Coleen Nolan advises a reader whose son is getting married this year, and she thinks he is making a terrible mistake

If you’re feeling a little bit lost and in need of some general life advice, fear not, as one woman has shared the things she wishes she knew at 25, that she now realises a decade later

Earlier this month, Mounjaro manufacturer Eli Lilly announced that private UK prescriptions of the weight loss drug would be increasing in price by 170%.

As of September 1, a month’s supply of the highest dose of the weight loss drug will jump from £122 to £330, potentially taking annual costs from £1,586 to a whopping £4,290.

News of the rise sparked a nationwide shortage, as the estimated 500,000 people across the country estimated to pay out of pocket for Mounjaro (which is also available on the NHS) rushed to stock up.

Healthcare professionals shared concerns patients may be pushed towards unsafe methods of obtaining the jabs, with some warning it could lead to a surge in black market sales.

According to a freedom of information request by Chemist4U, 18,300 illegal weight-loss and diabetes medications were seized by Border Force at Heathrow between June 2024 and June 2025 — an issue this price increase is predicted to exacerbate.

‘We’re likely to see more and more people turning to unregulated sellers because the medication may be cheaper,’ said the company’s head of pharmacy, Jason Murphy. ‘Many of these sources distribute counterfeit versions of Mounjaro, which pose serious risks to your health.’

According to the prescriber, counterfeit jabs may include harmful ingredients or other medications, while some don’t actually contain the active drug, tirzepatide. Purchasing from an unregulated source may also violate drug laws, landing you with a fine or even criminal charges.

If you can no longer afford Mounjaro, Jason recommends speaking with your healthcare provider about an alternative GLP-1 option like Wegovy (which is unaffected by the rise) instead of taking matters into your own hands. If you are tempted to switch to a cheaper supplier though, these three key signs can help you spot – and steer clear of – dangerous fakes.

Cost

While it’s probably not the news you want to hear, Chemist4U says: ‘If the cost of the medication seems too good to be true, it most likely is.’

Do your research on what other providers are charging, and avoid any that seem suspiciously cheap.

Source

‘Wegovy and Mounjaro are prescription-only medicines, and they can only be issued by specialised medical professionals after a consultation,’ Jason explains.

Regulated providers are required to assess factors like your medical history and weight, but unlicensed sellers – typically operating on social media and in salons – often skip this step, risking patient safety.

For peace of mind, check that the pharmacy you’re buying from is regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) before you commit.

Appearance

The third indicator to look out for is the appearance of your Mounjaro pen, which Jason says should ‘come in well-designed packaging with clear, high-quality printing and branding’ and ‘feel solid and well made’.

On the contrary, fakes may have spelling mistakes, blurry printing, incorrect logos, and feel cheap and flimsy, with flaws like uneven colouring, rough edges or loose parts.  

A particularly important thing to look out for is a unique serial number, as counterfeits either won’t have one that matches the manufacturer’s records or won’t have one at all.

And finally, Jason adds: ‘A real pen should contain liquid that is clear and colourless. Unknown substances in fraudulent pens can be cloudy or tinged with colour, a dead giveaway that they are fake.’

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When Nicole Cutler was flying from California to Massachusetts in May 2021, she felt her ears pop.

But what followed wasn’t that relief that frequent fliers will be familiar with. Instead, it was silence — she’d suddenly lost her hearing.

‘When my husband tested an AirPod in my right ear and turned it up to the max, I couldn’t hear anything,’ she says.

In a shocking twist, the 28-year-old discovered she had a brain tumour the size of an avocado — and she’d been living with it for a staggering 15 years.

‘When I was told I had a brain tumour, it was the scariest moment of my life,’ Nicole, from Boston, recalls.

‘My whole body shut down, it was the scariest thing you can ever imagine, especially when you’re 22 years old.’

After being diagnosed, Nicole realised that going completely deaf wasn’t the first sign something had been wrong.

‘I was very clumsy growing up,’ she explains. ‘I had broken bones, I have vertigo, and I was losing my hearing.”

But after the incident on the plane, the finance worker booked herself an appointment with an audiologist who sent her for an MRI scan.

‘I had a hearing test, but I couldn’t hear anything,’ she says. ‘My MRI results showed that I had a tumor the size of an avocado pressing on my brain. It was a scary moment — I just wanted to get home to my family.’

