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Covid wrecked their grand plans.Large venues have introduced complex contracts to counter Covid threats, and there is a backlog of waiting couples who rebooked during the lockdowns.This has driven up demand for smaller, more informal dos – and the pub trade is benefitting.Tessa Stewart, weddings events manager at The Bell in Ticehurst, East Sussex, said: “We are seeing a lot of demand for more relaxed weddings, but people are certainly not compromising on style.“We have more than 80 weddings booked so far for this year and after lockdowns, people definitely want a focus on family and friends.”And wedding singer Robbie Humphries, of trio The Cash Cows, said: “People have been scaling back on some of the flashier events.“Pub wedding bookings have gone through the roof, and with a diary full of postponed weddings, it’s hard to fit new ones in.” According to hospitality jobs site caterer.com, around 1.8million people are planning a wedding knees-up in the pub. A typical couple will spend £18,000 on their wedding including the venue and food, but this could rise to £28,000 in London.Their research also uncovered 25% of people are set to go to up to three weddings this year.It found a dramatic increase in wedding roles advertised in the first three months of 2022 compared to 2021.Stay up to date with all the latest Daily Star news by signing up to one of our free newsletters here.Although couples are willing to swap their luxurious weddings for one in the boozer, a lot of Brits are still concerned with keeping their wedding classy.One wedding planner has shared her tips on how to avoid tackiness on the big day – no matter if you’re in the pub or a traditional church.

Twitter account instead of the latest Covid-19 data.The health agency in Québec, Canada, made the hilarious blunder in front of over 100,000 followers on Thursday (April 14). It took over half an hour to remove the X-rated link which reportedly took Twitter users to a video titled 'Femdom (female domination) foot worship'.Santé Québec later apologised and tweeted: "Due to a situation beyond our control, a link with inappropriate content was posted on our Twitter account. We are looking for the causes.

First Dates barman Merlin Griffiths has gushed over the NHS as he thanked them for saving his life as he shared a concerning selfie from his hospital bed. The 46-year-old connoisseur appeared to be physically drained as he shared the recovery snap on Twitter to update his loyal legion of fans about his ongoing cancer treatment.He confessed to his 44,000 followers on the social media platform that he was suffering from a few “aches and pains” but revealed he had “no tumour” online.

X Factor star Janet Devlin revealed she was a little confused by Jesy Nelson's Little Mix exit.Janet and the Little Mix ladies both shot to fame in 2011 when they starred on ITV's X Factor, with Little Mix going on to win the competition.Since the show, Janet revealed she hasn't spoken to the girls since the show but has become a big fan of their music.The stunning musician chatted exclusively to the Daily Star ahead of her It's Not That Deep tour which kicked off this week.Talking to showbiz reporter Carly Hacon on a Daily Star Facebook Live, Janet said: "I think we did one festival together since but we were both busy performing so we didn't see each other.Though Jesy's departure from the group did take her by surprise and also confused her after Jesy announced she was leaving for mental health reasons in December 2020.She added: "I think I was confused, 'I'm gonna take a break for my mental health' and then just releases a single. I was a bit confused, so I'm on the same level as everyone else."I just watch everything that happens online because I love a bit of internet drama."I love Little Mix and I'm such a massive fun and love their music, so that was the only thing that took me by surprise because I was like 'I thought you were on a break, but ok...'"Janet also went on to reveal how she nearly died multiple times.During the Facebook Live tell-all, singer Janet also spoke about the devastating effects alcohol has had on her life.Janet is now six years in recovery and now aged 27, after joining the ITV competition when she was just 16-years-old in 2011.Talking about her lowest points, Janet said: "I wasn't able to turn up for work.

Danielle Lloyd has taken to Instagram to reassure her fans of her health as she was labelled as "too thin" after posting a recent glam snap. She posted a story on her Instagram profile in which she asked fans not to be "offended" with her decision to take some time away from social media.Lloyd wrote: "Morning. If I am not replying to you, please don’t be offended.

This Morning star Alison Hammond issued a health update at the start of her ITV show - after co-star Dermot O'Leary revealed he was "worried" about her.The beloved daytime presenter appeared alongside her co-host Dermot for a special Easter-themed show on Good Friday (April 15).However, just minutes into the broadcast, Alison felt she needed to pause the show and explain to the viewers why she wasn't feeling as fit and healthy as she normally does. Starting off the show, Alison asked Dermot: "How are you doing?"Dermot replied: "Listen, I'm fine.

