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Huge change in roaming tariff rules for holidaymakers: will you save money?

Jeffrey Bailey — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 23:17:02 +0000

MILLIONS of holidaymakers could save some money as new rules on roaming charges have been announced.

Ofcom has confirmed that from October 1, 2024, network operators must provide clear information to users abroad, including roaming charges and spending limits.

New rules can help prevent people from being hit with high mobile billsCredit: Alamy

Ofcom has ruled that network providers must provide clear information to holidaymakers abroadCredit: Alamy

They will have to tell users when they start roaming, including any ‘fair use’ or time restrictions that may apply.

‘Fair use’ determines how much of your UK data allowance you can use while roaming in Europe.

The watchdog said users should be informed how to set a spending limit and where to get help if they are unsure about roaming charges.

Before Brexit, you could use your existing calling, data and texting rates for free in Europe.

But Ofcom found that one in five (19%) holidaymakers are still unaware that they could face extra charges if they use their phone abroad.

A similar percentage (18%) say they do not research roaming costs before traveling.

Sue Davies, head of consumer protection policy at Which?, says these changes could help prevent people from being hit with high mobile bills they didn’t expect.

She said: “The new rules fall short because they do not suggest that providers should provide compensation to UK residents who accidentally fall foul of roaming charges, and they do not outline what this would look like.

“When Britain negotiates future trade deals, it must seize the opportunity to reduce the cost of roaming for consumers traveling around the world.

“The UK and EU must also reach an agreement on roaming charges so that people do not have to deal with excessive bills from providers.”

Easy ways to reduce your mobile bill

Cristina Luna-Esteban, Ofcom’s director of telecoms consumer policy, said: “The last thing holidaymakers want when returning from a trip abroad is an unexpected mobile phone bill.

“Currently, some customers are not receiving clear information from their carrier to help them manage their mobile usage and plan their spending.

“Our new protections ensure that you are told what it will cost when you start roaming, so you can be confident that you will not be faced with any surprises when it comes to your mobile bill while on holiday.”

ROAMING IN EUROPE

Those traveling with EE, Three, Vodafone, Sky and Voxi face varying charges.

This is what you have to pay when you roam abroad:

EE: £2.29 per day for contract customers, or if you have an Inclusive Extras plan you can buy a Roam Abroad Pass for £25 per month. £2.50 per day, or £10 for seven days, if you pay as you go. 50 GB “fair use” limit.

Three: £2 per day for contract customers, no charge for pay-as-you-go. You can buy a Data Passport for £5 for unlimited data in 89 countries. 12 GB “fair use” limit.

Vodafone: £2.25 per day, or buy a European roaming pass for £10 for 8 days or £15 for 15 days, if you are a contract customer. From £7 for eight days if you pay as you go. 25 GB “fair use” limit.

Sky: £2 per day. No ‘fair use’ limit.

Voxi: £2.25 per day for one day, £4 for two days, £10 for eight days or £15 for 15 days. 20 GB “fair use” limit.

O2 customers don’t have to worry about this as the company prides itself on being the only major mobile operator not to reintroduce roaming charges in Europe.

An O2 spokesperson said: “[We are] We save our customers money and offer them incredible value when they travel to the most popular vacation destinations.

“Our customers benefit from using their calls, texts and data as they would at home when they are in Europe, up to 25 GB, and wherever our customers go, we send them a text message when they arrive at their destination , where we explain any data limits and charges that may apply.”

Users should be clearly informed when their roaming charges abroad become applicableCredit: Alamy

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Kim Petras credits close friend Sam Smith for her commercial breakthrough after collaborating on Unholy – but admits she needed therapy to cope with its success

Sabir Ansary — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:43:38 +0000

By Jason Chester for MailOnline

Published: 8:02 PM EDT, March 14, 2024 | Updated: 8:36 PM EDT, March 14, 2024

For those in the know, she’s been quietly circling the mainstream since the release of her 2017 debut single, I Don’t Want It All.

But a collaboration with close friend Sam Smith for the number one hit Unholy arguably thrust her into the spotlight – and won her a new legion of fans.

A commercial breakthrough of sorts came in 2023, when Petras joined Smith on stage for a provocative live performance at the 2023 Grammy and BRIT Awards, watched by millions of people around the world.

And talk to Cosmopolitan BritainIn the April-May issue, the 31-year-old trans singer admits that working with Smith – both on stage and in the studio – marked a significant change in her professional fortunes.

“It was crazy… It took over my life – suddenly I was traveling a lot, and there were more eyeballs on me than ever before,” she said.

Kim Petras has credited close friend Sam Smith with reviving her pop career

The German-born trans singer has developed a close friendship after working with the British star on his number one hit Unholy

“It felt like a huge breakthrough because it changed the music industry’s perception of me and what I could do.”

Petras was assigned male at birth before undergoing gender reassignment in her teens, and she believes her friendship with Smith — who identifies as non-binary — has been strengthened by the inevitable public attention it brings to her private life.

“Sam is such a great person and has been my coach in many ways,” she said. ‘If I feel in crisis, or read something about myself that I can’t deal with, I text or call them.

‘That amount of media attention is really frightening; it forced me to grow as a person, and it’s so inspiring to see Sam be able to shake that off.”

Unholy topped the charts in 20 countries before winning Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards

But the intense scrutiny that inevitably followed would force Petras into therapy as she processed the song’s unprecedented success.

“Therapy was necessary for me after I had a huge number, to learn how to shut it all down,” she said.

‘I had a therapist in my teens and stopped when things got busy. But I missed someone I could tell everything to.

In the April-May issue of Cosmopolitan UK, the singer admits that her collaboration with Smith marked a significant change in her professional fortunes.

Petras was assigned male at birth before undergoing gender reassignment, and she believes her friendship with Smith has been strengthened by the interest it brings to her private life.

‘I recommend therapy to everyone; it’s an essential tool… the music industry can be very hectic.”

So hectic that she rarely has time to date, and when she does, her elevated status can often be problematic.

“I’m someone who really enjoys my life, and I’m interested in people who enjoy their lives… Generally, when I date, I’m looking for people who are passionate,” she said. “But dating when you have a public persona is strange.”

