Category Entertainment News

We’ve found the perfect pair of secateurs suited to gardeners and green-thumbed enthusiasts who struggle to find the strength needed for certain pruning jobs – and right now, they’re on sale

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With summer well and truly over, it’s time to start thinking about preparing gardens and outdoor spaces for the winter months ahead. A spot of preparation now can save a heap of effort come spring, while helping to protect everything from plants to patio furniture.

One expert suggests that if your outdoor space is compact, you’ll only need a handful of essential items.

Speaking exclusively to the Express.co.uk, Norwegian gardening guru Didrik Dimmen from Auk reveals: “In my experience, starting with a hand trowel and fork is ideal for dividing perennials and planting bulbs, especially in small spaces or containers. For pruning, a sharp pair of secateurs is always invaluable. Making precise cuts helps prepare plants for dormancy through the winter.”

For anyone who finds the strength needed for certain pruning jobs challenging, we’ve discovered these Votrek garden secateurs from Amazon, reports the Express.

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They’re specifically designed for those dealing with stiffness or arthritis in their hands. What’s more, they’re currently slashed from £25.98 to £19.99.

According to the manufacturer, the Votrek arthritis-friendly secateurs, available in green, orange and black, boast an ergonomic design that cuts down on the grip force needed to make cuts. The handles are padded and contoured for comfort, helping to reduce strain. The blade is angled to require less effort, meaning gardeners don’t need to squeeze quite so firmly.

They also feature a ratchet mechanism, enabling users to make cuts in stages – particularly handy for tougher stems. One chuffed customer penned: “The handles are comfortable and easy to squeeze, requiring very little effort compared to standard pruners. The blades are sharp and cut cleanly through stems and small branches without crushing them. They feel sturdy, well-made, and lightweight, making them easy to use for longer gardening sessions.”

Another shopper noted: “Bought these as my hands don’t have the strength to snip off the pruning anymore, and these have allowed me to carry on more easily.”

A third chimed in that the orange hue of this pair was a draw and “make them stand out so they are easier to see when you put them down, and there is a wrist strap already attached if you need it.”

One reviewer mentioned that while they considered them “decent quality,” they questioned the sharpness for the toughest jobs: “The blade isn’t as sharp as it could be…for heavy-duty jobs, I would suggest sharpening it some more.”

According to Didrik, pruning is one of the most vital tasks a thoughtful gardener can undertake. He asserts: “Pruning is essential for keeping plants healthy and encouraging strong growth. It can often be overlooked, but if you prune little and regularly, it can be very low maintenance and make a huge difference.

“Winter is all about tidying and protecting rather than heavy pruning. Start with sharp clean tools and remove anything dead or diseased. It’s important to avoid cutting the top flat and keep the base of the shrub wider so sunlight can reach the lower branches so that you don’t end up with bare, leggy stems.

“Tender plants such as fuchsias, pelargoniums or salvias shouldn’t be pruned too much now as fresh growth can be vulnerable to frost. It’s best to leave them with some top growth for protection and do the harder prune in spring.”

Pete Wicks, best known for his performances on Strictly Come Dancing after rising to fame on The Only Way Is Essex, shared the revelation while opening up about his love of dogs

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Pete Wicks has shared his ultimate “goal in life” to “disappear into nothingness”. This revelation came during a recent interview promoting the second series of his U&W show, Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake, where he collaborates with the dedicated staff from the national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.

Throughout the course of the show, Pete met numerous adorable dogs, each one capturing his heart. When asked how he resists the urge to take these pooches home, the former Strictly Come Dancing contestant revealed his life goal.

Opening up to TV Times, Pete (who recently spoke out about a question he’s often asked that annoys him) confessed: “It’s the hardest thing, and my goal in life is to buy land and just disappear into nothingness surrounded by dogs. I prefer dogs to people!”.

He went on to say: “But I already have my two rescues (French bulldogs Eric and Peggy) who’ve both had traumatic experiences and are getting on, so it wouldn’t be right to bring in another dog, as much as I want to.”

