Category News

Everything you need to know about F&F clothing’s big spring sale, as the Tesco brand shares exciting news for shoppers

Tesco shoppers, get ready because we’ve had a heads up that the next highly-anticipated 25% off F&F clothing sale is officially happening in stores from Monday May 20th, and it’s set to serve you some big bargains. Whether you’re topping up your summer wardrobe, hunting down affordable kids’ bits (it’s never too early to think about back to school!) or eyeing up a couple of smart pieces for work, now’s the time to plan a trolley dash.

The sale covers all F&F fashion with just a few exceptions– underwear, hosiery, and socks are excluded, but everything else is fair game. That means deals on dresses, denim, loungewear, kids’ school uniforms and more. With savings like this, sizes tend to go fast, so if you’ve had your eye on something in-store, don’t hang around.

But that’s not all– F&F is finally shoppable online

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READ MORE: We’ve found a £28 alternative that looks just as luxe as Molly-Mae’s Miu Miu bag

In what might be even bigger news for fans of Tesco fashion, the supermarket has just launched F&F Online for the first time ever. That’s right– you can now shop an expansive range of F&F clothing on Tesco.com and through the Grocery and Clubcard app. Until now, F&F clothing has only been available in selected Tesco stores, and many shoppers have been calling for online access for years.

Now, Tesco is delivering (quite literally). The new online shop, which is up and running now, features a curated selection of women’s, men’s, and kids’ fashion, including seasonal staples (like school uniforms), popular basics, accessories and even exclusive collaborations from the likes of Kate Ferdinand and Abbey Clancy.

When you shop F&F online, you’ll also earn Clubcard points on your purchases– another win if you’re already racking up rewards through Tesco. There’s a £3.99 delivery fee, or you can upgrade to express delivery for £5.50 if you need your items quickly. Need to return something? You’ve got 30 days to send items back either by courier (£2.50) or for free in larger Tesco stores.

While it’s a more curated selection than what’s on offer in larger stores, the new F&F Online range covers a bit of everything, from summer-ready pieces and comfortable basics to affordable occasionwear and wardrobe essentials. The digital shelves will continue to grow over the coming months, so we’ll keep our eyes peeled on bargains for you.

For now, here’s what to add to your virtual cart from F&F Online

F&F Striped Tie Waist Shorts with Linen in Blue

Pair with the matching button-up shirt for a classic and coordinated outfit on warm days and on holiday.

F&F Striped Drawstring Wide Leg Trousers with Linen in Cream

Featuring an elasticated drawstring waistband for adjustable comfort and side pockets for small essentials, shop these linen trousers as part of a co-ord or on their own to pair with a casual t-shirt or blouse.

F&F Floral Print V-Neck Midi Dress in Multi Blue

Both Prince William and King Charles attended the Order of the Bath Service at Westminster Abbey this morning, where William was installed as a Great Master of the Order

Prince William was today installed as a Great Master of the Order of the Bath today after processing through Westminster Abbey with his father in lavish crimson robes. The Prince of Wales attended the historic service for the first time, having been appointed to the ancient order last year by the King.

Meanwhile, the King took part for the first time as sovereign of the order, which is awarded to members of the military or civil service for exemplary work and this year celebrates its 300th anniversary. Father and son, both dressed in the order’s billowing satin robes, arrived at the Abbey’s Great West Door separately, shortly after 11am to be greeted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle.

Inside, the King greeted his son warmly, with an affectionate pat on his shoulder; before they enjoyed a brief, jovial conversation with the dean in the Chapel of Saint George. They then processed through the church with officers, knights and the Dame Grand Cross of the order before taking their seats in the Quire.

The King was accompanied by his young page Guy Tryon, ten, the son of his godson, Lord Charles Tryon, and the grandson of the late Lady Dale Tryon, an Australian socialite who enjoyed a close relationship with the King in his younger years.

The service was conducted by the Dean, who read the lesson from St Paul’s epistle to the Philippians chapter 4, verses 4 – 8 and gave the address.

During the service, the King and Prince William processed to the Henry VII Lady Chapel for the installation ceremony, which took place below the banners of living knights hanging above the stalls and was relayed to the congregation on television screens.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier and Admiral Sir Philip Jones took the oath as Knights Grand Cross of the Order and were installed, while General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith and Lord Young of Old Windsor – Elizabeth II’s former private secretary – and Sir Tom Scholar, took the oath but will not be installed until spaces arise.

In the chapel, the Bath King of Arms bowed to those being installed before they stepped up to their stalls. The King then presented the Book of Statutes to his son before the Prince and the Dean read the oath simultaneously. Each Knight then took the oath before bowing to the Grand Master.

After both the King and the Prince had made an offering of gold and silver at the altar, each Knight who had taken the oath turned towards the altar, behind Prince William, who drew his sword.

The Knights followed suit, holding their swords forward before the Prince’s sword was briefly laid upon the altar. They then processed back to the Quire to Elgar’s Nimrod.

The outing today comes just weeks after Prince Harry talked about his strained relationship with his father and brother in a bombshell interview with the BBC. The service for the Order of the Bath takes place every four years, with the monarch traditionally attending on only every other occasion and the Prince of Wales, as Great Master, attending every service.

