21 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Princess Eugenie could be a vintage star in cinched dress and £19k earrings

King Charles’ niece Princess Eugenie could have been a vintage star in a cinched tea dress and her biggest hat to date during a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales, plus her cousin Zara Tindall.
21 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'I dream of being an actor but I can't get over childhood trauma and dad's death'

Coleen Nolan speaks to a young reader who feels he is being held back by a mountain of unresolved guilt and pain
21 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Sleep better for less with Simba’s May sale offers and big savings on premium sleep tech

Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
We all know how important it is to get a good night’s sleep, but when was the last time you rotated your mattress – or worse, invested in a new one? If you’re taking longer than five seconds to remember the date, it’s probably time to invest in a new one, let’s be real.
The good news is, now’s the perfect time to turn those dreams into reality with Simba, the award-winning sleep-tech brand known for revolutionising bedtime.
The iconic brand has just launched its highly anticipated May Bank Holiday Sale. Running from May 17 to 26, this limited-time event offers shoppers the chance to save up to 20% on a wide range of premium sleep products – from mattresses and pillows to duvets, beds, and even bundles.
Better yet? Simba has a mattress for every time of sleeper too – which you’ll also find slashed in price.

Simba’s iconic Hybrid® Mattress range is front and centre in the sale, with options to suit every budget and sleep style. The Hybrid® Essential, their most wallet-friendly design, is now just £599.20 for a King (down from £749).
The original Hybrid® Mattress, which introduced Simba’s signature sleep tech to the world, is now £746.17 (was £899).
For those seeking extra comfort, the Hybrid® Pro with its double layer of micro springs is reduced to £987.24 (was £1,299), while the Hybrid® Luxe, a top performer with three layers of springs, is now £1,385.23 (was £1,799).
And for the ultimate in sleep innovation, the Hybrid® Ultra — Simba’s most advanced mattress — is now £2,399.20, down from £2,999.

If you’re looking for something more natural, Simba’s Earth Mattress range blends eco-conscious materials with cutting-edge comfort. The Earth Source is a great introduction at £1,039.20 (was £1,299), while the Earth Escape, which combines premium natural materials with Simba’s tech, is now £1,403.22 (was £1,799).
At the top of the range, the Earth Apex offers a luxurious fusion of nature and innovation for £1,679.20 (was £2,099).
As we’ve touched on many times before, Simba’s bundles are where the real savings shine. Whether you’re after a mattress and bedding combo, a full bed and mattress set, or the complete sleep setup, you’ll save more than buying items individually.
Best bundle deals:
- Mattress Bundles (mattress + duvet + pillows) save up to £821.18, with King size now £2,772.80 (was £3,466).
- Bed & Mattress Bundles (mattress + bed frame) save up to £1,012.10, with King size now £3,183.40 (was £4,098).
- Complete Bundles (mattress + bed frame + duvet + pillows) save up to £1,107.50, with King size now £3,557.00 (was £4,565).
These bundles are ideal for anyone looking to overhaul their entire sleep setup in one go – and save big while doing it.
Talking of which, Simba’s pillow and duvet range is also included in the sale, with 15% off across the board.
The Hybrid™ Pillow, featuring an adjustable Nanocube® core and cool-touch Stratos® cover, is now £92.65 (was £109).
For those who prefer firmer support, the Hybrid™ Firm Pillow is down to £135.15 (was £159), offering three interchangeable inner pillows for custom comfort.
The Simba Body Pillow, perfect for side sleepers or pregnancy support, is also £92.65 (was £109), and features a breathable, washable cover and a soft, down-like feel.
On the duvet front, the Hybrid™ Duvet is available in all sizes with 15% off – for example, the King size is now £211.65 (was £249).
It’s filled with Simba Renew Bio™ fibres for lightweight warmth and breathability, and features Stratos® technology for a fresher sleep.

