Myth 6: There won’t be anything left to leave your loved ones

The Truth: Lifetime mortgages have become increasingly flexible in recent years, and there are plans available which allow you to protect a portion of your equity for inheritance.

Alternatively, if you don’t want your loved ones to have to wait until you die before receiving financial support from you, you could use equity release to provide them with an early inheritance. According to the Equity Release Council, customers across the market unlocked an average lump sum of £121,196 in Q1 2026.

Equity release will reduce the value of your estate and may affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits. If you’re considering gifting to family, you may need specialist tax advice, which is not provided by Royal London Equity Release Advisers.

If you fall into the band where inheritance tax (IHT) is a consideration, equity release could help minimise your potential liability. This depends on individual circumstances and tax rules may change. Additionally, provided you live for another 7 years after making it, there may be no inheritance tax to pay on gifts to your loved ones.

Using a lifetime mortgage to give a cash gift may incur an inheritance tax liability. Your adviser can discuss this with you further. Taxation advice is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority or the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Myth 7: It is an expensive way to borrow

The Truth: Releasing equity with a lifetime mortgage doesn’t have to be expensive.

There are a variety of features available that could help you to control the costs.

For example, you could release your equity in stages using a drawdown facility. Or you could control the impact of interest by choosing to make optional payments. Without payments, interest will build up over time, increasing the overall amount owed. Since interest rates are fixed for life, you will always know exactly how much it might cost you.

Your personal equity release adviser will also provide a personalised illustration, showing how much you could owe over time should you choose to release equity. You can use this to consider your plans and whether you want to make any payments over time.

Do you have more questions about equity release?

If you want to continue getting the truth about equity release, The Telegraph Media Group Equity Release Service may be able to help.

By filling out the calculator on this page, you will be put in touch with the trusted providers of this service, Royal London Equity Release Advisers.

Royal London Equity Release Advisers recommend plans from across the whole market, coming only from lenders that are members of the Equity Release Council. This means that you will benefit from their customer-focused standards. Their advisers will also help you to consider other financial products like retirement interest-only mortgages and traditional mortgage borrowing. Through comparing a range of options, you can find one that works for you.

To begin, select how you would like to receive your guide and fill out the requested details in the calculator below. If you are interested in speaking with the Information Team, leave a phone number and they will call you back.

Vicky emotionally spoke about not yet being a mother after being open about her journey to freeze her eggs

Vicky Pattison has been seen wiping away the tears as she spoke about not yet being a mother after being open about her journey to freeze her eggs.

The presenter and reality TV star revealed back in 2022 that she had decided to have her eggs frozen, saying at the time that her body ‘doesn’t have the luxury of loads of time’, while also knowing that it wasn’t the ‘right time’ for her to have children.

At the time, Vicky and her now-husband Ercan were early in their relationship, having met in 2019, but they have recently been seen discussing what the future looks like for them in their E4 documentary, Vicky Pattison: Maybe, Baby?, which followed the realities and pressures couples face to start a family.

Now, Vicky has emotionally opened up about her family plans, saying she feels “a bit lost” because she does not yet have a child. The former Geordie Shore star opened up on the Sort Your Life Out Unpacked podcast, telling host Dilly Carter: “It’s just the way the cookie crumbles and like how life sometimes presents you with different things and different opportunities and stuff.

“And I’ve never really felt ready until now!” The 38-year-old admitted: “It’s wild but like something just clicks, and the minute you feel ready it’s like you need a baby straight away.”

She explained: “And all my whole life I felt so content and so happy and so proud of the things I was doing, and now all of a sudden, because I don’t have a baby, I feel a bit lost,” before admitting: “I didn’t think I’d be this age without a baby or a family.”

As she wiped away tears, she praised her husband: “I love my husband so much. He’s going to make such a great dad. We’re just trying not to put too much pressure on ourselves.” In typical Vicky fashion, the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 contestant joked: “But yeah, at the moment, Well I mean, he’s [Ercan’s] having a lovely time.”

