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Body pulled from River Thames over a week after man in his 60s vanished when rowing boat capsized sparking major search

A BODY has been found in the River Thames days after a man went missing after a rowing boat capsized.

The man, in his 60s, is a Weybridge Rowing Club member and fell into the water near Sunbury Lock in Surrey on October 11.

a boat that has the word rescue on it
UKNIP

The other five adults on board were rescued, except for one man.

Surrey Police confirmed a body had been recovered from the waterway near Sunbury Weir and a formal identification will take place.

An investigation has been launched but the incident is not being treated as suspicious.

Chief Inspector Andy Jenkins said “Throughout this tragic incident we have been in close contact with the man’s family to offer them support and information during this incredibly difficult time.

“Our thoughts remain with them, and we ask that their privacy is respected while they come to terms with their loss.”

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.

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Iconic high street shop to start selling vinyl after thirty years off shelves

AN iconic high street retailer will start selling vinyl records again after thirty years off the shelves.

WHSmith said it will begin restocking the vintage disc in response to growing demand from shoppers.

a black and white photo of a store called whsmith
WH SMITH
WH Smith has not sold vinyl records at its store in over three decades.[/caption]

As part of the roll-out, music buffs will be able to snap up records from new talent such as Taylor Swift alongside 80’s icons like Queen.

Over 80 sites across Canterbury, Chester, Edinburgh Gyle and York will stock the records.

The newsagent, which has over 1,000 stores across the high street and travel locations, has not sold records at its sites in over three decades.

Collecting vinyl records has become trendy among consumers, as they seek tangible ways to connect with music amid a rise in streaming sites such as Spotify.

Records also come with larger packaging and can include freebies such as posters or clothing.

Sales for the product grew for the 16th year in a row in 2023, with nearly six million units sold, according to data from the British Phonographic Industry.

Demand for records also helped turn around the fortune of struggling high street retailer HMV.

Last November, the music retailer reopened its site on Oxford Street after a four-year hiatus following investment from Canadian businessman Doug Puttman.

Emma Smyth, Commercial Director, WHSmith High Street said: “After thirty years vinyl is back at WHSmith,

“I’m sure there are many customers out there who remember spending hours in record shops browsing the latest vinyl LPs and the artistic record covers.”

She added: “It’s no surprise that vinyl is growing in popularity again, and we are very excited to be bringing back record selections to more than 80 different stores across the UK for both seasoned fans and new listeners alike.”

As for WHSmith, the introduction of records will be the latest move from the business to revamp its product line.

Since last year, shoppers have been able to purchase Toys ‘R’ Us products in a number of its stores.

The American toy retailer collapsed in 2018 and closed all of its 100 UK branches, but announced plans for a relaunch in October 2021.

A total of 76 WHSmith sites will have a Toys ‘R’ Us section by the end of the year.

The iconic British brand has struggled on the high street following the aftermath of the pandemic, but its travel arm has been booming.

In September it closed two stores in Sale and Bridgewater.

Despite this, WHSmith has announced plans to open 110 new shops this year in airports, railway stations and hospitals.

Retailers making a comeback

It has been a tough time for retailers since Covid and the last few years have seen many vanish from our high streets.

The rising cost of living and expensive rents have all been playing a part in the demise of some of our much-loved high street names.

Last year much-loved retailer Wilko fell into administration and closed all of its shops in September 2023, leaving Brits heartbroken.

However, a glimmer of hope was given when the brand name was scooped up by The Range, in a £5million deal – meaning that the name would live on.

Customers were overjoyed after learning the store was being relaunched online, and even more so when in a surprising turn of events, physical branches started to open up again.

Elsewhere, Paperchase is now available to purchase at Tesco stores following its collapse almost three years ago.

And there has been talk that Topshop could return to the high street after a nearly four-year hiatus.

Owners ASOS said last month it would sell a 75% stake in the brand to Bestseller, a Danish retail group that owns Jack & Jones.

