Latest news with #Zoe
Metro
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Molly-Mae Hague's 'pretentious' sister sparks Bali travel debate
Molly-Mae Hague's sister Zoe Rae left Bali after just 48 hours to jet off to Dubai instead. And people have thoughts . The 28-year-old fitness influencer had travelled to Indonesia with her husband, Danny, to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. However, in a new YouTube vlog, Zoe revealed that Bali didn't live up to her 'high expectations,' which included 'beaches, lovely places to eat, gyms, and coffee shops.' Despite staying in a spacious room at the five-star Radisson Blu hotel, Zoe claimed she had been misled by influencers who only post the 'luxury side of things.' She said that Uluwatu, a village on Bali's southwestern tip, had been recommended as one of the best places to go. Her reaction was the opposite: 'If this is one of the better places, I'm not sure what the others are like.' Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Before signing off, Zoe said she'd heavily researched Bali ahead of their trip. And, in a controversial comment, concluded: 'I think it is just personal preference, and our preference was that this isn't for us, and we are making the executive decision to go enjoy our anniversary somewhere we know that we love and can relax and can drink the water.' Those who have spent time in Bali and other parts of Indonesia disagree. It's a fascinating part of the world with an abundance of culture, food and history to boot. On YouTube, one viewer described Bali as a 'real place, with real culture, real problems and real people.' They said 'it's not going to be picture perfect' like Dubai because it's 'not a manufactured concrete jungle made for Instagram and selfies.' 'It's a developing country, and to me personally, that's what makes it so interesting. I'd much rather less glamorous travelling with some real culture. Not sure what you expected,' they concluded. Another echoed this sentiment: 'Bali is a beautiful island, but if you're used to going to Dubai, then it's absolutely nothing like that.' 'There's so much rich culture if you're prepared to look for, embrace it, and come out of your comfort zone,' they continued, adding that the people 'couldn't do enough for you.' Finally, another commenter, who honeymooned in Bali, said they were 'surprised' by Zoe's comments. They shared their experience: 'We stayed in a villa in the jungle part of Ubud. The people are so friendly and kind, that's part of the magic. And sadly, influencers can be a big problem for countries like this.' Metro contacted Zoe about the furore, but she hasn't responded. We did manage to speak to Ravindra Singh Shekhawat, Intrepid Travel's Indonesia General Manager and Bali resident, to get his take on her comments. He told us: 'It's an important reminder that social media can often show the 'highlights' or just one side of a destination.' When in reality, there are multiple ways to experience a country and definitely no one way to see this island. 'Bali has a lot to offer beyond luxury experiences and its beaches. It's a very spiritual place with a mix of different traditions and religions. We live by the Balinese concept of ' menyama braya ' which promotes wisdom through harmony. We love to welcome and share our culture with travellers.' With that in mind, we've done some digging to find five Indonesian experiences that would live up to anyone's expectations. Just an hour's flight from Bali is Flores, a stunning 'hidden gem'. It's one of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands, and paradise beaches, natural hot springs, coral reefs, and impeccable surf spots are everywhere. It's the perfect destination for wildlife lovers, as Flores is home to some of the world's most beautiful marine life. Indonesian travel company Adventure Archipelago offer a 12-day trip exploring the best of Flores. From visiting the remote villages of Bena and the Ngada Tribe, to discovering hidden coves, you'll also head to a mountain complete with three coloured lakes. Prices for this once-in-a-lifetime trip start from £1,498 per person. A steal, really, considering the jam-packed itinerary. Sumatra and Java are Indonesia's biggest islands, so there's a lot of tropical ground to cover. Bamboo Travel, a company that offers private tours of Asia, reveals how you can spend 19 days making the most of both. Spend time in Medan, Sumatra's capital, before heading to Bukit Lawang,in the Gunung Leuser National Park. There's a good chance you'll spot wild orangutans here. Java is considered the cultural heart of Indonesia. Whether you hit up the colonial town of Bogor, famed for its botanical gardens, or experience modern Indonesia in the thriving city of Bandung, the island's surrounding landscape is made up of fertile plains, towering volcanoes, and spectacular beaches. You can request a quote for this tour, as prices vary depending on which country you arrive from. Zoe Rae may have been disappointed with Bali, but in 48 hours, there's no way she can have explored all it has to offer. 