4 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Two men ‘tried to steal bicycle from car park of high-security spy base’
TWO men have been accused of trying to steal a bicycle from a car park — unaware it was part of a high-security spy base.
The pair, who later insisted they were on their way to a supermarket to get more booze for a party, were seized by armed police at GCHQ.
The ring-shaped site, pictured above, in Cheltenham, Gloucs, is known as The Doughnut.
It is protected by guards, CCTV and razor wire-topped fences and is home to the country’s top codebreakers and cyber security experts.
Last night, one of the suspects told The Sun he had been nominated by pals to go to the local Asda for beers as he was the most sober.
He and his friend thought they could take a short cut through the car park.
Painter and decorator Terry White, 47, said: “As I told the cops, all I wanted to do was buy a few cans.
“It looked like a normal car park. There was a barrier, but it was raised and there were no warnings or signs. I’m born and bred in Cheltenham so I’ve always been aware of GCHQ.
“But I had no idea this car park was part of it.”
The dad of six went on: “When we got to the other end, I was confronted by a huge metal fence, about three metres high.
“We were thinking about climbing over it when suddenly a police car pulled up on the other side and an officer jumped out and shouted, ‘Stop there!’.
“It was a really scary experience and not one I would ever want to go through again.”
Gloucestershire Police said two men were detained in a car park and a bag of tools found nearby at around 5pm on Friday, June 6.
The force added: “It is believed they were attempting to steal a bike.
“The two men, who are both in their 40s and from Cheltenham, were arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal. They have been released on bail pending further inquiries.”
More than 5,000 people work at GCHQ to protect the country from cyber attacks and assist the security agencies MI5 and MI6 with encrypted messages.
PA:Press AssociationThe GCHQ spy base is protected by guards, CCTV and razor wire-topped fences and is home to the country’s top codebreakers and cyber security experts[/caption]
4 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on How To Train Your Dragon film review: It’s a heartfelt film but not as magical second time around
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
(PG) 125mins
★★★☆☆
APHiccup (Mason Thames) and Toothless take flight[/caption]
APNick Frost is hugely likeable as Gobber the Belch[/caption]
THIS live-action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon is a gorgeous, heartfelt film full of emotion and excitement.
However, as it sticks so closely to the 2010 animated version of Cressida Cowell’s books, it feels more like a copy than a fresh take on the beloved story.
Director Dean DeBlois returns, along with composer John Powell and Gerard Butler, now playing Stoick in person. It’s clear they all care deeply about the original.
Still, that reverence and respect keeps the film from taking risks or trying anything new and fresh.
The story is the same — and, naturally, it still works. Hiccup (Mason Thames), a young Viking with more brain power than physical prowess, lives on the rugged isle of Berk.
Despite his warrior lineage, the teenager has never quite fitted in with his tribe.
Thrilling scenes
When he finds an injured young dragon, instead of killing it like he’s supposed to, Hiccup decides to help it learn to fly again.
Their unlikely friendship drives this beautifully touching story and eventually changes everything for Hiccup and his people.
Thames brings warmth and charm to the role, and Toothless — thanks to inspired CGI — is as expressive and lovable as ever.
Nico Parker’s Astrid gets more screen time in this version, and she makes the most of it.
Her performance is strong, and her character feels sturdier and more developed.
Gerard Butler does a solid job as Stoick, Hiccup’s tough-but-caring father, though his live-action performance isn’t quite as memorable as his voice work in the original.
Elsewhere, Nick Frost is hugely likeable as Gobber the Belch, a pal of Stoick’s and teacher of the tribe’s dragon-training recruits.
Visually, the film looks beautiful. Cinematographer Bill Pope captures the rough beauty of Berk and creates some thrilling dragon flight scenes.
But even at its most stunning, the movie struggles to match the magic and creativity of the animated version’s look and feel.
The adaptation moves along smoothly and confidently, but rarely manages to surprise.
For people who are new to the story, it will be exciting and moving.
But for fans of the original, it may feel a little too familiar and not as magical second time around.
LOLLIPOP
(15) 100mins
★★★★☆
This kitchen sink drama will have you shifting awkwardly in your seatsupplied
AFTER leaving prison, Molly Brown finds herself in a catch-22 situation.
