Jeremy Clarkson has used Liam Gallagher as an example of something he hates about Mancunians.
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Despite his dislike for the accent, Jeremy said his feelings for Manchester have changed over time
Jeremy Clarkson has taken a blunt swipe at Manchester accents, singling out Liam Gallagher in the process.
Writing for The Sunday Times, the former Top Gear host reflected on his long-running role as host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, revealing that his excitement about landing the job was initially tempered when he learned where it would be filmed.
“When I was offered the chance to host Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, I immediately signed the contract and then ran around in little circles, grabbing my tinkle and squeaking,” Clarkson wrote.
“I love quiz shows, and Millionaire is the biggest and the best of them all, so I was very happy. And I continued to be very happy until I found out that it would be filmed in Manchester.”
Jeremy went on to describe his feelings about the northern city—though he admits they have softened over time. Originally from Doncaster, in South Yorkshire, he claimed there is a natural rivalry between those on opposite sides of the Pennines.
“It’s true, of course, that no one is born racist,” he wrote, adding that “people from Yorkshire, like me, are born with an instinctive dislike of people from the other side of the Pennines. The wet side. The gloomy side. The miserable side.”
His next swipe was aimed at Mancunian accents, which he described as the worst of northern ones.
“The side where everyone speaks with that stupid accent. If you’re going to sound northern, have the decency to talk like Sean Bean or Mark Knopfler, not Liam bloody Gallagher.”
Despite his initial scepticism, Clarkson admits his feelings about Manchester have evolved after years of travelling there to film the quiz show.
“However, I’ve been going to Manchester for eight years now, to record the show, and I must admit, it’s been steadily growing on me,” he wrote. “I came to not mind it, and then I started to like it, and now—drum roll, please—I think it might be better than London.”
Aldi analysed shopping patterns to identify the “calmest” times to shop so customers can dodge queues and get in and out quickly this festive season.
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Aldi analysed shopping patterns to identify the “calmest” times to shop so customers can dodge queues and get in and out quickly this festive season(Image: Liuba Bilyk via Getty Images)
Supermarket behemoth Aldi has disclosed the optimal time to do your Christmas grocery shopping this festive season, as well as when to steer clear of the shops. With Christmas Day just over a week away, if you haven’t yet gathered all the bits and pieces for the festivities, it’s high time to get your shopping list in order.
Whether you’re grabbing something special for a Christmas bash, making a last-ditch dash for family gifts or picking up everything for the Christmas dinner, now is the moment to venture out.
To assist you in navigating the shopping frenzy this festive season, Aldi has scrutinised shopper habits to pinpoint exactly when customers should visit stores to sidestep the festive pandemonium.
As supermarkets gear up for one of their busiest Christmases ever, Aldi has unveiled the quietest shopping slots so customers can avoid queues, zip in and out swiftly, and genuinely savour the Christmas build-up.
According to Aldi, the prime times to hit the shops are between 8am and 10am, and 8pm and 10pm. These are anticipated to be the “calmest” shopping periods nationwide.
If you’re curious about which days will be the least crowded, Aldi predicted that Sunday, December 21 and Wednesday, December 24, are the days you’ll want to head to the shops for any last-minute Christmas necessities.
Rachel Geary, Communications Director at Aldi UK, has offered some advice for the festive season, saying: “The final countdown to Christmas can feel overwhelming, but a little planning goes a long way.
“Visiting stores in quieter moments means a faster, smoother shop, so customers can focus on what really matters – enjoying the festivities with family and friends.”
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She also emphasised Aldi’s commitment to customer satisfaction during the holiday period, adding: “That’s why, alongside our award-winning quality and unbeatable prices, we’re committed to making the Christmas shop as easy and affordable as possible.”
The supermarket has been named Which?’s Cheapest Supermarket of the Year for the fourth year running and was recently crowned Christmas Retailer of the Year by the Quality Food Awards for the sixth year in a row.
The Traitors star, Charlotte Chilton, continues to fight to find out the paternity of her daughter Penelope – as she insists YouTuber, Conor Maynard, is the father
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The Traitors star, Charlotte Chilton, has been rushed to hospital for brain surgery(Image: INSTAGRAM/charlchilts)
The Traitors star, Charlotte Chilton, has been rushed to hospital for brain surgery as fans expressed their concern for the mum-of-one.
