free webpage hit counter

Blogs

I tried the viral Korean skincare routine to get glass skin – a Boots serum with unusual ingredient made a difference

IT seems that no matter where you look these days, K-Beauty has taken over.

In fact, there are almost 2 million videos on the subject on TikTok and the Korean skincare industry has taken over the UK’s beauty scene.

Woman in bathrobe.
Supplied
Fabulous reporter put Korean skincare to the test[/caption]
Person with acne wearing a green shirt.
Supplied
In two weeks she went from dull, clogged skin, to glowy[/caption]

A Boots spokesperson told Fabulous that one Korean beauty product sells almost every 15 seconds at Boots and represents over a tenth of all skincare sales.

And it seems for good reason, many beauty experts have said that South Korea is estimated to be 10-12 years ahead of Europe and the US in terms of skincare and aesthetic treatments.

Here, Fabulous reporter Leanne Hall, tries out the viral Korean skincare routine for two weeks to see whether she ends up with glass skin and which new ingredients are worth the hype.

For context, I love South Korea and its culture and even visited earlier this year, and yes, I took home lots of skincare goodies.

But I had no idea that many of the products were now readily available to buy in the UK, thanks to Boots, and I was eager to see what was on offer and how well they worked.

I retired my normal skincare routine – opting for a new six-step routine using only K Beauty products for two weeks.

My skin is on the combination side and pretty sensitive, meaning active ingredients, fragrance and sunscreen all tend to break me out quickly.

Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam – £13

Boots product page for Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam.
The perfect cleanser for all skin types

This is a relatively basic foaming cleanser, but one that does the job.

With somewhat oily skin, I prefer a foam cleanser to others, and while this left my skin feel squeaky clean, it didn’t dry it out.

I don’t think this did much to make my skin have that shiny glass finish, but it was the perfect building block to start my skincare routine with.

Rating: 4/5

Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 – £24

Medicube Zero Pore Pad (70 pads) containing AHA, BHA, panthenol, allantoin, and sodium hyaluronate.
Boots
These toning pads help banish clogged pores[/caption]

These Medicube pore pads are constantly coming up on my TikTok timeline so I was eager to try them out.

They promise to gently exfoliate the skin with a blend of chemical exfoliants – 4.5% AHA Lactic Acid & 0.45% BHA Salicylic Acid.

The pads are super easy to use, and I did see a difference with blackheads and clogged pores after using the toner.

It also promises to help shrink pores, but I’m yet to see the difference there.

Rating: 3/5

Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum – £20

Screenshot of Boots website product page for Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum.
Boots
This hydrating serum instantly refreshed skin[/caption]

Once the toner has been absorbed into the skin, it was time for a serum.

A serum was not something I used before this experiment but is now something I can’t live without.

This Anua PDRN serum is super lightweight but packs a punch with its active ingredients.

The blend of PDRN (salmon DNA taken from it’s semen) and hyaluronic acid gives your skin a well-needed boost of moisture, increases collagen and help skin rejuvenate quicker.

What is PDRN?

Leanna Zaman, Boots Beauty Specialist, explains: “PDRN is hitting the headlines for all the right reasons.

“Derived from salmon DNA, which surprisingly shares a lot of similarities with our own DNA, PDRN-based skincare is great for most skin types and suitable for all ages.

“In fact, anyone experiencing skin damage, dryness, or dehydration can benefit from PDRN’s skin-loving properties.

“I recommend pairing it with other humectants, such as Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides, to enhance its hydrating and barrier-restoring effects.”

I’m fully aware the thought of putting salmon semen on your face is weird, but it works and has become a holy grail ingredient in South Korea for a reason.

Rating: 5/5

Tocobo Multi Ceramide Cream – £21

Tocobo Multi Ceramide Cream jar.
Boots
Tocobo’s whipped face cream provided moisture without clogging the skin[/caption]

When I first tried this moisturiser I was nervous.

It has a thick whipped texture which is often too heavy for my skin type and clogs my pores.

But after two weeks of using it I am pleased to report that I haven’t had any issues with it.

Instead, my skin has never been softer or more hydrated thanks to it being enriched with ceramides to moisturise the skin.

I’ve often suffered with flaky dry skin around my chin but this immediately cleared it up, a total must-have.

Rating: 5/5

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics – was £15.50, currently £13.95

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreen tube.
Boots
This sunscreen was quick to absorb and left a glowy look to the skin[/caption]

I know sunscreen is important to wear, but this is another product that I tend to skip.

I have tried too many SPFs to try and count them all and each one has had my skin breaking out almost immediately.

But I’m pleased to report this doesn’t seem to have caused any acne since using it every day.

Not only has it kept my skin clear, it absorbs quickly, leaves skin glowing and doesn’t hurt when it goes near my eyes.

Rating: 4/5

Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask – £26

Screenshot of Boots website product page for Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask 75ml.
Boots
The Medicube mask locks moisture in overnight[/caption]

This particular Medicube buy has been going viral on TikTok with many praising it for giving you instant glass skin, so naturally, I had to try it.

