The Moon in Aries is tied to Mars in Aquarius, creating a sizzling cosmic energy. Thoughts become action today, and productivity is on the cards.

Pisces, Aquarius and Capricorn, changes are simmering beneath the surface. Tune into this transformation and embrace it with an open mind.

Ambition and innovation will stir today. Don’t apologise for what you want; go after it now, and who knows what the future holds.

Ahead, you’ll find all the star signs’ horoscopes for today: Saturday February 21, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To download your free Unique Personal Horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com/free-birth-chart/.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Today you get a double shot of courage as a cosmic blend of strong emotions and electric ideas sets things in motion. You’re bold, fired up and ready to act, but your moves are fuelled by innovation, not just instinct. The Moon in your sign and its tie to Mars in Aquarius turns energy into purpose and may push you in unexpected ways. Just watch the impulse to charge ahead without a plan.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Your inner world is buzzing beneath that calm exterior. You’re fired up behind the scenes with planning and maybe even scheming of the productive kind. Flashes of insight around career, purpose or long-term goals could arrive like lightning, especially when you give yourself space to think unconventionally. This isn’t the day for basking in your comfort zone, as it’s more about breakthroughs.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

A lively line-up means your energy is electric, your ideas spark like lightning and your social charm is off the charts. Today’s cosmic blend fuels your thirst for action, adventure and a few clever debates along the way. You’re not just thinking outside the box, you’ve launched it into orbit. Group projects or visionary goals could get the green light. Just be mindful not to scatter your brilliance in too many directions.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Your usual cosy instincts get a jolt of ambition and innovation. You may be dreaming about change, but also ready to do something daring, especially in your career or shared ventures. Emotional courage meets strategic firepower, making this the perfect time to take a calculated risk or lead with confidence. Break free from outdated rules and trust your ability to navigate unfamiliar territory.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

You may feel bold, bright and a bit rebellious as the Aries Moon aspects Mars in eccentric Aquarius. This alignment fires up your desire for adventure, big ideas and thrilling connections. You’re ready to shake things up, whether it’s booking a spontaneous trip, diving into a new philosophy or sharing something that really needs saying. Even so, being right isn’t as powerful as using wisdom when it’s needed.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

You could get a celestial nudge to shake up your usual systems in a strategic way. You may crave depth, efficiency and a dash of rebellion, especially around work, wellness or behind-the-scenes matters. It’s the perfect day to tackle a problem with fresh eyes or finally kick an unhelpful habit for good. Enthusiasm meets precision now and your instincts are sharp. Just don’t let perfectionism slow you down.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Sparks may be flying in love, collaboration or creative pairings. This is no time for tiptoeing, as you’re drawn to bold connections and brilliant minds, craving excitement with purpose. Someone may challenge you, but that’s not a bad thing, as it could ignite something fresh. A little playful tension might push things in a stimulating new direction.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Your focus zeroes in on routines, responsibilities and that to-do list you’ve been eyeing up. But this isn’t about dull activity, it’s about action with attitude. You’re ready to revolutionise your daily flow, ditch outdated habits and spark change where life has felt stale. Health, work or home projects could get a boost. Be determined, be efficient and above all trust your instincts.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Your energy is practically electric thanks to today’s Moon-Mars tie-up. You’re fired up creatively, romantically and intellectually, and you’re not in the mood to play small. This cosmic blend fuels daring self-expression, unplanned adventures and inspired ideas that deserve sharing. Flirt with life, share that wild concept or dive into a project fearlessly. Let your inner visionary take the wheel and enjoy the ride.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 20

Your foundations are on fire, but in a constructive way. Emotions may bubble up around home, family or your sense of stability, pushing you to make bold moves where you usually prefer careful planning. Have a sudden urge to rearrange your space, initiate a tough conversation or set new boundaries? Follow it. This is action with intention. Lead with calm confidence, but don’t fear the shake-up.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 21 to February 19

Your mind is blazing and your conversations may be too. You’re bursting with ideas and the urge to act now. Discussions are lively, curiosity fills the air and your words can motivate or mildly startle those around you. Use the energy of the Aries Moon and Mars in your sign to champion a cause, launch a project or say what’s been simmering. Your originality is your power today.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Your inner world buzzes with daring intentions, even if you’re keeping them private. You’re quietly preparing a revolution, driven by intuition and a surge of enthusiasm. This is the perfect time to liberate yourself from an old habit, limiting belief or sleepy routine. Don’t underestimate the power of a private breakthrough. Big changes often start small but can be truly revolutionary.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of February here.

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As a toddler mum, I love to hate soft play. Love the indoor activity that gets us out of the UK’s near-Biblical rainfall. Hate the feral 12-year-olds pretending to be eight…and the general smell of feet.

But there’s one indoor attraction that was crowned best in the UK last year, with separate age-appropriate activities, affordable food and no sticky surfaces in sight. 

The Playhive at Stockeld Park is one of the largest indoor play centres in Europe, attracting over 250,000 visitors annually. But, thanks to its huge expanse of space, the North Yorkshire setting doesn’t feel overcrowded.

Online reviews from parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles are positively giddy about the offerings, calling a day at the park a ‘magical’ experience for adults and kiddies alike.

What can you do at Stockeld Park?

The park’s famous indoor play area, The Playhive, features four imaginative and interconnected adventure zones, under the themes jungle, sea, space, and air. Everything is supersized, from the massive space ships to the larger-than-life gorilla.

There’s plenty on offer to tire kids out, including towering walkways, spiralling tunnel slides, interactive games, and a separate toddler play area – perfect for ensuring little explorers don’t get crushed in the half term madness.

And if the rain stops (or you’ve packed the puddle suits) you can head into the Enchanted Forest – a separate woodland outdoor playground with zipwires, whimsical houses and smaller play attractions for littlies.

There’s technically no age limit, with the website staying that all play areas are ‘designed for both adults and children to enjoy together’. But teens might feel happier at the covered ice skating rink, available during winter months.

The food and drink options at Stockeld also go way beyond the usual beige fare associated with industrial park softplays. 

The aesthetically-pleasing Playhive Pizzeria serves  freshly cooked pizzas, pasta dishes, jacket potatoes and more. You’ll find lighter bites like sandwiches, paninis, and sausages rolls at the Woodland Cafe. Or you can grab some quick caffeine on the go at Gretel’s Cabin, along with any emergency snacks.

The good news is, unlike a lot of other play attractions, Stockeld does allow families to save some money by bringing in their own food. The bad news is you’re not allowed to eat packed lunches within the indoor catering outlets, so you’ll have to find a picnic bench outside.

The park was crowned Best Indoor Play Centre over 20,000 sq ft at the 2025 Association of Indoor Play (AIP) Awards, and it’s clear to see why.

Almost 7,000 parents and carers have given it the highest possible rating of ‘excellent’ on Tripadvisor, leading to an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of five

Sarah R, who visited with her children last month, called Stockeld an ‘exceptional place’.

‘[There’s] so much to do, and the best indoor play area,’ she added.

‘Food in the playhive pizzeria was really well priced, good variety and excellent portion sizes. Can’t wait to go back.’

Mum Lauren M called it a ‘wholesome day’ and said her family managed to spend a whole five hours in a park, which ‘absolutely flew by.’

And grandmother Tara S called her day out with three and four-year-old granddaughters ‘magical’, despite the wet weather.

‘It was a cold drizzly day but the Enchanted Forest had so much to see and do that the little ones didn’t notice the weather so much, to be honest neither did the grown ups,’ she said.

‘The kids absolutely loved The Playhive and ran around until all four of us were absolutely shattered, an absolutely wonderful place for all ages, especially those adults with a little inner youth trying to get out,’ she said.

Meanwhile Zaynab I, another recent visitor, praised the park for having attractions for different ages. 

‘Lovely day out and well worth the money,’ she said. ‘Both indoor and outdoor [are] brilliant and the children aged 18 months, 4, 6, 10 and 13 all enjoyed it. The older two went off ice skating for an hour, which is reasonably priced. I will definitely revisit in summer and will take a picnic.’

How much do tickets for Stockeld Park cost in 2026?

Entry to Stockeld Park costs £10 per person during February half term and winter weekends. This includes access to the Playhive and Enchanted Forest. You can book the ice rink only for £12, or add it to your general ticket with a £5 upgrade.

For February half term only, the park is putting on a Heroes and Villains show in the Stockeld Theatre for an additional £3 per person. 

Did you know? The world's largest outdoor play park is in the UK

Lilidorei, based at The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland, includes 170m of rope bridges, as well as ladders and swings and six different slides to fly down— the highest of which is 24m.

The award-winning park cost a staggering 15 million to build and has just reopened for the year. If you’d like to head to Lilidorei for February half term, a full day ticket on Wednesday, 18 February, which grants access to both the play park and the surrounding gardens costs £15.40 for an adult, and £11.55 for a child.

Find out more about the park here

Late last year, Birmingham’s Digbeth was named one of the 39 ‘coolest’ neighbourhoods in the world by Time Out.

This accolade placed the central Birmingham district alongside iconic urban quarters in New York, Tokyo, and London — with only Camberwell sharing the UK spotlight — signalling Digbeth’s rapidly rising cultural stature.

Ranking an impressive 13th worldwide and 2nd in the UK, the district’s blend of liveability, vibrant food and drink options, and strong community spirit underscores its transformation into one of the most dynamic creative hubs in the world.

The area’s enduring appeal lies in its unique fusion of past and present. Once a gritty industrial zone at Birmingham’s core, Digbeth has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis into a thriving arts and culture enclave.

The Custard Factory, a restored Victorian-era warehouse originally built for Bird’s Custard, stands as a testament to this evolution.

Today, it buzzes with independent businesses, vintage boutiques, intimate cafés, and walls adorned with colourful street art, which encapsulate Digbeth’s distinctive bohemian charm.

Meanwhile, the neighbourhood’s creative heartbeat is palpable in murals by local artists, including the renowned portrait of Mike Skinner outside AutoBrew, celebrating both local heritage and street culture.

These vivid artworks attract an eclectic mix of art lovers, creatives, and revellers, intensifying Digbeth’s reputation as a hub of artistic vibrancy and nightlife.

Things to do in Digbeth

As well as the Custard Factory’s boutique shops, art galleries, and bohemian cafés, the creative hub regularly hosts markets and live events.

And locals will soon be able to indulge in culinary delights at a brand new food hall, called Alfred Works Food Hall (after custard powder inventor Alfred Bird), offering diverse dishes as well as social gaming, a kids’ play area and event space.

Peek into Birmingham’s burgeoning media scene at this centre for film and TV production (occasional open days provide insight into creative industries), or walk through historic sites such as the Typhoo Tea factory and enjoy the juxtaposition of old industrial buildings with modern creative spaces.

Nearby, the Dockworks Waterfront project in Dudley aims to expand the cultural sphere with new canalside venues and event spaces, further extending Digbeth’s creative orbit.

Nightlife lovers can dive into Birmingham’s underground music scene at local live venues, nightclubs, and experimental music spaces, attracting diverse crowds of creatives and music lovers.

Meanwhile, infrastructure upgrades like tram extensions aim to make exploring Digbeth easier from across Birmingham, ensuring its cultural gems remain accessible and providing an ideal base for those working in the city.

According to Rightmove, house prices in Digbeth have an overall average of £206,223 over the last year.

The future of Digbeth

While enthusiasm surrounds Digbeth’s trajectory, voices within the community highlight concerns about rapid gentrification and the potential loss of its gritty authenticity.

Scott O’Neill, proprietor of opticians Doctor Oculus, recently expressed optimism about the neighbourhood’s future when speaking to Birmingham Live, emphasising opportunities for further growth and community-led development.

Conversely, Rob Bench, owner of The Bench graffiti shop, warned against unchecked development and rising property prices that risk eroding the area’s roots — tensions familiar to many thriving urban districts facing regeneration.

Nevertheless, infrastructure improvements, like the extension of the tram network, are set to enhance accessibility, inviting more visitors from across Birmingham and beyond without compromising Digbeth’s unique character.

The challenge lies in balancing growth with the preservation of its vibrant, community-driven spirit.

This article was first published on October 27, 2025.

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Pregnancy doesn’t mean pressing pause on your personal style. While comfort becomes a priority, there’s no reason your wardrobe should feel limited or uninspired.

From thoughtfully designed dresses and tailoring to elevated loungewear and everyday essentials, maternity fashion has evolved beyond oversized basics that can occasionally leave you feeling bigger than you desire.

Whether you’re dressing for work, weekends, or special occasions, in 2026, you don’t have to sacrifice your personal style thanks to high street brands such as M&S, H&M, and Jojo Maman Bebe.

It’s also worth remembering that building a maternity wardrobe doesn’t mean shopping exclusively in the maternity section. Oversized blazers, cosy knitwear, relaxed white T-shirts, and A-line dresses offer both comfort and versatility, and can easily be worn long after pregnancy.

The best maternity wear now balances practicality with trend-led design, so you can feel confident, supported, and stylish at every stage. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best maternity pieces that prove you don’t have to compromise on style while dressing for two.

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Seraphine

Seraphine has become a go-to brand for many people and even has a royal seal of approval as the Princess of Wales wore items from them during her three pregnancies. The brand is known for its subtle, yet practical designs, with the likes of their Pink Maternity & Nursing Cross Over Cotton Jumper retailing for £59. The front overlap detail allows for ease of nursing, whilst the soft cotton fabric keeps you cool with its breathable properties. 

