Category Entertainment News

To get a Blue Light Card, you must verify your eligibility online and pay £4.99 for a two-year membership

Millions of shoppers are securing discounts from over 15,000 brands through a clever UK scheme. Fashion retailers, supermarkets, restaurants, and even travel agents are all included in the service, which is only available to people holding 30 specific roles.

This scheme is none other than the UK’s Blue Light Card initiative, founded in 2008 to primarily thank those working in emergency services. While it’s therefore easy to assume that it only covers NHS workers, police and firefighters, this isn’t the case at all.

In fact, an array of other employees, volunteers, and retired seniors may qualify for these deals. According to the Blue Light Card’s website, this includes the following:

1. 4×4 Response
2. Ambulance Service, including retired
3. Blood Bikes
4. British Army
5. Cave Rescue
6. Community First Responders
7. Dental Practice
8. Fire Service, including retired
9. Highways England Traffic Officer
10. Home Office
11. HM Armed Forces Veterans
12. HM Coastguard
13. HM Prison & Probation Services
14. Lowland Search and Rescue
15. MoD Civil Servants
16. MoD Fire Service
17. MoD Police
18. Mountain Rescue
19. NHS, including retired & volunteers
20. Optometrists
21. Police including retired
22. Red Cross
23. Reserve Armed Forces
24. RNLI
25. Royal Air Force
26. Royal Marines
27. Royal Navy
28. Search and Rescue
29. Social Care Workers
30. Teachers

To get a Blue Light Card, you’ll first need to verify your eligibility online. For many people, sharing their work email is enough —if it has a recognisable NHS or emergency services domain, it will probably be approved immediately.

READ MORE: Davina McCall shares ‘end-of-life checklist’ she used after rare tumour diagnosisREAD MORE: Lioness Fran Kirby opens up on ‘sudden’ diagnosis that saw her step back from football

However, in cases where this is not possible, you might be asked to upload proof of your employment, such as an ID badge, recent payslip or official letter. Any uploaded evidence should clearly display your name, employer and role. Documents are typically reviewed within seven days, though it may take longer during busier periods.

If your application is approved, you must pay £4.99 for a two-year membership. This will give you full access to the thousands of offers available on everything from shopping and holidays to technology, groceries, and even insurance.

Discounts are available online and on the high street. Guidance on the Blue Light Card’s website adds: “If you have more questions, you can visit our Help Centre for full FAQs.

“Most questions are answered in our Resource Centre, where you can quickly search for the information you need. If you still need help after checking there, you can Submit a Request to contact our team directly.”

For more information, head to the Blue Light Card website here.

READ MORE: Major NHS prescriptions update from Government amid call for cost-free medication

Applying for a Blue Light Card – step by step

1. Download the Blue Light Card app or head to its website.
2. Tap the ‘Sign Up’ option and fill out your personal details, as prompted, before pressing ‘Continue’.
3. Select the service that applies to you on its registration page.
4. Get verified by sharing a work email address, ID or payslip.
5. Pay £4.99 to enjoy the discounts online and in-store for two years.

Get all the hottest shopping deals, cash saving tips and money news straight to your phone by joining our new WhatsApp Community – The Money Saving Club. Just click this link to join https://crnch.it/eutplxS1.

To get a Blue Light Card, you must verify your eligibility online and pay £4.99 for a two-year membership

Millions of shoppers are securing discounts from over 15,000 brands through a clever UK scheme. Fashion retailers, supermarkets, restaurants, and even travel agents are all included in the service, which is only available to people holding 30 specific roles.

This scheme is none other than the UK’s Blue Light Card initiative, founded in 2008 to primarily thank those working in emergency services. While it’s therefore easy to assume that it only covers NHS workers, police and firefighters, this isn’t the case at all.

