News

A BRAND new EV that can “swim” has been unveiled to a stunned Paris Motor Show audience.

The Chinese electric vehicle, made by car-making giants BYD, is a plug-in hybrid SUV capable of “swimming” for up to 30 minutes, parking sideways, and making a complete tank-style turn on the spot.

Reuters

A brand new EV that can “swim” has been unveiled at the Paris Motor Show[/caption]

Getty

Early demonstrations of the EV sees it floating in a pool of water[/caption]

Getty

It’s believed the feature could be lifesaving in an accident involving water or even during a flood[/caption]

The Yangwang U8 model, which was first introduced last year in Guangzhou and is currently only sold in China, can undertake these bold manoeuvres thanks to the use of four electric motors – one in each wheel.

Shown off to the French audience for the very first time, the vehicle even comes with a built-in drone that can be found mounted on its roof – which BYD say can be deployed to show the driver what to expect further down the road.

Described by Autocar as a cross between a Land Rover Defender and the Kia EV9’s, the U8 boasts a high-quality cabin, complete with real nappa leather and wood veneers.

But it’s the floating mechanism that’s the real wow-factor, and BYD say this new tech “is not just a gadget,” believing the feature could be lifesaving in an accident involving water or even during a flood.

BYD has been rapidly expanding and is currently the world’s second largest EV brand after Tesla.

The Chinese EV giants entered many European markets back in the summer and hope to really challenge Elon Musk‘s brand.

Their upcoming release of the mid-sized electric SUV known as the Sea Lion 07 – one of three new models launching in the UK next year – could give the Tesla Model Y a run for its money.

Already, the brand has 42 dealerships in the UK – according to data collected by Autotrader – including a newly opened showroom in London’s Canary Wharf.

Vertu Motors, known for their brand Bristol Street Motors, recently opened their very first BYD dealership which will even come with a robot assistant.

Sadly, Yangwang, which is the prestige brand of BYD, has no official plans to sell their cars in Europe just yet, although the firm’s executives are strongly considering it.

The fact that they’re showing the exciting new U8 to UK journalists could certainly be a sign of things to come.

BYD are also set to become Uber’s main motor of choice and will build a fleet of 100,000 EVs for the ride-hailing company within the next few months.

Uber has long been a pioneer of low-emission transport, with the beloved Toyota Prius hybrid the car of choice for its UK workforce.

Now, though, the company will take a leap into the fully-electric age under its new relationship with the Chinese manufacturer.

Elsewhere, Citroen has released a pair of new EVs that feature some clever pothole-proof tech.

The manufacturer has taken pains to address some of the long-running criticisms of electric cars with some handy extras.

Their boosted hydraulic cushioning is said to be able to improve the car’s ride quality and prevent damage from potholes.

That’s particularly useful in the UK market, since road craters are at their highest rate on record.

Getty

Yangwang, which is the prestige brand of BYD, has no official plans to sell their cars in Europe just yet[/caption]

BYD

The U8 boasts a high-quality cabin, utilising the very best from BYD[/caption]

AN expert has revealed the foods you should never put in the fridge if you want to prolong their lifespan.

Storing your food correctly could reduce the chance of you being sick, improve the quality of your meals, and help you save money.

Plumbworld, the bathroom and kitchen expert, has highlighted the top five foods which should never be stored in the fridge.

The foods they listed were tomatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic, and bread which should be kept elsewhere to prolong their life-span.

The expert said: “Storing food correctly isn’t just about taste—it can also save you money and prevent waste – the less often you have to replace spoiled items, the more you can stretch your grocery budget.

“Proper storage keeps your food fresher for longer, meaning fewer trips to the supermarket and more value from what you buy.”

Knowing which foods to keep at room temperature could therefore cut your food bill by a huge sum across the year.

For example – if your food was to last two weeks rather than one you could slash your spending by half.

You should also remember that prices will depend where you shop, and food will last different amounts of time based on its quality, country of origin and sell by date.

You should always check the sell by date on your items before you buy so that you’re not disappointed by food that goes off quickly.

It always helps to reach for the items at the back of the shelf as these are usually the most recently stocked and the most fresh.

To learn how to make your cash stretch further, read the expert’s top tips below.

Tomatoes

Plumbworld revealed that tomatoes kept in the fridge can lose their flavour and texture.

This is because cold temperatures stop them from ripening and developing their sweet flavour and causes them to develop a wrinkly texture.

