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A NINETIES pop legend looked like she was ageing backwards as she performed at a celeb-packed birthday party.

The singer, 45, shot to international fame in 1997 with the release of her version of You Might Need Somebody.

Times Newspapers Ltd

TikTok

TikTok

And Shola Ama looked exactly the same as she did back then when she made a surprise appearance at a bash celebrating rapper Krept of Krept and Konan.

Shola stunned in a plunging gold dress as she sent the crowd wild with a rendition of another one of her huge hits, Imagine.

After a clip of the moment was posted on TikTok, fans rushed to comment.

One wrote: “She just got better with age.”

Another said: “She looks so GOOD.” And a third added: “Shola looks stunning.”

Shola’s debut album Much Love was released in 1997 and went on to sell more than a million copies.

The star picked up the Best British Female gong at the Brit Awards in 1998.

Her most recent album Surreal was released in 2015 and Shola previously confessed she wishes she’d released more music throughout her career.

She said: “I probably haven’t put out as much music as I would have liked to and should have over the last 25 years.

“Sometimes you’re only ever as good as your last record and time is a very interesting thing, it just goes.

“Even though I came out at the end of the 90s I’m always considered a 90s artist, I didn’t quite make the noughties.”

Earlier this week another nineties musician made a TV appearance – looking like she’d hardly aged since shooting to fame with her rock band 30 years ago.

Singer-songwriter Louise Wener, now 58, is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Sleeper.

She appeared on the Channel 5 news as the band prepares to mark the 30th anniversary of their debut single.

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A TEEN who’s been diagnosed with melanoma twice and had two brain tumours removed, all before the age of 18, has a rare genetic disorder that’s been passed down through her family.

Ruby-Jo Sneed, 18, discovered she had a rare genetic chromosome deletion after undergoing genetic testing aged 12 due to her family’s history of tumours.

SWNS

SWNS

SWNS

She has chromosome deletion of her CDKN2A gene – which is responsible for producing proteins that act as tumour suppressors – making her more at risk of developing tumours and melanoma.

Over the course of just over two years – from the age of 15 to 18 – Ruby-Jo was diagnosed with melanoma twice and had two non-cancerous brain tumours removed, something she described as a “massive shock.”

She had the second removed recently in December 2024.

Ruby-Jo, a college student, from Hull, said: “I was around 12 years old when I found out I had it.

“At the time I think I had a positive outlook on it, I was excited I could have the day off school sometimes!

“I was quite thrilled to feel special in a way and I didn’t think of the dangers of it at that age.

“But when it actually affected me with the skin cancer and brain tumour it was a massive shock.

“I remember just crying my eyes out, questioning why me?”

The family have traced the mutation back to Ruby-Jo’s grandma who had skin cancer.

Her auntie was then diagnosed with a non-cancerous brain tumour at the age of six in 1981.

Ruby-Jo’s auntie’s son was also diagnosed with a brain tumour aged six and later went on to develop skin cancer before passing away aged just 14 from leukaemia.

And when Ruby-Jo’s brother, Bailey, now 14, was also diagnosed with a benign brain tumour again at the age of six, doctors were sure it was genetic due to the family history.

After establishing that her mum, Laura, 36, had it too, Ruby-Jo had genetic testing when she was 12 and were told that Baily and Ruby-Jo had inherited it out of her and her two sisters.

Ruby-Jo will need skin checks for moles and regular MRI scans every three to six months for the rest of her life.

Her first diagnosis was a brain tumour in September 2022 and she was diagnosed with skin cancer just a month later.

Ruby-Jo said: “When I was 15 there was a melanoma burn and that was removed on 3rd July 2022 just before year 11 and the strange thing about that is that the biopsy should have taken six to eight weeks but it took 13 weeks so we all thought no news is good news but on October 12, 2022 we were told that it was skin cancer.

I had the tumour removed and it was a horrible experience – I was 16 and I’d had a really nice time at prom and suddenly it was scary and traumatising

Ruby-Jo Sneed

“At the same time, I had an MRI and I was diagnosed with a brain tumour in September, just a month before.

“I’d just started year 11 and all I wanted to be focused on was my studies.”

Doctors wanted to see how the tumour would progress, before Ruby-Jo eventually had it removed in July 2023 after it had continued to grow.

She said: “I had the tumour removed and it was a horrible experience – I was 16 and I’d had a really nice time at prom and suddenly it was scary and traumatising.

“But they were able to remove it all and they tested the tumour and it wasn’t what they thought it was – it was a grade two PXA non-cancerous so I never needed any further treatment.”