In fact, an array of other employees, volunteers, and retired seniors may qualify for these deals. According to the Blue Light Card’s website, this includes the following:

1. 4×4 Response
2. Ambulance Service, including retired
3. Blood Bikes
4. British Army
5. Cave Rescue
6. Community First Responders
7. Dental Practice
8. Fire Service, including retired
9. Highways England Traffic Officer
10. Home Office
11. HM Armed Forces Veterans
12. HM Coastguard
13. HM Prison & Probation Services
14. Lowland Search and Rescue
15. MoD Civil Servants
16. MoD Fire Service
17. MoD Police
18. Mountain Rescue
19. NHS, including retired & volunteers
20. Optometrists
21. Police including retired
22. Red Cross
23. Reserve Armed Forces
24. RNLI
25. Royal Air Force
26. Royal Marines
27. Royal Navy
28. Search and Rescue
29. Social Care Workers
30. Teachers

To get a Blue Light Card, you’ll first need to verify your eligibility online. For many people, sharing their work email is enough —if it has a recognisable NHS or emergency services domain, it will probably be approved immediately.

READ MORE: Davina McCall shares ‘end-of-life checklist’ she used after rare tumour diagnosisREAD MORE: Lioness Fran Kirby opens up on ‘sudden’ diagnosis that saw her step back from football

However, in cases where this is not possible, you might be asked to upload proof of your employment, such as an ID badge, recent payslip or official letter. Any uploaded evidence should clearly display your name, employer and role. Documents are typically reviewed within seven days, though it may take longer during busier periods.

If your application is approved, you must pay £4.99 for a two-year membership. This will give you full access to the thousands of offers available on everything from shopping and holidays to technology, groceries, and even insurance.

Discounts are available online and on the high street. Guidance on the Blue Light Card’s website adds: “If you have more questions, you can visit our Help Centre for full FAQs.

“Most questions are answered in our Resource Centre, where you can quickly search for the information you need. If you still need help after checking there, you can Submit a Request to contact our team directly.”

For more information, head to the Blue Light Card website here.

READ MORE: Major NHS prescriptions update from Government amid call for cost-free medication

Applying for a Blue Light Card – step by step

1. Download the Blue Light Card app or head to its website.
2. Tap the ‘Sign Up’ option and fill out your personal details, as prompted, before pressing ‘Continue’.
3. Select the service that applies to you on its registration page.
4. Get verified by sharing a work email address, ID or payslip.
5. Pay £4.99 to enjoy the discounts online and in-store for two years.

Get all the hottest shopping deals, cash saving tips and money news straight to your phone by joining our new WhatsApp Community – The Money Saving Club. Just click this link to join https://crnch.it/eutplxS1.

The birth of their child has been announced in a joint post by 5 Seconds of Summer member Luke Hemmings and his wife Sierra Deaton, who won the 2013 X Factor USA.

Luke Hemmings and his wife Sierra Deaton have announced the birth of their daughter this week. The 5 Seconds of Summer member teased that the newborn’s arrival had been their “best kept secret” whilst sharing the news.

The couple announced that they had welcomed their baby into the world in a post on Instagram yesterday. Luke, 29, and Sierra, 34, who won the X Factor USA as part of the duo Alex & Sierra in 2013, were met with well wishes from fans.

In the post on the platform, Luke and Sierra shared a number of pictures. A picture of their newborn child holding a flower was included in the photo. In some photos, Sierra had a baby bump, and Luke was seen cradling her tummy in another.

The couple’s caption for the photos that came with the photos included a white heart emoji and a new baby. Through the joint post, they stated, “Our best kept secret. Sierra and Luke Hemmings wrote and produced the film.

Luke and their child’s parents have stated in the comments section that they won’t be sharing any more information about their child in the near future. He expressed gratitude for the family’s support and demanded respect for the baby’s privacy.

He wrote in the follow-up message to fans: “In our perfect world, we’d keep our daughter a secret forever … for similar reasons we chose to never share our wedding photos from years ago. However, going into this next album cycle I’m very aware that her existence would inevitably leak.”

We’re posting this right now and sincerely ask that everyone respect her privacy, Luke continued in the comment. Please refrain from sharing or taking pictures of her with us in public because we don’t intend to make her name, birthdate, or face public until later.

The musician thanked the audience for their understanding and support as they finished the message. At the end of his comment, Luke stated, “Thank you for the support and understanding.” The Hemmings, our entire love.

More than 500,000 people have liked the post on the platform. One person wrote, “OMG,” in the comments section, and the couple were received with well wishes. Congratulations to Luke and Sierra. “Congrats to you both,” another said.

A third fan wrote, “Awww. I’m so happy for you!!!! The best piece of news ever. Another person responded with “Congratulations!!!” while sharing their thoughts. Wishing you and your lovely family the best of luck! while another person said, “Only love for the beautiful family.”