The best way to keep them fresh is by storing them at room temperature and away from sunlight.

You can place them in a cooler spot in your kitchen if they are very ripe, but you should pretty much avoid the fridge at all costs.

Tomatoes can typically last up to two weeks when stored correctly.

A pack of tomatoes usually costs around £1, with six classic round tomatoes selling for 95p in Tesco and a family pack from Aldi costing £1.29.

If you bought tomatoes every week you would spend approximately £52 a year – whereas if you did this every two weeks you’d spend £26.

It also helps not to cut open a tomato unless you plan to use the whole thing, as exposing it to air can cause it to expire quickly.

Plumbworld recommended: “If you’ve got a batch of tomatoes that are almost too ripe, make them into a sauce or soup straight away.”

This will mean you don’t have to throw anything out and provide you with meals for the week.

Potatoes

According to Plumbworld potatoes are best stored in a cool, dark and dry place – like a pantry or cellar.

The expert said this was because: “Storing potatoes in the fridge can cause their starch to turn into sugar more quickly.”

This causes them to develop a dark colour and an overly sweet and gritty texture.

You should also make sure you put them in a breathable bag (such as a paper or mesh) to prevent any moisture building up causing them to sprout.

A bag of potatoes typically lasts one to two months and costs £1.35 for 2KG in Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

But left in the fridge they last only one to two weeks, according to Eatingwell.com.

Onions

Plumbworld warned that onions tend to absorb moisture which means they easily become mushy and mouldy in the fridge.

It said: “To keep onions fresh and crunchy, store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.”

The expert also warned not to store them near potatoes as the gases and moisture they release can cause each other to spoil.

Onions stored correctly in a cool dry place typically last two to three months.

And according to Allrecipes.com they can last up to eight months in the freezer.

You can buy 1KG of brown onions from Aldi for 99p and 1KG of red onions for 71p in Lidl.

This makes it a cheap option for your dinners, but doesn’t also mean you shouldn’t also save each week where you can.

Garlic

A garlic can cost as little as 24p in Sainsbury’s and will last up to six months.

However the moist environment of the fridge can cause garlic to sprout, develop mould or become rubbery, according to Plumbworld.

The expert recommended: “The best way to store garlic is in a cool, dark place with good air circulation.

“A dry spot in your pantry or a garlic keeper works well to maintain its flavour and texture for longer.”

A garlic keeper is a pot which allows airflow and provides the perfect conditions for storage.

You can buy one from Dunelm for £8 or Amazon for £9 – which is more expensive than just finding a cool place but can also be a stylish addition to your kitchen.

Bread

Keeping your bread fresh in the fridge might seem like a good idea, but Plumbworld said this isn’t the case.

It said: “The reality is that cold temperatures cause bread to go stale much faster.

“The fridge accelerates the process of starch crystallisation, which dries out the bread and makes it tough and hard.”

Instead the expert recommended storing bread at room temperature in a bread box or a paper bag to maintain its softness.

It also recommended freezing bread if you have more than you can eat within the few days of its life-span.

It said: “The freezer will preserve its freshness without the texture changes caused by refrigeration.”

A bread bin is a useful investments and costs £15 in Tesco – which over the year would save you money on bread waste.

According to the charity Love Food Hate Waste, UK households waste approximately 20 million slices (equivalent to around one million large loaves) of bread every day.

Other ways to keep your food fresh for longer

These aren’t the only foods which can be stored efficiently.

Plumbworld also recommended: “To avoid waste, try creating a rotation system for all room-temperature foods.

“Keep newer items behind older ones so you use up what’s ripest first.”

In August The Sun wrote an article on the best ways to store food according to Robert Morris, managing director of food safety consultants, Complete Food Safety.

Salad items (besides tomatoes) should be kept in the drawer at the bottom of your fridge.

Whereas anything which grows in soil is more susceptible to bacteria so should be kept separate from salad ingredients.

Meanwhile it always helps to keep food in its supermarket packaging before you use it to keep it thriving for longer.

And placing certain foods in zip lock bags or wrapping up the end of a cucumber will prevent it from spoiling due to contaminated air.

To learn more tips read the article here.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

NEW research shows that majority of British people are keen to adopt a more Italian lifestyle.

The study found that eight out of 10 Brits want to lead a “slower, more relaxed” life.

Getty

A study found that majority of Brits want to adopt a more Italian lifestyle (stock image)[/caption]

According to the poll, most British people want to cook with family, dress up for any occasion, and have an Espresso on the go. 