Europa League tie against West Ham United this evening despite reportedly testing positive for Covid-19 this morning.It's understood that the 24-year-old took another test this afternoon which came back negative, but his inclusion in the match-day squad raises all manner of questions and health concerns.Reports indicate that Paqueta first tested positive on Wednesday and was subsequently sent home to isolate, but after a change in fortune a few hours ago Lyon decided to roll the dice and reverse their decision, naming him on the bench.Naturally, Hammers fans have been up in arms on social media since the news broke."Paqueta magically recovered for covid an hour before the game, no point in even having squad lists if the club can just change it last minute," one fan tweeted."How is Paqueta involved? The guy literally tested positive for Covid this morning," wrote another.A third said: "This is ridiculous, no one gives a s*** about Covid safety anymore do they? Thought Paqueta was positive."Should Paqueta be allowed to play? Let us know what you think in the comments section.David Moyes' side head into tonight's clash with everything still to play for after drawing 1-1 during a tense encounter at the London Stadium last week.Jarrod Bowen initially gave the home side the lead before former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele hit back a few minutes later to level the tie, and the Hammers were frustratingly denied a late chance by a pitch-invader who brainlessly stormed the field while they were counter-attacking.Victory tonight would see the east London side head into their first proper European semi-final in 46 years, so here's hoping Paqueta doesn't infect them all out there!

coronavirus travel restrictions will be dropped across Greece in May.The Greek government is preparing the country for the summer season and ministers approved of the scrapping of entry rules.This includes the need to get tested, present a vaccination or recovery certificate.

The Great Home Transformation airs tonight at 8pm on Channel 4

lockdown in parts of China has forced factories to shut.Pegatron, one of the few companies to assemble iPhones, has closed two of its assembly plants in the cities of Shanghai and Kunshan to comply with the Chinese government's strict new coronavirus curbs.The company makes around 20% to 30% of all iPhones worldwide, leaving a significant gap in Apple's supply chain. It says it hopes to "resume production soon".Quanta, a company that makes MacBooks, has also had to shut its doors, causing further mayhem for Apple.

Covid for two years. The event was bizarrely held in silence for the first time in its history last year and it was axed completely in 2020.

Queen's appearances at her own Jubilee celebrations will be limited by her frail health which will make celebrations "very difficult." The Queen is set to celebrate 70 years on the throne this year at the ripe age of 95 but has battled health scares in recent months including a bout of coronavirus. And Royal biographer Angela Levin has hinted that there may be trouble ahead for Royal planners with the Queen's frail health limiting what she can and can't attend.

Emmerdale from 1994 until 2015, after which her character decided to emigrate to Australia along with Sandy, whose death was announced on the show in 2020. Though Betty lives on in Soapland, actress Paula sadly died in December 2019, at the age of 89.

Coronation Street fans have been left divided over Tim and Sally Metcalfe's latest storyline on the ITV cobbles, with some finding it hilarious - while others think it should be yanked off-air altogether. After Tim was forced to undergo a triple heart bypass due to his declining health, the couple were banned from having sex for several weeks while he recovered.And once they were given the all-clear, the house was filled with euphemisms and innuendo - at least, until Tim's mum Elaine kept interrupting the randy pair.Tim, however, has been struggling to perform in the bedroom after his surgery.Fans turned to Twitter with their thoughts, with one penning: "Please let Tim and Sally do it, then we can move on from this cringing storyline...

Hollyoaks favourite John Paul McQueen (James Sutton) makes a shocking discovery about the bus crash he's responsible for next week.At Hollyoaks High, Prince McQueen (Malique Thompson-Dwyer) is unsettled as he finds out that John Paul is drinking again.Later, John Paul throws himself into arranging a fundraiser ahead of Freya’s return to school.Police officer Sam Chen-Williams (Matthew McGivern) finds Charlie Dean's (Charlie Behan) belongings from the crash including his mobile phone.There’s a shocking discovery for Prince and John Paul as they find out that Charlie’s phone has footage of the crash. John Paul starts to crumble under the pressure at Freya's charity fundraiser when his blackmailer ups the ante, and ends up turning to alcohol again.At the event, whilst Freya is making a speech, a drunken John Paul crashes the stage and takes the microphone, but what is he planning to announce?Meanwhile, turning over a new leaf, Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) turns to parenting books and podcasts to win over her son Bobby Costello and prove to Wendy Blissett (Jennifer Armour) that she’s trying.Later, Mercedes loses her temper in front of Bobby after finding out she’s been lied to and a desperate phone call from Wendy to Silas reveals their plans for Bobby aren’t over yet.Determined to cheer Mercedes up, Goldie McQueen (Chelsea Healey) comes up with a plan to coax Wendy into proving her temper can be just as bad as Mercedes' but will it blow up in their faces when Wendy gets the law involved?Mercedes resorts to extreme measures to get Bobby back home by ambushing him whilst he’s on a school trip.Sally St.

Britain’s Got Talent star Declan Donnelly has spoken out about feeling “really bizarre” when the talent show dropped filming during the pandemic.The 46-year-old, who co-hosts the show with his sidekick Ant McPartlin, said it “felt weird” not to film scenes for the popular ITV show in January last year.Now back for the new season, Dec revealed the pair missed being in theatres and says being back is “extra special”“It was really bizarre because it has been an annual event for us,” the star revealed.“Every January, we'd come back from the New Year and the first thing we'd do was BGT auditions. Just to not have that in the diary felt a bit empty and a bit weird.“We missed being in the theatres with the audiences, with the acts backstage and with the judges.

