a loyal following thanks to its focus on quality fabrics, flattering cuts and classic styles that transcend trends. Think elevated wardrobe staples that are suitable for year-round wear.

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These particular trousers were created in collaboration with TV presenter and food writer Clodagh McKenna. Drawing on her Irish heritage and love of 1970s fashion, the design blends tradition with subtle retro flair. The trousers feature a slightly flared leg and a flattering high waist, making them both chic and surprisingly versatile.

Cat styled hers simply, pairing the trousers with a cream roll-neck jumper; a masterclass in letting a statement piece do the talking. But there are plenty of other ways to wear them, too. Add a crisp white shirt and loafers for a smart, tailored feel, or lean into the 70s vibe with a fitted knit and ankle boots.

Shop the look

cat deeley and Brora trousers

£275

Buy Now on Brora

Of course, while the trousers are undeniably gorgeous, £275 is no small investment. But the high street is full of similar check and houndstooth styles right now.

This wool-blend version from Mango, for instance, is currently on sale for £45.99 from £59.99. La Redoute also has a pair of checked cigarette pants on sale, reduced to £24.79 from £54.99, with a matching jacket available for £35.99.

For an even more affordable bargain, H&M is offering these bootcut trousers with a dogtooth pattern for £16. Unfortunately, though, a lot of the smaller sizes are out of stock, so it’s best be quick if tempted.

Alternatively, a great print to try is also gingham, a classic motif that will always stay in fashion. This £28 pair from Marks and Spencer is worth a look, with an on-trend brown hue and wide-leg fit.

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Back to Brora’s houndstooth wool trousers, they haven’t had any reviews as of yet. Our only gripe is the high price tag – but given the quality of the wool cloth and celebrity endorsement, it isn’t particularly surprising.