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THE SIMBA Hybrid Firm Pillow is designed to provide extra support for side sleepers like me.

I gave it a try, and despite its hefty price tag, I was pleasantly surprised to be a massive fan — I’ve explained why below. 

Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow, £159

I wanted to put Simba’s award-winning pillow sleep tech to the test to see what everyone is raving about.

Simba has a bounty of awards for its pillows and no shortage of 5-star reviews from happy shoppers under its belt.

I wake frequently in the night due to not being able to find a comfortable position — I’m something of a wiggler.

So I was thrilled to be offered the chance to try Simba’s Hybrid Firm pillow, designed with sleep tech that claims to adjust to suit any sleep position (we’ll see about that).

I have to confess before this review I was sleeping on poor-quality pillows of varying firmness and generally not prioritising how comfort or support could increase the quality of my sleep.

I was keen to see if Simba’s sleep tech is really that good.

Pros

• Removable filling allows you to personalise firmness to your preference
• Cooling
• Supportive

Cons

• Expensive

Rating: 9/10

Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow, £159

How I tested the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow

As The Sun’s Home and Garden eCommerce writer, it’s my job to test products to see if they’re worth adding to your basket — especially if, like the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow, they come with a hefty price tag.  

I tested it for a week, with no late-night indulgences (cheese, I’m looking at you) or intense evening workouts that might unfairly influence the quality of my sleep.

I wanted to evaluate the pillow under ordinary, everyday conditions. 

For me, it’s not just about how it performs on a perfect day, but whether it can deliver consistent support and comfort for the ebb and flow of a typical day in my life.

My pillows pre-Simba were not of a premium price point, so this was an eye-opener to see if paying more does pay for a good night’s sleep.

Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow review: Quickfire Q&A

How much is the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow? The Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow retails for a staggering £159.

Who’s it best for? Its adjustable firmness is suitable for back, front and side sleepers. So, however you sleep, this pillow can be altered to your desired comfort.

What I liked: The firmness is a definite game-changer, because it gave me the support I needed as someone who wriggles in my sleep.

What I didn’t like: The price. It is such a brilliant pillow and despite recommending it to my friends and family, it doesn’t suit everyone’s budget.

Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow review: quick summary

The Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow’s price point is eye-watering; there’s no doubt about it.

But it’s an investment piece and I did have to do a bit of girl math to validate its price.

If my calculations are correct, it costs 29p per day for a year to sleep on Simba’s Hybrid Firm pillow — doesn’t sound so bad now, right?

I tried to find a fault, but it does what it says on the tin.

Admittedly, I didn’t know I was a firm pillow fan — which now explains my previous need to have three or four pillows on top of each other to feel supported.

And despite being reluctant to use only one pillow for the week, one is enough — if it’s a quality one.

This pillow is firm but adjustable and I love it, even with its premium price point.

Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow review: The Nitty Gritty

First Impressions

I can’t fault the delivery of the pillow; I was notified via my chosen communication channel of its arrival — left safely on the porch while I was in the office.

It was also very well sealed in Simba branded plastic wrap, so if you’re hiding this purchase from your partner, be warned because the packaging isn’t discreet.

It also came in a pillow storage bag, which feels quite luxurious, and the novelty wasn’t lost on me — I love little touches like that.

Simba is a B-corp which means as a company it adheres to a set of rigorous standards to ensure it is doing its bit as a company to be better sustainably.

So if you are a conscious shopper, it is something to consider.

Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow, £159

It’s a whopper of a pillow — it might be tricky to squeeze it into some pillowcases.

I managed to cram it into one, but long term it might not be the best for the pillow’s shape.

However, it does have a removable cover that can be slung in the wash, so it doesn’t really require a pillowcase; but this depends on your preference. 

The thickness of this pillow was reassuring, but I was still cynical that it would be enough by itself to improve my sleep.

Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow, £159

Does it deliver?

A few sleeps in, gone are the days of my princess and the pea pillow set-up.

One pillow is enough, as long as it’s the Simba Hybrid Firm.

Despite this being described as firm, the boffins at Simba have given the user complete control of their desired firmness.