EastEnders favourite Jean Slater popped the question to ex Harvey on the latest episode of the BBC soap as fans fear her mental health is spiralling out of control.In a desperate bid to win back the cabbie, fans saw Jean get down on one knee and ask for his hand after she made a move on Harvey’s pal Rocky.The aftermath of their breakup saw Whitney and Martin stumble across a dishevelled Jean tumbling out of a limo after a night outMartin takes her back to Sharon's, where Jean talks about her night out with strangers on a stag do.Jean explained how the men had called her 'crazy', as Martin tried to reassure her and stayed until Stacey arrived.As Stacey told her mum that she'd booked her a doctor's appointment this Friday over concerns about her mental health, Jean becomes angry and storms off.Stacey Slater has been growing increasingly concerned for her mum, who is battling with her mental health.After making an attempt to repair her relationship with Harvey, things took a turn for the worse after she accused him of driving her to make a pass at Rocky because he doesn’t give her enough attention.Harvey dismissed her and sent her packing, but as she headed into town, she spotted her stag do pals from the previous evening posing for pictures at the wedding.As the bride threw the bouquet, Jean forced herself into the mix and caught the flowers, seeing it as a sign to propose to Harvey.Arriving at the house, she cautiously stepped into the living room with the flowers hidden behind her back, before she told Harvey what had just happened and popped the question on one knee.

coronavirus rules to prevent a "brutal" Easter as pressure mounts on the NHS, health leaders have warned. NHS bosses issued the stark warning as they pointed out that the service is facing the same pressure this spring as it would in the midst of a "bad winter."The government has been urged to review its Living with Covid plan as high rates of Covid-19 infections are having a "major impact" on the healthcare system.

Coronation Street as Laura Neelan (Kel Allen) sadly passed away in emotional scenes which aired last week.After being diagnosed with cancer, Laura was determined to reconcile with her daughter Kelly Neelan (Millie Gibson).However, her health deteriorated and Gary Windas (Mikey North), who viewers know is responsible for Laura husband Rick's death, tried to persuade Kelly to visit her mum one last timeThings haven't been the same between the mother and daughter since Laura confessed to Rick's murder so Gary could continue to look after Kelly when she died.Laura sadly passed away and Kelly missed her last chance to see her mum.Following Laura's exit from the soap, Daily Star taken a look at Coronation Street's most heartbreaking moments.Soap anniversaries usually come with their fair share of dramatic moments - but Coronation Street's 50th anniversary saw the death of many fan favourites too.Beloved Weatherfield butcher Ashley Peacock was one of the residents to die in a tragic tram crash, leaving fans in tears as the long serving resident left the cobbles for good - several years after the murder of his wife Maxine.Ashley had been in the Joinery Bar celebrating Peter Barlow's stag night, but a tram derailment caused the roof to collapse and in a moment of heroism, Ashley held part of the roof up so Peter and Nick to escape - knowing that he would die instead.The tram crash also claimed the life of Molly Dobbs, and further shock was to follow, as Molly Dobbs revealed to Sally Webster in her dying breaths that she had an affair with Sally's husband Kevin - and that he was the father of her baby.Jack and Vera Duckworth were inseparable on the cobbles, with the couple providing much needed comic relief throughout their time

Queen has revealed that her own private battle with Covid in February this year left her "very tired and exhausted" as she hit out at the "horrible pandemic".The monarch, who turns 96 later this month, tested positive for coronavirus earlier this year and, despite having what Buckingham Palace said were “mild cold-like symptoms”, continued with as many remote public duties as she could.At the time of diagnosis, royal insiders were supposedly "terrified" and even "holding their breath". She has since beaten the virus.And for the first time, on a virtual visit to the Royal London Hospital on Wednesday (April 6), Her Majesty shed some more light on what her experience had been like – even agreeing with another patient that having Covid was "very frightening".The remote Royal visit was held to mark the official opening of the hospital's Queen Elizabeth Unit.During a video call with workers and medical staff, the Queen listened to their stories of coping with the huge influx of Covid patients, and was told by one senior nurse “we held their hands, we wiped their tears and we provided comfort”.Around 800 people from across north-east London were treated at the 155-bed Queen Elizabeth Unit, built in five weeks to meet the demand instead of the normal time period of five months, and the Queen hailed the "Dunkirk spirit" on show during that time.Speaking to former Covid patient Asef Hussain, and his wife Shamina, the Queen said about the virus: “I’m glad that you’re getting better…It does leave one very tired and exhausted, doesn’t it? This horrible pandemic.