For year-round versatility, the Hybrid™ 3-in-1 Duvet is also on offer, with the King size now £339.15 (was £399). This clever design includes two duvets that can be used separately or snapped together for adjustable warmth throughout the seasons.
Simba isn’t just about comfort – it’s about conscience. As a certified BCorp™, the brand leads the way in sustainable sleep innovation. All of Simba’s mattresses are made in the UK using recycled materials wherever possible, blending cutting-edge technology with responsible design.
With over 350,000 five-star reviews and more than 1 million products sold, Simba is the world’s most five-star-rated mattress brand – and it’s easy to see why.
The Simba May Bank Holiday Sale is available exclusively at simbasleep.com, so there’s no need to leave the comfort of your home to grab a great deal.
But don’t wait too long – the sale ends at 11:59 pm on 26th May, and with savings this good, stock won’t last forever.
Now what are you waiting for?
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
21 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Dementia left my dad lost, angry and afraid – music brought him home


Simon McDermott was washing the dishes after Christmas lunch when he realised something was wrong. His dad, Ted, pottered through from the lounge to ask Simon who had bought him the ‘excellent’ Nelson Mandela book he had just unwrapped.
‘That was from me, Dad,’ Simon replied. Two minutes later Ted returned and asked exactly the same question. And then he did it again. And again.
‘I thought he was winding me up. Then I had this feeling something wasn’t right,’ Simon, 49, tells Metro. ‘I didn’t know about dementia then, or what was coming down the line.’
Over the following months, Ted, then 76, became paranoid – firing out wild accusations that Simon was stealing from him, or that his wife, Linda, was having an affair and that the neighbours had put his beloved records in their shed.
He used his microphone wires to tie his plants and filled the garden with old washing machines, metal tables and office chairs taken from skips. If Simon tried to move them, Ted would fly into a rage. He lashed out at Linda, pulled her from her bed by her hair and ambushed Simon in the night.

‘Sometimes I’d wake and he’d be in front of me with his arms out,’ recalls Simon. ‘It was awful. I used to barricade myself in the spare room with my suitcase.’
By this point Simon was living in London and spending weekends in Blackburn to help his mum with the increasingly frightening episodes.
‘I was terrified. It was like living with a monster,’ he says.
Ted was never violent when Simon was growing up. He worked in factories by day and was selling out pubs, clubs and other venues performing a repertoire of show tunes, big band songs and Frank Sinatra ballads by night.
A Butlin’s redcoat in his 30s, Ted became known as the ‘Songaminute Man’ because of the many songs he could sing by heart. He was a showman with a huge personality and a quirky sense of humour. The soundtrack to Simon’s childhood was his dad singing loudly in the lounge to his favourite records.
So when his father became angry and aggressive, Simon insisted Ted see a doctor. After 18 months of tests, in 2013, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease – the most common cause of dementia.

‘At last we knew what it was. But I didn’t know anything about Alzheimer’s. You couldn’t talk about it to Dad,’ explains Simon. ‘If you even mentioned dementia he’d say, “There’s nothing wrong with me.”
‘Mum and I were just trying to get through the day and cope with the anger, taking it one day at a time, with cups of tea and biscuits.’
Simon was lost and didn’t know how to protect his mum or support his dad. After suffering panic attacks at work, help came from the Dementia Support Line.
‘As soon as the woman answered I burst into tears. She explained that all my dad’s behaviour was due to his own fear – and that changed everything. It gave me an understanding of what he was going through. From them I learned how to react better to his anger.’
He also discovered the healing power of music and the pair started to drive around for hours, singing loudly to Ted’s favourite tunes.
‘It calmed him. It turned him from this heavy, angry guy back into his old self. He loved it. You could tell he was completely in the moment, singing away at the top of his voice.’

Simon made a video of Ted singing one of his favourite songs – Quando, Quando, Quando by EngelbertHumperdinck – and put it on a Facebook page with a fundraising link for Alzheimer’s Society in 2016.
The clip went viral and he received thousands of messages. Ted secured a record deal and was given the Pride Of Britain award that year.
Together the pair have raised about £175,000 for Alzheimer’s charities and become the inspiration for a Japanese feature film yet to be released. Simon has also written a memoir about his dad and the diagnosis.
‘Alzheimer’s can take away all the light in family life and robs you of all normality. It can be quite dark. You’re losing someone in a long goodbye. But at the same time, it’s not the end of the world. It’s part of life.’
There have also been moments of real joy, such as the time Simon took Ted out in London to give Linda a break.
‘I walked him along the South Bank and he was talking gobbledegook. I took him to the pub and bought him a drink and he started talking to me like a complete stranger about his wife and son, about how proud of me he was. We’re not a family to talk like that. It was a gift, very emotional,’ remembers Simon.

