Rebecca Adlington says school friends pushed her to swim as she backs education charity appeal

According to statistics from the United Nations, less than two-thirds of girls graduate from primary school and only one-third of girls graduate from secondary school, respectively.

There are many other places where girls face barriers to education, including poverty, conflict, and cultural norms, including early marriage, in addition to Afghanistan, which is the only nation where girls are forbidden from attending school. In the West, girls typically outperform boys in terms of academic performance, but in poorer nations they frequently fail to do so.

Today, on the International Day of Education, an impressive line-up of female celebrities are backing the charity Plan International’s winter appeal to help girls around the world to finish school. Celebrity chef Nisha Katona, a judge on the BBC’s Great British Menu, who grew up in Ormskirk, Lancs, Is using profits from her restaurant chain Mowgli Street Food, to fund the transformation of two girls ‘ schools in her family’s home city of Varanasi in India.

She and some of the staff members of her restaurants visited the project last year and saw how well-regarded girls in the neighborhood are getting with access to education. The value of education, according to Nisha, resonates profoundly with me as a person with roots in Varanasi. I felt a call to give back to the city that inspired me after seeing the potential impact it can have.

Rebecca Adlington, a TV personality with Olympic gold, Kate Lawler, EastEnders, and Molly Rainford, all support the campaign and share positive schoolday stories. Without the friendships I made in school, swimmer Rebecca says, “I don’t think I would have felt as confident in my swimming ability.” It’s shocking that around the world 40% of girls don’t finish school. Education is a right not a privilege. We must take all possible steps to remove the barriers preventing girls from entering classrooms.

Girl students in the schoolyard in Kabul, Afghanistan
Afghan schoolyard girls in Kabul (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Kate Lawler, the first female winner of Big Brother, adds: “I think the impact my education had on who I am today is monumental”. According to Mary Rainford, “education gives you the confidence to pursue your dreams and to know that you have a choice.” Every girl should get that chance, it’s the starting point for everything else”.

Girls from all over the world are being aided by Plan International, including:

Rosa, 14, Mozambique

Forcibly displaced by the conflict in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique’s northernmost province, Rosa, 14, now lives in a resettlement centre with her mother, sister and brother, attending a temporary learning space built by the charity. She says: “Classes are going well. I got a uniform, notebooks, pens, pencils and even a bag to put the books in. I couldn’t read before, but thanks to this support, my performance at school has improved a lot.

Many families have been separated, people have been shot, others have died, and many children have managed to escape safer areas because of the ongoing attacks. Many cannot even study. Thanks to this project, the children are getting help and are getting better. “

 Rosa, 14 in the school classroom in Mozambique provided by Plan International
Rosa, 14 in the school classroom in Mozambique provided by Plan International

Dabo, 11, of Ethiopia

Like many girls in Borena, Ethiopia, drought-related hunger forced Dabo, 11, to leave school three years ago, in first grade. She says:” The reason I left school is because my parents couldn’t afford to buy me anything. I couldn’t attend classes because I was hungry. To make a better life for my family, I want to be an educated girl. I want to have a school bag, pens and books. It was three years ago that we lost everything. I eat once a day. When we don’t have any food, we stay hungry. “

Lakshina, 14, of Nepal

Lakshina, 14, from Dolpa district in Nepal, is passionate about fighting harmful traditional practices like child marriage. She says, “These behaviors prevent us from receiving education and living our lives to the fullest. Every girl should have the freedom to choose her own future and pursue her goals without being bound by outdated customs, in my opinion.

Lakshina, who wants to work as a nurse, makes two days out each week to her school, where she spends her days living in a hostel. She says:” With the support of my family, I am determined to achieve my dream. The Adolescent Girls’ Club’s organizers, “Lakshina and her friends,” hold events at their school to educate students about the dangers of early marriage and the significance of gender equality.

” We organise debating competitions, spoken performances, poetry contests and street plays, “says Lakshina”. These activities help us effectively communicate the importance of girls’ rights and the harmful effects of child marriage.

