thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Sea Salt, Table Salt, Himalayan Salt: Are Some Better For You Than Others?

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Salt gives even the blandest of foods a new lease of life. Chefs can’t live without it and are often filmed using crystals or flakes of salt to enhance the natural flavours of their creations, whether fish or meat or veg.
There are many varieties of salt. The most commonly used are table salt, sea salt, Kosher salt and Himalayan pink salt. But take a walk down the condiments aisle of your local supermarket and you’ll be sure to find others. In Japan alone, there are thought to be 4,000 types of salt on offer.
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Anyone who’s watched the second episode of Netflix’s Salt Fat Acid Heat, in which chef Samin Nosrat uses an eye-watering amount of salt to season some cucumber (we’re talking handfuls), might be left with the impression that some salts are better for us than others. But it’s not the case.
“Cooking shows can normalise excessive salt use,” Azmina Govindji, a dietician and British Dietetic Association (BDA) spokesperson, tells HuffPost UK.
Rather than following the lead of chefs who liberally sprinkle sea salt on to food, she advises us to take such methods of food prep with, ahem, “a pinch of salt”.
Whether you’re reaching for table, pink Himalayan, sea or Kosher salt, they all contain roughly the same level of sodium, she adds. “There is no robust evidence to suggest than any type is better for you than another.”
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As of yet, there are no official studies that have compared the health effects of different types of salt. This means any health claims that brands make about their salt products have no scientific basis and are not approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Bahee Van der Bor, a specialist paediatric dietitian and BDA spokesperson, agrees with Govindji and urges people to treat all salts the same in terms of how much to use. The main message: don’t be too liberal with it.
“It’s a little bit like sugar. Claims that there is a bit of a particular mineral or antioxidant in one type of cooking salt doesn’t mean that you can use it generously,” says Van de Bor. “By all means, use it to beautify your kitchen counter, but do use them sparingly or you can very easily exceed your daily allowance.”
Which salt does what?
When it comes to buying salt, the size of the crystal tends to determine the saltiness. If the crystals are small (as table salt tends to be), they dissolve quickly in the mouth and you can taste the saltiness immediately. Bigger flakes dissolve more slowly, so are generally less intense in flavour.
Table salt is the stuff that you tend to buy in grinders from the supermarket – it’s found on dinner tables (at home and in restaurants) up and down the country, and consists of small crystals packed together. Typically, it’s used during cooking or baking to bring out the flavour in the food.
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Kosher salt is a coarse salt often used in professional kitchens, typically for seasoning meat as the large grains cling to the surface well. And sea salt (think Maldon) consists of irregularly shaped flakes with a more subtle taste. This salt is often used as a finishing salt (you add it when your dinner is ready to eat), with the larger crystals adding texture to food.
Then there’s Himalayan pink salt, the most Instagram-worthy of the lot. It’s pink in colour because of the presence of trace amounts of iron oxide. “There are claims that pink Himalayan salt has more minerals, and that these minerals provide health benefits,” says Govindji. But if you do get extra minerals, you’d need to consume enough of the salt to give you a benefit, she adds, and the adverse effects of the sodium load would far outweigh any benefits.
Referring to all the “trendy salts” out there, she concludes: “If you’re using them because you believe there’s a health benefit, you’re wasting your money.”
Manuta via Getty Images
How much salt is good for us?
High salt intake has been linked to high blood pressure which in turn is bad news for the heart – it can lead to heart disease and stroke (although conversely there is some evidence that suggests low-salt diets could lead to increased risk of heart disease). Consuming too much salt has also been shown to increase the risk of stomach cancer.
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Guidelines state adults should be eating no more than 6g of salt a day (2.4g sodium) – which is around one teaspoon of table salt. For children under 11 years old this should be far less and babies shouldn’t have any at all as their kidneys can’t cope.
A number of public health campaigns over the years have urged us to lower our salt intake – which has dropped in the UK from 12g per day to 7-8g per day. Tom Sanders, professor emeritus of nutrition and dietetics at King’s College London, told the Guardian that this drop has been accompanied by a fall in average blood pressure of the population.
Salt or sodium? Some food labels only state the sodium content rather than salt – and these are different. Adults should eat no more than 2.4g of sodium per day, equivalent to 6g of salt. To convert sodium to salt, you need to multiply the sodium amount by 2.5. For example, 1g of sodium per 100g is 2.5 grams of salt per 100g.
It’s widely agreed we shouldn’t be cutting salt out of our diets completely. But it’s not a nutrient you need to go out of your way to consume daily because it’s already in so many foods that you buy from the supermarket.
Salt can be good for us in small doses as it contains both sodium and chloride, which help to regulate fluids in our body. A modest salt intake with a good intake of potassium from fruit and veg is helpful and important for regulating blood pressure, says Van de Bor, who presents the podcast Kids Nutrition.
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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has ambitious recommendations that we should all be aiming to have no more than 3g of salt per day by 2025, and that people at risk of heart disease should already be halving their salt intake.
Key to this will be cutting salt content in supermarket foods, something the campaign group Action on Salt is pushing hard for – and for us all to become more mindful of our salt use at home.
How to cut down on salt
It’s believed that around 75% of the salt we consume has been added to our food before we even buy it. Hidden salt can be found in anything from ready meals, cheese, processed meats and butter, to takeaways, cereal and bread. And here lies the problem. “What people truly don’t realise is that it’s not always the salt used in home cooking that’s the culprit,” says Van der Bor.
When you are cooking at home with fresh ingredients, be mindful of not using too many salty additions – for example, salt, stocks, and/or a cheesy sauce. Likewise go easy on soy sauce, mustard, pickles, mayonnaise and other table sauces where possible.
““Expensive gourmet salts are often misconstrued as healthier than regular table salt, when they cause just as much damage to our health."” - Action on Salt
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To curb your salt use, you could use black pepper instead or add fresh herbs and spices. Rely on other flavours to carry your dishes like garlic, ginger, chilli and lime, and bake vegetables rather than boiling to try and bring out their flavour. If you’re worried about the salt content in ready-made stock or supermarket bread, you could have a go at making your own.
Sonia Pombo, a nutritionist at Action on Salt, urges people to wise up to the misconception that some salts are ‘healthier’ than others: “Expensive gourmet salts are often misconstrued as healthier than regular table salt, when in fact they cause just as much damage to our health.
“Some companies make outlandish claims that these salts provide a ‘healthy’ source of essential minerals, but this is merely a marketing ploy to get you to part with your money.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Sorry Folks, Caffeine Isn't Going To Help With Your Lack Of Creativity

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Caffeinated drinks might be associated with creative types (fashion editors, artists, graphic designers, you name it). But that cup of Joe isn’t actually responsible for making you any more creative, a new study has found.
While research has linked caffeine with increased alertness, improved vigilance, enhanced focus and better motor performance, not much has been said about how it impacts our ability to be creative.
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Darya Zabelina, assistant professor of psychology at University of Arkansas, was interested in how caffeine was stereotypically associated with creative occupations and lifestyles in Western culture.
When she looked into whether there’s an element of truth in this, she found evidence to suggest caffeine didn’t stimulate creativity at all – 80 volunteers were randomly given either a 200mg caffeine pill, equivalent to one strong cup of coffee, or a placebo. They were then tested on standard measures of convergent and divergent thinking, working memory and mood.
Convergent thinking is defined as seeking a specific solution to a problem, for example, the “correct” answer, while divergent thinking is characterised by idea generation – or creativity.
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Zabelina swiftly discovered that caffeine was shown to improve convergent thinking in the study (which is something at least), but had no significant impact on divergent thinking.
That said, it didn’t make creativity any worse. “So keep drinking your coffee; it won’t interfere with these abilities,” said Zabelina, whose study is published in the journal Consciousness and Cognition.
While caffeine is not the answer to your creative woes, then, you might want to have a cup of tea because warm beverages have been proven to help.
Researchers at China’s Peking University gave one group of study participants a glass of water and another group a cup of hot black tea. The group who drank the hot tea performed significantly better than the other group on two separate creativity tests, which were each 20 minutes long. Researchers said the caffeine wouldn’t have kicked in by this point and said it might actually be because of the mental state a warm brew puts you in.
Yes, the hug in a mug is real.
thenatchdl via Getty Images
And speaking of mental states, boredom might also be a key factor. In her new book, Spark – subtitled ‘how to free your brain from technology to ignite your creativity’ – Manoush Zomorodi suggests we should all try taking a step back from our smartphones and finding time to be bored.
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Her theory might explain why your best ideas always come to you in the shower – and it’s backed up by research. A study published last year in the journal Academy of Management Discoveries showed people who completed the rather mind-numbing task of sorting a bowl of beans by colour later performed better on an idea-generating task than peers who’d completed a craft activity.
But full-time creativity might not be everyone’s bag. A 2017 study identified that the brains of people who were more creative might actually be wired differently to non-creatives – researchers found this group had a “high-creative” network in their brain, a set of connections highly relevant to generating original ideas.
In these people, there was a strong connection between three specific brain systems: the default network (a region of the brain which activates when people are daydreaming or imagining); the executive control network (related to focus and controlling thought processes), and the salience network (which acts as a switching mechanism between the default and executive networks).
The study found that in the creative brain, these three areas work in tandem with each other, as opposed to the brains of those deemed less creative, where the networks tend to work separately.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--I Moved To A Country Where It’s Illegal For Me To Be Gay. This Is What It’s Like

