Category Entertainment News

A floppy-haired teenager woke up after a party he’d hosted while his parents were away in one of the best-known advertisements for the Yellow Pages phone directory.

Before the rise of the internet, we had the Yellow Pages, a comprehensive directory of local businesses – from advice centres to zoos – all vying for your custom, packaged in a hefty, distinctively coloured phone book. In the 1990s, the Reading-based company became famous for its unforgettable TV adverts, each new release bringing a buzz of anticipation akin to the unveiling of a new John Lewis Christmas advert today.

These TV commercials even turned their stars into temporary celebrities, long before the era of reality TV, and gave birth to several catchphrases. Anyone around at the time will easily remember the Yellow Pages ad featuring elderly man searching for a book titled Fly Fishing by J R Hartley, with the surprising twist that it was Mr Hartley himself seeking his old publication.

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The cheeky youngster attempted to kiss the cheeky boy under the Christmas mistletoe while he was standing next to the stack of Yellow Pages. And in 2003, Cold Feet’s actor, James Nesbitt, hired to resurrect the company by using the Yellow Pages to navigate difficult circumstances. The actor channeled his character Adam’s helpless persona from the show.

However, one of the most memorable advertisements, which first aired in 1991, showed a shaggy-haired teenager hosting a house party while his parents were away. He stumbles upon a stranger on the bed as he enters the bedroom and declares, “Wake up! As a small group hastily cleans up the house, my parents return today. Then, after discovering a scratch on a wooden table and being horrified, he searches the trustworthy Yellow Pages for a solution.

“Hello, French polishers,” He calls in and says, “It’s possible you could save my life.” The unfortunate lad discovers that someone has doodled a beard and glasses onto a woman on one of the family’s prized paintings at the last minute and manages to salvage the scratch.

Simon Schatzberger, a Nottingham actor who later portrayed Adrian Mole in a stage production in London’s West End, played the teenager in the commercial and has since since reprised his role in a Woody Allen-like role in a stand-up comedy show.

Now aged 57, he’s also had a stint as David Klarfeld on the BBC soap Doctors and made appearances in EastEnders as a Rabbi, both in December 2018 and again in January 2019. His other television roles include Band Of Brothers, Daniel Deronda and Father Brown.

In 2019, Yellow Pages announced it would cease printing its iconic directories, after more than half a century. The final editions of the once-indispensable guide were delivered in Brighton, the city where the directory’s original copies were distributed.

It boasted 104 editions, each customised to specific areas of the UK, with nearly 23 million copies circulated each year. And in 2023, a perfume was launched that even smelled like Yellow Pages, proving the brand lives on… sort of.

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The “dadcore” trend started out in 2016 but has since grown in popularity. Here’s a beginner’s guide on how to nail the aesthetic, with masculine tailoring making a comeback.

You might be familiar with the whimsical charm of cottagecore, the elegance of balletcore, or the ethereal allure of dreamcore – but brace yourself for a trend that’s a bit closer to home: ‘dadcore’.

Imagine if you had a normcore offshoot: a relaxed, easy-going style with plenty of neutral and oversized items. Dadcore is all about the simple, no-fuss pieces you’d likely find in your old man’s closet, such as jean shorts and roomy jackets.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer rocked the trend at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony last year, where he was spotted wearing a Team GB-branded cagoule. Similarly, Zayn Malik tapped into dadcore at New York Fashion Week in September 2024. The former One Direction star donned a bushy beard, long, grown out hair and a brown collared leather jacket.

But how can you rock this outfit without spouting out that you’ve used up the local charity shop’s bargain bin? Here’s your guide to capturing the masculine tailoring trend, with masculine tailoring making a comeback.

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What exactly is “dadcore”?

“Dad” fashion, which was once the epitome of uncool, has since become a hot trend. The dadcore aesthetic, which includes bulky trainers, acid-washed jeans, and functional parkas, first appeared on Balenciaga’s catwalks in 2016 and was well-known by the end of the decade.

Its charming attitude may be the result of its embrace of imperfections. Oriona Robb, a celebrity stylist, says, “I think it has gained momentum because it has challenged the over-curated and over-styled looks we’ve seen a lot of.” Instead, it has that imperfect, laid-back vibe.

This trend focuses solely on purposefully showcasing the “unfashionable” items that are typically associated with middle-aged dads, such as drainpipe jeans, polos, and loafers.

When properly styled, these items become declarations of authenticity and ease. It’s “about] simple basics with a sense of humor and deeper sentimentality,” says Robb, “and it’s thrown together effortlessly.”

A deliberate rejection of recent trend-following, proper fashions

Dadcore rebels against polished conformity in the same way that grunge and indie sleaze did for the youth of the 1990s. It defys the recent prevailing, proper fashions, such as “quiet luxury.”

