Category Entertainment News

Wave goodbye to irritating midges and mosquitoes this summer with a ‘beautiful’ eucalyptus tree that no only promises to keep insects away but is also on sale for 30% less right now

Not only promising to elevate your outdoor space but also ensuring pesky flies, midges and mosquitoes will be kept away from your home, this eucalyptus is a beautiful and practical addition to any garden or patio this summer – and right now, you can save a whopping 30% thanks to this Gardening Express deal.

The evergreen lollipop Eucalyptus Gunnii tree is praised for its extremely decorative silver-blue oval-shaped leaves and its flaking bark in shades of grey, cream and brown. It’ll give a superb display throughout the year but is at its best in spring and summer as fresh new leaves emerge, deepening from grey green to a bluer shade as the waxy patina develops. Plus, this tree is touted for its insect-repelling properties.

READ MORE: ‘Elegant and fast-growing’ flamingo tree that adds colour to your patio is 50% off

READ MORE: Add a lavish Mediterranean plant to your patio as this Bougainvillaea tree plummets to £25

Well known for the mosquito-repelling qualities, thanks to a pleasant menthol aroma, particularly when trained and regularly clipped into the standard form, this eucalyptus is perfect for planting in your garden or in a planter on the patio to keep away gnats and mosquitoes while remaining decorative all year round.

A hardy tree that will withstand the worst of weather, making it at home in the UK’s turbulent climate, this eucalyptus will make a beautiful feature in your garden, or on your patio, decking or balcony. Prune in early spring, as this will encourage the attractive young foliage to develop and assist in keeping flies and mosquitoes away from your home.

Supplied in approx 2-3 litre containers at around 80cms tall, this eucalyptus tree is now available for £19.99 at Gardening Express, down from £29.99. If you prefer to shop elsewhere, a similar tree is available for £30.59 at B&Q, for £24.99 at Very or for £33.98 from Gardeners Dream.

One shopper who picked up this gem beams in a 5-star review: “These trees arrived very quickly after my daughter ordered them all the way from Sydney, Australia for my birthday, they were packaged brilliantly and I love them, they are lovely to put on my new decking and will keep those pesky little Scottish midges at bay … hopefully”

Another satisfied customer raves: “Such a sweet little standard eucalyptus, so pleased with it. Planted with one lavender and 5 dianthus. Beautiful, thanks for taking care with packing these lovelies. Ready to pop outside on my tiny patio, perfect. “

This Morning regular Lisa Snowdon has opened up on why a person’s choices, from a boob job or a facelift – are nobody else’s business, as she discusses marriage and TV ‘wobbles’

Television and radio presenter Lisa Snowdon has been in the showbiz spotlight for more than three decades. Her rise to fame kicked off at just 19 when she was discovered dancing in a London club by a model scout, leading to a successful modelling career with appearances on the cover of top fashion magazines and campaigns for brands including Gucci and Dove.

Transitioning to TV, Lisa has made her mark on iconic shows including Strictly, I’m A Celebrity, Celebrity MasterChef — which she won — and This Morning . She was also a presenter on Capital London’s breakfast radio show for seven years. Lisa is also in a good place when it comes to love. When we catch up with the 53-year-old, engaged to long-time partner George Smart since 2016, she looks relaxed and happy — and tells us with a smile that the pair couldn’t be more committed to each other, wedding rings or not.

READ MORE: Get ready to enjoy bright and bold blooms in winter with this multicoloured pansy collection

“Listen, I love George so, so much,” she says. “And I honestly don’t think that having a marriage would change that love, you know. I don’t think it would make it stronger. ”

While they have yet to tie the knot, Lisa insists the couple’s bond runs deep. “Being engaged already feels like a wedding to me. I really feel like we’re committed to each other. I think we probably will get married at some point but there are just so many other things on our to-do list.”

Known for their shared love of adventure, Lisa and George, 44, are often jet-setting around the globe, and the idea of a destination wedding certainly appeals. “I went to a place in Italy recently, and I was like, ‘Oh my God, this would be amazing for a wedding,’” she says. “We do talk about it, we just haven’t got around to planning it. ”

Despite the lack of a date, Lisa’s commitment couldn’t be clearer, as she jokes, “He’s my partner for life, so there’s no way he’s getting away from me and I’m getting away from him, regardless of whether we’ve got a contract. ”

Blissfully loved-up, it’s no surprise Lisa has a gorgeous glow, but she’s refreshingly honest about the skin treatments that help maintain her beautiful complexion. She opens up about her love for “tweakments”, and reveals she has become obsessed with Morpheus8, which she describes as a “deep, intense microneedling”.

