1 Feb, 2026 | | No Comments
‘My man is turning me into his real-life Barbie but I nearly died in surgery’
A woman with an obsession with extreme cosmetic surgery has revealed that she’d dump her boyfriend if he ever stopped paying for her procedures
1 Feb, 2026 | Admin | No Comments
I thought a second child would be straightforward – IVF was anything but
‘Another embryo transfer has failed.’
Those words landed heavily between my husband and I.
At the end of 2024, I found myself facing a reality I had been dreading since we began our IVF journey. I felt guilt that I might not be able to give our son a sibling, and grief as I watched others announce second pregnancies.
I knew that unless we tried IVF again with a different approach, I would never be able to fully close the door, so we decided to try one last time. We went to see a new consultant and transferred our last two embryos to his clinic.
Our first fertility journey began in 2020. After months of trying to conceive, I visited my GP, who ran comprehensive blood tests, and my results all came back normal. But my husband was referred for a semen analysis, which highlighted significant issues that required further investigation.
We learned that genetic and significant male factor issues meant natural conception was not possible. IVF was our only option.
I was 36, so we did not have time to wait for an NHS referral, which could take a minimum of 6 months. Instead, we pursued private care, focusing on optimising egg and sperm quality through lifestyle changes, such as diet, supplementation and acupuncture.
After one unsuccessful transfer in 2021, our second frozen transfer was successful, and our son was born in April 2022.
It had felt like such a distant goal out of our grasp. So, when it finally happened, it was the most wonderful feeling. Our first IVF journey was quite straightforward, and we didn’t experience the pain of loss.
When our son turned two, my husband and I decided to return to IVF to grow our family. I come from a mixed British/Cypriot heritage where family is central to everything. Growing up as one of three siblings, we are all very close.
Those treasured memories of holidays and mischief made it important to us to give our son a sibling, so he could have these experiences.
With five embryos frozen from our original cycle in 2020, it felt more like a question of timing rather than possibility.
Although I was now 40 and my husband was 41 when we decided to do our second transfer, we weren’t worried. Our embryos were frozen and we could rely on various technologies to help.
But our worst nightmares came true as each embryo transfer failed. It was heartbreaking.
Our third transfer in 2024 resulted in a pregnancy, but it was later confirmed as a chemical pregnancy – which is a very early miscarriage.
I was utterly devastated. With only two embryos left, the fear and panic of not being able to conceive again set in. We were at the mercy of the IVF process, so much was out of our control.
As a registered fertility nutritionist at Bliss Clinic in Chelsea, I had built relationships with specialists I trusted. So we undertook immune testing before transferring our final two embryos to a new clinic.
Immune testing looked at various factors that can impact the implantation of an embryo. A biopsy highlighted that I had a ‘mixed immune profile’ which created an inflammatory environment in the uterus, not supportive of implantation.
Unfortunately, our penultimate transfer in December 2024 did not result in a pregnancy and I ended the year at an emotional low point.
I reflected on how the year had played out and how tough it had been. It had taken a toll on my emotional wellbeing as I had shrunk my social life and believed my stress was the reason I had not been successful with IVF, which was not true.
Christmas and New Year is a time when Instagram is often flooded with pregnancy announcements and this added to my feeling of failure and emptiness.
I deactivated my Instagram account and booked a follow-up call with our consultant. I made a promise to myself that 2025 was going to be different – no matter the outcome, I was going to focus on joy.
I never truly considered giving up. Expanding our family meant everything to us.
With any fertility journey, the emotional toll can be gruelling, social connection, doing things that bring joy and support emotional wellbeing are just as important as diet. Mindset coaching also helped me move forward and build resilience.
I leaned into the things I could control. I booked a yoga retreat with a friend, a work trip to Paris, facials here and there. I said yes to many work opportunities that came my way, and focused on staying present rather than projecting far ahead.
My husband and I removed alcohol, and watched what we ate, which I believe was beneficial.
We transferred our very last remaining embryo in October 2025, and miraculously, I am now finally pregnant.
But, the trauma of all the losses and setbacks did not disappear with that positive pregnancy test. IVF is rarely a quick fix, and patience is essential.
So I was grateful to discover Carea, a pregnancy and postpartum wellbeing app that became an important support.
Find out more about Carea
Carea, is designed to support women’s physical, mental and emotional health before, during and after pregnancy and birth.
Carea offers practical tools that help women feel informed, supported and less alone, and provides a community for women and families.