More skin cancer and another brain tumour

Ruby-Jo began planning for her college studies but had to go back into hospital in April 2024 to have a mole checked.

She had it removed the same month and discovered it was melanoma shortly after.

She said: “They had to remove further tissue from my arm to make sure there was no cancer there.

“On the same day, I was told that my brother had also been diagnosed with stage 1 melanoma skin cancer and was waiting for surgery.”

At an MRI check up in April 2024 doctors also found another brain tumour and Ruby-Jo underwent an operation in December to have it removed.

She said: “I got results in May and I was told I’d been diagnosed with another brain tumour but this time it was in the memory part of my brain which was scarier – thankfully that meant it was very easy to remove.

It can be hard to think about the future knowing it could return

Ruby-Jo Sneed

“Memory is a huge part of your life so we initially looked into radiotherapy as I didn’t want any scary after effects of the surgery but I thought I’ve been through it once, I can do it again.

“They actually then said because I had this chromosome deletion it wouldn’t be possible for me to have the radiotherapy and there would be a higher risk of me developing more brain tumours.

“They gave it some time to see how it would progress and again it had grown so in December it was removed.

“It was a PXA tumour again.”

Ruby-Jo raised over £800 for The Brain Tumour Charity through bake sales, but has admitted that it can be “hard to think about the future knowing it could return.”

But she does hope to one day write a book about her rare genetic disorder.

SWNS

SWNS

SWNS

She said: “All within two years – it’s hard to think about the future and because it’s happened for a second time already, it could happen a third and fourth time.

“I have suffered more than anything, it’s been my dream to write a book about my life.

“I’ve known since the age of 12 that I’d be at risk of getting skin cancer and brain tumours and I had to live with the fear every day that I might die sooner than a normal person.”

A WOMAN has blasted by trolls after she revealed that her family-of-six all share white flannels instead using disposable loo role.

Everyday Jazmine Brooke goes through her ‘toilet rolls‘ and makes sure there is always enough stock kept by her toilet.

Tiktok/@jazminer17

She shared a video on her TikTok, and she has since gone viral, gaining over 2.6 million views on just one of her videos.

However, since sharing her family routines – she has since been trolled for being “dirty”, “disgusting” and “gross.”

But this doesn’t faze Jazmine, as she explained exactly how and why her family “use the same one [white flannel].”

She continued: “Technically yes [we use the same one], but not at the same time. We wash them. You use one and then, you put it in the dirty bin.

“Technically everybody’s still going to use it at one point, but they’re clean.

“It’s like a clean towel. And it’s not really dirty what you’re wiping.”

She explained that having reusable toilet paper “is actually more common than you think, and it’s not dirty.”

Jazmine continues: “It’s just what people want to call it because they’re not familiar with it.

“We did go through our toilet paper a lot quicker this week, so I had to do two loads yesterday because we ate Taco Bell and it really did not settle well.

“Everybody was fighting over the reusable toilet paper. As a family of six, it can be quite difficult to keep it going, but we have a lot.

“I like to keep it stocked, and I also have more ready to go when we start getting low on these.

“But they get washed in hot water. It’s no different than just using a towel after the shower because you’re clean when you use these.

“It’s been such a game changer. You’re so much cleaner when you use a bidet.

“Now it’s gonna go to the back of the toilet. And also, I keep one really big towel underneath it just in case someone really needs it.

“I forbid using more than one towel at one use, so if you’re really having tummy problems, you get to use the big towel.”

The way I’d never have toilet paper cause it’d still be in the dryer

TikTok comment

Her video gained a lot of attention with over 7,000 people rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts. 

One commented: “The way I’d never have toilet paper cause it’d still be in the dryer.” 

A second added: “How are people saying this is gross? She literally washes herself after a and you guys just smear with dry tissue and are apparently cleaner.” 

A third said: “With a bidet I find this completely acceptable.” 

Tiktok/@jazminer17

Someone else added: “This is such a good idea! I need to get a bidet, what is a money friendly one?” 

To which Jazmine replied: “I added one super similar to my amazon storefront, it’s not the exact same but super close. 

“It’s $30 (£24.37), it’s not heated though! I got used to it pretty quick though. I love ours!” 

LOVE is in the air with Valentine’s day just around the corner.

And with minds turning to thoughts of hearts and flowers, parents-to-be are using the romantic season as inspiration for baby names.

Now a study, conducted by social casino PlayFame, has worked out the most popular Valentine themed monikers for both girls and boys.