The Only Way Is Essex pals after they struggled to understand his mental health struggle last year.The former TOWIE star, 36, first opened up about his battle with body dysmorphia back in October when he appeared on the popular Channel 4 chat show, Steph’s Packed Lunch.And over the past year the fitness coach has been working hard to improve his mental health by attending regular therapy sessions and helping raise awareness for the condition on his social media.Now, speaking exclusively to Daily Star, the TV hunk has opened up about how his fellow ITVBe co-stars supported him after he shared his relationship with body dysmorphia on the beloved daytime show.He said: “I think it was something that a lot of people connected with what I had to say and my friends who are in the industry, they understand we all feel that pressure from time to time.But not all of his co-stars were as understanding about his mental health journey as the reality star revealed how he was forced to cut ties with some of his fellow TOWIE stars.Charlie added: “I was in such a low place that I couldn’t be the person that they [his friends] wanted me to be and some people stayed around and supported me and other people didn’t get it and I had to remove them.“[But] The people that have been supportive and got in touch over the past year, they're the ones that I've stuck close to.”“It’s been a massive learning curve,” he noted.When asked which one of his celebrity friends struggled to support him during the particularly dark period in his life, he revealed that it was his friendship with Gemma Collins which had deteriorated over the last 12 months.The fitness guru continued: “As I say, me and Gemma Collins haven’t spoken for a year now [and] we were

CNN. The unverified footage shows a Covid-19 prevention worker dressed in a full hazmat suit chasing the corgi along a street.The dog tries to escape by hiding near parked cars however the worker catches up and hits the poor dog three times with a shovel.The dog is then seen lying on the ground, not moving.The MailOnline reports the dog's body was later taken away in a plastic bag.The savage attack comes as Shanghai continues to endure a harsh city-wide lockdown which has devastated the city and seen many residents reach breaking point.Currently, Chinese government workers are enforcing a zero-covid policy through strict lockdowns, mandatory quarantines and mass testing which has seen livelihoods collapse and households go hungry, unable to go out to get food.The unfortunate corgi's owners themselves were in a government run isolation facility after testing positive for Covid-19 at the time their beloved pet was bludgeoned to death.What's On Weibo reports the corgi's owners released the dog into the streets as they were out of dog food and worried the pooch would starve to death inside the home.In a community Weibo chat group the dog’s owner wrote: “We hoped to let him outside and be like a stray dog.

Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway has spoken about the toll that caring for her husband Derek Draper is taking on their relationship. During Wednesday's episode (April 6) of the BBC series Your Body Uncovered, Kate detailed how his ongoing battle with Covid had put a strain on their relationship.

Covid in the last six months could be at risk of a deadly side effect.People who caught the virus less than half a year ago could be more likely to get blood clots, with researchers in Sweden discovering a risk of deep vein thrombosis up to three months post-infection.The research also found that people with Covid in the last six months were more susceptible to a blood clot in the lungs.Reports also indicate that there is a greater chance of a "bleeding event" in the two months after being ill.The new research from Swedish provided more evidence to the vital use of vaccines to protect from Covid complications, which aren't limited when infected with the virus.Experts found that even mild, non-hospitalised Covid patients could be at risk of potentially deadly deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.They said: "Our findings arguably support thromboprophylaxis to avoid thrombotic events, especially for high risk patients, and strengthen the importance of vaccination against Covid-19."The chances of getting a blood clot were found to be higher during the first wave of the pandemic, which suggests improvements in treatment and wide-ranging vaccine coverage has lessened the risk.Researchers at the University of Glasgow looked into "living with Covid" as more governments ease restrictions.The researchers said the study "reminds us of the need to remain vigilant to the complications associated with even mild SARS-CoV-2 infection, including thromboembolism".Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms on a deep vein, usually in your legs, and if the blood clot breaks off and travels into the lungs, it can cause a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.

It's been 22 years since iconic pop group Blue formed - but what are the lads up to these days? Let's take a look...Back in the day, band members Lee Ryan, Duncan James, Antony Costa and Simon Webbe stormed the noughties charts with their debut album, All Rise.Over four years, they released 16 singles and even collaborated with top music stars such as Elton John and Stevie Wonder.But shortly after in 2004, the lads left devastated fans all over when they announced they would be taking an indefinite hiatus.Five years later, in 2011, the group reformed for the Eurovision Song Contest where they came 11th. The pals then got came together again in 2013 thanks to ITV's Big Reunion and their following headline tour.Unfortunately, Blue were dropped by their record label in 2015 after their album, Colours, peaked at number 13 in the charts.However, skip to 2022 and they are set to put on a secret intimate show this weekend, release new music in the coming months and be heading out on tour once again.But let's take a look at what they've been up to individually over the years...In 2016, Duncan suffered a terrifying illness that almost left him wheelchair-bound.The star had two ­emergency operations on his back and was told by doctors he had faced death and might not ever walk again.He told The Mirror: “They said if they didn’t operate that same day I’d be paralysed because a nerve that was trapped would die.“I’d also lost control of my bladder.