Nicole had an operation on July 27, 2021 to remove the mass, but after 12 hours, doctors were only able to remove half of it, as it was wrapped around her facial nerve.

The tumour and subsequent surgery affected her movement, and she became paralysed on the right side for six months — unable to walk and move her right arm.

‘I lost all my balance,’ Nicole adds. ‘I lost my motor function in my right hand, and my face was paralysed on the right side for six months.

‘After I recovered, I went into outpatients where I went to facial therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy for two months.’

Following the operation, a biopsy revealed Nicole had a large acoustic neuroma — a benign tumor that grows on the hearing and balance nerves.

Due to the loss of mobility in her face, Nicole had a second major surgery, a major nerve graft, in August 2024.

It involved taking a nerve from her left foot and leg and putting it on her face. ‘Doctors removed the sensation nerve from my left foot and leg in hopes of rebuilding my smile,’ she explains. ‘That meant learning to walk again for a second time.

‘I also had to go to facial therapy, and had a completely new smile.’

Doctors have said if Nicole’s tumour grows again, they’ll remove it all. But the young woman hasn’t let her health journey slow her down.

After her first surgery, Nicole made a pledge to run all six major marathons across the world for brain tumor awareness.

She ran the Boston, London, Chicago and New York Marathons and is planning on running the Berlin Marathon in September to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity.

‘I may never get my full smile back, but I’m learning to smile fully with my heart,’ Nicole says. ‘And with each procedure, each mile, and each moment, I’m slowly, steadily working to bring back what was lost.

‘This journey has been brutal. I’ve lost parts of myself — physically, emotionally, spiritually — but I’ve also found something deeper: strength, purpose, and a powerful sense of community.

‘I’m not just running for myself. I’m running for the entire brain tumor community, for patients facing impossible decisions, for survivors rebuilding their lives, for researchers fighting for a cure, and for families who’ve lost someone they love. 

‘I’m fighting for all of us.’

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Next is really upping its fashion game in recent months, and we are not complaining as it means we can shop uber stylish staples that look premium, but for less.

Case in point is Next’s Bowler Bag, which we think is the spitting image of Alaia’s Le Teckel shoulder bag. Not only does Alaia’s bag keep selling out, but it comes with a hefty £1,900 price tag, which we can’t justify splurging on – not that we nee

Next Bowler Bag

Made from a polyester fabric with a PU coating, and a recycled polyester lining, which makes this bag a durable design. The bowler bag features long shoulder straps, which you can wear over the shoulder or hold in your hand. It measures 13cm in height, 30cm in width and 9cm in depth. Available in chocolate brown and stone hue.

BUY NOW FOR £32

The Next Bowler Bag boasts the same rectangular shape and two long straps as Alaia’s popular design. 

However, eagle eyed shoppers will notice the Next Bowler Bag is slightly taller, but not as wide. To get technical Next’s bag measures 13cm in height, 30cm in width and 9cm in depth, while the Alaia original is 10cm in height and depth and 33cm in width, though we think the Next version appears to look deeper. 

The bowler bag has been hugely popular over the last few months as it offers more space inside for all your essentials – and then some. Plus, the longer shoulder straps means you can slip it securely over your arm without it getting bunched up with your layers, especially in Winter. 

The Next design has been crafted from polyester and boasts a PU coating, which looks similar to the real leather design of Alaia’s creation.

ALAIA Le Teckel Branded-Tag Leather Shoulder Bag

Crafted from 100% leather, this rectangular bag boasts a bowler bag shape. It features two long shoulder straps, and a zip fastening. Inside you will find one main compartment, as well as a card section. It measures 10cm in height, 33cm in width and 10cm in depth, while the handle drop is 26cm.

BUY NOW FOR £1,900

Both bags feature the two straps, which can be styled over the shoulder, held in your hands, or even as a clutch bag with the straps folded over the bag. The pair also feature a zip fastening to ensure your valuables are safe from wondering hands. 

It’s unknown if the Next design has pockets inside the main compartment, but Alaia’s bag features a subtle card slip. 

Next’s Bowler Bag is available in two colours including chocolate brown and ‘bone’, which is a cream tone. 

Let’s not forget the Next bag retails for £32, so you could buy both colourways for much less than the cost of Alaia’s bag, and still have change. 

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Looking to add some showgirl flair to your underwear drawer? We may have found the perfect brand for you.