For more information and support, you can visit https://www.careaapp.com/
For anyone navigating secondary infertility or trying to conceive over the age of 40, my advice is to seek support early, prioritise physical and mental health and hold onto hope.
My husband and I have started preparing the baby’s room and talking to our son about his sibling to get him ready for their arrival. He is very excited.
I’m most looking forward to introducing the baby, who is due in June, to our son.
We feel incredibly grateful to be blessed with a pregnancy after many failed IVF transfers and are just praying that all progresses well.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk.
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1 Feb, 2026 | Admin | No Comments
These are the best cabin bags for short‑haul trips if you hate stressful packing
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Short-haul flights are great, but packing for them can be tricky. What are the essentials you need? How much can you fit? But it all comes down to what bag you’re planning to put it all in.
You want a bag that says I’ve got you covered. However, with airlines setting more restrictions on dimensions and weight, it now seems more of a stressful experience than exciting. You need one that fits perfectly into the overhead locker, or if you’re going to try your luck, even under the seat in front of you. But it needs to be accessible to grab your essentials if you need them, like your passport or your purse for those in-flight refreshments.
So, whether you’re heading off on a weekend city break, a last-minute getaway or even a work trip, these are the best travel bags with compartments, comfy straps, and designs that will have you booking your next trip before you’ve even been on your first. Think cabin cases, hold-alls, and backpacks. These are the options that are perfectly suited to short-haul flights, and will make packing far less of a headache.
Shop the Best Travel Bags Below:
IT Luggage Slipstream Hard Shell Suitcase
If you like to keep your travel simple and stress-free, a compact hard-shell suitcase is hard to beat. This one keeps everything neatly zipped away, glides easily through the airport and takes the panic out of overhead locker packing. It’s lightweight, affordable and comes available in medium and large suitcases if you want a matching set.
The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel 32L
Reliable and deceptively spacious, this duffel is ideal if you want something that will last for years to come. The 32L size is spot-on for hand luggage, with practical compartments and comfortable carry options. It’s especially good for breaks where you’re constantly on the move.
Antler Icon Weekender Bag in Black
We all need a weekend bag that we can reach for whenever we need it. This smart, structured, and spacious option from Antler is one of the best out there. It is designed to slide neatly into overhead lockers while still fitting in everything you need for a short break. Multiple internal pockets for laptops, tablets, and other devices make it brilliant to keep things organised.
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Samsonite Ecodiver Duffle with wheels 55cm
A duffle is all good, but once they’re full to the brim, they can become heavy, which makes this option with wheels one to invest in. Not only is it fitted with a TSA lock, but it’s spacious to fit all of your essentials in, it's made from recycled materials, and it’s water-resistant, which makes it perfect for quick city breaks. If you are flying with airlines that have smaller requirements, luckily for you, you can get it available in 45cm.
Tripp Affinity Grey Marl Backpack
Backpacks are always a good idea, and you don’t need to worry about whether everything will fit when you’ve got one like this. Tripp has ticked all of the boxes with their Affinity Backpack. Lightweight, multiple pockets and compartments for toiletries and tech, perfect size for under-seat storage, and it’s also now half price, making it a bargain to snap up for your next trip.
Away The Softside Compact Carry-On in Coast Blue
Away has taken the usual cabin bag and redesigned it to meet airline size requirements, so you don’t have to experience that last-minute panic about whether it will be allowed or not. It features clever internal compression that keeps the case balanced when full, an expanding zip if you need a little more space, and also has a hidden padded front pocket for items like tablets and passports. It also has a nifty underside grab handle for efficiency to pull it smoothly out of the overhead locker.
Stackers Weekend Bag
Stackers are known for their innovative designs, and this weekend bag is no different. This isn’t just a bag to pile your clothes in; it fully unzips so it lies flat for maximum packing potential, doubling as a clothes bag with a coat hanger loop. It also boasts inside zip pockets and an extender for extra garments if needed. It fits neatly in overhead lockers and looks effortlessly stylish.
Osprey The Voyage Nylon Weekender in Chocolate
This is a great pick if comfort is high on your priority list. Created with travel specifically in mind, this bag features padded straps for extra comfort, internal organisational compartments and is made in a lightweight nylon fabric so you don’t have to worry about breaking your back. It also looks super stylish when strutting through the airport.