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For the most part, life in Marrakech is good. The sun shines brightly throughout the winter. Our diet consists of mostly fresh fruit, warm bread and olive oil, and, as someone who appreciates Islamic architecture, I’m happy to trade London’s office blocks for mezzanines and madrasas.
Marrakech itself has a cosmopolitan air. Famed for its permissive atmosphere, Tangier to the north was where gay beatniks would spend their summers and fall in love in the 1950s. Just like any place, Morocco has its frustrations – haggling is a particular pet hate. But being ripped off in one of the city’s souks is the least of my worries.
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That’s because as an out gay man, who I am – who I love, more precisely – puts me at risk of imprisonment.
Strictly speaking, our homosexual relationship is not unlawful. However, gay sex is – with article 489 of the penal code punishing ‘lewd or unnatural acts with an individual of the same sex’. The sentence? Six months to three years in prison, and a fine of 200 to 1,000 dirhams (£42 to £210).
Knowing what I do about how gay men can be treated in Morocco, I don’t feel any complacency about how the authorities would treat us were my partner and I found in a ‘compromising’ position. What you get up to in the bedroom is not private business. In its most recent report, the Office of the General Prosecutor stated 170 adults were prosecuted for same-sex relations in 2018. Many of the defendants in trials are said to be at the mercy of conservative judges.
“While we don’t exactly flaunt our relationship, after three years it’s hard to unlearn the gestures that are natural in any new partnership.”
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Good friends of ours’ – a gay couple visiting from London – recently had a shock when they were questioned at the airport about intimate details of their personal lives. We couldn’t find any justification why, after revealing they were homosexual, one of our friends was asked to pose for additional, non-essential photos, to clear security.
A few weeks’ ago, we walked down the street to do a basic food shop and, call me paranoid, but a male motorist pulled up alongside, wound down his window, looked at us and spat in our direction on the street. While we don’t exactly flaunt our relationship, after three years it’s hard to unlearn the gestures that are natural in any new partnership; holding one another’s hands, or greeting one another affectionately at a bar or restaurant after we have spent a few days apart.
So, we operate carefully, returning to the proverbial ‘closet’ we locked ourselves in for most of our teenage years. We have learnt a code, to share which cues we will rely on in case we find ourselves in a strange situation. If I meet my partner’s family friends, I make sure to have a story constructed about who I am, and why at 38, I don’t wear a wedding ring. If we stay at hotels, it’s easier to book twin beds. When we return from a visit abroad, we learn the lesson our friends were taught at the airport and never enter the same queue at customs. We even make sure to crease the sheets in the guest bedroom at home, in case the occasional workman comes round and ponders our living arrangements. There are times when I question what they do with information that a Brit and a Moroccan man live at the same address.
Living like this can, of course, be tiring. But surprisingly, we’ve found it has enhanced our relationship. Living as a gay couple in a country where to be ‘out’ is to inherently take risks. Feeling something significant is at stake deepens our relationship, even if it’s a negative force we’re protecting ourselves against.
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“We are more than our sexual orientation – but ending each night in the same bed, we know both how precious and fragile that can be.”
But we have our limitations. When my partner’s family friend recently asked how we know one another, I nearly stumbled. In the end, I cast myself in the role of a fellow researcher. I doubted myself for days, wondering whether they took it to be a euphemism and saw right through us.
To be fair, living as a mixed, gay couple in London also had its downsides. I’m a British Jew, and I moved here with my Moroccan, Muslim partner after finding myself stuck on the proverbial ‘hamster wheel’. These are admittedly ‘first world problems’ but if we ordered a taxi and my partner’s common Arabic name flashed up on the driver’s phone, it wasn’t at all rare to experience hostility when they saw us climbing in. Some drivers, like him, were North African, and on realising we were gay couldn’t drive fast enough to get rid of us. My partner loves learning about my Jewish faith, but at an otherwise cosy family tea, he once had to hear a distant relative of mine spouting Islamophobic junk.
It’s easy to be deceived by how permissive everything in Morocco first appears. Sadly, young LGBT Moroccans still talk about the inevitable pressure they’ll feel one day to marry; that despite Morocco’s many attractions for gay tourists, they daren’t come out.
I’d encourage gay tourists who come to immerse themselves in the culture, but also take sensible precautions. As a gay man who now lives here, I can’t always be so relaxed. We are more than our sexual orientation – but ending each night in the same bed, we know both how precious and fragile that can be in the country we call our home.
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J. Kaufmann is a freelance writer, teacher and coach, living in Marrakech, Morocco.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Man With Knives Shot Dead By Police In Westminster

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A man has been shot dead by police in Westminster following an incident which is not being treated as terror-related, police said.
The man was “acting suspiciously” and produced two knives when challenged by officers, police said.
Armed officers responded by firing a Taser and a gun. The man was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.
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No police officers or members of the public were injured during the incident.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police remain at the scene of the incident, which occurred at around 11.30pm on Sunday.
A man has been shot dead by officers following an incident in #Westminster at 23:27hrs on Sunday, 8 March. This is NOT being treated as a terrorist incident. Officers remain on scene and updates will follow. Road closures remain in place. — Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) March 9, 2020
UPDATE: Full statement on the incident in #Westminster.
Read more: https://t.co/Go0k9IyBlN
Road closures will remain in place for some time. — Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) March 9, 2020
The force said in a statement: “Police officers were on patrol at around 11.25pm on Sunday March 8 when they noticed a man who they believed to be acting suspiciously.
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“Officers challenged the man who produced two knives. Armed officers responded. Taster and a police firearm were discharged during the incident.
“London Ambulance Service attended and the man was pronounced dead at the scene at Great Scotland Yard short time later.
“No police officers or members of the public were injured during the incident. Enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Coronavirus Fears Over "Zero Checks" Made On Passengers Flying From Italy To UK

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Passengers flying to the UK from high-risk countries such as Italy have raised concerns about a lack of checks for coronavirus at airports.
One passenger travelling into Gatwick tweeted that they had experienced “zero checks” after arriving from Milan on Sunday, raising concerns online and drawing attention to similar stories of arrival into other airports.
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All of Italy has now been placed under lockdown as the crisis in the country worsens.
Italy has registered 1,807 more confirmed cases as of Monday evening, for a national total of 9,172, overtaking South Korea as the country with the most cases outside China.
The number of people with the virus who died increased to 463.
On Monday, Boris Johnson defended the lack of screening of passengers and pointed to the government’s chief scientific adviser stating “temperature screening in an airport doesn’t really have much effect”.
Just landed in London from Milan. Zero checks. No info. How can it be possible? #COVID2019 pic.twitter.com/4z81iKLtu1 — Federico Gatti (@federicogatti) March 8, 2020
Alongside a picture of arrivals at Gatwick, Federico Gatti wrote: “Just landed in London from Milan. Zero checks. No info. How can it be possible?”
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Other passengers arriving into the London airport reiterated their experience of “zero checks”, sharing pictures of the posters relating to coronavirus and pointing out how easily they could be missed.
Zero checks for #coronavirus at Gatwick airport. This is the extent of messaging I saw on it at arrivals, doesn’t exactly stand out. pic.twitter.com/NxMV8oXYaP — Will Worley (@willrworley) March 8, 2020
Shocking lack of obvious precautions at Gatwick airport today. Feel extremely sorry for the staff working there #coronavirus — Luke Tudor Griffiths (@tudor_griffiths) February 29, 2020
A Gatwick spokesperson said: “Gatwick is following the advice of Public Health England in full and – like other UK airports - has an advanced monitoring process in place for direct flights from affected areas, including Italy. The latest advice from Public Health England for passengers is also displayed throughout the terminals and enhanced cleaning is taking place in public areas across the airport.
“The airport remains in regular contact with the relevant authorities to ensure that all the appropriate processes are in place and we will continue to follow their advice on this matter in full.”
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Public Health England (PHE) told HuffPost UK that new measures had been introduced on flights to and from Italy, with processes in place for northern Italy since March 4, and the same routine is to be introduced for the rest of the country by March 11.
These include cabin crew receiving a briefing on symptoms and what to do if a passenger reports symptoms, and the captain making a call ahead to warn of any illness in order to allow for an early risk assessment.
If anyone on the flight is symptomatic, a general aircraft declaration (GAD) must be submitted to allow for a public health risk assessment and any required action to be taken before the flight disembarks at its destination.
There have been complaints made online about a number of airports in England after passengers were reportedly allowed to walk into the country with little or no checks made. DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS via Getty Images
All flights arriving from Italy are met with PHE posters and leaflets at ports in nine different languages as well as information on established local arrangements for ensuring unwell passengers are taken care of.
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PHE has also sent a bespoke poster for Italy to all airports, seaports and international train terminals to provide clarity to passengers on which areas of Italy are affected.
A spokesperson for PHE did not respond to further questions about what processes were in place for passengers from other destinations, and did not clarify why different airports worldwide were approaching screening for, and safety measures around, the virus in a different way.
It might have found itself at the centre of a Twitter-storm on Sunday, but Gatwick is by no means the only airport in the country which has attracted negative attention online for its handling of the outbreak.
Another Twitter user, Michael Keohan, wrote: “Not to scaremonger – but I’ve just landed back from Italy at Heathrow. No thermal imaging, no info on Covid-19; just a bit of hand sanitiser if you fancied it. Unreal!”
Not to scaremonger - but I've just landed back from Italy at Heathrow.
No thermal imaging, no info on Covid-19; just a bit of hand sanitizer if you fancied it!
Unreal — Michael (@michaelkeohan) March 8, 2020
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I arrived London this morning from Singapore and shocked at the level of Coronavirus screening on arrival at Heathrow (ABSOLUTELY NON ) — kola Karim (@kolaKarim) March 1, 2020
A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport said: “The welfare of our passengers and colleagues is our top priority. A dedicated Public Health England team is operating at Heathrow to respond to any incidents at the airport, and we are working closely with them to ensure our colleagues are following their latest guidance in its entirety to protect themselves and our passengers.
“In line with Public Health England’s advice, we have enhanced thorough cleaning processes, increased the availability and provision of hand sanitisers for our colleagues and continue to advise anyone working or travelling through the airport to follow the government’s advice to maintain good hand hygiene.”
Concerns about flights from other affected areas have also been raised at airports such as Manchester.
Just arrived at Manchester Airport from Doha on a plane full of people from all over the Middle and Far East and not a single temperature or any other check. So much for precautions . #coronavirus #NotMyPM — Nigel Tomkins - #FBPE #NotMyPM #RejoinEU (@NtNigel) March 4, 2020
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the way the uk is handling the coronavirus epidemic really pisses me off, it’s like they don’t even care so far 🤦🏻♂ i came home from italy on sat. and walked right through the airport with no checks whatsoever, for all manchester airport knew, i could have come form lombARDY I- 😤 — Kooky Kelcie 🎸 (@heavenschiIdren) March 2, 2020
A spokesperson for MAG (Manchester Airports Group), which operates Manchester, East Midlands, and Stansted airports, said: “The safety and security of passengers and staff will always be our number one priority. We are following guidance from Public Health England.
“The vast majority of flights scheduled are currently arriving and departing as planned. Posters and leaflets are in place to give customers the latest public health guidance, including information about what they should do if they feel unwell on their return.
“We will continue to work with PHE to help determine what further steps would need to be taken, should circumstances change in the future.”
Another passenger, this time at Luton Airport, showed a crowded room full of passengers at a boarding gate waiting to board.
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While Corona virus is spreading rapidly in the UK meanwhile @easyjet is holding us for hours in a compact room in Luton Airport with no information. Just been told by a member of staff ‘virus is not in the uk’. Airports need to be actioned immediately to stop this madness! pic.twitter.com/ZBxsKHPPyw — Gabia Gulbinaite (@GabiaGulbinaite) March 7, 2020
The customer complained that they had been held for “hours”, and was allegedly told by a member of staff that there was no coronavirus in the UK.
A spokesperson for London Luton Airport said: “London Luton Airport continues to implement all guidance from Public Health England.
“This includes an enhanced cleaning regime and the provision of hand sanitiser throughout the terminal as well as displaying the latest public health information across the airport.”
The prime minister earlier said airlines are being allowed to continue flying between the UK and Italy because measures must be taken “at the right time”,
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British Airways has cancelled flights to and from Milan and Venice, but easyJet and Ryanair are continuing to fly to and from parts of northern Italy where there were restrictions on the movements of residents before a wider crackdown was announced.
Johnson said: “It is really vital, as we take these steps to protect ourselves and encourage everybody to protect everybody else, that we do it at the right time.
“It’s not what you do – of course, it’s partly what you do – but it’s when you do it.”
Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific adviser to the government, spoke about why passengers arriving on flights from Italy are not being routinely screened for symptoms.
He said: “Temperature screening in an airport doesn’t really have much effect.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Liar Series 2: The 7 Burning Questions Episode 2 Left Us With