“I love all that stuff. I think it’s amazing, I think it’s up to the individual what they want to do,” she says. “If somebody’s deeply unhappy and they want to do a neck lift, face lift, boob job or whatever to their body, it’s totally up to them. And I think there are some amazing treatments, subtle and more extreme, that can be done. I’m open to all that. Absolutely. ”

On the career front, Lisa continues to shine, with her regular slot as a fashion expert on ITV’s This Morning a highlight. She says proudly, “I think it must be coming up to 10 years that I’ve been on the show. Yes, it’s been a long time. And what I guess I love about it is that I get to work with our viewers.”

Walking us through the magic of the makeover — when a viewer gets transformed in her expert hands — she explains, “You see them first thing, they come in their own clothes, we style them up, we get them into hair and make-up, we get them out on the catwalk. It’s a beautiful, empowering moment for them. I love that part about my job. I’m a girls’ girl and I love to empower women. Women supporting women is what I’m all about. ”

But even after years in the entertainment business, Lisa giggles that, when it comes to live television, anything can happen. “I mean, live TV… there are always things that go wrong! You might say a word and think, ‘Oh God, I didn’t mean that,’ but that’s just live TV. And onceit’s out there, it’s done. There’s no going back. ”

A seasoned presenter, Lisa takes the occasional hiccup in her stride, but she also confesses quietly that her turbulent journey through perimenopause really affected her confidence on-camera. “I was in the depths of perimenopause and the brain fog was there, and I was a bit like a rabbit in the headlights a couple of times. When I look back at it, you can’t tell, but in my head, I was like… panic. There were a couple of shows where I felt a bit… wobbly. ”

But now, she says, “I just feel really blessed that I’ve had a very long career and that I’m still enjoying it. ” Although she’s always been “go go go” when it comes to work, she does try to strike a healthy work-life balance and reconnect with her fiancé after a busy week.

“That’s something that we really aspire to have,” she says. “Last week, for example, I was on a train a lot. I was up and down and I had to stay away one night, but we made up for it when I had a weekend off. We always kind of reconnect. It’s a good work-life balance, which is something I’ve really wanted to get hold of, because otherwise, what’s the point? ”

Lisa has spoken openly in the past about not having children, which she details in her book Just Getting Started . She says writing about that journey was an emotional and healing process for her. “I think I came to terms with that, and it was really powerful when I wrote my book. I just really got a lot of that out. Writing about it was super cathartic.”

Now, Lisa is busy hosting her podcast with Andy Goldstein, We’re Not Getting Any Younger, and has some new work projects coming up that are “very exciting”. “But sorry,” she adds, “ I can’t reveal anything just yet! ”

She tells us she has also partnered with Zespri SunGold kiwifruit as she continues to advocate for health and wellness. “Diet is so important to feeling good,” she says. “And just one of these golden fruits gives me all I need to tackle the day. ”

The popular shirt dress has been reviewed by more than 2,400 customers, with some snapping it up in multiple prints

Shirt dresses are one of the go-to summer garments, combining ease and elegance for any event. Shoppers at White Stuff can’t get enough of the Rua Jersey Shirt Midi Dress, with some fans loving it so much that they’ve snapped it up in ‘five different patterns’.

The coveted frock is crafted from a ‘super soft’ cotton blend and is available in nine charming patterns featuring different colours. Retailing at £65, the dress comes in regular and petite sizes ranging from six to 24.

Features include short sleeves, a classic collar and convenient side pockets. The dress has small buttons running down the front, leading to a below-the-knee hemline.

READ MORE: FatFace’s ‘cool’ summer dress that ‘doesn’t crease’ and will ‘pack well for holidays’

READ MORE: I’m a fashion writer, these are my top linen picks from White Stuff for the heatwave

Shoppers who prefer a longer sleeve may fancy Boden’s Kate Midi Shirt Dress that’s currently on sale for £63 down from the original price of £126. It’s available in four striking patterns in regular, petite and long.

Meanwhile, Next has the Friends Like These Short Sleeve Shirt Midi Dress priced at £45. This frock comes in three patterns in sizes eight to 24.