If you’re getting married or in need of a formal dress for an occasion, then the White Ivory Occasion Maternity & Nursing Bridal Dress With Tweed Bodice & Floaty Pleated Skirt, costing £129, will be a beautiful option. The stretch tweed fabric of the jacket allows for maximum comfort as it sculpts to your body shape, whilst the pleated A-line skirt gently flows over your bump. It comes with a detachable belt and a scoop neck for accessibility. Better yet, underneath the removable top is a criss-cross jersey bodice perfect for nursing access.

As the temperatures change in the UK, investing in a brilliant coat will be your saviour. We love the Maternity Green Lightweight Parka, £159. The 3-in-1 style is suitable for use during and post-pregnancy. The adjustable empire waistline allows you to control the fit as your bump grows, whilst the kangaroo panel zips at the front to keep your little one warm and snug on your daily walks.

Lovall

If you’re on the hunt for the best leggings to wear throughout your pregnancy, then look no further than Lovall. The brand has become renowned for its comfortable and supportive designs for expecting mums. 

Their Maternity Everyday Leggings are made with 95% Cotton and 5% Elastane, meaning there will be no see-through fears. They come fitted with an over-the-bump band to offer maximum support and coverage. You can also customise to your personal likes with features such as full-length or cropped length, and they are available in petite, regular, tall and extra tall, making them fully inclusive. Choose from 10 shades, including burgundy, oatmeal beige, and forest green.

H&M

H&M has a broad spectrum of maternity wear available online, from nursing bras, tights, to coats and trousers. However, one of their standouts is their denim. Taking their usual trusty denim, the MAMA Straight Ankle Jeans, was £42.99, Now £63.55, have been fitted with an over-the-tummy panel and a fake fly to provide support and ease of wearing, so you’re not having to constantly adjust throughout the day. 

Another great option for if you’re jetting off on an escape or babymoon is the MAMA Bow-strap swimsuit, Was £27.99, Now £23.80. This fully-lined swimsuit features secure shoulder straps with bow detailing for a trend-led edge. It comes with removable inserts and gathers at the side to allow the best fit over your tummy.

Jojo Maman Bebe

Not only are Jojo Maman Bebe known for their incredibly cute kids’ clothing, but they also sell a brilliant range of options for mums and mums-to-be. One of the best items we’ve seen from them is their Navy Cord Maternity Midi Dress, which is currently on sale for just £19. Specially designed to fit throughout pregnancy, it is made from soft cord, providing a snug finish, and the waist tie allows for complete alteration as you control how it sits. 

Their Burgundy Collared Maternity And Nursing Jumper, which costs £42, is an excellent investment as it not only looks super stylish, but it’s created with side poppers to allow for ease of nursing.

New Look

New Look is another high street brand that is ticking all of the boxes for maternity wear right now. Serve up Pretty Woman vibes in their Brown Polka Dot Godet Midi Dress that retails for £25.99. Designed in an A-Line style, the soft fabric will gently drape over your bump so you don’t feel any restriction.

Keep yourself as comfortable as can be on days when you don’t have to venture outside with New Look’s Mid Grey Soft Touch Polo Top, Was £24.99, Now £15, and Mid Grey Soft Touch Wide Leg Trousers, £29.99.

Marks and Spencer

M&S is and always will be many shoppers’ favourites, so it only makes sense to explore the maternity range that they offer. Whether you’re after maternity briefs, or even bra back extenders, so you can keep your already owned bras, they have it all. Our standout piece has to be the Denim Drawstring Wide-Leg Trousers in Poppy red, now on sale for just £8.19. 

These will see you through and after pregnancy thanks to the drawstring waistband. They are cut with a flattering wide leg fit, so that they elongate your silhouette and provide all-day relief. 

Spanx

If you want to stay supported throughout your trimesters and beyond, then look no further than Spanx. No matter what your favourite style of pants is, from Mid-Thigh Shorts, Briefs, or Bikini styles, with their expertly advanced fabric, they will become your best friend.

Next

Don’t bypass Next when on the hunt for maternity wear. They offer great modern designs that are trend-led and current. The Navy Stripe Maternity Collared Knit Dress, £40, is a stunning example of this, as it immediately serves up designer vibes for less. The soft, ribbed midi-length fabric stretches to adjust to your figure.

Another dress option from Next is the Burgundy Red Floral Maternity Mesh Bardot Dress, retailing for £54. The floral pattern creates a flattering appearance, whilst the mesh allows for stretch. This is a wonderful option for a more formal event, like a wedding or a baby shower.

Nobody’s Child

Nobody’s Child maternity wear is quite limited. However, the brand is great for purchasing pieces that are designed to still fit you and your bump. Take their Chocolate Brown Double Breasted Trench Coat, £159, simply size up in the item so it can accommodate your bump during pregnancy, but then you’ll have a sleek oversized coat for post-baby.

Another excellent option is their Green Peter Pan Collar Cord Cassis Mini Dress, £79. Not only does the Peter Pan style collar create a flattering neckline, but it also comes with an empire waistline to sit comfortably above your bum. This is also a perfect item to layer with a cosy knit and tights for the winter.

So, whether you’re shopping for wardrobe updates for yourself, a loved one, or a friend, make sure to browse these brands to have them looking and feeling their best.

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Welcome back to What I Own – Metro’s property series where we speak to homeowners about getting on the ladder.

When Kaspars first moved to the UK from Latvia, he knew that he wanted security and stability. And so, he decided to start saving for his own home.

By 2025, he’d met his partner, Elina, and they’d managed to save enough to put down a £15,000 deposit on a four-bedroom home in Wakefield.

They’d been through their fair share of landlords and desired a life where they didn’t need to ask permission to get a pet. Now, they have three cats.

Here’s what Kaspars had to say about their property journey…

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Kaspars, I’m 33, and I’m originally from Latvia. I live with my girlfriend Elina, and our three cats – Ula, Rudi and Amber, who are very much part of the family.

I work as a lorry driver, while my partner works in customer service. We’ve built a life together here, and we’re really enjoying this chapter, especially having a home of our own that suits our lifestyle and gives us stability.

We met online, and we’ve been together for two years now. We’ve both lived in the UK for 10 years.

Where is your property? What do you think of the area?

In November 2025 I purchased a Keepmoat property in South Elmsall, Wakefield, at the Station View development.

It’s a very nice area and extremely convenient. Everything we need is close by, including local shops, schools, doctors and there are great public transport links. It makes day-to-day life much more comfortable.

How much does your property cost?

I bought my four-bedroom house for £250,000.

How much was your deposit?

Our deposit was £15,000.

What’s the monthly cost of living here now, both mortgage and bills?

Our total monthly cost, including the mortgage and household bills, is around £1,500 per month.

How did you save up for your deposit?

We worked extremely hard over the past few years to save up. It required a lot of discipline and commitment, but it was more than worth it in the end.

What was the process of getting a mortgage like for you? Did you find any parts challenging?

Saving for my home wasn’t easy, but it was incredibly rewarding.

The process was very stressful at times, and the most challenging part was making sure all the paperwork was filled in correctly, especially when dealing with solicitors.

Buying a new build made things much less stressful, as there was no chain involved and the process felt more straightforward and reassuring.

Can you share details on your mortgage (rate/term)?

Our mortgage interest rate is 4.7%.

Where did you live before this – were you renting or living with family?

Before buying our home, we were renting in Grimthorpe.

What made you want to buy rather than rent?

Owning a home has always been a dream for my family. Rent has become very expensive, and we also found it restrictive.

In rented properties, you’re not allowed to make changes such as painting walls or changing flooring, and often you aren’t allowed pets.

Previously, everything was controlled, and there were frequent inspections, which made us feel unsettled. We wanted the freedom and security of owning our own home.

How did you find this property? What made you choose it?

We were passing through the area one day and decided to stop and have a look. We immediately liked the location and the feel of the neighbourhood, and that’s what made us decide to buy here.

How have you made the property feel like home?

Although it’s still very much a work in progress, we’ve already begun personalising some areas to match our personal style with different colours and decor, but with three more bedrooms to decorate, there’s still plenty to do.

Over time, we’re looking forward to putting our own stamp on each space and making it truly feel like ours.

Do you feel like you have enough space?

Yes, we definitely feel we have enough space for the family. The house is very spacious!

Are there any problems with the property that you have to deal with?

No, we haven’t experienced any problems; we’re very happy with our new home.

What do you want people to know about buying a home?

One of the most important things is to make sure you choose a good solicitor. Having the right support makes a big difference during the buying process.

What are your plans for the future, in terms of housing? Do you plan to stay here long-term?

Yes, we plan to stay here for a long time. It feels like the right place for us to build our future.

Shall we take a look around?

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

I was watching TV to relax, having cleaned the entire house from top to bottom, when my phone rang. 

It had just passed midnight on the first day of February half term in 2024. Hours earlier, I had come home from our local hospital in Poole with our middle son, Charlie, leaving my husband Gary with our youngest, eight-year-old Thomas, while he had some tests.  

It was Gary on the other end of the phone, panicked: ‘Louise, you’ve got to come back. They’ve found something on the scan.’ 

My stomach lurched.  

My eldest, Josh, 23, looked after Charlie while I drove the half hour journey to the hospital, from our home in Bournemouth.  

I was terrified.  

It was January 2024 when I first took Thomas to the doctors – I noticed he had started speaking more slowly than usual. Everything he said was perfectly clear, it just took ages for him to get a sentence out.  

Our GP, however, wasn’t concerned. Thomas also had some trouble with his hearing so the doctor said it must be because his ears were blocked and affecting his speech. We put olive oil in them and took him to have the wax suctioned but there was no change.  

Thomas was getting increasingly frustrated. It didn’t make sense that our cheeky, bright, mini-Ed Sheeran, who could identify any country’s flag and loved being with his brothers or school friends, now couldn’t speak well. 

Three weeks after seeing the doctor I saw he was having trouble playing with his LEGO because his right hand was shaking.  

This, paired with his slow speech, worried me, so I rang 111. After answering their questions, we ended up being referred for an MRI scan. 

Fast forward two weeks, and more tests, when Gary called me from the hospital rushing me to get back for the results.  

It was the worst news.  

Thomas had a cruel disease that would gradually rob him of his speech, his ability to walk, eat and, ultimately, his life – he had malignant brain tumours in his basal ganglia, both thalami, the left temporal lobe, frontal lobe and upper brain stem.  

The doctor explained: ‘I won’t beat around the bush. It’s high grade, it’s aggressive. We’ll send the sample off to Great Ormond Street Hospital for further tests.’ 

We were completely shocked, in disbelief, numb even. I just wanted to get my little boy, who was waiting outside the room, and take him home. 

We told Thomas he had a lump in his head and that’s why his hand and speech had been affected. He didn’t really say much, he just accepted what we told him.  

But we had hope.  

There was no swelling around the mass, so it wasn’t urgent, we were told.  

We thought surgery might be possible, like with other cancers, and that a biopsy to identify genetic mutations might mean Thomas was eligible for a clinical trial. But unfortunately it was a ‘no’ on both counts.  

Two weeks after finding the brain tumour, when we received the initial biopsy results, the consultant said: ‘I’m only telling you this because I know you’ll Google it.

‘Thomas has a year at most. We can give him some radiotherapy, which may buy you a bit more time, but our advice is to do nice things while you can.’ 

The news was delivered so bluntly, that it stayed with me. 

I understand that medical teams do this every day, but they’ve got to remember this is someone’s child and telling his family he’s going to die is really tough. We just wanted to do whatever we could to keep our little boy alive for an extra day or an extra hour. 

I sobbed silently in the passenger seat as Gary drove us home, while I tried to process it all. After that it was a whirlwind.

We wanted to understand what was happening and find out more, so we went on The Brain Tumour Charity website – it told us that about 40 children a year in the UK are diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma.

Only 10% survive for two years or more. Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and the under 40s.   

After the diagnosis, I took leave from my role as a mortgage advisor to be with Thomas while he had 30 rounds of radiotherapy at University College London every weekday for six weeks. We were able to come home at weekends, or have the family come to meet us.  

Over the next five months, whenever we could, we decided to take the advice we’d been given and ‘do nice things’.   

Thomas loved animals so we visited a different place each weekend: London Zoo, Sea Life, the Oceanarium in Bournemouth, Marwell Zoo, Paulton’s Park and, in June, we went to Paignton Zoo in Devon for a Family Day organised by The Brain Tumour Charity.  

From April onwards Thomas used a wheelchair as he got really tired but we were still able to go to Madame Tussauds, Tower Bridge, The London Eye, Center Parcs, Alton Towers, Butlins and Hamleys – which has a whole floor of LEGO.  

He loved Alton Towers. Since he was in a wheelchair, he was given a special pass to access each ride. He even got to hold a starfish at the aquarium there. 

Thomas did the best he could under the circumstances, but it did upset him that he couldn’t eat and had to have a feeding tube. He couldn’t go to school much and really missed it, as well as his friends.  

But he never asked any questions about his tumour; we told him it was still there and he simply accepted that.  

He lost his hair and had to have a platelet transfusion in every chemo cycle. The first one caused anaphylactic shock, so he was terrified of it happening again. 

There were also positive memories. Thomas decided to set up a lemonade stand outside our house. He’d been inspired by something he’d seen on YouTube, so I put a notice out on our local community Facebook group asking passers-by to come and buy some lemonade.  

We were overwhelmed by the support – hundreds of people came by as customers. Thomas raised £1,000 to help the homeless and even help pay for one of our trips.  