José Antonio Ramos Calamonte, chief executive of ASOS, told reporters that the deal would make Topshop “more accessible”.

Retailers opening stores

IT'S not all bad news on the high street as several retailers are bucking the trend and opening shops.

Read More »

Jeff Stelling SLAMS Paul Merson’s ‘unfair’ Strictly exit saying his show rivals ‘had dance experience’

SPORTS broadcaster Jeff Stelling has slammed pal Paul Merson’s Strictly Come Dancing exit as “unfair.”

The former Sky Sports Soccer Saturday anchor – who quit the show in May 2023 after 29 years – promptly took to social media after former footballer Paul, 56, was axed from Strictly in Week 5.

a man in a suit and tie with a sky sports logo behind him
Sky Sports
Sports broadcaster Jeff Stelling has clapped back at Strictly Come Dancing after pal Paul Merson’s exit[/caption]
a man in a blue shirt stands between two women on a stage
PA
Former footballer Paul was given the boot in the dance off[/caption]
an older man wearing a black jacket and a white shirt
PA
Jeff, 69, suggested his mate’s exit was ‘unfair’ and said the show had been ‘ruined’ by those with dance experience[/caption]
a man in a blue shirt is holding a woman in a blue dress
PA
Paul and professional partner Karen Hauer performed a lively Samba on Saturday’s live show[/caption]

The Arsenal legend was given the boot after battling it out against JLS singer JB Gill in Sunday’s shock Dance Off.

Jeff, 69, suggested Paul – who performed a Samba with partner Karen Hauer – came a cropper as some of his co-stars already have dance experience.

In his stark message after Sunday’s Results Show played out Jeff wrote: “Proud of you Merse.

“Shame they ruin the show by including people who are trained dancers or have musical theatre backgrounds.

Should be people who don’t have any dance training imo.”

Jeff – who quit Soccer Saturday after it was “making him ill” – then added: “But you were brilliant!”

The TV star’s support of his pal came after Paul’s eviction was leaked by an online mole on social media site X earlier in the day.

During the dance off with JB and Amy Dowden, who performed a lively Jive, all four judges revealed they were in agreement in choosing to keep the JLS star.

As Craig Revel HorwoodMotsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all agreed to save JB, Shirley Ballas‘ vote was not required but she admitted to show host Tess Daly that she would have also chosen to save JB.

As the news began to settle on their exit, Paul told Tess: “It’s been really good.

“For anybody I talk to, I would say you’ve got to go on this show. It’s amazing – everybody.

“There’s a Tottenham fan over there called Lincoln and even he’s nice! It’s been amazing, honestly, amazing. I loved every minute of it, I’ve had a great teacher.”

He went onto add of his pro partner Karen: “She’s been amazing, absolutely amazing and I couldn’t wish for a better coach.

“I’ve loved every minute of it.

Strictly 2024 pairings

Here's who is matched with who this series...

“I can dance now –  I’ve won because I can dance, I couldn’t dance before and I can half dance now. It’s a bonus, absolute bonus.” 

FAN FURY

Yet Paul’s legions of loyal fans were quick to brand the outcome a fix.

One fan took to social media to question the entire Strictly results process and said: “I think they just pick anyone to be in the dance off. The votes don’t mean anything at all.

“Waste of money. They have prob already decided who’s in the dance off. All fixed.”

A second added: “They always say it’s about the dance off but it can’t have been because Paul was the better dancer in it so it seems like a fix.”

And a third said: “They knew they’d save JB even though his jive was messy and boring.

“Paul has been brilliant to watch and should’ve been saved. What a fix.”

It came after his dance skills had vastly improved through the series.

Meanwhile, viewers have also called on the show to make a major change after the couple crashed out.