One user responded, “Guys, I can’t.” Congratulations to both of you. Another wrote, “So happy for you and [Sierra],” in the comments section. The couple received a letter from someone saying “Happy tears. You have such great excitement. “Congratulations”

“You two are both so incredibly happy,” “Wish your little family the very best,” read another comment. Despite the fact that one person responded to the post yesterday, “Congratulations Sierra and Luke!! Oh my goodness! “!

With a caravan trip to North Wales, Molly-Mae Hague skipped Tommy Fury’s show premiere and caused a fresh backlash from fans.

Molly-Mae Hague recently opted for a more low-key holiday, choosing a quiet getaway in Abersoch, North Wales, rather than her usual luxury overseas escapes.

The 26-year-old influencer embraced a simpler way of life, away from the spotlight, by taking a break with friends and traveling by caravan.

Her trip meant she was absent for the premiere of her partner Tommy Fury’s new BBC series, which features their relationship prominently. A source close to Molly-Mae said has now said that Molly-Mae is enjoying spending more time in the UK and budget holidays, despite her £6million fortune.

“Molly has just been in Turkey with Tommy and Bambi but wanted a getaway with pals. It was a stark contrast to some of her more extravagant trips and quite a surprise after she complained about a recent motorhome holiday,” a source revealed. It comes after Tommy opened up on ‘tricky’ dynamic with Molly-Mae over parenting.

READ MORE: Tommy Fury left ‘shaking’ after facing another injury as he admits ‘my career’s over’READ MORE: Sir Tom Jones’ most controversial hit explained as he’s booed on stage

“Molly is just as content in a caravan as she is in a five-star hotel, despite what people think. And she spent her childhood outside, so she only enjoys relaxing in the beautiful scenery in Abersoch, they continued, “and that’s exactly what you get in Abersoch.”

Tommy revealed earlier this year that he had purchased a motorhome as part of a strategy to avoid having more extended family vacations, claiming to be excluding their daughter Bambi from “five-star hotels and business class flights.”

The Elddis Avalon 255, which reportedly cost close to $93, 490, though online prices have since decreased to around $86, 995.

However, it turned out to be challenging for them to use the motorhome for the first time. The adjustment was more difficult than anticipated, according to Molly-Mae. She said, “We had to use this sofa to make our bed.” I was like, “I’m struggling, really out of my depth.” She later said, “I was having a breakdown.

Despite her recent string of vacations, including luxurious stays in Dubai, Disneyland Paris, and Budapest, Molly-Mae was recently criticized for making the suggestion that she hadn’t enjoyed herself this summer.

She remarked openly in a conversation with her sister Zoe that she had never socialized. I haven’t done any socializing before this summer’s end. I don’t live a life. That is not good, is it? Summer will come to an end, and I won’t have any social media posts of my own.

She also said to a friend, “I’m going to make it through the summer without doing anything fun.”

Her previous travel schedule was immediately made clear by critics, who pointed out the contradiction. Her earlier statements about finding the motorhome vacation overwhelming, which some fans interpreted as out of touch, caused the backlash.

However, she and her daughter Bambi traveled to the five-star Regnum The Crown Hotel in Turkey shortly after making those remarks, where rooms reportedly cost up to £2, 000 per night.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: Shop Dani Dyer’s butter yellow midi dress as she announces Strictly news on The One Show

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s production company Archewell Productions announced recently that it had extended its creative partnership with streaming platform Netflix

A documentary about the late Princess Diana is said to be on a lengthy list of potential shows that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could work on with Netflix. The speculation comes following an update on their partnership this month.

It was announced just last week that Archewell Productions, the production company founded by Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan, 44, had extended its creative partnership with the streaming platform. It was revealed that there’s a “multi-year, first look deal for all its film and television projects”.

Several upcoming projects were confirmed at the time, like an adaptation of a romance novel and a documentary short. It was additionally teased that Archewell Productions is “in active development on additional projects” with Netflix.

According to the Sun, the possibility of Prince Harry being involved in future content about Princess Diana has been discussed. The outlet suggests that the potential project would mark 30 years since his late mother’s death in 1997.

It reports that Prince Harry is considering a documentary on Princess Diana to coincide with the 30th anniversary of her death, which will be in 2027. A source said: “If Harry wants to do it then Netflix will bite his hand off.”

