GBBO presenter Alison Hammond reportedly lost 11 stone over five years. She has described how a pre-diabetes diagnosis and advice from her late mother motivated changes to her diet and exercise routine

The Great British Bake Off fans are excited that the Channel 4 show is back tonight (September 22) for series 17. Nigella Lawson is joining the tent as a permanent judge, with a fresh group of amateur bakers preparing to put their skills to the test.

The chef and food writer succeeds Dame Prue Leith, whose nine-series stint ended when she stepped down earlier this year. Fans also have a brand-new spin-off show to look forward to alongside the main competition.

However, a familiar face that is returning is presenter Alison Hammond, who has co-hosted alongside Noel Fielding on GBBO for three years. Observant viewers may have noticed that the 51 year old This Morning star appears considerably slimmer these days, having dropped an impressive 11 stone over the past five years.

Here we examine Alison’s remarkable weight loss journey in detail – from her approach to her reasons.

Weight loss transformation

Alison has shed between 11 and 13.5 stone over a five-year period, reducing her weight from 28 stone at her peak to approximately 15–17 stone.

She accomplished this impressive transformation through sustainable lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and regular personal training sessions, rather than turning to drastic measures or weight-loss medication.

Heartbreaking reason she lost weight

The popular TV presenter was motivated to begin her health transformation after receiving a concerning pre-diabetes diagnosis. Her late mother, Maria, who lived with type 2 diabetes, also urged Alison to address her weight shortly before she died in 2020.

“I’ll never forget when my mum was really ill in hospital,” Alison shared during a segment on This Morning. “She looked at me – she’s never commented on my weight my whole life-and she said, ‘Alison, don’t end up like me; try and sort out your weight.’”.

Methods she used to shed the pounds

Alison has been vocal about avoiding weight loss injections such as Ozempic or Wegovy, stating she preferred a more traditional approach.

The presenter focused on sensible eating habits. Rather than cutting out whole food groups, she embraced a “cutting back, not cutting out” approach.

She dramatically reduced her sugar intake and made portion control a priority.

She also kept up regular strength and personal training sessions. The broadcaster began working out up to four times each week with a personal trainer.

Rather than forcing herself through gruelling cardio sessions she loathed, she focused on achievable, short strength-training workouts and Reformer Pilates.

Alison also stressed lifestyle modifications over the bathroom scales. She emphasised that her biggest success was bringing her blood sugar back to normal levels and reversing her pre-diabetes, rather than hitting a specific number on the scales.

Boost to her online confidence

Followers have noticed that Alison now posts content with a renewed sense of self-assurance on Instagram. While she has always been cherished for her bubbly and captivating personality, her recent social media presence demonstrates a notable shift towards celebrating her strength, wellness accomplishments, and fashion sense.

The presenter’s posts have garnered tremendous praise from fans and celebrity friends alike, who say her refreshed look is “oozing confidence.”

Rather than hiding her health and fitness journey, Alison regularly posts videos of herself working up a sweat, lifting heavy weights, boxing, and taking part in Reformer Pilates sessions. She uses her platform to openly credit her personal trainers and wellness coaches for the profound impact they have had on her life.

Her social media feeds are equally packed with striking “glow-up” photographs. Her styling team consistently shares collections of images capturing her looking utterly radiant at red carpet events, dressed in towering heels and sophisticated gowns or sleek black mini-dresses that beautifully highlight her 11-to-13-stone transformation.

Mirror Political Editor Lizzy Buchan writes in from New York…

Andy Burnham is gearing up for his biggest test yet on the world stage – a prime time sit down with Donald Trump.

But the Prime Minister seemed relaxed and ready last night for his foray into the lions den with the US President.

On the plane from London last night, he endured a 40-minute grilling from journalists on everything from the US relationship to the Budget but still joked that he was disappointed no one had asked him about TV star’s Danny Dyer’s rant about him.

This trip is a marked contrast from the last time I watched a PM meet the mercurial US President.

Tensions were sky high when Keir Starmer travelled to meet Trump in the Oval Office last year.

The PM and his team were calm but steely, using all their time to prepare for every possible grenade the US President could lob their way. In the end, Starmer pulled off his charm offensive but the whole trip felt extremely high stakes.

Burnham is a different kind of politician. He seems to enjoy the job of PM in a way that Starmer never did, taking this sort of test in his stride.

