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Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
I feel so lucky to live in UK seaside city with 'village' vibe, there's only one downside
Plymouth, affectionately dubbed the "biggest village in Devon", radiates a welcoming atmosphere that's immediately noticeable when wandering into the city centre, or "town" as locals fondly describe it, where you're bound to encounter recognisable faces. Despite being the largest city in the area, Plymouth retains a leisurely rhythm of life, save for the odd burst of activity. The city carries the wounds of its turbulent past, having endured extensive bombing during the Second World War, which has left a lasting impression on its landscape. The sea, though, remains Plymouth's constant companion, although I've always questioned the nickname "Ocean City". It appears to imply that Plymouth's waters, The Sound, are oceanic, when in reality they constitute part of the English Channel. Visitors swarm to Plymouth's spectacular waterfront throughout the summer months, but during winter, a walk along the Hoe Promenade provides peace that feels miles away from urban existence. Having been raised close to the Devon coastline myself, I value the seasonal transformations, from the crowded summer shores to the peaceful winters. When I can, I head to Tinside Beach for a swim, even in the chill. Whilst I don't venture as far out as the resilient year-round swimmers, the refreshing plunge is always energising, despite the initial jolt of the icy water, as per Plymouth Live. Throughout the years, I've been lucky enough to witness an array of wildlife whilst swimming or wandering around Plymouth Hoe, from seals and dolphins to cormorants and birds of prey. Come summer, it's quite common to see thousands of minuscule fish being carried shoreward by the current. The high and low tides become especially dramatic during a full moon or new lunar cycle along this stretch of coast. This occurs because of how the moon, sun and Earth line up, with their joint gravitational force creating extreme tidal ranges - resulting in exceptionally high or remarkably low tides. What I treasure most about Plymouth Hoe is how unspoilt it remains. It hasn't been overtaken by amusement facilities, which gives it an enduring character. Furthermore, it has emerged as an important location for marine biology and marine archaeology. Gazing out across the water, I often catch myself picturing the countless past souls who have sailed these seas, from buccaneers to contraband runners. The word "hoe" is thought to stem from the Anglo-Saxon term "hoh", meaning a heel-shaped hill or ridge. Centuries back, Plymouth Hoe would have been quarried, with much of the limestone going towards building the city's historic structures. Yet, if there's one drawback to Plymouth, it has to be the congestion. With proposals for additional housing on the city's periphery, I worry the problem might get worse. As the city has grown, so too has the volume of traffic, with new homes and districts replacing what were once natural areas. While parts of Plymouth remain untouched, it's somewhat disheartening to see the urban sprawl expanding so dramatically. There are fears that increased concreting could lead to more flooding in the future, not to mention the potential for additional homes to result in more sewage being discharged into the sea. However, Plymouth has managed to maintain its Devonian charm, despite the city's unique status and origins. It remains a bastion for locals, largely avoiding the surge of holiday homes and Airbnb rentals that many other towns in Devon and Cornwall have experienced. We're lucky to still have a bustling fishing industry in Plymouth, which, despite facing numerous challenges recently, continues to provide jobs for local people. Furthermore, Plymouth is surrounded by beautiful beaches and coves, as well as the wild expanse of Dartmoor, giving us a wealth of options throughout the year.
Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Yo-yo dieter, 66, looks 'unrecognisable' on dog walks after four stone weight loss
Teresa, 66, from Plymouth, had been dieting her whole life and says it was 'sometimes successful, sometimes not successful' - but then she made one change A 66 year old Plymouth resident, who had spent decades yo-yo dieting, describes her efforts as 'sometimes successful, sometimes not successful. ' From 2013 onwards, Teresa found herself on a downward spiral, piling on the pounds year after year, which took a devastating toll on her mental wellbeing. "I couldn't do anything, couldn't go anywhere and didn't feel I had the right to go anywhere, which is really sad," she reveals. Everything changed in January 2025 when she tipped the scales at 223 pounds (16 stone) and stumbled upon the Simple app whilst browsing on her mobile, introducing her to intermittent fasting for the first time. "People have told me about fasting before but I never thought I would be able to do it. I thought I would go faint, I would pass out, I wouldn't be able to go without food so I discarded it," she admits. But Teresa now feels as though someone has completely rewired her relationship with food after six decades of struggle, all thanks to the application. Simple is an AI-powered coaching platform designed for adults seeking a healthier way of life, and customers can currently use the code REACH60 to slash 60% off Simple weight loss programmes. Via the application, which boasts millions of downloads according to the company, users kick-start their transformation by completing an in-depth questionnaire about their wellness objectives, dietary preferences and previous slimming attempts. Then, just like Teresa, users can enjoy the convenience of logging food through typing, voice or photo, use intermittent fasting trackers, a NutriScanner (which clarifies the nutritional content of meals), and access daily workout plans that