The study of 2,000 adults found 80% admire Italian culture, with 41% describing it as “passionate,” 37% calling it “laid-back,” and 26% labelling it “sophisticated.”

More than a fifth are keen to live more by the mantra of “My house is your house” and a third are set on working to live, not living to work.

While 39% want to embrace a slower, more relaxed pace of life, and 10% like the idea of using a lot of gestures to express themselves.

The Italian coffee company, Lavazza commissioned the research to mark the launch of its new coffee range “Tales of Italy.”

“Many Brits would like to embrace a more Italian lifestyle, and one way they can do this is by slowing down and savouring life’s everyday pleasures,” said Filippo Ferrari of the Lavazza company.

“This can mean enjoying a leisurely meal with loved ones, choosing quality over quantity, or luxuriating in simple rituals like your morning coffee.

“The Italian way of life is a celebration of connection and appreciating the beauty in everything.”

The study also found 48% of those polled have previously visited Italy and would like to go again.

Its history, architecture, and welcoming people are among the things that stood out to those the most.

But it was the delicious Italian food that came top of the list at 48%.

Nearly half of those who have been to the country have recreated recipes or drinks upon their return home.

However, 44% admitted it was worse than they had enjoyed in Italy – with only nine percent claiming it was better than the real thing, according to the OnePoll.com data.

It also emerged 32% consume Italian food or drink at least once a week, as 70% say the culture or heritage of their favourite cuisine products is important to them.

Often known for its great quality coffee, half of those who drink it associate the boot-shaped country with it the most.

Cappuccino at 54%, caffe latte at 46%, and espresso at 30% were voted the most enjoyable types of Italian coffee.

With taste at 70%, quality at 44%, and price at 32% rated as the most important factors to consider.

It also emerged 18% of coffee drinkers have a dedicated routine, with 16% enjoying the ritual of making it as much as drinking it.

And 31% say the taste and aroma of coffee helps them feel more alert and focused.

“Italian cuisine and coffee are more than just food and drink – they’re expressions of culture, regional traditions, and passion,” added Filippo Ferrari.

“We want to share the true essence of Italian coffee culture with the world – each blend provides a sensory journey, carefully created to evoke the unique spirit of some of Italy’s most iconic cities.”

Getty

According to the research, most British people want to adopt a ‘slower, more relaxed’ approach to life (stock image)[/caption]

POLICE have issued a fresh appeal after a mum and her five young children were murdered in a deliberate house fire.

Dr Sabah Usmani, 44, her daughters Hira, 12, and Maheen, three, and sons Sohaib, 11, Muneeb, nine and Rayyan, six, all died in the horror.

Essex Police

A mum and her five children died in the horror blaze[/caption]

Essex Police

No one has ever been brought to justice over the killings[/caption]

Dad Dr Abdul Shakoor was the only survivor after the blaze ripped through their terraced home in Harlow, Essex.

The family were sleeping at the time on October 15, 2012, with Dr Abdul able to escape from an upstairs window.

Essex Police launched a murder probe named Operation Shakespeare but no one has ever been brought to justice.

They have now released a fresh plea for information 12 years on from the arson attack.

Officers are hoping to shed light on seven key lines of enquiry – including the whereabouts of a missing laptop.

The black Toshiba Satellite was taken from the family home in a burglary but has never been found.

Police say its lead and bag were later recovered near to the scene between Whitewaits and St Michael’s Close.

In a strange twist, the lead had a shaver adaptor plug attached to it that did not belong to the tragic family.

Officers are also hoping to track down a man on a bicycle seen in the area at the time of the fire.

He has been described as white and aged in his late teens/early 20s.

The horror unfolded at around 1.40am as the fire took hold of the downstairs of the terraced property.

A silver Ford Focus was also set alight at the same time close to the house.

Police launched a huge murder probe – with 500 people coming forward with information.

A month after the horror, a person called Harlow police station from a phone box and left a message about the fire but they have never been traced.

That same month, a piece of paper about the fire was left on a shelf in Boots in Harlow.

Police have not revealed what was said in the phonecall or written on the note.

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Dr Shakoor lives with the unimaginable pain of losing his entire family; a wife who he had planned to grow old with; children who he imagined growing up and going on to do great things.

“But that future was taken from him exactly 12 years ago. For 12 years, no one has faced justice for what happened but I remain committed to changing that.”

