THE GREATEST show of the summer is just hours away, and the week where Royalty meets racing, Royal Ascot brings you the most unique horse racing festival of the year.

Run over five days, with eight Group 1s, Royal Ascot is one of, if not the best, week in horse racing, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Just like the Cheltenham Festival, Royal Ascot attracts the best trainers and horses from the Emerald Isle. Over the five days of Royal Ascot, we will bear witness to the master of Ballydoyle, Aidan O’Brien, Ger Lyons, and Champion UK and Ireland National Hunt trainer, Willie Mullins, and more take on the best of what Britain has to offer.

These are the names that have struck fear into UK horse racing for many years, and this year, they send some of the most exciting horses in training to take on the British battalion. 

With that in mind, we have picked out the best betting tips and the most exciting Irish runners for you to follow at Royal Ascot 2025. Whether you’re interested in win, place, or accumulators, we’ve got you covered.

Quick Royal Ascot tips for Tuesday June 16

• Tue 16:20 – St James’s Palace Stakes FIELD OF GOLD at 8/11 with bet365
• Tue 17:00 – Ascot Stakes REACHING HIGH at 19/5 with BetVictor
• Tue 18:10 – Copper House Stakes CABALLO DE MAR 13/2 talkSPORT BET

Royal Ascot tips: Best bets of the week

Day	Race	Horse	Odds	Trainer	Notes
Tue	St James’s Palace Stakes	FIELD OF GOLD	8/11	J & T Gosden	Dominant Irish 1000 Guineas winner. Can gain revenge on Ruling Court.
Tue	Ascot Stakes	REACHING HIGH	19/5	W P Mullins	Looks open to significant improvement. The one to beat.
Tue	Copper House Stakes	CABALLO DE MAR	13/2	G Scott	Won 6 of his last 7. On the rapid improve. Big player
Wed	Duke Of Cambridge	FALLEN ANGEL	3/1	K R Burke	Group 1 winner dropping in class. Set for a big run.
Thu	Gold Cup	TRAWLERMAN	7/2	John & Thady Gosden	Third in this last season to Kyprios. Made a winning return at Sandown. Hard to ignore.
Thu	Buckingham Palace Stakes	OLIVER SHOW	12/1	G Boughey	A model of consistency. Headed on the line in the Lincoln. Can have a say.
Fri	Common- wealth Cup	SHADOW OF LIGHT	7/4	Charlie Appleby	Third in the 2000 Guines. Will be hard to beat back at 6f.
Fri	Coronation Stakes	EXACTLY	6/1	A O’Brien	Not far behind Zarigana at Longchamp when hampered in the closing stages. Live chance.
Sat	Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee	INISHERIN	9/2	Kevin Ryan	Won the Commonwealth Cup last season. Perfect winning prep. Big player.

Irish-trained horses
Odds subject to change.

Royal Ascot key race previews 

Tuesday

2:30 Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes: 1m (4yo+) (Str) – Rosallion 5/2

Royal Ascot starts with a bang as 11 head to post for the Queen Anne Stakes. Lead Artist, Dancing Gemini, Rosallion, and Notable Speech, who finish first, second, third, and fourth in that order in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes, will lock horns again.

Lead Artist, Dancing Gemini, and Notable Speech had race fitness on their side, and now that ROSALLION has that comeback run under his belt, he can gain his revenge. He won the St James’s Palace at last year’s festival, and if this four-year-old comes forward as expected, he will prove hard to beat at a course where he has yet to taste defeat. At bigger odds, Sardinian Warrior looks set for a big run.

Bet on Rosallion to win the Queen Anne Stakes at 5/2 with Spreadex

3:40 Group 1 King Charles III Stakes: 5f (3yo+) – Mgheera 15/2

Last season’s winner, Asfoora, is back from Australia to defend her crown. She has demonstrated her effectiveness on this track, giving her standout claims of winning back-to-back King Charles III Stakes. Believing was unlucky not to win a Group 1 last season, but she started this season with a Group 1 win in Meydan, and she is another with clear claims.

However, it can pay to side with the mare MGHEERA. She is unbeaten since arriving in the UK, and on the back of a Group 2 win where she showed her staying power over this trip, the stiff Ascot 5f looks right up her street. She will be finishing with a rattle when many are crying enough. Even though she has 20 races under her belt, she looks to be hitting peak form for her new connections.