The pillow has three layers of unique stuffing that can be removed and adjusted, and one side is squishier than the other to provide further room for flip-flopping.

During the week I didn’t remove any of the layers and kept the pillow as it was, only because I loved how it felt and didn’t need to adjust.

Being a bit of a sceptic, I thought some of the pillows’ attributes were clever marketing lingo, but I’ve got to give it to Simba; this pillow was comfy in all positions I found myself in.

Whether it was because of the Simba Renew down-like fibre for squishiness or Aerocoil micro springs supporting the gymnastics I do in my sleep, I slept like a log and it has changed my opinion on pillow price points.

I can’t lie, it is a hefty investment and as a frugal spender, I would be on the fence, but having experienced it, I am more open-minded towards its price.

I do reckon the slightly cheaper Simba Hybrid pillow’s price point will be more tempting for shoppers, but in my Simba Hybrid pillow review I explained why it might not be worth the £109 price tag.

What’s the difference between the Simba Hybrid pillow and the Simba Hybrid Firm?

The main difference is that the Simba Hybrid Firm has removable multi-layers, while the Simba Hybrid has tiny Nanocubes – also removable, but the cubes mould to the pressure applied with little resistance.

I reckon if you’re on the fence about which to choose, head over to Simba and start a live chat with a helpful advisor, they can help pick the best pillow for your budget and needs.

Can you wash Simba Pillows?

In short, yes, but each Simba pillow has been designed differently – so it is important to read each pillow’s care guide before washing.

The Simba Hybrid and Simba Hybrid Firm both have un-zippable quilted covers that can be popped in the wash but as mentioned, the pillow’s stuffing is completely different and will come with separate care instructions.

Keeping your pillow clean is a great way to extend its lifespan, so I would highly recommend slinging it in the wash every so often.

I would also keep an eye on any discolouration, smell and plumpness.

Do you put a pillowcase on a Simba Pillow?

This is down to preference and I did put a pillowcase on out of habit because I like my bedding to match.

The Simba Hybrid Firm is slightly on the larger side I did have to cram it into a pillow case, which only just fit.

However, the Simba Hybrid pillows don’t need a pillowcase; each pillowcase is quilted and removable and the design isn’t ugly, so would look nice on a bed.

EASTENDERS fans have become convinced a legendary star is set to return for a family reunion on the show’s 40th anniversary.

As the soap celebrates a landmark this week, the BBC are pulling out all the stops with a string of cameo appearances from faces gone by, heartbreaking storylines and a killer mystery that’s been keeping fans guessing since Christmas Day.

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A shot of the Slater sisters left fans convinced something’s afoot[/caption]

BBC

Jessie Wallace’s appearance on Lacey Turner’s podcast spike speculation[/caption]

BBC

Zoe hasn’t been seen in the Square since the 20th anniversary[/caption]

Now, as several tales come to a head, fans believe they have cracked the case of another appearance – with the return of the legendary Zoe Slater.

The character, played by Michelle Ryan, was the secret daughter of Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), and had been raised as one of the Slater sisters, completely unaware of her real identity.

She was tragically born after Kat was molested by her uncle Harry, with the family keeping the dark secret away from her so she could live a normal life.

The truth eventually spilled out in an iconic episode where Zoe screamed at Kat “You ain’t my mother!!” prompting Kat to yell back “Yes I am!”

Fans thinks that Zoe will make a return to the Square for the 40th anniversary for the first time in 20 years, pointing at ‘giveaway clues’ that have convinced them.

Among them is a shot focusing on the photo frame shot of the Slater sisters on Kat’s mantlepiece, and Jessie Wallace’s recent appearance on Lacey Turner’s podcast.

Speaking on Reddit, one fan wrote: “I’m convinced Zoe is coming back. I’ve seen little hints dropped the last few weeks on social media and in Jessie’s conversation with Lacey on her podcast, and tonight was a dead giveaway — the way the camera focused directly on Michelle Ryan in that framed Slater photo, that’s no accident.

“She’s totally coming back this week. That was a deliberate teaser.”

“I suppose a red herring is possible, but for the love of God EE, please don’t let us down on this one as well and not do it after all this,” they continued.

