BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox has opened up about the “hardest thing” she has ever done after completing her mammoth marathon challenge last month, which saw her run 135 miles in just five days
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Sara Cox is still suffering after her intense challenge(Image: PA)
DJ Sara Cox has confessed she’s still battling a “disgusting” injury following her exhausting marathon challenge.
The BBC Radio 2 host took on the enormous task last month, collecting an incredible £11.5million for BBC Children in Need as she tackled 135 miles across just five days.
Sara, 50, began her journey in Kielder Forest in Northumberland before crossing the finish line in Pudsey in Leeds on Friday, November 14.
Nearly a month on from completing her remarkable charity feat, the mother-of-three has disclosed she’s dealing with fluid in her left knee, forcing her to keep moving to prevent it from locking up.
She confessed it was the “hardest thing” she has ever tackled and it seems Sara is still battling the aftermath of her brave effort, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The Bolton-born broadcaster earned acclaim from the likes of Prince William and the Spice Girls singer Mel C, but she revealed her ongoing health issues since the marathons have left her feeling exasperated.
Chatting to the Big Issue, Sara explained: “I’m just trying to keep stretching that left knee at the back. There’s a little pocket of fluid there apparently. I know it’s disgusting, I don’t want to put you off your elevenses.
“It’s frustrating because it’s tiring being in pain. Obviously the bigger picture is that loads of kids have been helped with £11.5m from very generous people. That’s a definite comfort, for sure, when I’m aching and creaking and being grumpy.”
Sara shared her exhilaration at crossing the finish line in Pudsey after completing the final marathon. She was met by her husband, marketing executive Ben Cyzer, and their children Isaac, 17, and Renee, 15, along with a group of her closest friends.
The Radio 2 Teatime show host crossed the finish line of her great northern marathon challenge around 3.30pm on the final day. She sported a Pudsey Bear backpack as she journeyed through Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire on her impressive 135-mile trek.
Speaking to the Big Issue, she said: “To my dying day, I’ll never forget seeing two of my kids and my husband at the finish line, flanked by all my best mates. The relief and joy and the jubilation that I finished just about in one piece will stay with me forever.”
She added: “You know, I grew up with celebrities fundraising. In the olden days, you just had to sit in a bath of beans. Things have changed now. Sending out a 50-year-old woman to run five marathons.”
The BBC radio presenter then quipped that “it’s outrageous”.
This comes after Sara confessed that one of her children sometimes pretends not to know her. Despite her monumental charitable achievement, she admits she’s still an embarrassment to her children, as her 17 year old son Isaac often ignores her when they’re at the gym together.
“I’ll give him a lift there and it will be lovely,” she shared with The Times. “Then in the gym if I walk past him he gives me that little look to say, ‘Go away.’ He knows people there and he doesn’t want me going up to him all sweaty.”
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Due to her commitment to presenting Radio 2’s Drivetime slot from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, she seldom manages to attend parents’ evenings at her children’s schools.
Stacey Solomon says her inbox has been full of fans eager to know where they can find her extra-large storage bags – and we know exactly where to look
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Where to shop Stacey Solomon’s go-to large storage bags as fans beg to know (Image: Stacey Solomon/Instagram)
Stacey Solomon is always sharing her home hacks with her fans, and last week was no exception as she showcased her extra-large storage solution, which comes with an affordable price tag.
Stacey revealed she uses these Iespell Extra Large storage boxes with lids, which drove fans wild as she begged to know where they could get their hands on some. Stacey’s exact celestial-patterned storage boxes are currently unavailable; however, there are plenty of similar styles from Iespell available on Amazon.
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Stacey Solomon shared with fans on Instagram that she thinks these storage bags are a “great” solution for storing homeware and clothes, revealing she “loves” hers. For those who are happy to ditch the sun and moon design that Stacey opted for, you can find nearly identical storage bags for £19.99 in either plain black or grey.
This multi-pack boasts four 110L extra-large moving bags, with sizes: 80x47x30 cm / 31.5×18.5×12 inch. Designed to be strong and sturdy, these bags are made with heavy-duty, thicker, tear-resistant 600D Oxford fabric, featuring strong, high-quality, robust zippers and handles.
Constructed from thick, strong, waterproof, and UV-resistant materials, these bags are large enough to store winter-season laundry clothes, duvet quilts, sheets, curtains, sweaters, blankets, pillows, and toys. You can also use them to store Christmas decorations, making this the ideal time of year to pick up your own.
The storage moving bags feature a reinforced handle, making them extra suitable for transporting large items and avoiding breakage during use. They are an easy choice for tidying your wardrobe or under the bed, making them ideal for those moving flats or university students looking for a simple and affordable storage solution.