He also mentioned that some members of their film crew are adopting dogs again in this series.

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Filmed at the charity’s rehoming centre in Basildon, the show is set to return for two more series and a Christmas special following the success of its initial run earlier this year.

In May, Pete shared an update with fans about the show, saying he was in the “thick of it filming”, adding that he “couldn’t be happier” and that it had been “full of tears and laughter”.

Fast forward to October, Pete excitedly announced “We are BACK!” giving fans a “one week warning” for the show’s return on Monday, October 13.

He added: “On a personal note, I am so proud and so excited for you all to see what I have been doing for the past 6 months working with @dogstrust and all the amazing staff there, this show is more than work, it’s my passion so your support would mean everything! So go follow @petewicksfordogssake and tell me what you think!”.

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Pete’s former Strictly dance partner, Jowita Przystal, also showed her support for his project (she’s reportedly been doing work for the charity too), urging fans to follow him and expressing her excitement for the new series.

This follows Pete’s recent revelation about his on-stage kiss with Jowita at London’s O2 Arena during a live version of his and close mate Sam Thompson’s Staying Relevant podcast.

Reacting to a fan’s description of the kiss as “aggressive”, Sam clarified: “It wasn’t an aggressive kiss, though. I feel like it was quite like a… choreo…by the way, it was choreography, that kiss. I think we should put that out there right now.”

Former Vogue editor-in-chief Anne Wintour gave a simple three-word verdict on the Duchess of Sussex’s divisive monochrome Paris Fashion Week ensemble

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Fashion icon Dame Anna Wintour delivered a three-word verdict on Meghan Markle’s divisive monochrome outfit she dramatically wore for Paris Fashion Week.

The Duchess of Sussex travelled to the French capital where she attended the Balenciaga show for their Spring/Summer 2026 womenswear design showcase, as she dressed head-to-toe in the iconic luxury brand. The visit marked Meghan’s first trip to mainland Europe in two years, with Prince Harry nowhere to be seen.

While at the event, Meghan spoke to Anna, former Vogue editor-in-chief, who was all smiles as she greeted the Duchess with a smile and exchanged a kiss on each cheek.

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A video shared on X shows Meghan dressed in a chic all-white ensemble, greeting Ms Wintour and asking her: “How are you?”, to which she replies: “Nice to see you.” Anna looks at Meghan’s outfit before saying: “Beautiful, cherie. You look amazing.”

Meghan was snapped wearing a stylish white oversized cape over a white button-down shirt with matching trousers. The Duchess paired the look with black pointed-toe heels and black accessories, with her hair in her signature slicked-back bun.

Despite the mounting praise from Wintour, others were less impressed by her monochrome look. Upon seeing her first look of the evening, some fans appeared less than impressed by her ensemble, with many taking to social media to share their opinions on her outfit.

One fan commented: “My bed sheets after a restless night”, whilst another wrote, “Ugh! it’s giving Bed Bath and Beyoncé”.

Meghan later changed outfits into a gorgeous black dress with an asymmetrical neckline for a Balenciaga after-party, in stark contrast from her outfit for the runway showcase.

Many asked why Meghan appeared at this particular show during the event, and it appears she is friends with the fashion designer Pierpaolo Piccioli – Balenciaga’s new creative director – who wore his designs when he previously worked at Valentino.

A spokesman for the duchess said: “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attended the Balenciaga show in Paris on Saturday night in support of Pierpaolo Piccioli, who recently assumed the role of creative director for the house.”

“This marks her first time back to the shows in over a decade. Over the years, the duchess has worn a number of designs by Pierpaolo. They have worked closely together collaborating on design for key moments on the world stage. She has long admired his craftsmanship and modern elegance, and tonight was no different. This evening reflects the culmination of many years of artistry and friendship, reflected in her support for his new creative chapter at Balenciaga.”

