Archive August 3, 2025

Sue Radford stops daughter Katie from visiting home with young son for ‘tough’ reason

The Radford family’s first commercial success came when they documented the lives of their large and expanding family on Channel 5’s 22 Kids &amp, Counting.

Sue is the star of her own TV show(Image: Channel 5)

In the most recent reality episode of Sue Radford’s show, Sue prevented her daughter Katie from visiting their home with her young son. Viewers viewed new mother Katie navigate her first few months of motherhood in the most recent 22 Kids &amp, Counting episode.

Katie had to move from a mansion with 11 bedrooms where she and her siblings lived. Ronnie and her six-year boyfriend Connor Carter welcomed their first child in October of last year, but the 22-year-old hasn’t had a good start.

In the episode, she opened up about struggling with night feeds every two hours as well as feeling “lonely” and wishing she hadn’t left home. It comes after Top Gear host admitted he ‘never got along’ with Jeremy Clarkson as he made a bold statement.

One-year-old Katie is the mother of
One-year-old Katie is the mother of

The couple moved into a small apartment just two hours from the family’s home shortly after giving birth to Ronnie Hudson Carter.

Since her boyfriend Connor has returned to work, Katie has been having a particularly difficult time. She explained the situation, “A baby takes up a lot of room; there simply wouldn’t have been room for us all in my mom and dad’s house.”

He woke up every two hours last night; I didn’t anticipate that he would have been me. You have to do everything yourself, and Connor returned to work today.

Living alone is much harder, according to the author. When you’re at home, you have to rely on your parents and your siblings to assist, whereas when you’re at home, you must do it alone. I didn’t know what that would happen, loneliness.

In the midst of “fall from grace,” Molly-Mae Hague claims to “can’t understand what she’s done wrong.”

Wynne Evans of Strictly Come Dancing breaks up with her fiancée weeks after making the proposal.

Katie expressed her regrets for missing her parents and said she feels alone. Katie claims later in the episode that she misses living alone with her numerous siblings.

The mother-of-one has been frequently returning to her family’s home, but her mother Sue expressed her desire to give her some “tough love.” She claimed that she was missing everyone and that she was only coming round every day at 8:30 am and then returning until 6 p.m.

Katie added that “going to the house every day is not really going to help her settle in on her own.” There must be some fierce love there, if you’re trying to help her.

In a video, Katie talks about how Ronnie’s mother texted her, “My mother said I can’t come round today… that’s very strange.”

She states, “I’d like to share memories like Ronnie’s first smile or his first giggle with all of my family because they’re missing out.” I sometimes feel regret after leaving my house.

Continue reading the article.

One year on – what’s it like being an Olympic champion?

Images courtesy of Getty

You have your gold medal adorned your neck as you stand on the Olympic podium.

It’s something you have dreamed of your entire life, hours upon hours of hard work and sacrifice having led to the moment.

What happens when the world’s cameras and attention start to gradually turn away from that moment? There are initial euphoria and celebration.

What should I do at this point?

Hannah Scott tasted gold in Paris when she won the women’s quadruple sculls for Team GB with Lauren Henry, Georgina Brayshaw and Lola Anderson in a dramatic final.

The “huge highlight of my life,” according to Scott, who is also a world and european champion.

“Since I’ve been 12 I’ve always had something in my head about winning an Olympic gold. You never know whether you will get one or not because I was embarrassed, so I wouldn’t even talk about it.

” It’s not something I was certain about, it was just a dream.

Hannah Scott celebratesImages courtesy of Getty

Scott had to make a significant decision about her future despite only being 25 at the time.

It wasn’t as simple as taking a break, then jumping in the boat and going again.

Many athletes talk about the struggle they had before reaching the Olympic gold medal goal, because they spent so long trying to achieve it.

” You are kind of like, ‘ what do I do now? ‘ and you must ponder your intentions if you want to return.

The Northern Ireland rower said it” wasn’t an easy decision “and she even tried some work experience to get a taste of the office life.

You must move on and find the next step in order to maintain your own sanity. I’m happy and content with that and I’m happy being back rowing.

“But I had to allow myself some time. I didn’t get back into a boat until around Christmas time and that’s when I found my stride again.

I didn’t know what I was going to do at the time, but I soon realized I missed rowing and the office.

You can’t enter the store while wearing a dressing gown, the saying goes.

After deciding to return, Scott had a virus that ruled her out of the start of the year but she is set to return to competitive action for the World Championships in September, where she should be reunited with her Olympic team-mates in the women’s quad.

It’s just one of the many “ups and downs” of being an athlete, in Scott’s opinion.