One buyer who picked up these storage bags writes: “Excellent to put clothes in when moving.” While another beams: “Fantastic value for money holds a large amount. Double handles for carrying/moving.Ideal for storing bedding, etc. Bought these as moving home and needed something to put duvets, sheets and throws in.”
More love comes from this buyer who adds, “Great quality and the bags hold a lot more in them than I thought. Managing to eventually start decluttering the loft, and these are perfect. Will be buying more!!”
This shopper shares: “These laundry bags are absolutely great, ample room, strong and durable. I’ve had a few family members ask where I got them, so I’ve referred them. I will most definitely buy thumbs up from me again.”
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While another customer bestows this 5-star review: “These were great for me for my move, but also good for storing things in my ottoman bed. It’s surprising how much you can get in them.”
Mark Wright’s mum joined dozens of festive namesakes on a coach from London Victoria for a Christmas singalong
Mark Wright’s mum, Carol Wright, hopped aboard a very merry coach trip alongside 52 other Carols and Noels for a festive singalong to remember. The National Express service, departing from London Victoria Coach Station, rolled out the red carpet for a group of passengers all sharing the same seasonal names.
Strict ID checks ensured only true Carols and Noels made it on board, with many donning novelty Christmas jumpers to embrace the ‘festive fun’ dress code. Spirits were high as passengers belted out Christmas classics for the entire journey, spreading cheer all the way. Joining Carol was a Noel Fielding lookalike, adding an extra dash of celebrity sparkle to the occasion.
The jolly jaunt comes as National Express, the UK’s largest coach operator, is offering anyone named Carol or Noel free travel on Christmas Day, with 355 services running to 96 destinations across the country.
John Boughton, commercial director for National Express, stated: “Carol and Noel are the most festive names, so we were delighted to welcome so many on board to kick off the holiday season.
“This year we are feeling more festive than ever before and we can’t wait to welcome Carols and Noels for their free journeys with us on Christmas Day. Singing Christmas songs is optional.”
He added: “With planned rail disruption over the festive period, we’re once again stepping up to help people get home this Christmas with thousands of coach services across our key intercity and airport routes.”
The coach company also surveyed 2,000 people who celebrate Christmas to find out the number one carol, with ‘Silent Night’ being crowned the nation’s favourite, securing 35% of the vote in a recent poll. It was closely followed by ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ and ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’.
Over a third of respondents confessed that they don’t truly get into the festive spirit until they’ve belted out their first carol, with 45% experiencing a wave of nostalgia upon hearing these seasonal tunes.
Approximately 40% believe that a top-notch Christmas carol should be easy to sing along to and possess a ‘traditional feel’, while 37% think memorable lyrics are key.
The survey, conducted by OnePoll.com, also revealed other popular choices such as ‘O Holy Night’ (15%) and ‘Away in a Manger’ (12%). However,’ Ding Dong Merrily on High’ narrowly missed out on the top 10, landing in 11th place.
John added: “There’s something magical about hearing carols drift through the air during the holidays. Whether you’re out singing them door-to-door, or aboard a coach with three dozen people called Carol or Noel, they’re timelessly festive.
“Singing them at this time of year is almost guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit, even if there’s no snow on the ground.”
Angryginge’s mum, Michelle, has spoken to the Mirror about her superstar, son, Angryginge, and his fellow campmates after the YouTuber was crowned King of the Jungle
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Angryginge’s mum has broken her silence after her son was crowned King of the Jungle(Image: James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock)
Angryginge’s mum has broken her silence after her son was crowned King of the Jungle on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!
The YouTuber, 24 – whose real name is Morgan Burtwistle – was met by his proud parent, Michelle, on the iconic bridge Down Under on Sunday to see the star declared the winner of the ITV show after fans voted for him in their droves.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror after the final, which many have hailed as ‘the best ever’, Michelle said her ‘heart was in her mouth’. However, confessing that she didn’t think her son was going to win the show, she admitted: “I really thought it was going to be Tom [Read Wilson]. In my head it was just Tom Tom Tom. I just feel elated. I just couldn’t believe it.”
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Angryginge, who hails from Manchester and boasts almost a million subscribers on YouTube,was the bookies’ favourite throughout his stint in the Australian jungle.
However, when EastEnders star, Shona, 34, was announced in third place, viewers wondered if actor, Tom, 39, would pip him to the post.
It has since emerged that Ginge secured 53 per cent of the vote in the final three before going onto to rake in 65 per cent of the vote from the final two, with Tom receiving 35 per cent.
Revealing he would have felt “guilty” if he had waltzed off with the crown and sceptre, Tom, who came in late to camp with Vogue Williams, said on Good Morning Britain: “I thought Ginge had to win, not only because he was so stretchy.” He went on to add: “He did the whole stint, which must have left him threadbare; he was the titan of the trials.