They fear plum professional Karen won’t stick around unless she is paired with more popular contestants.

a man and a woman are dancing on a dance floor
PA
Jeff praised Paul’s dance progress as ‘brilliant’[/caption]
a man in a blue shirt is dancing with a woman in a blue dress
PA
Fans have also been quick to brand Paul’s elimination a ‘fix’[/caption]

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Nintendo’s secret game playtest has begun and it looks like a mash-up of Minecraft and Roblox

A FEW weeks ago, Nintendo announced that there would be a super secret playtest for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.

No one knew what they were signing up for, but it was so popular the 10k spots were filled within seconds.

a bunch of bees are flying around in a minecraft world
Nintendo’s playtest game features blocky building like Minecraft…
a group of roblox characters are standing in the grass
Roblox
With social interactions and user-generated content like Roblox[/caption]

Preloads for the Nintendo Switch Online playtest have begun, and an FAQ accompanying the download has shone light onto what the secret game is.

The game’s world is described as a “massive, expansive planet” where players will work together to build and create things.

It says that players can “discover new lands, enemies, and resources that will become essential to your journey.”

Players will be given special items called beacons, which will allow them to build things in the zone around their beacon.

Inside a Beacon Zone, only the player who placed the beacon will be able to build and edit things, while outside of beacons anyone can do what they want.

The FAQ also describes a social space called the “Dev Core” where players can gather, interact and ‘level up’.

There will be two types of currency: Dev Points earned by building and crafting, and Connex Points earned via interaction with other players.

The screenshots included in the document make the game feel like a mix between Minecraft and Roblox, though there are obvious dangers in titles like this.

Roblox is known for abuse carried out via player interactions, and Nintendo seems to be putting systems in place to prevent this.

Players will take a test to “show that you understand the importance of respectful communication”, and Nintendo is known for having good moderation in place.

It appears to be a completely new IP from the company, and looks nothing like any existing Nintendo games.

Footage has not been revealed yet, and people are yet to dive into the game.

Players were supposed to keep all information from the Nintendo playtest to themselves, but with 10k players that always seemed like wishful thinking.

Nintendo’s take on FortMineBlox

With the popularity of user-generated content in games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox, this seems like a smooth move by Nintendo.

However, moderating user interactions can be tricky, and Roblox in particular has huge issues, with one firm calling it a “pedophile hellscape”.

Nintendo is known for its brilliant moderation, and we assume that player communications will be limited.

It will be hard to judge before we see actual gameplay, but it is certainly something to keep an eye on.

If you want to read more about Nintendo, check out the latest new game on Nintendo Switch Online.

All the latest Nintendo Switch reviews

Get the lowdown on more of the latest Nintendo Switch releases from our expert reviewers.

Read More »

EastEnders director teases huge New Year’s episodes set on a train – as Michelle Collins lets slip filming secret

EASTENDERS director has teased some major drama in upcoming New Year’s episodes, hinting at an intense storyline set on a train.

The New Year in Albert Square is shaping up to be an exciting one, with dramatic storylines expected to unfold.

a man stands in front of a building with a sign that says ' christmas gardens '
BBC / Kieron McCarron/Matt Burlem/Amy Sharp
Be ready for shocking moments and gripping storylines[/caption]
a black and white photo of a device that says recording on the screen
X/@McGillTweet
Director Christopher McGill has leaked some photos on X of a camera and set that looks like a train station[/caption]
a black and white photo of the ceiling of a building
X/@McGillTweet
He has teased major drama in upcoming New Year’s episodes, hinting at an intense storyline set on a train[/caption]

Major plot twists and surprises could center around key characters, continuing the soap’s tradition of delivering high-intensity drama to kick off the year.

Fans are speculating that unresolved tensions, secrets, and emotional showdowns will bring explosive events to the Square.

Be ready for shocking moments and gripping storylines that will likely leave fans talking well into 2024.

Director Christopher McGill has leaked some photos on X of a camera and set that looks like a train station.

He has teased major drama in upcoming New Year’s episodes, hinting at an intense storyline set on a train.

While details of Christmas and New Year storylines are still under wraps, photos of a funeral were released which saw the return of Nancy and Lee Carter (Maddy Hill and Danny Hatchard).

