Fragrance of the First Flower Season 2 (2025) Episode 1
Ricki Lake Thanks Those Who ‘Showed Up’ After She Lost Her Home in the L.A. Fires: ‘I Don’t Come from Money’
Ricki Lake is giving fans an update, just weeks after the “indescribable” loss of her home in a fire in ...
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First Dates jetting off to new Mediterranean destination for Beach Club spin-off – and show’s stars will reunite
FIRST Dates is jetting off on another summer holiday to put a fresh spin on its successful format.
The Channel 4 show, which celebrated its tenth anniversary series in 2023, is sending its next batch of romantic hopefuls to Spain for its new spin-off, First Dates Beach Club.
Following a successful run on the Spanish version of the show, the new spin-off will see maître d’hôtel Fred Sirieix and bartender Merlin Griffiths reunite at a beachside location in the Mediterranean.
An insider said: “First Dates Beach Club offers singletons an opportunity to get involved in an ultimate summer of love, alongside the show’s team who are used to playing Cupid.
“It will bring together singletons in the picturesque location, with idyllic views and relaxed holiday vibes, which makes for the perfect backdrop for discovering new romance.
“Fred, Merlin and all the familiar faces will be there to help the daters find the one, with the added help of the sun-soaked atmosphere of a seaside hotel.
“The sun and sea is undoubtedly going to give this format the ultimate sizzle.”
Filming for the new series is due to take place this summer, with applications to take part still being accepted by casting company Twenty Twenty Television. It is expected to air next year.
Since First Dates debuted in 2013, it has moved between different restaurants and filming locations including London, Manchester and Bath.
There has also been a number of spin-offs, including First Dates Hotel, which was filmed in Italy and Spain, and Teen First Dates.
Chocolate lover
The 23rd season of the UK-based First Dates returns on Monday February 3 at 10pm.
The first episode, filmed at The Botanist restaurant in Bath, is particularly sweet as it features chocolate-lover Justine, who is the owner of a cafe where host Fred often visits, and Angus, a chocolate expert.
Pri-ice of fame Karen
THE gloves will be off when The Apprentice returns on Thursday, with candidates jetting off for their first task in the freezing Austrian Alps.
And Lord Sugar’s advisor Karren Brady revealed she faced a challenge of her own – taking notes in the bitter cold.
The businesswoman said: “We were standing more than 3,000 metres above sea level, it was so cold, and I had to take my gloves off to write my notes.
“I couldn’t write because my hand literally froze. It was so bad that I couldn’t even read my own notes back at the end of the day.”
She added: “I really did suffer for our art.”
Karren also said the BBC One show’s schedule can be gruelling.
She explained: “We get no down time.
“When it says it’s 4am, it really is 4am, and we’re up when they’re up, and we finish when they finish.
“You need a lot of stamina.
“But it really is hard work. We’re putting a proper shift in!”
Scandal unveiled
THE makers of Mr Bates Vs The Post Office will investigate the “spy cop scandal” in a new documentary.
Five women activists who had intimate relationships with undercover officers will open up in three-parter The Undercover Police Scandal: Love and Lies Exposed later this year.
Jessie’s good shout
KAT SLATER screaming at “sister” Zoe that she was really her mum is one of EastEnders’ most memorable moments.
But actress Jessie Wallace, who delivered the explosive line just before the soap’s duff duff end credits in 2001, said she was supposed to drop the bombshell in a whisper.
She made the revelation on Walford co-star Lacey Turner’s new podcast We Started Here podcast, which will also feature guests including actors Ricky Whittle and Rakhee Thakrar.
Jessie said: “The write had written that line as I whispered it. I was like, ‘No, if I’ve been holding this in for 18 years, I’m going to scream it out’.”
Zoe, played by Michelle Ryan, was conceived when Kat was raped by her uncle.
TV icon & petrolhead blasts ‘safety issue’ with EV after suffering ‘panic attack’ while filming Channel 4 show
TV ICON Kevin McCloud has recently criticised the design of a popular EV model after struggling to get out of it.
