I'm UK's most desperate bride-to-be – I have planned my wedding, have a £2K dress but there's one thing missing…a groom

TAKING a sip of prosecco Theresa Mahon listens intently as her date chats about his love of football and music.
As with all first dates Ads, 30, has plenty of questions for Theresa too, including the inevitable 'tell me a fun fact about yourself.'
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Theresa, 45, takes a deep breath and prepares to share the secret that sends most men running for the hills.
'I told my new man he was my first date in 13 years,' she says.
'I then dropped a bigger bombshell.
'I had already planned our wedding including everything from the castle venue, the purple colour scheme and his suit.
'I've even spent £2k on the dress and tiara.'
Sitting in silence, Theresa waited for her date to make his excuses, but she was in for a surprise.
'Despite being 15 years younger than me, my toyboy admirer didn't exit stage left,' she says.
'He looked a little shocked but took it all in his stride.
'He did splutter a bit when I also revealed I'd already bought my wedding lingerie, but I was more shocked than he was.
'I'd met a man who appreciates that I'm not crazy, I'm just well organised.'
Events supervisor Theresa, 45, lives in Dublin, Ireland lives with her three sons aged 24, 18 and 14 and admits she's been planning her big day ever since she was a teenager.
'I don't think it weird to have planned my wedding without a man,' she says.
'It is a big job, so being prepared and planning everything down to the wedding dance and reception menu is just plain sensible.'
Despite having planned her entire wedding day, until nine months ago Theresa was single — and had not dated for 13 years.
But seven years ago Theresa decided to take the plunge - not to accept a wedding proposal or a date - but to buy her dream wedding gown.
Theresa says: 'I've been trying on wedding dresses since I was 19.
'For me, a day out shopping was never complete without visiting a bridal shop and trying on the latest dresses.
'Standing on the pedestal with a shop assistant helping me into the latest on trend wedding dress was an amazing high that was better than sex.'
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In 2019 Theresa was out shopping and spotted her dream dress.
'It was a strapless dress with a crystal bodice and a huge skirt, like Cinderella.,' she says.
'When I put it on and twirled, I knew it was 'the dress'... I loved the feel of fabric and how special it made me feel.
'I told the assistant I didn't yet have a groom, she was shocked but I was not ashamed.'
Theresa paid £1,000 for her dream dress and another £120 on a veil. To complete the look, In January 2019 she ordered crystal-encrusted shoes from America for £250.
Since then, she's bought wedding lingerie and a special wedding bag taking her total spend to £2000.
'I've been saving for my wedding for a year and used credit cards to pay for the dress, so I was £700 in debt but have now paid that off,' she says.
'Every time I open my wardrobe and see the white dress I'll get married in, I get a flash of excitement,' she says.
'I'm convinced it won't be long till I will be walking down the aisle.'
Growing up Thersa admits as a child she loved to dress up in big white bedsheets and pretend she was Cinderella.
At school, Theresa had boyfriends, then when she began work at her local Tesco aged 19 she fell in love for the first time.
She says: 'I met Greg* and we fell for each other.
'We had been dating for a year when I was pregnant. I thought Greg would then propose — but instead he left me.'
I became 'married to the plan' not married to the man until I could find a fella who understood me
Theresa Mahon
Theresa brought up their son now 24, as a single mum, crushed that her dream of becoming a bride hadN'T been realised.
When she was 22, she then began dating Tom*, 38. The couple went on to have two boys, aged 18 and 14.
She says: 'He knew I wanted a big wedding; I talked about it non-stop, but he didn't want to rush into it.
'It caused arguments, and we ended up breaking up after six years in December 2010.'
Since then, Theresa admits she's been trying to find a real man, mature enough to settle down.
She says: 'I was so angry with my past two men for leaving me, I decided I wasn't going to wait any more and I would just go ahead and plan my wedding.'
'I became 'married to the plan' not married to the man until I could find a fella who understood me and wasn't scared of commitment.'
While Theresa's approach might seem unusual she is not alone.
A Interflora survey found six in ten or 60% single women have already planned aspects of their wedding – including choosing the dress they will wear and the flowers they will carry on their big day.
The study found millions of women – who are still looking for Mr Right – have researched elements such as churches, flowers, reception venues, bridesmaid's dresses and the car which will take them to the church.
The rise of social media has only encouraged the trend of single women being married to the plan.
According to Mashable and TheKnot.com, a whopping 70 percent of Pinterest users admitted to having pinned wedding-related content before they're even engaged—or necessarily dating someone.
Wedding site Zola includes a section specifically for people not yet proposed to so they can start browsing and creating plans without being engaged.
Other sites like TheKnot.com have a special 'Not engaged yet' forum.
Theresa says: 'I know I am addicted to weddings, but I know other women secretly share my obsession.
'I have Pinterest boards but for me scrapbooks offer a real keepsake of my love of weddings and commitment to my big day.
'I started small, filling scrapbooks with fabric swatches, dress designs and sample menus. I upgraded to a spreadsheet to record lists and budgets.
'I couldn't s top. I sometimes spend up to four hours a day doing various things for my wedding day.'
It isn't just the dress that Theresa has settled on, but the venue too.
'I knew I needed to know my venue. I spent hours scouring the internet for venues that looked like Cinderella's castle,' she says.
'That's when I found Lough Eske Castle, near Donegal. I booked a tour in May 2016 and fell in love with it.
Wedding Guest Outfit Etiquette
If you're struggling to decided on a dress to see you through wedding season, here's a few rules on what not to wear so you don't get in trouble.
Folklore says that wearing red at a wedding means you slept with the groom.
Casual attire like jeans and flip flops should always be avoided.
Any colour that could be picked up as white or cream - even if it's not.
Most would agree that your cleavage needs to be covered.
Wearing white is a massive no-no if you're not the bride.
'I have chosen the wedding package I want and even had meetings with the castle's staff about my plans. I go there every few months.
'Then I started viewing glass carriages for transport and found a horse-drawn one I'm going to book.'
Theresa's wedding colours are white-and-purple theme, and she has started shopping for bridesmaids' dresses.
'I found one I loved, so I bought one and took it to a seamstress who is going to make more of them when I set a date,' she says.
'I've planned white tulips, and carnations with a single pink rose in the centre for the bouquets and have bought lots of purple ribbon to tie around the chairs.'
The mum of three also has a menu planned and says its top notch.
'It includes carrot and coriander soup to start, turkey and roasted veg for the main course and profiteroles for dessert,' she says.
Extreme planner Theres has picked out the first song -A Thousand Years, the lullaby by Christina Perri which features in Twilight.
'And yes, I have planned the honeymoon - it will be in Disneyland,' admits the Cinderella obsessed bride.
"I will always listen to my grooms input. He will get a chance to change something as long as he makes a good argument for it."
The budget so far is £25,000 but with the cost of living Theresa admits it will have to go up.
She also hopes her eventual groom will contribute towards the total.
Theresa has even got her wedding party on board.
In 2016 Theresea picked her three bridesmaids, all good friends, so they could help her plan.
'At first, they were shocked, thinking I'd found a secret fiance, but when I said I didn't have one they just rolled their eyes but agreed,' Theresa says.
Theresa's mum and dad were not convinced, however.
'My parents are less supportive,' she admits.
'They worry I'll miss a potential husband because I'm too busy planning a wedding. They think I'll scare men off.'
However, a year ago, Theresa's 'dating intuition' paid off when Ads, 30 who she met at an events conference, asked her out.
'I'm 45 and he's 15 years younger than me. He became a great friend, and we'd always have a laugh,' she says.
'Then in October last year he asked me out for a coffee at a local cafe.
'After 13 years of not dating it was terrifying. I thought I'd come off as a cougar.
'But we clicked and have been dating ever since. He's even talking about taking me to meet his parents overseas.
'He didn't laugh at my extreme wedding planning, his take is refreshing, and I won't tempt fate, but he may be a keeper.'
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Daily Mail​

an hour ago

• Daily Mail​

TV's race to the bottom: How sexual humiliation and explicit romping are taking over telly as desperate show bosses resort to extreme measures to combat dwindling ratings

Mainstream terrestrial telly in the UK has gotten a whole lot steamier in recent years. The sea change arguably started with the launch of ITV2 reality dating show Love Island in 2015 - with its open romping and far too closely mic'd-up smooches. Since then, a range of whole other racy Islands have spawned - Temptation Island (for testing established couples) and Virgin Island (for training newbies among us). Other risque mega-houses have hit screens too, with Open House (a non-monogamy experiment) and Too Hot To Handle (getting handsy? No cash prize for you). Each new programme seems to push the boundaries of what is tasteful to monetise. It is not just frothy summer flings on the box now - but visceral breakdowns, the inner workings of tangled long-term relationships and vulnerable confessions of sexual trauma. Many reality TV fans have lapped it up as the goal posts keep moving, into territory we might previously have considered deeply private. But this ferocious fascination with all things titillating is catnip to terrestrial TV bosses. Trying to do more and more to attract viewers, who are instead increasingly turning to a rapidly proliferating array of streaming platforms, here, they have struck gold. So, after years of a cultural push for sensitive attention to mental health, it seems the big wigs no longer care - to bring home the bacon, they are willing to quite literally play dirty. Read below MailOnline's account of some of the craziest moments from recent racy reality TV - and see what you think. Temptation Island As the ratings of UK celebrity spin-off Love Island All Stars tanked back in February, a different, Spanish series started to steal the reality TV dating limelight. La Isla de las Tentaciones, which translates as Temptation Island, found its way to UK screens, making headlines with its spicy scenes and jaw-dropping showdowns. The show, which been aired in Spain for seven series, sees long-term couples test their relationships. They are separated across two villas in the Dominican Republic and given the chance to cheat on their partners - to test which pairing is truly made to last. Contestants are only allowed to drink a limited amount of alcohol and they reportedly are not permitted to get completely naked. The last episode of Love Island All Stars, which started this year, received the lowest ever ratings for a Love Island finale - with only one million tuning in live. Including viewing figures from streaming platform ITVX, 1.3million fans watched the final, in line with last year's final of the winter series. It was an incredible low compared to series four and five - won by Dani Dyer and Jack Fincham, and Amber Gill and Greg O'Shea respectively - which more than 3million fans watched in each case. Meanwhile, brief clips posted on social media of the intense drama on Temptation Island quickly whipped up a rather larger storm earlier this year. One 38-second video of its antics attracted more than 120million views. But you have to wonder whether its popularity comes from a sort of strange fascination - as it seems to trade on real distress. The show first went viral on X after José Carlos Montoya was made to stand helplessly in front of a screen while he watched his girlfriend, Anita Williams, cheat on him with another contestant. He buckled to his knees and shouted at the screen as the video continued to play. The scenes prompted him to run across the shoreline and towards the villa while a presenter chaotically called after him. She exclaimed: 'Por favor Montoya, por favor!' which in English means: 'Please Montoya, please!' The footage soon accumulated 93.7million views and thousands of likes and reposts on X - and saw the phrase 'Montoya por favor' shoot to online fame. Shortly after, viewers witnessed an outrageous revenge twist which saw Anita sob as she watched José cheat on her in graphic footage. In the clip, Anita stood with tears streaming down her face while her fellow contestants watched on open-mouthed. Anita stood with her back turned away from the video, glancing over occasionally, as her makeup ran all over her face. The clip, posted on X, attracted 14.8million views and thousands of likes and reposts, while hundreds swarmed to the comments to discuss the chaos. It is a show that makes a game of fidelity, intimacy and trust - and it seems producers have played their hand well. Channel 4 has long been known as one of the most experimental channels out there when it comes to programmes on the saucier side. Naked Attraction, which launched in 2016, saw rather a lot of paperwork hit Ofcom's desks, as contestants decided who to date solely based on their birthday suit. And now Open House: The Great Sex Experiment, which started in 2022, is into its third series of couples trying out opening up their monogamous relationships. A particularly shocking recent moment saw couple Tom and Lauren, from Devon, hit a roadblock in their own experiment with spicing things up in the bedroom. Tom vomited on last week's episode after non-monogamy expert Effy Blue told the pair they need to have sexual experiences with other people without each other. Effy tells viewers: 'Today is about challenging Tom to be independent. I'm curious to see how that will affect the dynamics they have between them. 'Lauren needs to be a partner to Tom, not a caretaker.' As they return to their room, Lauren tells Tom: 'Don't be nervous. You absolutely got this.' Lauren tells the camera: 'It was my idea. It was my idea from the start. Yes, it's throwing me and Tom in the deep end... 'But to be able to have him to have the confidence that we can go off, have our fun, come back to each other at the end of the night and it's absolutely insane.' The voiceover then says: 'But the thought of flying solo entirely naked isn't sitting well with Tom.' Tom is clearly troubled by the thought of the experiment - as he can then be heard being sick in the toilet, with Lauren soon running to him with some water. 'This is going to be horrible,' Tom confesses. Lauren replies: 'I just want to cuddle you.' Tom says: 'I feel absolutely petrified and sick.' While hugging him from behind, Lauren tells him: 'All that anyone can ask is that you just try, okay?' Earlier this month, the pair took to Instagram to open up about their experience on the show with a video of them dancing along to Stormzy's tune Own It. They captioned the post: 'Thank you everyone for all your support so far, our next episode is out next Friday 10pm. 'Remember please be kind, we went on there to be open & honest and are both very happy together, remember they cut so much out for the drama xxx #openhouse #couple #reel #love #happy #realitytv.' Many rushed to the comments section to share the love: 'Definitely my favorite couple so far! So brave and yeah, good for you!'; 'You were both brilliant tonight, well done.'; 'I watched the second episode of yours last night and I haven't ever sat and clapped for a stranger so much in my life! 'Hands down my favourite couple yet and the best ending for you guys!' On Monday, they shared a happy selfie and told fans: 'Overwhelmed with all the messages & support guys, thank you everyone. 'We are so glad that Tom's story resonated with so many of you, still smiling from that last episode on.' The pair have confidently owned the vulnerable moment and it seems to have struck a chord with viewers. But some might be wondering if it was right to push someone so much that they are physically ill - simply for fans' viewing pleasure. Virgin Island Virgin Island is the latest addition to the world of risque reality TV - and it has taken the small screen by storm this year. The groundbreaking Channel 4 show hit screens in May and saw 12 adults embark on a journey of self discovery and openness to intimacy. Lead by sexologists Dr Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman and their team, they guided the group of virgins, aged between 22 and 30, on a unique course. The six-part series quickly became one of the most talked-about programmes of the year and broke records for the broadcaster. Packed with shocking scenes and emotional moments, the series was the biggest streaming hit across scripted and unscripted shows this year for Channel 4. During its first 28 days, Virgin Island's episode one became the most watched show for those aged 16-34 on Channel 4 in 2025. The controversial show attracted a whopping 1.4million viewers per episode on average. Now, it has been confirmed Virgin Island has been recommissioned for a second series. TV boss Jonah Weston said: 'It's been such a thrill to watch this show catch fire. 'This is a live issue among young people, and from the brave cast to our wonderful experts, I don't think I've ever worked on anything quite so bold, warm and well-intentioned. 'Watch out for season two which will be bigger and bolder than ever!' During the show, all of the 12 virgins achieve a level of intimacy with either a surrogate or a coach during the course - but in the end, Dave was the only contestant on Virgin Island who actually had sex But it is possible not every viewer will be happy with that - after one moment in the finale caused particular controversy. It saw one of the show's contestants finally go all the way in a 'marathon session'. In dramatic scenes, accountant Dave, 24, could be heard moaning and groaning as he finally lost his virginity with surrogate partner Kat. But viewers of the controversial programme branded the scenes 'uncomfortable' as they struggled to watch the moment Dave finally lost his virginity. Kat, who was seen guiding Dave through his first sexual experience during an intimate session in the island's zen den, said afterwards: 'I feel good about being the person with him at that important moment.' During the show, all of the 12 virgins achieve a level of intimacy with either a surrogate or a coach during the course - but in the end, Dave was the only contestant on Virgin Island who actually had sex. Many viewers, while delighted for him, noted on social media it was bewildering to see such an intimate moment play out on screen. Sharing their thoughts on X, they said: 'Probably the most uncomfortable viewing. Only lasted 20mins and had to turn it off, felt like I was watching a love cult in action. 'Virgin Island is a hideous concept for a TV show. Why would you agree to go on it, to get exploited, even if you're getting paid!?'; 'Losing your virginity should be a special thing, something you remember all your life, this is just degrading these virgins and something they'll want to forget and regret in years to come...'; 'Virgin Island isn't actually that bad but I still can't get my head around an actual sex surrogate that then ultimately has sex with the client. It baffles me.'; 'Well guys, that's the end of #VirginIsland, it's been... weird'; 'That Virgin Island is one disgustingly difficult watch man Jesus Christ'; 'Is anyone else watching Virgin Island on Channel 4? I find it so bizarre everyone is so vulnerable and it's just a bit strange..' But Dave himself has encouraged people to apply: 'I had an amazing time on the Island, and I'm truly thankful for the time I spent there. Anyone who has watched the show will have seen how much my confidence grew over the course of the series. 'And I can't speak highly enough of the experts and production team for making us feel so safe and secure. 'I was lucky enough to achieve the ultimate aim of the series whilst on the Island and I can't wait to see the next group of participants go on the same journey. 'I would wholly encourage anyone with enough courage and resilience to apply. It's completely changed my life.' It has now also emerged that six months after filming wrapped, Dave has a girlfriend, after gaining the self-esteem to join a dating app. He has previously said: 'I never would have been able to talk to her without this show.' The therapists on the show have since defended their work to MailOnline after it drew widespread controversy online, explaining the show gives viewers a realistic idea of what intimacy is. Sexologist Celeste Hirschman describes the relationship between the client and surrogate as 'authentic'. She said the dynamic can reflect what would happen in a 'real relationship', including the possibility of 'performance problems' from either the surrogate or client. Celeste continued: 'It is really an authentic relationship. 'So, one thing that can happen in a relationship is that someone has performance problems, and so they would just communicate about it and say, "Oh, you know, something's not working here. Let's take a break. Let's try again".' The sexologist added: 'That authenticity is what actually prepares people to have real relationships out in the world. 'So, it's not just like trying to force something. And a lot of times, surrogates do work with people who have pretty significant dysfunctions and so they need to work with those kinds of things, both in their clients and if it comes up in themselves as well.' There's a 'triadic relationship' between the client, surrogate and a separate therapist to help tackle issues, including if the client develops feelings. But for many viewers, there remains an unshakeable feeling that showing such intimate moments on screen - and engaging in such an unusual therapeutic relationship - does not quite sit right. Love Island The latest season of the now iconic ITV2 reality dating show has been widely hailed as one of the most dramatic in recent memory. It is thanks to a whole host of brand new stunts from show bosses, aimed at encouraging as many antics as possible in the villa. The usual play of Love Island is to couple up with one other person from the opposite sex. But bosses are hoping for potential throuples in the villa this year as they 'tear up the rule book' and install new furniture to help encourage bonking and create drama. One of the new additions includes a trampoline bed that sits across the swimming pool and one Love Island exec has insisted it has been tested for up to four people. And the secret hideaway - which includes a bed and hot tub - is now open 24 hours a day for those that are not coupled up. Speaking ahead of the ten-year anniversary series of the hit reality show, Creative Director of the show Mike Spencer-Hayler, told the Mail: 'There's a new trampoline bed, that would be good for throuples. 'It can take the weight of four, we've checked. It's all about keeping the show fresh and exciting. And that's what we've got.' ITV bosses have attempted to give the new villa and series a makeover to avoid the show being boring - and compete in the increasingly saturated reality telly landscape. The TV executive also revealed ITV will broadcast intimate activity if and when it happens and that they have had to rethink things this year, after viewing figures dwindled following years of tame series. 'The hideaway is open for business for 24 hours all the time, as long as they don't come with their partner', Mike said. 'We told the islanders last year they could but they kept forgetting they could come in here. 'We've seen the same things time and time again now and it's boring. We've got to move on.' 'It felt static and the show needs to feel fresh. People that come in all do the same thing because they've all watched it time and time again. It became too formatted. 'We've got to push forward. All the twist and turns, we're going to give it all we've got to make it an exciting series.' In a bid to create further drama they have also shortened the walls of the iconic terrace, which is often used as a secret spot for bombshells looking to kiss another contestant in more private surroundings. But Mike confirmed the days of hiding away from prying eyes is all over. 'The terrace walls are shorter and more see through now too. So you can see more up there. We just felt like it was too covered up. Extra gossip.' Love Island fans hailed Thursday's episode of the show 'TV gold' as the 'messiest series yet' saw a game send the villa into meltdown It seems to be working - from multiple talks of threesomes, to contestants more erratic and ruthless than ever, the current series has been carnage so far. Love Island fans hailed Thursday's episode of the show 'TV gold' as the 'messiest series yet' saw a game send the villa into meltdown. Viewers saw tensions reach boiling point when a challenge, Look Who's Talking, saw things go from bad to worse - with host Maya Jama saying it was 'madness'. The Islanders each took a card and read out the quote then collectively decided which of their fellow Islanders said it. Drama was brewing after Harry and Yasmin headed for a kiss in the Hideaway, meaning his partner Helena was already fuming. During the game, it was revealed the duo had actually shared three secret smooches when a quote was read out from Harry. As Harry's lies unravelled, Megan exclaimed: 'You owe it to Helena to be f*****g honest, you p***k!' Sharing their thoughts on X, fans wrote: 'This game was [fire emoji]'; 'Love Island UK is still superior this season has been great'; 'THIS EPISODE IS SO GOOD please'; 'This might be the best season of Love Island I've ever seen'; '1000/10 RATED EPISODE'; 'This UK season is so good omg it's been mess every episode'; 'THIS IS PEAK TELEVISION WHOEVER HIRED THIS CAST NEEDS A RAISE I ACTUALLY CANT.' Fans seem to be loving it this year - but with the behemoth that is Love Island showing no signs of stopping any time soon, one has to wonder how far bosses, in coming years, will be prepared to go. Perhaps the more you feed the beast, the more brutal it gets. Too Hot To Handle Too Hot To Handle first hit UK screens in 2020, with ten singletons heading to an island villa for four weeks. Sound familiar? But there was a twist - they are forbidden from kissing, sexual contact or masturbation and money is taken out of the £100,000 eventual cash prize pot any time a rule is broken. The series was a hit and has since gone international, with a Spanish-language edition launching on Netflix last week. It has already been full of drama, steamy moments and fiery arguments. It has already been full of drama, steamy moments and fiery arguments And like its fellow Iberian reality dating programme, Temptation Island, it has quickly attracted a wider viewership than just those in its native country. One particularly intense moment saw a male contestant on the verge of a breakdown after his partner told him her attention had strayed to someone else in the house. Fitness model Enri Sánchez and influencer Saray Marín coupled up near the start of the series and found they got on well, risking it all a couple of times to steal a kiss or cuddle. But when new man Cristhian joins the show, he chooses Saray to go on a date with him - where they share a passionate kiss. She soon approaches Enri for a chat about how her feelings have changed after it - and it quickly becomes too much for him. When the pair sit down on a sofa, Enri says, 'My heart's beating so fast', to which Saray replies gently: 'Calm down, relax.' He looks visibly nervous, unable to meet her eyes and with closed off body language, as she opens: 'Right, this is hard, huh?' She puts a tentative hand on his arm as he replies, 'Just be truthful, be honest with me', which she agrees she is going to do. In a brutal confession, which leaves Enri shocked, Saray explains: 'We spent the whole day together. I was laughing the whole time. We had an amazing time. 'He kissed me. And I kissed him.' Enri asks if she likes Cristhian and she says she does, before he responds uncertainly: 'I don't know. It's not like you cheated because we don't have that kind of thing.' She replies firmly, 'That's right, we don't', as he continues: 'But this is complicated. I feel really betrayed, to be honest.' Saray is taken aback by this, going from stroking his arm to comfort him, to saying incredulously: 'Seriously?' In a confessional shot, Enri admits: 'I feel like a complete loser. I've been talking her up all afternoon and now I find this out.' As the camera flips back to their conversation, Saray confesses: 'I can understand that you feel bad - but not betrayed.' He soon fires back: 'Listen, I swear, I've been having feelings for you. You're my support system here.' Enri asks if she likes Cristhian and she says she does, before he responds: 'I don't know. It's not like you cheated because we don't have that kind of thing' But nothing can prepare him for her real bombshell admission about Cristhian: 'There's something else. We decided that we want to share a bed tonight.' This is too much for Enri, who explains in a confessional: 'Look, right now, I want to leave. 'If Saray ends up sharing a bed with Cristhian, I don't think we can fix this.' In the moment, he says: 'I don't feel like crying but I feel weird.' It seems some tears do soon start to fall though, as he wipes his eyes and turns away from Saray, who looks sombre to say the least. Some reality TV viewers, used to sadness and showdowns, might think this moment is tame in comparison to the kind of drama they are used to seeing. But even this desensitisation should perhaps make us re-examine our viewing habits. Do we really appreciate that what we are watching is real vulnerability and distress? Do we actually feel anything about that? And how far are we willing to let it go?

Daily Mail​

2 hours ago

• Daily Mail​

Samantha Barks welcomes her second child with husband Alex Stoll as she shares a sweet photo of her daughter

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The Sun

2 hours ago

• The Sun

Five ways to teach kids how to budget & value money this summer

WITH the school holidays looming, now is the time to educate your kids about budgeting. From pocket money management to summer challenges, here are lots of ways to teach your children the basics, all while making it fun . . . CASH CHATS: Get used to having regular conversations about money. If you have a budget, get them involved. Explain why you save or spend. The more you talk about fiances, the more they will think about its value and how far it goes. SHOPPING TIPS: 'When I go food shopping, I take my kids and give them a budget in cash,' says Maddy Alexander Grout, author of Mad About Money, who has recently written a book for kids called That's My Money. 'I get them to compare prices, brands and deals, so they can learn about the difference it can make. It means shopping is a fun experience and they know the cost of what they like to eat and how that will eat into our food budget.' EARN AND LEARN: Pocket money can teach kids how to manage their own cash. school. Try the tip of getting kids to divide up pocket money into three jars weekly — one for spending, one for saving towards something big and one for giving to a good cause. WANTS VS NEEDS: 'Explain that they need uniforms and food, but toys are wants,' says Maddy. 'I make my kids wait 24 hours if they want something so they have time to think about how it affects their pocket-money budget. 'But I also let them make mistakes as it's important for kids to learn that spending their money all at once means there's none left at the end of the month.' SET A CHALLENGE: Hand over the reins to your kids for a day out. Agree a total sum and make them plan how to use it. You can also give your children tips of what to include, such as bus or train fares, entry tickets and food, and make sure they are the ones to hand over the cash. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. Deal of the day LUG all your festival or camping gear around in the Active Sport folding camping-cart trolley from The Range. It was £99.99, now £49.99. SAVE: £50 Cheap treat SNACK on a pack of McVitie's Jaffa Cakes – previously £1.50, now 95p, at Tesco when you scan your Clubcard. Top swap 7 SCOOP up a tub of Ben & Jerry's Caramel Chew Chew ice cream for £5.55 from Sainsbury's, or try the new Cheeky Caramel Gelatelli American-style tub at Lidl for £2.19. Shop & save ADD a Mr Kipling Angel Slice to lunchboxes this week. Pack of eight was £3.48, now £1.88 at Asda. Hot right now EASYJET has dropped the price of lots of July holidays, with millions of free kids' spaces. Look for 'free child space' at PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!