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Laura Nielson is currently living another nightmare in ITV thriller Liar.
After finally being able to prove Andrew Earlham raped her during the last series, Joanne Froggatt’s character is now facing a second fight for justice after being arrested for her attacker’s murder.
Monday night’s instalment of the hit drama saw Laura released on bail, as coppers Fenton and Maxwell now attempt to gather more evidence against her.
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But if it’s one thing we learned during the episode is that other people still have a lot to hide, as a light was shone on some other potential suspects.
Here’s the burning questions we’ve been left asking this week...
ITV
How did Andrew’s blood get on the car key?
As yet, we still don’t know how the key to Andrew’s car came to be in Laura’s bedside drawer, let alone how it came to be that it was covered in his blood when found by police.
However, was Fenton lying about this fact when she revealed it to Laura during questioning? We do know that she’s clearly one for using tactics in her interrogations.
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What happened to Laura’s necklace after Andrew stole it?
After breaking into her flat, Andrew stole one of Laura’s necklaces, and we have a horrible feeling it is going to turn up at a very inconvenient moment and further link her to his murder.
The fact he had the piece of jewellery is his possession could also add weight to the popular theory he set up own death to frame Laura.
Is this the last we’ve seen of Ian?
ITV
After Ian was taken in for questioning about Andrew’s murder, he was released without charge, with a courier able to vouch for his whereabouts.
As Laura later pressed him on his previous conviction for assault, he admitted that he had attacked a man after he said something derogatory about his disabled sister.
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With all parts of his story seeming to check out, is this one suspect we can now officially cross off the list?
How did Carl get the boat Andrew was staying on back to his without raising suspicion?
At the end of the episode, we saw that Carl visited Andrew at the boat he was hiding on, intent on getting revenge for raping Winnie.
He then somehow must have gotten the boat back to water near his property – but how was he able to do so without questions being asked? And surely even more questions will be asked now he’s set it alight?
Did Carl kill Andrew?
ITV
We’re going to go out on a limb here and say no – at least we’ll say that Carl certainly didn’t kill Andrew during that particular confrontation we witnessed the start of at the end of the episode.
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Why? Well, it’s because of the timelines.
Their meeting took place at night and we know that Andrew died at around 6am. We also know that he and Laura meet a final time before his death, which we are still yet to see.
Was Olly in cahoots with Andrew over his attacks?
This episode started to explore Andrew’s past connection to friend Olly, as it was revealed Olly knew about the recordings of his attacks.
Does this suggest the pair were originally in it together? If so, what does Olly’s return to Kent mean? Could we see him go on to become a suspect?
ITV
Just how did Laura’s solicitor’s hair grow so quickly?!
The last time we saw her was in Fleabag, and she was looking a lot like this:
BBC
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#HairIsEverything


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: Italy Extends Lockdown To Entire Country

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Italy has put all of the country on lockdown due to the spread of coronavirus.
On Sunday, the stay-at-home decree had been placed on 16 million people in the north of the country – more than a quarter of its population – for nearly a month to halt the relentless march of the new coronavirus across Europe.
But the hardline move has now been extended to the entire country.
Weddings and museums, cinemas and shopping centres are all affected by the new restrictions.
Italian premier Giuseppe Conte said all people in Italy would need to demonstrate a need to work, health conditions or other limited reasons to travel outside the areas where they live.
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The UK’s Foreign Office later warned British residents against all but essential travel to Italy after the coronavirus quarantine measures were extended.
Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has announced that the whole of the country is being put on lockdown in an attempt to contain the #coronavirus outbreak.
For the latest on #COVID19, click here: https://t.co/BnjqqFZLOz pic.twitter.com/hFF2zYmuMB — Sky News (@SkyNews) March 9, 2020
“There won’t be just a red zone,” he told reporters, referring to a lockdown of areas in northern Italy instituted over the weekend.
“There will be Italy” as a protected area, he said.
The restrictions will take effect on Tuesday and will last until April 3, he said.
Conte also took to task young people in much of Italy who have been gathering at night to socialise during the public health emergency that started on February 21. “This nightlife … we can’t allow this any more,” he said.
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Closed shops, plunging stock markets and prison riots marked the first day after Italy locked down much of its northern region.
Faced with Europe’s worst outbreak of the highly contagious virus, Italy imposed strict controls on travel from the northern region of Lombardy and parts of neighbouring Veneto, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna.
The government also ordered cinemas, theatres and museums to close, cancelled sporting events and told shops and restaurants to ensure that patrons remained at least a metre apart.
Empty streets in Venice, Italy as the city's residents are under quarantine. SIPA USA/PA Images
Parliament has virtually closed down due to contagion fears, meeting just once a week to prevent a huge backlogue of work.
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The number of recorded cases jumped by 24% over the past 24 hours to 9,172 while the number of deaths rose 26.5% to 463, putting Italy’s health system under massive strain.
On Saturday night, alarmed at rumours over a quarantine in the north, many Italians fled the targeted regions in the northern ‘red zone’.
About 16 million residents live in that first lockdown area in the north, in populous Lombardy, which includes Milan, and 14 provinces including Venice.
A statement from the Foreign Office said: “We have amended our travel advice to recommend against all but essential travel to Italy. The safety of British nationals is always our number one priority.
“The advice is that anyone who arrives from Italy subsequent to Italian government decision should now self-isolate for 14 days.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Supermarket 'Shop-By-Phone’ Plan Drafted To Help Pensioners Isolated By Coronavirus

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Vulnerable pensioners could be allowed to order their supermarket shop by phone under emergency plans being drafted by ministers and retailers to deal with coronavirus.
The special service is part of a package of measures under discussion to ensure elderly people continue to get food and other supplies should they be required to ‘self-isolate’ in a bid to protect them from the disease.
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The new plans came as Environment Secretary George Eustice agreed with major supermarket chains on Monday that the government will work with councils to make it easier to keep the shelves fully stocked for essentials.
Current planning rules will be temporarily relaxed to change the overnight curfew on lorry deliveries to big stores, allowing more late-night supplies of goods like hand sanitiser, toilet roll and long-life products such as pasta and tinned food.
Scores of stores had their shelves stripped bare of key items over recent days, even though retailers are confident they have enough supplies to replenish them.
Targeted help for the elderly is a major focus of the government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, with special measures set to be announced at some point over the next fortnight.
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Environment Secretary George Eustice Aaron Chown - PA Images via Getty Images
As pensioners, particularly those over 80, are most at risk of the disease, many will be expected to reduce their social contact to protect themselves.
The government was criticised last week when it suggested online home deliveries were one way to support the elderly in their own homes, with many pointing out that senior citizens are unwilling or unable to use computers to order their weekly shop.
Government sources now say that phone orders are seen as an easier option, although supermarkets would need time to install the necessary systems to cope.
Some charities such as Age UK already coordinate delivery services for the elderly, working in conjunction with supermarkets and individuals to get a weekly shopping list.
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The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said that it would “support the steps companies are already taking on delivery and collection services, and support vulnerable customers”.
Following a phone call with leading food retailers, Eustice agreed to look at waiving competition rules and at boosting ways to help friends and neighbours to get food to those forced to ‘self-isolate’.
A shortage of antibacterial handwash on the shelves at a Sainsbury's supermarket in Cambridge. PA
“Our retailers have well-established contingency plans in place and are taking all the necessary steps to ensure consumers have the food and supplies they need,” he said.
“We have listened to our leading supermarkets and representatives from across the industry, and we are taking action to support their preparations. By allowing night time deliveries to our supermarkets and food retailers we can free them up to move their stocks more quickly from their warehouses to their shelves.”
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Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: “While there is plenty of stock available, the challenge for retailers has been to make sure all of it reaches shelves at the earliest opportunity. It is essential that government continues to engage on other ways to alleviate the challenges for retailers.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is also looking at moves to allow for extensions on drivers’ hours to help respond to emergency situations.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--What I’ve Learned About Supporting A Partner – And Yourself – Through Miscarriage