Read the full interview in the April/May issue of Cosmopolitan UK, on newsstands Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

Smith performed a VERY raunchy performance of Unholy at the 2023 BRIT Awards, where he was joined by Petras

The singer put on a busty show in a black bra under overalls during the performance

The BRIT Awards performance came just days after another equally raunchy appearance with Smith at the Grammy Awards

Read the full interview in the April/May issue of Cosmopolitan UK, on newsstands Tuesday, March 19, 2024

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Famous Big Brother fans confused as Marisha Wallace and Levi Roots burst into tears after nomination: ‘It’s like they’ve been family for weeks’

Sabir Ansary — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 23:34:05 +0000

Celebrity Big Brother fans were left confused during Thursday’s episode when Marisha Wallace and Levi Roots broke down in tears after the nominations took place.

Viewers took to social media to express their frustrations with the celebrities getting emotional over nominating their housemates so soon after meeting.

Levi, 65, was the first to nominate Zeze Millz, calling her out because she said her job is to make people uncomfortable. His second nomination was for David Potts, as he felt they had not connected and claimed the reality star picks and chooses who he speaks to.

But it all became a bit much for Levi, who then asked for a few seconds before leaving the diary room, putting his head in his hands and crying.

Later, Marisha, 38, went inside to nominate and chose Lauren Simon and David before becoming emotional as she walked back into the living room.

Famous Big Brother fans were left confused during Thursday’s episode when Marisha Wallace and Levi Roots broke down in tears after the nominations took place

Viewers took to social media to express their frustrations with the celebrities getting emotional over nominating their fellow housemates so soon after meeting

“I didn’t know it was going to be this intense,” she told the other housemates, wiping tears from her eyes.

“It’s funny how most of the time I don’t care,” she said, as Zeze put her arm around her shoulder. ‘Why do I care so much, it’s stupid. I feel bad.’

But CBB fans weren’t exactly sympathetic to the housemates’ tears.

“These people are so emotionally unstable and it’s only day 3…” said someone on X, formerly Twitter.

“I laugh when they cry about nominating for three days like they’ve been family for weeks,” said another.

A third wrote: ‘What’s with all the tears over these nominations? As if you’ve known each other for five minutes.’

A longtime fan of the show added that the crying was something they never understood. “Almost 50 series later and I still don’t understand why people cry when they have to nominate… it’s part of the game,” they wrote.

“Not another cryer,” one moaned, while another labeled Marisha’s sobs as “crocodile tears.”

The nominating all became a bit much for Levi, who then asked for a few seconds before leaving the diary room, putting his head in his hands and crying.

Later, Marisha, 38, went inside to nominate and chose Lauren Simon and David before becoming emotional as she walked back into the living room

“I didn’t know it was going to be this intense,” she told the other housemates, wiping tears from her eyes

But CBB fans weren’t exactly sympathetic to the housemates’ tears. “These people are so emotionally unstable and it’s only day 3…” said someone on X, formerly Twitter

Another said: ‘Really? We’re already in tears and it’s only been a few days.”

Earlier in the show, Ekin-Su Culculoglu discussed the reaction she received when she wore a racy costume during her performance Dancing on ice stint.

The former Love Island star, 29, sparked 112 Ofcom complaints for performing a racy routine in a daring see-through outfit on the family-friendly series.

After receiving criticism for her skimpy ensemble, Ekin-Su covered up her modesty and swapped the racy outfits for a nun costume – for which she received no complaints.

Speaking about the “pressure women face” of having to look a certain way, Ekin-Su recalled the controversial moment during Thursday night’s CBB.

She said: ‘There is particular pressure on women. When I did Dancing On Ice, perfect example, I was criticized for an outfit I wore the first week.

Ekin-Su Culculoglu, 29, from Celebrity Big Brother, discussed the backlash she received when she wore a racy costume during her Dancing On Ice stint

The former Love Island star sparked 112 Ofcom complaints for performing a racy routine in a daring sheer outfit on the family-friendly series in 2023

‘Because it looked transparent in some parts, but it was a unitard. So dressing up as a nun from the Sound Of Music got me through.

‘And I thought, “Okay, now I get it.”

Ekin-Su brought fire to the rink in 2023 when he stepped out in a nude mesh jumpsuit with a dramatic embellished detail during the ITV skating show.

The ensemble was a recreation of the one Britney Spears wore in her Toxic music video, which the reality star danced to.

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Research shows that almost two-thirds of young people are addicted to online pornography

Albert Elence — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 02:34:15 +0000

By Padraic Flanagan

Published: 9:17 PM EST, January 20, 2024 | Updated: 9:30 PM EST, January 20, 2024

Nearly two-thirds of young people are now addicted to online pornography, according to a leading mental health and addiction clinic.

Paracelsus Recovery said research into patients referred for treatment suggested porn addiction was significantly more common than official figures suggest.

Children are being exposed to online pornography from the age of nine, according to a recent study by the Children's Commissioner for England.

A quarter of 16 to 21 year olds first saw pornography on the internet when they were in primary school. By age 13, 50 percent had been exposed.

But Paracelsus Recovery, based in Zurich and London, warned it had seen a 150 per cent increase in the number of people being treated for porn addiction between 2019 and 2023.

CEO Jan Gerber said: 'Our research clearly shows that porn addiction is significantly more common than official figures suggest.

A quarter of 16 to 21 year olds first saw pornography on the internet when they were in primary school. By age 13, 50 percent had been exposed (stock image)

According to a recent study by the Children's Commissioner for England, children are being exposed to online pornography from the age of nine (stock image)

A 27-year-old British man treated by Paracelsus Recovery said he became addicted to pornography after he started watching it from the age of 12 (stock image)

'We estimate that one in two men suffer from problematic porn consumption that would meet the diagnostic criteria for addiction, and one in four women.

'Among young people under the age of 18, the level is even higher, around 60 percent.'

The United Kingdom has the second highest number of Internet porn searches in the world, with an average of 16,600,000 porn searches per month. The adult film industry is estimated to be worth over £15 billion a year.

The government's Online Safety Act, passed last year, will force porn websites to use age verification software to block access to under-18s. Similar technology is already used by gambling websites.

Ofcom is in consultation with the porn industry over how the scheme will be rolled out next year.

A 27-year-old British man treated by Paracelsus Recovery said he became addicted to pornography after he started watching it from the age of 12.

He said: 'I had lost all control over my behaviour. I sat in my room smoking weed and watching porn videos from morning to night.

'I had no friends, it had ruined my education and I felt hopeless.

“I can't even put into words how disgusted and ashamed I felt, and only other people who have struggled with porn addiction can understand the depth of this despair.”

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Revealed: The European countries with the best and worst internet speeds (and Britain is only 15th!)

Albert Elence — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 11:16:04 +0000

A new study reveals the fastest internet speeds in Europe – and Britain is far behind.