“In every conceivable way he was so richly deserving. I would have had a great pang of guilt if I’d pinched it from him.”
Speaking to hosts Ant and Dec, Ginge admitted he didn’t think he’d make it to the final, saying: “I feel amazing. Honestly, (it is a) dream come true. I did not think I’d go all this way, never mind win, so thank you to everyone who voted.”
Talking to us, he said he went on the show to make his mum proud in a heartwarming moment. Praising his parent, he said: “I will never forget where I came from, and I think because I started literally from the bottom and watched everyone around me from my mates to their parents, my mum, everyone had to graft their way to get wherever it was.”
Money was scarce and Ginge’s mum had to work several jobs to keep them afloat. Even so, when the star was 18, Michelle was forced to sell the family home and move somewhere cheaper. He moved in with his Nana round the corner to ease the pressure.
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As a result, Ginge says his aim from the get-go was to make his mum proud. He concluded: “She told me I’d done that…but then she also said: ’I was already proud of you…you didn’t need to go on the show to do that.”
Larry Lamb, who played Archie Mitchell in the long-running BBC soap, apparently can’t see the “point” in making retirement plans – and it’s all down to the type of profession he’s in
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Larry Lamb played Archie Mitchell in the long-running BBC soap (Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)
A former EastEnders actor has shared a retirement admission as he opened up about a 20-year health battle. Larry Lamb, who played Archie Mitchell in the long-running BBC soap, recently shared insights into his struggle with nerve damage, a condition for which he’s previously undergone surgery.
He explained that he developed this condition by “doing up houses, building stuff, being active”, but hadn’t taken care of his body, as he emphasised the importance of proper lifting and carrying techniques and a “protective belt”.
Now 78, Larry, also known for his role as Mick Shipman in the BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey, disclosed that he exercises daily, which includes cycling, yoga and swimming, and expressed his desire to live a “long time”.
When it comes to retirement, however, Larry apparently can’t see the “point” in making plans — and it’s all due to the type of profession he’s in, pointing out how somebody once said you “don’t retire” when you’re an actor.
Larry, when asked if he’d considered retirement, told the Western Mail: “I remember sitting around with an older actor, there were a bunch of us youngsters, and one of them said, ‘So what about retiring?’
“He said, ‘You don’t retire as an actor — you just suddenly realise that the phone doesn’t ring anymore’.” He summed it up by saying “there’s no point deciding you’re going to retire”.
Similarly, after the final episode of Gavin and Stacey aired last year, Larry said he was receiving inquiries about work opportunities, but claimed everyone wanted to give him roles involving an “old people’s home”. He stressed he doesn’t want to be “put in that box”.
In July, Larry revealed to the Mail that he had been thinking about his own mortality. He disclosed that, as he’s aged, he’s been thinking about how much he loves life, but the more he does it, the more he will “think about death”.
In the interview, Larry, who reportedly splits his time between his homes in London and Normandy, told the publication that he and a friend will spend time tidying up graves.
Yet this task has also seen him “thinking more about facing it”. He said: “It all started me thinking more about facing it realistically, because sadly, I don’t want to sign up for that bit at all, but in the end you are going to have to.”
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Larry went on to discuss his four children — George, Vanessa, Eloise and Eva — and the importance of Mother’s and Father’s Day to them.
He explained: “It just becomes more and more obvious to me that it’s an opportunity for them to write me a card or a letter and to tell me exactly how much they love me, and why.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah delivered a scathing post-match interview after being benched for three games in a row, and his bombshell claims have thrown the club into a fresh nightmare
Ellie Fry Assistant Head of Features (Audience)
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Mohamed Salah has been brutally honest in his feelings about Liverpool and Arne Slot(Image: (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images))
Liverpool have been thrown into fresh chaos after Mohamed Salah unleashed his frustrations in an extraordinary off-the-cuff interview on Saturday night, ramping up speculation that his time with the club is coming to a bitter end.
The ‘Egyptian King,’ who has faced criticism for rarely speaking to the media, didn’t hold back with his views on the current state of play, admitting he currently has “no relationship” with manager Arne Slot. Speaking after the Premier League champions were held to a 3-3 draw away to Leeds United, he even accused Liverpool of breaking promises and throwing him “under the bus” by using him as a scapegoat for their recent slump in form.
Clearly frustrated after being stuck on the bench for three games in a row, the 33-year-old admitted that he is “hurt” by the current situation and doesn’t feel he has to earn his place in the starting line-up given his long-standing contributions to the club. He spent Sunday speaking to his agent about his future, with the January transfer window suddenly looming large. Salah also made a cryptic remark about “protecting players,’ amidst the whole squad’s deep grief over the sudden death of Diogo Jota.