‘On another occasion we were in a pub and Dad wouldn’t sit down. He kept talking to this group of workmen having a pint. He wouldn’t leave them alone. But one of them said, “Don’t worry – I know exactly what you’re going through,” then took him to the bar and had a drink with him. What a great guy.’
Ted’s illness has now progressed significantly. He is frail and confused and doesn’t always recognise Simon.
‘The main thing is that Dad is happy and safe. If you’re going through the same thing, I want you to know the universe will support you. You’re carrying a heavy burden so don’t be afraid to ask for help – and there are organisations that can support you.
‘I’ve learned so much about Dad, life and myself. It has taught me patience and mental resilience.
‘There are hard days and days when I know I’ve made a difference. It’s put into perspective what is really important in life.’
The Songs That Saved Us: My Dad, Dementia And Me is released in paperback on June 5.
Worried about dementia?
If you’re worried about yourself or someone close to you, then check your symptoms today using Alzheimer’s Society’s symptom checklist.
Visit alzheimers.org.uk/checklist or call their Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456
20 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
From spicy margs to dirty martinis – Abercrombie’s new graphic tees are a summer vibe and start at just £22

Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
Graphic tee season is well and truly here, and if you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect style to take you through summer and beyond then you’ll want to head to Abercrombie.
On a sunny London day there’s really nothing like a beer garden and a stroll through the part in that sticky London heat. The uniform for such occasions? The humble graphic tee.
Each crafted from super soft 100% cotton, Abercrombie’s selection of affordable graphic tees are the ones to watch, boasting a gorgeous array of designs that match denim shorts and a cold pint perfectly.
From spicy margs to martini-wielding lobsters, oversized fit to skimming, these are the tees we’ll be obsessed with all summer long.
One I’ve already snapped up for myself is the Oversized Guinness Graphic Tee. Showcasing a bright red crab grappling a pint of Guinness on an off-white tee, this top blends my two loves perfectly: crustacean graphics and beer.
Oversized, comfortable and really great quality, this is already my staple for the summer months.
Explore our top picks from Abercrombie’s gorgeous selection below and find your next staple top.

Oversized Spicy Margarita Graphic Tee
Love a spicy marg? This adorable Oversized Spicy Margarita Graphic Tee is the perfect way to show your appreciation. Crafted from super soft 100% cotton, this chic top boasts an oversized fit with a spicy margarita graphic detail on the back and 'Extra Spicy' embroidered on the left chest.

Oversized 'Tini Time Graphic Tee
A personal favourite of mine, this 'Tini Time Graphic Tee is a total must-have in your summer wardrobe. Crafted from super soft 100% cotton, it features an oversized fit with an adorable lobster and martini graphic on the chest as well as embroidered 'Tini Time' text. What's not to love?
We need every single one…
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
20 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
9 best BBQs and pizza ovens from Dunelm ideal for this bank holiday weekend


Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
With just a few days to go until the second bank holiday this May, the weather across parts of the UK is still looking… alright-ish. So, we’re having a BBQ this weekend – no matter what.
If yours has seen better days, you might want to take a look at these beauties from Dunelm – as they start from as little as £15 for a Bucket BBQ.
Whether you’re entertaining friends, family or just yourself – Dunelm have a plethora of bargain BBQ buys, and all the accessories too.
One that’s caught our eye is the Kettle Charcoal BBQ. Priced at just £29, one reviewer called Geoff Connor gave it the full five-stars and added: ‘Excellent product looks better than other BBQs around does the job.’
Another that we’re slightly obsessed with is the Zanussi Wood Pellet Pizza Oven with Paddle & Cover, for £179. Every person that has purchased this product has rated it five out of five stars – with many hailing the speed your next pizza can cook in.
Forest Ranger mentioned: ‘An excellent pizza oven. Sleek design. Easy to assemble and is portable with a handy carry bag. The pizzas were a success with an even bake, crispy on the edges and melt in your mouth cheesy topping. Delicious!’
Wilki247 also said: ‘We wanted a pizza oven but couldn’t really justify the nearly £400 for some models and so when seeing this Zanussi one, we thought we’d give it a shot. Zanussi are a well-known brand and so we trusted that it would be of good quality and design, and it is. Even my husband was impressed! It packs away really well neatly. When they describe it as portable- I think it’s pushing it slightly- but you can definitely move it cleanly & fairly easily from the shed to outdoors in the bag it comes in. So far, so impressed!’
Our shopping expert has saved you the hassle and picked out the eight BBQs you might want to add into your basket (and garden) before the weather decides to turn sour again…

Zanussi Wood Pellet Pizza Oven with Paddle & Cover
The Zanussi Wood Pellet Pizza Oven is a portable, quick-heating outdoor oven that cooks 12" pizzas in just 60 seconds. It’s easy to use with wood pellets and a firelighter, and also great for roasting, baking, and searing
– perfect for garden parties and family meals.