Despite being under your clothes, there’s no reason why your underwear can’t be show-stopping. That’s why Jenna Barnes, costume designer to the stars, created Raine & Bea.

Designed to bring you affordable lingerie that oozes glamour, Raine & Bea’s sensational selection of sexy everyday pieces are everything you need to upgrade your underwear drawer.

From pretty bralettes and corsets to standout bras and underwear you’d be hard pressed not to show off, this stunning underwear has been designed to celebrate and empower women – and won’t break the bank.

Think: sculpted silhouettes, satin bows, polka-dot frills, leopard prints and so much more…

Founded by Jenna Barnes and taking inspiration from her experience in the glittering world of musical theatre, celebrity style and costume design, Raine & Bea is the theatrical glam underwear brand every stagey girl has been looking for.

From crafting corsets for Cabaret to creating Victoria Beckham’s iconic green hot pants, Jenna knows star quality like the back of her hand – which is what makes Raine & Bea so special, bringing bold, show-stopper energy to your most intimate layer.

I got to try a piece of the stunning underwear out for myself, and rest assured this lingerie is as beautifully comfortable to wear as it is stunning to look at.

I’ve been loving and wearing the Spotlight Leopard Mesh Non-Padded Underwired Bra every day since it arrived and can’t get enough of it.

A best-seller from the brand, it features a lovely soft mesh custom leopard print fabric and the most stunning contrast purple trims and straps, this unique bra is an absolute show-stopper yet extremely comfy and practical for every single day.

The best bit? It costs just £30, which is super affordable for a piece that’s so standout.

Ready to find your own showgirl pieces? Explore our top picks from Raine & Bea’s stunning selection below.

Raine & Bea: Top picks

Spotlight Leopard Mesh Non-Padded Underwired Bra

A best-seller from the brand, this stunning leopard print bra features a lovely soft mesh custom leopard print fabric and the most stunning contrast purple trims and straps. It's an absolute show-stopper yet extremely comfy and practical for every single day.

SHOP £30

Spotlight Leopard Mesh Thong

Match up with the Spotlight Leopard Mesh Thong, designed with everyday comfort in mind and super stylish purple contrast trims to add a touch of glamour.

SHOP £15

Pillow Talk Black Lace Bralette

Sweet and subtle, the Pillow Talk Black Lace Bralette has been made with beautiful soft stretch lace, blood red velvet bows and double shoulder strap detailing. What's not to love?

shop £26

Pillow Talk Black Lace Thong

Perfect paired with the matching bralette, this Pillow Talk Black Lace Thong features a blood red velvet bow and sleek elasticated string design.

shop £14

Wardrobe Mistress Black Microfibre Harness Suspender

A modern take on the classic suspender, this stunning piece features leg harness suspenders which are adjustable to custom fit your thighs and stocking length. Pair with your favourite matching pants, bra and stocking for a sexy, cohesive look.

shop £34

Showstopper Black Mesh Rouched Slip

Define your curves with this stunning nightwear Showstopper black ruched mesh slip. The off the shoulder band reveals the bare shoulders for that provocative look, while the bra-style adjustable straps and gold metal hardware bring that added support.

shop £40

Wardrobe Mistress Red Microfibre Padded Balcony Bra

This Wardrobe Mistress picot trimmed microfibre bra skims the body to give a beautiful silhouette that's perfect for everyday wear. It features a padded, underwire design with plush straps for a comfortable fit.

shop £45

Pillow Talk Cream Lace Triangle Bra

Made using cream stretch lace, blood red velvet bows and provocative back strapping detail, this gorgeous triangle bra is the perfect adjustable piece for everyday wear and special occasions alike.

shop £24

Bubble Blush Pink Mesh and Satin Frill Knicker

Fun, frilly and flirty, the Bubble Blush knickers feature a pink satin contrast coloured fabric with spot mesh overlay, not forgetting the 1950s inspired back frill to add some extra cheeky fun.

shop £24

Costume design – but for your pants.

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As the bush once again grows in popularity, it’s left some with an unexpected problem in their pants.

Women who’ve abandoned the Hollywood or Brazilian in favour of grown-out pubic hair are reporting pain when their pubic hair gets long.

And TikTok has given this pube pain a name: whisker fatigue.

It was coined after one TikToker Jules took to the app to ask: ‘Does anyone else’s bush hurt when it gets too long? It feels like why you take down a ponytail after having it in all day but with spikes.’