Researchers from BusinessComparison.com tested in 30 European countries how long it took to load a web page on mobile or desktop.

Britain comes in 15th in mobile load times and performs even worse on desktop, at 17th.

While UK broadband is still faster than the European average, Brits experience load times almost a full second longer than countries at the top.

Sweden tops the tables for both desktop and mobile internet speeds, the experts found.

Mobile internet speeds in Europe are much slower on mobile than on desktop, although Britain ranks slightly higher at 15th

Sweden tops the charts for the fastest desktop and mobile internet, while Britain lags behind

Sam White, digital content executive at BusinessComparison.com, says the research ‘analyzed the average web page loading speed on both desktop and mobile devices for every country in Europe, using the figure for how long it would take for the page loads. visitor on the domestic market.’

Using this method, the study found that the average time it takes to load a web page in Europe is 5.17 seconds on desktop and 8.78 seconds on mobile.

Mr White suggests this could be due to Britain’s aging mobile infrastructure, citing Ofcom data showing only 48 per cent of homes have full fiber broadband.

Recently, London ranked 76th out of 200 cities for the fastest internet speed in the world.

Other studies have also shown that adventurers in the Arctic Circle can get broadband ten times faster than half a million households in rural Britain.

Britain ranks 15th out of 30 for the country’s fastest internet speeds, according to a new study

For desktop, Sweden came out on top with the fastest loading speeds in Europe, followed by Finland, Denmark and Latvia

Britain may be in the middle of the table for fastest speeds, but it’s still a lot faster than average.

In Britain, it takes an average of 4.67 seconds to load a desktop page and 8.26 seconds to load a mobile page.

When it comes to loading times on desktops, Sweden is by some distance the fastest, taking just 3.74 seconds to load a page.

This is followed by Finland at 3.84 seconds, while Denmark and Latvia share third place with loading times of 4 seconds.

It takes significantly longer to load a page on mobile than on desktop: 3.6 seconds longer on average.

Mobile loading times were on average 3.6 seconds longer than on desktop, but Sweden still ranks first for the fastest loading times

Mr White said: ‘There are several reasons for this: whilst desktop browsers can handle media and image files, these will often cause problems for mobile browsers due to the larger size of these files.

‘Mobile devices can also be slow to load internet pages if there is a poor connection in the area or if the user has a large number of web browser tabs or even other apps open.’

But even with slower speeds compared to desktop, Sweden still has by far the fastest mobile internet speeds with a page loading in 7.48 seconds.

Denmark is in second place with average times of 7.65 seconds. followed by Finland and Latvia with 7.8 and 7.93 second loading times respectively.

At the bottom of the table is Turkey, where BusinessComparison.com says outdated copper wires contribute to slower desktop speeds

The bottom three countries were the same for both mobile and desktop browsing, with Turkey followed by Bulgaria and Romania

At the bottom of the table, Turkey ranks for both mobile and desktop move speeds, taking 10.22 seconds to load a page on desktop and 13.19 seconds on mobile.

In addition to the devastating earthquakes in February that disrupted services, Mr. White says Turkey has outdated internet infrastructure.

Mr White writes: ‘There are problems with Turkey’s internet connectivity overall, with much of the country relying on thirty-year-old copper cables rather than more modern cables, which can transmit more data faster and further, with less signal loss . ‘

Bulgaria ranks second to last for both desktop and mobile, with speeds of 9.39 and 12.89 seconds respectively.

Finally, Romania has the third slowest speeds: 8.59 seconds for desktop and 11.91 seconds for mobile.

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The Royal Variety Performance gets a thumbs down from viewers as they savage ITV extravaganza for its ‘depressing’ line-up and slam host Bradley Walsh for his ’embarrassing’ stand-up routine – but THREE stars are credited with saving the show

Sabir Ansary — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 02:14:59 +0000

Viewers have given a firm thumbs down to the 2023 Royal Variety Performance after it finally hit screens on Sunday night.

Despite a star-studded lineup for the guests of honour, The Prince and Princess of Wales, many fans took to social media to malign the ‘depressing’ names that took to the stage.

Others took aim at the event’s host Bradley Walsh, and slammed his stand-up routine as ‘painfully unfunny’ and ’embarrssing,’ with The Chase frontman even taking a swipe at The Royals in attendance.

However, while much of the evening was savaged by viewers, including Britain’s Got Talent winner Viggo Venn and comedian Simon Brodkin, three names earned plenty of praise.

Cher, Hannah Waddingham and Beverley Knight were all lauded by fans watching for bringing a touch of star power to proceedings, with some noting they even ‘saved’ the show.

Viewers have given a firm thumbs down to the 2023 Royal Variety Performance after it finally hit screens on Sunday night

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one posted: ‘#RoyalVarietyPerformance by the looks of some of the comments I’m glad I skipped the shebang.’

‘#RoyalVarietyPerformance the highlight of the evening was Bradley Walsh’s opening rant about no gong, all down hill after that, hit rock bottom with that p**t and his high vis,’ a second added.

A third posted: ‘I bet King Charles was glad he decided to send his son and stay snug at home in his comfies than going out that night to endure’ while one added: ‘Not sure what’s more depressing, the quality of the acts on offer (with one or two exceptions) or the comments on Twitter.’

Bradley was slammed by ITV viewers as he kickstarted the show with a ‘cringe’ stand-up routine.

The Chase presenter first appeared in the annual show 30 years ago and has now taking charge of proceedings.

However, just minutes into the show fans took to social media to complain about his ‘boring’ opening as he made an awkward joke at the expense of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The Princess and Prince of Wales attended the event at the Royal Albert Hall with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband Prince Daniel, who were in the UK on an official visit.

William and Kate entered the event with beaming smiles before they settled into the balcony with the Swedish royals while the crowd was giving them a standing ovation.

Despite a star-studded lineup for the guests of honour, The Prince and Princess of Wales, many fans took to social media to malign the ‘depressing’ names that took to the stage

ITV viewers were quick to take to X, formerly known as Twitter, to complain how ‘cringe’ the bit was

Bradley made a joke on the ‘royal highnesses’ being in attendance, with the camera switching to William and Kate as they laughed away – despite Omid Scobie’s ‘royal racist’ claims which were published on the very same day.

Bradley’s awkward joke started with him greeting the ‘royal highness, or royal highnesses’, with him pretending to stumble over the word several times.