'At Intrepid, our trips are all about experiencing a destination like a local. We hope that our travellers come away from their holiday having seen more of the country than just hotels and hotspots,' says Shekhawat. Bali is famous for its cuisine, which combines fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and unique cooking methods. And Shekhawat says that no trip to the island is complete without a guided market tour: 'Try Kreneng Market in Denpasar, where you can eat like a local and enjoy traditional snacks like bakso soup or jasuke, a sweet, steamed corn dish.' Intrepid offers a three-hour Bali Heritage Food Tour at this market (£34), where travellers can dig into delicious Indonesian cuisine and try authentic coffee in an old antique coffee shop. To learn more about the issues Bali faces and to give back to the community, visit a local social enterprise. Shekhawat says: 'We support a local NGO Scholar of Sustenance which is focused on reducing food waste and hunger, collecting food from hotels, supermarkets and farms and distributing it to those in need.' His next recommendation is checking out a traditional Kecak dance performance. It's not driven by musical instruments, but by human chanting. And of course, Bali is renowned for its temples. Shekhawat's favourite is Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. 'Taking part in a blessing and purification ceremony is a great way to encapsulate the spirituality of Bali.' Keen to fit all of these experiences into one trip? Intrepid's nine-day Beautiful Bali package starts from £537. During this getaway, you'll explore Undisan by cycling through backstreets, villages and rice fields, and marvelling at intricately carved temples. You'll also hike to the summit of Mt Batur for a sunrise view. Other highlights include a night in Sibetan Village – a community-based tourism experience where travellers stay with locals and can explore a traditional village. Seeking turquoise waters, stretches of white sands, and miles of verdant forests? Lombok, an island east of Bali, should be on your bucket list. As beaches are its main selling point, head to paradise hotspots like Kuta Beach and Tanjung Aan, which boasts unique rock formations and a beautiful bay. Selong Belanak is popular for swimming and surfing, while the famous Pink Beach is a snorkelling haven. Hikers, climb Mount Rinjani, or visit Tiu Kelep or Sendang Gile, two unique waterfalls. The famous Gili Islands are also a must-see: three tiny islets characterised by sandy beaches, palm trees, and coral reefs led Metro to coin them the Indonesian Maldives. Want to experience life like a local? Traditional Sasak culture tours start from £29 on Get Your Guide, and feature pottery classes, Sasak weaving, and a window into rural life. If Indonesian island hopping is on the agenda, Borneo's 31 Derawan Islands are a must-visit. They're renowned for their diving and snorkelling spots, where respectful travellers can explore diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Scuba Junkie, a local diving company, offers dive packages which include dreamy bungalow accommodation. A two-day diving course in a twin-share bungalow costs £310. If you're happy sharing a dorm, it's a little cheaper at £274.70. More Trending However, to guarantee a proper dive trip to islands such as Maratua and Kakaban, a minimum of four to six days of diving will need to be booked. Four days in a dorm costs £510. Thrillseekers, make sure to visit Kakaban Lake on the aforementioned Kakaban Island to swim with stingless jellyfish. In the local dialect, Kakaban means 'hug,' and refers to the way the island looks as though it's hugging the lake. The islet is a UNESCO World Heritage site. On Sangalaki Island, you can watch turtles nest and hatch, while notable beaches include Derawan Beach, Maratua Lagoon and Nabire Beach. This particular gem is known for its breathtaking sunsets. Cocktail, anyone? So you see, Indonesia is anything but less-than. We know we'll be adding plenty of these experiences to our bucket lists. MORE: 'Elegant' UK seaside town gets direct train to London after it was axed five years ago MORE: 'Hidden gem' crowned the UK's top budget-friendly beach to visit this summer MORE: I dreamed of Thailand's paradise island, but I left it too late to visit
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Gary Lineker tops BBC salary list again with over £1,300,000 paycheck