cover a range of activities from strength training and cardio to pilates, reports Plymouth Live. Discussing the app's impact on her life, Teresa shared: "It's about getting your mind into that healthy place where you can relax around food. I've always had a nightmare around eating food, with people telling me, 'You shouldn't eat that, you shouldn't eat that.'". "But now I've got people who are totally shocked by how much food I do actually eat." She also noticed a significant shift in how others perceive her: "And compliments - that's a big thing, learning to accept compliments. People also don't recognise you, but they recognise my dogs, and they go 'Oh, it is you, well done, you look amazing.' And to be fair, I actually feel amazing and I can't thank Simple enough." Additionally, there's Avo, the in-app AI coach that provides instant answers to user queries, acting as a "personal wellness assistant" powered by AI. Users can seek advice on things like healthy recipes, snack options, or specific workouts, and since it's available 24/7, it becomes more attuned to individual preferences the more it's used. "After 175 days, I'm now weighing in at 167 pounds and I'm feeling very very happy about that," Teresa reveals. "Another big thing for me is logging my food. If I've eaten that, I log it. Even if it isn't right, because I don't think there's good or bad food. Simple all the way." For those seeking alternatives, numerous other fitness applications exist, including Myfitnesspal, which stands as one of the most beloved tracking platforms available. Boasting capabilities like meal planning, calorie monitoring and exercise programmes, it represents a reliable option. Lifesum presents another possibility, designed to help individuals monitor their nutritional and fitness behaviours. The platform logs meals, physical activity and various metrics whilst aiming to encourage healthier decisions. Both applications offer free versions alongside premium subscriptions for those wanting extra support and features. However, Simple app users have expressed enthusiasm about their experiences. "This app has been absolutely life changing for just made everything so simple... I can actually do things I love to a long walk with my kids," one person shared. Another commented on Trustpilot: "I love it so far it helps keep track of my progress." Yet some users held different views, with one noting: "It's probably good for someone who has the time to track and log throughout the day, but it's a bit busy for my needs. "So far I'm enjoying this app. The exercises are great. The coach is very helpful and it's keeping track of my goals," another user remarked. Simple is currently 60% off with code REACH60. This is not medical advice. This is a personal experience. Results may vary. Please consult your healthcare professional for any medical conditions.
Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Weight loss jabs 'could lower risk of dementia', scientists find
A new study found weight loss injections may help reduce the risk of dementia and stroke in people who are obese and have type 2 diabetes Weight loss injections could potentially prevent dementia and stroke, a recent study suggests. The research also indicates that individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity who use these medications may have a lower risk of premature death. Academics note the benefits of drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro for weight and blood sugar management are well-documented, but that other potential health benefits remain "unclear". The study involved Taiwanese experts analysing data from 60,000 global participants, averaging 58-years-old, all of whom had type 2 diabetes and obesity. Approximately half were administered GLP agonist drugs semaglutide and tirzepatide – marketed as Wegovy and Mounjaro respectively. Semaglutide is also the primary component in the type 2 diabetes medication Ozempic. GLP agonists can curb appetite, slow digestion, decrease liver-produced sugar, and stimulate insulin production when necessary. The remaining participants used alternative anti-diabetic drugs. Over a seven-year follow-up period, it was observed that those given the GLP agonist drugs seemed to have a 37% lower risk of dementia and a 19% reduced risk of stroke, reports Plymouth Live. They were also 30% less likely to die during the follow-up period. Further analysis revealed even greater benefits among participants aged 60 or older, women, and those with a body mass index score of 30 to 40. They were also 30% less likely to die during the follow-up period. And when researchers looked at the data further they found even greater benefits in people aged 60 or older, women, and those with a body mass index score of 30 to 40. 'These findings suggest that semaglutide and tirzepatide may offer neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits beyond glycemic control, potentially improving long-term cognitive and survival outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity,' they wrote in the journal JAMA Network Open. Reacting to the study, Professor Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh and group leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: 'This is a very interesting study adding to evidence that GLP1 receptor agonists are associated with a lower risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 'This type of study cannot determine whether the drugs reduced disease risk by directly protecting the brain. It is highly likely that effectively treating type 2 diabetes and obesity would reduce dementia and stroke risk as they are known risk factors for these conditions. 'Further work is needed including randomised clinical trials to confirm these drugs are protective in people with diabetes and obesity and other trials are needed to determine whether these drugs will be protective in people who do not have type 2 diabetes and obesity.'