‘It doesn’t sound right, your royal highnessesses? There’s too many “ssessess”, innit? Your royal highness… your royal highnessesses?,’ he said.

‘It should be like cactus, cactussess, cacti. Your royal highness, highnessess and highni. That’s it. I’ve got it. Your royal highni.’

Meanwhile Kate and William as well as Victoria and Daniel were seen laughing awkwardly at the joke at their expense.

The royal couple showed no signs of anguish following the release of Omid Scobie’s book Endgame, the couple looked delighted to greet the crowd.

But viewers were quick to take to X, formerly known as Twitter, to complain how ‘cringe’ the bit was.

One wrote: ‘Bradley Walsh stand-up comedy isn’t for you.’

A second agreed: ‘Bradley you are going on a bit too much about noting having an OBE you’re not good at stand-up.’

Also on the bill was Britain’s Got Talent winner Viggo Venn, who bagged his place on the bill after his controversial Britain’s Got Talent win back in June

Viewers at home were left well and truly divided while some claimed the Norwegian comedian ‘hysterical’ others branded him a ‘cringeworthy embarrassment’

Comedian Simon Brodkin also sparked a furious backlash with his own stand-up routine, after he made a ‘sick and insensitive’ Covid joke

While Simon’s joke earned plenty of laughter from the audience, many viewers watching at home took offence, and slammed the jibe with many noting they lost loved ones to Covid

Another penned: ‘Bradley Walsh absolutely painfully unfunny. This is one of the worst routines I have ever seen in my life. Hopefully the end of this ‘career’.’

The evening saw a slew of big names taking to the stage, including Paloma Faith, McFly and the cast of shows Sister Act and Crazy For You.

Also on the bill was Britain’s Got Talent winner Viggo Venn, who bagged his place on the bill after his controversial Britain’s Got Talent win back in June.

Some viewers even used the hashtag #CancelBGT at the time as they took to Twitter to criticise the results of the public vote.

But now back on stage and decked out in his high vis, Viggo performed his own unique style of comedy and crowned a random audience member ‘King Charles’ as he presented him a golden jacket.

Viewers at home were left well and truly divided while some claimed the Norwegian comedian ‘hysterical’ others branded him a ‘cringeworthy embarrassment’.

One furious fan said he ‘made a mockery of both BGT and the Royal Variety’, while a second typed: ‘Motored watching him, I had to turn it off’.

With a third saying: ‘Embarrassing, cringe. Did he win [BGT] as a protest vote’. And: ‘Embarrassing not entertaining in the slightest’.

A fourth agreed stating: ‘The Royal Variety perfomance this year is shockingly bad and Vigo Venn highlighted that’. Someone else branded his on stage antics: ‘Pathetic’.

But others were loving the show and said his set left them in ‘stitches’, with one commenting: ‘Great to see Viggo back’.

With another fan writing: Made me laugh a lot tonight and BGT. Comedy is subjective’.

A fourth gushed: ‘II’m sorry but Viggo Venn is hilarious, I’m in stitches right now’. And: ‘Well I thought he was funny’. With a fifth adding: ‘He makes me laugh’ and fifth wrote: ‘It made me laugh’. A seventh happy viewer added: ‘Viggo Venn loved you on the Royal Variety you smashed it’.

Comedian Simon Brodkin also sparked a furious backlash with his own stand-up routine, after he made a ‘sick and insensitive’ Covid joke.

The comedian has previously been known for attention-grabbing stunts, including throwing money at FIFA President Sepp Blatter during a press conference and handing Theresa May a P45.

Opening his set at the prestigious event, Simon quipped that he ‘broke into a lab in Wuhan in 2019’ in reference to the supposed origins of the deadly coronavirus.

He told the audience: ‘I am the guy that did all the stunts and people always want to kow if my stunts ever go wrong. Occasionally, late 2019 I broke into this laboratory in Wuhan. Sorry.’

While Simon’s joke earned plenty of laughter from the audience, many viewers watching at home took offence, and slammed the jibe.

One posted: ‘HOW dare you make a DISGUSTING joke about the pandemic? I will be making a complete Ofcom about this you should be ashamed of yourself.’

‘The Wuhan joke was very poor taste. Many lost loved ones, or remain poorly – not funny,’ a second added.

A third posted: ‘Sorry, but jokes about Covid are in poor taste, we lost a family member to it. I’m a nurse and worked through it too, terrible times.’

‘Very distasteful and insensitive joke about the Wuhan Labs. Many people lost their lives to Covid!’ one user posted.

However, there were some stars who took to the stage that earned some praise from viewers, with Beverley Knight showcasing her incredible vocals alongside the cast of Sister Act

Fans lauded Beverley’s performance as part of the cast of the West End show

One shared: ‘Was Simon Brodkin making a joke about Covid?? The joke about him breaking to a laboratory if so that’s not funny that’s sick!!’

However, there were some stars who took to the stage that earned some praise from viewers, with Beverley Knight showcasing her incredible vocals alongside the cast of Sister Act.

One wrote: ‘Sister Act saved a dreadful Royal Variety Performance’

Another said: ‘Beverley Knight now we’ve a bit of class. Thank God, Sister.’

A third penned: ‘Sister Act is what I’ve been looking forward to! No way I’ll ever get to see it in the West End so delighted to have a taster!’

A fourth said: ‘Beverley Knight can do ANYTHING’

Another added: ‘#beverleyknight being the ICON as always GOD BLESS my IDOL #theroyalvarietyshow’

‘@Beverleyknight & the cast of #SisterAct had me goosebumping all over the joint on the #RoyalVarietyPerformance. I NEED to see that show in the West End!!’, gushed another.

‘YAY @beverleyknight and @sisteractsocial lighting up the #royalvarietyperformance,’ added a seventh.

Dressed in an elegant gold gown, Hannah Waddingham also delivered a stunning performance which earned universal praise from viewers

One wrote: ‘Wow Hannah Waddingham can SING!!’ while another added: ‘Well our latest National Treasure… Hannah Waddingham really delivered then. She’s a bit of a star’

Cher also closed out the evening with a performance of her festive new track DJ Play A Christmas Song

The hitmaker was a welcome addition to the Royal Variety lineup, and was praised by many fans

Dressed in an elegant gold gown, Hannah Waddingham also delivered a stunning performance which earned universal praise from viewers.

One wrote: ‘Wow Hannah Waddingham can SING!!’ while another added: ‘Well our latest National Treasure… Hannah Waddingham really delivered then. She’s a bit of a star.’