Bet on Mgheera to win the King Charles III Stakes at 15/2 with talkSPORT BET

4:20 Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes: 1m (3yo) (Rnd) – Field Of Gold 8/11

The St James’s Palace is one of the most anticipated races at Royal Ascot 2025 as the UK, Irish, and French 2000 Guineas winners come head-to-head. Henri Matisse was a game-winner in the French 2000 Guineas, but there is a suspicion that he will need to pull out even more to get the better of the top two in the betting.

Ruling Court got the better of FIELD OF GOLD in the 2000 Guineas after the Juddmonte-owned runner was given a poor ride by Kieren Shoemark, failing to reel in the Godolphin runner. But today, Field Of Gold can gain a deserved revenge.

The son of Kingman made no mistake in the Irish 2000 Guineas under the newly appointed Juddmonte retained jockey, Colin Keane. This strapping grey can dominate his opposition here and replicate his sire by winning the St James’s Palace Stakes.

Bet on FIELD OF GOLD to win the St James’s Palace Stakes at 8/11 with bet365

Thursday

4:20 Group 1 Gold Cup: 2m4f – Trawlerman 7/2

The early retirement of Kyprios has blown the Gold Cup wide open. The omission of one of the greatest stayers of all time would have left any normal trainer searching far and wide for a replacement, but not Aidan O’Brien. The Ballydoyle maestro has an able replacement in the St Leger runner-up, Illinois. He has big hoofs to fill, but this young star has bags of potential; even so, he has to be taken on at his current odds.

The lightly raced French raider, Candelari, comes here on the back of clear-cut Group 1 win at Longchamp. He looks as if he will have no issue seeing out this extreme trip, but it can pay to stick with the tried and tested in last season’s third-place finisher TRAWLERMAN.

The Godolphin-owned runner overraced in last season’s renewal, but as it seemed he was going to drop out tamely, Trawlerman rallied to take third. He made a perfect start to the season with a facile win in a Sandown Group 3, setting him up perfectly for another crack at this Group 1 prize. Now that he doesn’t have to deal with Kyprios, this can be Trawlerman’s time to shine.

Friday

3:05 Group 1 Commonwealth Cup: 6f (3yo) – Shadow Of Light 7/4

Colin Keane could have a dream day in the saddle should he get his old boss, Ger Lyons’s Babouche, over the line in the first place here. But the more we delve into the Commonwealth Cup, this looks there for the taking for SHADOW OF LIGHT. A top-class operator as a two-year-old, winning two Group 1s over 6f and 7f, Shadow Of Light seemed to be stretched in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket over 1m but still finished a close third behind two top-class colts.

He drops back to 6f here, which won’t be an issue for the son of Lope De Vega. He has every right to come forward fitness-wise for his run a Newmarket, and this prominent racer should prove hard to beat here. Should Shadow Of Light underperform, Big Mojo may be the one to capitalize. He made a winning return to the tack over this course and distance and was unlucky not to back that up on his next start. At his current odds, he looks a good each-way alternative. 

2:20 Group 1 Coronation Stakes: 1m (3yo) (Rnd) – Bedtime Story 20/1

The French 1000 Guineas winner, Zarigana, will be hard to beat if she is at her best, but even so, her form is not beyond reach. The supplemented Falakeyah is a fascinating runner on the back of an impressive Listed win on just her second career start.

EXACTLY was just over one length behind Zarigana in the French 1000 Guineas, and considering that the Aidan O’Brien filly was hampered in the closing stages and eased off inside the final 100 yards, she doesn’t have much to find with Zarigana.

The form of that race has already taken a boost, with the sixth Bedtime Story going on to take the runner-up spot in the Group 1 Prix de Diane at Chantilly on Sunday. This daughter of Frankel is the type to improve with racing, and it’s hard to see her not being in the shake-up.

Saturday

3:40 Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes: 6f (4yo+) – Inisherin 5/1

The final Group 1 of Royal Ascot 2025 comes over 6f with a host of runners with realistic chances of winning. Storm Boy was the talk of the town when arriving at Ballydoyle from Australia, but he started his career in Ireland with a whimper. He was sent off the well-supported 6/4 favourite for his Irish debut, but he was beaten by the two-furlong pole, eventually finishing last of the six runners.

