Thompson posted a video to Instagram on Wednesday night to reveal the update in her campaign, and wrote: “Have held it together all week, but creating this and re-watching it over and over again to remind myself that this is actually real and that this day really happened is making me cry and it’s a huge release.

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M&S is recalling M&S Food Truffle Gouda due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

The bacteria can survive and even grow under refrigeration and can cause Listeriosis which can last up to several weeks depending on the severity.

Symptoms include fever, vomiting and headaches, with some cases even resulting in convulsions.

In rare cases, the infection can lead to meningitis.

Wednesday 8 July 2026 – M&S recalls M&S Food Truffle Gouda due to the presence of Listeria Monocytogenes: https://t.co/KS7bBdWiZY

Distribution is in Northern Ireland only.#FoodAlert pic.twitter.com/xMM0aAlNOu

— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) July 8, 2026

The affected products are sold in M&S supermarkets in Northern Ireland, have a best before date of October 9 and a product code of 29424887.

A spokesman for the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said: “M&S is recalling the above product. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling this product.

“These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.

“Symptoms caused by Listeria monocytogenes can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.

“However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.

“Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.

“If you have bought the above product, do not eat it. Instead, return it to where you bought it from for a full refund.”

An M&S spokesman added: “In the abundance of caution, Marks & Spencer is recalling M&S Truffle Gouda due to the potential presence of Listeria.

“Customer safety is of paramount importance to Marks & Spencer and we take food safety extremely seriously.

“Please do not consume this product. Any customers in possession of this product can return it to their nearest store where a full refund will be given.

“Only the displayed date codes are impacted. No other M&S products are affected.

“We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused. For more information contact us on 03330 148555.”

What is a product recall?

If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product).

The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.

In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued.

This provides local authorities with details of specific actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.

From jelquing to ballbusting, there are many things men do with their genitals that sound unpleasant, but one fetish — with a small yet steadily-growing following — goes beyond reason.

While it’s an incredibly niche subculture, there are still thousands online who become aroused at the thought of having part of their penis surgically removed.

Yes, you read that right. Over on Reddit, a 2,300-strong community of men fantasise about undergoing a glansectomy (the removal of the rounded, highly sensitive bulbous tip of the penis), while a 3,500-member group is dedicated to the desire for a penectomy (removing part of the penis).

In the kink world, this is more widely known as the practice of voluntary genital ablation, which refers to any non-necessary procedure that removes or renders nonfunctional a part of the external genitalia.

However, it can, without question, escalate into something extremely dangerous. Marius Theodore Gustavson, known as the ‘eunuch maker’ was sentenced to life in prison in 2024 for performing life-threatening castrations and penectomies on vulnerable victims for the sexual pleasure of viewers on his website.

Gustavson himself had had his penis, testicles, right nipple and left leg removed, due to fetish and his body integrity dysphoria (BID) where individuals experience a persistent, intense desire to have a physical disability and feel a severe mismatch between their actual and ideal body.

It’s also important to note, we’re not talking about those looking to transition.

According to a 2024 Sexual Medicine study, some individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) have a strong desire for genital ablation without medical need or a diagnosis of male-to-female gender dysphoria.

And as you can probably imagine, it’s not a fantasy that should ever make its way into real life — as even when performed in a sterile setting by a skilled surgeon, it comes with a whole host of risks.

Glansectomy explained

A glansectomy is a procedure typically only used for men suffering with penile cancer.

‘These men need part of the penis removed to remove the malignant growth,’ Dr Jeff Foster tells Metro. ‘It’s quite a serious operation as it removes the head of the penis, resulting in shortening the penis and altered sexual function in the future.’

It’s an unpleasant experience, which also involves a skin graft and a catheter in situ for about a week.

‘This is serious stuff,’ the urologist adds. ‘Most importantly, no reputable surgeon would do this procedure unless it was medically implicated, and there’s no way that you could attempt this yourself because of the risks of sepsis and death.’

There are around 820 new penile cancer cases in the UK every year, although not all of them require surgery.

Why might men find this surgery appealing?

It goes without saying that most men who fantasise about voluntary genital ablation (removal of internal or external genital organs) don’t actually want part of their penis removed in reality; they just enjoy thinking about it.