British Airways and EasyJet have cancelled hundreds of flights this week due to staff sickness related to coronavirus. And according to a blogpost on Martin Lewis' website moneysavingexpert.com, if you aren't booked onto another flight, you'll be due a refund within seven days.The website states that according to standard flight cancellation rules, which have now been written into UK law, if your flight is cancelled you are entitled to choose between a full refund or an alternative flight.Those who have booked a specific return deal with the same airline, who have one leg is cancelled, would expect a refund for both parts.The rules for UK flights state you're entitled to choose between:MSE says if you need to travel urgently then choose the rebooking option.

Kate Garraway has shared her husband's heartbreaking health update as she opened up about his ongoing speech battle following the effects of Covid-19.During Tuesday's (April 5) instalment of the popular ITV morning show Madeley joined TV star Chris Ellison and his wife Anita as they opened up about the actor's ongoing battle with aphasia.His wife explained how he described his condition as feeling "trapped" due to the fact that the TV star can fully understand what others are saying to him but struggles to find the words to reply.It comes after Hollywood star Bruce Willis stepped back from acting after he announced his devastating brain condition online.And now, Kate Garraway has revealed that her loving partner Derek also struggles to communicate following the drastic effects from the deadly virus Covid-19.While discussing the every day struggles with the crippling brain condition, Kate confessed her husband, who she now cares for, also finds it difficult to communicate with loved ones.She said: "In a sense Derek - because of Covid - has a version of this where he can understand, sometimes do odd words and but can't express himself.

NHS have shared an updated list of symptoms as headaches and diarrhoea are identified as Covid calling cards.Many symptoms are similar to those that you may experience with the flu or a cold, including a high temperature and chills, a continuous cough and a sore throat.The news comes as it was announced that a record 4.9 million people have the virus in the UK, and that figure could rise further over the coming weeks.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) officials say that is the highest number seen since its survey began at the end of April 2020, and that the surge in infections is being driven partly by the contagious Omicron BA.2 sub-variant and the fact that restrictions have been essentially eradicated.The main symptoms of Covid are still the same: a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.However as new strains emerge and the virus develops, other symptoms have also been reported to be linked with the sickness.According to the NHS the signs of COVID-19 that people should look out for also include:A note on the NHS website adds: "The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu."The NHS list had just three symptoms for almost two years, this is despite the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US having had longer symptom lists for some time."Why now make that change when it's been stuck on just the three for so long?" Kate Garraway asked Dr Hilary on GMB today (Monday, April 4). To stay up to date with all the latest news, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here .

EasyJet has cancelled around 100 flights on Monday – including 62 from the UK – due to high levels of staff absence due to Covid.The budget airline claimed it had tried to offset the issue by using standby crew, but had to “make some cancellations in advance”.It comes as demand for airline travel skyrockets due to the beginning of the Easter school holidays.EasyJet claimed the cancellations only made up a small percentage of its Monday Schedule of around 1,645 flights.An EasyJet spokesperson, said: "Unfortunately it has been necessary to make some additional cancellations for today and tomorrow.“We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause."An EasyJet spokesperson confirmed that affected customers have been contacted.They have the option to either rebook an alternative flight or take a voucher or refund.The website adds: "If your flight is cancelled, there are several options available to you, which you can request quickly and easily by logging into Manage Bookings here on our website or via our easyJet App:EasyJet is one of Europes largest airline carriers.Airports are also struggling with staffing leading to long security and check-in queues.Passengers at Manchester Airport claims that long queues at check-in and security have caused some holidaymakers to miss their flight – and there have been long waits at the baggage reclaims carousels.Yesterday, traveller Donna Mayfield told the BBC that the experience was “horrendous” and another claimed to have seen both holidaymakers and staff members “in tears”.Manchester Airport apologised and noted that people’s experiences fell “below the standard” they aim for.A spokesperson commented: “Our whole industry is facing staff shortages and recruitment challenges at present,

EasyJet have caused travel chaos by cancelling around 100 flights scheduled for today (Monday April 4) due to Covid. The budget airline have made "some cancellations in advance" following an outbreak of the virus among staff, and have had to call on standby staff to prevent more.

Covid strain has been found in the UK – but boffins say it’s too early to say exactly how transmissible it really is.Top scientists at the UK Health Security Agency warned they were studying the new XE variant.They say it is a mutation of the BA.1 and BA.2 Omicron strains, meaning it is a “recombinant” as it is a combination of two other viral sources.But experts currently don’t know if it is more transmissible than previous strains that have previously wreaked havoc across the UK.There were 637 cases with the XE strain in England as of March 22, the health agency said.It means it would make up just a small fraction of cases reported with the latest data showing almost 70,000 people in England were positive for the virus on April 2.The health agency said initial growth rates showed that XE was not dissimilar from BA.2, according to Wales Online.It added: "As this estimate has not remained consistent as new data have been added, it cannot yet be interpreted as an estimate of growth advantage for the recombinant."Numbers were too small for the XE recombinant to be analysed by region.”Top government boffin Sir Patrick Vallance admitted the next Covid variant could be worse than Omicron.He said it would be a “mistake” to think the more the virus evolves, the less deadly it would become. Stay in the loop with all the latest news from the Daily Star by signing up to one of our free newsletters here. Although Covid cases may have peaked, there will be more hospitalisations and deaths to come from this current wave, Sir Patrick added.He told MPs that despite the vaccination programmes success at preventing deaths, it was not a "credible" strategy to give people booster jabs every four months.But it isn’t all doom and gloom for