You simply do your usual skincare routine before applying a thick layer of this clear mask to your face.

You then want to let it dry for 15 minutes to dry down and then you can sleep.

Not only is this super fun to peel off (don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt like the ones in the 90s) it also instantly makes your skin glow.

After peeling it off you are left with the softest skin you’ve ever had which reflects when the light hits for the perfect glass skin.

Rating: 4/5

Final Thoughts

Using these products together has absolutely made a difference in how my skin feels and looks.

My skin genuinely feels more hydrated than it has ever been. (Trust me, I can say this with confidence, as I was berated for how dehydrated it was when I went to a facialist in Korea.)

Not only was it so much more hydrated, making fine lines (hello 30) disappear but it left my skin more plump and glowy.

While moisturising the skin, I also found I didn’t break out as often as I normally would.

For those wanting an extensive skincare routine, I would recommend all of these products. For those wanting to splurge on one wonder product, the collagen wrapping mask is a must-have to give skin an instant lift, perfect for prepping for big events.

Close-up of a woman's face after applying Korean skincare.
Supplied
It’s also super fun to peel off too[/caption]

Read More »

Chulalongkorn University ranks among top 10 in ASEAN

Chulalongkorn University has solidified its position as one of Southeast Asia’s premier institutions, securing a spot in the top 10 universities in ASEAN according to the QS World University Rankings (WUR) 2026. Announced on June 19, this prestigious recognition highlights the university’s continued excellence in education, academic reputation, and employability outcomes. Not only does Chulalongkorn …

The story Chulalongkorn University ranks among top 10 in ASEAN as seen on Thaiger News.

Read More »

EastEnders star rushed to hospital after two horror collapses

AN EastEnders resident is rushed to hospital after collapsing twice in a terrifying health scare.

It all kicks off in The Vic next week in EastEnders as Linda drops a bombshell – telling mum Elaine she wants out of the pub.

Scene from EastEnders featuring Harriet Thorpe and Kellie Bright at a bar.
BBC
Elaine clashes with Linda in a blazing row over the pub[/caption]
Scene from EastEnders: Harriet Thorpe and Kellie Bright in a pub.
BBC
Elaine’s stress levels soar leading to a terrifying health scare[/caption]

The shock decision sparks a fiery showdown between the pair, with Linda storming off to confide in George at the café.

But when Elaine spots them deep in conversation, she’s convinced they’re plotting behind her back.

Later, Elaine’s stress levels soar after a failed bank meeting leaves her plans in tatters.

She desperately tries to rope son Johnny in as a silent partner – but he flat-out refuses.

As the pressure mounts, Elaine snaps and boots punters out of The Vic before clashing with Linda in a blazing row.

But in a shocking twist, she suddenly collapses in front of horrified Linda and Johnny.

Though she brushes it off as a panic attack, Linda is riddled with guilt and tells Johnny she’s thinking of staying put – for Elaine’s sake.

But before any decisions can be made, tragedy strikes again… as they return to find Elaine has collapsed for a second time.

Meanwhile, Kat’s left fuming next week when Alfie blanks her calls – and things only go from bad to worse.

She’s already on edge, but blows her top when she catches Tommy and Joel nicking vapes from the Minute Mart.

Marching round to No.43, Kat gives Ross and Vicki a piece of her mind over their son’s influence on Tommy.

Later, she vents to Stacey about everything that’s gone wrong – and Stacey pretends she hasn’t heard from Alfie either.

But the lie quickly unravels when Jean accidentally lets slip that Stacey took a call from him that very morning.

Furious, Kat gets straight on the phone to Spencer demanding answers.

Soap's most harrowing teen storylines

We take a look at other harrowing teen soap storylines from soaps Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.

Belle Dingle’s schizophrenia in Emmerdale – Belle’s (Eden Taylor-Draper) traumatic journey in Emmerdale took a dark turn when, after accidentally killing her best friend Gemma at just 16, her mental health began to spiral.

The storyline, which saw Belle struggling with her grief and guilt, showcased her battle with hearing Gemma’s voice inside her head, leading to a dramatic decline in her well-being.

Hannah Ashworth’s anorexia in Hollyoaks – Viewers were horrified as they watched Hannah (Emma Rigby), a seemingly innocent teen, spiral into dangerous behavior, starving herself in an attempt to achieve what she thought was the ideal body.

As Hannah’s condition worsened, the storyline became more intense, culminating in her being hospitalised for two months as she fought for her life.

Bethany Platt’s grooming ordeal in Coronation Street – Vulnerable schoolgirl, played by Lucy Fallon, was at the centre of one of Corrie’s darkest storylines to date when she fell under the spell of her older boyfriend and sexual predator.

The controversial scenes saw Nathan groom and manipulate the 16-year-old before coercing her into sleeping with his friends, with one of them raping her.

Whitney Dean’s abuse from Tony in EastEnders – Since the age of 12, she had been in a twisted relationship with her stepmum Bianca’s boyfriend, Tony King. The predator had groomed young Whit (Shona McGarty), making her believe she was in love and planning to run away with him.

