‘My friend and I said it was almost like that bizarre Willy Wonka event – it was so bad you couldn’t quite believe you were there.’

A true crime-themed show in Swansea has been slammed as “bizarre”, “terrible” and a “rip-off”, with it compared to the viral Willy Wonka-style fiasco in Glasgow in 2024.

The True Crime and Wine event held at the Patti Pavilion near Swansea beach on Friday promised an evening of storytelling, entertainment and drinks, but attendees claim the reality was far from what was advertised.

Instead they claimed the event descended into chaos, with overcrowding, slow bar service, insensitive games and wine costing an additional £25 per bottle. People at the event claimed many audience members left disappointed well before the interval.

A spokesman for the show’s organisers said the team is “absolutely gutted” and has taken “learnings on board”, while a spokesman for Patti Pavilion said the event wasn’t a Patti-run event and True Crime and Wine was “responsible for the running of the show”.

Nicola, 52, told WalesOnline she attended with her friends expecting an enjoyable night based on their interest in true crime events. “I was expecting, to be honest with you, what was advertised: an interesting night,” she said.

She said she had been to similar events before that had been well organised but this one quickly felt different as soon as she entered the venue. “The Patti Pavilion, fair enough, it’s an interesting venue, but I would say it’s more suited to gigs than a theatrical production,” she said. “But I thought: ‘Let’s give it a go,’ it’s something I would potentially be really interested in.”

She claimed that what she found inside was an overcrowded layout that set the tone for the evening. “It was like walking into Oktoberfest. There were rows and rows and rows of benches. So, once you were in you were in. You couldn’t really move around. You felt like you were rammed in like sardines.”

Attention soon turned to the bar, which Nicola described as overwhelmed within 30 minutes of the doors opening. “The bar was chaos,” she said. “There were about 600 people there and they had two bars open and behind each bar there were just two people serving.”

She said she wasn’t expecting free bottles of wine on each table but she felt the offering didn’t match expectations. Wine was only available to purchase from the bar by the bottle for £25, she said, adding she and her friends had already paid £20.80 each for their tickets through provider Gigantic at a total of £83.20.

She said: “Their marketing was about the availability of wine and we were expecting little tasters of wine maybe. We weren’t expecting [free] bottles to be on the table but you would expect something. The white wine was tepid, which is being generous. People were asking for ice to chill it down. The red wine was freezing cold. I drank white wine and my other friend had a lemonade and my bar tab was £52.50 on top of paying £80-odd for tickets for the four of us as well.”

While the show began on time Nicola said many people were still standing up and queueing for drinks which proved distracting. “It was just shambolic; it was bizarre,” she said. “Everyone got very bored very quickly so everyone was making their own conversation.

“I did kind of feel for the two girls who were on the stage – they were no experts by any stretch of the imagination and I’m not sure where they found them. But they really weren’t particularly knowledgeable. They were in competition with a rowdy crowd so nobody could really hear anything. I can’t quite put into words how awful it was.”

Nicola said within minutes some attendees began leaving and by the interval she said a significant portion of the audience had already gone. “One of my friends left within 15 minutes and then the rest of us… we just about stuck it until the interval. The main reason being that we didn’t want to be that person that had gotten up and caused the Mexican wave of people moving out of their seats. But the majority of our row of seats had left by that point anyway. By the interval at least a third of the people had gone.”

She also questioned parts of the show itself, particularly interactive games which she felt were inappropriate given the subject matter. “It mentions games [on the advertisement] and personally I found some of the games quite inappropriate,” Nicola said. “At the end of the day anyone with a fascination with true crime knows that you still have to have that respect and sensitivity for the victims and their families.

“They played a Tinder swipe left swipe right game [about] if you think this person is a serial killer, or if you would survive the date. That’s nasty. That was below the belt, you should not make jokes like that.”

