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One way Brits are trying to save money this autumn is by keeping heating bills to a minimum – that’s where these inexpensive expert tips could be your new holy grail for keeping warm

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With temperatures already decreasing as we head deeper into autumn, and Ofgem increasing its price cap earlier this month, Brits across the UK are eagerly looking for ways to keep warm in the autumn and winter months without racking up their energy bills.

There are simple solutions, such as wearing more layers at home or investing in some hefty blankets that you can get cosy under on chilly evenings, but heating expert Matthew Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk has also outlined some easy-to-make changes to your home that could help you save on heating bills through the colder months.

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1. Make Good Use of Your Curtains

Matthew suggests making the most of the free heat from sunlight. By opening your curtains and letting sunlight into your home during the day, you can delay the need to switch on your heating. As night falls, close your curtains. They act as an extra layer of insulation, helping to keep the warmth in the room.

Make sure there are no gaps or leaks to stop warm air from escaping and cold air from creeping in. This can also help to minimise condensation.

During the winter months, it’s advisable to opt for thicker and longer curtains, such as velvet or even blackout options. These ensure less air can seep through the material or sneak around them, into your room.

2. Use Rugs

Your room might be losing a significant amount of heat right under your feet. Floorboards, vinyl, stone, and laminate floors can get extremely cold in the winter, and if your flooring is old or has numerous cracks or gaps, you could be losing a substantial amount of heat through the floor.

Adding a rug to any room can provide a cosy feel while helping to keep your feet warm. It will also help to reduce the amount of cold air creeping in and the amount of warm air escaping.

Depending on the size of the space, a thick rug is a fairly affordable addition to any home.

3. Hot Water Bottles

Hot water bottles are a cost-effective solution for staying warm in the winter. By simply refilling your hot water bottle with warm water throughout the day, you can stay cosy and comfortable.

Pairing a hot water bottle with a blanket creates an incredibly warming combination that keeps you toasty all day long. A fantastic way to cut down on heating at night is to pop a hot water bottle into your bed about 20 to 30 minutes before bedtime, ensuring your sheets are snug and inviting when it’s time to nod off.

If you’re a bit cautious about using water-filled hot water bottles, a microwavable warmer is a brilliant, budget-friendly alternative.

4. Move Your Furniture

A solution that doesn’t require any extra spending, just a bit of interior design know-how. It might seem like a good idea to place your sofa, bed, or desk in front of a radiator to feel the warmth, but this will only result in your furniture soaking up most of the heat from the radiator.

Shifting your furniture away from the radiator allows the warm air to circulate properly throughout the room. This also applies to any other items, such as your curtains, that may be covering your radiator.

Keeping items away from the radiators in the room can provide you with more warmth and allow you to make the most of the heat without waste.

5. Radiator Reflectors

Heat reflectors are a brilliant way to make your home feel cosier. You can pick up radiator reflectors at a bargain price; some options, like those available at Dunelm, go for around £20.

Plus, they’re super easy to fit, meaning you can tackle this DIY task without any extra installation costs. Radiator heat reflectors work by bouncing the heat from your radiator back into the room when placed against the wall behind the radiator.

This stops heat from escaping through the wall and instead pushes the warmth forward into the room, creating a toastier space without the need to crank up the thermostat.

Paris Fury has opened up her handbag and shared its contents, and we spotted two iconic lip products that she always carries with her for make-up touch-ups

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Paris Fury, wife of boxing champ Tyson Fury, has given us a sneak peek into her handbag and revealed her must-have items.

In a video with OK! Magazine, the mum-of-seven explains that she carries around a massive Chanel black quilted bag filled with essentials a busy mum could need, such as nappies, wipes and a hair clip.

But it’s not all practicality – Paris also carries her two favourite lip products that she swears by for naturally enhancing and defining her lips.

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She pulls out two Charlotte Tilbury products: the Lip Cheat pencil, £22, and Hyaluronic Happikiss lip balm, £27, both seemingly in the iconic neutral-pink shade Pillow Talk.

Discussing them, Paris reveals, “I love to have a lipstick and lip liner. This is Pillow Talk Charlotte Tilbury lip balm, I use it on my cheeks, I use it on my lips, and with a bit of darker liner, it always freshens you up, even if you’ve got no make-up on,” reports OK!.

Hyaluronic Happikiss is the perfect choice if you’re not a fan of heavy or matte lipsticks, as it delivers lightweight colour with a hydrating sheen, with 92% of users agreeing that lips feel kissably soft and smooth after using it. Paired with Lip Cheat, it gives definition and shape with a comfortable feel – perfect for busy mums on the go.

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While you’re having a look at the Charlotte Tilbury website, it’s worth taking a peek at the brand’s massive array of Christmas gifts, with something to suit all budgets for every make-up fan in your life. Our top picks include the Pillow Talk Iconic Lip and Cheek Kit, £29, the Charlotte’s Iconic Magic Mini Skin Set, £48, and, of course, the much-coveted Charlotte’s Beauty Advent Calendar, £175 and worth £264.