On her 16th birthday, the traumatised teen finally revealed the years of abuse to Bianca. Tony was swiftly sent to prison sentenced for 13 years.

She then discovers Alfie isn’t in Australia like he claimed.

The bombshell leaves Kat reeling as she realises she’s been lied to… again.

Will Kat finally uncover the truth about Alfie’s real reason for disappearing and that he’s been secretly digging into Zoe’s whereabouts?

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.

Scene from EastEnders featuring Joel, Tommy Moon, and Kat Slater in a kitchen.
BBC
Kat catches Tommy and Joel nicking vapes[/caption]
Kat Slater from EastEnders on a phone call.
BBC
Kat finds out Alfie is not in Australia[/caption]

Read More »

How to watch Love Island 2025 abroad – stream outside the UK

Love Island ITV logo with a heart-shaped gem on a beach at sunset.

LOVE ISLAND fans, rejoice! The smash TV show is now in full swing.

If you’re outside the UK, no need to worry: here’s how to watch Series 12 of Love Island abroad.

Love Island cast promotional photo.

The glorious Maya Jama is back on hosting duties as TV’s sexiest reality show is back for – gasp – a twelfth series.

As always, Casa Amor is a whirlwind of hormones and shifting alliances – and in the last couple of days we’ve seen four new bombshells enter the villa.

Meanwhile, four couples are at risk in what fans are calling an ‘evil’ twist.

If you’re jetting abroad soon, you’ll likely know that watching Love Island overseas can be tricky.

That’s because streaming ITVX outside the UK is blocked -luckily, there’s a simple (and legal) solution.

You can use a VPN, such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, to stream ITV content from overseas.

Read on to learn how to use a VPN to access Love Island abroad.

How to watch Love Island 2025 abroad with a VPN

The whole process for watching Love Island 2025 while you’re outside the UK is actually pretty simple.

VPNs are online tools that can simulate a UK-based IP address, allowing you to bypass content restrictions.

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Download a VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN to whatever device you use to stream content.
  • Load the VPN app on that device, and select a UK server.
  • Head to ITVX, and search for Love Island. Play, sit back and enjoy!

ITVX is where you can catch up on episodes that are already live.

You can also use a VPN to watch Love Island live on ITV2, but remember: you need to have a TV license to watch any live UK television from overseas.

When does Love Island Series 12 2025 start?

It’s already started! Did you not get the memo?

Luckily, you haven’t missed much.

The latest series of Love Island kicked off on Monday 9th June at 9pm, so it’s barely been a week.

As ever, it’s available to watch on ITV2.

How many Love Islands will there be in 2025?

Unless there’s a surprise instalment later this year (unlikely), there will almost definitely be two seasons of Love Islands this year.

Back at the beginning of 2025, we had the All Stars edition of Love Island, bringing some sunny fun to the gloom of the New Year.

And now we’ve got the Series 12 Summer Edition to look forward to. Yay!

If we hear any more news about forthcoming series, we’ll keep you posted on this page.

Can you watch Love Island in the US?

We’re thrilled that Love Island has been a hit across the pond, and American fans can access this year’s season using a VPN, as outlined earlier in this article.

For more information and streaming options, check out our how to Watch Love Island in the US explainer.

We’ve actually tested several VPNs – you can check out our favourites in our best VPN service and best VPN for Netflix round-ups.

For an in-depth guide, visit our what is a VPN and are they legal? explainer.

MORE STREAMING

STREAM BEEB

How to watch BBC iPlayer abroad

Head to our how to watch ITV abroad to find out more.

To stream another cult reality show, don’t miss our guide on how to watch The Traitors abroad.

Read More »

The B&Q buy that stopped nosy neighbours peeking into my garden – took minutes to fit & £1.5k cheaper than a new fence

A SMALL rotten picket fence, that is suffocating under the weight of unruly ivy and bindweed sits between myself and my neighbours.

We both have 80ft gardens, but the evening sun lands on my side of their fence.

Wooden fence separating a lawn from a brick building and a tree.
RM
The picket fence offered no privacy for either garden[/caption]
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Person holding bamboo fencing next to a wooden fence, Image 2 shows Woman installing bamboo fence
RM
The bamboo screen came rolled up (left) and was easy to install with screws and mushroom caps (right)[/caption]

And of course, they want to enjoy the sun too, so they sit as close as possible to the fence, meaning we have nothing but a few pieces of wood separating us.

It’s as uncomfortable and awkward as you can imagine.

But privacy isn’t an issue solely related to topping up our Vitamin D; I can’t potter around my garden, watering my plants, without feeling my neighbour’s eyes burning into the back of my head, or enjoy the morning sun with a cup of coffee in my pyjamas.

In an ideal world, we’d put up a new fence. But according to Land Registry, the fence on the right side of our garden is our neighbours’ responsibility – or more specifically, the landlord who owns the house and rents it out. And they have no intention to spend any money on erecting a new one.

A basic 6ft high wooden fence could cost anywhere from £1,600 to £3,000 for one side of my garden and across the back – that’s if the cheapest fence panels are chosen.