But who is in the coffin remains a mystery.

Elsewhere, George Knight (Colin Salmon) and Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) look set to tie the knot.

But will Cindy Beale’s (Michelle Collins) affair with her stepson Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) interfere with their wedding plans?

Michelle posted a behind-the-scenes video on social media while the cast film the New Year’s episode.

She was seen upstairs in the Queen Vic pub with her onscreen son Peter Beale (Thomas Law.)

She revealed an EastEnders set secret as the stairs appeared to be fake.

The balcony is adorned with Christmas decorations as the pair pretend to walk down the pretend stairs.

As they look cheerful with beaming smiles, the New Year’s episode is expected to be anything but.

Most complained about soap storylines

Over the years, all three of the main soaps have featured plots that have had even die-hard fans reaching for their phones and laptops so they can get in touch with Ofcom and complain. Here are just some of the most scandalous…

  • EastEnders baby theft: 13,400 Ofcom complaints – Back in 2011, EastEnders was flooded with complaints when Ronnie Branning (RIP) swapped her baby for the dead son of Kat Moon. The storyline drew the most number of objections in the soap’s long history and saw it roundly criticised by campaigners – with 13,400 flying in over the course of the storyline. Some viewers called it “distressing” and “horrific” but Ofcom ruled the scenes were not “unduly disturbing”.
  • Emmerdale dog-napping: 550 Ofcom complaints – Back in 2016, Ross Barton and Charity Dingle came up with a plan to steal a dog and hold it ransom – but viewers didn’t like it one bit. The nation’s pet owners rose up, insisting the storyline would encourage copycats (not to mention copydogs). Complaints over two episodes totalled a staggering 550 and soap writers quickly learnt you don’t mess with animal-lovers.
  • Coronation Street double murder: 546 Ofcom complaints – Marginally less people complained about a gruesome double murder than objected to a dog-napping plot when Pat Phelan was at the centre of a spate of killings. First he forced Andy Carver to shoot dead Vinny Ashford – and then Pat killed Andy. All the bloodshed back in 2017 proved to be too much for some viewers, who lodged complaints in vast numbers about the “violent scenes”.
  • The festive episodes also set up the soap’s the 40th anniversary live episode.

    In a first for the soap, EastEnders is giving viewers the chance to choose the outcome of one storyline, with the outcome playing out during the live episode.

    Viewers can also expect the return of more iconic characters, following the returns of David Wicks (Micheal French) and Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman).

    Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) is set to return in the coming weeks.

    She was arrested when drugs from Jean’s cannabis farm were found in the house.

    She ended up in prison and applied to sell the house and divorce Martin Fowler (James Bye) before giving birth to their child off-screen.

    However, Martin failed to believe Ruby was pregnant with his child after she previously lied and faked her pregnancy.

    How will Martin react when he meets his child?

    Meanwhile, Zack Hudson actor James Farrar lets slip shocking New Year scenes, teasing unbelievable episodes ahead.

    He told the Mirror: “I I know who is involved. It is unbelievable… as in unbelievable! We’ve got Christmas, New Year and the 40th.

    “It’s a big, big month for our show and I am so proud of us, and proud of Chris [Clenshaw] for everything he’s done. He’s left us in a very good state.”

    He also revealed that Zack will feature in a massive new storyline in 2025, that no one knows about yet.

    He teased: “There is something really exciting coming up next year that nobody really knows about yet.

    “It keeps me going into work every day going…. I’m buzzing for it to start. It is just starting around now.”

    EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

    a woman in a yellow jacket stands in front of the queen victoria pub
    BBC
    Ruby Allen is set to return in the coming weeks[/caption]
    a man stands in front of a sign that says breathing
    BBC
    Zack Hudson actor James Farrar lets slip shocking New Year scenes, teasing unbelievable episodes ahead[/caption]

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    Strictly favouritism row as fans claim judges are overscoring star ‘to protect him’

    ANOTHER Strictly favouritism row has been revealed after fans have claimed that judges are overscoring one of the stars ‘to protect him’.