“It’s way overdue. We haven’t had Little Mo back, we haven’t had Carol back, we’ve got to have Zoe.”

To top it off, Michelle made a rare post on Instagram celebrating her time on Eastenders, reposting shots from her official photoshoot when joining the series.

“I was just sent these two photos from the square that were taken when I was 17/18, that’s early 2000’s!” she wrote.

“They were actually never used for cards to be signed (although I’m being told that some people have them, I didn’t realise).”

“Wishing everyone on the square a very Happy 40th Birthday! What an achievement for a show to run for that long!,” she said.

“Many great memories. Congratulations to everyone (Don’t read into the song chosen, it’s playing in the cafe)”

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Trouble Zoe lived on the Square with her family for five years[/caption]

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Michelle has since had success in the United States as an actress[/caption]

Zoe Slater – The Story To Date

First appearing in 2000, Zoe remained in the Square for five years, before leaving in 2005 shortly after the 20th anniversary celebrations.

In scenes that aired across that landmark point, Den Watts (Leslie Grantham) was killed off for a second time, after Zoe, wife Chrissie Watts and Sam Mitchell plot against him.

In a big confrontation, Zoe thought she dealt him a fatal blow when she clobbered him over the head with the Queen Vic bust.

However, after she left, he regained consciousness, and Chrissie finished the job.

After that, Zoe left Walford and headed to start a new life in Ibiza, and hasn’t been seen since.

But with mum Kat still very much in the Square, and playing central roles in the series 40th anniversary celebrations, it could be the perfect opportunity to return.

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Michelle shared a post celebrating EastEnders 40th anniversary[/caption]

BBC

Zoe moved to Ibiza after being tricked into thinking she’d killed Den by Chrissy[/caption]

MANY Dream Team managers use the fixture list as a guide when making their transfers.

It’s simply true that certain teams tend to give up more points than others and there’s no more favourable opponent in the Premier League this season than Southampton.

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Southampton are destined for relegation[/caption]

Saints have mustered just nine points since their promotion to the top flight.

They have also scored the fewest league goals (19) and conceded the most (57) with the campaign now two thirds complete.

It’s therefore logical that Dream Team bosses in search of plentiful points should always consider which players are most likely to take advantage of Ivan Juric’s beleaguered troops in any given Gameweek.

Looking forward to Gameweek 25, Southampton are due to host Brighton at the weekend before travelling to Chelsea three days later.

Cole Palmer’s (£5.9m) owners will be expecting big things from that match-up at Stamford Bridge but might there be healthy returns on offer from the Seagulls this coming Gameweek?

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Mitoma produced a moment of pure magic against Chelsea[/caption]

Fabian Hurzeler’s side have bounced back from their 7-0 trouncing at the hands of Nottingham Forest with back-to-back wins over Chelsea, first in the FA Cup then in the league.

Kaoru Mitoma (£3.6m) scored in both victories over the Blues, his latest strike being a Goal of the Season contender because of a magnificent first touch that brought Bart Verbruggen’s (£2m) long ball forward under control.

The Japan international is probably the best option for gaffers tempted by the prospect of backing a Brighton asset against Southampton; he boasts the highest points tally (154) and points-per-game average (5.5) among his team-mates.

However, it’s Georginio Rutter (£3.2m) who leads the way for goal involvements with seven goals and five assists to his name.

The 22-year-old features in just 0.2% of teams at the time of writing and has to be considered an appealing ultra differential ahead of Gameweek 25.

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Rutter has added another dimension to Brighton’s attack[/caption]

Alternatively, Yankuba Minteh (£2.5m) has tapped into some fine form of late.

The former Newcastle winger banked 19 points via a brace on Friday night – only Manchester City’s hat-trick hero Omar Marmoush (£4.4m) has earned more points in Gameweek 24 as it stands.

More broadly, Minteh has gained 45 points across five outings since the start of Gameweek 20.

All evidence suggests he is perfectly capable of bagging a double-digit haul at St Mary’s this coming Saturday.

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Minteh took Chelsea for 19 points on Friday night[/caption]

Brighton’s second fixture in double Gameweek 25 is a home game against high-flying Bournemouth, a tough test at this point in time.