Rua Jersey Shirt Midi Dress

£65

Buy here

As reported by the Express, more than 2,400 White Stuff shoppers have had their say on the Rua Jersey Shirt Midi Dress, highlighting its massive appeal. One satisfied customer raved: “Love this dress, so comfortable to wear. I have a couple in this style and will be definitely buying another one. “

“Gorgeous dress with a fabulous fit and fabric,” penned another satisfied customer. “I have five of these dresses in different patterns that I wear on repeat and always receive so many compliments. Easy to dress up or down. Rarely wrinkles and washes well. An absolute favourite. “

Someone else commented: “Lovely summer dress. Fits true to size and petite fitting means length is perfect. Soft fabric, well made. “

Another added: “I have several of these dresses. They are easy to wear, comfortable with a good fit. “

One White Stuff shopper was sadly unimpressed with the Rua Jersey Shirt Midi Dress, as they shared: “Unfortunately this style didn’t suit me at all. Pattern lovely, but I felt frumpy in this dress. “

Martin Frizell, who has been married to Fiona Phillips for 28 years, explained his thinking around his “brutally honest” opinion the TV presenter would have been better off diagnosed with cancer

Fiona Phillips’ husband says he wishes the TV presenter had been diagnosed with cancer instead of Alzheimer’s disease – because she’d at least might have had chance at a cure.

Martin Frizell, who married the journalist and broadcaster in 1998, said there is a lack of support and care packages for those with Alzheimer’s. He himself has become Fiona’s primary carer as, following her diagnosis in her early 60s in 2023, the disease has taken its toll on the journalist’s mind.

The mum of two told today how she became unaware she was forgetting things, or how she kept repeating herself. Martin, who quit his role as editor of This Morning last year, stating he expected his “family priorities to [soon] change”, recognises he “has to stay well for Fiona” because, should he fall ill, “the whole house of cards would collapse”.

However, he says, had Fiona contracted a cancer, a treatment plan would have been available and there may be hope. In an extract adapted from Fiona’s upcoming book, Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer’s, Martin writes: “Being brutally honest, I wish Fiona had contracted cancer instead. It’s a shocking thing to say, but at least then she might have had a chance of a cure, and certainly would have had a treatment pathway and an array of support and care packages.

“But that’s not there for Alzheimer’s. Just like there are no funny or inspiring TikTok videos or fashion shoots with smiling, healthy, in-remission survivors. “

READ MORE: ITV star makes big career announcement after leaving This Morning

The former This Morning boss continued: “After someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, they are pretty much left to their own devices. There is nothing more that can be done and you are left to cope alone.”

It is an opinion reflected by Fiona, who has two sons with Martin. She writes, in the same passage: “I gently push the door open, but then, in that very moment, I sense the person I love has disappeared again. They’re gone. The memory has gone. And I’m all alone. And that’s how it is for me now, living with Alzheimer’s. “

Both of Fiona’s parents had Alzheimer’s but tests have shown the broadcaster, who was on GMTV for 15 years, does not carry the gene so neither of her sons would.

It is small comfort for Martin, who adds in the candid extract released today: “As time has passed, I have come to understand that if I were to fall ill or worse, the whole house of cards would collapse. I have had to stay well for Fiona.

“Sorting the bank accounts, utility direct debits, hospital appointments, clothes, washing, parking permits, shopping, cooking, tidying the house – in fact, all the stuff I took for granted because Fiona dealt with it (as well as her own career) – became my responsibilities, along with a seven-day-a-week job. It was knackering. There were times I felt drained, physically and emotionally. On top of the stress, the boys and I are enduring a kind of living grief – a slow goodbye to the woman we love. “

Today’s horoscope for Saturday, July 5, sees one star sign enjoy the finer things, as another tries to trust their own instincts

It’s Saturday, July 5 and one star sign is feeling in need of advice, while another catches up on their to-do list.

There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.

These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Avoid people who seem to have been deliberately putting problems in your way. Distance yourself from anyone who has been dragging you down. While you won’t want to come across as being unkind, staying positive in a difficult situation is starting to drain you.

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)

Today promises to be a really good day for you. Share your happiness with everyone you meet. Enjoy a delicious lunch with friends, take part in group activities and let that joy multiply. Make the most of the positive cosmic energy that surrounds you.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Stay calm and be sensible when meeting up with friends or mixing in a crowd. Enjoy the time you all spend together without feeling the need to steal the spotlight. Constantly being the centre of attention can be quite stressful and exhausting. For now, stay in the background.

Cancer (June 22 – July 23)

You may not have been planning on going anywhere today or doing anything this evening but a surprise invitation could come your way. Take this chance to try a new restaurant or bar. Give yourself permission to relax and have fun. If you’re in a group, agree on a designated driver.

Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)

Events going on around you have become the centre of everyone’s conversations. You’re getting advice from friends and workmates and now even your family is chiming in. While many people have their opinions, you really need to trust your own instincts.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

You often find it hard to switch off especially when responsibilities are heavy. Make some time to relax today. Take deep breaths; meditate and enjoy some calming music. Spend some time playing fetch with your dog. Walk in nature. Choose activities that bring you peace and tranquillity.

Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

A kind and supportive friend will introduce you to the finer things in life that will immediately appeal to you. They have a charming way of getting their ideas across which makes you want to take their advice. Someone at home is asking you to be wary of people you hardly know.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

A friend or colleague will seek your guidance on a health issue. This makes you uncomfortable as you don’t want to offer advice when you aren’t familiar with the details and know nothing about their circumstances. Suggest they reach out to their doctor or practice nurse.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

It is time to deal with those tasks you pushed aside earlier even if you still aren’t keen on doing them. Be sure to express your gratitude to those who have been a good help to you lately and people who support you daily. It will mean a lot to them to know they are appreciated.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Share your thoughts and opinions openly for a change. Your insights will benefit a group project. Although you might prefer to remain in the background, join in the conversation. Don’t be shy. A new study project that’s being discussed will get your interest.

Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

You can trust your instincts when tackling family issues and other problems. You could find it beneficial to seek advice from a sensible friend. Above all, remember that there is no need to have to face everything by yourself.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Move beyond your past and let go of ties that have been holding you ba ck. Start shaping a happier future for yourself now. Tackle issues that have been keeping you from fulfilling your true potential. Release bad habits and embrace the power of forgiveness.

READ MORE: ‘Great for mature skin’ £36 face oil now £10 that fans say ‘beats Elemis and Estée Lauder’

Fiona Phillips, in an emotional, tell-all interview, details her frustrating journey with Alzheimer’s with which the journalist and broadcaster was diagnosed aged 61

Fiona Phillips has described the challenges with Alzheimer’s as “like trying to chase a £5 note that’s fallen out of your purse on a gusty day” in a candid article.

The journalist, who was diagnosed with the disease aged 61 in 2023, said every time “she thinks she had caught the £5 note, it whips away again” in an emotive passage about her journey. The mother of two told how she had “no awareness” that she kept repeating herself and she sometimes forgot what she was doing or where she was going soon after the diagnosis.

And now, the 64-year-old broadcaster is living with Alzheimer’s, with much of her care being done by husband Martin Frizell, who quit his role as editor of This Morning last year, stating he expected his “family priorities to [soon] change”. Fiona, with Martin’s support, has written a book called Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer’s, which will be published later this month, and extracts from which have been adapted for the media today.

In these passages, Fiona, who presented GMTV for 15 years, said: “Everywhere I look there are memories. I know they are there. And yet so many of them feel out of my reach now.

“It’s like I stretch out to touch them, but then just as I’m about to grasp it, the memory skips away from me. And I can’t catch up with it. Like trying to chase a £5 note that’s fallen out of your purse on a gusty day. Each time I think I’ve caught it, it whips away again.

“I couldn’t be writing this at all without my husband Martin and my closest friends, who are helping me articulate more clearly the thoughts I once had that are now harder for me to reach. “

READ MORE: ‘Doctors said I was too young to get dementia – now I have a rare condition’

Fiona, who is also a Mirror columnist, added: “Nowadays, I can find talking about my life agonisingly difficult. Sometimes I get halfway through a sentence and I can’t remember where I was heading with it or the word I was looking for. It feels awful.

“Gradually, Martin and I thought maybe I should start telling more people. Martin felt that if more people knew what was happening to me then they wouldn’t judge me if I did ever start behaving unusually – not that I thought I did. It was hardly like I was going down the street half-clothed, yelling at people.

“But he and the doctors, who I was constantly backwards and forwards to see, would say that I kept repeating myself and that sometimes I forgot what I was doing or where I was going. The strange thing was I had no awareness of that. “

The Mirror told, in 2023, how the star, born in Canterbury, Kent, was undergoing trials for a revolutionary new drug which scientists hope could slow or even reverse the illness for millions of sufferers in the years to come.

Yet it is too little too late for Fiona, so much so Martin said in the extracts he wishes his wife of 28 years had been diagnosed with cancer instead. He added: “Being brutally honest, I wish Fiona had contracted cancer instead. It’s a shocking thing to say, but at least then she might have had a chance of a cure, and certainly would have had a treatment pathway and an array of support and care packages.

“But that’s not there for Alzheimer’s. Just like there are no funny or inspiring TikTok videos or fashion shoots with smiling, healthy, in-remission survivors.

“After someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, they are pretty much left to their own devices. There is nothing more that can be done and you are left to cope alone. “

The couple try to maintain a optimistic outlook but, just like The Mirror’s recent case study Janet Allen and her daughter Emily, Martin and Fiona ultimately find it difficult to keep hopeful. Emily told us it was “the scariest thing” to learn her mum, from Reading, Berkshire, had got Alzheimer’s, which has left her needing care from loved ones too.