Statesman 13inch Wood Pizza Oven
The Statesman 13-Inch Wood Fired Pizza Oven uses wood pellets to cook pizzas in just 3 minutes at temperatures up to 470°C. It’s versatile for cooking meats, fish, veggies, and bread, and includes a pizza peel, built-in temperature gauge, and waterproof cover – ideal for outdoor cooking with authentic flavour.

Tower Ignite Multi XL Gas BBQ, Black Steel
The Tower Ignite Multi XL is a 4-in-1 BBQ with gas, charcoal, smoker, and side burner functions. It features a 3-burner grill, smoker box, adjustable charcoal tray, and storage shelf. Built for durability and easy cleaning, it’s ideal for cooking for up to 15 people – perfect for large gatherings.
So, what are you waiting for?! This weather won’t be around forever – and you deserve a summer to remember, surrounded by delicious grilled food and freshly made pizza.
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
20 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
What your toes say about your health — 8 warning signs to look out for


Next time you’re giving yourself a pedicure, consider looking beyond which shade of polish best compliments your favourite sandals.
‘While often overlooked, your toenails and feet play a huge role in your overall health and it’s important to pay attention to their condition,’ says Sheena Bagga, pharmacist prescriber at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor.
Although many problems with toes and nails are easy to treat, changes to their appearance can be clues that something more sinister needsprofessional medical attention.
Here, she tells Metro the main symptoms to look out for, and the different health issues each signal might point to.
Yellow discolouration

‘Yellow discolouration can indicate a toenail infection, which can occur on any part of the nail,’ Sheena explains. ‘This causes the nail to discolour, become crumbly, or thicken.’
Alternatively, yellowing could be down to nail psoriasis, but this typically comes alongside pitting or patches, and it may also be lifted from the nail bed underneath.
To prevent infections, the advice is to keep your nails short and clean, wear a clean pair of socks every day, and ensure your shoes fit correctly.
Dark nail stripes

A brown or black band running lengthwise along the nail – known as melanonychia – is normally nothing to worry about.
When the cause is benign, it’s likely either a variation in pigmentation or the result of an injury.
But in some rare cases, Sheena says it’s ‘a tell-tale sign’ of a type of skin cancer called Subungual Melanoma – so if you’re concerned, it’s worth getting it checked out.
Swollen toes

According to Sheena, toe swelling can be caused by a number of conditions, including lymphatic issues, poor blood flow, or even gout.
‘Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis characterised by sudden, severe joint pain, often in the big toe, caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints,’ she explains. ‘It is more likely to occur in people who are overweight, and consum
There are less serious reasons for swelling though, including:
- Sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Wearing shoes that are too small
- Being overweight, dehydrated, or eating a diet that’s heavy in salt
Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can help with some of these common issues, along with regular exercise and movement, but it’s recommended to speak to your GP if you also experience symptoms like pain, aching, or difficulty moving.
White toenails

White lines or spots on the nail are called leukonychia, and are often caused by trauma such as stubbing your toe.
However, these can sometimes can be a sign of deficiencies in protein, zinc, or iron, or of a fungal infections if the nail is also brittle and crumbly.
‘Although rare, fully white nails are slightly more concerning and could be an indicator of a systematic illness in another part of the body,’ adds Sheena. ‘These include liver cirrhosis, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes.’
If you’re concerned and are experiencing additional side effects, contact your GP to help identify the cause.
Blue discolouration

Always got cold feet? It could be a sign of poor circulation, which can also leave your toes with a bluish discolouration.
More specifically, blue-tinged toes are a symptom of a condition called Raynaud’s disease, which ’causes narrowing of the smaller arteries which supply blood to the extremities.’
A doctor will be able to provide advice if you’re having circulation problems, but Sheena notes that regular exercise can also be beneficial for managing the symptoms.
Itchy toes