The 65-year-old, best known as the host of Grand Designs, revealed that he experienced a “panic attack” while trying to figure out how to open the door of an unspecified make and model of electric car during the filming of an episode of the Channel 4 show.
McCloud, a self-confessed petrolhead with a love for classic cars, shared the incident while appearing on the Fuelling Around podcast, hosted by Jason Plato and Dave Vitty.
He said: “I was in this car the other day, and I had a panic attack because I couldn’t get out of it.
“There was no door handle on the door.
“They were filming me getting out of the car, and I swear to God, they can’t use the shot because it’s just me flapping my hand around, going: ‘Where’s the handle? Where’s the handle?’
“It turns out there’s a tiny button, and it’s barely noticeable.
“There’s got to be some kind of safety issue around that.”
Despite this mishap, McCloud appears to be a fan of EVs and is often spotted driving a Polestar 2.
He also expressed admiration for the BMW i3, having previously owned two of them, describing it as a “really fabulous car”.
McCloud also revealed that he has “one or two runners” and several cars that are “in bits”.
Among his personal favourites are a 1932 Marendaz, a 1921 Lancia Dikappa, and a 1967 Fiat Dino.
Although he seems to enjoy electric cars, McCloud voiced concerns about the direction of EV design.
He criticised the “problem” of manufacturers reverting to “crazy interiors“, which he said included “weird designs and really odd buttons to do stupid things”.
He added: “It doesn’t make any sense.”
McCloud also lamented the trend of producing “massive cars with massive electric batteries”, which he argued results in a homogenised driving experience.
He said: “This is the inevitable conclusion to a process of homogenisation in car design that’s been happening for 30 years.
“If you didn’t have a logo on pretty much any modern car, you wouldn’t know what it was.”
Radical six-wheeled truck with built-in FLYING capabilities on track to begin mass production in 2026
A RADICAL six-wheeled truck that features a built-in helicopter-like flying machine is set to be released in 2026, according to reports.
Named the Xpeng AeroHT Land Aircraft Carrier, the mighty machine features a built-in modular ‘flying car’.
Having made its public debut at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, its manufacturer, Xpeng AeroHT – a subsidiary of the Chinese EV brand Xpeng – revealed it had already received over 3,000 ‘intent orders’.
First announced in January 2024, the vehicle’s aircraft has now completed its initial test flights in China, according to Autocar.
It has also received type certification approval, marking a significant step towards enabling it to conduct public flights.
Xpeng AeroHT co-founder and chief designer Wang Tan said: “This will appeal to multiple customer types.
“There are people who enjoy going off-road, and this vehicle, with its six-wheel set-up and differential lock, offers genuine off-road capability.
“It will also open up a new dimension for people who fly.
“I’m a pilot, and every time I want to fly, I need to go to the airport. If I have my own helicopter, I might also need a trailer.
“It makes everything very inconvenient, but with this, I can take my eVTOL anywhere.”
Full technical details are yet to be confirmed, but the truck will utilise a range-extender powertrain, providing a combined range of approximately 620 miles.
Measuring 5.5 metres in length and 2.0 metres in width, the EV – despite its appearance and advanced capabilities – can even fit in standard parking spaces.
Meanwhile, the flying machine makes extensive use of carbon fibre to reduce weight, and its design was determined by the truck’s dimensions.
Tan added: “We had to prioritise function.
“We needed to ensure it could fold compactly so there was space for passengers in the truck, and there were size limitations to ensure it could fit on the road.”
Naturally, the vehicle remains under development, but the company states it is on track for first deliveries to begin in 2026.
Initially set to launch in China, global interest in the machine is already apparent, according to Tan.
He also disclosed that a safari tour operator is among the companies that have already placed multiple reservations.
While pricing is yet to be confirmed, Tan revealed that the vehicle will cost “less than $300,000”.
Ireland suffer hammer blow as key player ruled out of Six Nations Championship opener against England
IRELAND have suffered a huge blown ahead of next Saturday’s Six Nations opener against England.
Prop Tadhg Furlong has been ruled out of the clash due to a reoccurrence of a calf injury.
The Wexford ace missed the entirety of Ireland’s November Nations Series test clashes before making his return for Leinster in January.