Charlotte, 32, who made it to the finale of the second series of the BBC show in 2024, shared a photo of herself from her hospital bed, telling her followers she will need to will need to undergo an operation to manage her trigeminal neuralgia. The chronic pain condition characterised by intense, electric shock-like pain in the face, typically triggered by light touch or routine activities.
Admitting she felt ‘daunted’ ahead of the operation, Charlotte, who is currently undergoing a bitter paternity battle with YouTuber, Conor Maynard, 33, wrote: “As many of you know I have tried raise awareness of the condition trigeminal neuralgia. I have unfortunately found myself back in hospital with a terrible attack and this has resulted in me needing another neuro surgery to control it. Having surgery on your brain is always daunting, however this has long term relief and allows me to get on with my life.”
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Saying she was rushed to A&E after suffering a “huge attack” in what was a “hellish week”, Charlotte continued: “After being rushed into A&E with a huge attack, I have been taken care of by the amazing Neuro team at QE hospital and today I have an operation to relieve me of my physical torture.
“For my TN followers keep fighting to find the right team to support you. I’m so grateful for my family and friends who have supported me through this hellish week! Wish me luck and see you on the other side!!”
It’s been a tough time for Charlotte as she continues to fight to find out the paternity of her daughter Penelope – as she insists that social media star, Conor, is the father.
In the summer, the pair took a DNA test, with the results validating the earlier test which showed that Conor was not the dad of baby Penelope.
Following the bombshell, Charlotte released a statement via her representatives. They told the Daily Mail: “For those of you who have followed Charlotte’s journey since her appearance on BBC’s The Traitors, will know she has fought an extraordinary battle for truth and justice with heartfelt conviction. Charlotte will now take time to process, heal and reflect and when she is ready, she will finally share her story in full.”
She then told The Sun she will prove that Conor is the father of her daughter Penelope – despite two paternity tests saying he isn’t.
Claiming the DNA tests were inaccurate, she said: “I have had so much abuse from people wondering why I am saying he is her father. I am saying it because I know it is true. But I’ve also had messages off people who have had DNA tests with strange results like this too. There are so many scenarios.”
However, breaking his silence on the results of the second test on social media, Conor said: “Today I received the results of a second paternity test, which was requested by Charlotte Chilton regarding her baby girl, Penelope. As with the last test, this test has confirmed again that I am not Penelope’s father.
“As Charlotte requested, Penelope’s, Charlotte’s and my DNA were all taken at a Ministry of Justice accredited DNA facility that was selected by Charlotte. The results are therefore conclusive.
“This has been difficult for me and my family, and I’m so grateful for everyone’s support. I’m glad we can now finally draw a line under this.”
Meanwhile, a second name has been thrown into the mix following Conor’s constant denials and two paternity tests confirming he isn’t the father. It has now been revealed that Charlotte’s co-star Jonny Holloway also claimed he slept with the reality star around a similar time.
However, Charlotte has denied sleeping with Jonny. He claimed that he has asked for a DNA test – but she has since changed her mind, according to Jonny, and won’t discuss the paternity with him.
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The Mirror has contacted Charlotte’s reps for comment.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! contestant Alex Scott braved the cold to spend a night out at Winter Wonderland with her girlfriend Jess Glynne after a tough few weeks for the pair
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Alex appeared to be thoroughly enjoying herself(Image: w8media)
I’m A Celebrity star Alex Scott enjoyed a fun date night with her girlfriend Jess Glynne after her stint in the jungle. Alex, 41, traded the sizzling temperatures in Australia to wrap up warm as she and Jess, 36, braved the cold to enjoy a night at the festive themed event at London’s Hyde Park.
The pair were seen laughing and enjoying each other’s company after being separated during a tough time, while they went on rides and walked around taking in the sights of the theme park with friends. Alex and Jess were seen taking on the ice slide, wearing orange safety helmets as they slid down the icy ramp in inflatable rubber rings.
They queued up to go down the ramp multiple times, with Alex filming herself on her mobile phone as she slid down the fast paced ramp. They were also spotted screaming with delight as they rode on a rollercoaster speeding through the twists and turns of the ride.