During her recent documentary, Vicky expressed her biggest concern was how having a baby could impact on her TV career, which she has finally got to a point she had dreamed of and also shared her worries that she wouldn’t be a good mother.

This is something she later echoed as she and Ercan spoke to Giovanna Fletcher on the latest episode of her podcast, Happy Mum Happy Baby. “I am absolutely terrified, and I’ll cry when I say this, I have a genuine fear that I won’t be good enough to be a mam,” she told the host, and former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here winner.

But Ercan was quick to reassure her, speaking about Vicky’s caring side when it comes to their relationship, and hers with their beloved dogs, Max and Milo. He said: I’ve seen the way you are with the dogs, I’ve seen the way you are with me, she’s going to be unbelievable. She’s incredible.”

The County Armagh demonstration is generally regarded as the largest parade while Belfast has the longest Twelfth parade route of the day, with participants walking more than six miles to the field.

Parades will take place on Monday in Ballymena, Larne, Ballymoney, Portglenone, Glenarm, Newtownhamilton, Belfast, Rathfriland, Killyleagh, Royal Hillsborough, Ballymartin, Ballywalter, Maguiresbridge, Limavady, Kilrea, Cookstown, Castlederg and Aughnacloy.

By PERKIN AMALARAJ, FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER

Published: 08:18 BST, 13 July 2026 | Updated: 11:52 BST, 13 July 2026

In a list of characters that Emmerdale fans can’t wait to see again, Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) is right up at the top of the wish list. Fear not, Dales lovers. That wish is about to be granted!

Victoria left the Dales earlier this year in February, after a deadly confrontation in the woods with her twisted serial killer half-brother John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) ended when she killed the monster in self defence with his own syringe, before trying to make it look like a suicide and fleeing the scene.

The truth behind John’s death was uncovered by the conniving lord of Home Farm Joe Tate, (Ned Porteous), who blackmailed Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) into framing Moira Dingle with an incriminating video of Victoria doing the bloody deed.

Wrestling with her own guilt over taking a life, Victoria decided to take Harry and flee the Dales, jetting off to Portugal to stay with her former stepmother Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen)

Victoria’s exit came after actress Isabel Hodgins announced she would be taking maternity leave, departing the show after almost two decades in the village.

‘I will miss it.’ Isabel admitted’. I love the people there, but I’ve worked there for 19 years, so I feel like I’ve done what I’ve wanted to do and been selfish with my career. Now, it’s time to devote my life to being a mum, that feels right to me.’ 

Isabel gave birth to her first child, Georgia, with her husband Adam Whitehead back in February. Her departure left fans eagerly clamouring for the Emmerdale legend’s return.

That return appears to be right around the corner, according to Isabel. The actress posted two photos on Instagram which heavily tease her imminent comeback. The pictures show Isabel posing with the Emmerdale sign in the sunshine, with the flowers fully in bloom.

The soap star also included a video of her pushing her baby daughter Georgia round the village in her stroller, showing her all the sights including the church, the garage, the grave of her on-screen father Jack Sugden. Adam even got in on the fun, taking a ride on the roundabout in the village playground.

‘For the first time, I got to show Georgie (and Adam) around the village that’s been such a huge part of my life.’ Isbobel wrote.

‘I’ve been lucky enough to call this place work since I was 12 years old, so sharing it with my little family meant so much.

‘GG’s verdict? She’d quite happily move in.’

By NATALIA PENZA and PERKIN AMALARAJ, FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER

Published: 09:16 BST, 13 July 2026 | Updated: 11:28 BST, 13 July 2026

The gene behind orange-red hair seen in a section of people may also provide some health advantages by protecting the cells that produce the pigment, a new study suggests.

The protein building-block molecule cysteine is essential for the body to make proteins, but its levels must be kept low within cells, below the threshold of toxicity.

An excessive accumulation of cystine within cells has been recognised as the cause of a form of cell death.

Meanwhile, the orange-red pigment found in human red hair and in some bird feathers – called pheomelanin – is made using cysteine.