When it comes to eroticised castration (being aroused by the thought or act of having your genitals removed) and genital injuries due to erotic reasons, the Sexual Medicine survey revealed only up to 4% of individuals aspire to perform it in real life.

But the reasons for this desire can vary wildly.

Sexologist Ness Cooper tells Metro that ‘there are quite a few kinks involved here’, including eunuchophilia. This refers to a man who had his genitals removed to perform trusted roles for the king, and is typically practised by submissives.

This ties into the genital nullification (or nullo) fetish culture where individuals have the desire to remove all their genitals to result in a smooth area from the abdomen to the groin.

Those who have a chastity fetish may also be inclined to want body modification that would ‘take away the sensitive nerve ending part of the penis, reducing overall erotic pleasure.’

In some cases however, it could actually be about pain reduction, as Ness explains men with foreskin issues can sometimes fantasise about a glansectomy to ease their discomfort because they’re ‘unsure how to ask their doctor about it.’

Others might have a medical fetish, where they ‘get turned on and aroused by extreme medical procedures such as a glansectomy,’ or it could simply be for aesthetic reasons, with some men wanting their penis to be ‘completely smooth’.

‘Some of this may be preference, and some may be influenced by media censorship, as penises in the past have been edited or drawn to be smoother than they are to avoid erotic censorship,’ Ness adds.

Alternatively, outside the select few who find this a turn on, it may be considered by those who identify as asexual and don’t want gender-defining characteristics.

The risks

Whatever the motivation behind it, put simply, you should never try to carry out this fantasy.

‘To voluntarily want to have this procedure suggests significant mental illness around the concept of self mutilation and harm,’ explains Dr Foster.

For UKCP psychotherapist Katherine Cavallo, it’s a little more complicated, but may warrant a deeper look at what’s going on mentally.

‘While experiencing sexual fantasies that are unusual or extreme would not, in itself, be considered psychologically problematic or pathological, and can actually provide a safe playground for the mind to process emotion or explore arousal, it’s important to consider the impact these thoughts have on an individual’s well being and behaviour,’ she tells Metro.

‘If these thoughts become intrusive or distressing, or are accompanied by compulsive urges to act in ways that could cause harm to oneself or others, this may be indicative of an underlying mental health condition, and it would be important to seek a professional mental health assessment.’

Beyond the psychological side, Ness again highlights it’s a massively risky undertaking, and can ‘lead to infections which may result in more of the area needing to be removed’ alongside some ‘which are hard to beat even after more surgery’ or regular UTIs, nerve pain, and even blood loss.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk

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Writing in The Times on the eve of nominations opening, Mr Burnham said he would seek stability in his foreign policy as prime minister as he set out his commitment to Nato, the nuclear deterrent, maintaining close ties with the US and support for Ukraine as well as continuing to bolster relations with the EU.

Ricky Gervais’s dance scene in The Office is a classic sitcom moment – but it left those around him “genuinely worried” about his health.

The David Brent actor, who co-created the series with Stephen Merchant, shared the revelation while celebrating the groundbreaking sitcom’s 25th anniversary.

Gervais reflected on the dance scene in a special he published on YouTube, calling it “probably the most famous single thing I’ve ever done” – but said “there was a small chance of heart failure” due to the energy exerted to pull it off.

“I remember after I filmed it, I was sat in a corner on a chair and they were fanning me,” he said.

“I think I was the blobbiest I’ve ever been. I think I was like 14 stone, no muscles to speak of, just a blob. So, I think people were genuinely worried the way I was breathing afterwards.”

He continued: “Tom Cruise jumps off buildings. Do I want to do a little dance? I’ll have a go. It would f***ing kill me now. I’m glad I recorded it to show I did it once.”

Gervais said that, while the scene was “totally improvised”, he “sort of knew the type of thing” he was going to do when filming took place.

“I quite like the fact that it looked nearly real,” he said. “Some of them looked a bit like dance moves, and I can’t believe how low I got when I did the crab. I couldn’t do that now.”

Gervais did three takes of the dance in all – one in which Brent’s colleagues laughed, one in which Brent himself laughed and another with those around him “looking bewildered” – and then they “cut it together in the edit” to make it look like one take.

Earlier this week, Martin Freeman, who played Tim Canterbury on the show, took umbrage with Gervais and Merchant’s historic claims that the show was fully scripted.