The night out comes after the former Arsenal footballer and sports pundit skipped the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! final after becoming the first celebrity to leave the camp on November 28 after two weeks in Australia. Alex was the only star from the series not to return to see Angry Ginge crowned the King of the jungle.
At the time of her exit Alex admitted she had almost pulled out of the show at the last minute due to her girlfriend Jess Glynne’s mother suffering a medical emergency when she had a stroke.
Following her eviction from camp Alex broke I’m A Celeb tradition and returned home to the UK immediately to be with her girlfriend of two years at the difficult time.
Exiting campmates usually stay in the lavish JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa, where they remain, relaxing and getting re-accustomed with life in the real world until the grand finale. Alex said after her exit: “It’s been tough because I want to be here for the wrap party and I have to get home straight away.
“She’s my Jessica, and I’m going home to be her rock. My campmates knew what I was going through and I just want to thank everyone at ITV and my campmates because they’ve all shown me so much support.”
Fans learned of the situation with Jess’ mum when Alex was greeted on the exit bridge by her friend Regan Coleman instead of Jess. The singer then posted on Instagram to explain her absence.
She wrote: “I know people will wonder why I wasn’t there at the end of the bridge, so I wanted to share something personal. Over the last few weeks, my mum suffered a stroke and needed urgent brain surgery.
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“It’s been a really serious, life-altering time for my family, and I’ve had to stay close to home. Alex would always want me to be where I’m needed most.”
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French telly favourite Fred Sirieix opens up on life, love and ‘rows’ with wife ‘Fruitcake’, his Christmas plans and the intriguing twist in new show First Dates Beach Club
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Larger-than-life TV favourite Fred and wife Fruitcake celebrate a year of marriage in January
First Dates star Fred Sirieix is on fine form as we catch up on a video call, where he speaks to us from the study of his South East London townhouse. The French accent, the twinkle in his eye and the innate confidence are a heady mixture, and they’ve helped make him a household name here in his adopted country.
The straight-talking Limoges native chats happily about life with the woman he affectionately calls “Fruitcake”. They tied the knot in an idyllic ceremony at the Pattoo Castle in Jamaica in February, and judging by the smile on his face, married life is clearly suiting the 53-year-old.
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“It’s going really well – we’re having a good time,” he says. “There are lots of fun conversations – and lots of silly arguments. They might be about me not wiping the counter properly, or not sweeping the floor – even though I was planning on doing it later. These kinds of things.”
Domestic disputes aside, Fred and Fruitcake work – he’s just not entirely sure why, he laughs. “We are very different,” he explains. “We’re chalk and cheese in our characters and our approach to life. But we enjoy each other’s company – and the stupidity of our own jokes! Oh, and we don’t mind farting in front of each other. That’s important.”
Fred’s now gearing up for Christmas, and his parents are flying over from France to be with him and the family. And his plans sound wonderfully decadent – just how you’d imagine the maître d’ extraordinaire to be spending Christmas Day. “It will be Champagne from 10am with breakfast,” he declares. “But you don’t want to overdo it, you’ve got to last all day.”
As for what he’ll be rustling up in the kitchen, Fred says the jury’s still out. “Perhaps a fish feast on the barbecue,” he says. “Or something more traditional, like a boeuf bourguignon. I’ve done turkey the last three years, so I think I’m going to move away from that.”
But before the festivities, Fred’s new show, First Dates Beach Club, will be here to bring some sunshine to those dreary winter nights.
Explaining the concept, Fred says, “The beauty of it is, it’s totally First Dates but instead of being in a restaurant, it’s in a beach club. It’s the essence of the show that everyone loves, the matchmaking, but there are new twists and turns.”
He adds, “If you realise someone else at the bar is more your type, you can go and speak to them. But then if you go on a date with the person you’re matched with and it’s not quite right, you go back to the guy at the bar. It’s fascinating!”
Bartender Merlin Griffiths is also back, mixing up all the best cocktails, and Fred says his friend is doing well following his health battle (Merlin was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in 2021, but thankfully was given the all-clear in 2023).
Fred’s been dishing out relationship advice on First Dates since 2013 – and jokes that he wants to beat the late Cilla Black’s 18-year stint with Blind Date. “We’ve got to at least match Cilla!” he jokes. “She was the OG. I wish I’d met her.”