Girls can find out more about Plan International UK’s Winter Appeal on their website.

Bruce Willis’ wife confirms his earliest sign of dementia was dismissed by doctors

The earliest dementia symptoms of Hollywood star Bruce Willis were dismissed and confused with a child’s relapsed stuttering.

The Hollywood actor has only been seen once since being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023. Bruce, 69, decided to step away from the spotlight and announced his retirement in 2022 after his aphasia diagnosis. A year later, he was also diagnosed with dementia.

The actor’s family and friends have claimed that the actor is now “non-verbal” and that “the joie de vivre has vanished,” and his wife Emma claimed that there is a lot of “grief and sadness” in his wife. The Hollywood actor’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, has now revealed that her husband’s initial signs of dementia were ignored by health professionals.

Hollywood actor Bruce Willis with his daughter (buuski/Instagram)
The Die Hard star was diagnosed with dementia in 2023
The Die Hard star was diagnosed with dementia in 2023 (emmahemingwillis/Instagram)

Emma explained in an interview with Town & Country that Bruce had a bad stutter when he was a boy and was a boy. Doctors disapproved of it when it returned in recent years.

“He had a severe stutter as a child. He went to college, and there was a theater teacher who said, ‘ I’ve got something that’s going to help you. ‘ Bruce has always stuttered, but he has always managed to hide it. So, when he began to experience difficulties with language, it seemed like it was just a part of his stutter”, Emma told the publication.

She continued, “Never in a million years would I think that a person as young would have dementia.” The link between stuttering and dementia was discussed by Jason Krellman, PhD, a neuropsychologist and assistant professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

According to Krellman, changes in personality and behavior, language, or motor functioning are usually seen early in the development of FTD. “People can become withdrawn or impulsive, rigid, and socially inappropriate”, he said. They may find it difficult to understand or find words. They can have spasms, tremors, or weakness”.

Bruce was spotted in a eponymous public appearance in November and exhaled as he drove through Los Angeles. While in the Studio City district, he rolled down his car window and pressed his forearm against the ledge.

Bruce's parents are being cared for by Emma Willis.
Bruce’s parents are being cared for by Emma Willis.
The Hollywood actor was diagnosed with the illness in 2023
The Hollywood actor was diagnosed with the illness in 2023 (emmahemingwillis/Instagram)

He appeared in high spirits during the drive as he kept his hands firmly pressed against the passenger door with his security teams while sporting a black LA cap and a white T-shirt.

In October 2023, filmmaker Glenn Gordon Caron told Page Six that the star was “not totally verbal” anymore. The film’s creator, who collaborated with Bruce in the 1980s, told Page Six that his first three minutes of identity reveal who I am. He’s not totally verbal, he used to be a voracious reader – he didn’t want anyone to know that – and he’s not reading now.

” All those language skills are no longer available to him, and yet he’s still Bruce… you’re grateful that he’s there, but the joie de vivre is gone. “He kept in contact with the star and his ex-wife, along with their three children. Bruce now sees life through a screen door, according to Caron.

A source close to the family claimed that Emma, 45, Demi, 61, Rumer, 35, Scout, 32, and Tallulah, 29, have been spending as much time as possible by his side alongside the younger girls Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, nine. They told US Weekly:” Bruce has good days and bad days, but in the last two months, there are many more bad days than good.

“The family has grown even more close together as a result of this.” Nobody is aware of how much time Bruce has left, so they soak up every moment he’s available. Bruce has around-the-clock care, but at least one family member is always with him”.

Emma Heming Willis, Bruce’s wife, previously discussed caring for him. She said: “There is grief and sadness, there’s all of that. But you start a new chapter, and that chapter is filled with love, it’s filled with connection, it’s filled with joy and happiness. That’s where we are”.

Dementia UK offers support and guidance if you have been impacted by this tale.