Daily Record
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC EastEnders Oscar Branning actor's real age leaves fans gobsmacked
EastEnders fans were left stunned after discovering the true age of the actor who plays Oscar Branning, who returned to the BBC soap earlier this week. EastEnders fans were left stunned after learning the real age of actor Pierre Moullier, who plays Oscar Branning on the BBC soap. Oscar was introduced as the third child of Max Branning (Jake Wood) and Tanya Cross (Jo Joyner). The character was born in 2007 amid his dad's affair with daughter-in-law Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner). He was last seen in the Square back in 2017 after visiting Max briefly on Father's Day and has since been living away from Walford with Tanya, following her split from Max. However, this week marked the return of Oscar to the soap, now played by actor Pierre Moullier. The character made his reappearance in Monday's episode where he rang sister Lauren Branning after finding himself in a bit of trouble. The return of Oscar was announced last month, with new executive producer Ben Wadey revealing that "there's going to be plenty of drama in store this summer", according to Plymouth Live. Pierre described joining the soap as "pretty surreal" and hinted that "the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he's a complex guy". Prior to his stint in EastEnders, Pierre features in Channel 4 series Cast Offs back in 2009. He also had a more minor role in Netflix's Fate: The Winx Saga. However, it's the actors age which has caused many fans to be left stunned. While Oscar is 17 years old on the BBC One soap, actor Pierre Moullier himself is around 24 or 25. On an EastEnders Facebook fan page, viewers expressed their surprise that Pierre is actually in his mid-twenties, as they quickly racked up comments. EastEnders fans were left gobsmacked after finding out the news. One person wrote, "The new actor who plays Oscar Branning is 24 or 25! Wth," one viewer couldn't hide their surprise. Another fan was equally astonished, as they quipped, "No way is he 25." A third chimed in, expressing their disbelief: "What? ! I thought he was like 18!". The Branning family is set for further drama as it's not just Oscar making a return to EastEnders. Max Branning, Oscar's dad, is also set to make a comeback to Albert Square as we reported previously. Jake Wood, the actor famed for portraying Max, shared his enthusiasm about rejoining the cast. He said, "I'm over the moon to be coming home to Walford. Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so I'm sure he'll be busy." He continued, hinting at an eventful storyline ahead: "I'm excited to see what he's been up to, and what is next for the character, but if his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, I'm sure there will be plenty of chaos."
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rare 50p coin listed for £10k on eBay and there are 9m of them out there
A rare 50p Paddington Bear coin has been spotted on eBay for a staggering £10,000 - but a coin expert has urged people to be wary of purchasing 'rare' coins online A 50p coin has been put up for sale for an eyewatering £10,000 - despite there being 9million in circulation. The Paddington Bear 50p coin was issued by the Royal Mint in 2018 in commemoration of the iconic character. The coin has an image of Paddington Bear standing outside St Paul's Cathedral as he tips his hat, as part of the Paddington series. The eBay seller from Woodbridge has listed the 'rare' coin for a staggering £10K. The design was issued by the Royal Mint to continue the celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of the British Bear - and features a design of Paddington based on the CGI-live action movie. The coins shows Paddington continuing his adventures at the ornate St. Paul's Cathedral as well as others showing him at the Tower of London, his namesake train station and with the guards outside Buckingham Palace. It was designed by David Knapton and the intricate engraving of Paddington in his famous hat outside the London landmark is one of the iconic 5p designs. On the reverse is Jody Clark's 5th Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, reports Plymouth Live. According to The Westminster Collection, the 2018 Paddington 50p coin releases proved to be some of the "most popular 50p coins of the year". More than 35 million books in the Paddington series have been sold worldwide, with plays, musicals, and animated series also being created of the famous bear as well as the coins which are being listed for a huge mark-up. The Coincollectingwizard - a rare coins expert said: "A Paddington Bear 50p selling for thousands - is this coin secretly worth a fortune People are listing these for £20,000 to £30,000 - what is going on here? Let's break it down before you start digging through your change. "The Paddington Bear 50p was released in 2018 and 2019 to celebrate 60 years of Paddington. There are four different designs featuring everyone's favourite, marmalade-loving bear. There were over 5million minted and sent out into the wild for people to find in their change. "So, how much is this coin really worth? Well, brace yourselves - it's just 50p. Yep, despite the crazy eBay prices, these are common coins with no hidden treasure value. And here's the truth - people can list them for any price, but that doesn't mean they're selling for that much. Always check sold listings for the real value. If you see a listing asking for thousands, it's just someone hoping for a clueless buyer to fall for the trap. Don't be that buyer."