To get her two young children back, she needs to have a home for them to live in. But the council will only provide Molly with accommodation if she has custody of her kids.
This kitchen sink drama from British director Daisy-May Hudson will have you shifting awkwardly in your seat as Molly makes one terrible decision after another in an attempt to see the children she so clearly loves.
Hudson, whose own mum was made homeless, pulls the audience’s sympathies this way and that. On the one side, Molly has been dealt a poor hand due to her alcoholic and belittling mum who calls her Lollipop, but on the other she doesn’t help herself by threatening social services.
Newcomer Posy Sterling is a revelation as the troubled mum. But not all the cast impress and if you want to know why Molly spent time behind bars, you’ll be left disappointed.
Lollipop is not a piece of throwaway confectionery but isn’t for cinemagoers who prefer to escape into a sweet-tasting world.
GRANT ROLLINGS
TORNADO
(15) 90mins
★★★☆☆
AlamyTornado combines elements of folk legends and samurai-style action[/caption]
JOHN MACLEAN’s Tornado is a unique, somewhat sad revenge western full of dark, beautiful imagery.
The story takes place in a bleak, empty landscape of 18th-century Scotland and combines elements of folk legends and samurai-style action to create an interesting, if slightly muddled storyline.
Mitsuki Kimura (credited as Kôki) brings spikey charisma to the role of Tornado, a travelling artist and sword performer who roams the empty moors with her father (Takehiro Hira), staging bizarre puppet and samurai shows to wandering villagers.
But their eccentric life is shattered when a child’s theft of gold drags them into the path of Sugarman (a brilliant Tim Roth) and his brutal criminal gang.
Meanwhile, Slow Horses star Jack Lowden, who plays one of Sugarman’s henchmen, is let down by a screenplay that gives him little to work with.
The film’s best asset is its atmosphere – the windswept landscapes feel almost otherworldly and the score adds eerie tension.
Tornado may not be to everyone’s taste, but its originality deserves more than a nod of respect.
4 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on King Charles to attend every day of Ascot after surprising himself with love for the races
KING Charles is set to attend every day of Royal Ascot after he “surprised himself” at how much he loves the occasion.
He and Camilla will be ever-present at the five-day meet, cheering on their horses from the royal box.
David Dyson- Commissioned by The SunKing Charles will attend every day of Royal Ascot this year after admitting he ‘surprised himself’ at how much he loves the occasion[/caption]
David Dyson- Commissioned by The SunThe King and Queen enjoying the Ascot meeting[/caption]
But since Charles became King, he has had a leading role there — and has enjoyed getting stuck in.
A source said: “Camilla has been passionate about horse racing for many years but the King has surprised himself by how much he enjoys it.
“It is an opportunity to catch up with guests and show support for the horse racing industry.”
It is believed the King has two horses running at the festival, although the full list of runners and riders has yet to be officially confirmed.
His horse The King’s Falcon could be a shrewd bet after the three-year-old gelding won at Carlisle two weeks ago.
The week kicks off on Tuesday when the King Charles III Stakes is one of the opening day highlights.
But news of the King’s fondness of racing comes after it emerged the 76-year-old will not appear on horseback at Trooping the Colour tomorrow.
It is the second year in a row Charles has been forced to ride in a carriage for his official birthday parade because of his prostate operation and cancer diagnosis.
FOOTIE great David Beckham bends in a bow for King Charles during a palace awards bash — in possible practise for being knighted.
The ex-England captain, 50, who is set to become Sir David, joined a host of famous faces for the 35th anniversary of the King’s Foundation Awards at St James’s Palace.
They included Hollywood actresses Meryl Streep and Kate Winslet, who was heard telling Charles: “Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.”
Penny Lancaster, who is an ambassador for the foundation along with Beckham, was full of praise for His Majesty, saying: “He’s been an absolute pioneer and visionary.”
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IF you have unpleasant school-dinner memories of Spam – served up in slimy sarnies or fried to make fritters – you may wish never to revisit this fabled luncheon meat.
But despite being much mocked in the past – and now giving its name to unwanted emails – it can make many useful contributions to your diet, which could explain why sales soared by 199 per cent in the last year.