However, he is trained by Aidan O’Brien, so expect to see this son of Justify take a big step forward here. Even if he does show considerable improvement, he and the rest of the field may find it hard to head the game INISHERIN. The Kevin Ryan-trained inmate was an easy winner of the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot 2024, and he made a winning return to the track when showing bravery to hold off the fast-finishing Flora Of Bermuda.

This big strong son of Shamardal looked as if he would come on plenty for his comeback run, and given how he won with so much ease over course and distance last season, Inisherin can make it back-to-back Royal Ascot wins. Elite Status looks to have been missed in the betting and can run well at big odds.

Irish runners to watch at Royal Ascot in 2025

• HENRI MATISSE (St James’s Palace – Aidan O’Brien) French 2000 Guineas. winner.
• REACHING HIGH (Ascot Stakes – Willie Mullins) Major improvement to come. Royal runner.
• ONE LOOK (Duke Of Cambridge – PaddyT womey) Career best on her latest run. Big chance.
• LOS ANGELES (Prince Of Wales Stakes – Aidan O’Brien) Unbeaten this season. Battle hardened.
• CHARLES DARWIN (Norfolk Stakes – Aidan O’Brien) – Odds on in three starts. An exciting sprinter in the making. 
• ILLINIOS (Gold Cup – Aidan O’Brien) – Super sub for Kyprios. New trip is an unknown but has huge potential.
• BABOUCHE (Commonwealth Cup – Ger Lyons) – Back to winning ways as of late. Big player here.
• EXACTLY (Coronation Stakes – Aidan O’Brien) – 4^th in French 2000 Guineas. Can get closer to the winner here.
• STORM BOY (Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes – Aidan O’Brien) – Talented sprinter who is likely to leave a poor Irish debut well behind.

Where to watch the 2025 Royal Ascot in Ireland 

The week of Royal Ascot is a week in racing that cannot be missed by any racing fan. From Donegal to Waterford, you will not miss a minute of Royal Ascot. The first race on each day of Royal Ascot goes to post at 2:30, and here is how you can watch the greatest summer festival.

• TV: ITV, Virgin Media.
• Online: Online betting sites (check with your chosen betting site), Virgin Media Player.

Responsible gambling

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• Problem gambling – problemgambling.ie
• Gamble Aware – gambleaware.org

Help with gambling addiction

If you have a problem with gambling, or you know someone who does, help is out there. Extern Problem Gambling is the leading provider of information, treatment, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Ireland.

LIVERPOOL’S owners Fenway Sports Group are reportedly eyeing a takeover of a LaLiga club.

The Americans have pondered buying another football team for some time as they seek to adopt a multi-club model.

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Fenway Sports Group are considering buying Getafe[/caption]

https://x.com/eurofootcom

Chiefs previously considered buying Malaga and Bordeaux but plans never materialised.

Now The Times report the group has turned its attention to another top flight side for the first time – Getafe.

However they may have to wait to complete a deal as current owner Angel Torres wants to stay at the helm until renovation works on the their stadium is complete.

Stands at the Estadio Coliseum are being knocked down with the project expected to last until December 2027.

The current ground has a capacity of 16,500 but that is set to increase by 3,000 as Getafe plan to built a “little Bernabeu”.

They have plans to add a huge screen on the exterior, install a new roof to cover every fan on the terraces and put in 69 new state-of-the-art VIP boxes.

Getafe, located 15 miles outside Madrid, could appeal to Fenway and would allow them to compete with City Group in Spain, who own Girona.

A spokesman for FSG said: “FSG routinely engages in conversations and evaluates opportunities across global sports, a common process to assess ventures that align with the organisation’s strategic priorities.”

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Fenway had been in talks to take over Bordeaux last year, before they plummeted down the French leagues.

They also considered buying Malaga after the Spanish side entered administration.

FSG representatives reportedly visited Malaga to inspect facilities and assess what form any investment should take as they bid to create their own multi-club empire.

DUMPED Love Island hunk Blu Chegini has hinted his simmering feud with Shea Mannings is in full swing with a catty swipe after his show exit.

The ITV2 matchmaking show’s first evicted lad was revealed last week following a savage villa twist.

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Dumped Love Islander Blu Chegini has taken a bitter swipe at rival Shea Mannings[/caption]

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Eroteme

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Blu, 26, mimicked the moment in a new Instagram video[/caption]

London construction worker Blu, 26, followed Sophie Lee, 29, out of the door, but left on frosty terms after a clash with bombshell Shea.