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31 Jan, 2026 | Admin | No Comments
‘My man is turning me into his real-life Barbie but I nearly died in surgery’
A woman with an obsession with extreme cosmetic surgery has revealed that she’d dump her boyfriend if he ever stopped paying for her procedures
31 Jan, 2026 | | No Comments
King Charles shows off his sense of humour with witty feature at favourite home, Highgrove House
His Majesty King Charles III has revealed a funny name for a feature at Highgrove House in a new Prime Video documentary, Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision
31 Jan, 2026 | Admin | No Comments
‘My boyfriend cheated on his wife – I fear he will cheat on me next’
Agony aunt Coleen Nolan has advice for a reader who is scared to put her trust in her new partner, after she fount out he previously cheated in his marriage
31 Jan, 2026 | Admin | No Comments
What is situs inversus? The incredibly rare illness Catherine O’Hara was diagnosed with
Following the announcement that Catherine O’Hara has died at the age of 71, the world is reeling from her loss.
Her Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek collaborators Macaulay Culkin and Eugene and Dan Levy have so far led tributes, describing her as a ‘gift.’
The cause of Catherine’s death hasn’t been announced, but it follows a ‘brief illness.’ She died at her home in Los Angeles on Friday.
When her sons were little, though, Catherine learned that she was living with a unique medical condition, which doctors happened upon almost by accident.
Catherine previously revealed that she was diagnosed with situs inversus after she went to hospital with her son, as she and her husband had been asked to take some tests ahead of him starting nursery.
And when the nurse did a scan on her, she thought, at first, there was a problem with the machine.
‘I don’t even know the name because I don’t want to know the name,’ she said during an interview with Katherine Hall in 2021.
‘People are going to think I’m so ignorant not to know the name, but I kind of don’t want to know, because I didn’t know before that.’
Catherine added that she’s one of seven children, and by the time she was diagnosed when her sons were little, her parents were no longer alive.
So, she subsequently had no other knowledge of anyone in her family who was living with the same condition, including her siblings.
She added: ‘When my doctor told us that my heart was on the right side and my organs were flipped, my husband immediately said: “No, her head’s on backwards.”‘
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What is situs inversus?
According to the NHS, situs inversus means that ‘major organs are on a different side of the body to normal – for example, heart on the right rather than the left.’
Guidance published on the Cleveland Clinic website adds that the rare condition is caused by ‘various genetic mutations,’ and that it can develop by itself, but it’s typically linked to other medical issues.
Patients with situs inversus might have their liver and gallbladder on the left side of their bodies rather than their right, or their stomach and spleen might be on their right side rather than their left.
Around 1 in every 10,000 people lives with the condition, and it’s more likely to be diagnosed in men than women.
Situs inversus is often seen in people who have been diagnosed with a condition called primary ciliary dyskinesia, which impacts the small, hair-like structures that help to clear mucus from the airways.
There are a few different types of situs inversus, including:
- Dextrocardia with situs inversus, which occurs when the ‘tip of your heart points toward the right side of your chest.’ Other organs are also flipped, according to the Cleveland Clinic
- Levocardia with situs inversus, which means that the heart is pointing towards the left of the chest, as it normally would, but the other organs are inverted. This type is known to be rarer, and is ‘frequently associated with other cardiac defects.’
Catherine was best known for roles such as Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice (1988) and Macaulay Culkin’s on-screen mother, Kate, in Home Alone (1990) and its Lost in New York sequel (1992).
Following her death, Macaulay wrote on his Instagram: ‘Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you but I had so much more to say. I love you. I’ll see you later.’
What are the symptoms of situs inversus?
The condition doesn’t always present with symptoms, because, according to the Cleveland Clinic, while the organs are ‘reversed, they’re often still functional.’
The guidance adds: ‘If you have situs inversus along with another condition or defect, you may have symptoms from the other disease or disorder. For example, cardiac defects may cause heart problems. Primary ciliary dyskinesia may cause a mucus buildup in your lungs.’
She was also a frequent collaborator of Tim Burton’s, having voiced the beloved Sally in The Nightmare Before Christmas, three characters, including Victor’s mother, in Frankenweenie, and revived her role of the eccentric Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in 2024.
Her portrayal of the former soap opera star wife of Johnny Rose in Schitt’s Creek saw her take home a Golden Globe and a Critics’ Choice Award, marking the pinnacle of a years-long friendship with Eugene Levy.
In 2020, Catherine won the Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for her performance, saying in her acceptance speech: ‘I will forever be grateful to Eugene and Daniel Levy for the opportunity to play a woman of a certain age, my age, who gets to fully be herself.’