He got featured in the local paper too, so people started recognising him, which made him feel famous – he loved that.  

In September 2024, Thomas fed the giraffes at Port Lympne Safari Park thanks to the charity Make-A-Wish UK. But he was complaining of back pain and looking back at the photos it was clear he wasn’t feeling well that day. 

His next MRI scan on 12 September showed the tumour had spread down his spine and brain stem. The hospital said there was nothing else they could do and stopped all treatment. During this time, Thomas was unable to do much.   

He lived for another nine weeks and then, with his pain under control, Thomas died peacefully on November 16, 2024. That’s all you can hope for.   

After all he’d been through Thomas didn’t want to be in hospital and, although it’s lovely, I wouldn’t have been happy in the local children’s hospice either. He wanted to be at home and that meant we could set him up in the lounge and his brothers could see him whenever they wanted to – with a care team from the hospital and Julia’s House hospice.  

Having the choice is so important. We were able to choose what we wanted and what was best for us. It comforts me that he was happy throughout it all. 

I think we were very lucky because not everyone receives this care. We can’t fault the NHS – the palliative care we had was excellent.  

It’s important to us to raise awareness of brain tumours in children, hoping that one day a cure is found and no other family has the heartbreak of losing a child. 

Thomas was so brave and we want people to remember him like that. 

This article was originally published in March 2025.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk. 

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We’ve all been jolted awake by the barman, missed our last train and discovered there are no hotel rooms within a 50-mile radius. Right?

I blame it on the ‘last drink’ of the evening that no one needs. Nothing good happens after that drink. It’s the one that nudges us the wrong way past the tipsy stage, giving us existential dread the following morning. Assuming we’ve made it home by then.  

Understandably, fewer of us want that in our lives. We’re busy, tired and basically broke.

As such, we’re steadily seeing the sun-kissed dawn of the ‘daycap’, according to Bacardi’s recent 2026 Trends Report – it’s day drinking, but not as we’ve always known it.

The popular booze brand describes this rising trend as ‘cocktails enjoyed in the late afternoon to close the workday’, and apparently, it marks a shift towards ‘micro celebrations’ and drinking windows that fit around our routine.

‘Think Thursday afternoon happy hours, slow-paced afternoon parties and drinks that complement, not derail, the rest of the day,’ Bacardi continues.

What’s driving this daytime drinking trend?

Drinking patterns have been shifting across the UK over the last few years, and people just aren’t staying out as late as they used to.

This tallies with the rise in ‘sessionable’ beverages – from lower-alcohol wine to spritzes, by way of lighter cocktails like the white port and tonic.

Elliot Ball has been seeing this play out in real time at his bar, The Cocktail Trading Co in Brick Lane, East London.

He tells Metro: ‘We’re definitely busy a little bit earlier, and emptier a little bit later.

‘We’re not getting that last hour, which used to be absolute insanity. Which actually sucks a bit for business.’

Despite the impact on business, Elliot claims he’s all for the change, admitting: ‘I personally love the idea of going out earlier, stopping drinking earlier and going to bed a little earlier. I actually think that’s totally the way to do it.

‘It’s quite continental, and they usually have a better relationship with alcohol and drinking than Brits.’

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Elliot notes that daytime drinking used to be associated with the upper class, as there’s a ‘certain près ski overlap with that sort of behaviour’.

But while you might have previously seen people in Chelsea or Kensington spilling out of posh brasseries at 4 pm after ‘getting boozy on the rosé’, it’s no longer exclusive to the ‘Sloane ranger’ crowd.

While it might not have infiltrated everywhere just yet, he claims he’s noticed it ‘definitely becoming more popular with other demographics too’.

How do you switch from the nightcap to the daycap?

If you’re thinking of switching to the daycap, it’s useful to understand why we’ve long been attracted to the ‘one for the road’ culture in the first place, which has kept us out late drinking.

‘Most people have that next drink because they’re drunk on the dopamine, and they’re surrounded by people they love, having a wonderful time. So, what do you do in this space? You order another drink’, explains Elliot.

To break the cycle, you need to find something to interrupt the flow of that situation, triggering you to not keep doing the thing you’re doing. In this case, that’s drinking.

An event or fun activity running alongside it is a great idea, like darts or a pub quiz.

‘The whole thing about going out earlier and then intentionally coming back earlier hinges on having a friend group that is open to doing that and having events or activities that go with that,’ advises Elliot.

Eating is another activity to consider. Today’s early bird isn’t just catching the worm; it’s grabbing the best table in the house. Because there’s a direct correlation between the daycap and people making earlier restaurant reservations.

Online restaurant booking service, OpenTable, has reported a steep rise in 6pm bookings. It’s up 11% in London, and there’s a 6% national increase in early evening slots compared to the same time last year.

This is confirmed by hospitality tech service, Zonal, which revealed that the new national average dining time is 6:12pm. Not only that, but over 50% of all UK reservations fall between midday and 6pm. These stats were taken from a survey of 5,000 British adults, and found that only 2% of bookings in the UK are now for 9pm or later.

This has been attributed to younger diners valuing health, well-being and better sleep. And flexible, hybrid working has helped too, allowing people to start and end their workday earlier.

Cleverly, London restaurants are clamouring to capitalise on this audience.

The likes of Spring at Somerset House, The Cinnamon Club, Portland and Popham’s have put on specific ‘early bird’ menus to encourage and capture the late-afternoon dining crowd.

But you could argue the daycap is actually closer conceptually to ‘brunching’ than it is to going out on the town, and the recent return to form of classic brunch cocktails like the Bloody Mary, seems to support this.

The Piña Colada has also been enjoying a revival, and that’s definitely a beverage that tastes even better enjoyed in the sunshine (though there’s always a risk you might end up getting caught in the rain).

So yes, the daycap is real, and not because Britain is drinking more, but because we’re drinking differently.

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‘This isn’t what girls are supposed to look like.’ 

That was what I told myself, every single morning, when I looked in the mirror. 

I’d then spend the next 10-15 minutes tugging at my skin, tweezing, covering and concealing the faint dark hairs that would shadow my chin.

I would tilt my head to the mirror, desperate to find an angle where I looked softer, prettier, more like the women I saw online or in magazines.

But that effortless version of femininity I thought I was supposed to represent, always eluded me.

When I was 18, following numerous scans and blood tests I was diagnosed with ​Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – a chronic hormonal condition that affects 1 in 8 women in the UK.

My symptoms finally had a name, but that didn’t make living with them easier.

The fine hairs on my chin, bloating, acne scars and the constant fatigue, all chipped away at me. It took away the version of womanhood I thought I was supposed to embody.

Society told me to look a certain way, and knowing I had PCOS didn’t make it any easier to realise that I failed to meet that impossible standard. 

A diagnosis didn’t mean people now saw my struggles with oily hair, the clumps that fell out, or the fact I sought out out every supplement I could. I was still alone.

From the moment I started puberty, I struggled with the changes my body went through.

My skin was constantly breaking out, particularly along my jawline, and each day brought another dark chin hair. 

Then came the fatigue. I’d wake up already exhausted, drag myself through the day in a fog. I would later collapse into bed feeling guilty for not being more productive, more energetic, more together.

All the while, I was fighting a constant battle with heavy periods, unexplained weight gain and excess body hair.

I felt lazy, broken, and unreliable 

Frustratingly, I seemed to be the only one I knew that was dealing with PCOS or puberty struggles. So I was often met with insensitive comments.

I’ve had people make jokes about my facial hair, or tell me to ‘just lose weight’ – as if that would magically cure everything. I felt low, insecure and wanted to hide away. 

It was as if I had become just someone to poke fun at. 

I adapted my skincare based on the seasons, I tried using cleaner products and cleansing my skin better – anything to look as ‘feminine’ as possible. But nothing seemed to work. 

I would still receive the same comments ‘Oh, you’ve put on weight,’ or ‘You look bloated’. 

Even wearing loose-fitting jumpers and leggings, in an attempt to mask my stomach,  couldn’t stop the cutting remarks. 

But then, I started following women online with PCOS. They showed their facial hair proudly, spoke openly about weight fluctuations, hormonal acne, and highlighted the brutal exhaustion.

I realised that everyone’s PCOS journey isn’t the same.

One creator in particular, posted unfiltered photos of her ‘PCOS skin’ and shared honestly about struggling with her skin, changed something in me.

I thought she looked radiant, not because she was conventionally flawless, but because she was unapologetically herself.

Seeing people online reclaim their bodies helped me start to feel comfortable in mine too. I stopped seeing my symptoms as shameful, and started seeing them as proof that my body was just doing its best.

I became proud of who I was, not ashamed of who I wasn’t. 

I’m learning to see the beauty beyond my facial hair, oily skin and everything in between. I’ve learnt to just be kinder to myself especially on the flare up days.

Sadly, PCOS is still misunderstood. It is more than just weight gain or missed periods. I still feel unseen in my struggles, such as the fatigue that makes climbing a flight of stairs feel like a marathon

It puts a huge emotional toll as it affects nearly every part of my physical and mental wellbeing.

But my self-confidence has made strides. Now I know femininity means different things, embracing our flaws and not comparing ourselves to an AI version or heavily filtered picture. 

Because that’s not reality. 

When I look in the mirror now, I still see the same hairs, the same scars, the same dark circles under my eyes. But I no longer flinch or feel the urge to prod myself into invisibility.

Instead, I see someone who has learned that femininity isn’t fragile or universal. It’s messy, hormonal, imperfect, tired, and real.

Finally, at 30, I have learned that my body never needed fixing.

Rather the idealised image of femininity needed to evolve. 

I just wish I had been able to realise that sooner.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing M.Navarrogriffiths@metro.co.uk. 

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The ‘vibrant’ city of Leeds is perhaps best known for being the ‘Knightsbridge of the North’ or its namesake football club and festival.

But it now has a raunchier claim to fame, it’s officially the UK city that searches for the most porn.

New research has revealed Leeds googles Pornhub more than anywhere else in Britain, putting Londoners to shame.

Brits are regular visitors of Pornhub, with us ranking eighth on the sites top 20 countries for traffic. We rank behind the likes of the US, Mexico, France and Italy, to name a few.

But it’s Loiners who are searching for the most porn here in Britain, and when it comes to what they’re searching for, you may be just as surprised.

What porn are they watching in Leeds?

Leeds locals are looking for women who have aged like fine wine, with the most searched for term being ‘grannies’.

Interestingly, Golden Age content (featuring senior men and women) was the biggest sex trend of the year back in 2023, with mature porn becoming the second most popular category on PornHub.

It was also the fifth most popular category for women, while searches for the term granny jumped 132% that year.

‘The real surprise this year is that grannies have overtaken lesbians,’ a BabeStation spokesperson said. ‘It shows just how adventurous viewers are getting.’

Where else in the UK watches a lot of porn?

In second place just behind Leeds, and slightly further up north, it’s Newcastle which is watching a lot of porn, according to the study by Beecham Peacock Solicitors.

When it comes to what they’re watching, they’re searching for a lot of Eastern European porn stars, but it seems locals are also keen for some more hands-on fun, too.

Gateshead, Newcastle landed eighth on the biggest swingers hotspots list with 245 sign-ups to swinger sites per 100,000 residents each week; Geordies are notoriously friendly, so it’s not too much of a stretch to imagine this would extend to the bedroom.

If you head down south, you’ll find Bristol, which watching the third most amount of porn in the UK, and they typically search for ‘couples’ porn.

In fourth place was Glasgow, and fifth place was Liverpool. Liverpudlians prefer ‘college’ porn with young men and women performing for the camera. But it’s a preference that has come under scrutiny, ever since Bonnie Blue began selling content by taking university students’ virginities in Freshers week.

Finally in sixth place, is the capital. While it may seem surprising that Londoners search for Pornhub less than the likes of Leeds and Newcastle, what they’re searching for is far more predictable.

Those in London get off on lesbian porn, with the most common search being for ‘girl on girl’ adult content. It’s not all that surprising given that lesbian porn is also very popular with women, and it was the fourth most searched for category on Pornhub in 2024.

But when it comes to doing the deed, Londoners aren’t always responsible, given the London borough of the City of Westminster has the highest rates of syphilis, gonorrhoea and genital warts per 100,000 people in the country.

In seventh place was Manchester, which has a penchant for ‘threesome’ porn, while Sheffield followed in eighth with a predisposition for MILFs in porn. Searches here for mother figures are extremely popular, but it’s surprising more cities don’t also share this kink, given its the second most searched for term on PornHub.

Birmingham placed ninth, while well-to-do Edinburgh rounded out the top 10 cities which search for the most porn.

Let us know where your city ranked below.

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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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Metro’s First-Person and Opinion Editor, Jess Austin, recently flew business class from London to Toronto with British Airways.

She’d never ‘turned left’ before, and was keen to see if it was worth splurging on an upgrade.

Now, having had a taste of the finer things, she shares her verdict on whether almost-excessive leg room, White Company freebies, and endless snacks are worth the extra dosh.

Jess, over to you.

The background

I’m not the best flier. For me, the holiday starts when I land; the flight itself is just the means to an end. 

But then again, I’ve always flown economy. 

That all changed on my recent British Airways flight from Heathrow to Toronto, where I was upgraded to business class – or Club World, as they call it.

And, after finally ‘turning left’, I have to say, I see the appeal.

What were the highlights?

From the ridiculous amount of leg room, to the fully reclining seats, and the giant multimedia screens, it was like travelling on a much nicer version of my sofa — bliss.