A growing cultural movement is roiling Dadcore. Robb says the connection to an era that was looking for something solid in rapidly changing times is “deeply tied to the broader nostalgia wave that’s]sweeping] fashion.”

Robb explains that the dadcore style is intended to be edgy and almost akin to old home videos or Sunday morning routines, and that it is “almost an aesthetic version of that.”

Young millennials and Gen Z are dressing up in old fashions with a new perspective because of their keen interest in fashion cycles. Robb praises the trend’s unique blend of irony, comfort, and storytelling all at once.

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How to master the “dadcore”

A major overhaul is not necessary to create a dadcore wardrobe. Robb advises pairing comfy jeans like relaxed-fit or stonewashed with staples like chunky classic trainers like New Balance or Reebok.

The most important elements of this retro vibe are oversized tees, whether plain or graphic, plaid or flannel shirts, and practical outerwear like anoraks or windbreakers.

Robb acknowledges that not everyone’s taste would be attracted to the suburban dad vibe. It’s a challenging one because it can feel like the complete opposite to those who love luxury or traditional feminine fashion! Dadcore, however, does not imply sacrificing your style.

An otherwise tailored or contemporary ensemble can be made up of a windbreaker or two chunky trainers. The goal is to reinterpret the aesthetic through your eyes, says Robb.

The ‘dadcore’ trend first made an appearance in 2016, but it’s really taken off in recent years. With masculine tailoring making a comeback, here’s a beginner’s guide on how to nail the aesthetic

You might be familiar with the whimsical charm of cottagecore, the elegance of balletcore, or the ethereal allure of dreamcore – but brace yourself for a trend that’s a bit closer to home: ‘dadcore’.

Imagine an offshoot of normcore – that easy-going, comfy vibe with plenty of neutral and oversized items – dadcore is all about those basic, no-fuss pieces you’d likely spot in your old man’s closet, think jean shorts and roomy jackets.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer rocked the trend at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony last year, where he was spotted wearing a Team GB-branded cagoule. Similarly, Zayn Malik tapped into dadcore at New York Fashion Week in September 2024. The former One Direction star donned a bushy beard, long, grown out hair and a brown collared leather jacket.

But how do you rock this look without appearing as though you’ve raided the bargain bin at the local charity shop? With masculine tailoring making a comeback, here’s your guide to nailing the trend.

READ MORE: Labubu alternatives to add to your shopping haul before they sell out too

What is ‘dadcore’?

Once the epitome of uncool, ‘dad’ fashion has now become a hot trend. The dadcore style – think functional parkas, bulky trainers, and acid-washed jeans – first made waves in 2016 on Balenciaga’s catwalks and by the end of the decade, it had captured the public eye.

Its charm may well stem from its embrace of imperfection. Celebrity stylist Oriona Robb says: “I think it has gained momentum through a mix of irony, comfort and a pushback against the hyper-curated and over-styled looks we’ve seen a lot of. It’s that imperfect laidback style instead.”

This trend is all about deliberately donning those “unfashionable” garments typically linked with middle-aged dads, like drainpipe jeans, polos and loafers.

These items – when styled knowingly – become statements of authenticity and effortlessness. “[It’s about] simple basics with a sense of humour and deeper sentimentality,” says Robb, “and it’s thrown together effortlessly.”

‘A deliberate rejection of recent prim, proper trends’

Much like grunge and indie sleaze spoke to the youth of the ’90s, dadcore pushes back against polished conformity. It’s a deliberate rejection of recent prim, proper trends like ‘quiet luxury’.

Dadcore is riding the wave of a growing cultural movement. “It’s deeply tied to the broader nostalgia wave that’s [sweeping] fashion,” says Robb, noting the connection with an era craving something solid in swiftly changing times.

Highlighting the warming charm behind it, Robb explains: “The dadcore style is supposed to feel familiar and almost an aesthetic version of childhood home videos or Sunday morning routines.”

With a keen eye for fashion cycles, younger millennials and Gen Z are dressing up in past styles with a fresh perspective. “This trend allows them to play with irony, comfort and storytelling all at once,” comments Robb on the trend’s unique blend.

Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We’d love to hear from you!

How to nail ‘dadcore’

Building a dadcore wardrobe doesn’t necessitate a massive overhaul. Robb recommends beginning with staples such as chunky classic trainers – think New Balance or Reebok – combined with comfy jeans like relaxed-fit or stonewashed.

Essentials of this retro vibe include oversized tees, whether graphic or plain, in washed-out hues, plaid or flannel shirts typically tucked in, and practical outerwear such as anoraks or windbreakers.

Robb acknowledges that fully committing to the suburban dad vibe might not suit everyone’s taste. “It’s a tough one as for those with a love of luxury or classic feminine style, it can feel like the total opposite! But dadcore doesn’t mean abandoning your style.”

You can begin by incorporating a windbreaker or a pair of chunky trainers into an otherwise tailored or contemporary ensemble. “The goal isn’t to costume yourself but to reinterpret the aesthetic through your lens,” shares Robb.

Justin Bieber was spotted taking a stroll in Hollywood on Friday with what appeared to be a mystery injury as he took a photo. His fans were concerned when his actions on social media caused him to be so upset.

Justin Bieber sparked concern after being spotted with a potential injury while walking in Hollywood on Friday. The singer, 31, walked the streets wearing an oversized red hoodie and chequered green shorts.

The Never Say Never singer added a light blue slider and snapback cap to his mix-and-match outfit. However, his devoted followers would have been concerned by the knee brace’s appearance.

His left knee was seen being protected by the large, black covering as he traveled without his wife. As he clung to his phone, he appeared to cut a depressing figure in the sunshine.

Following the images obtained by the Mail, Justin appeared to have removed the knee support for his next social media update. He was seen smiling while wearing a pair of blue leggings. Fans joked he should: “Stop playing and give hailey her leggings back.” Another joked: “This is what i wear to Pilates Justin.”

His latest outing and uploads come as fans begged him to take a break from his social media following his outburst earlier in the week. The dad-of-one, who is married to Hailey Bieber, took to Instagram to voice his thoughts.

He told his followers, “Telling other people they deserve something is like raising someone else’s kids,” in the post, which he wrote over a pink background. When telling someone what they should or shouldn’t should be, who are you? The obsceneness Not in your right mind. God determines what we merit.

Fans can express their concerns for the star right away in the comments section of the post. As over 21 000 fans voted in, one user wrote, “God told me you need a social media break.”

Why didn’t you tell your wife, “Brother, that she could never be on Vogue’s cover”? One person mentioned his recent admission to having a fight with his wife.

However, he changed his mind after making comments about his wife’s cover story. He removed Hailey’s obscene caption from the cover of Vogue magazine.

Fans criticized him after he claimed during a heated argument that he told his wife and mother of his son, Jack Blues, that she would never appear on Vogue. He responded to her magazine cover photo for the US edition.

He continued, “Yo, this reminds me of when Hailey and I got into a big fight, I told Hails that she would never be on the cover of Vogue,” he mused on Instagram.

Yikes, I am aware, how cruel. I thought I gotta get even for some reason because I felt so disrespected.

He continued, “Think we mature to realize that we’re not helping anything by getting even; we’re just prolonging what we really want, intimacy and connection. “

He ended by sending Hailey a direct message. So, baby, you already know, but I apologize for telling you that you wouldn’t receive a Vogue cover because it was obvious to me.

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The former reality TV star turned presenter’s stock is rising as she and Louis Tomlinson have a new relationship, and Zandra McDermott’s earnings have been revealed.

Zara McDermott’s impressive weekly TV salary has been revealed with the reality star’s pulling power growing. The former Love Island star, 28, is currently dating ex-One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson. But as well as finding time for her newfound romance, Zara is continuing with her production work in front of the camera.

She earned a sizable £4, 438 per week last year, according to Zara Nicole McDermott Limited, the private company where her earnings are kept. The star’s profits, according to the documents filed with Companies House, were 280 and 805 for the year.

Her estimated assets were £705 and 688, with the star still holding on to her £540 and 718 after taxes.

According to the documents, her assets comprised £523, 030 in cash, £161, 431 in investments, £14, 929 in and tangible assets at £6, 298.

On Companies House, Zara Nicole McDermott is one of her two active businesses. Tiger Mac Properties, a different company, was established last year with the intent of “buying and selling of own real estate.”

Zara has become a mainstay in front of the camera. She has recently been the face of BBC documentaries involving sensitive subjects, including Revenge Porn, Uncovering Rape Culture, Love in the Flesh and Disordered Eating.

As well as her blossoming career, she has a newfound romance with 33-year-old Louis following her shock split from Sam Thompson at the beginning of the year. Louis and Zara have been seen smitten on vacation together recently, with the pair spending time in Costa Rica.

The pair looked incredibly beautiful as they sipped a beverage at a beachside restaurant in the area at the end of last month. After being spotted packing on a PDA while holding hands, the couple just confirmed their romance.

According to legend, Louis used the money to fly 5, 000 miles with Zara while he was working on his upcoming album in Costa Rica.

The couple kissed intently at the Banana Beach Restaurant by the ocean in photos shared last month. The former love interest of Sam Thompson, who previously dated Sam Thompson for a number of years, wore the ultimate summer outfit, which included a white crop top and a matching skirt, which she accessorized with gold statement earrings.

Louis held on to her waist as they lean in for a kiss while her arms wrapped around her new husband’s neck. He pointed his arm at her shoulder and chest during a conversation that they both shared.

Louis’s sister Lottie recently opened up about their relationship. She joked she was waiting to put Zara on babysitting duties.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: Butlin’s revamp major holiday park with ‘top quality’ attractions and prices at £69