She leaves behind her husband of more than 30 years, Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke Welch.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
31 Jan, 2026 | Admin | No Comments
From funny to sentimental – the 23 best Valentine’s Day cards for your loved ones
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Whether you’re looking for a card dedicated to your husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, situationship, mistress, work colleague or Galentine, we’ve searched the high street for the very best.
From funny cards that will make them laugh, to cards that will remind them to where it all started, or just say how you feel without the mushy ‘I love you’ stuff.
Yes, our shopping expert has searched high and low for the nicest cards that will make them smile regardless – because is there anything better than receiving post? We think not.
Seeing as there are now just a few weeks to go, you might want to get one in your shopping basket pronto.
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Botanical Heart Greeting Card
The 'Botanical Heart' card from Papier features a beautiful heart design made up of intricate botanical illustrations. Printed on premium uncoated white paper, this folded card is perfect for any occasion. It can be personalised with your own message inside and comes with a matching envelope. Ideal for sending a heartfelt note to someone special.
Going For A Poo Vantine’s Day Card
Show your partner how much they mean to you with this premium Valentine's Day card. Measuring 145mm x 145mm, it features a quirky design and is printed on high-quality 300gsm cardstock. The card includes a simple 'HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY' message inside, with plenty of space for your personal note. It comes with a red envelope and is designed and printed in the UK, ensuring top quality.
Soulmate Photo Upload Valentine's Day Card
Customise this cute card by adding your own photo to a cute scrapbook-style design. On the front, the message says 'To my soul mate, you’re stuck with me forever!', making it a fun and affectionate way to tell your partner how much they mean to you. Have it sent to their email via an e-card if you don’t want to purchase a physical card.
Big Spoon Little Spoon Wooden Keepsake Card
Personalise this unique card with your names on two laser-cut wooden spoons, one labeled 'big spoon' and the other 'little spoon.' Featuring a delicate heart in the center, this playful card is perfect for showing your love. It comes blank inside for your message, or you can opt to have a message printed if sending directly to your loved one. Includes a beautiful kraft envelope.
Naughty Valentine's Day Card Scratch Card
Give your Valentine’s Day card an interactive upgrade with this scratch-off option that turns the traditional card into something cheeky and flirty. Instead of just reading a message, your loved one scratches off gold panels to reveal playful surprises underneath – perfect for laughs, teasing, and a bit of saucy fun this Valentine’s.
King of Hearts Card
The 'King of Hearts' card from Papier, designed by Jade Fisher, features a regal heart-themed illustration. Printed on premium uncoated white paper, this folded card can be personalised with your own message inside. It measures 127mm x 177.8mm and comes with a matching envelope, making it a perfect choice for any special occasion.
Eyes Illustrated Eleanor Bowmer Valentine's Day Card
Valentine’s Day cards don’t have to be plain or the usual teddy bears and heart designs. Give yours an artistic flair with a fun slogan surrounded by moons & stars. This will look great on the side, as well as fill their hearts with your message inside.
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31 Jan, 2026 | Admin | No Comments
I know how hard healthy weight loss is — this is the workout I recommend
Steve Chaney, 37, from Frodsham, always struggled with his weight.
Growing up in the 90s and 00s, before Jamie Oliver changed school dinners forever, he says there ‘wasn’t as much awareness or education about healthy eating’, and that school PE didn’t help much, either.
‘Physical education at school was primarily centred around team-based sports; there was no education around the benefits of strength training and how to do it,’ he tells Metro.
‘With PE, I felt there was a culture of nurturing those who were naturally gifted at it, but there was little to no support for those who were mediocre or struggled.’
By 18, his self-esteem plummeted due to his weight, until he had an epiphany that something needed to change.
‘It was an accumulation of always being put down and therefore losing belief in myself – not just physically, but also professionally and that really held me back,’ he says. ‘I was fundamentally unhappy and hugely lacking confidence.’
Steve started exercising and ‘fell in love with fitness’. Fast forward to today, and he’s a personal trainer who owns Elysium Personal Fitness Studios, which has two venues in Cheshire. Rather than exercising to look a certain way, the mantra he uses with his clients is ‘movement is freedom’, enabling you to ‘take on new adventures’ in life by nurturing your body.
‘I compare it to financial freedom – something many strive to attain, yet many people don’t invest that same level of effort into their health,’ he says.
In the age of weight loss jabs, with black market versions leading to devastating consequences, it’s never been more important to push back on the pressure to be thin over strong and healthy. At the same time, it’s never been more vital to provide those looking with healthy, sustainable weight loss solutions.