Gary Lineker has topped this year's BBC salary list following his controversial exit from the corporation. The former Premier League and England footballer confirmed in May he will leave his presenting role after the conclusion of Match of the Day for the 2024/25 season. He also said he will not be part of the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season's FA Cup coverage. The 64-year-old's exit came after he apologised for sharing a social media post about Zionism that contained an image of a rat. Following him on the list of top earners is Zoe Ball, who earned between £515,000 – £519,99, as Gary took home £1,350,000 – £1,354,999. Last year Zoe took home a salary of £954,999 as she finished in second place again. Gary Lineker – £1,350,000 – £1,354,999 Zoe Ball – £515,000 – £519,99 Alan Shearer – £440,000 – £444,999 Greg James – £425,000 – £429,999 Nick Robinson – £410,000 – £414,999 Fiona Bruce – £410,000 – £414,999 Stephen Nolan – £405,000 – £409,999 Laura Kussenburg – £395,000 – £399,000 Vernon Kay – £390,000 – £394,999 Scott Mills – £355,000 – £359,999 This comes after Zoe announced in November last year that she was stepping down from her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show after six years to 'focus on family'. More Trending Third on the list is Gary's fellow Match of the Day presenter, Alan Shearer who earned between £440,000 – £444,999. In fourth place is Radio 1 host Greg James, whose wage has increased from £419,000 to £425,000. View More » In tenth place again is Zoe's replacement on Radio 2, Scott Mills who earned £355,000, an increase from £319,999 last year. 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. MORE: Nadiya Hussain claims BBC 'will keep you till you're of no use to them' MORE: BBC asked John Torode 'to resign and blame mental health' after racism allegation MORE: BBC viewers have days to watch 'genius' series ahead of fourth season
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Bachelor in Paradise''s Hannah Brown reacts to Justin's rose ceremony shocker: 'I did NOT see that coming'
Each week during Bachelor in Paradise, Head of Paradise relations (and former Bachelorette) Hannah Brown will answer a few questions about the cast's "journey" to find "love." Today, Hannah shares her thoughts on the "chemistry test" smooch-fest, Justin's attempt to sacrifice his spot on the beach for Susie, and more. ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Brian immediately started ignoring Zoe the morning after she gave him a rose, and then ultimately dumped her for Parisa. What do you think of the way Zoe handled the situation, and what advice would you give Parisa in terms of moving forward with Brian? HANNAH BROWN: My heart went out to Zoe, y'all. There was a clear shift the morning after the rose ceremony — especially once Parisa showed up. Zoe is just the sweetest, but Paradise is all about exploring new connections... even though I totally get why she felt thrown off. Brian's energy was confusing, and when she did try to speak up, it felt like he wasn't really hearing her — just kind of deflecting. Now I'm super curious to see where things go with Parisa and Brian. There might be something there, for sure — but I also hope Parisa takes full advantage of this experience and stays open to exploring other people, too. This week's "chemistry test" had the contestants smooching multiple people. Explain why this is a helpful exercise and not just unsanitary and a little awkward. Co-hosting the chemistry test date this week was so fun! I loved it. It's such a cool way to really check in with those early connections and test new ones — like, is there actually something there, or are you just caught up in the moment and not giving the others a shot? And the best part: No judgement or outside noise. It felt fresh, different from anything we've seen on the show before, and honestly... I think it helped people start asking the right questions early on. Jonathon gave Alexe his rose, but Wells says he's not sure he sees a romantic connection between them. Where do you stand on this question? I loved how Alexe opened up about their strong friendship — and honestly, that kind of bond can be such a good starting point for something more. Sometimes the best relationships come from a solid friendship first! I'm still holding out hope for these two. We'll see what happens next. What was your reaction to Justin's decision to give his rose to his ex Susie so she wouldn't go home? You can just tell there's something really genuine between those two. Like, even in the way they talk about respecting each other and their individual journeys — it's clear there's a deep friendship there. And honestly, the way he chose to protect her and give her a chance to stay one more week? That says a lot. He put her first in that moment, and there's something really admirable about that. Before Susie even arrived on the beach, Lexi temporarily broke it off with Justin because she's worried he still has feelings for Susie. Now that Justin tried (and failed) to give his rose to his ex, do you think there's any hope for him and Lexi? Okay that ending?! I did not see that coming. I'm honestly still processing. There is so much going on, and I'm real curious to see how it all unfolds next episode. My heart kinda hurts for everyone involved. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Bachelor in Paradise airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
I've been left with excess fluid in my ankle and foot after bad bout of cellulitis – help!