What other perks do you get?

Things got off to a good start when, after arriving at Heathrow, I discovered there was a separate check-in desk for Club World passengers.

An extra 50 steps and I was ushered through to a bag drop terminal, before walking straight into a priority security line. 

What is the cabin actually like?

I was lucky enough to be flying Club Suite – the newly renovated Club World cabins – which have direct aisle access (with a door for privacy) and a seat that converts into a 6ft 6inch bed. 

Greeted with a choice of orange juice or champagne, I settled into my seat, exploring all the secret storage compartments (I counted three but there could definitely be more). 

You mentioned freebies — what were they?

In my seat, a White Company goodie bag awaited, with the expected toothbrush and toothpaste, eye mask and socks, but also lip balm, a gentle moisturiser, and a relaxing pulse point roller.

Little perks that left me excited for my long flight, rather than waiting for it to be over. 

What was the food like?

As soon as I sat down, I scoured the menu. I’m actually not averse to plane food. I’m never expecting greatness so I’m always pleasantly surprised, especially when it’s hot and cheesy. 

When you fly Club World, it’s a whole other level. There’s silver cutlery and three course meals served on proper plates. Wild.

I started with a red lentil soup, followed by grilled cod with Bombay potatoes, broccolini, spinach and a tomato and coconut sauce, before finishing up with a lemon meringue bar.

The cod, especially, was delicious and the coconut sauce was really light and fragrant. I honestly didn’t think in-flight meals could be so fresh.

Then there were mocktails, and later in the flight a really tasty sarnie to keep the hunger at bay (not to mention the snacks that were readily available throughout). 

Anything else?

Usually, post-food is the time I’d try and force myself to sleep for the rest of the flight, trying to blot out as much as possible but this time, I didn’t want to.

I reclined my chair, and settled in for a movie marathon.

The lack of Crazy Rich Asians (if you know, you know) was made up for by Wicked, Miss Congeniality, and About Time, and the fact that there was a quality White Company blanket and (what I assumed was a) quilted seat cover. 

What didn’t you like so much?

While I’d genuinely struggle to find aspects of the trip I didn’t enjoy, I would say that I could take or leave lounges.

I’d never experienced one before, and while I appreciated being able to secure a guaranteed seat and have a bit of free food, it took a while to find one (there are multiple lounges, who knew?) with space.

How much does business with BA cost? 

Club World flights to Toronto start at £1,302 for the same date in May 2026, compared to £767 in economy.

It’s not something I could personally afford to do regularly, but for long-haul trips where you want to make the most of every moment, it could be the perfect treat. 

Final thoughts?

Tucked up in my cocoon, aware that my bladder wasn’t going to annoy my seat neighbours (because I had none), surrounded by lovely flight attendants and fully sated, I didn’t feel tense or scared, which is quite something for someone with a fear of flying. 

I think the best word to describe the experience would be ‘smooth’; it felt like I could decompress and arrive at my destination relaxed.

This flight certainly didn’t feel like the means to an end. 

A few drags when you’ve had one too many. A cheeky cigarette on a sunny day. But you’re a still a non-smoker… right?

According to a 2024 study, over a third of adults who currently smoke, or have quit in the past year in England, identify as social smokers.

But while some might find comfort in the term — swearing only to whip out a Vogue or Marlboro after a couple of pints — there’s evidence to suggest you could still be doing damage to your health.

In fact, Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser, highlights that ‘the body does not distinguish between a daily smoker and someone who smokes intermittently’.

So ,while you might keep this sneaky habit to beer gardens only, your gums don’t know that — and your lungs definitely won’t get the memo.

How can just one single cigarette affect the body?

Dr Suzanne from IQdoctor, warns that each cigarette you smoke means introducing a lot of nasty toxins into your body.

She tells Metro: ‘Each exposure to tobacco smoke delivers nicotine, carbon monoxide, tar and a wide range of toxic chemicals that have immediate and cumulative effects.

‘Research has shown that the cardiovascular system reacts almost immediately to tobacco smoke — even one cigarette.’

While dose does matter, and Dr Suzanne says ‘someone smoking 20 a day is at far greater risk’, the affects of smoking ‘begin with the very first cigarette.’

She continues: ‘If someone were to smoke a single cigarette, the immediate effects on the body would include a transient rise in heart rate and blood pressure, constriction of blood vessels, and a temporary reduction in oxygen delivery due to carbon monoxide exposure.’

All this ultimately contributes to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Cancer is also a massive factor to consider – and isn’t deterred by the fact you only have a cigarette when the footie is on.

‘Even low-level smoking increases the risk of cancers of the lung, mouth, throat and oesophagus, and when combined with alcohol in social settings, the carcinogenic effects are amplified,’ she says.

Dr Suzanne does add though that if someone smoked around ten cigarettes a month for a year and then stopped completely, in most cases the body would recover very well.

‘These changes are short lived in a healthy person and the body will largely recover within hours to days — so one isolated cigarette is extremely unlikely to cause permanent measurable damage in an otherwise well individual.

‘The cardiovascular system begins to improve within days to weeks of stopping.’

How many is too many?

So is one fag on the weekend okay then? How about five? Or 10? Unfortunately, it’s not an exact science – so it’s hard to properly quantify.

But Dr Suzanne warns ‘there is no safe threshold.’ She continues: ‘Even though the absolute risk from a single event is very small, one exposure triggers inflammatory changes within the vascular lining and oxidative stress at a cellular level.’

So adds that ‘even very low levels of exposure, for example one cigarette in a day, or even smoking occasionally such as a few cigarettes over a weekend,’ can be enough to impact your health.

Is it really just ‘one’?

Due to the highly addictive nature of nicotine, social smokers are inherently more likely to escalate their habit.

So, just because you only smoke on a casual basis now, you might very well become a full-time smoker further down the line.

‘Risk is not binary, and what concerns us clinically is not so much the one off cigarette, but the behavioural trajectory,’ Dr Suzanne says.

‘Repeated “just one” scenarios can gradually shift into a pattern of intermittent or regular smoking, and it is that sustained exposure over years that meaningfully alters long term health outcomes.’

Smoking and fertility

Some social smokers might also be interested to know that smoking just a small number of cigarettes can have an impact on your fertility.

Dr Suzanne says: ‘In women, tobacco toxins can accelerate ovarian aging by increasing follicular loss and reducing ovarian reserve, meaning that the number and quality of eggs decline more quickly than they otherwise would.

‘In men, it’s linked to reduced sperm count, reduced motility, and increased DNA fragmentation within sperm, all of which can impair fertility and increase miscarriage risk.’

Smoking cigarettes is also associated with earlier menopause, reduced success rates with natural conception and IVF, and a higher risk of miscarriage.

Is smoking making a comeback?

There’s been a downward trend when it comes to smoking habits in the UK, partially down to society’s changing attitudes towards health as well as the growth in popularity of alternatives such as vaping or snus.

According to the Office of National Statistics, in 2024, around 5.3 million people aged 18 years and over (10.6%) smoked cigarettes in the UK – the lowest proportion of current smokers since records began in 2011.

However, in corners of pop culture and in the everyday lives of millennials (who continue to have the highest proportion of current smokers in the UK) smoking is becoming ‘cool’ again.

Celebrities like Charli XCX and Addison Rae play a big role in this, not just being ‘caught’ having a ciggie on their days off, but actively incorporating smoking culture into their brands – romanticising it and eternally interlinking cigarettes with cool girl culture.

There’s even an entire Instagram page dedicated to people’s favourite ‘cigfluencers’, featuring pictures of celebrities either posing with cigarettes or taking a few puffs whilst seen in the wild.

But holding onto the supposedly cool ‘social smoker’ label for dear life, means you could could face hard truths later down the line.

Dr Suzanne notes that she often sees individuals come to her clinic who began as social smokers in their 20s and 30s, and are surprised to later find that their cardiovascular risk profile, lung function or fertility has been affected as a result.

Dr Suzanne concludes: ‘Ultimately, while the pattern of use may be different, the harm is not negligible, and it is important for patients to understand that “only socially” does not equate to safe.’

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My first ever Hinge date didn’t get off to a good start.

It was July 2022 and my date, Antonio, and I were at a small shop near Greenwich Park, picking up snacks and drinks for our romantic picnic.

At the time, I’d just come out of a two-year relationship, and was dipping my toe back into the scene. 

I didn’t know then that I’d met the one. 

I’d been looking forward to our date, but when we reached the till Antonio suddenly froze.

‘I’ve lost my wallet,’ he said, patting his pockets repeatedly. His bank cards, ID, driving licence and student card were all missing. 

My first instinct was to roll my eyes – assuming it was either a bad joke or worse, a genuine attempt to trick me into paying for our mini spread.

After all, the picnic idea – getting a few beers and snacks from the shop – had been his, and it had only cost around £15 in total. 

Luckily, we weren’t asked for ID, but I still felt put on the spot, as if I was suddenly expected to cover the entire date.

But I needn’t have worried – Antonio eventually realised he had a solution all along, and simply paid with his phone. 

My relief wasn’t because of some outdated idea of a man paying on a first date – I’m very much a ‘going Dutch’ person – but because I realised it wasn’t some strange macho power move.

Ironically, I was more worried about Antonio’s lost wallet than he was. 

As I fretted about retracing our steps and contacting the bus company, he simply shrugged, cancelled his cards online, and suggested we head to the park to continue our date. 

I couldn’t believe how relaxed he was. If it were me, I’d already be on the phone crying to my mum, with my date presumably running a mile. 

But Antonio was different – calm, and mildly entertained by the situation. 

It was so unexpected that it threw me off and, weirdly, that’s when I realised his zen-like approach to something going wrong was a green flag I didn’t even know I was searching for.

Those flags had felt hard to come by in the daunting London dating scene – but Antonio was different. Our chats on Hinge had been easy, and he was the only potential date I’d actually been looking forward to meeting. 

After the wallet incident, we carried on to the famous viewpoint of the park and sat there for hours, sipping the beer we’d bought and talking about our lives, universities, families, and dreams for the future.

We discovered we had a lot in common – both European (Antonio is Portuguese, I’m Italian), raised with strong family ties, and navigating life in a big city that didn’t quite feel like home yet. 

As the sun began to set, we walked along the river, conversation flowing easily. 

When we reached the Cutty Sark, we went our separate ways – without kissing goodbye.

But that night, we kept messaging, planning our next date. I went to bed smiling, thinking how natural it had all felt.

In the following weeks, we met every few days, cooked together, shared playlists, and slowly blurred the line between the casual situation we’d planned and something more.

I could feel myself getting attached, but both of us were still dealing with past entanglements.

And this started to take a toll.

Antonio was in touch with his ex – he was upfront from the beginning that they were friends and saw each other fairly often, which made me constantly aware of a potential threat – and I hadn’t fully closed the door on mine. 

We’d had an on-and-off situation for a long time, and when he reached out in September, a few months after I’d met Antonio, we saw each other a few times.

Seeing my ex only made me more confused. We never truly got back together, but I struggled to fully move on; and in the end, that made me decide it wasn’t fair to keep dating Antonio. 

Letting go of someone I’d had strong feelings for for almost two years wasn’t easy. But months later, I found myself in a better place. I wasn’t speaking to my ex anymore, and I felt genuinely ready to take advantage of the London dating scene again.

I was back on Hinge with a new profile – and up popped Antonio. 

I couldn’t believe my eyes. I stared at the screen for a good few seconds before replying.

We started talking again, this time with a little more honesty about what had gone wrong before – like my insecurities about his ex and the fact that it hadn’t been fair of me to project those insecurities onto him when I was still caught in an on-and-off situation of my own.

Circumstances meant we didn’t meet up immediately. I was abroad that Christmas and busy finishing my final year of university, but I couldn’t stop thinking about him, and we talked on and off through the winter. 

When I got back to London in February 2023 we met, talked about everything that had happened, and it just clicked.

A month later, after several more dates, I invited him to my 21st birthday party. 

Antonio met my friends, who all liked him instantly – and we’ve been together ever since.

In fact, now we live together.

It’s been three-and-a-half years since that sunny day in Greenwich when I thought my date was trying to trick me into paying. 

Turns out, the clumsy guy who lost his wallet is the person I now choose every day.

Much later, I confessed that I had thought he was trying to scam me out of £15. 

Antonio looked slightly puzzled, then laughed it off. 

And no, he doesn’t have a wallet anymore. 

He bought a phone case with slots for his cards and IDs after that incident – ironically meaning if it happened again I would have to foot the bill. 

But this time, I’d be ok with it.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

What San Marino lacks in size, it more than makes up for in steepness — a fact I discovered on a recent trip to hike the length of this micro-country.

At just over 60 square kilometres, San Marino stands as one of the world’s smallest nations.

It also earns its title as one of the oldest surviving sovereign states, founded in 301AD.  

Having once rollerbladed the length of another microstate, Liechtenstein, I decided that tackling San Marino on foot could be a fun idea, and my friend, Jane, was instantly up for the challenge too.

San Marino lies west of Bologna, Italy, a city served by daily flights from London with British Airways and Ryanair. From Bologna, it’s then about an hour by train to Rimini, which is 20 minutes from the San Marino border.

We squeezed in a little sightseeing in Rimini — home to Italy’s oldest Roman arch, the Arch of Augustus — before boarding a bus to Hotel Main Street, which came in at just over £60 a night on Booking.com and included breakfast. 

Foolishly, we arrived having not had dinner, and there was little in the way of food within walking distance.