What I’ve Learned About Supporting A Partner – And Yourself – Through Miscarriage
After getting the news his partner had a ‘missed’ miscarriage (when the baby has died but there are no miscarriage symptoms) David did what he thought men were supposed to do – suck it up and be the ‘man’ of the family. But after a few months he realised he needed to mourn and talk about his loss and by opening up to friends and dealing with the tragedy it helped not just himself, but his partner and his three-year-old daughter too.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Fifth Person Dies In UK After Testing Positive For Coronavirus

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A fifth person in the UK has died after testing positive for coronavirus, NHS England has said.
The patient died at St Helier Hospital in Carshalton, south London, was in their 70s, and had a “number of significant and long-term health conditions”.
A third person in the UK has died after contracting coronavirus, health officials confirmed on Sunday evening.
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The man, in his 60s, had underlying health problems and died at North Manchester General Hospital having recently returned from Italy.
On Monday, the fourth person died after being treated in Wolverhampton and also having underlying health conditions.
St Helier hospital, in the London Borough of Sutton, and which is run by Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust. PA
The UK’s first recorded death linked to coronavirus was reportedly that of a woman in her 70s, who died at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading.
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Daniel Elkeles, chief executive for Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We can confirm that sadly, a patient in their seventies who was very unwell with a number of significant and long-term health conditions has passed away at St Helier Hospital. They had tested positive for Covid-19.
“Our thoughts and condolences remain with the patient’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: People With Mild Fever Will Be Asked To Self-Isolate Within Next 14 Days

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Britons with a mild fever will be asked to begin self-isolating within the next two weeks as the coronavirus outbreak worsens, the chief medical officer has said.
Professor Chris Whitty said the UK was “very close” to imposing more stringent advice to delay the spread of Covid-19.
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The first stage of this will be to ask those with a minor respiratory tract infection or fever to self-isolate within a week, and this advice would be introduced within 14 days.
“We have not reached that step but we are going to be reaching that step in the really quite near future,” Whitty told a Downing Street press conference.
“This is the first step along a path towards trying to reduce firstly the delay of the epidemic and then to pull down the peak of this epidemic so that it is smaller.”
But Whitty, prime minister Boris Johnson and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance all stressed that the government is currently simply continuing to ask people to wash their hands for 20 seconds more regularly.
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Amid questions over why the UK was not following other European countries in introducing more stringent measures, all three insisted the right action needed to be taken at the right time and that its effect needs to be backed by scientific advice.
Chief medical officer for England Chris Witty speaks during a press conference, at 10 Downing Street, in London, on the government's coronavirus action plan. PA
Johnson said the UK was still trying to “contain” coronavirus but is making “extensive preparations” to introduce more restrictive measures to delay its spread in the coming weeks.
“We are preparing various actions to slow the spread of this disease in order to reduce the strain it places on the NHS,” he said.
“The more we can delay the peak of the spread to the summer, the better the NHS will be able to manage.”
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Whitty said it was important not to do too much too soon because “anything we do, we have got to be able to sustain” throughout the peak of the outbreak, and there was a risk people would “understandably get fatigued” if restrictions were introduced too early.
Vallance meanwhile stressed that moves taken by countries like Italy to ban flights from affected areas, temperature test passengers at airports, and ban mass gatherings were actually relatively ineffective.
“We need to understand where we are in the epidemic and make sure that we take the actions that need to be taken at the right time,” he said.
He added the aim of the measures that would be introduced in future was to “reduce the peak numbers up to 50%” and lower the mortality rate in the at-risk group by 20-30%.
But he said it would be wrong to try to “suppress” the disease completely because it could result in a winter outbreak at a time of maximum pressure for the NHS.
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“What you can’t do is suppress this thing completely, and what you shouldn’t do is suppress it completely because all that happens then is it pops up again later in the year when the NHS is at a more vulnerable stage in the winter and you end up with another problem,” he said.
Amid widespread concern about empty shelves in supermarkets due to people stockpiling products such as toilet paper, the PM also urged people to be more considerate.
“In terms of preparations and where the public is, it is incredibly important that the public should behave responsibly and think about others.” - Prime Minister Boris Johnson on members of the public stockpiling
He said: “We are certainly confident that we have fantastic supply chains and I know that both (environment secretary) George Eustice and (health secretary) Matt Hancock have been talking to the supermarkets to keep things moving.
“In terms of preparations and where the public is, it is incredibly important that the public should behave responsibly and think about others.”
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Asked why he had been told not to shake hands at a Commonwealth Day service on Monday, Johnson said it was a “subliminal cue” to others to wash their hands, adding: “We were all given an instruction not to shake hands and there’s a good reason for not shaking hands, which is that the behavioural psychologists say that if you don’t shake somebody’s hand then that sends an important message to them about the importance of washing your hands.
“So there’s a subliminal cue there to everybody to wash your hands, which is, I think I’m right in saying [is] far more important.”
Handshaking was “a matter for individual choice” but was much less important than washing, he added.
Johnson will chair another COBRA meeting on Wednesday to further discuss what measures may be necessary.
The government’s scientific advisory group for emergencies (SAGE) is also expected to meet on Tuesday.
Attempting to address directly why the UK had not copied some of the more drastic steps of other governments, the PM concluded the press conference by saying: “The most important thing to get over is that whatever is happening in other countries, whatever measures are being urged upon us, be in no doubt we are considering absolutely all of them.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Getting The Most Out Of Beauty Products By Knowing What The Label Means

Getting The Most Out Of Beauty Products By Knowing What The Label Means
When was the last time you picked up a pot of moisturiser at Boots and read the packaging in full? It’s easy to dismiss the jumbled jargon decorating our products, but what they symbolise is an important tool in education and understanding what you’re using, how to use it, when it expires and how it can be recycled. HuffPost deciphers the symbols, ingredients list and claims on our beauty products to make digesting your product labels a whole lot easier.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--RuPaul's Drag Race Season 12 Queens Ranked After They Make Their Sickening Debuts