The boys got into a heated row as they battled it out to stay, coming face to face as they argued their case.

During the face off, they traded insults and The Sun told how the bad blood continued off-screen, before Blu was chosen by his Love Island co-stars to leave.

A source told us at the time: “Neither of them wants to back down and while it doesn’t get physical, they get into a real war of words and some of the things they said to each other were brutal.

“Emotions were very high as they have both spent months trying to land their spot on the show, so neither one was going to back down easily.”

Yet it’s clear those emotions are still strong for Blu.

Back on home turf, he has taken a fresh dig at his love rival with a video posted to his Instagram grid.

It showed him coming face to face with a lamppost, standing in a similar way to he did with Shea, as he shouted at the black post.

In the video caption, he wrote: “POV You and Shea around the firepit,” before he added on his grid: “I left.”

The significance of the inclusion of the lamppost came after his Love Island 2025 cast co-star Tommy branded Shea a “lanky lamppost” when he kissed his partner Megan in a challenge.

Making it crystal clear he was referring to Shea, he put the phrase in his hashtags.

Evicted Islander Sophie was quick to pick up on the dig and wrote: “It’s going down.”

A second posted: “This shouldn’t be this fun,” as a third cheered: “You tell him.”

One then added: “Brilliant!!!”

It came after Blu called out Shea’s “laid back” attitude during his exit interview.

BLU’S EVICTION

The June 13 episode kicked off in explosive fashion as the two boys stated their reasons for wanting to stay.

Blu said he wanted the chance to get to form a connection with someone, but Shea said he had already had his chance.

Blu hit back and said he didn’t feel that Shea had anyone who he’d be romantically interested in.

But Shea fired back and confessed he still wants to get to know Shakira, but she insisted she only has eyes for Ben.

They both failed to budge and could not reach a decision, meaning the power was handed over to their fellow Islanders.

Each couple made their choice and in the end it was Blu who was given the boot, with the general consensus being he’d had enough time but Shea hadn’t.

Eroteme

Eroteme

Eroteme

SUPER League is being targeted by potential investors from the Middle East and the USA, with the next three months described as ‘critical.’

The NRL has long been linked with a buy-in to the competition on the other side of the world.

SWPIX.COM

But SunSport understands there are three other serious contenders looking at plunging money in.

One may be linked to Saudi Arabia, which would tie into hopes streaming giant DAZN – which has strong links to the Arab nation –gets involved in a competition with Sky for the next broadcast deal.

An American group is also examining the possibility of supporting Super League, but it is thought they are not linked to the disastrous buyout of Salford Red Devils.

Interest based in the UK is also in the running, with the coming weeks set to see work done on making the sport in the Northern Hemisphere ‘ready for investment.’

That includes sorting a governance structure, mapping out how finance will develop the sport and what level of influence any investor will have.

The NRL’s much talked about move, which would bring all of rugby league under the same umbrella, is seen by many as the potential saviour of the sport.

However, SunSport understands if they do come in, with a large level of control, it will not see cash plunged in.

Instead, it is believed any return will come in the form of improved commercial deals.

Bosses are said to be examining all the options on the table with one source saying: “It’s got to be the right investment, not just money to be spent in the same ways as always.”

COPS urgently hunting an alleged flasher have released CCTV of a man in a park they wish to speak to.

Lincolnshire Police said they are investigating a report of indecent exposure in broad daylight, in Boston.

They are appealing for help to identify the man in a photo they released to the public.

It is believed to have happened at around 12pm on Thursday.

If you know who he is or if you have any other information that can help to progress the police inquiries, cops ask that you contact them.

Get in touch with investigating officer PC Ian Ruddock Ian.Ruddock@lincs.police.uk quoting occurrence number 25000341330 in the subject line.

Lincolnshire Police

Cops are appealing for help to identify the man in a photo they released to the public[/caption]

ST PAT’S will face an old foe when they come up against FC Hegelmann in the Europa Conference League.

The Saints were pitted with the Lithuanian side who were runners-up in their league last year and again lie second in the current standings.

St Pat’s will be at home on July 10 before travelling to the Baltics a week later.

Hegelmann are managed by former PSV Eindhoven and Dunfermine defender Andrius Skerla.

Skerla left the Pars in 2005, a year before St Pat’s boss Stephen Kenny took over at East End Park.