And one popular choice for Scottish tots tops the list.

Freya is the most popular Valentine’s girls’ name, with 2,500 monthly searches.

This name has deep romantic roots. Named after the Norse goddess of love, beauty and fertility, it’s a perfect fit for babies born around the season of love.

And it’s also really popular in Scotland, featuring in the top 10 for mothers of all ages in the latest stats.

Coming in at number two for girls is Lily.

With its origins in the elegant and symbolic flower, Lily represents purity and devotion. A bouquet of lilies is often gifted as a sign of commitment, making this name a natural favourite for Valentine’s-inspired baby names.

In third place is Layla. Derived from the Arabic word for “night”, Layla is a name steeped in romance.

It is famously linked to the tragic love story of Layla and Majnun, a tale of passion and longing, reinforcing its deep connection to Valentine’s themes.

Juno is in fourth place – a name tied to love and protection. It’s inspired by the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth.

As the divine protector of relationships, this name exudes warmth and devotion, making it a fitting tribute to Valentine’s Day.

And finally in number five is Mila.

With Slavic origins meaning “gracious” or “dear”, Mila is a name that radiates affection. Its soft and melodic sound has contributed to its rise in popularity among parents looking for a love-themed baby name.

For boys, top of the list is David with 2,350 monthly searches online.

Meaning “beloved” in Hebrew, this timeless name is a fitting choice for a child born near Valentine’s Day.

Rowan – which also works as a girls name – is in second place. Inspired by the rowan tree, which symbolises love, protection, and resilience, its red berries also echo the colour of passion and Valentine’s Day traditions.

In third place is Tristan. This is a name steeped in romantic history, coming from the legendary medieval tale of Tristan and Isolde, a story of forbidden love and devotion.

In fourth place is Rhys. A name off Welsh origin, it means “enthusiasm” or “passion”, making it a perfect name for a baby born in the season of love.

And in fifth place is Leif, which is derived from the Old Norse word for “heir” or “beloved descendant”, and carries a deep connection to love and legacy.

A spokesperson for PlayFame said: “Choosing Valentine’s-related names can be a meaningful and symbolic way for parents to commemorate the beginning of their child’s life at a time of love, kindness, and affection.

“These names not only mark the special occasion of celebrating love but also serve as a lifelong reminder to care for others, and be kind and compassionate.”

Dollar Tree has become a reliable spot for skincare dupes, makeup, hygiene essentials, cleaning supplies, and holiday decor. However, shoppers say its gardening section could use some TLC. Online, the discount retailer is catching heat for its popular plastic stackable planters. They retail for only $1.25, but many shoppers say they’d rather invest in pots that aren’t "garbage."

RELATED: 4 Worst Dollar Tree Skincare Products, According to an Esthetician.

Designing a garden with "trash quality" planters is a recipe for disaster, said one shopper in a Reddit thread, warning others to steer clear of Dollar Tree’s stackable planters. The controversial product has the internet divided, with many siding against the planter due to its fragility and cheap aesthetic. Conversely, others say that’s to be expected for something with a $1.25 price tag.

The four-tier planter can hold 12 medium-sized plants, with three on each level. The alternating tiers resemble a game of Jenga, allowing each plant room to grow comfortably without invading other nearby greenery.

But it’s not so much the planter’s structure as it is its durability that shoppers are fed up with.

“The ones I bought there cracked very easily and didn’t last the season,” shared one unhappy customer.

A shopper with a similar experience said, “I stopped buying planters at Dollar Tree. Even the $3 ones barely lasted a season…they’re all broken junk. Not worth it.”

The planters also don’t have drain holes, which customers have taken umbrage with. “These are trash. No holes and when you try to pop the holes out they crack,” reads a comment. Another shopper said they had to take a drill to the bottom of the pots to open the sealed drain holes.

However, their plastic modeling is the biggest concern among environmentalists and green thumbs.

“These things become brittle in the sun almost instantly,” one user wrote in another Reddit thread. “These are the worst kind of cheap plastic.”

“Seriously, these are the worst. My family gave me these as a gift a few years ago, they’re terrible planters and I’m still finding bits of plastic all over my yard,” revealed one person.

“Those will probably leech all kinds of nasty stuff,” reads a third comment.

“Have fun cleaning up all the micro plastics from when you try to move it, and it shatters in your hand…So many types of plastic out there that are cheap, but are degraded by sunlight…So unless you're growing in the dark, it's gonna get trash everywhere,” explained another.