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Swarovski tennis bracelet with an ‘out of this world sparkle’ gets a £70 saving

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re searching for the perfect gift to show someone how much they mean to you, we’ve found the perfect sparkly buy: Swarovski’s Matrix Tennis Bracelet, now £107 (was £179) This pretty piece of jewellery is on-trend and elegant, making it an ideal present,

The bracelet features a row of perfectly round blush-pink crystals, each one set in a polished rhodium-plated chain. The soft pink stones make a perfect pairing for this romantic season because they are feminine and romantic. However, it’s not just its appearance that counts. A practical touch for a piece of jewelry that should be worn over and over again thanks to the rhodium plating, which ensures that the bracelet stays tarnish-free for longer. It also fastens securely with a tongue closure, so it’s perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.

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The bracelet features a row of perfectly round blush-pink crystals (Swarovski)

For a more trend-oriented, stacked look, the bracelet can be worn alone or as a dainty accessory. It’s a versatile accessory that fits every style, whether it’s worn on a simple black dress for a date night or with a light blouse for everyday glamour.

The Matrix Tennis Bracelet is currently available on Swarovski’s website for £107, down from £179, a rare saving of over £70. The gold and crystal are gorgeous, but they’re all full prices, which means that everything else will cost you £179. Still worth it, we think.

Jewelry is always a popular choice for this Valentine’s Day, and in particular, a tennis bracelet is a great choice if you’re arguing over what to get your loved one. This dainty style has had a resurgence thanks to the “tenniscore” fashion trend, popularised in mid-2024 thanks to the hype around Zendaya and her role in The Challengers.

Meghan Markle, Sofia Richie, and Hailey Bieber have been spotted wearing them, pairing them with a variety of outfits, including evening gowns and casual wear. If you love the idea of getting one for yourself or your partner, we also love Astrid &amp, Miyu’s Tennis Bracelet for £75 – available in three choices of finishes.

EastEnders’ Natalie Cassidy is worlds away from Walford in new role with Traitors star

In her most recent role, soap actress Natalie Cassidy looks far beyond Sonia Fowler’s world.

The actor, 41, will appear in the second series of Boarders, which is due to be released next month. She’s a guest star on the show just like Alan Cumming, 59, who, alongside his acting career, is now known as the host of the Traitors US.

Five black scholarship students at a prestigious private school with a reputation problem are the subjects of the BBC comedy-drama. The first season, which received acclaim, was released in February last year and saw the main characters “set out to make the most out of the opportunity, despite their places only being offered as a poorly-disguised PR exercise”. The cast is led by Josh Tedeku (who plays Jaheim), Jodie Campbell (Leah), Sekou Diaby (Toby), Myles Kamwendo (Omar) and Aruna Jalloh (Femi), who will all return for the new season.

In the new series, Natalie will play Sharon Hail, a teacher at St. Gilbert’s, it has been confirmed. While Alan will play a character with the same name, he has “very high standards” for the students attending his party.

Natalie Cassidy in character in a red blazer and black top in a still for Boarders.
For its second series, which will be broadcast on BBC One (BBC, Studio Lambert, and Jonathan Birch), Natalie Cassidy joined the board of the BBC’s Boarders.

Natalie said: “I loved series one of Boarders and was so thrilled to be asked to appear in series two.” I enjoyed playing a very eccentric teacher because the cast and crew all had such talent. Don’t miss it”!

Alan, a fellow guest star, made a joke about how important it is to let people know you are a fan of theirs. And, so it was with Boarders. I mentioned this to the producers, who also happen to be The Traitors, and I immediately found myself on the set having a great time!