“I don’t think I’m finished yet. She continued, “I want to see what else I can do.”

“It might be great, it might not. However, I’m willing to try because participating in high-performance sports is an addictive experience.

Scott added the response from Northern Ireland was “beyond” what she thought it would be and she is now motivated to “do them proud” after their support.

However, Scott makes fun of one negative aspect of her success: her fame.

“In ways, it was beyond what I imagined, and in other ways it is still another rowing race. These things will never change.

” I didn’t realise how many people cared about rowing. I was unable to enter the store while wearing my dressing gown, which I may have previously done.

“Now, it’s like ‘ that’s the girl who went to the Olympics and won the medal’. That was not what I anticipated.

‘ I had done the whole journey for the right reason ‘

After a stunning routine, Rhys McClenaghan won the gold medal in the pommel horse final, which was his final gymnastics performance.

He is now, Olympic, world, European and Commonwealth champion.

McClenaghan has been sidelined from recent shoulder surgery and has not competed since winning his Olympic gold exactly a year ago, on August 3, 2024.

” It’s quite ironic how one year ago I was winning Olympic gold and recently I was waking up in a hospital bed, “the 24-year-old said.

It’s been a crazy year, they say. It’s been a year of figuring things out, mentally. I’ve actually accomplished a lifelong dream and childhood dream that has given me so much energy.

“In that one little moment it was done. My brain is still rejigging a lot.

McClenaghan said winning Olympic gold “met every ounce of expectation” and “all the blood, sweat and tears were worth it for that little moment and that sensation”.

The standout feeling for me when I was growing up was that if there was no one watching or watching in the stands, and it was me in an empty room wearing a medal, it would have still meant just as much,” he said.

“For me, that shows I had done the whole journey for the right reason.

“But then I opened my eyes, looked around, and thought about the young gymnasts who were watching, and I realized it was much bigger than just me.

Rhys McClenaghan celebratesImages courtesy of Getty

Despite winning everything there is to offer in the sport, McClenaghan says he is motivated by “wanting to be the best”.

He stated, “I want to win a gold medal at every competition I enter.”

“But the main motivation for heading into training every day is that I get to do gymnastics. Over the past a year or so, I’ve come to realize that.

” Even though my goal was Olympic gold, the main thing that brought me to the gym every day was enjoying my sport. “

In a twist on gymnastics, McClenaghan took home the Irish version of Strictly Come Dancing in a contest.

It was a different experience from the pommel horse, but one he says was” pretty cool”.

He said, “I’m not a retired dancer, but it was the perfect combination of doing something different and challenging myself, and also sharing those similarities with sport.”

Since winning gold, he has travelled around Ireland and visited various gymnastics clubs to speak to the stars of the future.

“I was aware of how significant winning an Olympic gold medal was to me growing up,” McClenaghan said.

It turned out to be better than I anticipated.

Daniel Wiffen made history in Paris when he became the first athlete from Northern Ireland to win a gold medal in 36 years when he won 800m freestyle gold in the pool.

With Jack McMillan, Scott, and McClenaghan all taking home gold, it launched a historic run of four gold medals at the Games.

Athletes from Northern Ireland can represent either Team GB or Team Ireland, and the Paris Games brought two gold medals for each.

Being Olympic champion was actually better than I anticipated, according to Wiffen, who also won gold in the 800 and 1500 meters at the World Championships prior to the Games.

” I didn’t really think anyone would care that much when I won Olympic gold. Although I am aware that Tokyo was the Covid Olympics, I don’t think it was covered as much.

“But Paris was insane. After the race, I could not take a step without being stopped by people on the Champs-Elysees.

” Even people recognising the Olympics 12 months on, it’s great to see the sport moving forward and it will stay prominent every year going towards LA, and people will be looking out for athletes at the World Championships or other competitions. “

Daniel Wiffen celebrates with his two medals in front of the Eiffel TowerImages courtesy of Getty

The 24-year-old took time out of the pool after the Games to travel around Asia, but attentions soon turned to defending his two world titles.

Before the Singaporean Championships, he said, “I’m quite a confident person, so as soon as I came back from Paris I had already written down my goals for the following season.

” It was what I needed to do to win gold at the next World Championships, and what I needed to change. “

‘ Going again is a weird feeling ‘

After helping Team GB win the 4x200m gold in Paris, Jack McMillan reconnected with the pool in January after a “setup” and took two months off.

The 25-year-old said Olympic glory” definitely lives up to the expectation “but” it’s still something I’m trying to figure out”.

It’s a strange feeling when you reach that Everest, he continued, “when you’ve accomplished something you’ve been training for so long.”