Spam packs lots of protein as well as iron, zinc and vitamins B and C
Consisting of 89 per cent pork and two per cent ham, Spam packs lots of protein as well as iron, zinc and vitamins B and C.
Oh, and it is also gluten-free.
The salt and fat levels are on the higher side, though, so best limit to once a week.
Give Spam fritters a modern upgrade by slicing meat and popping in the air fryer. Serve with a dipping sauce.
A PINT-sized powerhouse of nutrients full of fantastic health benefits – and a can will cost you less than a quid when you do the weekly shop.
Sardines are packed with wellness wins that can help your heart, bones, skin and immune system, and even boost brain power.
Sardines can help your heart, bones, skin and immune system, and even boost brain power
High in protein and low in fat, the oily fish is full of calcium and vitamin D, while omega 3 oils help cognitive function and vitamin B12 aids the nervous system.
Experts have even suggested sardines may help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
So, all in all, just what the doctor ordered.
Toss a tin into spaghetti with oil, lemon, chilli and garlic for a simple but nutritious pasta sauce.
WE all know the kids’ rhyme “beans, beans, good for your heart”.
But the cupboard staple we love to put on toast, or scoff with sausage, bacon and eggs, also scores highly for fibre.
Baked beans are good for your heart and high in fibre
There are a host of minerals wins, too, including potassium, iron, zinc – plus you get dosed up on vitamins B and C.
And those haricot beans smothered in tomato sauce are a super source of protein – they contain an average of 9g per can, the same as you get from two regular eggs, which is especially useful for veggies or vegans needing to boost their intake.
Look out for reduced-salt options, if available.
Don’t mess with a classic. Heat up and chomp on toast.
A HUMBLE tin of tomatoes, handy for all sorts of home-cooked dishes, is one of the healthiest canned foods you can buy and will quickly top up your vitamin and mineral levels.
These toms also taste delicious and are very economical.
Tinned tomatoes are full of vitamin C, fibre and potassium
Whatever type you choose – plum, cherry or specialist San Marzano – tucking into them will unleash a cascade of vitamin C, fibre and potassium.
They also put a nice helping of lycopene your way – an antioxidant linked to numerous heart health benefits.
Tip into a chilli con carne or stew to boost flavour and nutrients.
MOST tinned fruits offer health benefits equal to those you get from your favourite fresh versions – but the canned options lock in goodness and offer longevity, cost savings and convenience benefits to boot.
When browsing on the shop shelf for tinned fruit, look for slices in either water or fresh fruit juice, rather than syrup, to make sure you get all the goodness and shelf-life without those additional sugars.
Peach slices are stacked with fibre, potassium and valuable vitamin A
As well as counting as one of your “five a day”, peach slices are stacked with fibre, potassium and valuable vitamin A – excellent for eyesight.
Serve with a pot of Greek yoghurt for a tasty protein boost.
Sweetcorn, 200g, 49p, Tesco
Sweetcorn contains 8g of fibre and the same of protein
CASSEROLE time, anyone? This everyday ingredient comes with more health benefits that you may realise.
A superb way to improve your digestion, one can of yellow maize nuggets will provide around 8g of fibre and the same of protein – all of which also makes this food great for keeping you regular and feeding the healthy bacteria in your gut .
A tin is also packed full of folate, a naturally occurring form of vitamin B that is useful for cell growth – and you will get good hits of magnesium, iron and potassium, too.
Add to a Mexican-style salsa and serve with tacos.
Prunes, 420g, £1.10, Tesco
GOOD digestion is probably the best-known gain from tipping regular helpings of tinned dried plums into your breakfast or pudding bowl – but the bowel benefits and speedy transit times are not the only rewards.
Tinned prunes are also rich in iron, vitamin K for bone health, and anti-oxidant compounds to boost cell efficiency and protect from heart disease.
Tinned prunes are rich in iron, vitamin K and anti-oxidant compounds
Some studies also suggest prunes can help keep your cholesterol levels in check and reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Add on top of your brekkie porridge or drain a can and bake into flapjacks.
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4 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Fresh ageism row for the BBC after four axed senior journalists lodge discrimination claims
FOUR senior journalists have lodged complaints with the BBC in a fresh ageism row.
Their separate — but coordinated — discrimination claims come as the broadcaster merges its home and foreign newsdesks.