As a result, we found ourselves at a slightly bizarre spot called Amici Fun Station: a petrol station that doubles as a bar and restaurant.

There, we made do with an assortment of Italian snacks and drinks before retreating for the night.

The next morning, we set out at 8am, crossing the border into San Marino just after daylight.

Near the border, San Marino has a more industrial feel, with factories and shopping outlets — helped along by its tax-free status — but the further we walked, the more the highways gave way to park trails and quieter roads, gently winding past olive groves and farmland.

On our walk across the country, we were keen to reach its heart — the historic centre, best known for its postcard-perfect old town perched high on the 739m peak, Monte Titano, with sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. 

Three medieval towers sit dramatically along the ridgeline, serving as magnificent lookout points. 

In 2008, the historic centre of San Marino was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognised as a rare example of a medieval city-state that has preserved both its independence and civic traditions since the Middle Ages.

Admittedly, January isn’t the ideal season for hiking in San Marino, but we were more than content with the crisp 8°C air — and thankfully, the rain stayed at bay. 

The only trouble was the thick fog, which hung low throughout the day despite the sun’s best efforts to burn through it. 

At times it was difficult to see the road ahead, and when we reached the historic centre, which took around three hours, we had no idea what structures were looming above us.

Reaching the top of Monte Titano, means tackling steep, narrow, often stone-paved streets that twist their way up the mountain, particularly when moving between the town centre and the three defensive towers. 

The climb is undeniably demanding, but the city is thoughtfully punctuated with cafés, restaurants, and scenic viewpoints — perfect excuses to pause, catch your breath, and take in the views. 

Unfortunately, there were no views to speak of the day Jane and I ascended, so we determinedly plodded on until we reached the summit.

Given the gloomy weather, we had the medieval city almost entirely to ourselves, with only a smattering of other tourists about. 

After reaching our destination, we visited each of the towers. Two of them — Guaita, the first, and Cesta, the second — are accessible for €11, with the ticket also granting entry to several museums and palazzos across the city. 

The third tower, Montale, built as a strategic lookout in the 14th century, is smaller and can only be viewed from the outside.

After a welcome rest from the uphill slog and navigating a maze of turrets and ancient walkways, we began our descent, with another couple of hours still ahead of us to reach the far end of San Marino.

For the final stretch of our country crossing, I’d found a restaurant near the border that looked authentic and low-key, with a bowl of truffle tagliatelle admittedly catching my eye in the Google photos. 

Thankfully, the walking after the halfway point was less arduous, though the mizzle — the Scottish phrase for that fine mix of drizzle and mist — encouraged us to pick up the pace in pursuit of pasta.

After some fairly off-piste wandering through leaf-lined tracks and boggy roadways, we finally reached the end of our trek, only to be met with a crushing realisation: there appeared to be no restaurant at all. 

Panicked that I’d led us to a fictional destination, we pressed on a little further. Then, emerging from the mist around a bend in the road, a slightly dishevelled sign came into view, announcing Ristorante La Locanda.

Relief never tasted so good. If you decide to embark on your own crossing of San Marino, I’d wholeheartedly recommend seeking out this homely eatery. Run by a husband-and-wife team, it has a warmly authentic feel and serves a delicious array of local dishes at astonishingly reasonable prices.

Jane and I celebrated our country crossing with truffle tagliatelle, ravioli, a caprese salad, and a bottle of wine — all for just €45. To top it off, Diego, the owner, treated us to hazelnut meringue, fruit cake, and shots of fruit liqueur on the house, adding to the celebratory spirit.

As they say, all in a day’s work — but walking the length of San Marino proved a richly rewarding endeavour: rolling countryside, medieval monuments, and, fittingly, a memorable meal to bring it all to a close.

Yotel London City offers reasonably priced rooms and is close to the Stansted Express at Liverpool Street station, where trains run to Stansted Airport. Flights to Bologna run daily from Stansted with Ryanair.

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Shoppers have branded Morrisons ‘mental’ after seeing the £50 price tag of its own-brand Easter egg.

It’s Best Signature Collection Grand Golden Egg weighs 1kg and is reminiscent of Hotel Chocolat’s Everything Chocolate Ostrich Easter Egg which costs an eye-watering £90, and weighs the same as the supermarket egg.

Morrisons was found to be one of the nation’s least favourite supermarkets this year by Which? after customers gave it a satisfaction score of just 68%, with pricing being one of the reasons it lost points.

The supermarket’s egg is a whopping £30 more expensive than the next priciest own-brand offering which is the M&S Collection Extra Thick Dark Chocolate & Blond Egg.

It’s important to note though, the egg is on offer for £29.50 (still £9.50 more than M&S) and will be until April 6, the day after Easter, meaning it’s unlikely anyone will actually have to stump up 50 quid to get their hands on one.

Still, £29.50 is a lot to pay for some chocolate, so what does it get you? The product description says you can expect an exceptionally smooth milk chocolate, toffee, honeycomb and puffed rice half egg, and an intensely rich dark chocolate, cookie and puffed rice half egg.

Then, inside the main egg, you’ll find two salted caramel filled milk chocolate eggs and two caramelised biscuit filled milk chocolate eggs.

People have been impressed with the quality of the egg, though. TikTok food reviewer @Bigdaddybsfoods said: ‘The egg is a beast, I struggled to even break it and I’m hard as nails.

‘It’s super thick, there’s a lot of chocolate there, flavour is on point, and they’re not shy with the fillings either. I was very impressed.’

He gave it an overall score of nine out of 10, but people still weren’t sure about the price.

‘The price is mental,’ commented one. ‘It’s crazy what we accept now as normal,’ added another.

But others said the egg looked ‘lovely’ and ‘banging’, while someone said: ‘I don’t think that’s bad value for the quality.’

What other supermarkets are charging for Easter eggs

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While we know M&S has two own-brand Easter eggs, both of which go for £20 (£41.20 per kg), Waitrose has the third most expensive egg at £17 (£53.13 per kg).

This is the price of its Cracking Pistachio Easter Egg, which Metro’s food reviewer Courtney Pochin tried last year.

‘The Cracking Pistachio comes in an incredibly sleek box and looks exactly like the picture on the front, which is a good start. No false advertising going on here,’ she said.

‘As soon as you open the packaging, you’re hit with a delicious caramel scent from the blonde chocolate, which tastes rich and creamy. 

‘And when it comes to the pistachio chocolate inside, Waitrose has done a cracking job with the flavour — it’s not too strong and not too subtle. Call me Goldilocks, because it’s just right.’

Waitrose’s egg was priced at £17 last year, too, so it’s not got more expensive, although it did rise from the £14 price it had the year before – which made it the most expensive supermarket own-brand Easter egg of 2024.

The next most expensive own-brand egg is Tesco’s Finest Double Layer Caramelised Biscuit Chocolate Egg, costing £14. Given it weighs just 210g, it’s actually more expensive per kg than Morrisons.

If you were to get 1kg’s worth of the Tesco egg, it would cost you £66.67.

Sainsbury’s and Asda both offer own-brand eggs for £10, although Sainsbury’s is better value for money because you get 230g of chocolate, compared to Asda’s 200g.

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Every cell in my body was screaming at me to lower myself onto my boyfriend, Alex’s, dick. 

We were naked in bed, breathing heavily as we tried our hardest not to have sex.

It was delicious torture.

I was on top, with both hands gripping onto the headboard for dear life.

If Alex or I moved an inch in either direction, it would have been game over – or game on, depending on how you looked at it.

It was quite possibly the best non-penetrative sex I’d ever had. 

I’m a stubborn woman but as his hands squeezed my hips, I was hit by an intense feeling of want and need.

His clear desire for my body made me feel incredibly sexy. It made resistance even harder.

As I looked down at his beautiful shape beneath mine, I nearly gave in – but sex was definitely not allowed that night. 

So, despite my body telling me not to, I rolled off and let out a frustrated sigh.

In lieu of penetration, we settled for mutual masturbation and climax – loudly, on my part.

This happened last month. I had recently undergone a procedure following a not-so-great smear test.

In order to allow me to properly heal, doctors said I should not take baths, exercise or have penetrative sex for four weeks.

In the grand scheme of things, a month without sex is no big deal – especially in exchange for having a happy and healthy cervix – so I wasn’t exactly fussed about the medical instruction to abstain. 

That being said, I had a feeling it was going to be a long one. 

Surprisingly, I soon realised that there was a positive benefit I hadn’t anticipated – intimacy that was off the charts.

Once the first week and initial fear about my health had passed, I noticed how my body began to respond to Alex’s every touch – even little things, like him kissing my back as we cuddled or running his hands down my back.

Everything else is that much sweeter when you can’t have what you’re really craving.

This isn’t the first time I’ve noticed how abstaining from penetrative sex can boost my experience in the bedroom.

A few years back, having dated one too many arseholes, I decided to give up sex for 90 days, as a way to reset and focus on other parts of my life.

Given I was single at the time with no tempting dicks to ride, the first month went by fairly unnoticed.

I may be a sexual gal, but I’m not perpetually horny. There is actually more to life than getting laid. 

By the second month, though, I started observing men in my vicinity more. I caught myself smiling at hot strangers and felt a jolt of excitement when they smiled back.

During the home stretch, I met a lovely guy who was a fantastic kisser. I’ve never liked to break a promise to myself, so I stuck to my guns and we didn’t have sex, we just made out – for hours.

Once again, teasing myself into oblivion actually worked in my favour because it made our time together more intense.

Another memory that sticks out is my week-long fling with Rowan*.

I was studying abroad and sharing an eight-bed at a hostel at the time, while looking for a permanent place to rent.

Rowan just so happened to occupy one of these beds – but given the sheer volume of people sleeping in our room, we couldn’t exactly get naked.

We threw longing glances, shared kisses on nights out and stole moments together whenever we could. 

When the stars finally aligned and we could have sex in private, it was incredible – specifically because we had been forced to wait.

Three days of unintended foreplay had put my body on edge in the best possible way.

When the four weeks were up, Alex and I tried to have sex again, but I found it painful. My doctors told me that I should extend the waiting period by another two weeks.

I wasn’t upset – but I was so incredibly horny. And looking forward to the inevitable teasing. 

Last weekend, on Valentine’s Day of all days – though it wasn’t intended –  I was healed, and the deadline was finally over.

Not to brag, I’ve had a lot of sex, so my standards are pretty high for what constitutes a good shag.

My reunion with Alex’s penis was nothing short of explosive.

It wasn’t actually about the penetration – what made this moment special was the longing I felt for our bodies to connect in this way.

We didn’t have acrobatic sex; far from it, round one started in missionary. But there was nothing boring about it. 

Sometimes, slowing things down or taking penetration off the table – or rather, out of the bedroom – can highlight other fantastic parts of your sex life and body.

It can strengthen your bond with a partner and make you appreciate them more.

Also, it goes without saying that not everyone enjoys penetration in the first place – everyone approaches sex differently. Each to their own.

That Valentine’s Day, Alex finished me off first and I was so spent that I couldn’t think or breathe properly for a full 15 minutes aftwards.

He got his own during round two.

We have always enjoyed a bit of ‘stop and start’ sex with breaks in between but we probably shagged five times in the space of 24 hours.

It was worth the wait.

*Names have been changed

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

We’ve all seen a post on social media, picturing a newborn baby, along with their thoughtfully picked out name, and date of birth.

Known as birth announcements, there are 375,000 of these posts on Instagram alone from parents joyfully sharing the birth of their child.

Take Molly-Mae and Tommy Fury who’s birth announcement hit 3.5 million likes on Instagram. It’s part of a wider trend called ‘sharenting’ where mums and dads share their baby’s personal information on social media, but a parenting coach has shared the hidden problem with sharing your children’s details.

Lucinda Rose, took to TikTok, saying: ‘Birth announcements and birthday posts on social media are two of the most dangerous things a parent can put on social media.

‘What [criminals] need is data, because by taking data they can commit identity theft. They need our full name and date of birth. What do parents always put on social media as soon as they have a baby? Their full name and date of birth.’

Barclays has also warned of this problems, saying fraudsters are always on the look out for personal information, including your name and date of birth, as well as your address, marital status, email address and bank details.

What if you share your child’s information on social media?

If you’ve done a birth announcement like this with your child’s name and date of birth, the bank warns these details could be used for fraudulent loans, credit card transactions, or online shopping scams.

This means your child could struggle to get loans or even a mortgage, because someone has taken out loans or credit in their name.

If you’re still sceptical, Barclays forecasts that birth announcements, and parents sharing their children on social media, will account for two thirds of identity fraud facing young people by 2030.

There are expected to be 7.4 million incidents per year of identity fraud in four years’ time by the end of the decade.

‘Through social media, it has never been easier for fraudsters to gather the key pieces of information required to steal someone’s identity,’ Jodie Gilbert, head of digital safety for Barclays, says.

‘It’s vital to think before you post, and to carry out regular audits of your social media accounts to prevent that information from falling into the wrong hands.’

But if you look at your own social media accounts, you might realise you share a lot more of your life than you think you do. Barclays shares that parents are unwittingly revealing their ages, home addresses, places of birth, maiden names, schools, names of pets, and sports teams they support.

What do people think about birth announcements?

Some parents who initially did a birth announcement for their child have since shared they regret doing so.

‘We shared full name, date of birth and a picture with her face but honestly I wish I hadn’t,’ says one parent on Reddit. ‘I just didn’t think it through and only did it because I’d seen friends do it and in the moment I just wasn’t thinking critically about why it might not be a good idea, only that it was a thing that people do.