However, the Seagulls did beat the Cherries in the reverse fixture back in November and, besides, their midweek commitment could be seen as something of a free hit if Mitoma and company milk Southampton for plentiful returns at the weekend.

Gaffers really are spoiled for choice in Gameweek 25!

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A 52-year-old man has knocked his decade-long cocaine addiction on the head after receiving weight-loss injections.

The jab was made from semaglutide, found in Ozempic and Wegovy.

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This new case report backs up newer research, which found the ‘wonder’ injectables can work in the same way to treat addiction.[/caption]

The unnamed patient, who had battled an addiction to the class A drug for 15 years also struggled with obesity, having a body mass index (BMI) of 35.4.

Over 12 weeks, he was given weekly doses of semaglutide, which helped him shed 13kg – and in the process, reduced his cocaine cravings.

Published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports, the report revealed his score on a cocaine craving quiz dropped from 5.6 to 2.3, revealing a 60 per cent reduction in cravings.

“This case is interesting because it highlights a direction for the treatment of comorbid obesity and cocaine use disorder,” wrote Professor Vincenzo Maria Romeo, who led the study.

Semaglutide, sold under the brand names Wegovy for weight loss and Ozempic for diabetes works by targeting the brain’s hunger and reward centres.

This new case report backs up newer research, which found the ‘wonder’ injectables can work in the same way to treat addiction.

Experts believe it targets the same areas of craving in the brain that cause people to overeat so could be useful in fighting a number of addictions.

A study, published just last week, found the jabs can dramatically reduce a person’s desire for booze – and smokers taking part puffed less.

Meanwhile, previous studies have suggested they lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in overweight adults, as well as help to treat snoring, reverse heart failure symptoms, boost fertility and ward off Alzheimer’s. 

It has even been called the “fountain of youth” because it slows down the markers for ageing.

This is the first case to demonstrate how semaglutide could address both addiction and obesity simultaneously.

The report describes how the patient had tried other treatments without success.

He sought help for both weight and drug issues, as Professor Vincenzo said: “The intersection of these conditions presents a unique therapeutic challenge, as each condition can exacerbate the other.

“The patient struggled with shame and relapse. Despite this, he had not pursued long-term addiction treatment owing to skepticism and fear of withdrawal. 

“He also suffered from depression and anxiety, partially managed with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), but his symptoms worsened during periods of increased drug use or attempted abstinence.

“His motivation for treatment was driven by the desire to improve his physical health, reduce stigma, and address the psychological toll of cocaine use.”

After 12 weeks, Professor Vincenzo said the man is now living a healthier lifestyle, having shifted his focus from cocaine to things like exercise.

While it was not clarified if the man had stopped using cocaine, Professor Vincenzo said he had “improved physical health, including increased energy and reduced joint pain”, and he “expressed satisfaction with his progress, which enhanced his self-esteem and motivation”.

Professor Vincenzo added: “Semaglutide could be a promising therapeutic option for managing cocaine use disorder in patients with obesity.”

However, the report notes that further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of semaglutide in addiction treatment.

A WOMAN has been charged over the death of a five-year-old girl who died nearly 50 years ago.

Janice Nix, 66, was arrested and charged today after the death of Andrea Bernard who died in 1978.

Cops said she was charged with manslaughter and also child cruelty in relation to offences towards another child.

The Metropolitan Police said: “Detectives from the Met’s Cold Case Homicide Team have charged a woman following the death of a five-year-old girl in 1978.

“Janice Nix, 66 (26.08.58), of Rodenhurst Road, SW4, was arrested and charged with manslaughter on Tuesday, 18 February, following the death of Andrea Bernard.

“Andrea and Nix were known to each other

“Nix was also charged with child cruelty in relation to offences towards another child, who was aged eight at the time.

“She is due to appear before Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 19 February.

“It is reported Andrea was assaulted at an address in Ashley Road, Thornton Heath on 6 June 1978 and was hospitalised.

“She was initially treated at hospital in Croydon before being transferred to a specialist burns unit in East Grinstead.

“Tragically, as a result of the injuries Andrea sustained, she died on 13 July 1978.