There’s speculation that he could work on a project about her elsewhere too. The Sun reports that it understands that Prince Harry could also “feature or contribute” to a project about Princess Diana away from Netflix.

Archewell Productions first collaborated with Netflix in 2020. Since then, the production company and the streaming platform have released content together like the docuseries Harry & Meghan, which came out in 2022.

Megan recently expressed pride over the news that the couple’s production company, which they founded in 2020, had extended its partnership with Netflix. She spoke about the relationship in a statement issued earlier this month.

She said: “We’re proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As ever brand. My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally, and celebrates our shared vision.”

Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria said: “Harry and Meghan are influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere. The response to their work speaks for itself – Harry & Meghan gave viewers an intimate look into their lives and quickly became one of our most-watched documentary series.

“More recently, fans have been inspired by With Love, Meghan, with products from the new As ever line consistently selling out in record time. We’re excited to continue our partnership with Archewell Productions and to entertain our members together.”

It was revealed that upcoming projects include the second season of With Love, Meghan. The first season, which had eight episodes and launched earlier this year, saw Megan share cooking, gardening and hosting tips. The new season is set to debut on Netflix next Tuesday on August 26.

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: Weekend Wishlist: 7 items our shopping writers are buying this Bank Holiday weekend

BBC presenter Michael Ball has announced the death of his beloved mother on social media. The heartbreaking news was shared with fans on Thursday

BBC presenter Michael Ball, 63, has taken to social media to share the devastating news of his mother’s passing. Ruth Parry Ball, his beloved mum, passed away at the age of 91.

The singer posted a touching photo of his dear mother with a simple caption: “Ruth Parry Ball1934-2025x.” His 158,000 followers were quick to offer their condolences and messages of support.

One follower wrote: “Oh Michael! I am so sorry to hear this news and so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and all the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.” Another added: “Condolences Michael, my Mother was the most important person in my life. Always there in heart and mind.”

Meanwhile, a third commented: “What a beautiful photo. So sorry for your loss.” Another remarked: “Sorry for your loss, Michael. She must have been massively proud of you.” It comes after Lorraine Kelly’s staggering weekly earnings were unveiled amid the brutal ITV daytime cuts.

READ MORE: MasterChef faces ‘absolute nightmare’ as replacement judge ‘pulls out’ days before filmingREAD MORE: Charlotte Dawson mortified as son walks in on naughty photoshoot as fans slam star

Michael, who took over new Sunday Love Songs show on BBC Radio 2 after the death of Steve Wright last year, would often take to social media and share candid updates alongside his mum.

Taking to Facebook the singer revealed they celebrated her 90th birthday taking part on the fastest zipline in Wales.

He wrote: “We celebrated my dear mum’s 90th birthday this past weekend with a trip to Wales with the whole family. What did we get up to, I hear you ask – well we took a 90 year old on the fastest zipline in the world of course! Mx”

Originally from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, Michael’s father is English and his mother Welsh.

His father, Tony Ball, who was later awarded an MBE for services to the industry for his role as head of global sales at British Leyland, was keen on theatre and took Michael to see shows in the school holidays. The singer also celebrated his dad’s 90th birthday last year.

Singer and West End musical theatre actor Michael took over the reins of the much-adored Love Songs show on BBC Radio 2 last year, following the heartbreaking death of Steve Wright.

Michael has been living with his partner Cathy McGowan since the 1980s, but he previously shared his personal sorrow, revealing why he would never know the happiness of fatherhood.

The singer, renowned for his roles in Les Miserables and Aspects Of Love, disclosed that a horrific accident in his teens resulted in severe injuries after a charity parachute jump went awry.

“I was going to earth at four times the speed I was meant to and got dragged along the floor,” he shared, recounting the traumatic event.

At just 18-years-old, the incident caused him a ruptured groin and internal bleeding, which resulted in numerous operations over a span of four years and concealed agony from his resulting impotence.

Michael admitted: “It was very difficult to come to terms with. I was so embarrassed by what had happened to me down below that I didn’t tell anyone for six months. All I ever thought was, ‘Will I ever be normal? ‘ I didn’t feel adequate to be with the rest of the lads running with all the girls. I didn’t have a sexual relationship for more than four years.”