Athlete’s Foot is a common fungal infection that shows as itchy white patches between your toes.
‘It can also affect the soles or sides of your feet, sometimes causing fluid-filled blisters,’ Sheena adds.
While it can be dealt with through over-the-counter remedies, prevention is better than cure. As such, you should make sure to completely dry your feet after washing them – especially between your toes – and wear clean socks every day, ideally cotton ones which allow the skin to breathe more easily.
Ulcers on toes

We’ve all ended up with a blister after a day on our feet, but ulcers are different – and much more worrying if you have diabetes.
‘Unlike a blister that occurs under the skin, an ulcer is a break in the skin’s surface, appearing as an open wound,’ says Sheena.
‘During the time the wound is exposed, it can leave you vulnerable to developing an infection, which in serious cases can lead to amputation.’
Spoon nails

Toenails that change shape and look curved, concave or ‘spoon’ shaped could indicate an iron deficiency or anaemia.
Sheena says: ‘Iron is essential for producing healthy red blood cells and maintaining proper nail health, so it’s important to speak to a healthcare provider who may recommend taking a supplement.’
Each person’s toes look different, but healthy nails should have a smooth surface with light pink or translucent colouration and little variation in shade.
Keep this in mind, and hot foot it to your doctor if you think something could be wrong.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
20 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
10 brands Brits want back on the high street – from Debenhams to Woolworths


Whatever you think of different shopping brands, one thing is certain: British high streets are shrinking as more and more close down.
It’s been a while since Woolworths and Debenhams shut for good, but Poundland is about to close hundreds of stores and Hobbycraft will also shut a number of branches in the latest blow for shoppers.
Despite the gloomy outlook, some brands are turning the tides and reopening branches.
Music store HMV reopened its iconic Oxford Street store in 2023, four years after it closed, and earlier this year Topshop suggested it could be making a return to the high street.
And new figures have revealed the top 10 brands shoppers want to see make a comeback.
Experts analysed search data and found Debenhams is an extremely popular choice, with the brand receiving nearly 500,000 searches every month.

Customers also want to see Dorothy Perkins, Toys R Us and Mothercare reopen their physical shops.
Boohoo bought Debenhams back in 2021, but not its high street shops, which meant they eventually closed.
Since then Boohoo has changed its name to Debenhams, reviving the brand, and its chief executive says it will become ‘Britain’s online department store’.
Richard Hunt, director of Liquidation Centre which helps businesses closing down, said: ‘The combination of failing to adapt to shifting consumer habits towards online shopping alongside the financial impact of Brexit and the pandemic contributed towards Debenhams’ financial strain.
‘However, their issues began years prior to these events, with the company carrying unsustainable debts due to poor financial decisions.
‘Their online-only comeback will be exciting for many fans, but it also serves as a stark reminder of their failure to compete effectively on the high street amid a changing market.’
Dorothy Perkins was also acquired by Boohoo after its previous owner, Arcadia Group, fell into administration in 2020.
The brand collapsed after failing to compete with online retailers, with high overheads leading to crippling financial issues.
Toys R Us, which receives about 61,000 searches every month, went into administration in 2018 after racking up a £15million tax bill.
Poor sales and struggling to keep up with technology meant the brand wasn’t able to pay off its debts.
Mr Hunt said the current economic climate poses an increasing risk, especially to retail businesses, with even well-loved household names falling by the wayside in recent years.

He explained: ‘It is much easier to lose consumers than to retain them, which is why regular market research and competitor analysis are so essential.
‘Staying ahead of the curve as conditions evolve is critical to long-term survival.
‘As we’ve seen, poor financial management and decisions have contributed to the downfall of several once-iconic household brands, proving how crucial it is to have effective financial strategies and management in place.
‘If a business reaches the point where liquidation becomes a risk, swift action is vital.
‘Seeking advice from a licensed insolvency practitioner (IP) can help clarify your options and potentially avoid insolvency altogether.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
20 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'I'm a private investigator – unlikely household item proved husband was cheating'

In a revelation no one could have predicted, a bathroom item managed to expose a husband’s affair. But Paul Jones, a private investigator, explains how small clues can reveal partners in the act
20 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'I'm straight and my husband is gay – there's one burning question everyone always asks'

Samantha Greenstone and Jacob Hoff are a happily married couple with a big twist – and say there’s one thing people can never get their heads around when it comes to their relationship