Vladimir Putin bathes in antler blood because he believes it has health benefits including boosting male potency, reports claim.The Russian president has been a fan of the procedure since the mid-2000s and isn’t the only Kremlin official to enjoy the bizarre ritual.Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin is also said to soak in the rare liquid, which is extracted by painfully hacking off a deer's horns.Defence minister Sergei Shoigu introduced the alternative treatment to Putin who washed in a “bathtub containing an odorant extract from blood-filled deer antlers”.Although there is no evidence for the health benefits, the blood’s alleged impacts also include age reversal, bone and muscle strengthening, and even improvements to eyesight and hearing. It has been a tradition for hundreds of years in Russia and there is also evidence of it taking place in China and Korea.

Strictly fans are going for cancer check-ups thanks to Shirley Ballas. The judge, 61, had a scare last autumn when she discovered a lump in her armpit and she bravely opened up about her ordeal in a series of videos on social media.It has caused a spike in the number of women going to get checked.Shirley said: “I try to be as transparent as possible with people.“After my posts on social media, a lot of people send me messages on Instagram privately and tell me about their situations.“People tell me all the time that they have now gone and been tested.”Shirley also gets plenty of fans opening up to her about their experiences with cancer.She added: “It’s very emotional.

coronavirus at some point in the past two years. In most cases they’ve suffered little more than the equivalent of a nasty bout of flu.But a chilling new study suggests that even a mild case of Covid-19 could cause lasting brain damage.Autopsies of people who have died from Covid have identified irregularities in their brain tissue, but scientists at the Tulane National Primate Research Centre have conducted a series of tests on monkeys known to respond to Covid in a similar way to humans.The research, published in scientific journal Nature Communications, looked at the brain tissue of four rhesus macaques and four African green monkeys deliberately infected with the virus.

Omicron Covid-variant after a recent rise in cases, according to a tracker app. The new symptom has been added to the list after a number of people with the virus made reference to trouble with their ears.A number of Brit sufferers all cited ringing ears as something they have experienced after contracting Omicron.Following these reports, the ZOE Covid tracker app has now added the symptom to its top 20 most commonly reported symptoms, which is released every week.Ear pain has been seen in Omicron cases in the past but only now following reports has it become more common than originally thought.Last year, a study by A team of Stanford University experts and Dr Konstantina Stankovic, found that the Omicron variant could cause problems with the ear.The study reported symptoms including severe earache, ear numbness, and even temporary hearing loss, which can also continue even after the infection has passed.Dr Stankovic also revealed that these symptoms can also appear in those fully-vaccinated.Speaking to the Times Now News Portal, Dr Stankovic said: “Pain is often associated with ringing in the ears.

Vladimir Putin is “constantly” accompanied by a doctor specialising in thyroid cancer as rumours of his ill health refuse to disappear, a new investigation shows.Surgeon Yevgeny Selivanov, of Moscow's Central Clinical Hospital, has flown to the Russian leader no less than 35 times in Black Sea resort Sochi, his favourite place of residence.The respected doctor’s thesis - showing his area of medical expertise - was entitled: ”Peculiarities of diagnostics and surgical treatment of elderly and senile patients with thyroid cancer".This follows reports that Putin is dying in agony from terminal bowel cancer, according to intelligence from the Pentagon and in Ukraine. His “puffy face” is a sign he is taking chemotherapy drugs or steroids and his unsmiling expression shows he is in constant pain, US sources say.The recent discovery by investigative media Project (or Proekt) media - blocked in Russia and now functioning from abroad - backs recent theories that Putin declared war when he was suffering medical problems hidden from the Russian people.

Chloe Ferry has revealed she has undergone state of the art DNA testing in a bid to boost her thinning hair.The former Geordie Shore star claims that her luscious locks are thinning due to ongoing stress in her life, as well as years of extensions.Now, Chloe has undergone a genetic test used to discover the underlying factors of the development of alopecia and hair loss - at the award-winning hair transplant clinic Juvida.The test also focuses on providing fully-customised treatments for alopecia - a condition that hit the headlines after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at The Oscars for joking about Jada Pinkett Smith's buzzcut for her alopecia areata.While Chloe doesn't suffer from alopecia areata, she believes her stress levels "being very up and down" are the reason behind her hair thinning out.