“The offences were reported in September 2022 and an investigation was launched.”

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Janice Nix, 66, has been charged over the death of a five-year-old girl[/caption]

THE FAMILY of a mum and her two sons held captive by Hamas in Gaza are in “turmoil” as the terror group claimed they are dead and their bodies will be sent back to Israel.

Ariel Bibas, five, and his baby brother Kfir, two, were snatched with their mother Shiri, 33, during the terrorist group’s bloody rampage on October 7.

Ian Whittaker

Mum Shiri Bibas was seen desperately clutching to Kfir and his brother Ariel as they were kidnapped on October 7[/caption]

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Yarden and Shiri Bibas with their two young boys before the family became hostages[/caption]

Ofri Levy

The Bibas family, father Yarden, mother Shiri, baby Kfir and four-year-old Ariel were taken captive by Hamas terrorists[/caption]

Handout

The Bibas family, father Yarden, mother Shiri, baby Kfir and four-year-old Ariel[/caption]

Their father Yarden, 35, was also taken after Hamas brutes smashed him over the head with a hammer.

Shiri’s despairing face as she was kidnapped clutching her two children became a symbol for the horror of Oct 7.

And meanwhile Kfir’s adorable smile gave hope as the whole world pleaded for their safe return.

But now Hamas appear to have confirmed the worst – saying the trio’s dead bodies will be released along with six living hostages on Thursday.

Israel have yet to confirm the identities of those to be released.

The Bibas family released a statement shortly after Hamas’ claim saying they are “in turmoil”.

“Until we receive definitive confirmation, our journey is not over,” the family said.

Yarden Bibas, Shiri’s husband and the boys’ father, was freed earlier on February 1.

He spent 484 days in Gaza’s terror tunnels on his own, as he was quickly separated from his family.

Relatives had not had proof of life for months even for Shiri and the boys.

And they had been fearing the worst when the terror group claimed that she and the children had been killed in an Israeli air strike and all other child hostages were released.

But there was no proof that they were dead so the family clung to the slim hope that they were alive as they campaigned for their freedom.

That hope was extinguished with confirmation that the mother and boys – who had been on the list for release in the first six-week phase of the ceasefire – were dead.

The family sheltered inside their home on Kibbutz Nir Oz when Hamas fiends rampaged through southern Israel on October 7.

They kept anxious relatives elsewhere in Israel updated by text message as gunmen stormed through neighbours’ homes.

At 9.43am accountant Yarden messaged his sister, occupational therapist Ofri Bibas Levy, 38, to say: “They’re coming in.”

She never heard from him again.

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The moment Yarden, 34, was finally freed earlier this month after 484 days in captivity[/caption]

A short time later a horrific video emerged of Shiri looking utterly terrified and crying as she clung to her two sons while Hamas gunmen led them away from the family home.

Moments later Yarden was smashed over the head with a hammer and with blood streaming down his face was hauled to Gaza, also captured on camera and posted online.

On the one year anniversary of the massacre – when relatives were still praying for the family’s safe return – Ofri told The Sun: “The last year has been a nightmare.

“I could never imagine something like that would happen to me and my family.

“We live every day with a constant feeling of fear – and uncertainty.

“It’s the not knowing which is the worst – are they alive? Are they dead? Are they being tortured?

“Did they get to eat today, something to drink? When was the last time they even saw sunlight?”

After the terror group claimed that Shiri and the boys were dead, she said: “It was a real shock to hear that but after a few days we thought okay, they say that, but we don’t know for sure.

“And even if there is a 1% chance of that not being true, we decided as a family that we’re going to keep fighting and keep demanding and keep shouting for them.

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The family sheltered inside their home on Kibbutz Nir Oz when Hamas fiends rampaged through southern Israel[/caption]

Ian Whittaker

Mum Shiri was kidnapped with her two sons Ariel (not pictured) and Kfir[/caption]

“That keeps us able to still hope in some way.”

Photos from brighter times before October 7 show a typical, happy family, the young boys laughing and smiling as they play with each other and their parents.

In one cute snap, the parents and their sons cuddle up on a sofa all wearing Batman outfits.