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With All Stars series and various international spin-offs, it never feels like a new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race is far off, but that doesn’t quell fans’ excitement as they’re introduced to a whole new bunch of queens.
Over the last two weeks, 13 contestants have made their debut in the werkroom as season 12 of the original US series kicked off with a two-part premiere.
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And with the two groups of queens now set to come together after being put through their paces in separate runway mini-challenges and musical/dance challenges, now seems like the perfect time to see how they’re all ranking against the competition...
(NB: Sherry Pie has been omitted from this list after being disqualified from the competition due to a series of allegations made against her.)
12. Brita
VH1/World Of Wonder
First impressions: Brita is one of the most seasoned queens on this year’s line-up, and she’s undoubtedly one of the most outspoken, too.
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However, for us, it was a case of all talk and not much action, as she turned out some predictable looks in the mini challenge and produced a rap that failed to stand out compared to others.
While it was a slightly disappointing debut from the New York queen, we’ve no doubt that she has a lot more in her.
Best look: Her entrance was giving us serious Kat Slater meets Mel B vibes, although we doubt that’s what she was going for.
VH1/World Of Wonder
Best line: “Baby, I’ve been in national Broadway tours, don’t come for me.”
Most likely to: Throw a Divina Di Campo and get annoyed that her years of experience are not being appreciated.
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11. Aiden Zhane
VH1/World Of Wonder
First impressions: As we learned with Scaredy Kat on Drag Race UK, it doesn’t always pay to write off bedroom queens, as what they often lack in performance experience, they make up for with looks and enthusiasm.
However, while Aiden certainly performed better in the Fosse challenge than many would have expected her to from the edit she got, there was no denying her looks could certainly do with some work. If she doesn’t pull those tea cosy socks up, and bring those Derrick Barry eyebrows down, she can expect for Michelle Visage to read her to filth every week.
Best look: Aiden’s final runway look was hopefully an indication of better things to come.
VH1/World Of Wonder
Best line: “I am a horror queen, not a Fosse queen.”
Most likely to: Be first eliminated. Sorry, Aiden!
10. Dhalia Sin
VH1/World Of Wonder
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First impressions: From her fierce intro VT and the fact she is from the House of Aja, we were expecting big things from Dhalia in the Fosse challenge, but to use one of her catchphrases, it was all a bit “meh”.
This big talking LA-via-New York queen will need to show that she’s about more than just looks in the upcoming challenges, because if this had been a traditional lip-sync, she’d undoubtedly have been placed in the bottom two.
Best look: Her fall look in the mini challenge – speaking of which...
VH1/World Of Wonder
Best line: Of the aforementioned look – “Inspired by Michelle, before electrolysis.”
Most likely to: Be this year’s shadiest queen.
9. Nicky Doll
VH1/World Of Wonder
First impressions: Nicky has already got strong game in her boy VTs, so its a shame to see that didn’t completely translate over into her drag, which at the moment seems a little stilted.
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Nicky definitely faded into the background during the rap performance, as she didn’t properly commit to the choreography, but she should also be applauded for opening up about the difficulties she faced as a child growing up gay in Morocco.
Best look: As a fashion queen, there was a lot to enjoy with her looks in this episode, but our favourite was the Game Of Thrones-esque number she showcased on the main runway.
VH1/World Of Wonder
Best line: Talking about seeing Jackie Cox out of drag – “I definitely see where all the hummus goes.”
Most likely to: Fly under the radar for the first few weeks before then doing spectacularly well in a sewing challenge.
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8. Crystal Methyd
VH1/World Of Wonder
First impressions: Uh-oh, here comes trouble.
Crystal’s drag aesthetic is going to divide fans, but something we can all agree on is that she has the best boy mullet since Pat Sharp.
Best look: Using plasters as a wig for her Halloween-inspired fall look was a stroke of genius.
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Best line: “Michelle Visage’s worst nightmare just arrived.”
Most likely to: Relentlessly wind up her fellow queens, but in a more annoying than bitchy way.
7. Heidi N Closet
VH1/World Of Wonder
First impressions: The second she walked into the workroom and made that fabulous noise, Heidi had marked herself out as an early favourite in our books.
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Sure, she might not have the most polished of looks (girl, have you learned nothing about hard wig lines over the last 11 years?) but Heidi has PERSONALITY, and then some.
And are we the only ones who don’t actually mind her name?!
Best look: She might have come a cropper wearing it while walking down the runway, but her spring look in the mini challenge was actually an excellent effort.
VH1/World Of Wonder
Best line: We’re finding it hard to pick because there were just so many, but these were undoubtedly the stand outs: “I know I look good in my leprosy print.” / “It’s like watching the wall dry.” / On her noise – “That’s my mating call. That’s why I’m single.”
Most likely to: Be crowned Miss Congeniality.
6. Rock M. Sakura
VH1/World Of Wonder
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First impressions: This San Fran comedy queen is like a drawing come to life with her bold and colourful aesthetic, and was immediately one of the most likeable among the crop of queens.
She had an especially endearing moment in the workroom when she opened up about how her mother’s meth addiction had impacted her life, and while her fart humour may not be sophisticated enough for Michelle, it sure had us gagging.
Best look: Her spring look in the mini challenge had us shook, especially when she revealed she was responsible for the anime artwork it featured.
VH1/World Of Wonder
Best line: “At least 10 times in the workroom I farted and these poor ladies had to keep applying their make-up. It kept melting off.”
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Most likely to: Befriend the other queens as the two groups come together.
5. Jackie Cox
VH1/World Of Wonder
First impressions: Lyrically, the self-proclaimed Persian princess of drag really stood out in the rap challenge, with Nicki Minaji applauding her for rhyming ‘naughty’ with ‘Courteney’. Praise indeed.
Out of all the queens, she also has the most consistent look (as well as the most striking boy look with those specs) with her take on retro glam – although we wonder if it won’t be too long before Michelle is telling her she’s not been mixing it up enough?
Best look: Both of her mini challenge looks were equally exciting and brilliantly referenced.
VH1/World Of Wonder
Best line: “I see you’re not the only cunning linguist in the group.”
Most likely to: Struggle with the bleed-through on her beard.
4. Jan
VH1/World Of Wonder
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First impressions: First off, we’re a fan of anyone called Jan, let alone a mononymous Jan, so we had no choice but to stan Jan.
But this ambitious queen was able to provide receipts to back up our first impression, and in our view gave the most memorable and turned out performance in the Fosse challenge. She was the only one to think outside of the tule box when it came to the final runway (seriously, where can we get a pair of those cone earrings?).
Best look: Do you even need to ask?!
VH1/World Of Wonder
Best line: “We can’t be basic bitches doing a boxstep.”
Most likely to: Be crushed when she doesn’t perform as well in a challenge as she’d have liked to.
3. Jaida Essence Hall
VH1/World Of Wonder
First impressions: Has anyone ever served shoulder like Jaida before? As Sherry Pie put it, they should sell those things at Barney’s.
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Shoulders aside, she put in a very solid debut – although we’d say if it wasn’t for her performance in the lip-sync, she’d have placed lower on this list as there were a few more queens (Jan) who stood above her.
But if her argument with Sherry proved anything, it’s that she’s not one to underestimate and we’re expecting her to show even more fire in her belly over the weeks to come, as this queen ain’t going anywhere yet.
Best look: Her fall look, honey.
VH1
Best line: “If anything, yesterday I was more offended by your farts.”
Most likely to: Clash with Sherry Pie, again.
2. Gigi Goode
VH1/World Of Wonder
First impressions: Young queens usually have to fight to prove to the elder stateswomen that they deserve their place on the show, but we have a feeling this isn’t going to be the case for Gigi.
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In the rap challenge, she gave the most unique vocal performance and absolutely smashed the choreography. And while her final lip-sync was less bombastic than Widow’s, she was able to show nuance and comedy, which proves she’s way more than just a fashion queen.
That said, we literally can’t wait to see what she’s going to wear next.
Best look: We basically loved every single thing Gigi debuted on the runway, but at the end of the episode, we were still thinking about the pirate ensemble she was wearing for her entrance.
VH1/World Of Wonder
Best line: “I do love a helmet.”
Most likely to: Consistently turn out lewks after lewks.
1. Widow Von’Du
VH1/World Of Wonder
First impressions: Widow is as loud and in your face as her looks, and we absolutely love her for it.
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Her performance in the main challenge, was – to borrow Michelle’s critique – some “next level shit”, and that’s without even mentioning how she pulled out every trick in the book in the lip sync to be crowned the top queen of week one. This queen is not here to play.
Best look: Her runway look, which was giving us intergalactic flight attendant.
VH1/World Of Wonder
Best line: “AAAAOOOOOOOOLLL” (that’s with four As, eight Os and three Ls, of course).
Most likely to: Win, if her performance in the first challenge is anything to go by.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Police Review New Criminal Allegations Linked To SPAC Nation Church Members

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Police are reviewing new criminal allegations relating to individuals associated with the church group SPAC Nation, in a fresh twist in inquiries into members of the organisation.
The Metropolitan Police received the latest cases last month and officers from the central specialist crime squad are looking into them.
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The force says the new alleged offences are of a similar nature to allegations of fraud and other offences made against individuals associated with the London-based church last year.
No criminal investigation was launched into the 2019 allegations and SPAC Nation has always denied any wrongdoing.
The church said in response to the latest allegations that it has thousands of members and police should carry out the review and take whatever measures they deemed fit.
A police spokeswoman said: “In February 2020 police received new allegations of a similar nature [to allegations of fraud and other offences made in 2019] relating to the actions of individuals.
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“These allegations are being reviewed by officers from central specialist crime.
“The MPS [Metropolitan Police Service] does not provide a running commentary on cases.”
Following the previous decision not to open a criminal investigation, some victims were critical of the police and claimed they had not been contacted about the allegations they reported.
HuffPost UK understands officers are now actively looking at about 20 to 30 cases.
The Met would not comment on whether the 2019 cases formed part of the current inquiries.
Illustration of a SPAC Nation service Hannah Eachus for HuffPost UK
Responding to the latest police developments, a SPAC Nation spokesperson said: “There are thousands of individuals in SPAC Nation, it should be obvious now that it’s become a game for a few people and tabloids to keep SPAC Nation in their news.
“Nevertheless we have a robust reporting system that complaints are to go to. The police should do their review on the individuals they want and take whatever measures they deem fit.”
The church said it could not respond on behalf of individuals.
Previously, SPAC Nation has distanced itself from the actions of its pastors, saying “a community with hundreds of pastors cannot monitor what each pastor or leader does”.
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Labour MP Steve Reed said every allegation must be fully investigated Lewis Whyld - PA Images via Getty Images
Steve Reed, Labour’s shadow minister for child protection, said it was “vitally important” every allegation is now fully investigated.
“Last week I met with London Mayor Sadiq Khan to raise my concerns that the Metropolitan Police had not properly investigated serious allegations I passed to them about SPAC Nation,” he said.
“Several of the individuals who made allegations told me they had either not been contacted by the police at all, or that any contact had been cursory with no follow-up.
“I understand those allegations are now being reviewed and the police are investigating fresh allegations.
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“It’s vitally important for the safety of hundreds of vulnerable young people that every allegation is fully investigated so those responsible within SPAC Nation can be brought to justice.”
The Croydon North MP went with ex-members of SPAC Nation to report 12 separate alleged offences at Croydon police station in November last year.
Some ex-SPAC Nation members claim young people allegedsold their own blood for money to donate to the church Hannah Eachus for HuffPost UK
SPAC Nation has a congregation of about 2,000 young people, mainly from disadvantaged areas, and holds its services from upmarket London hotels rather than having a physical base.
The church has won praise from senior politicians for its work to tackle knife crime and youth violence.
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But allegations of fraud and safeguarding abuses have circulated on social media for many years, as revealed by a HuffPost UK investigation in November.
Some young people told HuffPost UK they had allegedly sold their own blood for money to donate to SPAC Nation, while others made allegations of fraud in relation to some pastors.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Coronavirus Outbreak: Fourth Death Confirmed In UK