” Part of you is really satisfied but there’s always something that you could still do more or you start to think about other things afterwards.

“I believe that’s the competitive side of things, and why we reach these particular levels. We are always striving for other goals and bettering ourselves.

Jack McMillanImages courtesy of Getty

Despite being Olympic champion, McMillan said the” most pressurised situation “is at the national trials, where you only get” one chance “to swim at international events later that year.

It’s not like what you did last year gave you a smoother ride. You start back to where you were and you almost have to prove yourself again.

Because there’s almost a fear of not knowing how you’ll perform while taking a break, that gives you more confidence.

McMillan won World Championships gold for Great Britain in Singapore on Friday and, speaking before the competition, had said he had been “thinking of other ways to get better” after his Olympic gold.

There is nothing better than that in the sport, according to the coach.

” It makes you reassess and think about what other areas I can get better, rather than thinking ‘ that’s it done’.

“I want to go for specific times for myself, and winning medals at Worlds and Commonwealths will help.”

related subjects

  • Swimming
  • Gymnastics
  • Northern Ireland Sport
  • Rowing
  • Olympic Games

Vicky Pattinson’s £40 suede maxi dress is the ultimate transitional wardrobe hero

Vicky Pattinson’s most recent £40 suede look is the perfect way to transition from summer to autumn if you’re looking for some inspiration for dressing up.

Vicky Pattinson’s faux suede dress is perfect for transitioning into autumn(Image: Instagram @vickypattinson)

One of the biggest trends of 2025 is suede, which can be found in everything from handbags to ballet flats to handbags and more. During the boho chic resurgence last autumn, this trend largely took off. Suede perfectly complements the boho trend, but this year, we’re seeing it stand out on its own.

And it’s the ideal material to use as a stepping stone into the fall. Vicky Pattinson has given us a masterclass in how to rock trans-seasonal dressing thanks to her most recent faux-suede look.

Vicky styled her look with a pair of black strappy heels, black sunglasses, and a chic black circular handbag while wearing the Chestnut Faux Suede Boat Neck Backless Maxi Dress from Pretty Little Thing.

Although this maxi is currently on sale for less than £40, sizes are quickly declining. PLT still has the same exact faux suede dress in stock as a mini shift dress, which costs $40.

In advance of the Reality TV Awards, Holly Willoughby swaps out her fake tan for a £33 blurring body makeup.

READ MORE: Molly-Mae is “obsessed” by brand-new, custom-made Dyson headphones.

 PLT faux suede dress
The PLT faux suede dress is available in both maxi and mini versions(Image: PLT / Instagram @vickypattinson)

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on real suede to look good because suede works year-round. There are so many options when affordable faux suede styles like PLT are released.

When the temperature drops, we advise layering this dress underneath a short or long sleeve t-shirt and adding a stylish leather or barn jacket. Additionally, team a pair of sheer tights underneath if you prefer the mini dress.

Continue reading the article.

Although it’s only the beginning of August, it’s the ideal time to start thinking about your fall wardrobe. Our shopping team has compiled the best fall clothing deals available right now for you if you’re looking for some inspiration. The ASOS Cleona premium leather kitten heel knee boots, which cost £145 and are now priced at £195, were my choice. The days of uncomfortable, stiletto-high fall boots are long gone. Instead, lower heel heights that don’t compromise on style are being observed.

Best back to school clothing deals from Sainsbury’s TU, M&S, Asda George and more

With September around the corner, we’ve rounded up the best back to school buys from high street and supermarket retailers like Asda, Sainsbury’s and M&S

School uniform clothing deals from M&S, Asda, Sainsburys and more (Image: Mirror)

It’s officially that time to start thinking about getting your kids’ back to school uniforms sorted before September rolls around (if you haven’t done so already). And if you’re looking to beat the rush as soon as possible, we’ve rounded up where you can get the best deals and offers from high street and supermarket retailers.

So many brands are trying to ease the financial burden that school uniform shopping can place upon parents. Kickers has frozen its prices since 2023, M&S has done the same since 2021, and Matalan offers a £5 and under section on its site. From budget brands like Matalan and George at Asda to pricier but quality ones like Marks & Spencer and Next, we’ve found non-iron shirts, cute pinafores, extended-leg trousers, and durable school shoes to see your little ones through the next school year, or at least the next term.

READ MORE: Clarks is offering back-to-school shoes at lowest price in a decade – here’s what to shop

READ MORE: Tesco’s cosy Dryrobe alternative with snug fleece lining is back–but won’t be for long

NEXT

Next's 2025 Back to School Uniform Shop
Next’s 2025 Back to School Uniform Shop(Image: Next)

Next’s back-to-school collection combines quality with style, featuring smart shirts, trousers, dresses and shoes in a range of different fits and sizes.