So, we asked Steve for his go-to home workout for those at the very start of their fitness journey, or returning to exercise after a long break. You just need dumbbells and a kettlebell. As Steve says ‘it’s better to use lighter weights and practice getting the full range of movement correctly before increasing weights’.
Steve’s home workout for beginners
(25 mins including warmup and cooldown)
Warmup:
Raise the heart rate by either running on the spot, skipping or doing jumping jacks (or a mixture) for 2-3 mins.
Activate the right muscles, so for this workout do the following warm-up:
10-12 glute bridges by lying on the floor on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the ground. Push through your feet to raise your hips up as far as you can, squeezing your butt while engaging your core. Once you hold a few seconds at the top, lower your hips back to the floor and repeat 10-12 times.
30 seconds side planks each side. Lie on your side with your elbow propping you up under your shoulder and legs out long (or bent at the knee if this isn’t achievable). Raise your hips off the floor and hold for 30 seconds. Change sides.
8 shoulder taps each side. Get into the start of a push-up position (straight arm plank), with your feet wider than your hands, slowly tap your left shoulder with your left hand whilst maintaining stability and minimising any hip rotation. Lower your left hand and repeat with your right hand, continuing to switch.
8 body weight reverse lunges. Stand up tall and take one step back and plant the ball of your foot behind you with enough distance to get your knee as close to the ground as possible, with a 90-degree bend at both knees. Come back to the start position and repeat on the other side.
Mobilise by doing five of the world’s greatest stretches each side. Start in a straight arm plank and step your right foot as far forwards, just to the outside of your right hand. Raise your right arm straight into the air while rotating your torso towards the right leg. Hold for a few seconds, reset and repeat on the left.
Finally do six inchworms. Start in a straight arm plank, inch your feet towards your hands, raising the hips but keeping your legs straight, walking towards your hands as much as your flexibility allows. Then walk your hands out until you’re back in a straight arm plank. Repeat.
Workout:
Set a timer for 15 minutes, and at the start of every minute complete one of the below exercises (in order). You should be aiming to complete the exercise and still
Have 10-15 seconds rest before the next minute begins. If you’re completely new to exercise, select light weights or opt for body weight. If you’re feeling confident then select weights that feel challenging, but don’t compromise form.
You can always drop set weights – this means having a pair of lighter weights nearby to switch to if failing with the heavier ones.
6x Single dumbbell suitcase lunges each side.
Stand tall, holding a dumbbell in one hand, and take one step back and plant the ball of your foot behind you with enough distance to get your knee as close to the ground as possible, with a 90-degree bend at both knees. Come back to the start position and repeat on the other side. After six lunges on each side, switch the dumbbell to the other hand.
12x Bent over row with dumbbells.
Holding a weight in each hand, soften the knees and hinge forward at the hips, maintaining a flat back. Pull the weights into your abs whilst pinching your shoulder blades together. Lower the weights until your arms are straight. Repeat.
15x Kettlebell swings (or body weight squats).
Hold the kettlebell with a double overhand grip, feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and soften the knees. Hinge at the hips, keeping your back flat and chest up, swing it between your legs and drive your hips forcefully forward, squeezing your glutes until the kettlebell swings to chest height. Let the kettlebell fall naturally back between your legs and repeat, keeping momentum.
12x Press-ups (or scaled variation such as doing them on an elevated platform or with your hands against the wall).
Start in a straight arm plank, with hands underneath shoulders. Keep your core braced and break at the elbows, keeping them 45 degrees to the armpits until your chest goes below the elbows, keeping the body straight throughout the movement. Push through the floor back to a fully extended position until your elbows lock out. If this can’t be done on the floor, regress to an elevated platform or do it against a wall.
10x Double dumbbell thrusters.
Hold the dumbbells at your shoulders, descend into a squat until the hip crease goes below the knee. Explosively stand up while driving the dumbbells into a shoulder press, fully locked out at the elbows. Bring the dumbbells back to the shoulders and descend into the next squat, repeat until 10 reps are completed.
Cooldown
Static stretches focusing on calves, hamstrings and quads. Some good ones include, kneeling hip flexor stretch, standing calf stretch and pigeon stretch.
31 Jan, 2026 | Admin | No Comments
‘I’m in a throuple with identical twins – our sleeping arrangement shocks people’
A set of twins who share the same girlfriend have detailed the dynamics of their relationship – and insist they are all in love and never compete with eachother
