For a long time, the pigment has presented an evolutionary puzzle, with previous research linking it to a higher risk of skin cancer even without UV radiation exposure.

It has remained unclear why traits that encourage pheomelanin production, such as orange hair, have persisted over time.

Researchers have now found that producing this pigment may actually protect health by drawing down excess cysteine in cells, preventing the molecules from causing any damage.

“These findings represent the first experimental demonstration of a physiological role for pheomelanin,” they explain in the study published in the journal PNAS Nexus.

The latest research was possible thanks to a recent discovery of a molecule, ML349, that could block pheomelanin synthesis in the body.

In the study, scientists assessed 65 adult zebra finches, whose orange beaks contain pheomelanin.

The 65 birds were divided into a treatment group and a control group.

In the treatment group, male zebra finches were given dietary cysteine along with ML349, a drug that blocks pheomelanin synthesis.

Male birds that received both cysteine and ML349 showed more serious cell damage than males that received cysteine alone.

Scientists found that pheomelanin production seemed to help cells keep cysteine levels in balance.

Female birds given cysteine alone also tended to show more cell-level damage than controls.

The findings suggest pheomelanin production in the body helps maintain cysteine balance by converting excess cysteine into an inert pigment that doesn’t damage cells.

“These results demonstrate that pheomelanin synthesis avoids cellular damage by excreting excess cysteine to inert keratinous structures such as feathers,” scientists wrote.

This protective role, according to researchers, could be why pheomelanin-promoting genetic traits remain in populations, even though there are associated melanoma risks.

“These findings prove a role of pheomelanin in cysteine homeostasis, opening a better understanding of melanoma risk through environmental factors affecting cysteine availability,” scientists wrote.

The banner appeared on Sunday afternoon, hours before the bonfire was set alight

A picture of convicted paedophile Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Eleanor was placed on a South Belfast bonfire hours before it was set alight.

The banner was placed on the Sandy Row pyre on Sunday afternoon, July 12, wich was set alight at midnight. Jeffrey Donaldson, the former DUP leader, was convicted last month of 18 sex offences against two women when they were children, including one count of rape.

His wife, Eleanor, was foudn to have aided and abetted his offending during a trial of the facts at Newry Crown Court.

Bonfires were lit throughout the weekend across Northern Ireland, with the final ones lit at midnight on Sunday into Monday morning, July 13, ahead of the main Twelfth demonstrations.

Donaldson historically marched with the Ballinran Orange Lodge in Kilkeel and once held the position of Assistant Grand Master in the Orange Order. His membership of the Order was terminated with immediate effect following his guilty verdict last month.

Earlier this week, the former Lagan Valley MP was removed from his position on the Privy Council. The Privy Council is one of the oldest parts of the UK government, dating back to Norman times.

It exists to advise the monarch and has more than 600 members, but most meetings are only attended by a handful of members. Its membership is mostly made up of senior politicians including cabinet ministers.

The Northern Ireland Assembly has also launched a review into any alleged abuse or inappropriate behaviour by Jeffrey Donaldson while he was a Stormont MLA or a visitor to Parliament Buildings.

The Assembly Commission said the review would provide a “safe and supported” process for anyone who directly experienced abuse or inappropriate behaviour by Donaldson during his time as an elected representative or visitor to the Stormont estate.

It will be led by the Director of Parliamentary Services, who is also the Assembly’s Senior Safeguarding Officer, with guidance from experts in trauma-informed practices.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

It was a fun-filled sibling day out for Prince George and Princess Charlotte at the men’s singles final at Wimbledon on Sunday.

While Prince Louis was absent, his brother and sister joined their parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, to watch Italy‘s Jannik Sinner retain the tennis title, beating Germany‘s Alexander Zverev.

Sporting action aside, the event proved to be a blast for 12-year-old George and his 11-year-old sister Charlotte, with the pair seen in high spirits throughout the day.

In one particularly entertaining moment, the future king was seen making his sister roar with laughter after pulling down his sun hat.