BBCMeanwhile Martine Croxall, above, Karin Giannone, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh settled their three-year dispute in March[/caption]
Bosses hope slashing 130 jobs will help save £700million.
But the four, said to have worked in warzones and the aftermath of terror attacks, fear they have been earmarked for compulsory redundancy.
Their move follows a group of BBCNews presenters going to an employment tribunal over ageism allegations.
Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh settled their three-year dispute in March, with the terms not disclosed.
The latest cases involve employees aged over 50 and thought to have more than 100 years of experience between them.
Sources said they believe the process of applying for the new jobs concentrates only on their work over the past two years — and so is weighted towards younger candidates.
Marks were also said to be deducted if applicants failed to mention keywords such as “digital” or “live page”.
It is reported one of the individuals is a representative of the National Union of Journalists, which has hit out at the compulsory redundancies.
Last night, the BBC said: “Restructuring in BBC News is taking place according to established BBC policies.
“We conduct all processes in a thorough and fair manner, and we are committed to supporting our staff throughout, including through comprehensive redeployment assistance.”
EPAFour senior journalists have lodged complaints with the BBC in a fresh ageism row[/caption]
4 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Woke-obsessed BBC would rather hand itself in to cops than air Clarkson’s Farm – and that’s why terrestrial TV is dying
APPROACHING four hours into the new Clarkson’s Farm and not one animal had kicked or butted Jeremy in the nuts.
A glaring sin of omission as far as most viewers were probably concerned.
Prime VideoClarkson’s Farm remains the best thing on TV and one of those incredibly rare shows that can make you smile just through the simple act of pressing ‘play’[/caption]
ITVBBC tried to copy Clarkson’s Farm with shows like Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure, but has not come close to recreating the magic[/caption]
Because, in terms of livestock, I think a bull was the only creature who hadn’t poleaxed Clarkson during the previous three series.
But then, 16 minutes into the fourth episode, bingo. Our prayers were answered.
Clarkson beckoned Sansa the hyperactive dog towards him and . . .
“Nyuuuuurgh. Baaah. That was right in . . . ”
His nuts.
And all was well again on Clarkson’s Farm, which remains the best thing on TV and one of those incredibly rare shows that can make you smile just through the simple act of pressing “play”.
Pedantically speaking, though, by the end of this latest Amazon Prime run, the title was a bit of a misnomer.
It had become Clarkson’s Pub, a place he clearly hated running almost as much as he loved Diddly Squat.
Pork scratchings
There was a change in the mood and personnel as well, with the on-tour Kaleb Cooper being temporarily replaced by Harriet Cowan, who’s an unannoying version of Helen Skelton, if you can imagine such a thing, and so dangerously competent she could kill the entire project if she was allowed more than a future cameo slot.
Of more immediate concern, however, was the fact that throughout the run, Gerald, the show’s MVP, seemed to become almost intelligible.
Not across an entire conversation, obviously. It’s not that serious, but there were tantalising fragments of sentences where I could now understand what the f*** he was saying, without rewinding.
“. . . Royt down a foot deep . . . ” “. . . Woan actually pull it round . . . ” “. . . Well, no chance in the world, izzer . . . ?”
No, there isn’t, Gerald, but this situation clearly has to be addressed before the best joke on TV is unscrambled completely. In these changing agricultural times, it’s a mercy and blessing that the essential ingredients of Clarkson’s Farm remain unchanged.
Uniquely, on TV at the moment, it’s still a drama, documentary and comedy all rolled into one.
With the most important element being the last one, because it’s the only farming show in history that’s ever kept the camera rolling on the stuff we really want to know and see. Jeremy’s “convalescing plums” play a huge part in that equation, clearly.
But so do the long, lingering shots of livestock sex and the fact that as well as knowing the picnic area at Jeremy’s new pub used to be a dogging site nicknamed “The A40 Bum Club”, I’m also now aware “pigs have a clitoris” and rub them.
Indeed, it’s given me an idea for a new variety of pork scratchings to be sold behind the bar of the Farmer’s Dog.
The really remarkable thing about this show, though, is that Clarkon’s approach hasn’t just got the easy laughs — it’s made the potentially boring stuff about farming funny and riveting as well.