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An individual in their 70s with underlying health conditions has become the fourth person to die in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs on Monday there are now “four confirmed deaths” connected to the coronavirus outbreak in the UK and 319 confirmed cases.
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Hancock, responding to an urgent question in the House of Commons, told MPs: “Here in the UK, as of this morning, there were 319 confirmed cases.
“Very sadly this now includes four confirmed deaths.
“I entirely understand why people are worried and concerned and we send our condolences to the families.”
Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, confirmed the patient was in their 70s and had underlying health conditions. They were being treated at the Royal Wolverhampton Hospital.
The patient was being treated at the Royal Wolverhampton Hospital David Bagnall/Shutterstock
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He added: “It appears the virus was acquired in the UK and full contact tracing has begun.”
A Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust spokesperson said: “The trust can confirm that a patient in their 70s being treated for underlying health conditions has died. The patient had tested positive for Covid-19.
“The family has been informed and our condolences and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. We will not be commenting further and ask that everybody respects the family’s privacy.”
In his update to MPs, Hancock continued: “We continue to work to contain the virus, but we’re also taking action to delay its impact, to fund research and to mitigate its consequences.
“The scientific advice is clear – acting too early creates its own risks, so we will do what is right to keep people safe. Guided by the science we’ll act at the right time and we’ll be clear and open about our actions and the reasons for them.”
He added that “the time taken to test is being reduced as we’re bringing in a new system for faster results”.
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He told MPs: “We will shortly bring forward legislative options to help people and services to tackle this outbreak. The bill will be temporary and proportionate with measures that last only as long as necessary in line with clinical advice.”
Hancock added: “We will stop at nothing to get this response right.”
Hancock also stressed he will do “all that he can” to ensure that Parliament remains open and insisted food supplies would continue even in the “reasonable worst-case” scenario.
He told MPs: “We are confident that food supply will continue even in our reasonable worst-case scenario.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Les Dennis Calls Out Fan Who Lied About Meeting Him And Now Twitter Is Having A Blast With Fake ‘I M

Les Dennis Calls Out Fan Who Lied About Meeting Him And Now Twitter Is Having A Blast With Fake ‘I Met Les Dennis’ Stories

Met Les Dennis yesterday whilst walking with my family in The Peak District... he stopped and had a photo with me and baby... but then whispered in my ear if I dare put it on any of my Social Media, he will hunt me down and make me watch him whilst he eats my children. What a guy


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--John Oliver Destroys Donald Trump Over His Coronavirus Response

The host slammed the president over his misinformed response to the virus, officially known as Covid-19. He showed a clip of Trump saying that a vaccine would be ready in a few months, only to be contradicted by a medical expert at the same table saying it could take a year to a year and a half.
“If I may jump in here,” Oliver said as the “expert,” “the president just said that a cure would come very quickly. It’s more likely it will take at least a year. He also said that it’s the ‘meanest virus he’s ever seen.’ That’s ridiculous. It’s a virus. It has no intent. You also saw the president assure us that you couldn’t get the virus from ‘sucking on Ds.’ I then mistakenly asked, ‘Ds what?’ to which he replied, ‘Deez nuts,’ and demanded a high-five. And while I cannot believe I have to say this, depending on the nuts we cannot say for absolute certain that you would not get the coronavirus from sucking on ‘doze’ — on ‘doze nuts.’”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--The Most Creative Coronavirus Solutions

The Most Creative Coronavirus Solutions

The Most Creative Coronavirus Solutions
With the spread of coronavirus and Covid-19, we all wonder what more we could or should be doing to protect ourselves. Check out these creative solutions that some people have employed around the world.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Hollywood Star Max von Sydow Dies, Aged 90

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Hollywood actor Max von Sydow has died at the age of 90.
The actor – known for roles in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Game Of Thrones, The Exorcist and Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close – died at his home in France on Sunday.
News of his death was confirmed by Max’s agent on behalf of his wife, Catherine.
Jean Diamond said in a statement: “It is with a broken heart and with infinite sadness that we have the extreme pain of announcing the departure of Max von Sydow.”
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Max was born in Sweden in 1929 and also held French citizenship.
His career spanned more than six decades and saw him star in films including Flash Gordon, Conan The Barbarian, The Greatest Story Ever Told, Shutter Island and Minority Report.
He also played sinister James Bond super-villain Ernst Blofeld in 1983’s Never Say Never Again.
Max in Never Say Never Again Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock
However, Max was most noted for his many collaborations with Swedish film-maker Ingmar Bergman.
His first Bergman film was in 1957′s The Seventh Seal, in which he played knight Antonius Block. The scenes of him playing chess with the figure of Death would become renowned in cinematic circles.
He also went on to star in other Bergman films including Wild Strawberries, The Virgin Spring and Hour Of The Wolf.
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He was nominated for two Oscars throughout his career – Best Actor for Pelle The Conqueror in 1989 and Best Supporting actor for his role in 2011’s Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.
He received a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2016 for his guest role in Game Of Thrones as Three-Eyed Raven.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--WhatsApp Groups Are Spreading Coronavirus Myths. Here’s How To Avoid Them

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It’s easy to read something that sounds true on social media. It’s even easier to read it and forward it on... just in case.
I recently received a message from a fellow parent on the school WhatsApp ‘Year Three’ group – which includes around 100 other parents and carers – sharing the “latest warnings” about coronavirus.
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The trouble is, much of the information being shared to such a large group of people was wrong – according to what we know from medical experts.
The message began in a similar way to many internet chain letters, appearing to be from a reliable source – in this case a doctor working in Shenzhen Hospital, who was “being transferred to Wuhan to study this pneumonia virus” and “just told us to tell everybody the following information”.
It went on to reveal “the simplest way to identify the difference” between Covid-19 symptoms and non-coronavirus symptoms – but offering advice that is at odds with the latest recommendations from the World Health Organization.
It claimed the virus is not heat-resistant and “will be killed at a temperature of 26-27 degrees” – advising people to drink more hot water and “go in the sun” to prevent it.
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sorbetto via Getty Images
As fact-checking website Fullfact, which has investigated similar social media posts, reminds us, there’s a lot we don’t know about Covid-19, including the temperatures it can withstand. This is because it’s still a fairly new virus, so we should be wary of unofficial sources that claim to have specific details.
The World Health Organization says coronaviruses in general can be destroyed at cooking-levels of heat, at around 70°C. Going in the sun is unlikely to protect you from the virus – some of the countries with confirmed coronavirus cases have climates where the temperature is often above 27°C.
The best thing you can do is concentrate on washing your hands thoroughly – the NHS advises using soap and water for at least 20 seconds – be careful with touchscreens, follow self-isolation rules, and take it seriously. Remember, there’s a difference between “keep calm and carry on” and being selfish.
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I can well understand the fear so many people are feeling about Covid-19, and the temptation to pass on anything that looks immediately relevant.
“The virus outbreak can breed uncertainty and a sense of threat, so fake news and conspiracy theories can be seen to be a coping mechanism,” chartered psychologist Dr Daniel Jolley told HuffPost UK of coronavirus misinformation.
But if people are given the wrong information, it doesn’t stop the spread of the virus – it might even increase it. Unthinkingly spreading the misinformation – however well-intentioned – can also increases people’s anxiety.
Last week, Manchester Evening News was contacted by a number of parents who had seen articles about an outbreak at their children’s school in Didsbury. The articles turned out to be fake, but parents were left with serious concerns about their children’s safety.
Much like other incidents of scaremongering – such as the Momo hoax in 2019 – it can be hard to distinguish between correct and incorrect advice.
The best thing to do? Use a reliable source of information that isn’t second-hand: the government’s Coronavirus page and the NHS website are both regularly updated.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--5 Things Happening That Have Nothing To Do With Coronavirus

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Amid a news landscape dominated almost exclusively by coronavirus updates, you’d be forgiven for thinking there was not much else happening in the world.
But while Covid-19 remains centre stage for now, here are five other news stories that also deserve your attention:
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MH17 trial begins
Court proceedings are due to begin on Monday in the Netherlands for four suspects charged with the downing of flight MH17.
All 298 people – including 10 Britons - on board the plane were killed when it was downed in July 2014. An official inquiry found the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 was hit by a Buk missile launched from an area of Ukraine controlled by pro-Russia separatists.
An armed pro-Russian separatist stands at a site of a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 plane crash in the settlement of Grabovo in the Donetsk region, July 17, 2014 MAXIM ZMEYEV / Reuters
The four suspects, who have links to the Russian military are not expected to appear before the court and will instead be tried in absentia.
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UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has urged Russia to “co-operate fully” with the trial and said there can be “no impunity” for those responsible for the “appalling crime”.
Harry and Meghan’s last royal hurrah
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will make their final official appearance as senior royals as their UK farewell tour comes to an end.
Harry and Meghan will join the Queen and other key members of the family for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey – their last public royal duty before they walk away from the monarchy.
Harry and Meghan leave the Endeavour Fund Awards in London, on 5 March Hannah Mckay / Reuters
Sixth in line Harry and American former actress Meghan will gather with the monarch, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall in the central London church.
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From March 31, the monarch’s grandson and Meghan will no longer use their HRH styles as they pursue a new life of personal and financial freedom, mostly in North America. For Meghan, bowing out of royal life will take place just one year, 10 months and 12 days – or 682 days – after marrying into the family.
‘A day without women’
Thousands of women across Mexico will today stay at home from work or school for “A Day Without Women”.
The move comes hours after an unprecedented number of women filled the streets to protest against rampant gender violence on International Women’s Day.
The back-to-back protests mark an intensification of the struggle by Mexican women against violence and impunity in one of the most dangerous countries in the world for females.
Women participate in a demonstration on International Women's Day on March 8, in Mexico City Pedro Martin Gonzalez Castillo via Getty Images
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Viviana Mendez, a lawyer and mother who planned to take part in the strike, said: “What we want to provoke is that they see that if we’re not there, the city won’t circulate. That there are many of us. What are they going to do without us if they are killing us?”
The idea is for work colleagues, bosses, boyfriends, husbands and in some cases children to reflect on the absence of each participating woman.
Government data said 3,825 women met violent deaths last year, 7% more than in 2018. That works out to about 10 women killed each day in Mexico. Thousands more have gone missing without a trace in recent years.
Trevor Philips Islamophobia row
A former head of the country’s equalities watchdog has accused the Labour Party of attempting to gag members after he was suspended over allegations of Islamophobia.
Trevor Phillips, an anti-racism campaigner who previously chaired the Equality and Human Rights Commission, faces an investigation and could be expelled from the party.
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Anti-racism campaigner Trevor Phillips has been suspended from the Labour Party over allegations of Islamophobia PA
The Times reported that Phillips – who ruled out voting for Jeremy Corbyn’s outfit at the last election over its failure to deal with anti-Semitism – is being investigated over past comments, including remarks on Pakistani Muslim men sexually abusing children in northern British towns.
But Phillips has defended himself and accused Labour of attempting to restrict members from having a “healthy debate” about how British society could “address differences of values”.
Speaking to the BBC, he argued that society had to learn to deal with Islamic differences rather than hope Muslims would assimilate to a British way of life.
Answering allegations of Islamophobia, Phillips told the Times there was no suggestion that he had done anything unlawful and “no-one inside or outside the Labour Party has ever suggested that I have broken any rules”.
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Andrew Harper murder trial opens
A trial opens today for three people accused of murdering a newlywed police officer.
Two teenagers, who are both 17 and cannot be named for legal reasons, and a third man, Henry Long, 18, from Mortimer, Reading, are accused of the murder of PC Andrew Harper. All three individuals deny murder.
PC Andrew Harper, pictured with his wife Lissie Harper, was killed four weeks after his wedding PA
The unnamed teens pleaded guilty on Monday to plotting to seal a quad bike.
Long has previously admitted manslaughter and conspiracy to steal a quad bike. The two 17-year-olds deny manslaughter.
They attempted to steal the quad bike from a home near the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire on August 15 last year.
As they drove away from the property, it is alleged that 28-year-old Thames Valley officer PC Harper was dragged under a car and suffered multiple injuries.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--It's Up To Us To Slow The Spread Of Coronavirus – Here Are 5 Things Everyone Should Be Doing