As the night ended Nicola said she and her friends left the venue trying to make sense of what they had experienced. “We were walking along the seafront just thinking: ‘What on earth just happened?’ Trying to unpack it on the way home. My friend and I said it was almost like that bizarre Willy Wonka event – it was so bad you couldn’t quite believe you were there.”

She added that attempts to raise concerns afterwards had only added to her frustration, with limited responses from organisers and ticket providers. “When I got home I messaged them (the organisers). The only way to contact them was by Facebook messenger. You can see on Facebook that lots of people have done that with no correspondence back whatsoever.

“I reached out to Gigantic and they shut me down straightaway. Eventbrite is about as much use as a chocolate teapot. We are all just in complete limbo. It was just money for nothing. These things aren’t cheap and you do look forward to them.”

While Nicola said the concept had potential, she felt the execution was the main issue. “The format of it in theory is good – if they did it in a venue like the Grand Theatre I think it could have worked well but it just really did feel like a free for all. People just lost interest immediately because they didn’t have a clue what was going on.”

Nicola wasn’t the only audience member to raise concerns about the event. Another attendee named Rhian claimed what should have been a “sophisticated evening” was “entirely misleading”.

She claimed: “From the outset the event failed to deliver on its promises. It was marketed as a sophisticated evening for true crime fans and wine enthusiasts, complete with a curated wine experience. In reality this claim was entirely misleading. The wine offering amounted to nothing more than a basic choice of red, white, or rosé, with no evidence whatsoever of the advertised curation.

“Once inside it quickly became clear that the event was badly organised and lacked even the most basic crowd management. The environment was rowdy and uncontrolled, making it nearly impossible to hear or follow the content on stage.

“As for the show itself, it was of an extremely poor standard. The content lacked structure, depth, and professionalism, falling far below what was advertised and what paying customers were led to expect. It felt less like a polished event and more like an unprepared and disjointed performance.”

Due to the combination of these issues, Rhian said she made the decision to leave after just 30 minutes. “Something I have never felt compelled to do at a paid event before,” she said.

Many audience members also posted their experiences on social media. One woman, named Debbie, wrote: “What a rip off. The venue was trestle tables and benches, not suited for this act which should have been in a theatre.

“The wine was £25 a bottle and the bar was understaffed with people still waiting to buy drinks when the show began. There was background music, the entrance doors were left open and everybody became disengaged which led to lots of chatting.

“I was invited to this event and came all the way from Winchester to attend with friends, we left after 20 minutes. It was so bad.”

Another, named Emma, shared: “Terrible. We left halfway through mainly due to not being able to hear anything because it was like trying to watch a show in a school canteen. The two cases we heard were odd choices and didn’t seem to fit and unfortunately the presenters weren’t very engaging.”

According to the organisers 19 refunds have been processed. In response to the seating arrangements and overcrowding, a spokesman for the event said: “We did not achieve a sell out on the event, finishing at about 15% under the official capacity. Unfortunately the seating layout was the only format that the venue was prepared to operate in. We agree that this hampered many people’s enjoyment of the show.”

On the issue of staffing, the spokesman said: “We are equally frustrated by the lack of staffing for the event. We expected more to be provided for an event of this size.”

Regarding the wine, they said: “The venue provided two options for each of red, white and rose. These were advertised on menus around the venue. Some comments have said the venue ran out. Wines were chosen by the venue and approved by us. We were not informed by the venue that they would not be selling wine by the glass.“

In response to points raised about the show and hosts, the event spokesman said: “We’re sorry if some people did not enjoy the performance aspect of the show and all feedback has been taken on board. We have received positive feedback on this aspect from our review forms, as well as many people explaining they simply could not hear the show properly. The hosts spent half an hour meeting audience members after the show and received no negative remarks.”

Responding to audio issues the spokesman said: “The quality of the sound in the venue was sadly not up to standard. We were assured in advance that it would be sufficient but this proved not to be the case.”

In response to the interactive game, they said: “The segment pointed to how people end up in relationships with criminals and people’s ability to determine a criminal just from looking at a face. The segment began with a picture of Joe Exotic.”