Before they received the tragic news, Ofri said: “Ariel is a fully energetic boy who loves tractors and vehicles and superheroes and playing with any kind of water.

“His red head gets a lot of attention everywhere he goes. But he’s also very shy.

“Kfir was a sweet baby, very cuddly and he loved to be tickled. He was very cute.

“Yarden and Shiri are the most amazing parents.”

Heartbreakingly, two-year-old Kfir never celebrated a birthday outside of Gaza.

The family had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for months to strike a ceasefire deal which would see the hostages return home.

They were delighted when it was finally signed but had mixed emotions because they still had no idea if the family was alive.

Israel announced it will receive the bodies of four hostages from Hamas on 20 February.

They did not release their names but said the families had been informed.

Tragically for the Bibas family, it was later confirmed that Shiri, Ariel and Kfir were among the dead.

AP

Yifat Zailer shows photos of her cousin, Shiri Bibas, center, her husband Yarden, left, and their sons Ariel, top right, and Kfir, who were held hostage by Hamas militants[/caption]

Reuters

Protesters hold signs as they call for the immediate release of hostages[/caption]

IF you want your skin to look glowing and wrinkle-free but without spending a fortune, you’ve come to the right place.

Expensive moisturisers and serums are loved by beauty fans for giving their skin a more youthful look.

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An exciting new skincare range is coming to Aldi[/caption]

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The anti-ageing Lacura moisturiser is priced at just £4.99[/caption]

Aldi

The ranges hits stores next month[/caption]

But the hefty price tags can sometimes make them unaffordable for people, especially as the cost of living crisis continues.

Thanks to Aldi, you can now get your hands on some new anti-ageing products for a fraction of the price – yes, you heard that correctly.

The exciting new middle aisle buys are priced at less than a fiver. 

The bargain supermarket’s beloved health and beauty brand, Lacura, is set to introduce its new premium own-brand HA5+ skincare range in the coming weeks.

The products contain a revolutionary composition of 5-Hylauronic Acid and Natural Biopolymer.

With prices starting from just £4.99, the science-led products are arriving to the middle aisle as skincare fans seek proactive ‘preventative’ products that maintain youthful skin while delaying the signs of ageing.

Featuring a high-performing Day Cream, Night Cream, Eye Cream and Facial Serum, the new additions ensure intense, multi-level hydration to lock in moisture and shield against environmental damage.

Aldi describes its NEW Lacura HA5+ Day Cream (£7.99, 50ml) as a “secret weapon for intensely hydrated and youthful skin”.

The innovative product plumps fine lines and wrinkles, and visibly tightens skin for a radiant glow.

Enhanced with additional ingredients of acacia, almond oil and shea butter alongside UV filters, it promises high-performing protection and moisture all day long.  

And you can even pair it with the NEW Lacura HA5+ Night Cream – priced at £7.99 for a 50ml jar.

With added watermelon seed oil, it helps to prevent overnight moisture loss and supports skin regeneration.

If you’re looking to round off your skincare regime with a skin serum, they’ve got you covered there too.

The Lacura HA5+ Serum – £6.99, 50ml – is a thirst-quencher for your skin.

With added acacia and citric acid, the lightweight and fast absorbing serum delivers visible lifting and tightening properties, leaving the skin plump, smooth and radiant.

It’s perfect for layering under makeup and provides the ultimate hydration boost for a youthful glow.

And don’t forget about the under eye area.

Beauty fans will be able to revive tired eyes with the Lacura HA5+ Eye Cream priced at £4.99 for 15ml.

This targeted product promises to reduce puffiness, minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and soothe the delicate skin around the eye area with protective acacia.

The exciting new skincare range hits stores across the country from March 9.

But as with all middle aisle products, you’ll have to be quick to pick them up while stocks last.

The new skincare products aren’t the only middle aisle buys that beauty fans will be racing for at the moment.

Aldi is transforming locks this winter with its new Lacura HR Hair Repair Leave-in Conditioning Mask.

This luxurious, leave-in treatment promises to deliver intense hydration and repair without the wait.

Its lightweight cream formula effortlessly detangles, softens, and smooths, leaving hair looking more luscious.