Ranvir Singh has shared the reason why she was forced to disappear from screens on a recent episode of Good Morning Britain. The 44 year old was abruptly pulled off air on Tuesday (March 29) as presenter Richard Madeley highlighted a change in her appearance.Viewers also noticed that something was different with Ranvir and said it looked like she had been "crying" as Ranvir put it down to hey fever.Updating fans on what exactly happened and providing further details on her health, the mother-of-one said: "Thanks for all the guidance on my streaming sore eyes this week!"It was an allergic reaction to something more than tree pollen as the skin around my eyes has gone paper thin and sore.She also shared that she will back on TV screens very soon.She added: "Anyway I’ll be hosting @lorraine tomorrow and for all of next week - sorry for my face!"Due to Ranvir's unexpected change in health, GMB was forced to replace her with journalist Louisa James who read the news for the remainder of the show.Susanna Reid who was presenting the ITV programme alongside Richard, asked Louisa on an update on how her colleague was doing.Louisa responded: "She's OK, well we think she's going to be OK.

Andrews Air Quality, which commissioned the research, said: “There are no doubt some majorly varying workplaces across the country when it comes to health and safety.

Kerry Katona has shared a positive update on her health, revealing that she is no longer taking medication for her bipolar but admits she often suffers from manic episodes.The former singer, 41, has never shied away from discussing her health and lifestyle, admitting that her famous interview on This Morning back in 2008 was not related to drink or drugs.Kerry appeared to slur her words during the interview with Fern Britton and Phillip Schofield, with many claiming she was under the influence – a claim she has always denied and insisted it was the result of her bipolar meds.Speaking on GB News' Breakfast with Eamonn & Isabel, she revealed that she has stopped taking medication.Sharing an insight on her current condition, Kerry explained: "I'm very hyper and I get very manic."I have really manic episodes and these can last for weeks and then I come crashing down, that is almost like being on a drug itself."They are the traits of being on some kind of drug anyway."The television star went on to say: "I went on lots of different medications which they call it trial and error to find the right kind of dosage for your manic and depressive episodes."There was a very famous interview where because of my medication, it makes your speech very very slowly because I can be very manic and things are 100 miles an hour in my head I'm very animated but I'm on no medication at the moment."Isabel interjected, adding: "That's your choice then, does it dampen how you feel? I ask you that because we look at people like Kanye West for example who has very publicly been having displays of bipolar recently, these long episodes."But also many people say he's a genius, are you afraid of taking medication because you'll lose some of the benefits

coronavirus tests will only be available to certain people from this week.Universal testing is set to come to an end on Friday (1 April).This means people will have to pay if they want to get a lateral flow test.The measure comes as part of the UK government's 'Living with Covid' plan, with the virus being treated like other respiratory infections.However, according to the new plans, which were revealed on Tuesday (29 March), free symptomatic testing will be provided for certain people, such as patient-facing NHS workers. Under these proposals, asymptomatic lateral flow tests will also continue next month for certain settings where the possibility of coronavirus spreading quickly is at a high level.

Metropolitan Police officer who headbutted a cocktail bar manager after flouting the Covid "rule of six" has been spared jail.PC Luke Wilson, 28, attacked Johnny White while on a boozy night out in the City of London with colleagues from the Lewisham emergency response unit on July 2 last year.Wilson denied the offence but CCTV footage shows him headbutting the victim at Be At One cocktail bar in Monument.Mr White allowed the officers entry to the venue but told them they would have to be seated across different tables in line with the restrictions.Bar staff confronted the group of up to 25 off-duty colleagues for flouting the rules but were told to "lighten up", Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.CCTV shows that by 8pm, some of the group have started moving between tables which resulted in ten people sitting at one of the tables.The bar manager speaks to Wilson and explains that this isn't allowed.He then approaches the group of ten and explains four of them will have to move to another table.Wilson follows Mr White to the table but remains standing up.The footage shows Wilson squaring up to the victim and putting his face within a few inches of the victim's.Mr White steps backwards but the officer moves forward to close the gap between them, then headbutts him.The victim suffered minor injuries and Wilson denied the offence when he was interviewed the next day, claiming he had felt threatened.Wilson was shown CCTV footage of the victim standing with his hands in his back pockets and not appearing to be behaving aggressively towards him.The PC, of Gravesend, Kent, was convicted of common assault following an investigation by the City of London Police.He was sentenced to ten weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months,

Only Fools and Horses has revealed his mother has died from covid. Douglas Hodge, who played the grown-up Damian Trotter in a BBC special in 1996, took to Twitter to announce the sad news and shared a touching picture of him kissing his mum on the forehead.

Good Morning Britain star Ranvir Singh had to step off from the ITV programme on Tuesday (March 29) after previously complaining about the "worst painful hay-fever ever".The TV presenter, 44, was missing from her usual slot and was replaced by Louisa James.Host Susanna Reid addressed Ranvir's sudden absence and welcomed her understudy to the show.She said: "Here's the rest of today's news. Now, it's no longer Ranvir.