Details like: Pre-planning applications to West Oxfordshire District Council, Defra’s GS4/SAM 3 regulations for herbal lay, barley yields per acre, the cost of UK black pepper per kilo (£100, seeing as you ask) and the Habsburg rule for assessing durum wheat quality, which broke a couple of readers who emailed to admit they’d actually cried when Jeremy’s rain-blighted crop fell catastrophically short of the 250 minimum rating.
A bit of an over-reaction, if you ask me, but these are the things that turn Clarkson’s Farm into a work of unparalleled genius. The rest of television knows it as well.
Indeed, to watch them is to witness the slow death of terrestrial TV, where they’re so straitjacketed by the cult of woke they’d hand themselves into the local plod before laughing at Gerald’s accent or broadcasting Clarkson’s episode seven pub pep-talk to a bunch of startled millennials, which was still making me howl a week after it landed. “One thing I cannot stand is gormlessness.
And I don’t want slovenly oiks leaning on things. This is designed to back British farming. If anyone wants a Coca-Cola, they can f* * * off.”
And so say all of us.
BIG SLIP
VERBAL slip of the month. Soccer Saturday, Michael Dawson: “I always remember Tim Cahill scoring goals and punching the slag . . . flag.”
SWING ON THE SLIDE
Paul Groom / Channel 4Tanith and Mark on Channel 4’s Open House: The Great Sex Experiment[/caption]
BRITISH people should no more take up swinging than Costa Ricans should launch themselves into a ski-jumping career.
For everything here works against the show’s stated aim of “shedding inhibitions” and “challenging conventions”, starting with the weather, which has got the mansion’s resident sexpots togged up like the Lochaber Mountain Rescue team in fleeces, blankets and overcoats.
You could plonk most of the visiting couples down in the Caribbean, though, and they’d still be as “sick and petrified” as Tom from Exeter, who sounded like he needed a defibrillator more than group sex.
“I’ve got sudden death syndrome and I could drop down dead at any moment,” he announced, before heading upstairs for a fivesome with partner Lauren.
Words that hardly screamed “all aboard” to anyone present.
But I guarantee you equally unsuitable couples will be back for another go next year, because morally bankrupt Channel 4 is terminally addicted to the cheap, tawdry voyeurism offered by shows like Open House and Virgin Island.
So all I can do is suggest they amend the billing of a coercive old Euro bat called Effy Blue who’s currently operating above the caption: “Non-monogamy coach.”
She is the Trollop Tutor. Nothing more, nothing less.
GREAT TV lies and delusions of the month.
The Soap Awards, Angellica Bell: “It’s so good to be here with some of TV’s most gifted, brilliant and talented people.” (Hiding where?)
Love Island, Alima: “I’m a ten out of ten, of course.”
And Love Island, Blu: “Girls fall in love with me quite quickly.” Arshol.
Alfie Moon: “Kat Slater, will you be my beautiful, beautiful wife for the third time?”
A proposal which, on second thoughts, I’m filing under “a big ask”.
RANDOM TV IRRITATIONS
THE tragic sight of Ian Hislop desperately trying to appeal to HIGNFY’s studio mob of anti-Israel bigots.
Oddbod Junior and his wife putting me off pizzas for life sitting in their Domino’s advert bath.
Clare Balding still posing as a champion of women’s sport, on The One Show, despite bottling the subject of Imane Khelif beating up female boxers at last year’s Olympics.
And environmental propagandist Chris Packham slyly upping “climate change” to “climate breakdown”, on this week’s Springwatch.
With the next stages of Chris’s scaremongering being: Climate wacky shack, climate prolapse and climate catastrophuck.
UNEXPECTED MORONS IN BAGGING AREA
TIPPING Point, Ben Shephard: “Mount Everest is located in which continent?”
Ruvimbo: “Europe.”
Ben Shephard: “The AIG Women’s Open is a tourn- ament in which club and ball sport?”
Rob: “Football.”
And Ben Shephard: “Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Majorca is part of which European country?”
Maureen: “America.”
LOOKALIKE OF THE WEEK
suppliedDanny Beard, left, Kelly Osbourne, right[/caption]
Diane Morgan simultaneously ridiculing everything about Who Do You Think You Are? while starring on the show: “The slow head turn at the start makes me cringe.”