    Saturday night marked the fifth week of the BBC dance competition.

    a man in a colorful vest is hugging a woman in a pink shirt
    bbc
    Strictly fans have said the same think about Wynne and Katya[/caption]
    a man holds a woman 's stomach while they pose for a picture
    BBC
    The couple have been involved in a “grope” scandal on the show[/caption]

    Wynne Evans and Katya Jones danced the quickstep to Electric Light Orchestra’s Mr. Blue Sky.

    Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi MabuseShirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke were very impressed with the performance.

    Shirley said that they “absolutely loved” it, meanwhile Anton said it was “a lovely show”.

    Craig awarded them a seven, Anton gave an eight and Motsi Shirley decided to score them an impressive nine.

    The pair got 33 points in total – and placed them fifth on the leader board this weekend.

    However Strictly viewers think that they are “protecting him” since the “grope” joke between him and partner Katya.

    One fan wrote on Reddit: “Protecting Wynne. I’m so annoyed with the over-marking of his dance just because he had a rough week. There’s no way he deserved 9s when Sarah got 8s.”

    Another replied: “It felt very odd and deliberate!!”

    “I was staggered by those marks,” a third chimed in.

    A fourth wrote on another discussion thread: “What the heck is going on with the scores for Wynne?! He almost completely stacked it doing that weird jump next to the bench and he just looked all over the place and messy the whole routine and they gave him 9s??”

    “I thought it was just me. I did not think it was 9 worthy, 7 at most. It wasn’t anything special,” a fifth said.

    Wynne has been involved in a recent Strictly scandal.

    Last week Katya was spotted rolling her eyes at the GoCompare singer after snubbing him over a high-five – before having to bat away his wandering hands in front of the cameras.

    After instant backlash online, Wynne and Katya uploaded an apology video claiming it was an “inside joke gone wrong”.

    Strictly Specials

    • Movies Week – Each year the cast of dancers on the show perform spellbinding routines to an iconic movie soundtrack or hit song associated with the big-screen blockbusters. Previous films to have been featured include The Sound of Music, Bridget Jones’ Diary and Clueless.
    • Musicals Week – In a similar vein to Movies, the cast perform routines inspired by hit stage musicals each year on the show.
    • Halloween Week – Things take a seriously spooky turn as the show transforms into a haven for Halloween towards the end of October. With some bone-chilling costumes and sometimes terrifying routines, it proves to be a fan favourite week year-on-year.
    • Blackpool Week – As the show hits Blackpool Tower, things get even more over-the-top. Huge props, backing dancers and extra special effects flood the ballroom for the extra special week.

    It comes after Wynne was spotted heading to the BBC studios solo ahead of their Saturday performance.

    The opera singer flashed a smile as he was seen sitting on his own in the back of a black cab.

    Wynne previously told how he was “heartbroken” over the backlash.

    a man and a woman are dancing in front of a white bench with a yellow sign on it that says no entry
    bbc
    The pair were awarded 33 points over the weekend[/caption]

    Read More »

    Everyone can see the bear – but you have 20/20 vision & a high IQ if you can spot the 7 other animals in 12 seconds

    IF you think you’re an expert puzzle solver then try and spot the seven hidden animals blended in among the huge polar bear.

    This family friendly optical illusion is a real challenge as only those with a high IQ and eyes like an eagle stand a chance of spotting the whole gang within 12 seconds.

    a silhouette of a bear , deer , horse and fox on a blue background .
    Social media
    Can you spot all the animals in this image?[/caption]

    The picture shows a giant red polar bear looking off into the distance with several other animals gleefully hanging out inside his fur.

    Some are obvious due to their big size or unrecognisable features such as antlers and ears.

    Whereas others are almost impossible to spot through their expert camouflage and tiny stature.