He will be well prepared for whatever Trump throws at him – but his team seem quietly confident that he can charm Trump enough to get through it unscathed.

We’ll know soon enough if his strategy works.

One objection said transport links into the city are “insufficient”

A further 180 homes could be built in a Peterborough suburb but locals want the land to be used for a new railway station instead. Work is ongoing to build new homes in Hampton Woods, Peterborough.

O&H Properties Ltd has proposed to build the new homes on land south east of 2A Broadway in Yaxley, south of Peterborough and east of Hampton. It sits within the Hampton Woods village of the wider Hampton East Urban Extension, a large settlement providing thousands of new homes.

The wider Hampton community includes Hampton Hargate, Hampton Vale, Hampton Green, Hampton Beach, Hampton Water and more. Hampton Woods is the latest development area of the Peterborough suburb. An application for up to 180 homes is the latest proposal.

The new homes are proposed to be built across a 6.79 hectare site, with a village green including a play area, included in the plans. The applicants say it will act as a “central open space and destination within the development, helping to establish a strong sense of place”.

The applicant said: “Hampton Woods is envisioned as a distinctive and accessible continuation of the wider Hampton community, shaped by its strong relationship with the surrounding landscape and natural features; framed by woodland, Beeby’s East Lake and green spaces.

“A landscape-led approach underpins the vision, with linear green and blue corridors, structural tree planting and active travel routes connecting homes, streets and public spaces. The village green forms the heart of the community, anchoring the neighbourhood and the intersecting green spaces.

“Together, contemporary buildings, streets, landscape, and infrastructure will create a sustainable, attractive, and well-connected village that fosters a strong sense of place, community pride and long-term resilience.”

Reacting to the plans, which were lodged in September, one local wrote: “A vast number of new homes are being built across the area, yet the transport links into the city remain insufficient, to say the least. The existing roads are often too narrow, heavily congested, and subject to frequent repairs, creating significant delays for residents.

“The available land should be considered for the development of a small local railway station, providing residents with a faster, more direct and reliable connection into the city centre. On particularly busy days, a journey by car can take around 30 minutes, contributing to increased traffic, pollution and stress for those travelling into the city.

“A local rail connection would not only reduce pressure on the roads but could also provide much better access for evening and weekend commuters. This would make it easier for people to visit and spend time in the city outside traditional working hours, potentially supporting local businesses and increasing revenue within the city centre.”

Another person said the proposal “erodes the essential physical separation and green buffer between Yaxley village and the expanding Peterborough/Hampton urban area”. They said that developing this site “reduces the open gap separating Yaxley from the council boundary, undermining local spatial strategy”.

Additionally, the formal objection said: “The proposed development permanently eliminates the opportunity for crucial rail infrastructure. Given the lack of local employment opportunities within Peterborough, residents must commute outside the city for work.

“Allocating this specific land for housing rather than a train station deprives the area of essential regional rail connectivity and forces hundreds of new residents into total car dependency, worsening congestion on Broadway and surrounding local routes.”

At the time of the fire neighbours reported hearing ‘loud bangs’ before emergency services found a body inside the campervan

A retired engineer died in a fire which sparked a police investigation, an inquest has found. Darren John Edwards, 60, was identified as the man whose body was found in a burnt out campervan following a serious fire near Porthcawl seafront last year.

Residents reported hearing “loud bangs” before emergency services found a body inside a campervan on Mackworth Road after the alarm was raised in the early hours of August 28, 2025. Forensic investigations were carried out at the scene, with South Wales Police initially treating the death as “unexplained”. Officers were unable to identify the body for some time.

An inquest has now concluded the death was an accident which is believed to have started with a gas camping stove. Mr Edwards had also consumed high levels of alcohol which likely impacted upon his alertness to the fire, an investigation found.

Pontypridd Coroner’s Court heard that Mr Edwards, a retired engineer from Newport, was living in the campervan at the the time of his death and spent much of his time visiting different locations in Wales.

In late August he had spent a number of nights sleeping in the vehicle in the Porthcawl area, the inquest heard.

Emergency services were called to what was described as a “fire incident” involving multiple vehicles in Mackworth Road. Once the fire was extinguished, emergency personnel found a deceased person inside one of the vehicles.

The road was cordoned off while investigations were carried out to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire.