But he does have previous with the Saints as a club.

The former Lithuania international was captain of Zalgiris Vilnius when they knocked the Inchicore outfit of the Europa League in 2013.

Liam Buckley’s side had claimed a 2-2 draw in Vilnius thanks to an 88th minute equaliser from Ger O’Brien, the club’s current director of football.

That raised hopes of progression but the visitors claimed a 2-1 win at Richmond Park before going on to knock out Zalgiris Vilnius and Lech Poznan.

Last year, St Pat’s finished the season strongly after a good European run when they got through two rounds and Kenny is hoping for a similar kickstart this time around.

Kenny said: “I think it definitely helped us because the tempo and level you were playing and you were bringing that into your league form so it definitely was advantageous.

“But there’s no guarantee you’re replicating that. You’ve got to earn the right to do that.”

Heglemann was founded in 2009 and named after a freight and logistics company. Their debut season in the top flight was in 2021.

Their best placing was runners-up last year and they currently lie second, a point off the top with a game in hand.

Their only previous European experience was a 5-0 aggregate defeat to Shkupi of Macedonia two years ago.

THE WEATHER is finally perfect for relaxing in your garden with a cold drink, but the ambience could easily be ruined by some unexpected guests.

Not your neighbours popping round, but pesky ants who can take over your outdoor area during the hot summer months.

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Ants can take over your garden if you’re unprepared[/caption]

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There’s a simple trick to stop them entering your garden in the first place[/caption]

In fact, in the UK, the ant is the most common insect, so it’s no surprise they seem to be just about everywhere, especially when the sun comes out.

They’re drawn to areas with moisture and food, which is why they’re in gardens on the hunt for their next feast.

But don’t worry – you don’t have to break the bank to keep the creepy crawlies at bay.

Removing leaves, flowers and twigs is a must for gardeners keen to keep their space ant-free.

Getting rid of these three things alone will make your space less attractive to ants.

And although it may take a bit of work to get the job done, it will all be worth knowing you can put your feet up in peace afterwards.

Gardening pro James Higgins at Grass247, recently revealed how garden fans can banish ants without harming them – and removing these three things from your garden is a must.

He told the Mirror: “Ants are attracted to dead organic waste in our gardens, such as leaves, flowers and even twigs.”

Ants, as pesky as they may be, don’t technically damage plants but can potentially damage the roots in pots, as well as cause havoc on lawns, the Royal Horticultural Society noted.

This is why it’s important to ditch organic waste to deter them in the first place.

Plus, you get the added bonus of having a spick and span garden just in time for summer.

“So, if you’ve been doing any gardening, make sure you clean up any lingering waste and place it in a secure area, such as your garden waste bin or your garden compost,” the gardening whizz added.

More tricks to keep ants out

Ideally, you should deal with ants when they’re still in your garden and not your home, Steven Walley, patio and paving expert from London Stone, told Express.co.uk.

The signs could be small piles of sand or dirt around your patio slabs or pavement.

Where these dirt piles are usually mean there’s a nest nearby, so starting off with any treatments in these spots is the best course of action.

Simply mix one part vinegar and three parts of water together and pour or spray it on any areas you suspect ants could be living.

“If your garden patio is near the entryway of your home, don’t forget to spray the solution on entry points such as window sills and backdoors, to deter them from coming inside,” the pro said.

Repeat this process once a week and the ants should naturally move on from your garden and home.

Once the ant problem is dealt with it’s also important to keep them from coming back.

One way to do this, according to Steven, is the keep standing water, household bins and compost bins as far from your home as possible, since they’re attracted to all three.

WHETHER you’re off on holiday or have a summer wedding coming up, there’s always an excuse to buy a new bag.

And it seems TK Maxx is the place to go as fashion fans are drooling over their delicate beaded bags.

Tiktok/@tkmaxx

Tiktok/@tkmaxx

Tiktok/@tkmaxx

Recently, the discount store took to social media announcing they had a new collection of the bags available to buy in stores across the UK.

These beaded numbers have since been dubbed the ‘Ibiza bag’ on social media by fashion fans.

The term has been coined as the micro bags are the perfect luxury accessory to dress up any outfit, whether you’re out clubbing or at a beach club.

And there’s plenty to pick from in TK Maxx, which shared the new designs online.