The hydrating mask also strengthens each strand, minimising split ends and visible damage.

And priced at just £4.99 for 50ml, it works out as £65.01 cheaper than high-end brand K18’s version – providing salon-quality care without the premium price tag

The leave-in hair mask hit shelves last month alongside a brand new 30ml hair repair oil, also priced at £4.99 – £60.01 cheaper than the pricier K18 option.

INDIA’S flag carrier is increasing its flights on several routes between the UK and India this year.

Air India, which recently merged with Vistara (another Indian airline) will launch additional flights on four of its UK routes.

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Air India is increasing its capacity on several routes between the UK and India.[/caption]

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Services between London Heathrow and Delhi will increase, with Brits able to visit bucket list landmarks like the India Gate (pictured)[/caption]

From March 30, services between London Heathrow and Delhi will increase from 21 to 24 per week.

As part of its summer schedule, flights will also be upped on two routes from London Gatwick.

Services between London Gatwick and Ahmedabad will increase to five, up from three.

Another service will also be added between London Gatwick to Amritsar, increasing flights from three per week to four.

Outside of the English capital, flights between Birmingham International and Amritsar will also increase from three to four.

Thanks to India’s rich history, diverse culture and stunning landscapes, it is often considered a bucket list destination for most Brits.

New Delhi, the country’s capital, is home to the Red Fort (Lal Qila) – a Unesco World Heritage Site once the main residence of Mughal emperors.

There’s also Qutub Minar, a minaret and victory tower, which is located at the site of Delhi’s oldest fortified city, Lal Kot.

Other key attractions include India Gate (a memorial commemorating World War One soldiers who lost their lives) and Humayun’s Tomb, which is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal, which is arguably India’s most well-known monument, is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, a four-hour drive from Delhi.

Ahmedabad is the largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat and is home to its own host of bucket list attractions.

One of its top sites has to be Sabarmati Ashram – Mahatma Gandhi’s former residence.

Despite the additional services, Air India will scrap its route between London Gatwick and Kochi next month until further notice.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, budget airline, IndiGo, announced its plans to launch flights to Europe.

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Despite being located in Agra, the Taj Mahal is a four-hour drive from Delhi[/caption]

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One of the top sites in Ahmedabad is Sabarmati Ashram – Mahatma Gandhi’s former residence (pictured)[/caption]

IndiGo is India’s largest passenger airline, with 88 domestic routes and 34 international services.

In a bid to increase its offering, the budget airline is set to lease a Boeing 787 from Norse Atlantic for six months.

The aircraft is slated to start flying next month, with the airline reportedly hiring staff based in Europe for the launch.

IndiGo said: “Currently IndiGo operates primarily domestic and regional short- to medium-haul services out of India but is in the process of expanding its global reach by adding long haul services.”

Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic has also launched two new flights to exciting destinations departing from London Heathrow.

And Ryanair is set to launch five new routes from a UK airport just in time for summer holidays.

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Routes from Birmingham International Airport and London Gatwick Airport to Amritsar (pictured) will also increase[/caption]

SOLDIER Soldier stars reunite for new psychological drama – 34 years after their classic ITV series aired.

The new Channel 5 miniseries sees the pair play opposite each other in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

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Soldier Soldier stars reunite for new psychological drama – 34 years after their classic ITV series aired[/caption]

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Robson and his other co-star Jerome Flynn in Soldier Soldier went onto release pop songs[/caption]

The new thriller entitled Catch You Later stars Jason Watkins as a retired police officer, Huw Miller, who is plagued by the one case he failed to crack.

A stalker who taunted his town, toying with his victims before killing them.

Patrick Harbottle (Robson Green) moves into a home on his street recently left empty when the occupier suddenly dies.

And Huw becomes convinced his new neighbour is the killer, thanks to three little words – Catch you later.

The actors first appeared together 34 years ago in the ITV drama Soldier Soldier as army officers on the same side.

Later, they went on to play adversaries on the BBC drama Being Human, when Robson played a werewolf who went up against vampire Jason.

But now the stakes (if you pardon the pun) are much higher in new drama – Catch you Later.