Known for their lasting fabrics and comfortable fits, Next’s uniform range is at a higher price point like M&S, but is great for parents looking to invest in clothing that will stay looking good term after term.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Left, 5-pack Frill Collar School Polo Tops (3-16yrs), from £23 here; Frill Waist Pinafore, from £10 here; Scalloped Edge Cardigan, from £10 here and Chunky Mary Janes, from £21 here

Right, 5-pack Frill Collar School Polo Tops (3-16yrs), from £23 here; Bow Pinafore, from £10 here; Bow Pocket Cardigan, from £10 here and Bow Mary Janes, from £26 here

MATALAN

Matalan's Back to School Uniform Shop
Matalan’s Back to School Uniform Shop (Image: Matalan)

Matalan offers a whole range of school clothing for extremely affordable prices, making it easy for parents to tick off every item on their school checklist without having to break the bank.

On the website, they are currently showcasing a £5 and under school uniform offer, which sees stretchy trousers, scallop collar polo shirts, Mary Jane plimsolls and more for super waller-friendly prices (depending on age and sizing).

SHOP THE LOOK:

Left, Stitch Backpack Set, £18 here, and 2-pack Zip Up Pinafores, from £11 here

Right, Dinosaur Backpack Set, £16 here; 2-pack Burgundy Jumper, from £9 here; and Cargo School Shorts, from £5.50 here

TU SAINSBURY’S

Sainsbury's Tu Clothing School Uniform Shop
Sainsbury’s Tu Clothing School Uniform Shop(Image: Sainsbury’s)

Rivalling the likes of Lidl, Asda, and Tesco, Tu at Sainsbury’s is another supermarket retailer that is offering actual quality and durability for purse-friendly prices.

From cosy sweatshirts to classic trousers and non-iron shirts, they’ve got just about everything your kid needs for the school year.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Left, 2 Pack Red Crew Neck Sweatshirts, from £4 here; 2 Pack Black Trousers, from £7 here; and Magic Feet Black Leather Cupsole School Shoes, from £20 here

Right, 3 Pack White Short Sleeve Shirts, from £4 here, and 2 Pack Grey Skinny Trousers, from £7 here

M&S

M&S 2025 School Uniform Shop
M&S 2025 School Uniform Shop(Image: M&S)

M&S’ school uniforms are slightly pricier than the likes of Lidl, Matalan or Asda, however, the quality is unmatched, and the prices are still reasonably affordable. These uniforms are probably the best choice if you’ve got slightly older children who aren’t growing as fast, and can keep the same uniform for the next year or two.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Left, 3pk Unisex Stain Resist School Polo Shirts, from £7 here; 2pk Boys’ Regular Leg School Shorts, from £8 here and Kids’ Leather School Shoes, from £32 here

Right, 3pk Unisex Stain Resist School Polo Shirts, from £7 here

KICKERS

Kickers 2025 School Shoes Shop
Kickers 2025 School Shoes Shop(Image: Kickers)

Kickers has frozen the price of their school shoes since 2023, in order to help combat the current cost of living crisis. Although most of their styles are still pricier, around the £50 mark, these are quality, durable shoes that will last term after term, and worth the money, in our opinion.

SHOP THE LOOK: Girls Adlar MJ Scallop Leather Black, from £50 here

GEORGE AT ASDA

Asda's George School Uniform Shop
Asda’s George School Uniform Shop(Image: Asda)

George at Asda has some of the lowest school uniform prices on the market, with packs of shirts as little as £3 and packs of shorts as low as £5.

And it’s not just affordable and practical pieces, George offers a a while of range of those more trendy uniform buys if you’ve got any budding fashionistas to shop for.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Left, 2 Pack White Short Sleeve School Polo Shirts, from £3 here, and 2 Pack Grey School Boys Shorts Elastic Waist, from £5 here

Black Ribbed Senior Girls School Cardigan, £12 here; 2 Pack Girls White Short Sleeve Non Iron School Shirt, from £5 here; and 2 Pack Black Permanent Pleat Girls School Skirt, from £8 here

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2 Pack White Girls Scallop Polo Shirts, from £3 here; 2 Pack Red Knitted Girls School Cardigan, from £8 here; 2 Pack Grey Permanent Pleat Girls School Skirt, from £8 here

Marta scores stunner as Brazil retain Copa America

Images courtesy of Getty

Brazil won the Copa America Femenina title with a penalty shootout victory over Colombia, and Marta scored two late goals.

