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Dean Franklin: My last big expense? The £700 tux I wore on The Apprentice

Dean Franklin: My last big expense? The £700 tux I wore on The Apprentice

Times02-05-2025

Dean Franklin became the first male winner of The Apprentice since 2017 when he persuaded Alan Sugar to invest £250,000 in his air-conditioning business ADL.
The 35-year-old from London beat the pizza firm owner and London School of Economics graduate Anisa Khan in the final of the BBC1 series in April. He's the first tradesman to win the show in nine years.
The self-styled 'Daddy Cool' admits he struggled during the 'brutal' interviews in the penultimate episode of the long-running show — especially an awkward exchange about a photo he had posted online as a joke after installing air conditioning units in an adult shop.
After being crowned winner, Franklin was accused of not obtaining an F-Gas certificate (required to ensure fluorinated gases used in

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Our fashion editors reveal what they'll be wearing to Royal Ascot – including F&F at Tesco and Zara
Our fashion editors reveal what they'll be wearing to Royal Ascot – including F&F at Tesco and Zara

Scottish Sun

timean hour ago

  • Scottish Sun

Our fashion editors reveal what they'll be wearing to Royal Ascot – including F&F at Tesco and Zara

You don't have to spend a fortune on your outfit for Ascot - Abby's top pick is a supermarket favourite, with prices from £16. RACE YOU! Our fashion editors reveal what they'll be wearing to Royal Ascot – including F&F at Tesco and Zara Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you're heading to Ascot this year, you don't have long left to find something to wear. And although there's plenty of occasionwear out there, it can be difficult to find something that is both appropriate and stylish. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Plus, you don't need to spend a fortune - there are lots of gorgeous and affordable options on the high street, if you know where to look. Our fashion editors have done the searching for you, and picked out their favourite pieces that won't break the bank, plus you'll be able to wear them numerous times throughout the summer. Abby McHale, 30, Deputy Fashion Editor 4 Abby is going dotty for the polka dot trend this year Credit: I love any excuse to get dressed up, and the races certainly ticks the occasionwear box. If you think you have to spend a fortune on a posh outfit, then think again. The high street has really upped its game this year - supermarkets included. Can you believe this polka dot co-ord is from F&F at Tesco? I love the skirt and top combination, as it's a slightly different take on a classic dress option. I've added a pop of colour with this red headband from Karen Millen and kept the rest of my accessories neutral, with a pearl bag, black heels and gold jewellery. Plus, once I've worn this to the races, I can mix and match the pieces to create even more outfits. Tracey Lea Sayer, 53, Fashion Director 4 Tracey proves that a suit can be just as glam as a dress Credit: I go into a panic whenever I get asked to attend a formal occasion! I don't look great in dresses or hats, so I have to be really specific about what I wear. But I do love a suit, so opting for a two-piece always takes the pressure off a bit. This soft pink, elegant suit from Mint Velvet feels dressy and special, but I know I will be really comfortable - and I'll still feel like me! As for the hat, I hired one this year and am hoping it suits me when it arrives. I do know I need a hat with height, so fingers crossed this Camilla Rose one will look the part in the royal enclosure. Clemmie Fieldsend, 34, Fashion Editor 4 Clemmie's monochrome look is inspired by Dior Credit: This year, I'm swapping my frock for a jacket and skirt look inspired by Christian Dior. I've been lucky enough to go to Royal Ascot a handful of times, but I feel overwhelmed by all the dresses on the high street and can't find one that's right for me. So this year, I've built a look that doubles for Dior's iconic 'New Look' outfit that changed fashion history in 1950. I've gone for this beautiful jacket from Aligne that's actually part of the bridal range, and paired it with a statement full skirt from Reserved. Phase Eight has lots of fantastic headgear for races and weddings, so if you're looking for something that will make you stand out, definitely take a look. I've gone for classic black court shoes and a Dior bag dupe from Fiorelli, and I'm all set. Emily Regan, 25, Fashion Assistant 4 Emily has picked a co-ord that she'll be able to wear to other events Credit: Choosing an outfit for the races is always a challenge, especially with the unpredictable weather and strict dress codes. For Ascot, it can be hard to find something stylish that's also appropriate, but I recently spotted this Zara co-ord that ticks all the boxes. The boucle cardigan looks luxe, covers everything it needs to, and comes with a bandeau top underneath, so I can wear the buttons undone if the temperature rises. I'm really into combo skirts right now - they're all over the high street and work especially well if you're petite, like me, giving the illusion of longer legs. For shoes, these River Island heels are so comfortable, especially for long days, come in loads of colours, and the closed toe means no emergency pedicures! I'm not usually a fan of hats, but this raffia number from John Lewis & Partners feels like a polished take on a sun hat, so it's perfect.