Myleene Klass has revealed how she felt ‘sheer terror’ after being sent a string of letters and a gift by her stalker, who has today been found guilty of his crimes

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Myleene Klass’s stalker sent the broadcaster a string of terrifying letters and gifts. The former singer’s stalker, Peter Windsor, was found guilty today of his crimes, which left the star feeling “sheer terror”.

Throughout the ordeal, Myleene was sent dozens of letters to her workplace, as well as packages containing an air pistol, handcuffs, a police uniform and rosary beads. Windsor, of Mary Road, Birmingham, denied stalking Myleene as well as her Classic FM colleague, Katie Breathwick, to whom he also sent a will-writing kit, as well as “unhinged” mail.

The crimes were committed between March 2020 and August 2024. Jurors reached their decision on Tuesday, having spent four hours and eight minutes deliberating over two days. The court heard that Windsor also left Katie terrified after sending her hand-written notes, binoculars, perfume and running shoes.

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She told Myleene about around 100 notes and gifts as she felt her colleague ought to have been aware of the situation. In one letter, Windsor called Myleene a “naughty vixen” and told Breathwick that he wanted to go paddling in a lake with the pair, while they sipped on champagne.

He had previously been arrested but not charged after sending a letter to Nicola Sturgeon in October 2020, which he said had been “signed in blood” and “pledged his soul to Satan”. This, he says, was “just a joke.”

Myleene said how Royal Mail had found an air pistol addressed to her. Several packages were also sent to her workplace, which raised their concerns with Myleene.

Speaking about the gun package, she told the court: “He said to me that whilst the gun wasn’t necessary for a licence in this country, at such close proximity right up to 6ft it could prove fatal and police took it very seriously. I was extremely shocked because suddenly it felt extremely real. It’s a gun in a box with my name on it.”

One letter read: “Dear Myleene, Introducing the nemesis Caig Sterling gun (Champions 60’s telly show), if things get scary for you (deterrent). (String may have buggered on it). Petey Pope.”

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Another letter read: “Dear Myleene, My teacher told me when I was 5 years old that a Prince or a God is warned by wild geese when it could be war, there was the war movie The Wild Geese, also several times in the last few months geese went past my window, the RAF fly in geese ‘V’ formation, Petey xxx.”

Meanwhile, a letter written on the back of a receipt said: “Dear Myleene, Just a stamp collection for you, Petey xxx.” One package saw Windsor also include silver rosary beads, with a letter saying: “Dear Myleene, Just a silver for holy protection ring for a worthy high priestess. Pete Pete.

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“P.s. as biroies even tweety tweet in envelope.” Judge Rochford adjourned the case until sentencing at Warwick Crown Court at a later date and said that these offences had “clearly been a traumatic experience” for both Myleene and Katie. Addressing the jurors, he said: “You have heard that the defendant is a man of good character.

“I need to make arrangements for sentencing the defendant. The options that I have include a prison sentence, but I also have options to impose a hospital order.” He told the panel who convicted Windsor: “It’s been a slightly unusual trial from the lawyers’ point of view. Thank you for the care and attention you have given to this case.”

Meanwhile, in his closing speech to the jury on Monday, Philip Brunt, defence barrister, said Windsor had been diagnosed for the past 30 years with paranoid schizophrenia and had included his name and address in the correspondence.

Windsor, who has used multiple names including Peter Szymanski and changed his surname to its current form by deed poll, had not followed anyone and was not told by anyone to stop sending letters, Mr Brunt added.

Louis Tomlinson has reflected on the “impossibly difficult” death of his friend and former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne, who tragically died last year. Louis opened up about how he had “never lost a friend before”.

Liam tragically died after falling from a hotel balcony while holidaying in Argentina in October 2024. He met Louis when they both auditioned for X Factor when they were teenagers. Though they both auditioned as solo performers, they were put into a band, called One Direction, alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of One Direction’s formation. Louis has now spoken about the affect his friend’s death had on him.