One video on the topic hit 6.3 million views, with many in the comments dubbing the term ‘diabolical but unfortunately accurate’.

Others shared that so-called whisker fatigure makes them ‘feels bruised’ down there.

Why can pubes be painful?

‘Very long pubic hair can become uncomfortable because the hairs are coarse and curly,’ Dr Nikki Ramskill, founder of The Female Health Doctor Clinic, tells Metro.

‘They can then bend back on themselves, tug at the skin, or get caught in clothing and underwear. This constant pulling can feel like a sharp, irritating pain, a bit like when the hair on your head gets tugged.’

Dr Ramskill adds: ‘When hairs are pulled or bent, the tiny nerves around each follicle get stimulated, which is what causes pain or sensitivity.’

With 32% of Brits preferring and au naturel approach when it comes to pubes, you’re likely not alone if you feel this discomfort.

Why else might you get pubic hair pain?

When we grow our pubes long, the doctor explains this also increases the chance of ingrown hairs.

‘These can become sore, inflamed and possibly infected,’ Dr Ramskill, for Doctify, says.

‘It happens when long hairs curl back into the skin, causing red, painful bumps.’

If your hair is long it can also cause chafing and irritation if your hairs are rubbing against skin or fabric – especially when you exercise.

‘You may even experience tugging or pulling of the hairs during sex which can be painful it the pubic strands get caught,’ she adds.

The last problem that could arise with long hairs is more superficial. ‘They can trap sweat, bacteria, and discharge, making the area feel less fresh,’ Dr Ramskill explains.

What can you do to prevent this?

The simple answer is to keep your pubic hair trimmed to a length where you don’t feel discomfort.

‘That said, pubic hair itself isn’t unhealthy, it actually plays a protective role, reducing friction and providing a barrier against bacteria,’ the doctor says.

A trimmed style is actually preferred by 46% of women and it’s the most-liked pubic hairstyle for women by both men and women, with just 23% of women preferring to be completely shaved.

‘Whether someone chooses to trim, remove or leave their pubic hair is a personal choice, but if it starts to feel uncomfortable, trimming can help relieve the problem,’ Dr Ramskill adds.

Just know, whisker fatigue is perfectly normal, so style your pubes as you wish.

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

Coleen Nolan speaks to a reader who was sexually abused as a child, and Coleen opens up about how her own family coped when her big sister, Anne, revealed she had been abused by their father

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River Island has fast become our go-to retailer to shop expensive looking fashion pieces, but for a fraction of the price. 

So, it’s unsurprising the high street retailer has done it once again – this time with its footwear. 

The Perspex Mule Heeled Sandals resemble Amina Muaddi’s Glass Alexa Mules 95, though they come with a price tag that is £500 less than the designer alternative. 

These heels are available in two colours, including a brown Perspex and green, though the former has sold out due to popular demand.

Green Perspex Mule Heeled Sandals

Crafted from a PU upper, and rubber sole, these heels are chic yet durable.The mule design means it is backless, with an open toe front. The skinny heel measures 8cm in height. The pistachio green hue is available in UK shoe sizes 2 to 9, though sizes are selling fast.

BUY NOW FOR £36

River Island’s Perspex Mule Heeled Sandals have been crafted by PU on the upper shoe, and a rubber sole. 

The Perspex textured design offers an ultra luxe look, especially as it is a slightly sheer finish, which we know is a fashion trend right now. 

The open toe and backless mule elongates the legs, and makes these shoes easy to slip on and off. 

The stiletto heel measures 8cm in height, which is slightly shorter than the designer alternative from Amina Muaddi. 

Amina Muaddi heels look very similar, as they boast the same open toe, backless detail and stiletto heel, though this designer shoe measures 9.5cm in height. 

The premium design has been crafted from a synthetic outer fabric, and features leather sole and leather lining. 

While River Island’s design comes in two colours, those hues are quite niche, we must admit. Though we think that’s an asset as it can add colour to the simplest of outfits – even jeans and a T-shirt combo. Whereas Amina Muaddi’s heels are a clear perspex, which can show any dirt quite easily. 

Whether you pair these heels with jeans and a shirt, or a blazer, a dress, maybe even a jumpsuit, you are bound to be flooded with compliments. 

Let’s not forget that Amina Muaddi’s heels retail for £595, which is over £500 more than River Island’s affordable alternatives. 

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