In an interview with Deadline Jason says: “The cat and mouse dynamic is really good.”

“It’s a game where these two men are almost stalking each other.

“The way Patrick says, ‘catch you later’ triggers something within Huw, who thinks he has his man.

“Patrick is over-friendly, and Huw feels everything is not quite what it seems.

“Very quickly you realize there is a game being played, but is Patrick a stalker and is Huw on the right track or spiralling out of control psychologically?” explains Robson.

So begins the cat-and-mouse caper, in which Miller and Harbottle, a seemingly genial man who befriends many of the locals, dance around what may or may not be true. For much of the four-part series, the audience is left in doubt about Harbottle’s innocence — or otherwise.

“The amazing thing that plays out in this series is the capitulation of Huw, played beautifully by Jason.

“And whether Patrick is just a friendly guy concerned about his welfare, or if he is psychologically torturing him.

“The audience will wonder what his motives are” continues Robson.

Jason adds that it’s the writing that will capture viewers attention.

“Good writing is about when you’re putting incendiary elements together.

“In Huw’s case, that means retirement. He’s had a good career as a copper, but there is unsolved business.

“There is a failure, as he sees it, trying to capture this rather cruel person.

“It has haunted him and we are catching him at that moment.”

Robson explains the shoot was long, hot and intense but says: “The highlight was reconnecting with Jason and reminding myself why I do what I do.”

Channel 5

Jason and Robson star in new cat and mouse drama Catch You Later[/caption]

Catch You Later will air on Channel 5.

GARDAI expect to make “significant progress” in their investigation into the fatal shooting of a young man in a gangland-related incident in Dublin last year, an inquest has heard.

Joshua Itseli, 20, was shot dead while sitting in a vehicle on Knocknarea Road in Drimnagh in the early hours of May 6, 2024.

Detective Inspector Tony Collins told a sitting of Dublin District Coroner’s Court on Tuesday that there was an ongoing investigation into Mr Itseli’s death which he claimed was “quite extensive.”

He told the coroner, Clare Keane, that he expected significant progress would be made in the investigation over the next six months.

Det Insp Collins applied for an adjournment of the inquest under Section 25 of the Coroners Act on the basis that criminal proceedings are being considered in the case.

Asked by the coroner if he could provide any detail about the progress of the investigation, Det Insp Collins replied that there were “a number of lines of inquiry.”

However, he explained that he did not wish to elaborate on the matter due to the ongoing investigation and its sensitive nature.

The deceased’s mother, Mado Batondoko, also gave evidence of formally identifying her son’s body to gardai at the Dublin City Mortuary in Whitehall two days after his death.

Dr Keane revealed that the results of a postmortem had confirmed that Mr Itseli had died as the result of a gunshot wound to the head.

The coroner granted the application for an adjournment of the inquest and fixed August 28 for the court to be updated on the progress of the investigation.

Following Mr Itseli’s death, it was reported that the deceased was part of a group travelling to carry out an attack on the home of rival drug dealers with a pipe bomb when they were ambushed.

However, gardaí are also trying to establish if Mr Itseli was accidentally shot by one of his associates or if he was set up by his own gang.

The deceased, who came from Blanchardstown, Dublin was travelling in a stolen vehicle which was rammed at around 12.15am before a semi-automatic AR-15 machine gun was fired up to 20 times.

The victim was known to gardáí as someone involved in the local drugs trade and was before the courts on drug-dealing charges.

He had been detained twice in the summer of 2023 for possession of crack cocaine with an estimated street value of over €30,000.

Three males who were arrested near the scene of the murder shortly after the deadly attack were questioned but later released without charge.

A firearm recovered by gardai as part of the investigation into Mr Itseli’s death as well as a number of cars seized were taken for forensic examination.

One of the three arrested who were wearing bulletproof vests, is the individual who gardaí regard as the main suspect for discharging the AR-15 weapon.

Media reports last August claimed this male had been the victim of a savage attack just weeks after he returned to Ireland from England where he had fled in the aftermath of Mr Itseli’s killing.

It is understood the suspect had become estranged from his former colleagues in a gang of young criminals in the area.

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