A third posted: ‘Wow! Best act of the night! Hannah Waddingham. Amazing,’ while one viewer added: ‘My god, Hannah Waddingham is absolutely extraordinary.’

Cher also closed out the evening with a performance of her festive new track DJ Play A Christmas Song, and was a welcome addition to the lineup for many viewers.

One posted: ‘I have to admit Cher’s Christmas song is very catchy. I wouldn’t mind it getting the much-anticipated #ChristmasNumber1,’ while a second added: ‘Yeh we would have rather heard a Cher classic song but wow she looks absolutely fantastic for 77.’

A third praised: ‘That Cher Christmas song is right banger,’ while another added: ‘I have to say, this Cher song is very catchy. I like it.’

‘DJ play a Christmas song is genuinely such a good song, Cher is forever mother,’ one shared.

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I’m A Celeb’s Fred Sirieix reveals the REAL reason for his feud with Josie Gibson after being voted out of camp

Sabir Ansary — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:54:35 +0000

I’m A Celeb’s Fred Sirieix has revealed the real reason for his feud with Josie Gibson in the Jungle.

The First Date’s star, 51, and the This Morning presenter, 38, came to blows over the cooking and Fred has now reflected on why they locked horns in his exit interview.

He became the third star to be voted out on Tuesday’s episode and spoke to hosts Ant and Dec afterwards.

Fred was originally camp chef at the start of the series and after having to relinquish his responsibility to others he became increasingly irate and was branded ‘controlling’ by viewers.

It even saw him become embroiled in a ‘sexism’ row after many watching accused him of being ‘misogynistic’ towards presenter Josie while she made dinner.

I’m A Celeb’s Fred Sirieix has revealed the real reason for his feud with Josie Gibson in the Jungle

The First Date’s star, 51, and the This Morning presenter, 38, came to blows over the cooking and Fred has now reflected on why they locked horns in his exit interview

Defending his actions in his exit interview, he insisted there was a mistake Josie was constantly making which left him annoyed.

He told the Geordie duo: ‘She’s just making it up as she goes along. So I think there’s a lot at stake with the food.

‘And it’s not just what you’re cooking at the moment which of course is going to be good, because the produce is incredible, it is what you can do the next day with the leftovers of the bones.’

Viewers had been seeing less of the manners and more of the ‘misogyny’ in Fred in recent episodes after his behaviour towards his female co-stars left fans branding him ‘unbearable’.

Meanwhile, Fred had been seen cosying up with Nigel Farage, 59, on the show, despite once calling him a ‘Coward who likes money, attention and the sound of his own voice far too much.’

Both pot washers in the camp until Tuesday, the former UKIP leader and the Frenchman bonded over the cleanliness of the camp and complained about Josie’s meals while scrubbing the pans at the water’s edge.

Fred, also a professional chef, relentlessly criticised the single mother’s cooking abilities and during Monday night’s episode he told hosts Ant and Dec, ‘There is no method, there is no technique.

‘She’s just making it up as she goes along. If she just let me take her through it step-by-step clearly, we would be ok.’

He became the third star to be voted out on Tuesday’s episode and spoke to hosts Ant and Dec afterwards

Fred was originally camp chef at the start of the series and after having to relinquish his responsibility to others he became increasingly irate and was branded ‘controlling’

It even saw him become embroiled in a ‘sexism’ row after many watching accused him of being ‘misogynistic’ towards presenter Josie while she made dinner

But viewers hit back at Fred and wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: ‘Fred Sirieix is controlling and misogynistic. He may be a trained chef but it doesn’t mean he has to make everyone feel less than.’

Josie has been praised online for her calm response when she said: ‘You’ve just got to give me the reins my love, I know it’s hard.’

Others online told him to ‘back off’ from Josie and one person wrote: ‘How Josie has not ripped Fred’s head off I don’t know. How conceited and patronising. Get him out!’

In addition, three days into the show YouTuber Nella Rose, 26, and Fred had an argument during which she accused the Maitre’d of ‘little-girling’ her but the hint at an unequal dynamic was overlooked because viewers sided with Fred.

Since then the public’s opinion of Fred has shifted after his ‘sexist’ behaviour towards Josie and Nella when camp chores were allocated.

Initially, Nella and Josie were tasked with washing the pots up after Mr Sirieix cooked the campmates rice and beans.

But the camp descended into chaos when the furious First Dates star threw the already washed pots onto the ground complaining they were ‘unclean’ and sent the pair back.

This sparked a misogyny row with viewers on X writing: ‘No Fred’s annoying me now, ‘You haven’t done a good enough job’… how sexist.’

Another person wrote: ‘I am so disappointed with that. I now dislike Fred Sirieix.’

Confiding in the Bush Telegraph on Friday, Nella said: ‘If somebody’s cleaned something you don’t pick it up and dash it on the floor.’

Josie added: ‘I like Fred, but it’s not very nice being told what you’ve done isn’t good enough and I’m thorough.’

In his exit chat Fred also spoke about his feud with Nigel Farage after the pair had regular arguments about immigration and Brexit.

He said: ‘It was great in camp because Nigel is a doer, we can work together, we can go and collect wood and water.

‘But yeah, there is a side of Nigel Farage that I cannot connect with and I will never connect with him. He hasn’t brought me around to his way of thinking, no.’

On his experience in general he added: ‘My time in the jungle has been an amazing experience, I got to meet some wonderful people.

‘It is like another life and here I am. I was living in the moment and not thinking about what was happening next. I found it quite easy because I really prepared myself.’

Fred lost out to Danielle Harold in the public vote after they both came in the bottom two in the latest elimination.

It came after Nella Rose was the second star to be eliminated on Monday, while jockey Frankie Dettori was the first to go home in the public vote.

Jamie Lynn Spears and Grace Dent both previously exited the jungle after separately quitting on medical grounds, with just seven campmates now remaining.

He also bossed around Sam Thompson (pictured) after he was made camp chef along with Nick Pickard

It comes after Nella was eliminated from the camp on Monday and held her hands to her mouth in shock and appeared totally floored by the news.

The influencer’s time in the jungle was a controversial one after her numerous rows with Nigel Farage and Fred led to 2,000 Ofcom complaints.

Despite the tensions Nella said a fond farewell to all her campmates as Tony Bellow told her: ‘You are a winner, you’ve done amazing.’

She came in the bottom two alongside Marvin Humes and viewers were left in shock on Monday as he narrowly avoided being eliminated.

I’m A Celebrity 2023: Meet the campmates

NIGEL FARAGE

Claim to fame: Former leader of the UK Independence Party and leader of the Brexit Party.