Many are from the brand Mirasol, which is stocked in the shops and is handcrafted in India.

The first bag they showed was a tiny red bag decorated in sequins, beads and tassels.

Also on offer was a white floral beaded bucket-bag style as well as a more party-friendly red sequin bag.

They also had two new green beaded bags on offer, as well as a slightly large pink woven bag with silver sequins.

“They’re back! Don’t miss THE perfect summer bag,” wrote TK Maxx.

The bags vary in price but many of the cheaper options start at just £19.99

TK Maxx

The price of the bags starts at just £19.99[/caption]

As with all TK Maxx finds, the availability of designs will differ from store to store, so you’ll want to head out soon if there’s a particular one you are after.

The clip shared on the TK Maxx TikTok account went viral with over 2 million views.

Comments on social media featuring the bags from TK Maxx prove just how popular they have become.

One person wrote: “Take my card.”

Another commented: “They are stunning.”

“Just got mine – they’re stunning!” penned a third.

Meanwhile a fourth said: “I’m RUNNING.”

“Unreal,” claimed a fifth.

Someone else added: “I need.”

TUCKING into homemade tacos while basking in the warm evening sunlight, Alexandra Wilson smiles as her toddler and baby daughter giggle together on the grass.

It’s a world away from her life eight years ago, when she worked as a debt collector for a power company in Hull while nursing a broken heart.

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Alexandra Wilson quit life in the UK after a failed relationship and decided to move to Mexico on a whim[/caption]

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Alexandra had been holidaying in the country when she decided to make it her home[/caption]

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Alexandra’s old house in Hull, which she sold to move to Mexico[/caption]

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Within a few years of moving there she met a new partner and now has two children and a stepdaughter[/caption]

Fresh from the break-up of a long-term relationship, Alexandra took a spontaneous holiday to Mexico in October 2017 – and after falling in love with the Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coastline, she packed in her job, sold her house and moved there.

Alexandra, 38, now lives in the beach town of Playa del Carmen with new partner Daniel, 27, a drinks company consultant, and their two children aged four and nine months.

She says moving to the other side of the world, where cocktails cost just £2.50 and local beers are a quid, is the “best thing I ever did”.

“People thought it was just a ‘holiday thing’, that I was being silly and leaving my career and mortgage was a fantasy which would wear off,” Alexandra admits.

“Others couldn’t fathom why I’d want to move to a country 10 hours away where I didn’t even speak the language.

“People tried to talk me out of it. But I stood my ground. 

“I felt held back in the United Kingdom. I was working to simply pay the bills. There was no challenge in my future, just the same old, same old.

“My bills ate up all my salary. A supermarket shop was a big night out for me.

“It was daunting but I knew I’d hate myself if I didn’t try it. The worst thing that could happen was I’d fail and have to come back to Britain.”

Mexico is a popular British holiday destination, with around 1.3million UK tourists heading there last year.

But since 2020 there has been a staggering 481 per cent increase in the number of Brits leaving the UK and moving to Mexico, especially the Riviera Maya, with its Caribbean beaches, tropical weather, relaxed lifestyle and rich history.

In 2020, census figures revealed there were 2,582 UK-born people living in Mexico. Now 15,000 British citizens live there as long-term residents and with dual nationality.

The number of digital nomads relocating there is also on the rise, lured by the Mexican Temporary Resident Visa, which allows them to live and work remotely in the country for six months to four years.

Adventure

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Alexandra when she was living in the UK[/caption]

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Now the mum-of-two enjoys beach living with her new family[/caption]

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Alexandra met partner Daniel through work five years ago[/caption]

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The couple have two daughters and Alexandra is stepmother to Daniel’s daughter from a previous relationship[/caption]

After her break-up in mid-2017, Alexandra decided to treat herself to a solo holiday – and chose Mexico as “somewhere different”.

“I thought it would be a real adventure,” she recalls.

“Then I made the snap decision on holiday to move here. I knew if I didn’t try it at 30 I never would, and I would have regrets.

“I’d bought a semi detached three-bedroom terraced house two years earlier in 2015, and was turning 30.  

“I hadn’t considered moving overseas and had established roots in Yorkshire. But I was miserable in Britain.”

Alexandra secured a six month travel visa, which is the equivalent of a digital nomad visa.

She flew back to Playa Del Carmen in July 2018, and found work selling time shares at a five-star resort.