“I have met with Dr Shakoor and I see his unwavering determination to see someone – or some people – held accountable for his family’s deaths. I am committed to doing all we can to give him that.

“No case is ever closed, and this investigation has been regularly reviewed to identify new lines of enquiry. Securing justice for Dr Shakoor remains our determined aim and I remain very confident the answers to this absolute tragedy lie within the Harlow community.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Getty Images - Getty

PUB-goers are fed up with seeing the same old lagers at the bar.

Almost half of those polled by Kingfisher Drinks – some 46.9% – identified Carling as the UK’s most “boring beer”.

Around the same number (46.6%) said Aussie brand Foster’s was a bad call, followed by Stella Artois (35%), Heineken (32.2%) and San Miguel (17.4%).

Kingfisher Drink’s so-called Boring Beer Index was rounded off by Coors (16.3%), Carlsberg (14.5%), Amstel (11.4%), Birra Moretti (11.4%) and Peroni (10.7%).

Italian tipples Moretti and Peroni made the top 10 despite being crowned Britain’s best-selling foreign lagers last month.

When asked what lager they wanted at their local, Jamaican Red Stripe, a favourite among music fans at festivals and gigs, was the number one choice, backed by 29.87% of those polled.

It was followed by Estrella (27.43%), Sagres (23.89%), Budvar (23.23%) and Hofmeister (22.79%).

The survey of 542 UK consumers by Kingfisher Drinks found 25 to 34-year-olds were most likely to look for something new, with 78% bored with the beers at their pub.

Over-65s are most content with what is already on draught, with more than half (53%) reporting they “never” get tired of the choice.

Almost eight in 10 male pub-goers found the selection on tap uninspiring, compared to just six in 10 female drinkers.

More than 88% of respondents will always or sometimes order something new, with 35 to 44-year-olds most adventurous and OAPs least likely to go out on a limb.

Seven in 10 customers said they liked to splash out on “premium” beer brands during a night out.

The report said: “This research confirms that a large number of consumers like to try new beer brands when they are drinking out of home and are happy to trade up to more premium choices.

“This reiterates the importance for pubs to regularly refresh their beer ranges and not just stick with the same old brands on the bar.”

Kingfisher Drink’s survey also looked into what phrases or situations would make them more likely to try a new beer.

The top phrase was “a friend recommended it”, with over 70% of respondents ticking that box in the survey.

Next was “I noticed it at the bar”, with almost six in 10 taking part in the survey saying this would sway them in trying a new tipple.

Just under 56% of respondents said “the bartender recommended it” would lead to them having a try of a new drink.

On the other end of the scale “I saw it on social media“, “I saw someone else in the pub drinking it” and “I saw an advert for it”, were the circumstances least likely to make someone drink a new lager.

In other beer news, an iconic 90s beer is set for a return after a 30-year hiatus.

That’s because Allsopp’s Beer has revealed the 3.8% Double Diamond is making a comeback.

Plus, The Sun revealed the most expensive Premier League stadiums for a pint, with London clubs West Ham and Arsenal at the top.

And major beer brand Hophead confirmed last month it has slashed the strength of its beer from 3.8% to 3.4%.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

HE went on Married at First Sight hoping to find the one… but now, lovelorn Thomas Kriaras reckons the show has tanked his sex life.

Paired up with Rozz Darlington on last year’s series, the 27-year-old reveals he endured a disastrous time behind the scenes – battling botched dates, meddling producers and a ‘wife’ who rated him lower than her pet animals.

Channel 4

Thomas Kriaras and Rozz Darlington didn’t immediately hit it off on MAFS UK last year[/caption]

Channel 4

He claims the show’s honeymoon destination presented problems for their romance[/caption]

Instagram/@thomaskriaras

Rozz and Thomas turned up the heat later in the show, but it wasn’t to be[/caption]

Instagram/@thomaskriaras

The reality TV star says the show has made it more difficult to find love[/caption]

Things haven’t got better since, with Thomas admitting dates now get the ‘ick’ over his reality TV fame or use him as a quick ticket to get on Love Island.

And as a finally kick in the teeth, he tells how just days after the reunion show aired, he was admitted to hospital after consuming so many energy drinks he managed to burn a hole in his stomach.

Speaking to The Sun, the Wiltshire-based investments worker says: “Dating has been a nightmare, it’s easier not to do it.

“It’s easier to chill with my cats, they don’t chat back or insult me.”