Phobias: Nobody likes rats, snakes and I am dreading anything to do with heights.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel?: I have been demonised over the years and so it will be nice to show people I am not nasty.

Role in camp: Lead on starting up plenty of campfire discussions.

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp?: A pint in the pub and the news.

Best & worst attributes: I hope to cheer people up when they are down. Worst? I am impatient and I do snore.

Dream camper: As a controversial political media figure, I never name names… But I am looking forward to meeting interesting people from all different fields

DANIELLE HAROLD

Claim to fame: EastEnders actress.

Phobias: Rats. I hate them!

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I can be a little ditzy at times but I am definitely not a ‘dumb blonde’. I want to show I can do the trials, challenges and get stuck in.

Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on, help others if they are feeling low in camp.

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Snacking. I am a little muncher and I am going to miss my morning cup of tea, too!

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I will be good if people are really struggling. I am not, however, very good at being bored, nor am I a morning person either.

Dream camper: Ed Sheeran. If he brings his guitar into camp, he can sing for us.

FRED SIRIEIX – LEFT!

Claim to fame: First Dates star.

Phobias: I am scared of everything. I am dying to find out how vile the food will be!

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I don’t think there is anything but I am looking forward to learning more about myself during my time in the camp.

Role in camp: I will definitely muck in with all the jobs. I don’t mind cooking or cleaning the toilets.

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My bed. It’s super comfy. I will also miss a cup of coffee in the morning.

Best & worst attributes: I like to have fun but I do snore and I am impatient!

Dream camper: It’s going to be nice to meet everyone but I’d love to see Dolly Parton, The Rock or Snoop Dog in there.

NELLA ROSE – LEFT!

Claim to fame: YouTuber and Catfish UK star.

Phobias: I am fearful of everything!

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle? I am a pretty open book.

Role in camp: Keep the morale and humour high.

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My phone… I am always on it!

Dream camper: Alison Hammond or Adele.

NICK PICKARD

Claim to fame: Hollyoaks star.

Phobias: I am a bit scared of the dark. When you go to the House of Horrors at Halloween and things jump out at you, I am not very good when I can’t see!

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: It will be nice to go in as me and not as my Hollyoaks character.

Role in camp: Grafter or chef, I am quite good at cooking. But I’ve never cooked on a fire before. Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp: Football and my creature comforts.

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am a nice person and a good team player. I am not lazy but I do have a few bad habits like picking my nose. My girlfriend has been trying to train me to stop!

Dream camper: Sir Alex Ferguson or Neil Warnock.

FRANKIE DETTORI – LEFT!

Claim to fame: Champion Jockey

Phobias: I am not sure as I don’t walk across rooftop planks in the middle of the day nor do I have any snakes or rats in the house!

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: None. I’ve lived in the public domain for as long as I can remember so I’d hope everyone knows me well.

Role in camp: To have fun with everyone, I am a happy-go- lucky person.

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? Travelling. I have spent my whole life at airports and I’ve got to like it!

Best & worst attributes: I am outgoing and I am a fighter. Worst? I can’t sit still and I am impatient.

Dream camper: Robbie Williams would be fun.

JAMIE LYNN SPEARS – LEFT!

Claim to fame: Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias star.

Phobias: I am scared of everything.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I think this is a nice chance to show who I really am.

Role in camp: Hopefully I will be the one who can support everyone.

Aside from family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? A normal bathroom, air conditioning and my bed.

Best & worst attributes: I think my best quality is it takes a lot to hurt my feelings; but I am impatient and my family would say I get in a bad mood a lot.

Dream camper: Nicole Kidman, she is my favourite actress in the whole wide world, or Reece Witherspoon.

SAM THOMPSON

Claim to fame: Made In Chelsea star and radio presenter.

Phobias: I am not a creepy crawly guy and I hate anyone or anything touching my neck.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: Since the age of 21, I’ve spent my whole life on TV and so I feel whether people have a good or bad opinion of me, it’s probably warranted!

Role in camp: I’m a ‘yes’ man so cooking, cleaning I will do whatever they want me to do.

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: I know this sounds lame but gaming.

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am the court jester and I don’t take things too seriously, so if anyone is having a bad day I would like to put a smile on their face. Worst? I am quite forgetful and I am bad at focusing on things.

Dream camper: Stephen Fry. I think I would self-combust if he was going in the jungle!

JOSIE GIBSON

Claim to fame: This Morning presenter.

Phobias: Insects and I freeze every time I see a spider and I am not sure what I am going to do if I am in a trial with them!

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I would like people to know I am very clever at knowing useless information!

Role in camp: Mum. I am very motherly and I also love chatting to people.

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Getting up to blow dry my hair and putting a bit of make-up on!

Best & worst attributes: I am an optimist and I love meeting people from all walks of life. Worst? I can be quite nosey and I am worried about my temper if I am too hungry.

Dream camper: Dawn French, I love her.

MARVIN HUMES

Claim to fame: JLS star.

Phobias: Heights. I have pulled out of a skydive with JLS in the past because I was too scared!

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: To show I am not just a member of a boy band. It will be nice for people to learn more about me.

Role in camp: I’d like to think I will be a shoulder to cry on and a mediator.

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: My fantasy football app! I am obsessed with it! Four weeks without music is a long time, too.

Best & worst attributes: I’ve got three children under the age of ten and you definitely need a lot of patience for that! Worst? Rochelle would probably say I get ‘hangry’ if I don’t have enough food.

Dream camper: Paddy McGuinness – I’ve done Soccer Aid with him before and I know he’s funny, he gets stuck in and he is hands on.

GRACE DENT – LEFT!

Claim to fame: MasterChef star and food critic.

Phobias: Horrible people.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People think I am quite forthright and scary but I don’t think I am scary! Hopefully people will see this.

Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on and I am a practical cook so I can help out.

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My three cats and my make-up bag. I love a bit of glamour.

Best & worst attributes: I would like to think I am funny! My worst quality is lack of sleep. I like my sleep.

Dream camper: Queen Camilla. She would be very practical. And Madonna – she could perform tracks from her Greatest Hits tour!

TONY BELLEW

Claim to fame: Former champion boxer

Phobias: Like most normal people, I am scared of almost everything.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People will portray me as something I am not because of the profession I have had. I am just a normal person.

Role in camp: I’d like to think I am domesticated so hopefully I can help out.

Best & worst attributes: I do get hangry…who doesn’t! But I am easy going and I get on with everyone.