    Spotting different types of animals such as a dog or a cat can be one of the toughest tasks in optical illusions as they’re never quite where you expect.

    This illusion is made especially difficult as the scene is so busy with so many creatures hidden.

    Another clever ploy to throw off those seasoned puzzlers is the use of colours.

    The animals are all a mixture of blue and red meaning they are very different to what our brains are expecting to see.

    This makes spotting them all incredibly hard as people easily skip over certain portions of the image.

    Many people will be able to uncover a couple of the animals within seconds with some being obvious.

    After six seconds those expert boffins should be well on their way to discovering all seven hidden animals.

    But with less than half of the time remaining, finding the final few could be an incredibly hard task.

    Luckily these puzzles are super fun to try out with friends and can be a great conversation starter.

    In this particular piece, people with a high visual IQ should be able to spot all the animals within the 12 seconds and leave themselves enough time to enjoy the rest of the image.

    But even those that find just four or five can still be proud of themselves as the optical illusion is one of our toughest yet.

    This clever brainteaser was shared online by optical illusion legends Times Now.

    If you still can’t quite spot the whole animal gang then here’s a rundown of all the species to look for before we reveal the answer.

    The polar bear has been joined by a donkey and a reindeer as well as a turkey and a squirrel.

    The final ones are a partridge, turtledove and a robin but they are super tough to find as they are all birds perched in peculiar spots.

    How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me?

    Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions.

    Some benefits include:

    • Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility.
    • Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
    • Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function.
    • Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes.
    • Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus.
    • Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief.

    As you scroll, why not try other optical illusions?

    Have a go at these brainteasers to test your ability to spot things at speed.

    Try figuring out what’s wrong with this image of smiling women as you count their legs in 11 seconds.

    Or you might want to prove you have a 20/20 vision as you search for a strawberry in this carnival scene.

    Lastly, puzzle fanatics have been left scratching their heads trying to find the lost feather in just 12 seconds.

    Keep your brain engaged and have a go at our three other illusions below.

    a silhouette of a bear with circles around it
    Social media
    Every animal has been circled to help you easily see which ones you found and who you missed[/caption]
    a cartoon of a park with a man feeding pigeons and a woman holding balloons .
    English Jagran
    Can you spot the hidden dog in this image?[/caption]
    a seamless pattern of sheep , flowers , fences and clouds on a white background .
    Jagran Josh
    Only the best problem solvers can spot the hidden chick in this image[/caption]
    a black and white drawing of people in a living room
    Pinterest
    Can you spot all eight mistakes in this picture?[/caption]
    Did you find the puppy?
    Did you find the puppy?
    a sheep is sleeping in the middle of a field of sheep .
    Jagran Josh
    The chick was hidden in the sheep’s wool all along[/caption]
    a black and white drawing of a living room with a clock on the wall that says 3:00
    Pinterest
    The answers are circled in red[/caption]

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    My bathroom ceiling was covered in mould that I couldn’t get rid of – until I was recommended an ‘amazing’ £4 Amazon buy

    CLEANING fans are raving about an ‘amazing’ product that will banish mould in no time at all. 

    So if your home is covered in stubborn mould that won’t shift, we’ve got just the thing for you.

    a corner of a room with white walls and a white ceiling
    Facebook/Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips
    If your bathroom is covered in stubborn mould, fear not, you’ve come to the right place[/caption]
    a corner of a white wall with black mold growing on it
    Getty
    Mrs Hinch fans have praised a £4.20 buy from Amazon, which ”destroys all moulds immediately and easily”[/caption]
    a white wall with spots of black mold on it
    Getty
    So if you’re on a mission to battle mould this winter, you’ll need to check this out[/caption]
    a bottle of hg bathroom mould spray
    HG
    According to cleaning enthusiasts, the HG Mould Spray is “amazing”[/caption]

    There’s nothing more annoying than forking out cash on pricey cleaning products and spending hours scrubbing away at mould, only for it to reappear the next day.