While Thomas and Rozz had their moments on the E4 dating show, things weren’t meant to be and they split up at an emotional final commitment ceremony. 

The florist tearfully told her husband it was “not fair” to be with him when she had doubts – but all was not as it appeared.

According to Thomas, their relationship was already over by that point, but producers had ‘convinced him’ to stay with his wife until the final episode for viewers. 

It was one of many times he claims the show’s team intervened in their relationship, including allegedly “pressuring” Rozz to request to leave the process two weeks in a row.

He says: “We felt the pressure from other people including producers and some cast members, who didn’t want to leave the show first.

“We were in their targets and they targetted the person I was with quite unfairly, encouraging her to put leave – especially from producers, which isn’t fair, they did it two weeks in a row. 

“Later, I wanted to leave immediately after the homestays. I don’t know how but the producers convinced me to stay for the final commitment ceremony.

“I guess the producers and TV crew become your friends and I remember going, ‘What do I get from putting myself in a situation that’s going to make it tougher for her when she’s made a decision?’

“We had that exit scene in her home, we said goodbye. I said, ‘Why did I need to do more?’

“They said I would regret it and I guess I felt obligated to finish because of the show.”

Channel 4

Thomas says one date, which didn’t air, took pace during a blizzard[/caption]

Instagram/@thomaskriaras

They struggled to maintain the spark in their relationship – despite bringing in lingerie[/caption]

Supplied

Thomas says he had already tried to leave the show by the time the final commitment ceremony had been filmed[/caption]

Disaster dates

Thomas was approached for last year’s show by a ‘recruiter’, who he believes saw the “nice photos on my Instagram”, and encouraged him to apply. 

Now Thomas casts doubts on MAFS’ matchmaking skills – noting that other reality TV shows have more success at finding lasting love for couples.

He says: “They should call the show ‘divorce at second sight’ because everyone splits up except for the lucky, select, chosen ones… Love Island has got a better track record.”

Things were far from smooth sailing for Rozz and Thomas throughout the process – but he insists the initial embers of their romance were smothered due to being sent to such a chilly honeymoon destination. 

“While others were chilling in Thailand or Tenerife with drinks on the beach, we got put on the top of a mountain in a blizzard,” Thomas says.

They were sent on a skiing holiday in Austria. Neither of them had tried the high-risk sport before and he says a couple of the dates were disasters.

Thomas recalls: “We were getting lessons before hitting the slopes and the producers were like, ‘Go talk to her!’ I’m like, ‘Dude I’m trying not to die here!’

I’ve broken my collarbone, had dengue fever, and I would rather go back and experience those things again than suffer that. It was so painful

Thomas Kriaras

“There were a couple of dates that didn’t make it to air – in one they made us a picnic but it was so cold we couldn’t open the packages of food and snacks because a blizzard hit us.

“It was just so synthetic with the circumstances that they put us in, which is why I think they only used a handful of clips. It was a weird experience. 

“It was a shame because we had a lot of laughs and a good time, once we adjusted to the blistering winds.

“I don’t think I’d honeymoon in Austria again.”

Massaging the drama

Thomas suspects producers rigged one date scene – a couple’s massage, which also didn’t air – in a bid to maximise the drama on screen. 

He says: “I got a bloke who didn’t use any oil, he was just rubbing my hairy legs. I said, ‘Can we stop!’ because it was so painful, it was like having waxing paper rubbed up and down. 

“Everyone thought I was joking. But I wasn’t having a good time. I had to walk out mid-massage because it was absolute agony. 

“I’ve broken my collarbone, had dengue fever, and I would rather go back and experience those things again than suffer that. It was so painful.

“I think maybe the masseuse was under pressure not to use oil knowing there were cameras there and they wanted to put on a good show.”

‘Family, animals, Thomas’

Instagram/@thomaskriaras

Thomas and Rozz remain on ‘good terms’ but no longer speak as she is dating someone else[/caption]

Instagram/@thomaskriaras

Thomas is pals with Made In Chelsea stars including Freddy Knatchbull[/caption]

Rozz struggled to develop feelings for her husband throughout the experiment and at one point admitted she had “checked out” of the relationship.

During the homestays section, she admitted Thomas wasn’t a “priority” for her, which he says led to them splitting up but staying ‘together’ on the show until the final commitment ceremony,

In those scenes, she told the cameras: “He’s telling me everything I want to hear but I worry that in my list of priorities where’s Thomas? I feel like it goes: family, animals, Thomas. That’s not ok.”