That’s a lot of money to spend on a fence that isn’t yours…

So a privacy fence would have to do in the meantime, until our budget allows for a brand new fence.

With the permission of the landlord, we were allowed to attach a bamboo screen to our side of the neighbours fence to offer instant privacy.

And B&Q’s Bamboo Split Slat Fencing Screening Rolls for Garden Outdoor Privacy did the job.

The privacy screen is 4m long, but comes in a variety of heights, making it suitable for all gardens.

As for the price, they start at £24.99.

  • 4mx1m – £24.99
  • 4mx1.2m – £29.99
  • 4mx1.5m – £36.99
  • 4mx1.8m – was £46.99, currently on offer for £42.99
  • 4mx2m – was £49.99, currently on offer for £44.99

Standing at two metres, or 6″6 tall and four metres long, we needed two screens to cover the exposed area of the fence. So in total, it cost under £100 – a whopping £1,500 cheaper than getting a new fence.

The online product description for the screen reads: “This robust and eco-friendly bamboo slat fencing screening roll will make a perfect practical addition to your garden.

“It is popular as a way to improve existing fencing and frame flower beds.

“The bamboo is strong enough to increase the height of existing fences. It can be used on its own or attached to an existing fence.. These bamboo slat fencing screening rolls can be attached to existing garden fences, stone walls, chain link wire fencing, arbours and many other areas the garden which requires screening or shade.

“It can be easily attached to wooden garden fences by the use of galvanised garden staples securing top and bottom of the bamboo slat fencing screening.”

Bamboo fence next to wooden fence.
RM
The privacy screen stood at two metres tall (legally allowed without permission)[/caption]
Bamboo fence installed in a backyard.
RM
The finished result! Now I can potter around my garden freely without my neighbours looking[/caption]

Using long screws and mushroom caps, we attached the screen to the existing picket fence every foot or so along, and it stood proudly.

It’s a two person job; one to screw and one to roll it out and hold it tight. But after 10 minutes, both screens were up!

As for how it looks…the screen isn’t entirely opaque; there are tiny gaps between the bamboo rods that let some light through. So unless you and your neighbour have a staring competition, you can’t see them.

Plus, when the sun hits it, it leaves a beautiful dappled effect across the grass. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it looks.

And I wasn’t the only happy customer. One left a review which read: “These fences are so nice, they really brightened our garden and covered our older looking fences. My husband just screwed them into our existing fences. Hope they last throughout the winter season.”

Another said: “Bought this to cover an unsightly pebble dashed garage. It looks great, is really strong and will also act as a climbing frame for my plants too!”

A third wrote: “We’ve just used this to cover a wall in bad condition. Very pleased with the look of it.”

What are your rights over a fence row?

IT'S very important to know your rights if you are embroiled in a fence row with a neighbour.

How do I know which side I own?

A boundary feature can be a fence, wall, hedge, ditch, piece of wire, or sometimes even just the edge of a driveway.

The only way to know for certain who owns what side and to avoid any neighbour disputes, is to refer to the title plan or Land Registry. 

In this, the T mark is used to indicate who the boundary belongs to and therefore who is responsible for its upkeep, say pros at Jacksons Fencing.

Larger developments tend to have some indication provided by the builder, but there are no hard and fast rules

People often think they are responsible for the left (or right) hand boundary wherever they live, but there isn’t any legal basis for this.

You can check with HM Land Registry to see which boundary feature you are responsible for.

Often households can’t get hold of the paperwork but experts say they shouldn’t panic.

Homeowners can guess who owns the fence by checking where the rails are.

Pros say: “The fence is typically facing away from their property so that their neighbour gets the ‘good’ side. 

“This is the most secure way of facing fencing so there are no rails for anyone to use to climb into your garden. 

“This is then repeated with the neighbour on the other side to ensure that each home has both a ‘good’ and ‘bad’ fence side.”

Walls and fences are often built on the land of the boundary’s owner with the edge of the wall marking the limit.

While professionals agree a glimpse at the fence can give you a hint, it’s not foolproof – so you can’t be certain.

Fines and punishment

It is recommended to always check legal documents before making changes to avoid hefty fines.

There is no law that the neighbour has to get the good side of the fence, so it’s completely up to whoever owns the fence. 

Fencing pros have suggested: “It may be worth selecting a double-sided panel with no ‘bad’ side as both sides look the same and rails are concealed within the fence panel.”

If one boundary backs onto a road or footpath you can install the panels with the rails on the inside

But if it’s installed on the outside, it can provide an “easy ladder for burglars to enter your garden”.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Property Litigation Association have created a mediation service to help neighbours resolve disputes over their property boundaries without resorting to court action. 

RICS also provides a list of surveyors who could assist in boundary disputes.

If a dispute continues, it is ultimately a court that makes decisions, but they do not like such disputes being put before them.

Changing a boundary

If you want to change an existing boundary, such as replacing an old fence with a new one, we always recommend discussing with your neighbour first and making sure it is all agreed.

The registered titles can help you to reach an agreement, but only if this information has been added.

In terms of decorations on a fence legal advisers recommended asking around over who actually first installed it.