The King, as Prince of Wales, last attended in May 2022. This year’s service was brought forward by one year to coincide with the 300th anniversary, meaning that the next one will not take place until 2030. The congregation comprised only members of the order and their guests.

The order consists of up to 120 Knights and Dames Grand Cross, 295 Knights and Dames Commander, and 1455 Companions, in addition to the Sovereign and the Great Master. It is the fourth most senior order of merit, after the Orders of the Garter, the Thistle, and of St. Patrick.

The late Queen last attended the service in 2014, when, due to her frailty, the then Prince Charles stepped in to perform her duties by making the offering, a task that involved climbing steep wooden steps in full regalia.

The order was established by George I on May 18, 1725, taking its name from the symbolic bathing which was often part of the preparation of a candidate for knighthood. The honour was only conferred on a knight after he had performed a number of rituals designed to purify the inner soul – fasting, vigils and prayer.

If you’ve been eyeing up Molly-Mae’s luxe Miu Miu tote but not the price tag, we’ve found a £28 alternative that gives you the same designer look for way less

Molly-Mae Hague has firmly earned her style icon status, and when she wears something, it usually sells out fast. We couldn’t help but notice Molly carrying that dreamy Miu Miu tote you’ve probably seen other celebs with on her most recent holiday.

Unfortunately, with a price tag of over £1k, coming in at around £1.7k, we can’t see the ‘Molly-Mae-effect’ quite happening with this one.

However, if it’s on your wishlist too, but your bank account says otherwise, don’t worry. We’ve found a high-street alternative for £28 that nails the same sleek, minimalist vibe.

The Stone Canvas and Faux Leather Tote Bag from New Look is priced at £27.99, and gives that same Miu Miu aesthetic for a fraction of the price.

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This spacious stone-toned canvas bag is the perfect combination of chic and practical. Like the Miu Miu tote, it’s big enough to fit your laptop, gym kit or weekend-away essentials, making it the perfect go-to bag for everything from beach holidays to overnight stays, and office days.

The gold hardware and faux leather trims give it a luxe, designer feel, while the press-stud fastening and internal zip pocket keep your essentials secure.

Molly seems to be using her roomy tote as her travel/airport bag, which we think is the perfect place for it as it’s so large it can fit everything you need for travelling. It’s also great for, if like Molly, you’ve got children and need a bag big enough to stash all their baby bits.

For other styling tips, we recommend pairing it with linen trousers and a white vest for a clean, off-duty look or throwing it on with a floaty summer dress and sandals for that chic Riviera vibe. Luckily, the neutral colour goes with everything, and the top handles and optional crossbody strap mean you can wear it your way.

Ann Whaley, who once worked with Dame Esther Rantzen, never imagined that helping her husband carry out his final wish could land her a 14-year prison sentence

On Christmas Eve 2018, Ann Whaley stepped out to sing in the church choir – a rare moment away from the bedside of her beloved husband, Geoff. Normally, she wouldn’t have left him, but that night their son had come home to spend one final Christmas with his father, who had by then made the heartbreaking decision to end his life at Dignitas.

Like Dame Esther Rantzen, who has openly shared her wish to have control over her death after her terminal cancer diagnosis, Geoff longed to die with dignity. He had booked the trip to Switzerland for February 2019.

Geoff, 80, was battling motor neurone disease (MND), which had left him paralysed from the neck down. Although fully conscious, he was rapidly losing the ability to communicate – a reality Ann described as feeling “like being buried alive.” Despite everything, he remained, in his family’s words, “a very dignified man.”

READ MORE: Dame Esther Rantzen’s heartbreaking fear if she’s denied death on her own terms at Dignitas

By December, Geoff had lost the last bit of movement in the final digit of his right hand, making it impossible to use his iPad – the tool he’d used to make all the necessary arrangements. With that last connection to independence gone, he turned to his wife of 52 years with one final request: to book their flights and hotel in Switzerland for the journey he could no longer complete alone.

For Ann, there was no question of her saying no. She told the Mirror: “What am I expected to do? Have an argument with my husband, who just asked me to do these final two things for him? Of course, I wouldn’t.” As Ann lovingly carried out her husband’s final wishes, she had no idea that she was putting herself at risk of 14 years behind bars.

On the night of the choir practice, Ann’s first evening away from Geoff in two years, her fellow members asked her to join them for Midnight Mass, which she did. She didn’t know at the time that an interaction with a churchwarden and the new vicar would turn her world upside down.

As they processed out of the service, Ann called out the new vicar, who she noted hadn’t contacted her so much as once despite her and her husband’s active involvement in the church. He informed her he’d been busy before letting out a “gasp”. Ann continued: “Then the churchwarden came up and gave me a big hug, said, ‘It’s lovely to see you’. I said, ‘Well, we’ve got a date now, and at this, the vicar sort of drew his breath. But to cut a long story short, he reported me to the police for domestic abuse.”