Despite their romance having already ended, that final commitment ceremony was appeared such an emotional ordeal that Thomas had to be dragged off by a medic after apparently suffering a panic attack.

But again, he claims this was engineered for drama by producers, explaining: “I was crying because I was sad and saying goodbye to my friends and then they bring on a medic. 

“They said I was having an anxiety attack and tried to get me to do these breathing exercises but I was like, ‘Dude, I’m not having an anxiety attack’.

“It was mortifying when that happened. I was like bro get your hands off me. I don’t know why it was so exaggerated and exacerbated, people are allowed to be sad.”

Hospital dash

While that ‘medical scare’ was overblown, Thomas says he had to rush to hospital months later due to “drinking too many energy drinks” and having a bad diet. 

Around the time that the MAFS reunion show aired in February, he felt very unwell one evening and called 111. 

He explains: “They said, ‘You have to go to hospital now, we’ve made you an emergency appointment at A&E’ so I was driving on the way to hospital thinking ‘I’m going to die’.

I was sort of seeing someone and they suddenly just ignored me because, apparently they were going on Love Island

Thomas Kriaras

“But it wasn’t that bad, it was non-erosive gastritis. It heals on its own and needs a lot of antacids.”

Since then, Thomas has changed his diet – cutting back on his caffeine and poor food intake.

‘Agonising’ love life

As for Thomas, initially he “couldn’t wait” to get back on the dating scene but now says it’s “just agony”.

He jokes: “I feel like there’s an anaconda around my neck squeezing all the air out of me every time.”

Thomas says he’s grown tired of “bad behaviour” from prospective love interests who have “cancelled an hour before” dates or “not followed through with plans”.

He says: “I was seeing someone for a bit but whenever I was talking about what I’m doing, like having an interview, she would roll her eyes.

I’ve got a quarter of a million women following me so there’s a lot of competitive attention and it only takes one person to turn a head

Thomas Kriaras

“She would say, ‘Oh, you think you’re famous’ which I don’t but I feel like why should I do these thing when I’m asked or talk about my experiences? 

“A lot of people don’t have respect for me because of the fact I’ve done a TV show. So dating feels like a bit of a minefield.”

Thomas says his inbox is full of admirers who watched MAFS but he ignores them because “it feels really gammy” to pursue them.

Instead, he wants to meet people naturally and has tried to while partying with cast members from Made In Chelsea, including Freddy Knatchbull.

“I was seeing someone who I really liked but she couldn’t do it anymore because she didn’t like the whole social media side of things,” he tells us.

“I do get it because I’ve got a quarter of a million women following me so there’s a lot of competitive attention and it only takes one person to turn a head. I’m sure that feeds into someone’s insecurities. 

“Then I was sort of seeing someone and they suddenly just ignored me because, apparently they were going on Love Island. In the end they didn’t get on it so that was quite funny.

‘Love Island has a better record’

While Thomas didn’t find his soulmate on MAFS, he believes the goal may not always be to help people find love but to “help you grow as a person”.  

“Love Island has got a better track record but that’s because you pick who you are with rather than being put with someone who will help you grow,” he says.

“I’m quite avoidant when it comes to relationships. The show helped me transform from a husk of a person, who was withdrawn like a turtle, to opening up and actually being very open.

“I do think there is an element of MAFS that is incredibly important you’re getting something and someone who the experts think will make you grow as a human being.”

After putting the claims to Channel 4, a spokesperson told The Sun: “As Thomas has said, contributors are able to leave the show at any time if they decide to.

“The show is a fair and accurate reflection of events that happen during filming.”

HAVING under eye bags is usually harmless, with one of the most common causes being not getting enough sleep.

They can also be a natural part of ageing or pop up during the Winter months, when there’s less exposure to sunlight which can lead to lack of vitamin D and a paler complexion, which can make dark circles more noticeable.

Alamy

Dark circles under the eyes are usually harmless, often caused by tiredness and ageing[/caption]

Alamy

But if you suddenly develop dark circles under the eyes then it’s worth visiting your GP[/caption]

Most the time dark circles can be easily treated – getting enough sleep, eating well, using caffeine eye products, prescription creams and cosmetic procedures can all help.

But in some cases, they can be a sign of something more sinister.