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As confirmed cases of coronavirus continue to rise in the UK, elsewhere in the world, countries appear to be getting ahead of the virus.
Reports suggest coronavirus may have been contained in Wuhan, China, where it originated, with the number of daily cases falling. A similar story is being reported from Hong Kong.
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Some have questioned if the strict regimes of quarantine imposed by these places are sustainable, but the news does provide food for thought.
If we’re going to stop, or slow down, the spread of coronavirus in the UK, we need to make a collective effort. There’s no point dousing yourself in hand sanitiser if the person next to you on the bus has refused to self-isolate after a trip to northern Italy.
Here are some steps we can all follow to make a difference.
1. Wash your hands
Public Health England (PHE) has continually said hand washing is key to slow the spread of coronavirus. In order for it to be effective, use warm water and soap, rubbing between the fingers and washing for at least 20 seconds – or the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday, twice. If you’re out and about without access to a tap, hand gel can help.
If your local shop has sold out of hand gel, don’t be tempted to make your own. With no way of tracking alcohol concentrations, you don’t know if you’re making a solution that’s too weak (and won’t kill the virus) or too strong (which will damage your skin). Instead, stick to soap and water.
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2. Be careful with screens
There’s no point washing your hands thoroughly if you immediately touch a contaminated screen. It’s most common for coronaviruses to be transmitted via coughs or sneezes, but touching a contaminated surface could fuel the spread.
Because of this, the advice is to wash your hands immediately or use an alcohol-based hand gel after using public touch screens, such as self-service checkouts. Some academics are also recommending you clean your phone twice per day to reduce the risk of contamination.
Apple says phones should be cleaned by turning off the device and using a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth – for example, a glasses cloth. If you still spot smudges or smears, use a soft, lint-free cloth with warm soapy water, and avoid getting moisture in openings (like the charging port). The company advises against using cleaning products or compressed air. Advice from Samsung Galaxy is similar.
3DSculptor via Getty Images
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3. Follow the self-isolation rules
If you’ve travelled from a high-risk area or have been in contact with someone who may be infected, it’s important to self-isolate and follow the government guidelines.
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For starters, you shouldn’t have visitors to your home and you should ask friends and family members to drop off supplies (food, medicine, etc) on your doorstep. If you order takeaways or online food shops, tell the driver to leave the goods outside. You shouldn’t have any physical contact with them.
Self-isolating in shared housing is more difficult, but you can still reduce the risk of passing potential infections on to your housemates by following PHE’s advice. This includes staying in your room with the window open where possible, using separate towels from other household members, and using your own kitchen equipment.
4. Look after your pets
There is no evidence that pets can be infected with the new coronavirus, according to the World Health Organisation, but some charities are recommending precautions as we continue to learn more about the virus.
The RSPCA and Dogs Trust advise people who have been told to self-isolate and have tested positive for Covid-19 to try and make alternative arrangements for someone else to look after their pet until they are past the 14-day mark (or they feel better). This will allow dogs in particular to continue with their normal exercise routine while you remain housebound.
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You should also avoid being kissed or licked by your pet – and don’t share food with them. Some charities recommend staying in another room as often as possible if you’re self-isolating.
5. Take it seriously
Finally, don’t ignore the advice offered by health professionals. If your friendship groups are anything like ours, you’ll have probably heard plenty of dismissive “it’ll be fine!” remarks over the past few weeks, with some ignoring self-isolation guidelines. There’s a difference between “keep calm and carry on” and being selfish – and don’t even get us started on the panic buying.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Trevor Phillips Accuses Labour Of Bid To Gag Members After 'Islamophobia' Suspension

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Trevor Phillips has claimed Labour is trying to gag members following his shock suspension from the party amid allegations of Islamophobia.
Labour’s general secretary, Jenny Formby, said the former chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission had his membership suspended as “a matter of urgency” and could be expelled from the party.
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The Times reported Phillips – who ruled out voting for Jeremy Corbyn’s outfit at the last election over its failure to deal with anti-Semitism – is being investigated over comments made some years ago, including remarks on Pakistani Muslim men sexually abusing children in northern British towns.
But Phillips has hit back and accused Labour of attempting to restrict members from having a “healthy debate” about how society could “address differences of values”.
The 66-year-old also said it was “nonsense” to define being anti-Islam as racist, arguing that Muslims do not identify as a race.
Trevor Phillips, ex chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has been suspended from the Labour Party PA Archive/PA Images
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Writing for the think tank Policy Exchange, Phillips said the party adopting the APPG (all-party parliamentary group) definition of Islamophobia formed the backdrop to his suspension and claimed he was the victim of a “witch-hunt”.
He said: “A year ago a cross party parliamentary group proposed that ‘Islamophobia’ should be defined in broad terms as a ‘kind of racism’ hostile to ‘Muslimness’.
“In a comprehensive pamphlet published by the Policy Exchange think tank, I pointed out that for many, one great attraction of Islam is its pan-racialism; Islam does not belong to any ethnic group.
“I also argued that the vague concept as ‘Muslimness’ rested on the delusion that all adherents of the faith would agree on doctrine, dress and behaviours; this is the progressive equivalent of ‘they all look alike to me’.
“The charges are so outlandish as to bring disrepute on all involved in making them; and I fear they further add to the sense that we, as a party, have badly lost our way.” - Khalild Mahmood, Labour MP
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“It was therefore only a matter of time before this ‘definition’ would inevitably lead to the persecution of individuals who dissented. I never imagined that I myself would be the first political victim of such a witchhunt.”
Answering allegations of Islamophobia, Phillips told the Times there was no suggestion that he had done anything unlawful and “no-one inside or outside the Labour Party has ever suggested that I have broken any rules”.
Labour MP Khalid Mahmood, the country’s first Muslim MP, has also jumped to Phillips’ defence.
He said he learned of Phillips’ suspension with “no small measure of astonishment” and hinted that he believed “internal politics” may be involved.
He added: “The charges are so outlandish as to bring disrepute on all involved in making them; and I fear they further add to the sense that we, as a party, have badly lost our way.”
The MP for Birmingham Perry Barr and shadow Europe minister said he has been “dismayed” that his party chose to adopt what he called a “deeply flawed definition” of Islamophobia, adding that chiefs are “intent on wielding it as a weapon for rooting out ‘difficult’ voices” in Labour.
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Phillips said on Monday that the party had sent him an 11-page letter and told him he was forbidden from publishing the details of his suspension.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I’m surprised about what is and always has been an open and democratic party deciding that its members cannot have healthy debate about how we address differences of values and outlooks.
“Let us be clear about this. They say I’m accusing Muslims of being different.
“Well, actually, that’s true. Muslims are different and, in many ways, I think that’s admirable.”
In the run-up to the general election, Phillips was among 24 public figures who last year declared their refusal to vote for the Labour Party because of its association with anti-Semitism.
In a letter to The Guardian in November, the group said the path to a more tolerant society “must encompass Britain’s Jews with unwavering solidarity” and said Jeremy Corbyn has “a long record of embracing anti-Semites as comrades”.
The Muslim Council of Britain has criticised Phillips’ previous comments.
A spokesman said: “Mr Phillips has made incendiary statements about Muslims that would be unacceptable for any other minority. Many of these sweeping generalisations are unfounded, wildly exaggerated and are familiar tropes taken up by the far right.
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“He has claimed Muslims do not report terrorism, despite the poll he cited showing Muslims report terrorism more than the general public. He likened placing a Christian girl into a foster care with a Muslim family as akin to ‘child abuse’; and further propagates the othering of Muslims, claiming Muslims are ‘not like us’, ‘see the world differently’ and are a ‘nation within a nation’.
“The impact of Mr Phillips claims from a privileged vantage point is dangerous, providing licence to far-right ideologues such as Tommy Robinson who have seized upon these remarks.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Watch: Here’s The Latest On Coronavirus