Race Across the World winner Tom realising that love and respect for his mum, Caroline, was infinitely more important than crossing the line first.
4 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Avoid paying crazy golf prices when taking up the sport with our four savvy tips
GOLF’S US Open is in full swing and could leave you feeling inspired to tee-off.
The sport rightly has a reputation for being a pricey pastime to take up, but there are ways to cut costs.
PAR FOR THE COURSE: Many courses offer reduced rates for playing later in the day and into twilight.
Clubs often have other off-peak hours when it is cheaper to tee-off. Or start off with a nine-hole round rather than the full 18 to save.
If you have a mobility issue, ask whether there is a reduced cost for a buggy to help you get around the course.
MEMBER PERKS: Club memberships can save on costs if you start to play more regularly.
The PlayMoreGolf app allows you to book rounds at more than 200 partner courses – and as part of signing up you get access to exclusive member offers and promotions.
Use code USOPEN15 and you’ll currently get five free rounds.
GET THE GEAR: Golf clubs can cost a pretty penny. Buy second-hand to cut costs. Check sites such as Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace, as well as charity shops or car boot sales.
You can also buy used balls. Search eBay and Amazon for balls that are not box fresh.
PITCH & PUTT: Many big parks have mini-golf courses that you play with one club and a putter and it’s a great way to get a taste for the game. The equipment is supplied and costs are normally very reasonable.
Or try an indoor golf venue where you can have an evening out playing golf, with food or drinks — again all equipment is supplied and it’s a novel way to enjoy the sport.
GettyWe reveal ways to cut the costs of playing golf[/caption]
All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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4 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Can these five viral TikTok fashion gadgets REALLY solve every wardrobe crisis from fabric shaver to stretch belt?
TIKTOK is a goldmine for hacks – and right now, it’s overflowing with gadgets that claim to solve every wardrobe crisis.
As a fashion assistant, I’m no stranger to quick-fixes. I’ve always got a safety pin and double-sided tape in my bag – ready to rescue a hem, a neckline, or a stubborn zip.
David CummingsFashion Assistant Emily Regan puts some TikTok gadgets to the test and rates them out of ten[/caption]
With over a million videos under #fashionhacks, my feed is full of weird and wonderful gizmos promising to make fashion mishaps a thing of the past.
Here, I put them to the test to see which really work.
Mini Stitch Gun, £15.99, Amazon
SuppliedMini Stitch Gun, £15.99, Amazon[/caption]
David CummingsEmily says the gadget which holds fabric in place is a game changer for her wardrobe[/caption]
Being petite myself with a fuller bust, finding clothes that fit just right can be a challenge.
The Mini Stitch gun first caught my attention on TikTok, where fans of the product hailed it as the ‘ultimate fashion hack’. One video of the gun had over 41.5k views.
It works by inserting a small, removable plastic stitch to hold fabric in place, perfect for closing button gaps, hiding bra straps, or temporarily hemming jeans. I was impressed by how quick and easy this is to use.
This particular kit included helpful step by step picture instructions, five needle replacements and lots of extra fastenings plus a handy travel case.
There’s no need to apply a lot of pressure, you simply squeeze the trigger and the stitch is in. The stitch is made of plastic so it feels secure and holds all day.
Although it was visible close up, it didn’t show in photos. Nobody mentioned to me they could see it. This is a game changer for my wardrobe.
Rating: 8/10
Fabric Shaver, £9.99, Phillips
SuppliedFabric Shaver, £9.99, Phillips[/caption]
David CummingsThis fabric shaver is really effective and will remove those dreaded bobbles on jumpers[/caption]
Electric fabric shavers had a big moment a few years ago, and the buzz is back… pun intended.
They became popular during Covid-19 as people took more of an interest in extending the lifespan of their clothes.
I’ve only ever tried a super cheap one from the Poundshop, so I decided to give the more pricey £9.99 Phillips version a try.
This one in particular was described as “magic” by one user on TikTok, with another calling it a “game changer”. One video recommending the model in question has also racked up over 50.3k views.
It comes with picture instructions and 2 AA batteries.
The cover for inserting batteries slides off without much effort but does stay put during use.