‘I’ve since realised that no one is actually entitled to photos of her or information about her, and the only pictures I have posted since are of me without her face showing (usually me wearing her in a carrier).’

‘I felt awful when I realised how careless it was and I would never do it again,’ TikToker Imogen says.

[‘My birth announcement] was one of the only things I’ve ever posted about my baby and now I’ve got to delete that, too. I’m sick of the world we live in,’ added one father.

‘I removed the date and the weights and their full name, I was so naïve to post them at first,’ added another.

But for those parents who did want to post birth announcements, they shared their reasoning, too.

‘I posted it all, it was like a birth announcement,’ wrote one Reddit. ‘There was only one pic of her face, the rest were pics of me, dad & grandma holding her.

‘I think you should share whatever you’re comfortable with sharing. For me, I wanted everyone to “meet” her.’

Another parent said: ‘My partner and I only posted because our families were posting non-stop and it seemed weird that we didn’t. He made a Facebook post and I made an Instagram post.’

‘I posted a couple pictures on my private FB/IG account with his name and birth date, and that’s all that’s going to be on social media until he’s old enough to have his own accounts,’ added someone else.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Coming out can be the start of a new, wonderful chapter for many people in the LGBTQ+ community.

But for this week’s reader, the breakdown of his first same-sex relationship resulted in him returning to his wife.

With a loving partner and three wonderful children, his life may look perfect, but in reality, he feels ‘trapped’, hiding his true self.

Should he continue to live a lie to appease his family? Or is there an alternative option, that could allow him to live a more authentic life?

Check out our expert’s advice below, but before you go, take a look at last week’s dilemma, from a man who never should’ve said yes to his fiancée’s proposal.

The problem…

Ever since I was a small boy, I’ve always known that I was gay. In this day and age it should be fine, but in my culture I’m afraid it’s still unacceptable.

For this reason, I went along with an arranged marriage seven years ago, which pleased everyone in both families, except me.

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Hi, my name is Laura Collins, and every week I write Metro’s Sex Column.

I’ve been working in newspapers since completing my counselling training 30 years ago, and it’s always a privilege to help readers.

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I can’t fault my wife, who is lovely, and we have three fantastic children. But I’ve never been able to stop myself from sneaking into gay clubs, miles from home, and meeting other guys.

For a while I was able to keep up this double life: on the surface, looking like a perfect husband and provider, but behind the scenes, having casual sex with men.

Stupidly, I fell in love with another guy and ended up leaving my wife last year. I was honest with her, and she was understandably horrified and told the family. This caused the most terrible shame, and my mother in particular was beside herself.

Unfortunately, things went wrong in my new relationship within a couple of months. I had nowhere to go except back home, where I begged forgiveness and swore it wouldn’t happen again. Part of me was pleased to be back as I missed my children terribly, but deep down I knew I was doing the wrong thing.

Everyone is delighted that I’m home, and my wife has accepted me back on one condition – that I ‘stop being gay’ and never get involved with another man. I have agreed.

Now I feel trapped and miserable, as I can’t just ‘stop being gay’. I love my wife, but in a sisterly way, and don’t know how to get out of the mess I’ve created.

The advice

It’s impossible to read your email and not feel great sympathy for you. You weren’t stupid to fall in love with another man; on the contrary, it’s really important that you stop trying to be someone you’re not in order to please other people.

The problem here isn’t that you’re gay, which is not a choice – but the fact that you’re living a lie to conform with your family’s expectations.

It’s great that you have such fond feelings for your wife, but sisterly love can only satisfy you so much; after that you’re left with an emptiness that can’t be filled, except by going back to your old life of casual affairs with men.

You know that’s not the answer but the misery caused by living this lie is only likely to get worse. Many people in your situation end up depressed, self-harming or with substance abuse issues. Would your wife really want that for the father of her children?

Don’t feel forced to choose between your family and your sexuality. Sit your partner down and talk to her honestly about creating a future together where you can live apart, be your authentic self, and yet still have a real role as a loving father and hopefully friend to your wife.

Your family love you and I do hope they’ll come round.

Please contact Straight Partners Anonymous, a support organisation for heterosexual people who discover their partner is LGBTQ+.

The organisation was set up many years ago to help people in just your situation, and they can provide support for both you and your wife.

You’re by no means alone, and they might help you and your wife find a way forward.

Laura is a counsellor and columnist.

Got a sex and dating dilemma? To get expert advice, send your problem to Laura.Collins@metro.co.uk.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Mars moves in tandem with Chiron in Aries, giving a more emotional angle to the day ahead than you may have felt in a while. Whatever comes up, feel it completely.

Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius, the only way to let go of old wounds is to go through the pain first. Stop pushing difficult feelings down and you will be set free.

Be gentle with yourself today, and practice gratitude. Inner healing is around the corner.

Ahead, you’ll find all the star signs’ horoscopes for today: Sunday February 22, 2026.

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To download your free Unique Personal Horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com/free-birth-chart/.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

You’re stepping into powerful territory where action meets healing. As Mars forges an alliance with Chiron in your sign, this rare blend invites you to turn past wounds into present strength. You’re not just charging ahead, you’re doing so with deeper awareness and a renewed sense of purpose. Old hurts around identity or independence may resurface, but now you have the courage to face them.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Today your cool exterior meets deep inner heat and healing. A potent aspect stirs buried frustrations or fears, especially around control, confidence or past mistakes. But there’s a gift here, you can finally take action. You have the power to make brave steps towards resolution while loosening your grip on old wounds. You don’t have to fix everything, just be willing to do things differently.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Today’s restorative merger fires up your mind while your feelings catch up. A proactive pairing invites you to confront old wounds around belonging, friendship or feeling too much or not enough in group dynamics. But you’ve got the courage to face it head-on, armed with wit and insight. Take action that’s bold and slightly rebellious while daring to be truly yourself.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

You’re called to rise both professionally and personally and confront any old doubts whispering ‘not yet’. A powerful alignment lights up your career and purpose, nudging you to break free from outdated roles and face insecurities that once held you back. You’ll find your leadership strongest where you once struggled. Take a smart risk, speak with authority and own your brilliance.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Relationships and beliefs collide in a blaze of insight and growth. You may feel compelled to challenge old assumptions, especially those that told you to dim your light or play it safe. Energetic Mars urges courageous connection while healer Chiron highlights tender spots around confidence and conviction. Evolution unfolds when you act in alignment with who you truly are.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Today’s therapeutic blend activates your zones of daily work, wellness and deep transformation. Old fears around control, vulnerability or imperfection may surface. You’ll have the energy to face what you’ve avoided and the chance to heal by doing things differently. Your practical nature is your strength now, so take the initiative, set boundaries and say no without guilt.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

The Mars-Chiron link turns relationships into both mirror and motivation. This aspect activates your zones of romance, creativity and partnership, stirring old wounds around love, trust or feeling seen. But today you’re ready to respond with courage. Speak from the heart, take a creative risk or express your desires honestly. Healing doesn’t have to be heavy, so see it as empowering and even playful.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

The current line-up brings buried frustrations or self-doubt to the surface around work, health or routines. You’ll recognise your drive for control while sensing where perfectionism or old pain has held you back. Now is the time to simplify, set boundaries or begin a habit that respects your energy. Even the fiercest phoenix needs a reset, and yours begins with one brave step.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Old wounds around self-expression, confidence or being ‘too much’ may resurface, but this time you’re ready to rewrite the script. Whether it’s romance, art or honesty, this is your moment to turn vulnerability into victory. Your creative spark meets a healing flame as Mars walks with Chiron. Say the thing, start the project, dance like no one’s watching or better still, like they are.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 20

Old wounds around safety, family or self-worth may be stirred, but now you have the courage and insight to transform them. This is about upgrading your inner support system, not just your surroundings. Be open at home, embrace your emotional needs and remember that strength doesn’t mean silence. Sometimes the bravest move is admitting that this truly matters.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 21 to February 19

Your words hold healing power. You’re fired up, speaking truth and challenging the norm, but now there’s deeper meaning behind the message. As passionate Mars in your sign aligns with Chiron, old wounds around being misunderstood or silenced may surface. Instead of holding back, you’re learning to speak openly. Use your voice wisely, as it can liberate others as well as you.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

You may feel a quiet but powerful nudge to heal what lingers beneath the surface, especially around self-worth, security and unseen fears. The good news is that you don’t need to shout to reclaim your power. Private breakthroughs still count. Whether it’s rewriting a money story, shedding self-doubt or forgiving yourself for being human, this is deep work, so trust your instincts.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of February here.

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The tail end of February brings us into a Mercury Retrograde, which is not the demon that folk paint it out to be — especially as this one is in lovely Pisces.

See this three-week phase more as a time to do less, think more, and recoup your energy ready for the launch phase of spring!

Winter is almost over. What outside, external, world-facing ambitions, energy or activity do you most want to tap into and pursue?

Time to plan and prepare. Make this Spring season amazing by getting your priorities and hopes lined up now, so you can research and schedule accordingly.

So… let’s use the tarot to ask what you can be getting ready for spring right now.

Looking for deeper insight? My new Everything Covered reading has all the answers. Or, come join my magical, mystical tarot club, free for a whole month when you sign up using this link.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Tarot card for Aries for this week: The Sun

Meaning: Spring starts at the same time as your own sign’s season, so it’s like a double whammy of good vibes, positive energy and action. The Sun blesses this season even more with love, joy, travel, success, and opportunity. The preparation you can do now is to imagine what you’d be doing if failure wasn’t an option. What makes you feel most excited? What would you love to spend your time on this Earth pursuing?

This is what you should plan to do this spring — seriously, the sky’s the limit. Write that business plan, invite your object of affection on a wild weekend, book a trip or holiday that makes you feel adventurous, apply for the promotion. Do it all!

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Tarot card for Taurus for this week: Five of Cups

Meaning: The key to the best ever spring that you can plan for now is to simply have no regrets. That is going to be your mantra. Imagine that it is now winter again, what memories of this season would you love to have made, places visited, spring-like activities tried, new food eaten, relatives visited etc?

Let this stance of ‘no regrets’ inform your priority to-do list and use this week to research and plan how you can land it over from March to June. This might be shaping up to be your best ever season, you know!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Tarot card for Gemini for this week: Three of Cups

Meaning: As spring approaches, the sap rises, flowers unfurl, things heat up in all manner of ways. This applies to your nature too. You are a part of nature! So feel the warmth, light and fertile energies swirling through the air embrace you and lift your spirits. Focus on receiving the energy coming through and letting it change your mood, outlook and appetites.

Hibernation is over. Winter habits are over. Time to refresh, renew and revive your spring-like personality and true nature. Time to get outside, start sniffing the air, taking walks, looking with curiosity at what’s going on that you can get involved with!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Tarot card for Cancer for this week: Three of Coins

Meaning: You do have a tendency to go into total hibernation during winter, and folk wonder if you’ve dropped off the face of the Earth. But you are missed. Your presence is powerful and when it’s removed, people notice. So, as Spring starts to come around, start thinking about your social life, family outings, networking and general human interaction once more!

What events are coming up, who have you not seen in ages, what trips or new places are there waiting for your attention, what professional relationships need some attention? Make a list, make a plan, start in advance now and get a head start.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Tarot card for Leo for this week: The Empress

Meaning: This is the card of love, passion, nurturing, mothering and fertility and this suggests your spring is going to be very loving and fertile in new additions to your life. Abundance, blossoming, creation, and growth. So… get your magic wand of manifesting polished and poised.

Where are you going to point it? What do you want create and make? What new things do you want to be birthed into your realm? Make a wish list. This powerful Empress energy is there to help you get what you desire and deserve. Know what you truly want, from the heart, and use that to guide your spring preparations and priorities. Also, look out for Taurus and Libra.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Tarot card for Virgo for this week: King of Coins

Meaning: A new season is like you getting a new notepad or blank sheet of paper, on which you can project and plan a whole new era! Bliss. Vision boarding is what is needed right now. Create your ideal vision of where you want to be in terms of health, wealth, work and home this spring.

What jobs need doing, what outcomes are you looking for, what investments might be worth exploring, what career ideas are you brewing, what health and wellbeing goals do you have in mind? Get it all down on paper this week and take charge of making it into a you Spring Schedule 2026!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Tarot card for Libra for this week: Two of Cups

Meaning: Use your closest relationships – family, romantic and otherwise – to plan your upcoming spring season. What do you want to do with those you love and like? Get together with these folk this week and have a pre-season planning get-together. What films, outings, events, trips, gatherings, new places, foods, shows, classes or reunions might you all want to undertake, share and arrange?

Use this relationship-focused approach as the underpinning of your season ahead and you will feel loved, supported and valued. Getting together with people is your favourite thing. So, make it a real priority this season.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Tarot card for Scorpio for this week: Two of Swords

Meaning: Spring is always a busy time when everyone comes up for air, breaks out the hibernation cycle, and new invites, news and opportunities flourish. So get ready to be a lot busier real soon, Scorpio! As such, take a step back this week and look at the bigger picture of your year. What decisions are awaiting your attention that will shape your plans and priorities?