True Crime and Wine held a previous event at Cardiff’s Depot. One audience member who attended the event back in September, who gave his name as Mr Bridges, told WalesOnline that he also expected a complimentary glass of wine, “but there was nothing”. He said: “The whole thing was disappointing.”

The spokesman for True Crime and Wine responded: “As you are aware our event at Patti Pavilion has received some negative feedback which we hope to address. In total we have received 19 requests for refunds, which have all been processed.

“Any level of guest dissatisfaction is taken very seriously by us, hence sending our feedback survey straight after the show. Our aim is always to try to put on the best show possible, however in this setting with sociable garden bench style seating, it was simply not conducive to executing the show satisfactorily. We are absolutely gutted and have taken these learnings on board.”

A spokesman for Patti Pavilion said: “We are truly sorry to hear that some attendees were disappointed following the True Crime and Wine event held at The Patti on Friday. We would like to clarify that this was not a Patti-organised event. The venue was hired out to the event organisers who were responsible for the running of the show.

“We understand how frustrating this has been for those who attended and we are currently trying to get in contact with the organisers to discuss the concerns raised and help get this matter resolved. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”

The organisers have upcoming events in Dudley and Winchester, according to Eventbrite. WalesOnline has contacted Eventbrite for comment, while a spokesman for Gigantic responded: “Gigantic are the ticket agent and have no involvement in the organising of the event.”

A separate blog, also named True Crime and Wine, shared a post on social media detailing how they had become swept up in the backlash aimed at the Swansea event. It states: “It appears there was an event last night called ‘True Crime and Wine’ in Wales that is receiving some negative feedback.

“I just want to confirm and reiterate that this event is not me and was not organised by me either. It’s a different organisation using the same name. Please check before tagging me and leaving me negative reviews.”

One travel influencer has suggested three places in the UK which people should consider visiting instead of more popular destinations. “It’s not about skipping any of them… just travelling a little differently,” she said

The UK is full of incredible places to visit, from historic sites dating back thousands of years, to bustling towns and cities. Whether you want to spend some time in the countryside or on a beach, or if shopping in high-end boutiques and eating in Michelin-star restaurants is more your speed, we’ve got it all.

There are plenty of places in the UK which are famous across the world as destinations for tourists, from the ancient mystery of Stonehenge and the historic streets of Edinburgh, to the spectacular countryside of the Cotswolds and the iconic Big Ben. But what if you want something a bit more off the beaten path?

One travel influencer has suggested three places in the UK which people should consider visiting instead of the more popular destinations. Apryl, who has 47,000 followers on Instagram and regularly shares tips for travel in the UK, shared the advice on social media. Writing in the first slide of the post, Apryl said: “Three places everyone plans in England but I wouldn’t… where I’d go instead.”

Writing in the caption, she said: “Everyone goes to the icons, and you probably should too. But if you’ve already done them, or want something a little less crowded, here’s what I’d add to your England itinerary.” She added: “It’s not about skipping any of them… just travelling a little differently.”

Ely instead of Oxford

Firstly, she said people planning to visit Oxford should instead consider the Cambridgeshire city of Ely. She said: “Fewer crowds, cathedral views, medieval streets.”

Nestled in the Cambridgeshire countryside, the city’s most iconic feature is the spectacular Ely Cathedral, with its incredible octagonal tower. Tourism site Visit Ely describes it as “the destination city with something for everyone”.

It said: “From the monastic buildings of the city past, the vibrant food scene and the scenic majesty of the Riverside, Ely packs a great deal into a pocket city. With Ely Cathedral, independent shops around the city centre, places to relax and replenish both body and mind, there has never been a better time to enjoy this quintessentially English jewel in the heart of East Cambridgeshire. “

Hastings Old Town instead of Brighton Pier

Next, Apryl said people planning a visit to Brighton Pier should instead consider travelling 36 miles east to Hastings Old Town in East Sussex. Apryl said: “Fishing huts, antique shops, and a slower seaside.”