The 32-year-old forward has been blighted with calf issues for a number of seasons.
Leinster’s Furlong will be replaced by Connacht’s Jack Aungier, who is expected to join up with the squad as the prepare for the clash against their rivals in Portugal.
Finlay Bealham is likely to start after news of the injury was confirmed.
The IRFU issued a statement confirming the news but did not provided a timeline for his recovery.
It read: “Tadhg Furlong has been ruled out of the opening week’s game after suffering a recurrence of a calf strain in training on Saturday and he has returned to Dublin for further assessment.
“An update will be available later in the week.
“Connacht’s Jack Aungier has been called up to the squad.”
“Leinster trio Jack Boyle, James Lowe and Dan Sheehan linked up with the Ireland squad on Sunday morning, while Connacht scrum-half Caolin Blade will also arrive on Monday.”
Dan Sheehan, James Lowe, and Jack Boyle flew out to ‘The Campus’ on Sunday in Quinta do Lago as Ireland prepare for their 2025 opener.
Hooker Dan Sheehan returned to action for the first time in six months last night.
The Leinster number two picked up a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury in last year’s first test of the drawn series against world champions South Africa.
Sheehan skippered Leinster last night in the absence of Caelan Doris, and went on to star in the win over the Stormers at Aviva Stadium.
He bagged a brace of tries in the 36-12 URC win over the South African side.
He’ll be joined by winger James Lowe, who also returned after not playing since November.
The duo’s return is great news for Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby.
Ireland vs England kicks-off at 4:45pm next Saturday.
Coronation Street to be rocked by explosive new storyline as arsonist uncovered on the cobbles
THINGS will be hotting up on Coronation Street if these first look pictures are anything to go by.
A huge blaze will rip through the Platt’s house in tense scenes next week, destroying not only the home but the lives of Jack P Shepherd and Julia Golding’s David and Shona in the process.
And with no sign of Georgia Taylor’s Toyah, or the kids, it becomes evident that people could be trapped inside – forcing Shona, alongside Nick and Max to head back inside.
It will later be revealed that the fire is an arson attack, with a mysterious hooded figure seen pushing a petrol-soaked rag through the letterbox of No. 8.
It means a number of the street’s residence will have to try to prove their innocence to the police in the scenes that will air from February 3.
Elsewhere, Abi is on the warpath after uncovering that Toyah shopped her to social services, and a huge confrontation takes place.
And a drunken Leanne is creeping around the cobbles feeling lonely, with fingers soon pointing in her direction as the arsonist behind the huge blaze.
It comes after David actor Jack warned ‘no one is safe’ in his character’s storyline – amid a cast cull.
Jack, 37, has played David Platt ever since joining the ITV soap in 2000.
Now, with his character’s loved ones in immediate peril, Jack addressed the latest developments in Weatherfield.
He said: “Knowing that no one is safe and they could come after his whole family, he’s panicked and he’s desperate.
“He’s trying to think of ways to pay the money back but it’s a huge lump sum to come up with and he’s bricking it.”
The actor added: “David’s unpredictable, even for soap, you can see where it’s going with certain stories and that it’s not going to end well but you’re not quite sure how he’s going to get out of it or if he’s going to win in the end but hopefully he does.”
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8pm on ITV.
На Курщині ЗСУ знищили російських морпіхів (ВІДЕО)
Бійці 82-ої окремої десантно-штурмової Буковинської бригади Збройних сил України ліквідували кількох морських піхотинців 155-ої окремої бригади тихоокеанського флоту російських окупантів. Відділення комунікацій підрозділу повідомило про це на офіційній сторінці в соціальній мережі «Фейсбук» та у своєму Телеграм-каналі, оприлюднивши відповідне відео з коментарем: «Полювання на цих виродків, що вбивають наших полонених, пройшло успішно і буде продовжуватись […]
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Shakhawat Ali Nobel Wiki, Age, Wife, Children, Family, Biography & More
Shakhawat Ali Nobel was a Bangladesh businessman who was arrested on January 17, 2022 because Bangladesh’s actress brutally murdered his ...