AS summer gets into full swing, there's no better time to focus on your health. Whether you're embracing the sunshine (and the vitamin D that comes with it), planning holidays (a boost to wellbeing), or exercising outdoors, I find this season filled with energy and opportunity. 3 Sun columnist Dr Zoe answers your health concerns Credit: Olivia West This column is YOUR space to ask questions, so I can help you live as healthy a life as possible. Whether it's understanding a new treatment, managing a long-term condition, or simply wondering about the best way to stay fit while living with a chronic condition. Perhaps you or a loved one has been worried about a symptom you've been experiencing, and you need some reassurance, have been feeling down and unsure what to do, or you're curious about how to make healthier choices. Or perhaps you are reconsidering the health goals you made at the start of the year, and whether you still have time to make changes. READ MORE FROM DR ZOE I answer three questions a week on a Tuesday, and one on Sunday. Email me at health@ Here's a selection of what readers have asked this week . . . Cellulitis legacy is causing concern 3 A reader is suffering following a bad bout of cellulitis Credit: Wikipedia Q: I HAD a bad bout of cellulitis in my left leg four years ago. Most read in Health Since then I have had a few recurrences but have managed to get antibiotics quickly and before the cellulitis gets as bad. I have been left with a red mark on my lower left calf, almost like a bruise, which does get worse from time to time. I also have excess fluid in my left ankle and foot, which swells during the day. Can I do anything about either of these? I try to be as active as I can and elevate my feet. Katie Piper reveals she's on the mend after suffering Preseptal Cellulitis infection A: A severe case of cellulitis can cause persistent changes to the skin and tissue, even years later. These can be permanent, but there may be ways to improve things, which I will explain. Your swelling and red mark may be due to long-term damage or changes to the lymphatic and skin tissue caused by the infection and inflammation. Cellulitis can damage the lymphatic vessels, which are responsible for draining fluid from tissues. If these vessels are scarred or weakened the fluid may accumulate, causing chronic swelling, and the area can become more vulnerable to future infections. It may improve slightly over time, but if the lymphatic damage is significant, some degree of chronic swelling may remain. Compression therapy (e.g. compression stockings), leg elevation and physiotherapy can help manage it. The red mark could be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is when skin is left darker or more red by the healing process or it could be scarring in the area where the infection was worst. In some people, this never fully fades, though it may lighten slowly. It is important to be vigilant about future infections. Signs to look out for are any increase in redness, pain or warmth. And also worsening swelling or hardening of the skin. Look after the skin by moisturising with an emollient, treating fungal infections, avoiding cuts or other injuries to the skin. In need of a diagnosis Q: MY neurologist believes I may have AL amyloidosis due to my various medical issues. I have peripheral neuropathy and was recently diagnosed with orthostatic hypotension, which my cardiac consultant has said is neurogenic. I have been on fludrocortisone for five weeks with no improvement and my GP has said to stop them as they could also be affecting my Stage 3 CKD. I also have NAFLD, laryngeal obstruction, gallstones and osteoarthritis. My neurologist said getting a diagnosis will take some time and I'm worried about this disease requiring urgent diagnosis to facilitate treatment. A: Amyloidosis is a general term for a group of diseases where abnormal proteins called amyloid build up in the body's tissues. As you rightly pointed out, delays in diagnosing AL amyloidosis, a variant of the disease where the bone marrow is affected, can significantly affect prognosis, especially if the heart is involved. NHS trusts should have mechanisms to expedite diagnosis, especially when organ damage is suspected, though it doesn't fall under a formal two-week cancer pathway. AL amyloidosis, or primary amyloidosis, is caused by abnormal light chain proteins produced by plasma cells in the bone marrow. These misfold into amyloid deposits, which can affect organs such as the kidneys, heart, nerves, liver and digestive system. If a diagnosis is made, treatment typically involves multidisciplinary care led by haematology specialists and other teams depending on organ involvement. Tests aiding diagnosis include blood and urine analysis, imaging like ECG, echocardiogram or MRI, biopsies to detect amyloid deposits, SAP scans to locate amyloid and genetic testing. In England, patients suspected of having amyloidosis should be referred to the National Amyloidosis Centre, located at the Royal Free Hospital, London. Referrals