“It was really uncomfortable, actually, the 15th anniversary, because the [collective] feeling to celebrate is as important, if not more important than ever, on behalf of Liam,” he said. “You know, there’s still a level in my head [where it feels] unjust and frustrating that he’s not with us anymore. So, it just brought up those feelings, although I’m still living with them anyway.”

He added: “It was really, really, impossibly difficult for me to deal with losing Liam. Naively, I thought that because at this point, I’m relatively well versed in grief for my age, that it might soften the blow. [That was] super-naive. It’s very different. I’ve never lost a friend before.”

Louis went on to call Liam the “safest pair of hands” of any of the One Direction members as he had the most pre-X Factor experience, while the rest of them were all “so amateur”.

“We were all so amateur but he was already where he needed to be by the time he did his first audition,” he said. “None of us would have admitted it at the time, because you have a lot of pride as a young lad, but we all looked up to him like that.”

This all came out in an interview with Rolling Stone. Louis later addressed how he spoke about Liam the day after his death. He said he felt the need to “set the record straight” when he paid tribute to his friend on social media. He wanted to correct the “deeply unfair” narrative Liam had gotten in the press after an interview in 2022 saw him share negative opinions on his time in a boyband.

“For the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction,” he wrote in October last year. “His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us, Liam.”

“Anyone who knew him personally would know how deeply unfair that was,” he told Rolling Stone. “Anything that he got wrong in life, Liam – which, by the way, we all do daily – it was never through malice. It was only through miscommunication – him just not being able to express himself in the way he needed to.

“He was just a very misunderstood person, I think, from a public perspective. If there is ever any judgment on his character, I think nine times out of 10, you can reflect on that, and the reflection is that he was someone who just wanted to be liked.”

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Louis Tomlinson has reflected on the “impossibly difficult” death of his friend and former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne, who tragically died last year. Louis opened up about how he had “never lost a friend before”.

Liam tragically died after falling from a hotel balcony while holidaying in Argentina in October 2024. He met Louis when they both auditioned for X Factor when they were teenagers. Though they both auditioned as solo performers, they were put into a band, called One Direction, alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of One Direction’s formation. Louis has now spoken about the affect his friend’s death had on him.

“It was really uncomfortable, actually, the 15th anniversary, because the]collective] feeling to celebrate is as important, if not more important than ever, on behalf of Liam”, he said. “You know, there’s still a level in my head]where it feels] unjust and frustrating that he’s not with us anymore. So, it just brought up those feelings, although I’m still living with them anyway”.

He added: “It was really, really, impossibly difficult for me to deal with losing Liam. Naively, I thought that because at this point, I’m relatively well versed in grief for my age, that it might soften the blow. ]That was] super-naive. It’s very different. I’ve never lost a friend before”.

Louis went on to call Liam the “safest pair of hands” of any of the One Direction members as he had the most pre-X Factor experience, while the rest of them were all “so amateur”.

“We were all so amateur but he was already where he needed to be by the time he did his first audition”, he said. “None of us would have admitted it at the time, because you have a lot of pride as a young lad, but we all looked up to him like that”.

This all came out in an interview with Rolling Stone. Louis later addressed how he spoke about Liam the day after his death. He said he felt the need to “set the record straight” when he paid tribute to his friend on social media. He wanted to correct the “deeply unfair” narrative Liam had gotten in the press after an interview in 2022 saw him share negative opinions on his time in a boyband.

“For the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction”, he wrote in October last year. “His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us, Liam”.

“Anyone who knew him personally would know how deeply unfair that was”, he told Rolling Stone. “Anything that he got wrong in life, Liam – which, by the way, we all do daily – it was never through malice. It was only through miscommunication – him just not being able to express himself in the way he needed to.

” He was just a very misunderstood person, I think, from a public perspective. If there is ever any judgment on his character, I think nine times out of 10, you can reflect on that, and the reflection is that he was someone who just wanted to be liked. “

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs onTikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeandThreads.