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Wales Online
11-06-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Martin Lewis issues urgent energy meter warning as 'switch off' looms
Martin Lewis issues urgent energy meter warning as 'switch off' looms The consumer expert has warned that households with a certain type of energy meter may see their heating and hot water stop working properly if they don't act now Failure to switch could result in malfunctioning heating and hot water systems (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock ) Martin Lewis has shared an urgent alert for many households as a critical deadline looms this month. The outdated Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) energy meters are set to be decommissioned on June 30, prompting those with such meters to promptly transition to smart meters. Failure to switch could result in malfunctioning heating and hot water systems. RTS meters, dating back to the 1980s, utilise radio signals to toggle between peak and off-peak electricity tariffs. In a recent announcement, Martin Lewis cautioned: "Warning! Got an old Economy 7 or multi-rate electricity meter? The 'Radio Teleswitch Service' which allows some old (non-smart) meters to function will be switched off at end of this month." He further warned: "It could mean your heating and hot water won't function properly, or incorrect bills. You need a meter upgrade now," reports the Mirror. Households needing to update their meters should reach out to their electricity supplier without delay. Suppliers are expected to provide a smart meter or a suitable alternative at no cost. You might possess an RTS meter if you find a Radio Teleswitch-labelled switch box near your meter, use electric or storage heaters, lack a gas supply, or benefit from variable energy rates throughout the day. Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, previously highlighted that hundreds of thousands of RTS meters may still be operational when they are scheduled to be turned off. Article continues below Mr Francis warned the Work and Pensions Committee: "The process is doomed to failure. We are not going to see the RTS switch off on the first of July. "There's still going to be hundreds of thousands of RTS meters in people's homes on the date that they're saying they're going to start winding down the signal. "We don't know what is going to happen. The risks that have been outlined are either that your hot water and your heating are always on and you're going to be running up a massive bill, or it's always off." Ofgem's Retail Pricing and Systems Director Charlotte Friel remarked: "We have been continually monitoring the industry's efforts to replace RTS meters as this ageing infrastructure reaches the end of its life. "Last year we decided more needed to be done so convened the sector and made clear to suppliers they have to move faster. Following that intervention, the rate of meter replacements has increased from around 1,000 a month to more than 1,000 a day. Article continues below "However suppliers need to do more and ensure customers are protected from detriment, which is why industry is putting in place a phased area-by-area shutdown beginning from 30 June. "We have made clear that the signal serving a specific area should not be switched off until suppliers have demonstrated that they are ready and able to respond quickly to any issues customers experience."
Metro
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
'Really upsetting' ITV axe will devastate show that's been on for 26 years
Loose Women appears set to lose its studio audience (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock) Loose Women stars are reportedly concerned about the impact of another major change to the show. The ITV programme – which first aired in 1999 – is already looking at a reduced schedule to just 30 weeks a year, with sweeping changes to the channel's daytime TV output. Now, it's said the shorter run will also be taking place without a studio audience. A source told Metro: 'While there is a proposal to not have a studio audience for Loose Women from 2026, that doesn't necessarily mean that we'll never have a studio audience again, it just won't be in the same way as it is now. 'At this stage we are still exploring new ways of working and producing the show when we move to a new studio next year.' Meanwhile, MailOnline has reported that 'the panelists are really upset over the decision to axe the live studio audience from the show'. The live audience is believed to be a key part of the show's appeal (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock) Loose Women is facing some major changes (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock) 'It's what sets the series apart from the rest of ITV daytime and now there are massive fears that viewers will switch off completely,' the insider added. 'The only concern now is to cut costs and having a live studio audience can be expensive, with the added need for security and a warmup artist.' Loose Women cutback leave a bad taste in my mouth After the reports, Metro's deputy tv editor Tom Percival gives his thoughts on the Loose Women changes and the state of television… I'm not a huge fan of Loose Women, nor am I a die-hard morning TV viewer. Yet I must admit the recent news of cutbacks and changes to ITV's morning schedule has left a bad taste in my mouth – like a noxious combination of toothpaste and orange juice. I just can't shake the feeling that this is the thin edge of the wedge, a wedge that poses an existential crisis to what I believe is one of the UK's most important exports. No, not Loose Women, but television Everywhere you turn in the industry right now, it feels like things are breaking down, getting worse, and just becoming a bit rubbish. Look at a show like Doctorr Who, previously the BBC's golden child. Now, if rumours are to be believed, the Beeb are struggling to finance it. ITV meanwhile is rumoured to bemaking cutbacks at TV stalwart Corrie to save cash, and just last year, Channel 4 laid off 200 members of staff. It stinks and demonstrates how little we value our creative industries here in the UK. For years, TV (and movies) have allowed the UK to punch well above our weight in the pop-culture boxing ring and played an important part of the UK economy. It's heartbreaking then to see one of the UK's most vibrant industries fall to rack and ruin. So while Loose Women losing its live audience might not seem important to those who don't watch it, you may regret that when it's your favorite show on the chopping block. Viewers and presenters – including the likes of Ruth Langsford, Kaye Adams, Nadia Sawalha and Charlene White – already got a taste of empty studio shows during the pandemic. According to the insider, the feel is that having no studio audience 'creates low mood and lack of atmosphere'. Panelist Kaye Adams recently opened up about the cuts, which she said came 'out of the blue'. Some panelists are said to be 'upset' by the change (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock) The show will also only air for 30 weeks a year from 2026 (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock) She said on her How To Be 60 podcast: 'I didn't anticipate it, which is probably stupid in retrospect. You get into a sort of rhythm of life. 'I had a couple of sleepless nights I have to say, because it's just like the rug's been pulled from under your feet – what has been familiar.' When Loose Women moves to its 'seasonal' schedule, Lorraine will do the same, while also seeing its run time cut in half. Currently the show airs from 9am to 10am, but from January 2026 its start time will change to 9:30am. ITV's daytime shows are getting an overhaul (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock) Lorraine's runtime is being halved as well as a reduced schedule (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock) Instead, GMB will run from 6am to 9:30am – and it'll be extended another 30 minutes when Lorraine isn't on air. Kevin Lygo, Managing Director of ITV's Media and Entertainment Division, said in a statement last month: 'I recognise that our plans will have an impact on staff off-screen in our Daytime production teams, and we will work with ITV Studios and ITN as they manage these changes to produce the shows differently from next year, and support them through this transition. 'Daytime has been a core element of ITV's schedule for over 40 years and these changes will set ITV up to continue to bring viewers award-winning news, views and discussion as we enter our eighth decade.' Metro has contacted ITV for comment. Loose Women airs weekdays at 12:30pm on ITV1. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. Arrow MORE: Inside Emmerdale star Amelia Flanagan's life with fellow soap actor siblings Arrow MORE: Who won at the British Soap Awards 2025? Full list of winners revealed Arrow MORE: All episodes of 'thrilling' axed historical drama dropping on free UK streamer
Extra.ie
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Conor Maynard speaks out on paternity scandal in new TV interview
Conor Maynard has finally broken his silence in his first TV interview since his shock paternity scandal. Earlier this year the star claimed that he had taken a paternity test that proved he's not the father of a star of the Traitors' baby. Charlotte Chilton made the bombshell claim in June of last year, saying that Conor was the father of her 'miracle' baby — having previously suffered several IVF miscarriages with her ex-wife. Conor Maynard has finally broken his silence in his first TV interview since his shock paternity scandal. Pic: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock The baby girl, named Penelope, has since been born — with Conor 'ghosting' Charlotte and denying that he's the father. But now, Conor has said that he took a paternity test to confirm that he is indeed not the father. The 32-year-old singer appeared on ITV's This Morning on Friday, opening up to hosts Alison Hammond and Paddy McGuinness about the scandal. 'It was difficult to remain silent,' he began. Earlier this year the star claimed that he had taken a paternity test that proved he's not the father of a star of the Traitors' baby. Pic: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock 'I was instantly painted as a dead-beat dad. My comments on my social media were all about that.' When asked why he chose to speak out now, he continued: 'Realistically, one of the main reasons is, now is the right time. 'As you said, the last year has been really difficult and mental health is something I have struggled with for a huge portion of my life. The baby girl, named Penelope, has since been born — with Conor 'ghosting' Charlotte and denying that he's the father. But now, Conor has said that he took a paternity test to confirm that he is indeed not the father. Pic: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock 'And this year has been up there with my battle with it. There have been a lot of things that have happened and a lot of things that contributed to why it has been so difficult. When asked how it felt to discover the paternity, he added: 'Well funnily enough it wasn't an instant relief. I actually thought I was going to have a massive panic attack the second I found out. 'I think initially a lot of my friends were like, do you want to grab a drink, do something, hang out near your house and we can just talk. I didn't. I just stayed at home with my girlfriend and I tried to stay calm and have a relaxed night. Charlotte Chilton made the bombshell claim in June of last year, saying that Conor was the father of her 'miracle' baby — having previously suffered several IVF miscarriages with her ex-wife. Pic: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock 'It was more confusion not really understanding and feeling like, why did that all have to happen? 'A lot of us had kind of accepted that this had happened and this was the life we were preparing for. So when the result came in I can't even begin to explain to you the feeling,' he concluded. Charlotte made the bombshell claim shortly after the birth of Penelope, telling OK! magazine that 'he knows' she gave birth. I've not heard anything, I had real torment over whether to contact him when she was here or not. 'And I figured I don't want to speak to him, but he has a right to know. I knew if I didn't reach out people would say I hadn't bothered,' Charlotte added, saying that she also had post-birth anxiety about the alleged resemblance between Penelope and Conor. 'There have been days where I've been in tears because I'm sitting here thinking 'I've got a daughter that looks f***ing identical to you [Conor]'… If [Penelope] wants to walk away from him, that's fine, but she needs to make that decision for herself when she's older, I'm not going to deny her contact if he decides he wants to see her.' Charlotte appeared on The Traitors in 2024, where she was banished in episode nine. She first met Conor after the show's winner Harry Clarke — who was dating Conor's sister Anna — introduced them at a wrap party. Charlotte announced her pregnancy in April, and split from her then-wife Laura — claiming Conor was the father in June.
Edinburgh Live
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Loose Women's Jane Moore in 'sofa-surfing' confession after selling home due to divorce
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Loose Women star Jane Moore has opened up about her "unsettling" experience of "sofa-surfing" following the sale of her family home amid her recent divorce. A familiar face since the debut episode of Loose Women in 1999, Jane has been a staple on the show, appearing alongside Nadia Sawalha, Kaye Adams, and Karren Brady. With a journalistic background that spans several high-profile titles, Jane is perhaps most recognised for her work in television. Over the years, she has graced some of the nation's most-loved programmes, including stints on This Morning, Question Time, The Andrew Marr Show, and even braving the jungle in last year's I'm a Me Out of Here!. (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock) Despite often dishing out relationship guidance to viewers on ITV, Jane has faced her own personal challenges, dealing with the fallout from her split with husband Gary Farrow in 2022. Celebrating her 63rd birthday today, Jane has candidly spoken about relying on the generosity of close friends for a place to stay post-divorce. Penning her thoughts in Platinum magazine, she delved into her "nomadic" lifestyle: "After selling the family home to downsize, I put the majority of my possessions into storage and embarked on a period of nomadic sofa-surfing until I found a new abode." (Image: Simon Ackerman, Getty Images) Having watched her children grow up, she narrated the perks of sofa-surfing that strengthened her bonds with friends: "Well, I say sofa-surfing. But, thanks to my generous, mostly divorced friends, who live alone and welcome company, I was offered a variety of gorgeous en-suite bedrooms in multiple London locations." While she cherished the chance to reside in some of London's most enviable neighbourhoods including Notting Hill and Chelsea's King's Road, she ultimately felt the pull to "put down roots again" and secure her own home. Discussing her readiness to transition from sofa-surfing, she shared: "I'm starting to feel slightly chaotic which, as a hitherto organised person, is unsettling me." (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock) Apart from her housing endeavours, the presenter has also recently opened up on the Loose Women podcast about maintaining "amicable" relations with her former husband after their split. In the conversation, Jane revealed that she even celebrated Christmas day alongside her two daughters, Ellie and Grace, with her ex.