But they also urged caution before getting to work on amending the fence without getting more certainty yourself – since there is a danger of actually being prosecuted for criminal damage.

How high can a garden fence be?

The height of the fence is measured from your ground level, this can have an impact when, due to slopes in the ground, your garden may be at a higher level than your neighbours’.

A garden fence can be as high as 100m but you need to get planning permission if it’s over than 2m.

However, there are some complications to this.

If you are thinking about front garden fences, restrictions state that fences alongside a driveway can be a maximum of 1m or 3ft.

You would need to get planning permission for putting a trellis on a fence of 2m.

But, if any plant that you grow on that trellis exceeds 2m, you do not need to obtain a permit for the growing plant.

One other review read: “Sturdy bamboo screening, not the cheapest but worth it compared to others I have seen. Very easy to install. And lovely when it’s up. Going to order some more. Really quick delivery. Great buy.”

As for whether it holds up in extreme weather, two days later, the weather turned, and winds whipped around the garden, but because of the small gaps between the bamboo, it was more resistant and allowed the wind to pass through.

But the real test will be the great British winter…

With a year warranty, it gives us enough time to save up for a brand new fence.

Read More »

Fire engulfs Chon Buri shop, owner leaps from second floor

A fire engulfed a fresh produce shop in Chon Buri‘s Bang Lamung district early today prompting the owner to leap from the second floor in panic. Residents helped extinguish the flames, fearing they might spread to a nearby stockpile of fireworks. The Nong Prue subdistrict’s municipal emergency radio centre received reports of the fire at …

The story Fire engulfs Chon Buri shop, owner leaps from second floor as seen on Thaiger News.

Read More »

Real Madrid ‘name their price’ for Rodrygo with Arsenal interested in transfer for Brazil star, 24

REAL MADRID have reportedly named their price to allow Rodrygo to leave the club this summer.

Rodrygo, 24, has been linked with an exit from the Bernabeu during the summer transfer window, with Arsenal one of the clubs rumoured to be keen on a deal.

Rodrygo Goes, Real Madrid right winger, during a Champions League match.
Getty
Real Madrid have reportedly named their price for Rodrygo[/caption]

The Brazilian winger struggled for game time towards the back end of the season at Madrid, playing just 17 minutes across Madrid’s last six La Liga matches of the campaign.

While he has also left on the bench for the entirety of Los Blancos 3-1 Club World Cup win over Mexican side Pachuca at the weekend.

New boss Xabi Alonso put those absences down to taking “some time that was good for him”.

Swirling rumours suggest that the 33-time Brazil cap could be looking for a way out, with Madrid open to letting him go for the right price.

And Spanish outlet Cadena SER have claimed that the Champions League giants will ask for around £77million to sanction a sale.

It’s thought that Madrid would want to reinvest that cash in a new midfielder, having already brought in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen in the early stages of the window.

The Athletic report that Arsenal are convinced they can offer Rodrygo an attractive sporting project that would allow him to play in his preferred position of left wing more regularly.

While they also claim the Gunners are prepared to wait and see if he is definitely open to leaving Real Madrid, but won’t wait too long with other targets for that position on the radar at the Emirates Stadium.

Rodrygo's Real Madrid 2024/25 La Liga stats: games, chances created, goals, assists, shots on target, passes, and fouls.

Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus
in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates

Mikel Arteta and Co had been looking at a possible deal for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, but the Spanish forward now looks set for a switch to Barcelona after agreeing personal terms with the Catalan club.

While it’s widely understood that Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon is also on Arsenal’s list of potential targets.

Arsenal are yet to make their first official signing of the summer, but appear to be on the brink of sealing moves for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the coming days.

The Gunners’ top brass, including new transfer chief Andrea Berta, remain focused on bringing in a centre-forward during the window too.

SunSport revealed last week that talks over a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko have stalled over the Slovenian’s wage demands, while Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres remains a second choice.

While it’s also been claimed that Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who Arsenal failed to sign in January, is still admired and could return to the frame should they fail to land one of Sesko or Gyokeres.

Inside Arsenal's frustrating striker transfer saga

By Jordan Davies

ARSENAL’S never-ending hunt for a world-class striker is in turmoil as deals for Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres stall.

The Gunners were confident of doing their business quickly this summer after months of preparation by boss Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta.

But inflated asking prices and broken gentlemen’s agreements have derailed those plans and left Arsenal frustrated.

Sesko believed he would be allowed to leave RB Leipzig for around £60million, while SunSport understands Gyokeres was told £59m would be enough to seal his own exit.

But those price-tags have gone up, leaving Arsenal debating whether they represent value for money.

While the players’ camps are also growing restless, knowing the Gunners can only sign one of them.

So what next? Will Arsenal keep waiting in the hope of fees eventually going down? Or turn to other targets, like Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike?

Whatever they decide, with pre-season looming and the fixtures already out, Arteta will be desperate for them to move quickly to avoid another nearly season.