Queen is still hopeful she will join her family in a poignant memorial for Prince Philip later today (Tuesday).But although the monarch is mentioned in the Order of Service, Buckingham Palace is expected to confirm as late as Tuesday morning whether or not she will be able attend the event – which is of special significance to her.The 95-year-old head of state pulled out of the Commonwealth Day service earlier this month due to comfort issues and has spoken about not being able to move.She recently recovered from Covid-19 and appeared on good form at Windsor last week.Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will definitely not be in attendance.Controversially, Prince Andrew Duke of York will be in attendance despite recently settling a sexual assault civil case in the US out of court.The Palace said the Queen has been actively involved in the plans for the service, with many elements reflecting her wishes.And in another emotional nod to her late husband, several of the details in the service were actually planned by the Duke of Edinburgh himself.Missing gestures from Philip's pre-pandemic arrangements will see young Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award holders and members of the youth UK Cadet Force associations line the steps of Westminster Abbey as guests arrive.The duke's express wishes for the congregation to join and sing the rousing hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, and for the clergy from Windsor, Sandringham and Balmoral to play a special part will finally be granted on Tuesday.The duke had an active role in the day-to-day management of the estates for many years.He wanted the minister of Crathie Church near Balmoral, the rector of Sandringham and the chaplain to the Royal Chapel of All Saints, Windsor Great Park, to take

Hollyoaks after the school bus to the camping trip crashed injuring many of the passengers on board.John Paul' McQueen's (James Suttons) alcohol withdraw symptoms caused the accident following his recent drinking problem.He tried covering this up by claiming that a bird flew towards the windscreen of the vehicle, distracting him from the road and causing him to lose control.The accident has left schoolgirl Freya with life-changing injuries as she waits to find out if she'll ever be able to walk again.Hollyoaks viewers have watched many of their favourites die in tragic circumstances over the years, with many wishing the characters had not been killed off at all.As fans wait to find out more from the fall out of the school bus crash, Daily Star takes a look at some of the Channel 4 soap's most tragic deaths.Sylver McQueen became one of the first deaths of Hollyoaks 2022, after he was caught up in an explosion at Marnie Nightingale's patisserie.Another of Mercedes McQueen's husbands tragically lost their life after he was left to die by stepson Bobby Costello, leaving Hollyoaks viewers in shock and disbelief.Speaking about his exit from the soap, Sylver actor David Tag said he was proud of the way the character was written out of the programme, telling Digital Spy: "When I was told how I was leaving, I thought that was much better. If you go out in a taxi, the option is there for you to go back, but I wanted to go out all guns blazing in an explosion with a big dramatic death as a hero."He also predicted the fan reaction that was to come, adding: "I think people are going to be pretty upset because there isn't much to hate about Sylver.

Phil Collins has played his final gig.Performing at the O2 in London, 71-year-old Collins said his goodbye to fans, making jokes about now having to find a proper job.In their first tour since 2007 Collins - joined by Mike Rutherford on the guitar and bass and Tony Banks on the keyboard - enjoyed the band's final outing years on from the glory they enjoyed in the 1980s and 1990s.Touring the likes of Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Newcastle, they've had to postpone three London shows because of issues caused by Covid-19.Collins had to perform while sitting down, having appeared a little frail during his time on the tour.He's been battling health conditions for a decade, which has understandably taken its toll, leaving him reliant on a walking stick or wheelchair.Collins has had to battle more than one problem over the last 13 years - in 2009 he suffered damaged vertebrae.He is understood to have picked up the nasty injury while he was playing, leaving nerve damage in his hands.After surgery he lost his ability to grip his drumsticks, meaning the only way he could play was if they were taped to his hands.Writing on the Genesis website at the time of the injury he said: "Somehow, during the last Genesis tour, I dislocated some vertebrae in my upper neck and that affected my hands."After a successful operation on my neck, my hands still can’t function normally.“Maybe in a year or so it will change, but for now it is impossible for me to play drums or piano."After divorcing his third wife and having retired, Collins admitted he had drinking problems in his 2016 autobiography.He said at the time that he had been sober for three years.In 2017 he announced that he was a type 2 diabetic and would be receiving

prisoner who died alone in his cell of Covid had his pleas for help left unanswered, his family has claimed.Calum Inglis, 34, who suffered from asthma spent the last four days of his life in prison begging officers for help after contracting coronavirus. Relatives say that Calum was coughing up blood and his requests for medical assistance via the cell intercom were ignored by officers.The family have described the "horror story death" as "preventable" and his mum revealed the heartbreaking messages that show her son saying he felt "90 years old" in his final texts to the family.Inglis died at HMP Addiewell in West Lothian, Scotland just 12 days after testing positive for Covid and his heartbroken family say they have texts and evidence from another prisoner to prove Calum's pleas went unanswered.The family say they are traumatised by the death and believe Calum's death could have been prevented if he had been sent to hospital.His sister Frances Marr, 32, said: "In the last four days of his life he repeatedly requested medical attention via his cell intercom to be promised by the prison officers that 'someone will see you in the morning' - but nobody ever came."His mum Jen, 62, said that "They did nothing for my son and just left him."Dad Alan added: "It's a horror story.