So, what’s the most important thing Fred has learned over the years about love? “I’ve learned that in love, everything and anything goes,” he says. “If it works for you, that’s enough. It’s not trying to create the relationship that you ‘think’ you should have, or that you’ve seen somewhere else. We’re only here for a short time, so you’ve got to do you.”
People come to Fred “all the time” for relationship advice. “These are the very same conversations I was having constantly when I was 16, 17 in catering college, about love, sex, girls, boys… it’s like a continuation of that – it’s part of who I am,” he explains.
Another key part of who Fred is, is a traditional Frenchman – never happier than with some bread and cheese, washed down with a glass of “vin”.
To this end, he’s partnered with French cheese brand Boursin for its Christmas campaign, including reenacting some cheesy romcom scenes – and says it’s a real trip down memory lane. “I’ve been in the UK since 1992 – longer than I’ve been in France,” he reveals.
“To partner up with Boursin is like going full circle. It was, still is, in my parents’ house in France. After every meal, it comes out. It’s such a fun brand, one I grew up with – it’s nostalgic for me. The French are nostalgic anyway, and we all remember that ad in the 70s, ‘Du pain, du vin, du Boursin!’”
The star was in the I’m A Celebrity jungle in 2023 – the third campmate to be eliminated. And Fred is back on the small screen in January, for the second series of Tour De Fred, travelling between Waterford and Cork.
He was so enthralled by playing road bowling in Cork, he now plans to take his 78-year-old dad back there with him next September, to represent France in the next Kings and Queens of the Road. “He’s excited, he’s telling everybody,” Fred says.
So, does Fred have any New Year ’s resolutions himself? “I’m going to carry on! My resolution is always the same. Work hard, work harder – have fun, then have more fun,” he shares. “In my life, I’m quite obsessed with having a good time. What are we here for, otherwise?”
Don’t miss Fred’s cheesy rom-com debut this Christmas on the @boursinuk Instagram account
Whether you want your own home to smell festive this holiday period, or want to gift the scent of Christmas to a loved one, you can’t go wrong with this on-sale Yankee Candle
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Yankee Candle that ‘smells just like Christmas’ slashed by 20% for limited time (Image: Yankee Candle)
Creating the perfect festive atmosphere goes beyond your average Christmas decorations; shoppers are keen to add a seasonal scent to their homes to cap off the holiday feel. And what better way to do that than with this Yankee Candle that “smells just like Christmas”? Plus, it won’t break the bank either, as it’s currently up for grabs for a nifty 20% less.
Boasting traditional holiday scents of a warm hearth, sugared plums, and candied fruits, this Yankee Candle would normally cost £29.99, but Debenhams shoppers can currently pick up the 567g candle for the lower price of £23.99.
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Touted as a refreshing take on Yankee Candle’s iconic Jar Shape, this candle is designed to create the best experience to date. This is the largest Jar Candle in the collection at 567g, ensuring plenty of festive aromas to last through the season, and for many more to come.
Armed with two wicks and a premium soy-wax blend, this candle is designed to create a beautiful ambience for your home throughout the Christmas period. Finished with a hand-illustrated label and boasting a vibrant wax colour that is perfectly matched to Yankee Candle’s signature exclusive, featuring tried-and-true fragrances that create an inspired addition to your home.
Plenty of shoppers have been quick to sing this scent’s praises, with 5-star reviews pouring in. One thrilled buyer beams: “Love this , reminds me of so many Christmas holidays, beautiful scent that really fills the room, long, even burn.”
Another happy shopper shares: “Love love love this scent! Christmas is in the air (quite literally) when it’s lit. Stunning! Recommend!”
Further adoration comes from this customer, who writes: “Always have these burning around the house at Christmas. Infuses the house with a warm seasonal fragrance.”
One buyer does note one mild disappointment, saying: “Very subtle, it didn’t give a huge amount of fragrance.”
Though plenty of others have been quick to comment on the scent, with one shopper enthusing: “Beautiful smell, very strong, one of my favourites.”
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And another buyer gushing: “Smells just like Christmas as a child. Aroma completely fills your room.”