Watch: Here’s The Latest On Coronavirus

Watch: Here’s The Latest On Coronavirus - 9 March
Italy on lockdown, festivals cancelled and Britain moves into ‘delay’ phase. Here are five things you need to know about the Covid-19 virus today as cases rise to almost 110,000 worldwide.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Rev Richard Coles Says His Future Feels 'Blank' As He Opens Up About Death Of Partner

Reverend Richard Coles has spoken candidly about how he is struggling to come to terms with the death of his partner, admitting he feels like his future is “blank”.
In December, the former Strictly Come Dancing contestant lost his civil partner, Rev David Coles, after he died at the age of 43 following a long illness.
Reverends Richard and David Coles Twitter
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In a new interview with the Guardian, the Rev heartbreakingly detailed how he is finding it difficult adjusting to life without David.
“I got in the other night,” he said, “and fed the dogs and lit a fire and cooked some supper. I got into my pyjamas and had a nightcap. I then looked at my watch and it was 10 past six.
“I’ve had to subtract David from the future and that has taken all the future with it. It’s a bit blank. I think: ’What the fuck am I going to do? Play the accordion and go to bed at 10 past six, I guess. Of course, it’s not the end of my life. But it feels like it’s over sometimes.”
The celebrity vicar entered into a civil partnership with David after the Church of England allowed the ceremonies in 2005.
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He and David lived together with their dogs – dachshunds Daisy, Pongo, Audrey and Horatio – in the vicarage of St Mary’s in Finedon, Northamptonshire.
Richard often spoke with love about David and their life together, particularly on his Radio 4 show Saturday Live and during his appearances on Radio 2.
Rev Richard Coles PA
Last month, former Communards musician Richard revealed he received a posthumous Valentine’s Day card from his late partner.
Appearing on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show to present Pause For Thought segment, Richard told host Zoe Ball that he had been surprised to receive the card.
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He said: “With remarkable foresight he arranged for me a Valentine’s card before he departed, and I’m very touched and grateful. And a bit surprised, because in widowhood you think your days of wine and roses are done. Not so.”
He tweeted at the time: “Police called this evening, sympathetic and professional, and my hateful correspondence is now evidence.”
He said that the “horrible letters: they don’t touch me”, tweeting: “I am right now an expert in pain, the real kind, and these are paper darts among the incoming, and just leave me mildly curious about the state of mind of the writer.”
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-09--Crufts Winner Maisie The Wire Haired Dachshund Celebrates Winning Best In Show... By Having A Massiv

Crufts Winner Maisie The Wire Haired Dachshund Celebrates Winning Best In Show... By Having A Massive Poo

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This year’s Crufts champion Maisie the Wire Haired Dachshund’s celebration after winning Best in Show couldn’t have been more dog if it tried.
Yes she there was a victory lap, but there was also a really big poo.
Maisie the Wire-haired Dachshund winner of Best in Show 2020 at the Birmingham National with her owner Kim McCalmont at the Exhibition Centre (NEC) during the Crufts Dog Show. PA
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Well nothing says ‘I’m a winner, baby’ than taking a massive dump in front of a packed arena and millions of dog-loving viewers watching at home, does it?
The incident couldn’t even faze Maisie’s proud-as-punch trainer Kim McCalmont who took it all in her stride and calmly got rid of the evidence.
Crufts viewers were impressed...
Omg Maisie doing a poo on the lap of honour is the most dachshund thing I’ve ever seen 🤣🤣🤣 #Crufts #Maisie pic.twitter.com/Jg6bq4CpkA — Lauren (@PoweredbyPB) March 8, 2020
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I love the fact the canine winner of Best in Show at Crufts just celebrated by having a poo in the arena.
You don't see that at Wimbledon. — Icy Sedgwick (@IcySedgwick) March 8, 2020
Oh my Lord @GaryLineker were you watching Crufts final? Maisie the winner just did a Lineker live on TV. Thank heavens the owner had a poo bag!! — ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) March 8, 2020
The Best in show at Crufts .... no boring speech from him. Just a jolly good celebratory poo in front of the live TV audience 😂😂😂 way to go !! pic.twitter.com/rSYEzeVYQw — Jon Smith (@jon1startist) March 8, 2020
Next time I poo in the house and get told off for it, I will remember Maisie at Crufts. If she can poo on live tv in the final of Crufts, I can have a sneaky one in the kitchen. — Toby Sausage (@tobysausage) March 8, 2020
Dog curling out a poo on victory walk . Bravo pooch . Bravo 😂😂 #Crufts — feckless fox 🦊🦊🦊 (@sam56759067) March 8, 2020
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That little wire hair daschund stopping on her victory lap of crufts to do a poo in the middle of the arena is my hero. She’s best in show and she doesn’t give a fuck — Lauren (@snorkelberry) March 8, 2020
The winner of crufts just did a poo during its lap of honour! Shitting all over the competition! #crufts2020 — Stephen Leask (@leaskoflife) March 8, 2020
Around 26,000 dogs took part in the four-day event at the NEC in Birmingham and Maisie beat seven finalists to be crowned Best in Show, including Pixie the Kerry Blue Terrier, Frankie the Miniature Poodle, Pablo the Bichon Frise, Elsie the Irish Setter, Drago the Bull Mastiff, and Zokni, the Old English Sheepdog.
Crufts presenter Scarlett Moffatt interviewed Kim after the win and said: “I think that might be the most expensive poo ever taken. Are you going to sell it on eBay?”
“Well, it’s stuck on the bottom of your shoe,” Kim replied.
Scarlett replied: “I might take it home and put it on eBay.. the champion’s poo.”
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-10--Serena Williams's Toddler Olympia Hilariously Derails Mum's Beauty Video

Serena Williams’s daughter knows how to give the people what they truly want.
The tennis star offered fans an insight into her morning routine in an Instagram video posted Monday, in which she attempted to walk through her skin care regime. Her 2-year-old daughter, Olympia, however, stole the show.
Sporting a robe and hair bonnet, the 38-year-old explains that she often shows her night routines but never shows what she does in the morning. As she applies a Knesko Diamond Radiance eye mask, doing her best to talk through the steps, Olympia babbles nonstop and waves two beauty blenders around. “Are you OK?” Williams hilariously asks during the chatter.
The video ends with an exasperated “Olympia...” from mom after the bub spritzes some mist near the camera.
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″@OlympiaOhanian is still too young for eye masks but she sure can work that beauty blender!” she captioned the adorable clip.
Fans loved the exchange, commenting on Olympia’s attitude being a total “mood.”
“The way you said “Olympia” at the end #momlife,” one commenter wrote.
“The slight shade in “are you okay?” Haha🤣 Olympia is a mood!!!” said another.
The tennis superstar (who is a global adviser to Verizon Media, HuffPost’s parent company) is married to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. The two welcomed their daughter, whose full name is Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., in September 2017.
Williams, who has won 23 Grand Slam titles, often opens up about life as a working mom.
“I am often exhausted, stressed, and then I go play a professional tennis match. We keep going. I am so proud and inspired by the women who do it day in and day out,” she recently captioned a snap of herself carrying a sleeping Olympia in the backseat of a car.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-10--Laura Whitmore Says She Initially 'Ignored' Caroline Flack's Death As She Believed It Was Fake News

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Laura Whitmore has said she initially “ignored” news of Caroline Flack’s death because she didn’t believe it was true.
The presenter, who replaced Caroline as the host of Love Island earlier this year, has opened up about the loss of her friend, who took her own life last month.
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Speaking on Kate Thornton’s White Wine Question Time podcast, Laura said she had found about about Caroline’s death in “a way I wish I didn’t”.
“It was something on Twitter that someone had tweeted initially that I disregarded because there’s always so much stuff,” she explained.
“There are so many things that would be said about Caroline that you wouldn’t take everything as truth, so I kind of ignored it.”
Laura Whitmore and Caroline Flack David M. Benett via Getty Images
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Laura later received a phone call from a friend who was “being weird” and told her to come home immediately.
Becoming emotional, she continued: “Then I did that thing, which I wish I didn’t. I went on Twitter and you see different things and different people posting things.
“I can’t really remember what happened after that. We live in a world where we find out our news on social media and we don’t know what is right and what is wrong – there is fake news.
“It wasn’t the way that you think you would find out a friend had passed away, so I just got home as quick as I could and that’s when I came in to my friend and she said it was true.”
Laura replaced Caroline as the host of this year's Love Island David M. Benett via Getty Images
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Laura said her first thought had been for her boyfriend, Love Island narrator Iain Stirling, who had been enjoying a day off while working on the series in South Africa.
She added: “He was having a few drinks with people in the pub so I just wanted to ring him.
“I just wanted him to get to a safe space, if that makes sense? Not to be exposed because everyone wants to see what your reaction is.”
Laura with boyfriend, Love Island narrator Iain Stirling David M. Benett via Getty Images
Laura also said she often feels “guilty” whenever she laughs or is asked about how she is coping with Caroline’s death.
She said: “I think it’s good to talk, part of me want to lock myself away. Sometimes I feel guilty for people asking me how I am, as I’m here. I don’t know how I am really, I’m kind of all over the place, it changes.
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“Sometimes I feel guilty about laughing when I watch TV, then I forget. There’s no right or wrong way to feel.”
The morning after Caroline’s death, Laura paid an emotional tribute to her “vivacious and loving” friend on her Radio 5 Live show.
Speaking about her decision to carry on presenting the series, Laura told Kate Thornton: “I just felt I had so much I wanted to say, maybe because how I found out and the fact that my immediate reaction was that, that’s not true.
“I didn’t make a decision until the morning of, and I wrote how I felt on Saturday night. Again, I didn’t know what the right thing to do was. It had to be my whole truth.”
Laura’s full interview appears on the White Wine Question Time podcast, available to stream now.
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