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And now the crisis has escalated, as Salah has been left out of the squad for the Champions League tie against Inter Milan. The team have flown to Italy today ahead of Tuesday’s game against Inter. Salah trained with his team-mates on Merseyside on Monday, but was then left behind.
“I’m very, very disappointed to be fair. I have done so much for this club, everybody can see that during the years and especially last season,” the Liverpool legend said on Saturday night.
“Sitting on the bench, I don’t know why, it seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That’s how I feel. I think it’s very clear that someone wants me to get all the blame. The club promised me in the summer for a lot of promises and nothing. So far, I’m on the bench three games.
“So I can’t say that they keep the promise. I said that many times before, I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why. It seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn’t want me in the club.
“But again, this club I always support it, my kids will always support it. I love the club so much and I will always do. I called my mum and I told her to come to the Brighton game, it doesn’t matter if I play or not, I’m going to enjoy it.
Decoding Salah’s bombshell interview, body language expert Judi James told The Mirror: “Salah’s projected social signals here suggest a desire to appear accessible and personable as though relating his crisis to close friends rather than the press.
“The clue to this state is his smile, which is an ongoing trait even when it is contradictory or incongruent to his words. It shows an attempt to appear stoic and likeable. When he says ‘I’m very disappointed’ the smile is there in place although it would be analysed as a ‘Misery Smile’, i.e. one that is usually performed in a bid to appear brave in the face of adversity.
“There are also more dramatic non-verbal moments where he gives a glimpse of completely opposite emotions. When he stops smiling here, we can see an emphatic and rather painful-looking poking of his left eye with his fingers, followed by a downward dragging of the skin. This would suggest emotional exhaustion or even a self-attack ritual where someone ‘attacks’ themselves, usually by nail or lip-biting, because they can’t launch an ‘attack’ on the person giving them grief.”
“There is a wry, mirthless laugh when he speaks about being on the bench for three games,” the expert revealed. “And when he talks about his relationship with the manager, his gestures go from a reflective-looking wiping of his beard and downward gaze to a more dramatic: ‘I don’t get it!’ which comes with a sudden rise in his vocal tone as he squeezes his eyes shut and shakes his head in an expression of pain.”
Looking ahead to Liverpool’s next game against Brighton on Saturday, Salah told reporters: “We’ll see what’s going to happen. But in my head I’m going to enjoy that game, if I play or not, if I’m on the bench or not because I don’t know what’s going to happen now. I’m just going to be in Anfield, say goodbye to the fans, go to the Africa Cup (of Nations) because I don’t know what’s going to happen when I’m there.”
“It’s not acceptable to me to be fair. If I was somewhere else, every club would protect its players. Now it’s: ‘Throw Mo under the bus because he is a problem in a team’. I don’t think I am a problem. I am not fighting for my position every day because I have earned it. I am not bigger than the club. I am not bigger than anything. But I have earned it.”
James notes that “there is a hugely exaggerated mouth shrug of dismissal and sadness when Salah says he has ‘done so much for this club’,” explaining: “He pulls the corners of his lips down and closes his eyes here.”
She continued: “His ‘throwing me under the bus’ quote comes with another emphatic wiping of the right side of his face with his hand to hint at some form of exhaustion or frustration here. When saying ‘someone wants me to get all the blame,’ he throws a very sad eye expression straight into the camera.”
And now an agreement behind the scenes appears to have been reached as Liverpool are said to be ‘open-minded’ about the prospect of selling the star player. Salah is under contract until June 2027, after signing a new deal earlier this year worth £350,000 per week. The Liverpool champ, who will soon head off to the Africa Cup of Nations, has long been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
His contract extension in April appeared to dampen that speculation but the prospect of a transfer now seems to have reopened. Al-Hilal – previously reported to have considered a £150million bid for the forward – are believed to be among the favourites for his signature. Comments from former Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus suggest they would welcome him with open arms. “I would like to have Salah at Al-Hilal, he has a way of playing that fits the team,” Jesus said in February this year.
Meanwhile, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk told his team-mates that no one deserves special treatment just days before Mo Salah argued that he shouldn’t need to fight for his place on the squad. When asked if Salah’s absence from the starting line-up for Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland should serve as a message to the Reds’ dressing room, Van Dijk responded: “That’s always been the case. It’s not like you have unlimited credit, everyone has to perform.
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“Mo has been doing that but the manager made that decision in the last two games. We all want the best for the club. I am pretty sure Mo will still be a big part of what we are trying to achieve because he is an amazing player and he has shown it consistently.
“But we are all trying to find consistency and he needs us to be in our best shape and we need him and that’s what we are all trying to find. He is still a fantastic player and we still have to remember there is a reason why he has been so successful at the club and we have to respect that.