Our fashion editors reveal what they'll be wearing to Royal Ascot – including F&F at Tesco and Zara
Our fashion editors reveal what they'll be wearing to Royal Ascot – including F&F at Tesco and Zara

The Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Sun

Our fashion editors reveal what they'll be wearing to Royal Ascot – including F&F at Tesco and Zara

IF you're heading to Ascot this year, you don't have long left to find something to wear. And although there's plenty of occasionwear out there, it can be difficult to find something that is both appropriate and stylish. Plus, you don't need to spend a fortune - there are lots of gorgeous and affordable options on the high street, if you know where to look. Our fashion editors have done the searching for you, and picked out their favourite pieces that won't break the bank, plus you'll be able to wear them numerous times throughout the summer. Abby McHale, 30, Deputy Fashion Editor I love any excuse to get dressed up, and the races certainly ticks the occasionwear box. If you think you have to spend a fortune on a posh outfit, then think again. The high street has really upped its game this year - supermarkets included. Can you believe this polka dot co-ord is from F&F at Tesco? I love the skirt and top combination, as it's a slightly different take on a classic dress option. I've added a pop of colour with this red headband from Karen Millen and kept the rest of my accessories neutral, with a pearl bag, black heels and gold jewellery. Plus, once I've worn this to the races, I can mix and match the pieces to create even more outfits. Tracey Lea Sayer, 53, Fashion Director Hat, £85 to hire, Camilla Rose - HIRE NOW Trousers, £140, Mint Velvet - BUY NOW Bag, £100, Mango - BUY NOW Sandals, £45.99, Stradivarius - BUY NOW I go into a panic whenever I get asked to attend a formal occasion! I don't look great in dresses or hats, so I have to be really specific about what I wear. But I do love a suit, so opting for a two-piece always takes the pressure off a bit. This soft pink, elegant suit from Mint Velvet feels dressy and special, but I know I will be really comfortable - and I'll still feel like me! As for the hat, I hired one this year and am hoping it suits me when it arrives. I do know I need a hat with height, so fingers crossed this Camilla Rose one will look the part in the royal enclosure. Clemmie Fieldsend, 34, Fashion Editor 4 This year, I'm swapping my frock for a jacket and skirt look inspired by Christian Dior. I've been lucky enough to go to Royal Ascot a handful of times, but I feel overwhelmed by all the dresses on the high street and can't find one that's right for me. So this year, I've built a look that doubles for Dior's iconic 'New Look' outfit that changed fashion history in 1950. I've gone for this beautiful jacket from Aligne that's actually part of the bridal range, and paired it with a statement full skirt from Reserved. Phase Eight has lots of fantastic headgear for races and weddings, so if you're looking for something that will make you stand out, definitely take a look. I've gone for classic black court shoes and a Dior bag dupe from Fiorelli, and I'm all set. Emily Regan, 25, Fashion Assistant 4 Choosing an outfit for the races is always a challenge, especially with the unpredictable weather and strict dress codes. For Ascot, it can be hard to find something stylish that's also appropriate, but I recently spotted this Zara co-ord that ticks all the boxes. The boucle cardigan looks luxe, covers everything it needs to, and comes with a bandeau top underneath, so I can wear the buttons undone if the temperature rises. I'm really into combo skirts right now - they're all over the high street and work especially well if you're petite, like me, giving the illusion of longer legs. For shoes, these River Island heels are so comfortable, especially for long days, come in loads of colours, and the closed toe means no emergency pedicures! I'm not usually a fan of hats, but this raffia number from John Lewis & Partners feels like a polished take on a sun hat, so it's perfect. Why the high street still rules! Fabulous' Fashion Director, Tracey Lea Sayer shares her thoughts. I WAS 10 when I first discovered the utter joy of high-street shopping for clothes with my mum and nan. Going into town on Saturday became a family tradition – a girls' day out we would look forward to all week. My mum's favourite shop was M&S, where she would gaze at jackets with big shoulder pads and floral sundresses, while my nan would make a beeline for John Lewis and their classic coats and elegant court shoes. I was all over Tammy Girl – Etam's little sister – and Chelsea Girl, which was later rebranded to high-street fave River Island. I would spend hours in the changing rooms, watched keenly by my two cheerleaders, who gave the thumbs up – or thumbs down – on what I was trying on. Frilly ra-ra skirts, duster coats, polka dot leggings, puff balls, boob tubes… I tried them all, often making my nan howl with laughter. Fashion wasn't so fast back in the 1980s and every item was cherished and worn until it fell apart – literally – at the seams. At 18, I went to art college and my tastes became more refined. Extra cash from a part-time job in a bar meant I could move on to slightly more expensive stores, like Warehouse, Miss Selfridge and the mecca that was Topshop. I knew at this point I wanted to work in fashion because the high street had totally seduced me. One day, I wrote an article for a competition in a glossy mag about my love of retail therapy and my favourite LBD – and I won! That led me to where I am today – Fashion Director of Fabulous. It's not just me that loves the high street – big-name designers are fans, too. When Cool Britannia hit in the '90s, they all turned up in one big store. Designers at Debenhams was a stroke of genius by Debenhams CEO Belinda Earl, designer Ben de Lisi and fashion director Spencer Hawken, who introduced diffusion ranges from John Rocha, Matthew Williamson and Betty Jackson, to name a few. This meant we could all afford a bit of luxury and wear a well-known designer's signature style. Years later, I hosted a night with Debenhams and Fabulous for 250 readers, who were in awe meeting all the designers. It was a real career highlight for me. In 2004, H&M started rolling out their international designer collabs. Karl Lagerfeld was first, followed by Roberto Cavalli, Marni, Stella McCartney, Maison Martin Margiela, Sonia Rykiel, Comme des Garçons, Balmain, Versace and many, many more. I could barely contain myself! Then in 2007, Kate Moss launched her first collection with Topshop, with thousands queuing along London's Oxford Street. I remember sitting behind Ms Moss and Topshop boss Philip Green at a London Fashion Week Topshop Unique catwalk show. I had my three-year-old daughter, Frankie, in tow and we both made the news the next day after we were papped behind Kate, my supermodel girl crush. At the time, the high street was on fire. Who needed designer buys when Mango stocked tin foil trousers just like the designer Isabel Marant ones and you could buy a bit of Barbara Hulanicki's legendary brand Biba from Topshop? High street stores even started to storm London Fashion week. Although Topshop Unique had shown collections since 2001, in 2013 River Island showed its first collection in collaboration with global superstar Rihanna, who was flown in by a friend of mine on a private jet. KER-CHING! A whole new generation of high profile high street collabs followed. Beyoncé created Ivy Park with Topshop's Philip Green and I even flew to LA for Fabulous to shoot the Kardashian sisters in their bodycon 'Kollection' for Dorothy Perkins. I am pleased to say they were the absolute dream cover stars. Fast forward to 2024 and while the high street doesn't look exactly like it did pre-Covid, it has made a gallant comeback. Stores like M&S, Reserved and Zara, and designer collabs like Victoria Beckham X Mango and Rochelle Humes for Next are giving me all the feels. The supermarkets have really come into their own, too, smashing it with gorgeous collections that look expensive, but at prices that still allow us to afford the weekly shop. The last 30 years of high street fashion have been one big adventure for me. Bring on the next 30!