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The actor sat down with Mackenzie Crook, who played Gareth, for a BBC Two special titled Remember… The Office, where he said: “What slightly annoyed me at the time, but only slightly at the time, is that when the scripts were published, they weren’t the scripts – they were the transcriptions of what had been on telly, so that annoyed me a little bit because anyone who knows any of us knows that line came from you in that moment, that line came from me.”

He continued: “It was loose, and that’s to Ricky and Stephen’s credit because the scripts were absolutely brilliant. It wasn’t improvised, but it was what I would call loose.”

Freeman argued that he “can understand why there was a little bit of protection about that because otherwise people would have gone, ‘Hey, you just rock up and just make it all up,’ which is clearly not the case”.

Emergency services were called to Derby Street in Stockton last night (July 8) after a “suspicious” fire broke out shortly after 11pm. 

People living in the home and neighbours from either side were safely evacuated while firefighters doused the flames. 

The car was destroyed in the incident, and the house sustained scorch marks. 

Cleveland Police is now hunting for two suspects who arrived at the scene with their faces covered just before the incident took place. 

The suspects then left the scene, going towards the KFC junction and then turning right onto Nelson Terrace towards the Prince Regent area.

Enquiries are continuing today and the force is now appealing for anyone with information or doorbell, dash cam or CCTV from Derby Street (or the route the suspects went) to get in touch.

Please contact police via the 101 number quoting 134166.

If you’d rather not speak to police, remember you can pass information completely anonymously to www.crimestoppers-uk,org or by phoning them on 0800 555 111.

The Swiss chocolate brand has launched its limited-edition Crispy Caramel bar, which was typically only available in airport duty-free stores.

World Duty Free says the product has “premium Swiss milk chocolate with irresistible salted caramel pieces and crunchy texture for an indulgent new taste experience”.

Limited edition Toblerone bar spotted in UK supermarket

The Toblerone Crispy Caramel bar combines classic Swiss milk chocolate with salted caramel pieces and a crunchy texture.

It was shared by the Newfoodsuk social media page, with the caption: “Limited Edition Crispy Caramel Toblerone spotted at Sainsbury’s.”

Shoppers have recently spotted the 100g bars on shelves in Sainsbury’s, where they are being sold for £2.50 each.

Previously, 350g bars were sold exclusively in duty-free shops at a higher price of £7.50.

One customer described the caramel pieces as similar to “honeycomb” and praised the “great” chocolate flavour and the balance of salt and sweetness.

The chocolate comes in eye-catching orange, red and yellow packaging.

Another shopper compared the design to “Toblerone Deep Heat,” while another jokingly asked if it might be “spicy” as the packaging was “red and looks fiery”.

Not everyone was convinced it beats the original.

However, one reviewer who sampled the chocolate in May called it “probably the best Toblerone ever.”

Coca-Cola Vanilla is back 8 years after being discontinued

The limited edition Toblerone flavour is not the only product that has shoppers excited.

Vanilla Coca-Cola is back in stock and is now available exclusively at Iceland stores and online, after quietly disappearing from most retailers across the country.

The comeback was first spotted by food deals page Newfoodsuk, which shared a photo of the drink on social media with the caption: “Vanilla Coca-Cola is back, now available exclusively at Iceland Foods.”

Fans quickly shared their excitement in the post, with one calling it the “best drink ever”.

Another said: “It’s back!! Finally.”

Recommended reading:

It was first introduced in the UK in 2005 and was relaunched again later in 2013.

Now, shoppers can once again get their hands on the flavoured cola, but only at Iceland.

The retailer is offering an eight-pack of 330ml cans for £5 and a 24-pack for £12.50, with both listed as “New” items on Iceland’s website.

Have you tried the Toblerone Crispy Caramel flavour? Let us know in the comments.

EastEnders spoilers follow for Thursday’s (July 9) episode, which can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer. The episode in question will air at 7:30pm.

Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) finding out about his affair with Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) may soon be the least of Max Branning’s (Jake Wood) concerns after Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) staged an unexpected Albert Square return.

Ravi, as viewers will recall, left the Square after spending time in a mental health unit. The popular character was struggling with his mental health after agreeing to inform for the police to stay out of jail.