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Nella Rose becomes bookmakers’ favorite for LEAVE I’m A Celebrity in first public vote after clashes with campmates sparked more than 2,000 Ofcom complaints

Sabir Ansary — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:06:26 +0000

Nella Rose has become the bookmakers’ favorite to leave I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! during the first public vote this weekend.

The YouTuber, 26, has rowed with campmate Fred Sirieix and clashed with Nigel Farage, leading to more than 2,000 Ofcom complaints. She is now the equal favorite to reach 2-1.

According to leading bookmaker CoralFrankie Dettori has to leave at 2-1, while Nick Pickard is at 4-1.

Meanwhile, Sam Thompson is now the bookmakers’ favorite to win with odds-on of 5-6 and be crowned King of the Jungle.

Coral’s John Hill explained: “We don’t think Nella will survive the opening vote for I’m A Celeb this year, so she’s the favorite to leave, ahead of Frankie and Nick respectively.”

Nella Rose has become the bookmakers’ favorite to leave I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! during the first public vote this weekend

The 26-year-old YouTuber, who has already rowed with campmate Fred Sirieix and collided with Nigel Farage, is now the equal favorite to go 2-1

He added: “Sam continues to shine in the jungle, and he now has a great chance of being crowned King of the Jungle.”

However, it took just over 48 hours for her combative personality to emerge during an argument with campmate Fred in the incident now dubbed ‘Dadgate’.

The First Dates star had joked that he needed laser eye surgery because “I’m old enough to be your dad.”

Nella said she felt “disrespected” and “offended” because Sirieix knew her father had died in 2020.

She then refused to look at him and declared that they would no longer be ‘friends’ in the camp.

Her comments caused an uproar among viewers, with the older audience baffled as to why Sirieix’s comment was enough to trigger such an explosive reaction.

Nella was in the eye of the storm again the next day when she clashed with another of her jungle co-stars, Nigel.

In Wednesday’s episode, she accused the Reform Party co-founder of being anti-immigration. She said he wanted people like her to disappear from Britain as she discussed his policies to reduce immigration.

Nella clashed with Fred Sirieix in the first few days, telling the First Dates star she felt ‘disrespected’ by him

Nella was in the eye of the storm again the next day when she clashed with another of her jungle co-stars, Nigel.

I’m a celebrity… Get Me Out of Here has led to almost 2,000 complaints to broadcasting regulator Ofcom over Nella’s clashes with her campmates.

Ofcom has told MailOnline that the TikTok star was at the center of the most complaints about the ITV show in the ten days it was on air.

On Tuesday, influencer Nella was removed from the camp to be treated by medics on site, sparking fears that she too would leave the show.

Insiders have now confirmed she sought treatment for a ‘physical medical emergency’, with the timing deemed ‘unfortunate’ as she urgently needed to be seen during the live portion of the show.

The emergency was not related to any injury sustained during a trial. Just hours before she was removed from the camp, the social media star was cared for by zookeepers after a snake wrapped itself around her during her final trial.

A source said this The sun: ‘It was unfortunate timing that Nella had to be taken out of the camp just before the live scenes.’

“She needed to be seen by the team for a physical, medical emergency, but that was handled quickly.

‘Nella has had a hard time so far, but she is a tough girl and will be back smiling and laughing with the other campmates in no time. This had nothing to do with her mental health.”

An ITV spokesperson confirmed to MailOnline that Nella has since rejoined the camp after her visit to the doctor on Wednesday morning, Australian time.

On Tuesday, influencer Nella was removed from the camp to be treated by medics on site, sparking fears she would also leave the show

‘During last night’s live broadcast, Nella Rose required on-site medical treatment and was deemed unable to participate in the trial. Nella has now rejoined the camp,” they confirmed.

Nella was noticeably absent from Tuesday night’s live segment of the show, which was filmed in Australia between 7am and 8am on Wednesday morning.

Earlier in the episode, the audience voted Nella for her sixth Bushtucker Trial alongside champion jockey Frankie Dettori, but viewers claimed they didn’t win any stars due to Nella’s slowness.

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Channel 4 criticized by parents for advertising for erection pills shown during football matches in England before 9pm

Sabir Ansary — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 00:22:41 +0000

By Jo Tweedy for Mailonline

Published: 11:30 AM EDT, October 18, 2023 | Updated: 11:42 AM EDT, October 18, 2023

English football fans have criticized Channel 4 for showing advertisements for an erection pill during half-time of the Wembley match against Italy.

Parents watching the match at home with their children took to social media to criticize the broadcaster for airing racy adverts – showing a couple heading to the bedroom – before 9pm when it was clear many younger football fans would be tuning in the European Championship 2024. qualification.

The same ad was also shown on Friday evening during the lucrative half-time break in England’s match against Australia.

Many said on Twitter that they found the adverts – on screens at around 8.46pm before Ofcom’s 9pm watershed – embarrassing to watch and had received awkward questions from their children about the content of the ads.

An ad for the Cialis brand showed a couple embracing before heading to the bedroom, as a voiceover said, “Cialis Together is an erection problem treatment that helps me respond naturally when I turn it on.”

One dad wrote: ‘I really enjoyed my 8 year old asking what erectile dysfunction is after the halftime ads!!! Thank you Channel 4.”

Another football fan added: ‘Lots of kids watching football, maybe the adverts for erection pills could be saved for after the match?’

One parent wrote: ‘Surprised this advert was allowed to appear on ITV1 at 8.45pm during a football match in England.

“Many children will ask mom and dad what an ‘erection’ is and what ‘sexually aroused’ means.”

Commercials for Cialis were shown on Channel 4 during half-time of England’s recent matches against Italy on Tuesday and Australia on Friday

England beat Italy 3-1 on Tuesday night, but some parents said they had awkward conversations with their children over the Cialis ads (Image: England’s Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring England’s second goal with Harry Kane and Phil Foden)

The ad opened with a voiceover telling viewers: ‘Cialis Together is a treatment for erection problems that helps me respond naturally when I turn it on’

The England men’s team matches that are not international tournaments are now all shown on Channel 4. It is not thought the advert was shown in the streamed version of the match, available on the Channel 4 website and app.

MailOnline has contacted the broadcaster for comment.

Cialis Together is an over-the-counter drug that costs £21.99 for four tablets and claims to be effective for up to 36 hours in men suffering from erectile dysfunction.

Ofcom’s watershed decision, set out in the Broadcasting Code, believes that content unsuitable for children should not be shown between 9pm and 5.30am.