Colombia took the lead three times in a pulsating final in Quito, Ecuador, only to be able to reclaim the lead once more by beating Brazil.

Colombia opened the scoring with a low, close-range finish from Real Madrid’s forward Linda Caicedo before Angelina equalized from the penalty spot in stoppage time.

When Amanda Gutierres controlled a cross with her chest and volleyed into the bottom corner, Brazil defender Tarciane scored a bizarre own goal after her attempted back pass fell just short of goalkeeper Lorena.

Mayra Ramirez’ late goal at Chelsea gave her hope of a late winner, but late substitute Marta fired a superb equalizer from long range in the sixth minute of injury time.

After Brazil won silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the 39-year-old retired from international football, but Arthur Elias’ squad was called up for pre-tournament friendlies in May.

Midway through extra time, Marta, the six-time Fifa Player of the Year, leaped into the top corner with a teasing cross before Colombia midfielder Leicy Santos curled a free kick into the top corner to force penalties.

Both teams had the lead early on, but Marta had a chance to win it but Katherine Tapia saved her effort.

Lorena, the Brazil goalkeeper, saved from Jorelyn Carabali to win the shootout, which ended abruptly.

“I believe women’s soccer has increased significantly. It seems to be more competitive, in my opinion. A match like this was the only one in this place. Congratulations to Colombia as well, according to Brazilian journalist Amanda Gutierres.

related subjects

  • Football
  • Women’s Football

Braun epilator that makes ‘skin smooth in no time’ is cut by 57%

Users claim that using the device means there is “no more fuss” with shaving or waxing.

The Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex SkinSpa Epilator is on offer for £159.98(Image: Braun)

It’s no surprise that there are a lot of products available that claim to make hair removal easier, but many of them come with a pretty pricey price tag. It can seem like an endless task. Up until now, as one retailer offers summer-themed devices at special prices.

The Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex SkinSpa Epilator’s price has been reduced by 57% from its regular $ 369.99 price. The product can be used both wet and dry, and it comes with a 360-degree flexible head, a mini shaver, exfoliating brush, and massage pad.

It’s claimed to be able to “have a month of smooth skin” and can cut hairs as short as 0. 5mm. On one charge, the head can last up to 50 minutes, with the exception of 40 tiny tweezers. Additionally, it has two power and gentle modes.

Read more: Philips ‘excellent value for money’ wireless headphones get price drop

Read more: Tesco’s cosy Dryrobe alternative with snug fleece lining is back–but won’t be for long

If you’re looking for an alternative, Boots has the Panasonic ES-EY90 five-in-one full body epilator kit for £134.99 – £65 down from its usual price of £199.99. It comes with a range of attachments, including a main epilation head with ‘double-disc technology’, featuring 60 tweezers, able to cut hairs as short as 0.5mm.

A bikini comb, gentle cap, sonic scrub brush, shaver head, pop-up trimmer, and foot care head are included as well as it can be used wet or dry. On one charge, it can last for up to 50 minutes, and it has a pressure center.

Braun epilator

Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex SkinSpa, Epilator with 360° Flexible Head for Easy Hair Removal, Wet & Dry, Lasting Smooth Skin, All-in-One Kit, with Body Mini Shaver, SES9-481 3D, White/Gold

£369.99

£159.99

Purchase here

A Silk ‘n 7 Light-Based Hair Removal Device is available for £349.30, down 30% from its regular price of £499. Three attachments, a separate razor, and a charging cable are included in this that can be used for both the face and body.

It uses light to open the pores and get rid of the root-caused hair. Returning to the Braun epilator, Amazon gave it a 4.7% out of 5.

One customer remarked, “Your skin will be smooth in no time if you don’t press too much on it. Just gently and not too quickly.”

“I’m so happy I bought it for myself, and I absolutely love it.” No more clogging up the shaving, red spots, or waxing.

Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex SkinSpa, Epilator with 360° Flexible Head for Easy Hair Removal, Wet & Dry, Lasting Smooth Skin, All-in-One Kit, with Body Mini Shaver, SES9-481 3D, White/Gold
Users say it makes their skin feel smooth quickly(Image: Braun)

Another person praised the head’s movement, which gives you a much smoother finish.

Epilators do hurt, but if you’ve used one before, you’ll probably find this much more comfortable. The smart sensor was also helpful, too. It was “game-changing” thanks to “another user branded it.”

Continue reading the article.

Some people, however, claimed that the cost was too high for the use: “It stings the legs for the rest of the day.” takes longer than a month because I had to shave my legs once more after three days.