I made the snap decision on holiday to move here. I knew if I didn’t try it at 30 I never would, and I would have regrets

Alexandra Wilson

“As soon as I got a job I applied for sponsored residency, and that meant I could work at the resort while the paperwork was being processed,” she says.

A studio flat in the hotel’s grounds was included as part of her work contract.

“Working with Mexican staff was amazing, it was a great way to make new friends and it forced me to learn Spanish fast,” Alexandra says. “I picked it up within six weeks.”

Within a year Alexandra moved into a two-bedroom apartment with a friend, sharing the £500-a-month rent.

She says: “The apartment included a pool, gym, tennis courts and a basketball court – all for £250 a month. 

“It was a world away from Yorkshire.”

Cheap living

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Alexandra’s outdoor dining area at the apartment she shares with Daniel[/caption]

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The proud mum says she took a gamble moving to Mexico, which paid off[/caption]

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The couple live a 15 minute walk to the beach[/caption]

Alexandra met Daniel – already dad to a now-10-year-old daughter – through work five years ago and they “hit it off immediately”.

They quickly moved in together into David’s two-bedroom villa in a family neighbourhood, where mortgage costs are just £250 a month.

They welcomed their first daughter in April 2021 and their second followed in September last year.

Their home, which is a 15 minute walk to the local sandy beach, features a generous garden with an outdoor kitchen area for evening meals and cooking in summer.

Alexandra says: “It’s wonderful for the children. Family and friends often drop by for day-long BBQs.

“Whenever you walk down the street everyone says hello, the parks are great for kids and everyone is friendly.

“It’s such a change from Britain where people are more closed off.”

Alexandra – who now works as a private relocation specialist, helping source property and employment for people moving to the region -says monthly bills are dramatically cheaper than back home.

“Our gas and propane are bought in bottles, and we pay £20 every two months compared to my gas and electric bill in Britain which was £150 a month,” she explains.

Whenever you walk down the street everyone says hello, the parks are great for kids and everyone is friendly. It’s such a change from Britain where people are more closed off

Alexandra Wilson

The family pays a tenner every second month for electricity and their water bill is £15 a quarter. 

“We buy in drinking water – it costs £1.50 for a 20L bottle which pops onto a stand like those in offices,” she says.

Wi-Fi is £20 a month and a mobile phone costs £15 for the same period.

Instead of council tax, property owners pay property tax – or ‘Impuesto Predial’ – annually.

Alexandra and David pay around £200 a year compared to an average Band D council tax of more than £2,000 a year in Britain.

“Living in Mexico made me realise just how much of the money I earned used to go on bills,” Alexandra says. 

“I don’t understand why gas, electricity, water and council tax are so expensive in the United Kingdom.

“Life here has opened my eyes.”

The family spend £60 a week – £240 a month – on groceries and Alexandra now prepares fresh homemade meals daily.

Milk costs £1 a litre, fresh bread is a quid, a dozen eggs cost £1.89, and meat and cheese is bought by the kilo – with beef a third of the price in Mexico compared to the UK.

“I have not had a ready meal for eight years,” Alexandra says. 

“The last time I bought one was when I was in Britain. 

“Living here has shown me just how easy it is to cook everything from scratch.”

Top notch healthcare

Playa del Carmen is famous for its Fifth Avenue, a street lined with shops, restaurants and bars.

When the couple go out a bottle of local wine is £3.50, and a large margarita is £2.50.

They prefer to dine at local neighbourhood cafes and restaurants, tucking into Yucatan specialities like tamales, made with corn masa dough and pozole – a traditional stew using a salsa Roja.

“Dinner is typically around £8, but if we want a three-course posh meal it’s £30 including wine,” Alexandra says.

Alexandra shops for clothes in the resort’s large American-style shopping centres, and her local Walmart supermarket.

She also claims healthcare in Playa del Carmen – where every Mexican citizen is entitled to cost-free access to healthcare and medication – is better than in Britain.

“There are two types of hospitals, one is the public facility and the other is a workers’ public hospital,” she explains.

Dinner is typically around £8, but if we want a three-course posh meal it’s £30 including wine

Alexandra Wilson

“Once you are a citizen you have access to the workers hospital.”

Alexandra had both her daughters in the public hospital and said the staff were excellent.

“No one else was allowed in the birthing room with me, but the nurses were so supportive,” she recalls.