Priya was determined to get him the help he needed after she discovered that he had been self-harming. 

The situation escalated in April when Ravi – convinced that his enemies were out to get him – obtained new locks for the flat and ordered Priya, Nugget (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury) and Avani (Aaliyah James) to stay inside.

After Priya secured their escape, Ravi contemplated taking his own life in emotional scenes but son Nugget revealed just how much he loved him, prompting Ravi to reconsider.

In subsequent scenes, he was sectioned and taken to a mental health facility. Upon his return to the Square in early June, he slept with Priya but reaffirmed that they should split.

Since his departure, Priya has been having an affair with Max, who is engaged to Cindy. But there was a big shock in store on Thursday (July 9) when Ravi unexpectedly arrived back in the Square.

Left reeling, Priya reiterated that their relationship was over – but it’s clear that she is still harbouring feelings for Ravi.

Ravi, meanwhile, had a big shock of his own to process when he discovered that Priya has been sleeping with someone – and he vowed to kill the man in question when he finds out who it is!

Be afraid Max. Be very afraid!

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. 

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

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Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden opened up to fans about saying an emotional goodbye, before celebrating their life

Amy Dowden has opened up to fans about saying an emotional goodbye, before celebrating their life, as well as that of her own and her loved ones, during a stunning sunset during a break in Cornwall.

The Strictly Come Dancing star took to social media in May and shared that her “darling friend” had died. At the time, she shared a carousel of snaps with her “darling friend” Bex, before admitting she had been “a little quiet”.

Amy, who has faced a breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment in recent years, said that Bex had sadly died in a heartbreaking tribute after learning that she had a blood clot on her brain, with Bex’s mum calling to tell her the news.

The professional dancer wrote on social media t the time: “On Friday, I got a call from my darling friend Bex’s mum, Anne, to tell me that Bex had a blood clot on her brain. I still can’t quite find the words or make sense of it. How something like this can happen to someone so fit, so healthy, so kind… a truly good soul.

“Bex was the kindest person, always putting others before herself. Even in the end, she was giving, an organ donor helping others right until the very end. She had just given birth to her perfect baby boy the day before, completing her beautiful family with her little girl 3 and her true love, Sean.

“I feel so lucky to have had her in my life. My voicemails are full of her, and I’ll treasure them forever. So many memories I’ll hold close… being Blackpool roommates, sleepovers with Anne telling us to get some sleep while we giggled, sharing a room on my hen when I realised you were pregnant and we couldn’t contain the excitement, calming me down before my first day of Strictly rehearsals and you drove to see me and go through everything.

“Making an 8-hour round trip to visit me during chemo and coming to hospital apts, Ben and I doing the beep test and numerous blood count tests for your uni assignment, and looking after us with physio between the rounds that night we won Blackpool. What I loved most were our random, overdue phone catch-ups, where I always knew I’d never be judged, only supported and understood.”

She continued: “My sister said earlier how at Blackpool you were always more worried about me than your own dancing. That was you. Always selfless. Always thinking of others. Bex, I’ll keep you close always. I promise to look out for your darling mum, dad, Sean, and your beautiful babies. Love you dearly, my angel. xxxx”

In a new update, shared on Wednesday (July 8), Amy shared how she had earlier this week said a final goodbye to Bex. Alongside pictures of the pair, she wrote on her Instagram Story: “On Monday morning we said our goodbye to Bex, but I know she will be looking down looking after her loved ones forever and I’ll never stop thinking and talking about her!”

She went on to share a GoFundMe link, and said: “Please, if you can help in any way for her darling children, I’ll be forever grateful. I’ll love you forever and always my beautiful friend.”

Amy is currently on holiday in Newquay, Cornwall, with her husband, Ben, twin sister, Becky, and some of their friends. She later posted pictures from a sunset visit to the beach, where they paid tribute to another loved one they had lost. Alongside a picture of the group raising a glass, she wrote on her Instagram Story: “To Bex and Kev xx always in our hearts.”

She then posted a video of the group rushing into the sea as they celebrated the lives their departed friends lived, as well as enjoying their own time together, especially due to what Amy has gone through with her own health. She captioned the post: “Live life to the full, every sunset is a blessing and a privilege #newquaycornwall #grateful #sunset #rememberinglovedones #cornwallcoast.”