Josh Tedeku, Aruna Jalloh, Myles Kamwendo, Jodie Campbell and Sekou Diaby in school uniforms stood outside on a terrace in a promo photo for BBC's Boarders.
The show follows five students – played by Josh Tedeku (left), Aruna Jalloh (centre left), Myles Kamwendo (centre), Jodie Campbell (centre right) and Sekou Diaby (right) – at a private school (BBC / Studio Lambert Media Ltd / Jonathan Birch)

The BBC made their casting announcements earlier this month, and it is believed that a trailer for the new series has aired ahead of the show’s return. Wunmi Mosaku, who won the BAFTA, plays Grace in the second season of Boarders, along with Michael Salami, who plays Femi’s Uncle Teju. In her first on-screen role as an exchange student, Devon’yè, Kendra Brown stars.

The new series, which will premiere in two weeks, has been teased by the BBC as “Series one saw these five outsiders begin to thrive.” In series 2, viewers are asked how much they would sacrifice in order to survive.

On BBC iPlayer, you can now watch the first season of Boarders. On February 3rd, BBC iPlayer and BBC Three will air the second series.

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AI Generating One Song In 10 On Deezer

Deezer, a music streaming service, reported on Friday that one in ten tracks being uploaded to the streaming service each day are fake or just noise.

The company’s fraud detection technologies, rolled out in 2023, discovered that “around 10, 000 tracks completely generated by AI are uploaded to the platform every day, representing around 10 percent of the total”, the Paris-based firm said in a statement.

The success of its technologies, which can identify AI content “without the need for extensive training on specific databases”, had led it to seek last month two patents.

Deezer claims that by weeding out fake songs that are then streamed through phony accounts created to remunerate the “artists” it aims to improve the pay of genuine musicians.

Many fake tracks can clone the voices of existing artists, which currently cannot be copyrighted, or copycat popular songs.

Deezer is currently working on a system that will list AI-generated content that is not included in its suggested listening lists.

According to chief executive Alexis Lanternier, “artificial intelligence is continuing to disrupt the music ecosystem more and more.”

In an effort to better compensate artists whose songs have fewer downloads but have a more diverse base of listeners, Deezer announced in January that its remuneration structure would be changed.

Home Bargains £5 item is game-changing for parents who just want a tidy home

Parents were left speechless after finding out about a “genius” hack for tidying up their children’s toys using a £5 item from Home Bargains. Maisie Beth, known on TikTok as @Maisieandbelle, went viral after revealing that she uses a Home Solutions 3 Tier Wooden Shoe Rack to organise her daughter’s toys, helping to keep her home as neat and tidy as possible.

Nothing is more upsetting than having to tidy up after a toddler who has strewn the house all day to toss toys and objects. Particularly when there is limited space in the home, organizing everything can be difficult. The mother shows how the shoe rack organizes everything so that her daughter can reach it in the 43-second video, which garnered more than 27 000 views. Many parents, who were eager to try the clever idea for themselves at home, were interested in the video.

The “genius” Home Bargains life-hack is only £4.99 (Ian Cooper/Daily Post Wales)

In the short video, she told her 36.4k followers: “If you fell into the trap of getting your kids a wooden kitchen or anything similar this Christmas, then please keep on watching. I’m not sure why any of us mothers thought a second kitchen in our house would be a good idea. However, I’ve discovered a really low-cost life hack.

Maisie also credited fellow TikToker @Amberjainee, from whom she learned the hack. She explained that it keeps the house and is ideal for her daughter to use any toy she wants to play with in addition to its size and height. My little girl can access everything on here whenever she wants, according to Maisie. “It’s absolutely perfect.”

I’m glad I finally have some storage for everything because Santa has spoiled her with every item you can find for this kitchen. It was super easy to put together, even with a toddler at my feet”. The £5 bargain left viewers stunned, with many wanting to try it out themselves. A shocked mum wrote: “Omg this is serious!!!! RUNNING to get one”!

A second one commented: “This is genius”. A third one agreed: “What an amazing idea!”! Meanwhile, @Amberjainee herself left a comment: “You’re welcome! It looks lovely, what a beautiful space. obsessed with the “little waffle maker” Don’t blink twice, or you’ll miss out on this bargain that is still available on the Home Bargains website!