“Having my first daughter was scary – I know some people go back to Britain to give birth.

“I didn’t because the quality of care here is excellent. You can also pay insurance and use a private hospital.”

Instead of signing up to a local GP surgery, all pharmacies have a doctor attached.

Alexandra and her family often simply pop in to see the pharmacist doctor, and pay just £1.80 for the consultation and medication.

“When friends say they have to wait three weeks just for a phone consultation with the GP back home I am shocked,” she says. “It’s just ridiculous.”

Alexandra’s four-year-old attends a private Mexican kindergarten, costing the couple £150 a month – a fraction of the cost of UK nurseries.

“My eldest is bilingual and there is always someone to babysit our youngest – neighbours, and my husband’s family are local,” she says.

Getting around is also cheap; Alexandra says a one-way ticket anywhere on local transport costs 39p, while a monthly pass is £19.30, and taxis are just over £2 a mile. 

Meanwhile a tank of fuel is a third cheaper than Britain, at 95p a litre.

“Living in Playa Del Carmen is literally a world away from Hull and Britain,” Alexandra says.

Living in Playa Del Carmen is literally a world away from Hull and Britain

Alexandra Wilson

“I know many people think it’s too hard, but I just did it and haven’t looked back. 

“You can make up your mind one week and be working here a month or two later. It is that simple. 

“I never thought this would be my future. Now I can’t imagine a life back in the UK.

“Moving here not only healed my broken heart, but it gave me a future I could only dream of.

“I have hope again, I can save, and most importantly I have two amazing children and a partner.

“I took a leap of faith and now I’m living the dream.”

AN ANGRY mum has yanked her son out of school after claiming her was being targeted by mean teachers.

Vicky Alderwick’s son Grayson attends St Theresa’s Catholic Primary School in Leeds.

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Grayson has special education needs (SEN) and remains on the waiting list for an ADHD and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) assessment.

Vicky says she felt compelled to take him out of class for a week after several alleged incidents in which she says teachers shouted at Grayson in what she claimed was a “one-sided and unfair” manner.

The West Yorkshire mum claims the stress of the situation has been so overwhelming that she has suffered seizures.

Even more shockingly, she said her son had told her he would rather take his own life than return to school.

“It is a fight to get Grayson into school as he doesn’t want to go in because of what has happened.

“He gets really upset and has told me a few times that he would rather kill himself, which is awful to hear,” she told Leeds Live.

The concern parent claims that teachers regularly call Grayson a liar and was made to stand with his nose to the brick wall after one outburst.

His mother claims her son was also denied a slice of pizza which the rest of the class had as a treat as punishment for an incident two days prior.

She said that Grayson was told “your mum will be ok with it” and admits she “went ballistic” when she found out.

Grayson also refused to eat his own food that day, meaning he went the entire day without food – something Vicky says has happened on three previous occasions also without the school informing her.

However, St Thereasa’s Catholic Primary School says it “strongly refutes” the allegations made by Vicky and says that all complaints will be dealt with by the proper processes.

Vicky said that Grayson formerly enjoyed school and was respected there, but things began to change around a year ago.

She alleges that teachers no longer provide all the support he needs for his special educational needs or neurodivergence and instead have branded him a “bad kid”.

Vicky also claims that the school have no plan in place to help deeesculate Grayson’s behaviour and accused them of “breaking down his mental health.”

She says if Grayson shouts at someone or places his hand on their shoulder, the school regard it as ‘assault’ and shut him down.

The mother also claims teachers regularly tell her son to “stop lying” and make him the scapegoat in classroom situations.

Vicky branded the school’s behaviour “unprofessional” and claims his medical history shows conclusively that Grayson’s behaviour is rooted in his diagnoses and not him being a “bad boy”.

“He is just a misunderstood little boy. They do a lot of things that are humiliating to him, and he gets so embarrassed,” she said.

“I want to keep my son in school but I want him to feel safe. I know when he is lying and he is telling me the truth, so I believe him.”

Jane Ryan, headteacher St Theresa’s Catholic Primary School, said: “We pride ourselves on being a caring and inclusive school and take any complaint very seriously.

“Whilst the school strongly refutes these specific allegations, all complaints received by the school are managed through the school’s published complaints policy and procedures.

“Whilst any complaints and allegations are being managed through the correct due process, it would be inappropriate for the school to provide a response or further comment.”

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.