The inquest was told the campervan was later identified as belonging to Mr Edwards and it was his body which was recovered from the campervan.

The origin of the fire was likely a gas camping stove, the inquest heard.

A post mortem examination identified that Mr Edwards died as a result of smoke inhalation. He had also consumed high levels of alcohol which the inquest heard likely impacted upon his alertness and response to the fire.

The medical cause of death was given as 1a, smoke inhalation, and 2, alcohol toxicity.

Area Coroner Patricia Morgan concluded that the death was an accident.

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They are the generation that grew up with online dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble and social media at their fingertips.

But despite all that, a study has revealed Gen Z is in a sex recession.

To understand how young adults are navigating sex, dating and relationships today, researchers surveyed 2,373 adults aged 18 to 29.

They found that this age group, which includes Gen Z, reported low levels of sexual activity – despite a moderate to high sex drive.

The survey said 29 per cent had zero partners in the last three months and 19 per cent had never had a partner at all.

One 25-year-old man told the researchers, who worked in collaboration with Playboy: ‘People my age are having less sex because they are meeting less people in person.’

Another added: ‘It’s hard to hook up with someone if you’re too scared to even talk to anyone.’ 

Instead, many said their intimacy needs are already being met – through social media and artificial intelligence (AI) companions.

TikTokers bts.mulli and karniel.g urge their fans not to lose their virginity

Lots of Gen Z said their intimacy needs are already being met, through social media and AI companions

The study, carried out by the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, revealed that many did not seem particularly distressed with the sex recession.

‘Only a minority report dissatisfaction with their sex lives, suggesting that sex may be less central to overall wellbeing than many assume,’ the team said.

‘Only 18 per cent are unsatisfied with their sex life.’

The researchers said the issue appears to be opportunity, not desire. 

‘Dating exhaustion, fear of rejection, financial strain and changing social norms may be making connection more difficult,’ they said.

‘For 43 per cent, financial concerns made it harder for them to date or maintain romantic relationships and, for 37 per cent, financial stress has negatively affected their sex life.’

Young adults are increasingly meeting intimacy needs in other ways, they explained.

‘Digital connection, online sexual experiences, friendships, and other forms of fulfilment may be reducing the pressure to pursue traditional romantic relationships,’ they added.

Around a quarter said online interactions – such as messaging, social media and AI companions – fulfil some of their intimacy needs. 

A similar amount said spending time on screens reduces their motivation to pursue real-life sexual connections.

A previous study found that nearly four in ten people aged 18 to 30 reported having no sexual partners during the last 12 months, up from 22 per cent a decade earlier 

‘Many participants told us that pornography, camming, AI companions, and other forms of digital intimacy fulfilled at least some of their emotional or sexual needs,’ the researchers said. 

‘At the same time, many described these experiences as easier, less emotionally demanding, and more accessible than pursuing intimacy with another person.’ 

Despite having less sex, the sex they have is not necessarily safer, the researchers warned.

Contraceptive use among Gen Z is often inconsistent, they said, and many have never been tested for STIs.

Only 35 per cent reported typically using condoms and approximately a third said they had never been tested for an STI.

‘Modern-day dating really is an absolute mess, not because Gen Z has stopped wanting love, sex, or connection, but because the journey from desire to intimacy has become more complicated than ever,’ the researchers concluded. 

It comes as some social media influencers, including TikTokers bts.mulli and karniel.g, urged their fans not to lose their virginity.

According to a separate study, Gen Z is also shunning alcohol in favour of a cup of tea.

Conducted by Twinings, the survey found that almost half (47 per cent) of Gen Z say tea has replaced alcohol as the thing they reach for before big moments. In contrast, just 25 per cent of Baby Boomers say the same thing.

You wouldn’t be the only person to associate holidays with happiness, but it turns out your destination of choice could be contributing to just how content you feel.

The world’s happiest holiday spots have been revealed for 2026 – and the list includes plenty of European destinations.

One UK spot even makes the top five, according to the Holiday Happiness Index study from BookRetreats.

‘When we talk about feeling good, we’re really talking about the release of happy hormones like serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin,’ says Harvard-affiliated clinical psychologist and holistic happiness expert, Dr Natalie Dattilo-Ryan.

‘These chemicals influence everything from mood and sleep to energy and digestion. 