Read More »

NetBet Casino review: Up to 500 free spins throughout your first week after sign-up

ESTABLISHED in 2001, NetBet Casino is one of the oldest online casinos offering online gambling services in Ireland. The operator stands out from other Irish online casinos with its exciting games from leading software providers.

Also, NetBet is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and in the Republic of Ireland, making it a safe platform. 

But how does NetBet rate when compared to other top Irish online casinos? Keep reading our detailed NetBet Casino review to find out more about the site’s games, bonuses and top features. 

🧑‍⚖️ The Irish Sun verdict – Rating 4.68/5

During our NetBet review, we discovered that the operator offers various perks, including access to the best online casino games. Its library ranks among the biggest in Ireland, with thousands of games across slots, crash games, jackpots, game shows, table games and live casino games. 

Additionally, NetBet stands out with its extensive range of bonuses and promotions for new and existing players. The NetBet Casino welcome bonus of up to 500 free spins gives players a good start, allowing them to play their favourite casino games without risking their capital. However, the absence of a standard deposit match offer with bonus cash rewards is worth considering before joining NetBet. 

⚡ NetBet Casino quick facts

Let’s take a glance at NetBet Casino and its essential details in the table below:

🌐 Websitehttps://casino.netbet.ie
📅 Year founded2001
📃 LicensesMalta Gaming Authority and the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI)
🎰 No. of games offered4,000+
💳 Payment methodsVisa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Trustly, Bank Transfer, Wire Transfer
💬 Emailsupport@netbet.ie
📱 AppYes

💰 NetBet bonuses and promotions for Irish players

NetBet online casino homepage with up to 500 free spins offer.

One of the factors that places NetBet IE among the best online gaming platforms is its massive collection of bonuses and promotions for new and existing players. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest offers at NetBet:

Welcome free spins 

New Irish players on NetBet can unlock the site’s welcome bonus, which rewards them with up to 500 free spins. This is a deposit offer, so a minimum initial deposit of €10 is required to activate the bonus. However, deposits via Skrill, Neteller and prepaid cards don’t qualify. 

When making the deposit, you must enter the NetBet bonus code NBWELCOME500, after which the 500 bonus spins will be activated. There’s a catch, though – NetBet disburses the free spins in batches. First, 50 free spins are immediately added to your account, while the remaining 450 are disbursed in batches of 75 free spins daily for the next 6 days. 

Additionally, you must have the operator’s marketing communications enabled to receive the notifications of the remaining free spins. There’s also a 40x wagering requirement, and the bonus expires 7 days after activation. 

Daily deals 

Every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday is a bonus day on NetBet. On these days, you can unlock free spins, deposit bonuses, special drops and player boosts, depending on what you get and the day of the week. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

  • Monday Vault: Rewards you with up to 50 vault tokens every Monday, with a minimum deposit of €10.
  • Midweek Treasure Hunt: Win up to 30 free spins every Wednesday, with a bet of at least €10. 
  • Thursday Gods and Prizes Pantheon: Bet with at least €20 on any Age of the Gods slots and win guaranteed prizes up to 500 free spins. 
  • Mystery Friday: Play Playtech slots and claim a mystery prize instantly. This includes free spins on Playtech games and Golden Chips. 
NetBet promotions.

Monthly special 

You can participate in various monthly promotions, including drops and wins, jackpot prize drops, race tournaments and more. These promotions offer opportunities to win bonus cash from prize pools. 

Loyalty rewards 

NetBet has a loyalty program called Players Club. Once you create an account, you are eligible to join the club and enjoy various bonuses, including Netpoints, priority support and free spins. 

BONUS

Best casino bonuses Ireland ☘ Real money casino offers (June 2025)

GET MORE

Best cashback bonuses in Ireland: Top cashback casinos for June 2025

NetBet Casino games and providers 

NetBet game lobby showing various online slots and games.

With over 4,000 games, NetBet entertains players with a wide range. This includes online slots, drops and wins, crash games, Megaways, jackpots, blackjack, roulette, video poker, scratch cards and live casino games. 

There’s also a “NetBet Selection” section containing less popular games exclusive to the online casino. The casino games at NetBet are also from tested and trusted developers, including top names like Evolution Gaming, Play’n GO, Amusnet, Playson, Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming and Wazdan, to name a few. In total, NetBet collaborates with over 80 software providers, ensuring a rich and varied game library.

⭐ Top 3 highest RTP slots at NetBet

NetBet slots page showing various slot games.

Among the thousands of slot games on NetBet, here are the three with the highest RTPs:

  • Big Bass Bonanza – Fishing slot game.
  • Mega Fortune – Classic slot game. 
  • The Dog House Megaways – Dog-themed online slot .
Slot name Big Bass Bonanza Mega FortuneThe Dog House Megaways
RTP96.71%96.60%96.55%
Software provider Pragmatic PlayNetEntPragmatic Play
ThemeFishing LuxuryClassic slot
Reels556
Paylines 1025Up to 117,649
VolatilityMedium-highMediumHigh
Year released202020092020

🏦 Payment methods available at NetBet

NetBet IE offers flexible and Ireland-friendly payment methods that make deposits and withdrawals smooth, fast and secure.  Whether you’re funding your account or cashing out winnings, you have diverse options, including Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Trustly, bank transfer and wire transfer. 