But with temperatures as high as 29C in SW19 yesterday, keeping cool was no joke. George donned sunglasses and gripped a handheld fan to help battle London‘s balmy weather.

Charlotte opted to wear a pair of £71 Ray-Ban ‘Wayfarer’ sunglasses in the colour Havana to protect herself from the summer sun, alongside an elegant dress in royal blue and £159 ‘Nicole’ ballet flats from Pretty Ballerinas.

The shades weren’t the only accessory she added, with the princess sporting a £48 Isabella Icon Charm Adjustable Bracelet from Ted Baker.

While the young royals looked highly amused after they dashed out of the Royal Box at Wimbledon to grab sun hats, their father, Prince William, seemed totally unfazed by the high temperatures.

In another moment yesterday, Kate shook hands with British player Arthur Fery, who made history by becoming the first wildcard to make it to the semi-final in 25 years.

The 5ft 9in player’s fairytale run finally came to an end after he was beaten by Zverev on Friday.

But his newfound friendship with the Royal Family has appeared to continue unabated – as he spoke of inviting the Wales children to play tennis with him.

Fery said: ‘I mean the princess came to my match in the second round, it was great to have her there and we spoke a little about that. It was good to see her here and good to meet her finally.

‘She wished me good luck for the rest of the year and congratulated me for these two weeks.

‘I know the whole family are all tennis fans, so I told her if her kids ever wanted to hit, I’m free. It would be good to see them again.’

Fery said he would be watching the final on TV, with the princess handing him a birthday card to celebrate his 24th.

She previously congratulated Fery on his quarter-final win against Flavio Cobolli by paying tribute to a ‘wonderful day’ at Wimbledon.

George was seen entertaining his 11-year-old sister in the Royal Box by pulling down his hat

The future king held a handheld fan to keep cool as he watched the men’s singles final

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Catherine was also amused by her eldest son pulling down his hat during the match on Sunday

Kate signed off her message of support on social media with a tennis ball emoji and the letter ‘C’.

She attended Wimbledon for the men’s final last year when she handed Sinner the trophy following an enthralling four-set battle.

The princess donned her ‘Wimbledon bow’ – a brooch featuring the tournament’s iconic colours.

Kate was also present for the 2025 women’s final and offered consoling words to the runner-up Amanda Anisimova after her 6–0, 6–0 loss to Polish player Iga Swiatek.

In 2024, while recovering from cancer, Kate did not attend the women’s final but was on hand for Carlos Alcaraz’s win over Novak Djokovic at the All England Club.

Several other familiar faces have descended on south-west London on Sunday afternoon for the 4pm match as the two-week-long tournament came to an end.

Pop sensation Jennifer Lopez, 56, looked the epitome of glamour as she arrived in a tight nude midi dress which she paired with a stylish hat and towering heels.

Elsewhere, actress Nicole Kidman, 59, looked chic in a white suit as she joined Dame Anna Wintour in the Royal Box – where the Vogue icon enjoyed a rare laugh as she chatted to the Australian star.

Departing Strictly host Tess Daly, 57, and her daughter Phoebe, 21, Daisy Edgar-Jones, 28, Twiggy, 76, and Nicky Hilton, 42, also made their arrivals earlier in the afternoon and sported glamorous dresses.

Zverev secured a place in the final after beating Fery earlier this week while Sinner defeated Djokovic.

The women’s singles final was an equally starry affair with the likes of Hannah Waddingham and Davina McCall attending on Saturday.

Linda Noskova won her first Wimbledon championship in style as she roared back in a dramatic third set after missing out on five match points in the second.

The 21-year-old was making her Grand Slam final debut in SW19 against her fellow Czech – and 2023 French Open finalist – Karolina Muchova.

After romping to a commanding 6-2, 5-2 lead, however, nerves appeared to tell, with Muchova hitting back to send the match through to a decider.

But with admirable nerve, Noskova saw out the final set at pace before bursting into tears on Centre Court.