‘And many of the things that trigger them, like sunlight, movement, food, and quality rest, are often part of a good holiday, if you choose the right destination.’

Here’s a rundown of the best places – does your favourite holiday destination make the cut? 

1. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has emerged as the world’s happiest holiday hotspot, scoring highly across various feel-good factors, with its food offerings standing out in particular.

More than 8 per cent of its restaurants are rated healthy, while its walkable streets make navigating on foot easy and rewarding. 

The city boasts over 2,800 hours of sunshine throughout the year, with quick access to green spaces and beaches, merging lifestyle and nature in a way that promotes overall wellbeing. 

2. Helsinki, Finland

In second place, taking the silver medal, is Helsinki in Finland

Taking silver was Helsinki, the capital of Finland, which has often racked up awards as the world’s happiest country.

The main appeal here? Nature. With plenty of parks and trees built into the cityscape, there’s an average of around 1,356 square feet of green space per person – compared to some 450 square feet of public green space per person in London.

It leads the index for sleep quality, too, and is very walkable. It also scored highly for its calm ambience, safe streets and efficient transport. 

3. Orlando, US

Theme park paradise Orlando takes the third place bronze medal

Orlando is the theme park capital of the world – so it’s hardly a surprise it ranks highly for happiness.

It’s also among the greenest destinations in the US, with 2,777 square feet of green space per person – the highest figure in the index.

With 2,930 hours of sunshine a year, it’s also glorious weather-wise, with major attractions for visitors to enjoy in the sun – such as Universal Studios Florida, Universal Volcano Bay and Lake Eola Park.

4. Athens, Greece

Athens, the capital of Greece, scoops up the fourth place award in the Happiness Index

In fourth place, Athens boasts 2,773 hours of sunshine and plenty of history and culture for visitors to soak up.

It’s ranked as the most walkable destination in the study, with key attractions all accessible on foot, such as the Acropolis of Athens, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Panathenaic Stadium.

Food is top too, with nearly 10 per cent of restaurants serving healthy options and an excellent cafe culture on hand.

5. Edinburgh, Scotland

Rounding out the top five – and the only UK spot in the top 10 – is Edinburgh

The only UK spot making the top ten is Edinburgh, Scotland’s pretty capital.

The city emerged as one of the best mood-boosting destinations, scoring highly across various feel-good factors, with its food offering and greenery standing out in particular. 

It has 144 parks and green spaces, placing it among the UK’s greenest cities, and many spots to visit, including the Royal Botanic Garden and the trails of Pentland Hills Regional Park.

6. Madrid, Spain

Madrid, in Spain, takes the sixth place award in this year’s Happiness Index

Up next is Madrid, where the city enjoys 2,712 sunshine hours per year – and an almost unrivalled food scene.

The Spanish capital has many of its main attractions in close proximity, such as the Plaza Mayor, San Miguel Market and Royal Palace.

With the famous El Retiro park nearby, visitors can also immerse themselves in nature while exploring the bustling city – a serious pull factor which not all European hubs can provide.

7. Vienna, Austria

Coming in position number seven is Austria’s capital city, Vienna

In seventh place is Vienna, a culture hub and gorgeous holiday destination. 

Vienna, crowned the world’s most liveable city in 2024, is also one of the world’s best to navigate while walking.

Flights from the UK take around two-and-a-half hours, and the City Airport Train connects travellers to the centre in roughly 16 minutes – making it easily accessible.

8. Budapest, Hungary

Number eight on the happiest holiday destinations list is Budapest, Hungary

In Budapest, pretty streets welcome visitors in, and popular tourist attractions in central areas add to the city’s appeal.

Szechenyi Thermal Bath, for instance, is one of Budapest’s biggest attractions, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each month who flock to bathe in its steaming 38C (100F) waters.

The city also ranks highly for quality sleep, outperforming every other destination in the top ten.

9. Oslo, Norway

Oslo, Norway comes in ninth place on the full ranking

Taking ninth place on the list is Oslo, known for its excellent quality of life.

Nature is at its best here, too, with a score of 114.7, beating other European destinations such as Lisbon, Athens and Edinburgh. 

Residents here also live for a long time: a study revealed Norwegian life expectancy is 83.31 years – above the 80.5 years average in Europe. 