    However, luckily for you, Mrs Hinch fans have gone wild for a cheap buy, which you can nab for just £4.20 from Amazon

    It comes after an anonymous user posted on Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips, a public Facebook group with 504,200 members, asking for advice on how to clean mould.

    The frustrated person asked: “How do you clean mild mould from a bathroom ceiling?

    “The ceiling paint is bathroom moisture resistant but we get a build up every now and then but am finding it hard to clean. 

    “Any tips or do I just need to repaint the ceiling? Many thanks.”

    Cleaning fans then raced to the comments to share their advice on how to banish mould.

    Users raved about the HG Mould Spray, which you can purchase from Tesco and Asda for £5.25, or Amazon for only £4.20. 

    One person said: “HG mould clean, spray on and leave.”

    Another added: “HG spray. I used it on mould in my bathroom. Very good.

    “Very strong though so I used a mask and gloves but it really made a difference to my bathroom tiles.” 

    A third commented: “HG Mould – amazing.” 

    What is mould and how to get rid of it?

    Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.

    Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is.

    “Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.

    “That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.

    “This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.

    “If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there’s not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.

    “This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.

    “If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.

    “The key to tackle mould is to act fast.

    “Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.

    “To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.

    “The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.

    “If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.

    “The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!

    “To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”

    Whilst someone else advised: “Clean it off with HG mould killer, ventilate the room well whilst spraying, use protective glasses and mask.”

    The 500ml spray ”destroys all moulds immediately and easily” and it’s a ”a self-acting cleaner that deals quickly and effectively with unhealthy black mould stains”.

    It’s suitable for a wide range of surfaces, as it removes mould and fungus from plastered walls, tiles, bathroom seals, windows and more. 

    It’s quick and simple to use – all you need to do is simply spray the solution directly onto mould or mildew in damp areas and leave it to work for 30 minutes. 

    Common Bathroom Habits That Increase Mould

    Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the daily habits that increase the chance of mould growing in homes.

    Leaving wet towels and bathmats on floor 

    Wet towels and bathmats on the floors after a shower or bath can increase humidity levels which provides a perfect breeding ground for mould spores.

    To prevent this, hang towels and bathmats in an area where they can dry quickly and to wash them regularly.

    Not turning on the fan 

    An exhaust fan is critical in reducing moisture levels in the bathroom. 

    When taking a hot shower or bath, steam increases the room’s humidity level, creating an ideal setting for mould to flourish on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.

    An exhaust fan helps by moving the moist air outside, significantly reducing the risk of mould growth. 

    Experts suggest running the fan during the shower and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to lower humidity levels.

    Ignoring small leaks

    Even minor leaks from the sink, toilet, or shower can contribute to increased moisture levels in a bathroom, fostering an environment where mould can thrive. 

    Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, promoting mould growth in less visible areas such as inside walls or under flooring. 

    Fix leaks promptly to prevent mould and potential structural damage.

    Keeping shower curtains or doors closed 

    Keeping the shower area closed after use traps moisture inside, delaying the drying process and creating a humid environment conducive to mould growth. 

    Mould can easily develop on shower curtains, doors, and in tile grout if they remain wet for too long. 

    To avoid this, leave the shower door or curtain open after use to improve air circulation and allow the area to dry more quickly.

    Storing too many products 

    Shower caddies and corners filled with bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow and trap moisture and creates hidden, moist niches where mould can grow unnoticed. 

    Keep shampoo and shower gel bottles to a minimum, and regularly clean and dry the areas underneath them to prevent mould growing. 

    MORE MOULD METHODS

    Not only this, but other Facebook users were keen to suggest alternative methods that they recommend for banishing mould. 

    One cleaning fan recommended: “Find the source of the damp, repair, then clean with white vinegar.”

    A second advised: “Neat bleach kills mould particles.” 

    Someone else wrote: “Airing a room well after bathing helps too.”

    And another suggested: “Cillit Bang mould remover, then put ventilation in to stop it recurring.”

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