This card suggests there are at least two decisions you need to face into, process, research and decide, and this is the week to do it. Get all the info you can, discuss it, kick it around, sleep on each option and then make your move. Doing all of this now will help you come springtime when you’ve overwhelmed with new offers and ideas. You are creating a firm foundation from which to grow.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Tarot card for Sagittarius for this week: Knight of Coins

Meaning: You love spring. You love the return of the light and warmth, the energising vitality of the sun’s rays, and the sense of new possibilities ahead. So, this is a good week to get all those outstanding jobs, tasks and chores done that you’d rather have out of your hair by the time the season starts and you want to be ‘out out’.

Work hard, make a strong to-do list and set to work, use your Jupiter powers of luck and fortune to get ahead and take a few chances. Invest your time and energy in things which need doing, so that you have more time and energy later when the ‘art of the possible’ in is play.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

Tarot card for Capricorn for this week: Nine of Cups

Meaning: Springtime livens your spirits and makes you feel optimistic about life. And so it should, because the Nine of Cups suggests you have a magical season of wishes granted and dreams coming true awaiting you.

Use this week to consider your greatest wishes right now. Let your imagination roam, spend time walking and daydreaming, fantasise and invent ideals, scenarios, and outcomes that make you feel proud, strong and excited. And use these visions as the raw clay to mould your plan of attack for the coming season. Whatever you wish for is possible this spring, don’t waste this hopeful energy by second guessing or undermining yourself.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Tarot card for Aquarius for this week: Ten of Wands

Meaning: The Ten of Wands wants you to eek the very last drops of hibernation restoration and rejuvenation energy out of this tail end of winter. Rest up. Do little. Heal and process and reflect and take in good stimulus physically and mentally.

Spring will be busy, active, demanding, fun and lively. A great time. Expect several months of high energy and new news. For now, recharge your batteries so you have even more juice when the time comes and you need that vitality and stamina. This is worthwhile rest.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Tarot card for Pisces for this week: The World

Meaning: The World is a card of completion and achievement, a recognition that you have ‘done’ winter and are oh so ready for spring. For you, it will mean new challenges and ambitions to pursue, new travel and location plans or moves, and a fresh sense of where you’re heading — and why. A renewal of purpose.

For now, enjoy this tail end of winter, celebrate the season’s achievements and successes, reflect on what you’ve done and learned, measure your progress against your goals, and start to notice what things or areas of your life might also be coming to a conclusion, along with the season. It’s time to let go, and then go again!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

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When the days are short, the weather is cold and dreary, and leaving the house feels like a mission, there’s nothing better than making your home feel like a cosy haven that you don’t want to leave.

And while blankets, hot chocolates, and baggy jumpers all play their part, nothing creates a peaceful environment more than scents, making them the unsung heroes of winter comfort.

Fragrances can instantly change the mood of not only a room but also you. Think indulgent spices, smoky woods, or go lighter with fresh, clean notes that stop your space from feeling stuffy and promote a happier vibe. So, whether you’re looking to unwind after work, boost your mood on darker mornings, or simply make your home smell luxurious, a great scent goes a long way.

From candles and diffusers to room sprays and wax melts, these are the best home fragrances to help you hibernate in style and peace, because if we’re going to be stuck indoors, we may as well make it smell incredible.

Rituals Suede Vanilla Scented Candle

One of our most favourite scents is none other than Rituals Suede Vanilla scent, which immediately makes you feel warm and cosy inside. The sweet vanilla scent has been mellowed to create more of a subtle hint rather than overpowering the senses. It is infused with notes of cardamom, rosemary and patchouli to provide a richer edge to it. It boasts 60 hours of burning time, and you can even reuse the copper coloured jar afterwards for decor around the home.

Buy Now for £39

Jo Loves Maison D’Jazz Layered Candle

If you want pure luxury, then this is the candle for you. What’s so special about this is that it's made with two layers of scents, so as it burns, you’re treated to hints of Amber, Lime & Bergamot and Black Cashmeran & Tonka, giving you a truly immersive experience. Expect warm, sultry notes with a playful, grown-up edge that instantly elevates any space. It’s chic, mood-boosting and perfect for evenings when you want your home to feel a little bit special.

Buy Now for £90

M&S Cloud Room & Linen Spray

Never underestimate a room spray. This is an excellent spritz for your sofa, sheets, duvet, cushions, curtains, basically anything in your home. The M&S Cloud Room & Linen Spray delivers a light, airy fragrance that fills your home with a cosy, crisp, Spring scent. It’s fresh without being overpowering, instantly uplifting your space and giving even the most basic bed that hotel-grade vibe. If you’re a fan, then you can also snap it up in a ceramic candle, a 3-wick candle, or a diffuser.

Buy Now for £10

The White Company Spa Wellness Pod Electronic Diffuser

Think of this device as your personal at-home spa maker. This diffuser effortlessly fills the room with calming scents, turning every day into one of peace and serenity. Its sleek, minimalist design makes it a perfect fit for any home. Team it with whichever essential oil takes your fancy, our personal favourite is Seasalt fragrance oil, £12.

Buy Now for £70

Molton Brown Re-Charge Black Pepper Aroma Reeds

A signature scent that everyone should have in their homes to elevate not only their interior design, but also the vibes. Molton Brown’s Black Pepper Aroma Reeds bring bold warmth to any room they’re placed in. The scent lingers subtly but enough to give your rooms a grown-up edge that feels cosy yet classy.

Buy Now for £50

Pigmentarium Santal Blues Incense Sticks

Nothing creates a zen atmosphere quicker than lighting incense. Not only does the act of lighting the sticks immediately add a sense of calm, but the aromas also clear your mind and allow you to easily reset. Burn one or two to unwind after a long week or set the mood for a chilled weekend night in.

Buy Now for £35

Diptyque Patchouli Candle

There’s a reason that Diptyque’s candles have cult-status, and that’s because of how brilliant they truly are. The Diptyque Patchouli Candle is that unmistakable scent you know before you can name it. Earthy, slightly sweet and rich, it’s perfect for creating atmosphere in living rooms and bedrooms alike. Even when it’s not lit, you will still be able to smell its lingering aroma.

Buy Now for £58

Dunelm Hestia Black Teardrop Wax Melt Burner

You don’t always need to splurge your money to create an inviting and relaxing environment at home. The sleek teardrop design will look sleek on a shelf or coffee table, and when paired with your favourite melts, like the Set of 6 Cotton and Blossom Wax Melts, it fills your space with scent in minutes. Great if you love mood lighting without flames.

Buy Now for £10

H&M 3-pack Scented Cards

You might be wondering what these are, but trust us, they’re a game-changer to place around your rooms. Small but mighty, H&M’s scented cards are the underdog of home fragrances. Slip them into drawers, wardrobes or hang in cupboards or home lamps for a subtle scent boost wherever you need it. Fresh and light, they’re perfect if candles and diffusers aren’t your thing. Think of it like a hidden secret scent weapon around the home.

Buy Now for £9.99

NEOM Wellbeing It's All Rosy 3 Wick Candle

Think of this candle as a bouquet you don’t have to remember to water. NEOM’s It's All Rosy 3-wick beauty fills the room with a sensual floral fragrance that instantly feels uplifting and indulgent. The triple wicks mean a stronger, more even scent around the room, perfect for brightening up dreary winter evenings or self-care Sundays – the kind of candle that makes you smile.

Buy Now for £58

Tisserand Restore Balance Body & Room Mist

Tisserand is known for its stress-reducing formulas, and this mist works to do the exact same. Made to calm and soothe your space by blending botanical oils that feel like a breath of fresh air, simply spritz it on clothing or even your skin after a shower, on your pillow before bed, or into the air when you need a mindful reset. It’s self-care you can smell and feel instantly.

Buy Now for £13

MORE: Shoppers say this ‘divine’ £12 fragrance from M&S is a dead ringer for a £170 version

MORE: If you love sweet vanilla gourmand scents, you’ll love Lush’s new candle

MORE: I’m a fragrance aficionado and these are the best citrus scents to wear all summer long

Putting your home on the market is rarely quick and simple. For many sellers, it can take far longer than expected.

In 2025, the average time to sell a listed property ranged from between 59 and 77 days, according to the latest Rightmove data.

The good news, though, is that now might be an excellent time to put your four walls on the market.

Data from the property site also indicates asking prices have jumped 2.8% or nearly £10,000 in January, marking the largest increase since June 2025 and the biggest January bump in 25 years.

Rightmove search also suggests that February and March are the months to list your homes, with the highest number of homes listed in these months making it to completion.

Of course, the length of time to sell a house depends on the length of your chain, but there are certainly things you can do to hook a potential buyer while the market is in your favour.

Metro chatted to Phil Spencer, founder of the property advice website Move iQ and host of Location, Location, Location, about the brutal truths that homeowners need to know if they actually want to sell.

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Clear the clutter

It might sound simple, but it’s true: you really do need to clear up your clutter.

‘This year, there are more homes on the market than buyers,’ says Phil. ‘So if you’ve decided to sell, get ready to face a lot of competition and accept that you may have work to do to make your place more attractive to potential buyers.’

With that in mind, it’s time to get rid of those excessive trinkets – even including photographs and various personal items that, as Phil says, make the home look ‘cluttered.’

‘When potential buyers view your home, they want to imagine themselves living there, and it’s hard to do that if the property looks a little too lived in,’ he suggests.

‘That’s not to say you need to depersonalise, but removing clutter and making everywhere tidy will get every viewing off to the best possible start.’

Paint means prizes

Get the paintbrushes out: it’s officially time to stop ignoring those little marks on the wall. You don’t need to completely try out a new colour scheme to make a difference, but a little touch-up is always welcome.

‘Daily life leaves scratches and marks on walls and painted surfaces,’ Phil acknowledges.

‘But taking the time to fill any cracks in the plaster and give the walls a fresh coat of paint will pay big dividends when you’re selling – it’s an effective way to make your home look well cared for, more inviting and more vibrant.’

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Make any necessary repairs

It’s true: that dodgy door handle or pesky plumbing issue needs addressing, rather than sweeping under the carpet.

As Phil notes, you might’ve been putting off these odd jobs for years, but now is the time to put them back on your to-do list.

‘Get on and sort any minor maintenance issues or make any repairs that need doing. This could mean fixing a dripping tap or oiling a door’s hinges to stop it squeaking,’ he shares.

‘Buying a home is stressful, and you want prospective buyers to feel reassured that if they choose yours, they won’t have a lot of problems to fix right away.’

It’s a hard truth to swallow, we know – but there’s no harm in getting the tool kit out, right?

Clean like your life depends on it

It’s time for a deep clean, and not just for the estate agent’s photos. A home that’s completely free of dirt goes a long way at the point of viewing, too – so it’s time to be reunited with your rubber gloves.

‘Deep clean your home, so it looks and feels fresh. Most buyers decide whether or not to make an offer after only spending around 10 minutes in the property,’ Phil reminds us.

‘You need to make that time count, and ensuring your home is sparkling clean is the first step to impressing potential buyers.’

Remember, not all estate agents are created equal

Returned to reality yet? Phil’s final tip is to remember that your choice of estate agent can mean the difference between selling your home quickly and weeks or even months’ worth of anxiously waiting by the phone, waiting for them (no, not your ex) to call.

‘When looking for an estate agent, make sure to read reviews, research their qualifications and experience, and ask anyone you know who has used their services for their impressions,’ Phil concludes, adding that it also helps if they’re a member of a professional organisation like Propertymark, as this means they’ll ‘follow a code of conduct.’

‘Don’t judge agents solely on how much commission they charge or what valuation they give for your home. Agents who are proactive and can demonstrate clearly all the steps they’ll take to sell your home are the most likely to provide a good service and get you the best price.’

This article was originally published in April 2025.

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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Welcome back to Me and My Money, Metro’s series taking a peek in the nation’s wallets and bank accounts.

This week we speak to single parent Julie Creffield, 47, an innovation director from Hertfordshire who also works as a business strategist, helping small business owners grow.

She’s had all kinds of jobs with all kinds of salaries, with a ‘wiggly career’ that’s seen her go from earning £30,000 in a sinlge month to a job pays £52,000 per annum.

We hear what she’s learned along the way.

What was your relationship like with money growing up?

I was one of six and we lived in a council house with my mum who was a single parent. The underlying narrative was there wasn’t any money and we shouldn’t ask for anything. We had a lot of help from churches and youth groups, but there was always a difference in the way they treated us. It left me wanting to make money however I could and I was 13 when I got my first Saturday job. From then, I often had more than one job at a time and have done every kind of low-paid work going, even working in a salad factory whilst at university in Winchester.

What happened after university?

My degree was in Performing Arts and I had always wanted to work with young people, but it wasn’t well paid. Instead I worked on the London 2012 Olympics for eight years, helping local people through community improvement. After living at home with my mum and then renting, I saved £13,000 for a deposit and bought a property in Stratford through the shared ownership scheme.

The day after the opening ceremony, I was made redundant at six months pregnant. I couldn’t even enjoy the Olympics. I was devastated because I was about to have a child. I was the sole provider and the financial stress contributed to my partner and I splitting a year later. When my daughter Rose, now 13, was born, I knew I had to keep going.

I had to earn the equivalent of two people’s salaries to pay the bills and nursery fees. I needed flexibility, so I started a running business in 2013.

I had run the London Marathon, before realising I was pregnant, and I set up a running blog for training. After Rose was born I used the blog to get my fitness back and as the blog grew I received funding Sport England, the New York Marathon, Nike and others, sponsoring me to run marathons, whilst I also sold online coaching plans.

Tell us about your huge business peak

The pandemic was the peak of my business. During those years I made £260,000 from my business consulting and running business combined. I was already set up online and people were turning to running.