Deposits and withdrawals at NetBet are processed immediately, especially if requested through e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller or PayPal. However, debit/credit card transactions may take up to 3 working days, while bank and wire transfers can take up to 7 working days to be processed. Withdrawals up to €500 are free, while a 1.5% fee applies for transactions above €500. 

Payment methodMin. depositMin. withdrawalProcessing time
E-wallets€10€1024 to 48 hours
Visa/Mastercard€10€10Up to 3 business days
Bank/wire transfer€10€10Up to 7 working days

⚠ Responsible gambling & tools at NetBet

Top online casinos like NetBet take responsible gaming seriously and encourage players to protect themselves against potential gambling issues. The following tools are available to support responsible play:

  • Self-exclusion – Block your account for a longer break.
  • Session time limit – Control how long you stay logged in.
  • Deposit limit – Set daily, weekly or monthly caps to manage spending.
  • Cool-off period – Take short-term breaks without full exclusion.
  • Reality checks – Pop-up reminders showing your session length.
  • Underage gambling restriction – Strict age verification to protect minors.
  • Self-assessment test – Evaluate your gambling habits privately. 

NetBet also links to trusted organisations like GambleAware and GamCare. Its responsible gambling policy reflects guidelines from the MGA and promotes player wellbeing.

☎ NetBet’s customer support info

If you encounter any issues while using NetBet, you can reach out to its 24/7 support team for assistance via live chat and email. You can also submit a ticket using the “Contact Us” page. Here are the main ways to get help:

  • Live chat – Available directly via the Help Centre for quick responses.
  • Email – Reach the team at support@netbet.ie.
  • Submit a request – Use the Contact Us form for detailed queries.
  • Help Centre/FAQs – Covers common topics like account, deposits, withdrawals and responsible gambling.

We recommend going through the operator’s FAQ section for self-service options before contacting support.

🔒 Security, license, reputation and trustworthiness

During our NetBet review, we discovered that the gambling site prioritises security and safety using various measures. First, the operator is licensed in Malta and the Republic of Ireland. This means it complies strictly with regulatory guidelines and is regularly audited. 

Additionally, NetBet works with reputable and safe payment providers, such as Visa, Mastercard and PayPal. NetBet also has a long-standing history of operating in Europe, since 2001, boosting its reputation. 

Security features like identity and phone number verification also reinforce the brand’s dedication to ensuring its platform is safe and trustworthy. Plus, NetBet IE has an above-average rating of 3.0/5.0 on Trustpilot. 

👉 How to sign up at NetBet Ireland

Getting started on NetBet Casino is straightforward using the following steps:

  1. Visit the official NetBet Casino site using this link.
  2. Click the “Register” button at the top-right corner of the screen.
  3. Enter your email address and phone number, then create a new username. 
  4. Provide your personal information, including date of birth and residential address.
  5. Agree to the terms and conditions to complete the registration. Don’t forget to enter the promo code NBWELCOME500 when making your first deposit.  

Expert’s verdict about NetBet

Overall, NetBet Casino stands out as a trusted and well-rounded platform for Irish players. With over 4,000 casino games, a variety of promotions for new and existing players, and fast payments via e-wallets, the online casino is worth considering. However, if you’re particular about getting a standard cash welcome offer, you may consider NetBet alternatives with deposit-match bonuses.

ON THE MOVE

Best mobile casinos in Ireland (June 2025)

SPIN TO WIN

Best no deposit free spins bonuses in Ireland (2025)

👇 FAQ about NetBet Casino IE

This NetBet review has outlined exactly what to expect from the platform. However, here is a recap of some of the most commonly asked questions:

1. Is NetBet legit?

Yes, NetBet is a legitimate and reputable online casino operating in Ireland. The online casino is licensed in the Republic of Ireland, making its operations legitimate.

2. How long do NetBet Casino withdrawals take?

Funds withdrawals from NetBet Casino can take from 24 to 48 hours or up to 7 business days, depending on the payment method. For the fastest payments, we recommend e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller and PayPal.

3. Where is NetBet located?

NetBet Casino is owned and operated by NetBet Enterprises Ltd., a company registered in Malta with a registered office at Ewropa Business Centre, Malta. The online casino is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority, and NetBet Enterprises Ltd. is licensed in the Republic of Ireland.

4. How do you get free spins on NetBet?

The easiest way to get free spins on NetBet is through the welcome bonus. This offers 500 bonus spins. However, you can unlock additional bonus spins through daily deals, monthly specials and loyalty rewards. 

🔎 More casino reviews

About the author

James Anderson

James Anderson is a Betting & Gaming Writer at The Sun. He is an expert in sports betting and online casinos, and joined the company in November 2020 to work closely with leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to curate content in all areas of sports betting. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter and Head of Live Blogs/Events at the Daily Express and Daily Star, covering football, cricket, snooker, F1 and horse racing.

Find James on LinkedIn

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.