GP Dr Ross Perry Medical, Director of Cosmedics skin clinics, explained: “Dark cycles aren’t usually signs of a medical problem and can be simply down to ageing, fatigue, dehydration, or just simply genetics, most of which are easily treatable and very common.

“However, it can also be a sign of neuroblastoma, which can come with no symptoms, but can also present itself as causing dark circles under the eyes.”

Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer that affects children, mostly under the age of 5 years old. It usually starts in the tummy area.

In adults it’s extremely rare, affecting one in 10 million adults per year.

Dr Perry said: “Adults with nueorblastoma have a significantly worse outcome than children with neuroblastoma, with a 5-year survival rate average of 36.3 percent.

“However, early diagnosis can help treatment be more effective.”

Neuroblastoma can come with no symptoms, but can also present itself as dark circles under the eyes.

Occasionally, neuroblastoma can be misdiagnosed because the symptoms can easily be passed off as other conditions, warned Dr Perry.

This can also depend on where the tumour is and its size.

Other symptoms of neuroblastoma the doctor said to look out for are:

• Tiredness
• A lump or swollen area in the abdomen
• Bone pain
• Weak limbs
• Bulging eyes
• Droopy eye lids
• Constipation
• Difficulty urinating

If you suddenly develop dark circles under the eyes then it’s worth visiting your GP.

Dr Perry advised: “Most of the times it will be absolutely nothing to worry about and offer a simple explanation.

“However, particularly in children, you need to get this checked immediately as early diagnosis is crucial.”

Treating dark circles under the eyes caused by fatigue

If dark circles under eyes have a less serious cause, such as fatigue, Optical Express recommends the following at-home treatments.

Firstly, get more sleep – the most important thing you can do to improve the appearance of your under eyes is to get enough sleep.

Elevate your head – make sure you have enough pillows in bed so your head is adequately elevated and prevents fluid from building up around your eyes.

Use a cold compress – this can reduce swelling and shrink the blood vessels under the eyes, helping them look less puffy and dark.

Try tea bags – these can make an excellent compress as the caffeine and other antioxidants found in tea help reduce swelling and puffiness around the eyes.

Alamy

Tiredness and a lump or swollen area in the abdomen can be other signs of neuroblastoma[/caption]

AMERICAN football games and German beer are coming to the UK this October.

NFL London Games

Playing Premiership matches in America may be controversial, but the US has no problem exporting its version of football here. 

The NFL has been playing games in the UK since 2007 and now schedules a three-game series each October. Here’s a preview of this month’s remaining games.

Jacksonville Jaguars v Chicago Bears

Sunday, October 13, 2.30pm, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London N17

The Bears return to the new Spurs stadium for the first time since losing there in 2019, when it hosted its first NFL match. 

Number one overall pick Caleb Williams has started well, but results have been mixed and they’ve won only ten games in the past two seasons. 

The Jaguars have problems too. They lost their first two games of the season and tight end Evan Engram is likely to be missing with a hamstring injury. 

Former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit could be promoted from the practice squad to the Jaguars active roster.

New England Patriots v Jacksonville Jaguars

Sunday, October 20, 2.30pm, Wembley Stadium, London

The Jaguars stay in London to take on six-time Super Bowl champs the New England Patriots. The Patriots have started well under Jerod Mayo, with new pick Keion White typifying the coach’s aggressive defensive approach. 

Star linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley – ruled out for the season in week 2 – will be difficult to replace. Last time they met, in 2022, the Patriots crushed the Jaguars 50-10.

Oktoberfest 

If American football isn’t your thing, but beer is, then you’re in luck. This month it’s Oktoberfest, the annual celebration of Bavarian brewing. 

Towns and cities all over the UK will be holding events involving huge steins of beer, loud oompah music, sizzling bratwurst sausages and silly games. 

There are plans for big tent events over weekends at Stoke Park in Guildford, Campbell Park in Milton Keynes, Priory Park in Southend, Beverley Racecourse, Central Park in Chelmsford and Central Park in Plymouth. 

You’ll find more Bavarian bashes in Edinburgh’s West Princes Street Gardens and Manchester’s Platt Fields Park. London sessions will be flowing in Camden, Finsbury Square, Old Billingsgate and Brick Lane. 

Cheers to that!

A high school senior was shot and killed in an apparent murder-suicide by her older DJ boyfriend while they were on the way to her homecoming dance in Louisiana, officials said.

Star Justin Hartley became the king of prime time playing a guy who finds those people — often, for a hefty reward fee.