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Our neighbour felled our street’s 110-year-old 45ft oak tree & council bosses did nothing… their claims make no sense
LOCALS have been left fuming after their neighbour felled a 110-year-old oak tree on their street.
Disgruntled residents in Fareham, Hampshire, vented their frustrations after the historic 45ft tree was chopped down.
Homeowner Steve Thomas said there was “no alternative” to the tree being removed other than his house being crushed.
Fareham Borough Council, in Hampshire, say they were not told about the felling with enough notice amid claims it was unnecessary.
And residents also slammed RSA insurance for cutting down the “hugely important” plant as the “first resort” without considering other options.
Local resident Laura Ancell said the company should have “future-proofed” the affected property rather than chopping down the 45ft oak.
Laura, 60, said she was “outraged” by the loss of the tree which she discovered when she came back from the shop.
She said: “I am just outraged that this felling has taken place when mediation was in the pipeline. These are almighty oak trees.
“We have really fought for that tree. It is heartbreaking. It is happening all over the South of England and it has to stop.
“We have not been able to save this tree but there are other trees that can be saved.
“It is an utter disgrace. I am just lost for words that this has happened. I am just in shock.
“I just nipped to the shops first thing this morning. When I came back I heard some noise and thought what the hell is that and saw all the branches being cut off.
“Taking that tree out was not the solution to the problem. There used to be a whole row of Oaks.
“The trees have been there for a hundred years. They have got huge value. I have admired these trees for the last 25 years of living here.”
She added: “I believe this is a national scandal that is quietly happening under our noses. A cut here, a cut there. It’s quite simply death by a thousand cuts.
“It’s a vicious circle and insurance companies want to maximise profits, which I understand, but at the same time they spout all of these environmental credentials yet they haven’t offered any other feasible option other than felling a majestic so called protect oak tree.”
Retired surveyor Tim Bishop, 67, explained that the trees were important for biodiversity with “huge numbers of insects and birds”.
He said: “I just think there aren’t that many Oak trees left. It harbours huge numbers of insects and birds.
“It is just the thought we are knocking it down when it was not needed. We are concerned he will go for the other trees next.”
The felled oak was under a Tree Protection Order (TPO) which meant Mr Thomas had to apply to Fareham Borough Council in Hampshire for planning permission to chop it down.
Permission was granted in April last year but the council have now criticised RSA for not giving them five days notice of the tree felling, one of the conditions listed in their decision notice.
The day after the tree was felled this week the principal tree officer at the council, Paul Johnston, contacted the insurance company.
He said the council were “concerned” that notice had not been given and to highlight the “distress” to residents.
Mr Johnston said: “I would like to draw your attention to the general notes on the decision notice requesting the Council is informed at least five days prior to commencing the approved tree works.
“Whilst there is a lawful decision granting consent for the removal of this oak tree, given the significant public interest and indeed distress amongst some residents, it would have been appropriate for notice to have been provided of the impending tree works.
“I’m raising the Council’s concern that it was not notified as requested on the decision notice.”
An engineering report on the Fareham home found that the subsidence was “slight” and caused by shrinking of the clay soil underneath the home.
The property was built in 1985 with foundations just 1.5 metres deep, which the arboriocultural report found were “inadequate”, and the tree was in the corner of the garden on a strip of Crown land.
LAST RESORT
Mr Thomas declined to comment as he watched the tree being felled.
However, he said: “I don’t see why there’s such a fuss. There was no alternative other than the house falling down.”
A spokesperson for RSA said: “Where a home has suffered any tree related subsidence damage, it must always be remedied to prevent further damage to the property and distress to the homeowner.
“As soon as we are notified of these particular claims, qualified experts are engaged to investigate, identify and advise on all potential courses of action.
“All options are considered and explored and the removal of the tree is the option of last resort.
“The loss of any tree is regrettable; but in some cases targeted tree removal can be the most effective solution in mitigating subsidence and protecting our customer’s home.”
An RSA Insurance spokesperson have said they are speaking to the council after being criticised for not giving appropriate notice for the felling of an oak tree.
“We are taking this up directly with the council.”
The Sun has also contacted the council for comment.