If you’re on the hunt for a smaller Christmas gift, popular monthly subscription service OK! Beauty Box has revealed four limited-edition beauty Christmas crackers, each centred around a different theme, and each packed with not one but five products from top brands such as Rodial, Bioderma and Aromatherapy Associates. They’re priced at £29.99 each, but the value of the goodies inside is significantly higher – worth up to a whopping £100.

Next’s Prep to Party Beauty Cracker also includes brands like This Works, Dermalogica and Philip Kingsley and is priced at £22 but worth £64, while Lookfantastic is flogging The White Company Winter Mini Cracker, which contains a hand care duo, for £22.

British comedian Johnny Vegas is set to return to screens this week in Netflix’s The Twits.

British telly favourite Johnny Vegas is set to grace screens once more this week in Netflix’s The Twits.

The Netflix film marks the first time Roald Dahl’s beloved short story has been brought to life on screen and boasts an impressive ensemble cast.

Phil Johnston, famed for his contributions to Zootopia and Wreck-it Ralph, helms the animated feature.

The official synopsis for The Twits reads: “The Twits tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Twit, the meanest, smelliest, nastiest people on the face of the earth, and their epic battle against a family of magical Muggle-Wumps and two brave children who refuse to let the Twits’ cruelty win.”

Who does Johnny Vegas play in The Twits?

Johnny Vegas lends his voice to Mr Twit in Netflix’s The Twits, an animated adaptation of Roald Dahl’s famous short story.

He shares vocal duties with Hollywood legend Margo Martindale, who brings Mrs Twit to life.

The supporting cast features Star Wars icon Natalie Portman as Mary Muggle-Wump and Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke as Pippa.

Johnny Vegas in Ideal, Benidorm and other roles

Beloved British funnyman Johnny Vegas has racked up numerous prominent roles throughout his career, reports Lancs Live.

His most memorable appearances include BBC Three’s dark comedy Ideal, in which he portrayed Moz/Roger, and ITV sitcom Benidorm, where he brought to life Geoff Maltby, also known as ‘The Oracle’.

Additional credits feature Eric Agnew in the BBC One sitcom Still Open All Hours and Krook in Bleak House. His knack for comedy has landed him regular appearances on popular panel shows like QI and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

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Johnny Vegas’ art

There’s been a growing interest in Johnny Vegas’ artwork, which has been creating quite a stir.

Just last month, it was revealed that Johnny had teamed up with sculptor Emma Rodgers to craft an installation for an upcoming pottery exhibition titled Just Be There.

Dubbed as an “avenue of hugs captured in clay”, it was showcased at the British Ceramics Biennial, which kicked off in Stoke-on-Trent in early September.

The British Ceramics Biennial is taking place at the Spode Works until 19 October and boasts displays from top ceramic artists.

During the pandemic, Johnny rekindled his passion for ceramics, describing it as an “unfinished part” of his journey.

His artwork can also be snapped up at the Blackmore Gallery and Bluecoat Display Centre.

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Who is Johnny Vegas’ ex-wife?

Johnny Vegas first tied the knot with interior designer Catherine ‘Kitty’ Donnelly, after they met at a London pub. They got hitched in August 2002.

In 2003, the couple welcomed their son Michael Pennington, but by 2006 they had separated and were officially divorced two years later.

Vegas then walked down the aisle again in 2011, this time with Irish TV presenter Maia Dunphy in Spain.

By then, Dunphy had already made a name for herself competing in Celebrity Masterchef: Ireland and the Irish version of Dancing with the Stars.

The pair welcomed their son, Tom, in 2015 before calling time on their marriage two years later.

Maia announced the separation with a “heavy heart” in 2018, posting on X (Twitter): “We are telling people now because speculation is unhelpful at best, and dangerous at worst.

“As we think is obvious, we continue to fully support each other, there is no acrimony, no story and no one else involved.”

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Johnny Vegas’ weight loss

Johnny Vegas has been open about his weight loss transformation, revealing that he decided to take action after becoming “wedged in a tunnel” whilst on his honeymoon in Vietnam in 2011.

Calling the experience a “wake up call”, Johnny subsequently began monitoring his food intake more carefully.

This meant reducing his consumption of his beloved bread and cheese, as he shared during an appearance on Loose Women in 2019.

He said: “I have not done a diet in any way whatsoever. I have cut out things, it’s a lifestyle change.

“Then you can live with it and you don’t feel like you are denying yourself anything – apart from cheese!”

Bafta-winning actor Micheal Ward is charged with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault against one woman

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Actor Micheal Ward’s lawyer will apply to have sexual allegations against him dismissed, a court has heard.

The 27-year-old, who starred in Blue Story and Top Boy, was charged with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault against one woman in January 2023.

He appeared in person at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday for what was initially listed as a plea and trial preparation, but his lawyer instead requested a dismissal hearing.

The next hearing is listed for December 5 and Ward was bailed under condition he does not contact the alleged victim.

He was bailed in August after appearing in court charged with rape and sexual assault. Ward appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on August 28 where he spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth during a short hearing.

He did not enter any pleas and was granted conditional bail to next appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 25. His condition is not to contact the alleged victim.