RELATED: Dollar Tree Is Selling the Same Exact Beauty Products as Amazon and Walmart for $21 Cheaper.

Plus, their fragility is a liability.

“A stack of those in my yard would probably last exactly as long as it took for one of the neighborhood raccoons to decide it wanted to climb them, and then they wouldn't be in a stack anymore,” another joked.

“Don’t buy this trash,” one customer bluntly stated.

Salt is a regular and beloved staple in most kitchens. It can be used for everything from boiling water faster to tenderizing meat, seasoning dishes, and fermenting foods. But, the World Health Organization (WHO) is cautioning that the common cooking helper is actually at the root of a global health crisis.

In new guidelines released January 27, 2025, the WHO recommends that people worldwide swap their usual table salt for lower-sodium alternatives in an effort to reduce high blood pressure and prevent millions of deaths a year from noncommunicable diseases. Read on to understand these new guidelines and why they affect you.

RELATED: Experts Raise Alarm on the Most Lethal Disease in America: "It's Killing Every 34 Seconds"

Why Is the WHO Recommending Salt Substitutes?

Salt is contributing to a global health crisis that the WHO believes is avoidable. "Globally, each year 1.9 million deaths are attributable to high sodium intake," the organization writes in a summary of their new guidelines.

Diets full of excess sodium can increase the risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), stroke, chronic kidney disease, and other potentially deadly medical conditions.

The global average of sodium intake is 4.3 grams per day, according to the most recent stats from 2019. This is twice the WHO's recommended amount of 2 grams per day for adults, which is a guideline that's been in place since 2012 and should be "adjusted downward based on the energy requirements of children."

"Despite efforts made by Member States to achieve the global target to reduce population sodium intake by 30% by 2030, progress has been slow," the WHO states. It admits that sodium chloride (NaCl) is still the "most common form of salt added to foods, both by consumers and in food manufacturing."

To counteract the excessive consumption of sodium worldwide and reduce the risk of related diseases, the WHO is now recommending "urgent and accelerated actions" for everyone—from the average kitchen cook to major food manufacturers—to start adopting lower-sodium salt substitutes.

What Are Lower-Sodium Salt Substitutes?

In stores, you can find these under the labels "low-sodium salt," "heart salt," "mineral salt," or "sodium-reduced salt." The main LSSS the WHO recommends is potassium-enriched salt, which replaces sodium chloride with potassium chloride, has a similar taste, and offers several health benefits.

Potassium is an essential mineral found in foods like beans, peas, nuts, and green vegetables that has the ability to reduce blood pressure and the risk of CVDs. The WHO recommends consuming 3.5 grams of potassium per day, but most people fall short.

By replacing regular table salt with potassium-enriched salt, the worldwide population could prevent hundreds of thousands of deaths from cardiovascular disease each year, studies have shown.

The Challenges of Adopting Healthier Alternatives

inewsfoto / Shutterstock

However, there are some reasons why potassium-enriched salt hasn't been widely adopted yet. The WHO reports that concerns have been raised about it's safety "because too high a level of blood potassium (hyperkalaemia) may be harmful, especially to individuals with impaired kidney function."

Research shows that this applies to a small portion of the global population, but still, they are exempt from the WHO's new guidelines.

What's more, according to The Conversation, LSSS are expensive and not widely available. Potassium-enriched salt, for instance, is only sold in 47 countries, sometimes at 15 times the price of regular salt.

The WHO admits these limitations, stating: "Main barriers for consumers include: limited availability of LSSS, higher price, lack of awareness, bad taste and lack of perceived health benefit. The higher cost of LSSS and the concerns around the potentially increased risk of hyperkalaemia in those with kidney disease are potential barriers preventing governments from promoting LSSS."

How to Limit Your Salt Intake

You can consider switching to a lower-sodium salt substitute if you fit the WHO's description of an adult who is not pregnant and does not have a kidney impairment that might compromise potassium excretion.

RELATED: 7 Signs Your Diet Is Secretly Packed With Salt

Other methods to reduce your salt intake include eating more fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, which are naturally low in sodium. At the same time, avoid processed foods, which can contain excessive amounts of hidden sodium.

Make your meals at home to control how much salt you're using, and if you're buying canned or packaged goods, look for "low-sodium" or "no-salt-added" options. When dining out, ask for less salt when ordering, or choose grilled, steamed, or roasted menu options over fried foods, which are packed with salt.

Making small changes like these can significantly lower your sodium intake, helping to reduce your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.