Read More »

Six easy ways to add privacy to your garden with clever planting and the shrubs that’ll even stay full in winter

SUMMER is great for being out in the garden, but it’s not ideal when you don’t have any privacy in your outdoor space.

To prevent neighbours peeking into your garden or to just create your own private sanctuary of peace, an expert has shared six plants which can help. 

Southern jasmine vine blooming over a gate.
Getty
There are a number of ways to create privacy in your garden, and a pergola can help[/caption]

Paul Parker, CEO of plants and perennials specialists J. Parker’s, said privacy can be achieved using plants.

From plant variety recommendations to practical seasonal considerations, his advice will help transform overlooked gardens into peaceful green retreats…

Block sight lines

An arbour, pergola or gazebo are all easy ways of increasing privacy if you’re overlooked by upper windows. 

Cover any of these structures with beautiful climbing perennials or trailing plants to truly create your own natural private space. 

Varieties such as clematis, climbing hydrangea, and wisteria, are great for adding privacy to your garden, also these climbing perennials are flowering vines that will come back year after year.

Cover up fences with evergreen climbers

If you want to disguise fences, balcony railings or rooftop spaces, evergreen climbers are a fantastic solution. 

Star Jasmine would be my top choice, it’s a hardy, vigorous grower with glossy evergreen foliage, so it’s the perfect all-year-round cover. 

In summer, it bursts into fragrant, star-shaped flowers that fill your garden with an enticing scent.

If you don’t have a surface to grow against, create a living fence by planting shrubs or small trees close together to make a natural wall of privacy. 

Varieties like golden privet hedging or, for a shorter screen, Salix (like Flamingo Willow) are trendy options that work well to cordon off designated areas in your garden.

Fill in gaps with bright annuals

If you are looking for a quick fix and want help filling the gaps in while your perennials and shrubs take their time to establish, planting colourful annuals will provide you with the privacy you need this summer.  

You can use taller annual varieties such as sunflowers, foxgloves or sweet peas to create temporary screens or brighten up existing screens.

Simply plant them into a row and consider adding a trellis or fence to give them extra support as they grow.

Add bushy potted plants

Growing bushy potted plants helps give you the cover you need, and they’re mobile so you can move them around whenever you like. 

It’s an easy way to improve privacy that also adds a good dose of foliage to your outdoor space. 

Choose plants that have a good width spread to grow a privacy wall of foliage.

Create bamboo screens

Dense bamboo forest.
Getty
Bamboo can be useful – but be careful it doesn’t grow out of control[/caption]

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants out there, making it perfect for creating a natural privacy screen. 

Just be careful because some varieties can spread fast and take over your garden if left unchecked.

To keep things under control, grow bamboo in large, heavy pots to stop it from spreading and also to keep it stable in windy spots. 

You’ll still get those tall, dense canes that are ideal for blocking out a peaceful corner in your garden.

Include fast-growing ornamental grasses

Pampas grass in a garden.
Getty
Pampas grass can help conceal your outdoor space[/caption]

Grasses can be used easily to create internal screens or hedges that flower beautifully, move in the slightest breeze, and need little care during the summer months. 

I recommend silvergrass or pampas grass to not only conceal your garden, but to introduce interesting textures. 

Their fast growth rate makes ornamental grasses ideal for privacy hedges because new plants can rapidly fill in any gaps.

Top gardening trends of 2025

Gardening experts at Barnsdale Gardens has shared the top gardening trends of 2025.

Matrix planting

It seems that a top planting trend for this year is going to be Matrix Planting.

In essence, planting in groups or blocks to give an effect of being wild whilst actually being carefully managed.

Selection of the plants is essential, to give year-round interest either with flowers, seed heads or frosted/snowy spent flower heads. Some recommend using plants that seed around, but this could make managing your matrix planting harder to keep under control.

Chrysanthemum comeback

I hope that the humble Chrysanthemum makes as much of a comeback this year as Dahlias have over recent years, because the simple single flowered types, such as ‘Innocence’ and ‘Cottage Apricot’ would be spectacular within a matrix scheme.

The hardy varieties are so easy to grow in a sunny spot and give such a valuable burst of late summer and autumn colour that would lift any dull- looking border.

Blended borders

For some time now we have been promoting the growing of veg within ornamental borders and I think this could really take off this year.

The choice of ornamental-looking varieties available in seed catalogues is phenomenal and, if managed correctly, visitors to your garden will not even realise that you have veg growing!

Must-have tool

My secret is out. I discovered the Hori Hori a couple of years ago and now it seems so is everyone else.

It is such a well-made, adaptable tool that can be used as a trowel or weeding tool in the garden that and everyone I speak to who have used it absolutely would not now be without it. Enough said!

Read More »

2026 World Cup stripped from ‘Must-Have’ TV broadcast list

The Royal Gazette published a new announcement from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), removing the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup from the list of “Must-Have” sports for free TV broadcasting. The update signals a shift in television regulations that will impact how key events, including major international sports, are accessible to Thai viewers. …

The story 2026 World Cup stripped from ‘Must-Have’ TV broadcast list as seen on Thaiger News.

Read More »