Quite a few Tiktok users commented that it’s important to remove the plastic cap, with some forgetting to do so and not finding it as effective.
But once it’s off, it’s easy to use. Simply flick the on switch and gently glide the shaver over any bobbles to remove them.
It’s really effective and better than anything I’ve used before.
Gone are the days of washing a jumper once and being ruined by dreaded bobbles, plus it works on sofas and soft furnishings too.
Rating: 10/10
Reusable Plush Roller, £5.99 (for 2), Amazon
SuppliedReusable Plush Roller, £5.99 (for 2), Amazon[/caption]
David CummingsThis sticky roller picks up any unwanted dust, fluff and hair really easily but the quality of the product is a let down[/caption]
In theory, this sticky roller is a brilliant idea, eliminating the need for disposable lint sheets.
These ones were £5.99 for two on Amazon but I’ve seen them for as little as £1 each on Tiktok shop. Sadly the low price is reflected in the product quality.
The plastic case broke almost immediately after I took them out of the packaging. That said, it does still do the job.
Simply roll the sticky pad over your clothes and it picks up any unwanted dust, fluff and hair really easily. The adhesive pad is super sticky so it really clings to everything.
To clear it, you just rinse the pad under water.
You are supposed to remove it from the case, but I struggled to do this in fear of breaking it as it’s so flimsy.
The biggest problem I found was drying it. You can’t use a towel or cloth as it’s so sticky that it just gathers more dust.
While it comes with its frustrations, I do think it’s worth having. With a little product development, it could be a useful tool to have around the house.
Rating: 5/10
No Sew Jean Button, from £2.50 for 2, Amazon
SuppliedNo Sew Jean Button, from £2.50 for 2, Amazon[/caption]
David CummingsThese genius removable no-sew buttons will ensure your jeans fit properly around your waist[/caption]
Oversized jeans have been the must have style for a few seasons, and as much as I love the relaxed look, I still want my jeans to fit properly around my waist.
I always fall between sizes so shopping for the perfect pair is a real struggle.
Thankfully, I (or rather TikTok) has found the perfect solution with these genius removable no-sew buttons.
They come screwed together, and whilst it takes a little force to pull both pieces apart (especially with nails – and mine aren’t exactly long), that does mean they won’t budge once screwed in place.
To use, you push the pin through where you want the new button to go, snap the backing piece in from the back to create a new button and a tighter waistband.
Plus, they’re reusable, so if your size does fluctuate, like mine, you can easily move them without damaging your jeans.
They come in gold and silver and there are many designs to choose from.
Although slightly fiddly, once you get the hang of it, they’re such a smart, budget friendly alternative to buying new jeans.
Rating: 8/10
Elastic Stretch Belt, £8.95 for 2, Amazon
SuppliedElastic Stretch Belt, £8.95 for 2, Amazon[/caption]
David CummingsThis elastic stretch belt helped create a clean tuck but was uncomfortable and didn’t look nice[/caption]
TikTokers deem this elastic belt to be the best solution for achieving the ‘perfect tuck’.
If you struggle with tucking and cropping your T-shirts and jumpers, or even if you have a top that’s too long and, when tucked in, creates an unflattering bulky look around your waist, this product is designed to eliminate the problem.
The adjustable band fixes around your waist, allowing you to securely tuck your top into it.
The clasp is easy to use and the two pack includes a black and a white version, which is a plus, as they will work with any outfit.
I was skeptical about this one, and personally I don’t think it’s worth nearly £9. Sure, it helps create a clean tuck, but the elastic was very uncomfortable around my waist after a few hours of wear.
I think a regular belt could do the job just as well and would probably look nicer too.
Rating: 3/10
VERDICT
Not every TikTok gadget lived up to the hype, but a few stood out as genuinely smart solutions.
I’ll definitely be adding a couple of them to my styling kit, as well as my own personal wardrobe.
Some of these affordable devices have proven to make a real difference, especially to those who favour convenience without compromising on style.
I was especially impressed with the pricing of the products too. These are all budget-friendly alternatives to visiting a tailor or buying brand new products.
So if you’re navigating fluctuating sizes or want to refresh your favourite jumpers, these trending tools actually prove that most of the time, TikTok hacks do deliver.