One of the most significant concerns among those who oppose the Assisted Dying Bill, which is still being considered in Parliament, is that unscrupulous individuals could use it to take advantage of vulnerable family members. This is exactly what Ann, who hadn’t even realised she had broken the law, found herself accused of.

Shortly after the incident on Christmas Eve, there was a knock at the door. To Ann’s great surprise, it was the police. She recalled: “And of course, I said, ‘Do come in, would you like a cup of tea, etc’, and they were very mortified. It was a detective sergeant. It was the lower ranks, if you like, and a lady.

“They were mortified to find, you know, a comfortably off couple – it’s very expensive to go to Dignitas, but we were comfortably off and could afford to go. But with somebody who was very vocal, confined to a wheelchair, and clearly not being pressurised.”

The red-faced detective sergeant “rushed back to speak” to the inspector in charge, who told him that they still needed to proceed. It was then that the officers returned to take Ann in for an interview under caution, with the septuagenarian suddenly finding herself locked in a room at a police station, facing the threat of 14 years behind bars.

Thankfully, Ann had a “marvellous” criminal lawyer on hand who was able to help her navigate the unfolding nightmare. She was permitted to go home in the police car, but the ordeal was far from over. Ann said: “You can imagine that, a police car outside your house and all the neighbours effectively looking through the curtains.”

Neighbourhood gossip aside, however, Ann was far more concerned about her husband and why she’d been taken away in the first place. The case went through the Crown Court, while Ann was required to stay put at home.

She shared: “We couldn’t suddenly upstakes and get off to Switzerland. I’m not saying my passport was taken away, but I was trusted if you like. It was sort of, you know, to stay around. Anyway, we couldn’t have gone earlier because the date was fixed for when the assisted death would take place.”

After seven days of being advised not to do anything, the inspector himself paid a visit to the house. Ann remembered: “He said, ‘I’m not prepared to discuss it’. But essentially, officers were told to drop the case because it was not in the public interest.”

When Geoff asked Ann to make those two final arrangements for him, he was still able to talk. However, his voice was starting to fail him, and in Ann’s words, “he knew the time had come.” His consultant had also warned that he was nearing the very end and didn’t have three months to live.

Had he waited any longer, Ann explained: “He’d been unable to speak. He would have been trapped. Unable to communicate in any way whatsoever, and he wouldn’t have been able to travel unless we got paid for the expense of a private flight to get us there.”

Those final weeks, however, were marred in some ways by the intense media interest in Geoff’s case, with BBC cameras following the family as far as the airport. This, they had agreed to, wanting to shed light on Geoff’s story in a way that could push for change. But still, the attention was tough on their daughter, who feels “bitter” about those last few “precious” weeks she spent with her father, in a way that has greatly affected her.

Having reached the other side of their legal ordeal, Ann and Geoff travelled to Switzerland in February as planned, accompanied by their children, their children’s partners and children’s godparents. Despite everything they went through as a family, Ann recognises their privilege in being able to make this journey together. Ann told us: “I will fight to the end of my days to get that available for people in this country who cannot afford it because it’s very expensive.”

When the end came, Geoff died peacefully in Ann’s arms, telling her he loved her one last time. Ann shared: “Now, I’ve got friends who’ve lost their husbands in terrible circumstances, and their memories are dreadful. I have a lovely memory of my dear husband telling me he loved me. I mean, what more can a woman ask, really?

“Whereas I have friends whose husbands didn’t know them, whose behaviour with dementia meant that they lost them. My mother had dementia. She didn’t know who I was. I was just the nice lady who visited her. And my memories of a very loving mother were ruined, and I could do nothing to help her.”

Ann remarried at the age of 80 to a man whose wife “went through similar experiences” following a tragic cancer diagnosis. The “very happily married” couple often talk together about their first spouses, and, six years on, Ann remains just as staunchly committed as ever to the cause of assisted dying.

She said: “I’ve never been afraid. If I had to go to prison, I’d go to prison because, in my view, the law in this country over assisted dying as it stands at the moment is absolutely cruel. It’s the cruellest thing, and if I have to go, if I had to go to prison just to make a point, well then I’d go.”

Ann once worked alongside Dame Esther during her early days at the BBC, and in later life, they now share an unshakeable commitment to changing assisted dying legislation. Both Dame Esther and her daughter Rebecca Wilcox, who Ann also knows, have opened up about their fears regarding prosecution should the broadcaster choose to fly out to Dignitas accompanied by family members.

On this note, Ann remarked: “I’m totally relaxed about it, and I know Becky will be all right because no government would dare prosecute anybody who had compassion. It’s not in the public interest, and the present bill is very popular in parliament despite what the letters of the vocal few who tried to make out things that the safeguards will all cover anyway.”

“It’s ignorance really, you know, ‘Oh, the slippery slope and all the rest of it’. It just won’t happen. Very, very strict safeguards and very, very few people. You can’t just say, ‘Oh, I ‘ll get out of bed and say I want to visit’. It took months for my husband to go through all the tickboxes that were necessary in order to get what they call the green light in Switzerland. It’s not something that you get today and have tomorrow.”

READ MORE: Esther Rantzen’s Dignitas wish that could lead to daughter’s arrest for manslaughter