Big news for Tesco shoppers as F&F drops next 25% off sale with 'huge' update
Big news for Tesco shoppers as F&F drops next 25% off sale with 'huge' update

Daily Mirror

time3 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Big news for Tesco shoppers as F&F drops next 25% off sale with 'huge' update

Tesco has announced exciting news for F&F shoppers this week... Tesco fans, get excited– the summer 25% off F&F clothing sale has just landed in stores and it's a great chance to bag some serious bargains. Whether you're freshening up your summer wardrobe or after a couple of smart pieces for work, it's definitely time to plan that trolley dash. Taking place now until Sunday 15th, you still have plenty of time to make the most of the big savings. The discount covers all F&F adult fashion. The only things not included are shoes, accessories and slippers. Everything else? Fair game for anyone with a Tesco Clubcard. We're talking dresses, jeans, loungewear, activewear and loads more. Just a heads-up, though, with deals this good, sizes do go quickly. So if there's something you've had your eye on, don't leave it too late! Also, in huge news for the supermarket, for the very first time, you can shop the 25% off sale online as well as in-store. Up until last month, F&F clothing has only been available in select Tesco stores. And for the spring F&F sale that took place the other month, Clubcard users had to go in-store to pick up their favourite items at a discount. Now, you can shop a broad range of F&F clothing online AND get the sale event savings. So, what's a fashion editor shopping from the new-in F&F section? Though stock is dwindling fast, there's still plenty of gems to be found in the sale. We love F&F's Short Sleeve Contrast Detail Cardigan in Cream, now £14 (down from £22.50), which has a very Chanel-like look to it thanks to the cream colour and the black contrast trim. It's also ideal for this in-between weather we're seeing, and makes a great workwear choice. If cosiness is on your agenda, why not make your home relax-wear look a little more chic? The Cotton Rich Leopard Print Wide Leg Joggers, now £10 (down from £19.50), look like something you could wear out without raised eyebrows. They're comfy, casual and in a trending leopard print design. Another piece ideal for both warm days and colder mornings is the Pure Cotton Crochet Tie Front Cardigan in Cream, now £16 (was £25). Made from pure cotton, this long-sleeved cardigan is designed with a pretty tie front and intricate crochet pattern. Featuring a scalloped hem, it can be layered over a simple vest or your bikini top, if you're somewhere tropical. And speaking of tropical, the Striped Long Sleeve Beach Shirt in Navy, now £10 (was £16), is our ultimate pick for a holiday. It's perfect for wearing over a swimsuit to the beach, or wearing alone paired with some chic linen trousers for a dinner. All you're missing is some statement gold seashell earrings to make this a full look. Elsewhere in supermarket news, Mamma Mia! movie fans may want to take a trip to Sainsbury's, where the new summer collection blends Grecian tones with floaty silhouettes. With star pieces from £5, like the Blue Textured Plunge Swimsuit, £16, and Floral Linen Look Co-ord Shorts, £18, it's the perfect collection to help you prepare for a summer holiday.

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