can be made by hospital consultants or your GP, with appointments often arranged within two weeks if cardiac involvement is suspected. This is the NAC website – – which you can share with your GP. TIP OF THE WEEK SKIN can be a window to your health. Yellowing can signal liver problems, dry, flaky skin can be a symptom of abnormal thyroid function. Dark, rubbery patches are a symptom of type 2 diabetes. And don't forget that meningitis or sepsis, which need urgent treatment, can cause a rash or mottled skin. Risk in recurring migraines 3 New or unusual headaches in people over 50 are always taken seriously Credit: Getty Q: I AM an 83 year old man and have recently started having occasional migraines which last for around 15 to 30 minutes. It's been about 40 years since I had one. I have little headache but vivid auras. Should I be concerned? A: New or unusual While you've had migraines in the past, the recurrence after decades – particularly with changes in aura or frequency – should be treated as a 'new' headache and investigated as such. Sudden visual disturbances such as zig-zags, flashing lights, or blind spots may be caused by migraine aura. But they could also indicate a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke, particularly if they come on quickly and resolve within an hour. Other potential causes include retinal issues, certain types of seizures, vascular problems, or, in rare cases, brain tumours. These possibilities make it essential to seek medical advice promptly. I recommend booking an urgent GP appointment and keeping a detailed diary of your symptoms in the meantime. Record the description of the aura, its duration, any accompanying headache or other symptoms, and whether you feel unwell afterwards. Identifying patterns can be helpful for your doctor. While your symptoms may indeed be benign migraine auras, their recurrence after 40 years – and at your age of 83 – necessitates thorough evaluation to rule out more serious conditions. Early investigation is crucial, even if your symptoms turn out to be harmless.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'Demonised' drink actually has healthy benefits
A nutritional expert has praised a popular drink that is often 'demonised' by many for having negative impacts on heart rate and blood pressure. Tim Spector revealed how coffee can actually lower the likelihood of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers and depression. That's despite a lot of critics saying that coffee can be detrimental to your heart rate and blood pressure in the short term. But the professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London championed its benefits, reports GloucestershireLive. Professor Spector is also the co-founder of the health app Zoe. He spoke of the potential benefits whilst on a podcast with coffee expert James Hoffman. READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing star praised for 'real' Instagram post as fans share support Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join The scientist explained that there are essential nutrients packed in coffee, which also has a surprising amount of five. And studies have also shown that it could reduce heart attack risks by 25%. And Prof Spector added that he is working on a scientific paper on coffee and the gut microbiome, and how interactions between the two can reduce our blood pressure and blood sugar. Watch the full discussion here. He said: 'What are the health benefits? One of the key things in coffee. It's a complex area, but I think we're suddenly putting it together from a drink that was demonised as being very harmful to us to something that actually could be beneficial. Coffee is this fermented plant that has microbes acting on. 'It has hundreds, not thousands, of chemicals produced from it. There's range of polyphenols that are enhanced by the microbes as they ferment it. And those have direct effects on our body, and some of them can reduce blood sugar and reduce stress and actually reduce blood pressure. And the studies have now clearly shown that you get nearly as much benefit on the heart with decaffeinated coffee.' Speaking previously in a health Q&A on his Instagram page, Prof Spector answered a number of questions about healthy eating and drinking - including how much coffee is healthy, eating breads and how to find and eat cheap vegetables and fruits. His answer on coffee is perhaps the most surprising - because he suggests people should have lots of it. He said: 'Coffee is a health food, and we should all be drinking at least three cups a day, according to the latest science. And it doesn't matter if you don't want caffeine, just have decaf. It's probably just as healthy. 'In fact studies have shown that moderate coffee intake—about 2–5 cups a day—is linked to a lower likelihood of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver and endometrial cancers, Parkinson's disease, and depression. It's even possible that people who drink coffee can reduce their risk of early death.'