The communications regulator defines inappropriate content as “anything from sexual content to violence, explicit or disturbing images and swearing.”

England defeated Italy 3-1 at Wembleyat least partially avenging defeat to the Azzurri at the same ground in the Euro 2020 final and booking their place in next summer’s tournament.

While Gianluca Scamacca gave the visitors an early lead, they were called back shortly after the half hour following a Harry Kane penalty.

Marcus Rashford then completed an excellent team move in the second half to put England ahead, before Kane completed his brace with a well-taken finish.

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Wall Street is reeling from a nearly 500-point drop in the Dow Jones — fueling fears that higher interest rates will freeze the housing market and push the economy into recession

Albert Elence — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:51:15 +0000

U.S. stocks tumbled on Tuesday as investors worried about the impact of longer-term interest rates that continued to impact markets.

The Dow Jones fell 496 points, or nearly 1.5%, by mid-afternoon, putting it in negative territory for the year, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indexes also fell more than 1% each.

Investors were spooked by economic data that underscored the view that the Federal Reserve should keep interest rates high.

The Fed’s policies have also fueled concerns that the housing market could take a hit — as high interest rates raise the cost of mortgages — and that the U.S. economy could yet face a recession.

The CBOE volatility index, Wall Street’s “fear gauge,” reached its highest point since late May.

U.S. stocks tumbled on Tuesday as investors worried about the impact of extended interest rates that continued to impact markets. The Dow Jones fell almost 1.5% by mid-afternoon

Financial news is displayed on a television screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during afternoon trading on September 26, 2023 in New York City

The Dow Jones fell 496 points, or nearly 1.5%, by mid-afternoon, putting it in negative territory for the year, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indexes also fell more than 1% each.

Data showed U.S. job openings unexpectedly increased in August, fueling concerns about a tight labor market ahead of Friday’s key U.S. monthly jobs report.

Investors continue to keep a close eye on government bond yields, which hit a 16-year high on Tuesday.

“The scenario most investors assumed is that the Fed would eventually have to cut short-term rates, and we would return to a favorable interest rate environment,” said Rick Meckler, a partner at Cherry Lane Investments, a family investment office in New Vernon. , New Jersey.

“But investors now see a different scenario: higher interest rates for longer.”

Higher financing costs are negative for companies and consumers.

All but one of the S&P 500 sectors (utilities) were lower on the day, led by a more than 2% decline in consumer discretionary and technology. Growth companies are usually hit hardest by rising interest rates.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 496.25 points, or 1.48%, to 32,937.1, the S&P 500 lost 69.39 points, or 1.62%, to 4,219 and the Nasdaq Composite fell 277.28 points , or 2.08%, to 13,030.49.

Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic said there is no urgency for the central bank to raise its key rate again, but that it will likely be “a long time” before rate cuts are appropriate.

Loretta Mester, president of the Cleveland Fed, said she is open to another rate hike, possibly at the bank’s next meeting.

Amazon.com and Microsoft fell after Reuters reported that British media regulator Ofcom will push for an antitrust investigation into the companies’ dominance of the British cloud computing market.

Investors are preparing for US companies to report on their latest quarter in the coming weeks, with some hoping the results could bring positive news to the market again.

While the Dow Jones is down slightly so far this year, the Nasdaq remains up about 24% since December 31, following an AI-powered rally.

Skyrocketing interest rates recently caused household mortgage payments to nearly double compared to before the pandemic.

According to the Mortgage Brokers Association, the average monthly mortgage payment for a U.S. home rose from $1,191 in January 2020 to $2,161 in July of this year.

The increase follows eleven consecutive increases in bank interest rates as the government struggles to keep rising prices under control.

Hopes for a reprieve rose as the Fed kept bank rates at 5.25 to 5.5% after its September meeting as it waited to see if the rate hikes would work to cool inflation.

And while inflation has fallen from a peak of 9.1 percent in June last year, it has crept back up in the past three months, prompting policymakers to warn mortgage payers to expect another increase before the end of the year.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has warned homeowners that more mortgage rate hikes may be coming

Dailymail.com explains how brutal interest rate hikes have burned a hole in household budgets

“We really want to see compelling evidence that we’ve gotten to the right level, and we see progress and we welcome that,” said Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump in 2018.

“But you know we need to see more progress before we’re willing to come to that conclusion,” he said.

The government blames inflation shortfalls due to the global shutdown during the pandemic, as well as the impact of the war in Ukraine on Russian energy supplies.

Labor shortages, stimulus checks from both the Trump and Biden administrations, along with a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package were also blamed for overheating an economy that rebounded strongly after lockdowns were lifted.

The president has sought to turn criticism of “Bidenomics” on its head as the economy looks set to play a central role in next year’s general election.

“Republicans in the House of Representatives think big corporations and the wealthiest Americans need a tax break,” he tweeted today.

“I think it’s time for working people to see some relief, and for the wealthiest to pay their fair share.”

But it comes as polls show him with the worst ratings of his presidency, trailing his likely opponent Donald Trump by nine percent in an ABC/WaPo sample this weekend.

And the president’s approval rating on the economy has fallen to just 30 percent.

“Biden’s approval rating on jobs is 19 points underwater, his ratings on handling the economy and immigration are at career lows,” ABC wrote in its analysis.

“A record number of Americans say they have been made worse off under his presidency, three-quarters say he is too old for another term and Donald Trump looks better in retrospect – all serious challenges for Biden in his upcoming re-election campaign.”

The rise in mortgage costs was followed by rising house prices, which rose from $322,000 to $479,000 in the two years to the end of last year.

But they have since fallen to $416,000 as higher bank rates have deterred buyers, prompting analysts to warn of a “mortgage time bomb” with millions trapped in homes they can no longer afford.

US borrowers now owe a record $43 billion on credit cards, and Missouri Senator Josh Hawley has demanded an 18 percent cap on the interest charged on them

Eleven consecutive increases in the Federal Reserve’s base rate have pushed household borrowing costs to their highest level in more than two decades

Adding to the misery is the record level of credit card debt, which now averages $10,170 per household, following the second largest increase on record.

Americans now pay 28 percent interest on $43 billion in credit card debt, prompting calls for a lower limit on what lenders can charge.

“They’re actively encouraging and finding new ways to get consumers into debt — they’re raising interest rates, and they can make a killing doing it,” said Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri.

“The government was quick to bail out the banks this spring, but ignored the working people who were struggling to get ahead.”

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