10. Vilnius, Lithuania 

Rounding out the top 10 is Vilnius, Lithuania

Rounding out the top ten is a more surprising entry: Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania.

With great currency and banking infrastructure and abundant green space, it makes an excellent choice for those seeking a city-break. 

It’s even been ranked as one of Europe’s cheapest destinations in the 2026 Post Office City Costs Barometer.

Staying in Vilnius costs around £289 for a two-night trip, with great prices including £2.12 for coffee, £11.87 for a 48-hour travel card and many attractions with free entry.

Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death has been officially confirmed, one month after the star died aged 36. 

Panettiere died August 16 at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, in what authorities said was suspected as a drug ‘overdose.’ Her on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, were both at the scene when Panettiere was pronounced dead.

Now, a spokesman for the Greenville County Coroner’s Office has confirmed to The Daily Mail that Panettiere died from the ‘toxic effects’ of multiple drugs – including fentanyl.

A spokesman said, ‘An autopsy was completed by a Board Certified Forensic Pathologist. At autopsy no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death.

‘The cause of death has been ruled as toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol, and Quetiapine. The manner of death has been ruled accident.

‘This case is administratively closed by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.’

Panettiere died August 16 at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, in what authorities said was suspected as a drug ‘overdose’. Pictured in LA in 2022 

Last week, insiders told TMZ authorities believed Panettiere had fatally consumed a single oxycodone pill laced with the deadly narcotic fentanyl. 

Panettiere had a ‘long time drug dealer’ in Los Angeles who she obtained narcotics from illegally, with oxycodone among them, sources told the outlet.

Authorities said that the day prior to her passing, Panettiere had taken multiple drugs she bought in Los Angeles before flying to South Carolina, where she was found dead the next day.

Panettiere’s rep said in a statement earlier this month, ‘As reported yesterday by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, Hayden’s death remains under investigation pending the completion of toxicology results, despite reports from some outlets stating otherwise.

‘Recent reports attributed to unnamed sources are unverified hearsay and have attributed to conflicting information that continues to circulate.’

The statement continued: ‘While we are all eager to find closure and better understand the circumstances surrounding her passing, we must remain patient and allow the investigative process to unfold.’

The late Heroes star’s rep concluded in saying that ‘the answers we are all seeking will come.’

On the day she died, first responders arrived at a Greenville, South Carolina, condo where attempts were made to resuscitate the actress, before she had been pronounced dead.

Hickerson’s lawyer Sloan Ellis said in a statement August 20 that ‘Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed.

‘As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.’

Panettiere began acting as a child, appearing in soap operas, then gained wider recognition for her role in the 2000 sports drama Remember the Titans with Denzel Washington, and as the voice of Dot in Pixar’s 1998 film A Bug’s Life.

Panettiere later found fame playing cheerleader Claire Bennet in the superhero drama Heroes before starring as country singer Juliette Barnes for six seasons on Nashville.

She earned two Golden Globe nominations for best supporting actress on the show, while her singing produced 11 entries on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.

Panettiere’s film credits include 2006’s Bring It On: All or Nothing, the comedy-drama film Raising Helen, and appearances in Scream 4 and Scream VI as Kirby Reed.

She had an 11-year-old daughter called Kaya following a life-threatening birth, and later gave full custody of the child to her former fiancé, Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko.

Panettiere’s passing was announced by her father Skip Panettiere, who said in a statement: ‘It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden.

‘She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her – and to the millions who watched her onscreen. We ask for privacy as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.’

Authorities in Greenville, South Carolina, subsequently said that officials responded to an apartment in the area after receiving a report of an ‘unresponsive female’ via a possible ‘drug overdose,’ subsequently determined to be Panettiere.

On Monday evening (September 21), officers from Durham Police were assisted by a helicopter crew from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) in Peterlee.

The police helicopter was dispatched at around 9.45pm on Monday, with residents quickly noticing the circling aircraft flying low above the town.

The police helicopter was seen circling over Peterlee. (Image: Provided)

An NPAS spokesperson said: “At 9.45pm on Monday 21 September 2026, an NPAS Newcastle police helicopter crew was deployed to Peterlee to support Durham Constabulary in a search for a high-risk missing person.”

“The total flying time on the task was 48 minutes”, they added.

A spokesperson from Durham Police confirmed: “Officers were searching for a missing person who was subsequently found.”