In January 2021, I made £30,000 in a month in sales from my running business. It was a lot of money and it shifted my sense of what was possible.

However, I didn’t have any downtime or childcare so eventually I had a burn out. I started to wonder what the point of money was if I couldn’t do anything with it. I realised I didn’t want to become a millionaire, that wasn’t my thing.

What did you do next?

I got offered a job in business consulting, paying £120,000. We moved to Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, and I finally felt secure. A lot of the house furnishing went on credit cards and the bigger home had more expenses. Then three months later, I was made redundant. I had no support network and no childcare. I had to spend all my savings and go into debt. It was hard to try to get away from financial difficulty and then find myself worse than ever.

By 2023 I was in £40,000 of debt. I was embarrassed and wouldn’t ask people for help because I didn’t want to admit it. I wasn’t going to the gym, eating or looking after myself. Eventually I went to the GP and admitted I wasn’t coping.

How did you build yourself up again?

By now I was so burnt out I couldn’t trust my own instincts. Instead, I asked AI to give me a plan to resolve my debt, explaining it to me as if I were a 10-year-old. I used it to find out where money was coming in and where it wasn’t.

I paid off credit cards and car loans, paying little amounts where I could and we went back to basics. I wouldn’t even buy books, instead we’d use the library.

Then I landed my role as an innovation director, earning around £52,000 a year, alongside my coaching business.

Now I’m still clearing some debt, mainly in my business, but I’ve paid off most of it. I enjoy my job and running my business alongside. My daughter will start in my company soon and I’m looking forward to helping her financial education.

What are your monthly expenses?

I earn £3,200 from my job each month, with another £1,000 from my own business. From that I pay £1,750 on rent, £160 for council tax and £180 for water and energy bills. I spend £75 on mine and my daughter’s phone, £60 for the internet and £20 for streaming services.

I pay £200 a month for petrol and £500 for groceries, with £49 going towards life insurance, £80 for Rose’s dance club and £120 for school meals and bus money. The gym costs me £60 and I try to save whatever is left. For special occasions, school trips or emergencies I rely on my credit card.

Save or splurge?

I have to make double the money to give my daughter an ordinary standard of life so I splurge on experience and not on things. Rose and I went to Venice for a weekend in December. I took her to Standon Calling in 2023, where her favourite artist Ann Marie was playing and she winked at her. Money can’t buy these memories.

Top money tip

Counting income as not just financial, anything which has a financial value. At the start of my running business I wasn’t making a lot of money but one year I made £100,000 of free products, including clothes, sports technology and even a trip to Eurodisney. Sometimes we don’t acknowledge the real value of that.

Welcome back to What’s Cooking, Metro’s food series taking a peek inside the nation’s kitchens.

This week, we’re at home with maître d’ turned television personality, Fred Sirieix – the charming face of Channel 4’s First Dates.

Originally from Limoges in France, the 54-year-old has spent years working front of house in restaurants, helping others have delicious dining experiences, but what does he really like to eat?

The diehard foodie let us raid his fridge, cupboard, and freezer to discover everything from his most unhinged snack obsessions to the one British dish he just can’t stand.

Here’s how it went down…

First, tell us a secret… what’s the most unhinged thing you like to eat?

A lot of French dishes I eat would probably horrify British people – things like snails and frogs. 

I also like sweetbreads, but they are quite pricey, so at home, my dad would get lamb’s testicles from the abattoir instead, as they’re not dissimilar in terms of texture and the way they feel in your mouth.

It takes 24 hours to prepare them as you have to marinate them, remove the membrane around the testes, and then fry them with garlic, parsley, and loads of butter. 

But it’s worth the work. At 8 am, it’s the best breakfast; they taste very good. 

What food instantly transports you back to your childhood?

Lapin à la moutarde with French fries, which is rabbit with a mustard sauce. 

My mum makes it all the time, and hers is the best version of the dish I’ve ever had, better than in all these fancy restaurants with stars.

Name one item that’s always in your fridge…

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I love butter and always have a lot of it in my fridge, but it might surprise people that it’s not usually French butter; it’s Kerrygold. 

There are lots of French butters that I love, but Kerrygold is one that I can go and buy at the supermarket easily and is always good quality.

I like it because it’s very rich, very creamy and very salty. I think it’s even saltier than the French butter you can get here. 

What about in the freezer?

Frozen croissants, pain au chocolat, and pain au raisin. I buy pre-made ones, as they’re too much work to make. 

Every now and then, I get up, and I feel naughty, so I put one in the oven, and then this is my breakfast.

And something that has to be in your store cupboard at all times?

I’m a brand ambassador for Knorr, so I’ve got all the stock cubes and stock pots in my cupboard. They’re something my mum used in her cooking when I was growing up. I would be behind her in the kitchen when she was making dinner, and see her add them to dishes, it’s how she taught me to cook. 

They’re such a simple hack for enhancing flavour, and you can also use them to make a very easy risotto. You just need rice, onions, a white wine or red wine stock pot and some water. 

Then you can add chicken or prawns and a touch of garlic, parsley, and some parmesan and Voilà, you’ve got a delicious meal that tastes like you are in a restaurant, but you’ve done it at home with just a few ingredients. 

Ok, let us have it, give us your most controversial opinion about British food…

I’m not a fan of is triple-cooked chips. Why do we need to triple cook them? French fries are so much better.  

Is there anything you can’t resist splurging on at the supermarket?

If I can afford it, I’m going to buy the top ingredients, because I want to put the best quality inside my body. So, whether I’m getting a steak or fish, I’m gonna go for the best possible product, always.

What do you think is the most romantic meal?

The most romantic meal is the one you put effort into making. When you cook for someone, you are sharing a part of yourself, and there is nothing more attractive than that.

That’s why Knorr’s recent #ServingSingles campaign was so clever, as it encouraged people to ditch dating apps and champion cooking to find a genuine connection. It showed that food really is the ultimate way to a person’s heart.

And what food should be avoided at all costs on a first date?

On a first date, I wouldn’t order anything difficult to eat, like spaghetti, as it can go everywhere. I think it’s best to stick with something practical.

What’s the worst thing people can do on a dinner date?

Be late to the table for dinner if someone has cooked for you.

I’m very serious about food; it’s very much at the centre of everything we do in France. There’s a ritual and discipline there that’s almost religious, and I love it. 

If you’re taking too long to get to the table, I get upset because I’ve cooked and made the effort, and the food is perfect. If you wait, it’s going to cool down, and it’s not going to taste the same. It’s all about respect for the food. 

Finally, what’s been cooking lately?

One of my favourite dishes is roast chicken with roast potatoes or French fries. 

In the UK, people tend to have a roast on a Sunday, but the way I was brought up is that there was a full roast chicken on the table on a Monday night or even a Wednesday lunchtime, so I’ll cook this whenever I have time.

It’s not fancy, but it tastes unbelievable. The key is to keep turning the chicken every 10 to 15 minutes during cooking to keep it moist, and baste it with butter on top constantly.

Want to take part in What’s Cooking and let Metro raid your kitchen at home? Email courtney.pochin@metro.co.uk 

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‘You killed the baby,’ said my husband. ‘It’s your fault.’

It was February 2020, and I’d just learned that I’d lost the child I was carrying. I was devastated and now my partner was blaming me.

It was just the latest verbal blow in the long and varied pattern of domestic abuse I had been experiencing for months.

But the torment didn’t end there. When the hospital gave me medication, he threw it away, saying I was ‘showing off’ that I had this medication, and he wanted me to get pregnant again straight away. He didn’t care that I was grieving the loss of my first child, or that I needed to recover.

I managed to get more medication from my GP and during the appointment, I cried. I let it all out – that it felt like hell in my house, with abusive treatment and words all the time. ‘I’m living a miserable life,’ I sobbed.

The GP was very sympathetic and I grew to understand that I couldn’t stay with this man.

I met my husband in the Philippines – where I’m from – in 2018, while he was on holiday. He’s of Turkish descent, but had been living in the UK for 30 years.

A year after we met, we got married in the Philippines and I moved to London on a spousal visa. I wouldn’t have any recourse to public funds, as is the norm for spousal visas.

It made me completely reliant on him. 

I have since learned that it is not uncommon for Southeast and East Asian women like myself to suffer domestic abuse in the UK.

This Is Not Right

On November 25, 2024 Metro launched This Is Not Right, a campaign to address the relentless epidemic of violence against women.

With the help of our partners at Women's Aid, This Is Not Right aims to shine a light on the sheer scale of this national emergency.

You can find more articles here, and if you want to share your story with us, you can send us an email at vaw@metro.co.uk.

Read more:

• Introducing This Is Not Right: Metro's year-long violence against women campaign
• Remembering the women killed by men in 2024

Not only do we often have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), but deep-rooted cultural stigma around family honour and silence often discourages women from speaking out, while language barriers make it harder to access services or understand our rights.

Immigration status often compounds vulnerability, as many women are tied to spousal or dependent visas that abusers can exploit.

Harmful stereotypes portraying Asian women as submissive or docile can lead to their experiences being minimised or dismissed, while economic dependence – often stemming from low-paid, precarious work or visa restrictions that prevent employment – leaves many women with limited options to leave abusive situations.

In my case, the red flags started the day I arrived, fresh off an 18-hour flight, when my husband asked me to clean the toilets at our house.

I couldn’t believe it.

I decided to clean anyway. I didn’t want to make a scene. We’d just started living under the same roof, and we were adjusting to each other.

I hoped things might improve; they didn’t.

My husband was always very busy with his job as a delivery driver, but he wanted to monitor me, so insisted I join him on his delivery rounds.

The whole time he was working, he spoke in Turkish to everyone around him; I didn’t have a clue what any of them were saying. I felt completely isolated.

It was the same with his friends and family – they constantly spoke in Turkish and at family gatherings, I worried they might be talking about me. I asked them to speak English so I could join in, but they wouldn’t.

During the winter he refused to fix our small electric radiator, so the house was always cold. He worked Monday to Saturday and spent Sundays out of the house, when I’d often be at home, shivering.

When Covid hit, he was angry all the time because he had less work, and he took his frustrations out on me.

He said I behaved as if I was living at a hotel, with everything paid for. He’d say things like, ‘You only want my money’ – because I had no job at the time, and I had to rely on him for food – and ‘You’re probably seeing other boyfriends’.

‘Why are you saying this to me?,’ I asked, perplexed. ‘We’re in lockdown – I couldn’t see anyone even if I wanted to.’

Luckily, I managed to find a job, centred on helping house the homeless. But this meant my husband levelled even more accusations at me – that I was seeing other men, because I was out of the house. 

I had to take a picture of my female boss and send it to him as ‘proof’ that I was working with a woman; and he’d often video call me, to check if my background really was either our house or my work.

Eventually, in summer 2021, I called the National Domestic Abuse Helpline and they sent the police to pick me up while my husband was out. I left in a rush, taking only two or three sets of clothes with me. But without recourse to public funds or friends in the UK, I was on my own.

The police took me to a hotel, which I had to pay for out of my own money, leaving me destitute.

Thankfully, a charity who’d been supporting me for a few months – offering advice and a listening ear while I was enduring the abuse – found me a safe place to stay. They had a network of family hosts who were willing to temporarily house victims of domestic abuse. I paid around £250 a month for this.

Because I still had no government support, I approached my local council who allocated me an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA).

My IDVA helped me apply for what is now known as the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession (MVDAC): a three-month visa that allows you to access public funds. Before this expires, you apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain), which then gives you settled status in the UK.

Once I had the MVDAC, in August 2021 I was entitled to temporary housing provided by the council; but after staying there for a few months, I had to turn this accommodation down.

It was a mixed household where there was a lot of substance abuse – I could smell the drugs all the time – and some of the residents were struggling with mental illness, which was distressing as my own mental health was so poor at the time.

During this time, I approached the charity Solace Women’s Aid. They found me an immigration solicitor who helped me get my ILR, which was approved in November 2021.

At last, I could stay indefinitely in the UK and I had access to benefits. I began renting somewhere, and at first, I received Universal Credit, which helped. I found another job in February 2022, which meant I no longer needed to rely on benefits – and I’ve been in full-time work ever since.

I haven’t seen my husband since the night before I left; I don’t know what happened to him.

Due to financial challenges, I can’t yet afford a divorce, so technically, I’m still married to him. He sends me streams of curses and horrible words on Facebook, but I can’t block him; I’ll need his details for when I can finally afford a divorce. 

But life is otherwise good. I’ve had a brand new start in the countryside, and I’ve met a new partner who is my best friend. I’m also working closely with SEEAWA, a charity dedicated to helping Southeast and East Asian women who are in similar situations to the one I was once in.

We need more compassionate statutory services. Often, due to a lack of culturally appropriate help – such as multi-lingual statutory services –some public bodies won’t initially believe that Southeast and East Asian women are going through abuse, and can disregard what they’re saying. I’ve heard this from other women who are involved with SEEAWA. 

If there’s racism of this kind in the system, it will be impossible for women to get the help they need. 

Most of all, we need the government to introduce exemptions for domestic abuse scenarios when it comes to NRPF.

At the moment, for example, the MVDAC is not available to all victims of domestic abuse – people who are the partners of visitors, or who have student or worker leave in their own right, or who are in the UK without lawful status, such as victims of human trafficking, which falls under modern day slavery. This needs to change.

Now, I’m trying to give hope to the women who are in abusive situations. I know it feels like it will never end but it can. It does. 

As told to Izzie Price.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk. 

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