In a statement issued after the charges were announced last month, Ward said, “I deny the charges against me entirely,” and he added that he had cooperated with police throughout their investigation.

The Jamaican-born actor was awarded the Bafta Rising Star honour in 2020 and was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Bafta for his role in the BBC ’s Small Axe in 2021 and the 2022 film Empire of Light.

Ward played in the Soccer Aid match at Stamford Bridge last year and gave a reading at the Christmas Eve carol service hosted by the Princess of Wales in 2023.

He also stars in the American film Eddington alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, which was released this month.

Dianne Buswell is currently performing on Strictly Come Dancing after announcing she is expecting her first baby with partner Joe Sugg

Channing Tatum ended up confused about a Strictly Come Dancing star’s pregnancy during his The One Show appearance this week. The actor was appearing on the BBC show to promote his latest role but Dianne Buswell and Stefan Dennis were also there to talk about Strictly.

Before the latest series kicked off, Dianne announced that she and her boyfriend, who she met on the show, were expecting their first baby together. She is still taking part on the show throughout her pregnancy.

The One Show host Alex Jones gave her congratulations to Dianne, joking that “there’s actually three of you dancing”. The professional dancer agreed, but Alex had to clarify what she meant when Channing looked slightly confused.

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Alex said “Dianne’s expecting a baby” while the actor admitted he was “not understanding” what was going on. He said that he thought Strictly seemed “different to Dancing With The Stars” as others joked that he must have thought three people took to the dance floor instead of the usual couples.

Dianne went on to say how great it is to be able to be on the show while pregnant, she said: “It’s really exciting. Thank you so much. Yeah, that was very cool. And when I’m out there, I often think I’ve got a little bunny just dancing along with us. It’s really cool. It’s a magical experience.”

The 36-year-old is partnered up with Stefan and they got off to a good start but had to miss Move Week due to the actor not being very well. However, they will be taking to the Strictly dancefloor once again this weekend.

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Fans were disappointed as they wanted to see their Shrek inspired routine for Movie Week. Dianne was still able to join in with her professional dancers as she took part in the group routines instead.

Now, the pair have confirmed if they will be back on the show as they recorded a message for their worried fans. Stefan and Dianne revealed they were back in the training room and are planning to make their comeback this Saturday.

In their message, Stefan said: “Hi everyone, just want to say thank you very much for all your support and well wishes while we were away last week. We are back in the training room and if all goes well, which it will, I will be back on the floor this Saturday. I am looking forward to it.”

Stefan confirmed that the pair would be dancing a Charleston. The dancer added: “But honestly, from the bottom of our hearts we thank you for all the support and love and we are very very excited to be back in the training room.”

The BBC confirmed Stefan’s absence with a statement before the live show. They said: “Stefan Dennis won’t be dancing on Saturday night due to illness. We wish him a speedy recovery and will hopefully see him back in the Ballroom with Dianne next week.”

Dianne took to Instagram to share the announcement and added her own message for Stefan. On her Instagram Story, the Australian dancer wrote: “Sending Aussie love to the wonderful @stefandennis7 you are such a trooper and I know how much you wanted to dance. Hopefully we will be back in full force next week.”

The retailer is stocking an “gorgeous” and “beautiful” decoration, which has been praised by shoppers

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With Christmas just a few months away, shoppers are beginning to search for festive decorations to spruce up their homes. Dunelm shoppers are raving about the retailer’s “gorgeous” £24 accessory, designed to improve the look of your front door.

Dunelm is selling the Artificial Evergreen Forest Wreath, priced at £24, which is said to be a “great alternative to fresh arrangements.” The product can be used indoors and outside, and features pine cones and leaves.

The full Dunelm product description reads: “Brighten up your home this Christmas with our 36cm Evergreen Forest Wreath. Handcrafted from natural materials, it features leaves, natural pinecones, and white mistletoe berry decorations.

“The earthy forest green tones and woodland bracken make this wreath perfect for hanging on your front door or around your home.”

Elsewhere, Next stocks the Red Berry Lit Christmas Wreath for £34, while B&Q has the £25.50 Vintage Style Starry Night Festive Decor Autumn-Winter Wreath Front Door Christmas Wreath 35cm. Rober Dyas also has the Festive 30cm Red Flowers/Cones/Gold Cones/Balls Wreath for £19.99.

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The Artificial Evergreen Forest Wreath has racked up a 4.3 star rating online, gaining a number of reviews from impressed shoppers. Among them, one person said: “Lovely autumn door wreath. This is one of the nicest door wreath I have ever had really stands out very good quality colours really striking very pleased.”

A second wrote: “A very pretty item. Looks lovely and very spring like on my front door.” A third read: “Beautiful wreath, was packaged well and looks exactly like the photo on the website. Really happy with it as it looks beautiful on my front door for Christmas.”

However, some shoppers found the quality of the wreath poor. One person said: “It looks so lovely, but I was disappointed at how easy it broke at the slightest touch.”

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Another wrote: “Lovely wreath design but the material used is very brittle & breaks easily. Not sure if its going to last.”