Hastings Old Town is famous for its 19th-century Net Shops, tall, black wooden sheds originally built to provide weatherproof storage for fishing gear. Today the huts are Grade II-listed, while one serves as a free museum.

The area itself comprises the part of the town of Hastings which existed before the 19th century. Today it is the easternmost valley of the current town.

Chester instead of York

Apryl’s final tip was directed at people planning a trip to the historic city of York. She said people should instead visit Chester in Cheshire. She said: “Timbered streets, Roman walls, and fewer crowds.”

Steeped in history, Chester has the most complete city walls and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in the UK, as well as a 10th century cathedral. Chester Zoo is also home to 35,000 animals, and is reportedly the most-visited attraction in the UK outside London.

Visit Cheshire said: “Visit Chester, for its bewitching beauty and unique atmosphere which make it one of Britain’s most popular places for an unforgettable short break. The ancient city is a breath-taking experience with each chapter of Chester’s history etched into the very fabric of the city. Walk where Roman Legionnaires marched to war, Viking raiders wreaked havoc and Norman invaders conquered Anglo Saxons.”

Concluding, Apryl clarified she wasn’t suggesting people shouldn’t visit Oxford, Brighton, or York, but that they should consider other lesser-known destinations too. “Don’t cancel your trip… just try these too,” she said.

The Premier League usually announce the player and manager of the year in mid-May, and Fernandes will face stiff competition. Erling Haaland has enjoyed another superb campaign, as has Bernardo Silva, while Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are also expected to be in the conversation.

Money Saving Expert, founded by Martin Lewis, has shared some helpful tips on finding cheap airport parking deals

If you are one of the millions jetting off on holiday soon and you’ve not thought about parking, you may want to start. And there are simple ways to save money with a few clever tips.

Money Saving Expert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, has encouraged travellers to explore alternative options if booking directly through the airport proves too costly.

In guidance updated on March 31, 2026, the financial specialists warn that leaving your booking until the last minute may prove expensive. It suggests you could face charges exceeding £400 for a week’s parking if you simply turn up on the day.

However, by planning ahead and making savvy bookings, you can slash your parking costs. As a useful pointer, the site recommends checking comparison platforms for potential savings.

MSE writes: “The easiest way to find low-cost airport car parking is via a specialist site that compares parking deals to find you the best price – and remember to check your booking is flexible in case you can’t use it because of cancellation or future restrictions.

“They’ll often give you a cheaper price than you’ll get booking direct considering many offer airport parking discount codes.”

Having compared airport parking options, it’s also worthwhile to look into private parking near the airport, as well as hotel-and-parking bundles, to see whether they are cheaper.

Occasionally, it is possible to beat comparison sites by booking direct. MSE suggests checking the parking provider’s own prices against those quoted on comparison sites.

Private parking

Another cost-effective way to park your car is in private parking spaces. It continues: “eBay-style parking marketplaces allow those living close to airport car parks to offer their drives or spare land to drivers.

“Overheads are low, which means prices are too, but there’s a trade-off – they usually lack anything like the level of security offered by dedicated car parks.”

Other helpful tips

Even when you plan ahead, securing cheap airport parking can be tricky. The longer your trip, the higher the cost, so it’s worth weighing up alternatives. Aside from persuading a relative to drop you off or walking to the airport, assuming you live close and there’s a safe walking path, it’s often cheaper to:

1. Book a dedicated coach – They may be the longest option but it could be worth it if it saves you money. There may even be deals on to save you extra cash
2. Book a taxi – MSE suggests considering pre-booking a taxi and not relying on getting a return taxi at the airport. “Book ahead with your local firm, giving your flight number so it can vary pick-up time, and it’s often cheaper.”
3. Use non-specialist train services – Some dedicated ‘airport express’ trains can be costly, yet the same lines are often used by normal rail services, meaning you can travel the same route more cheaply. There may be extra stops, but if it saves you money, it may be worth the extra journey time.

The experts at MSE have listed other helpful tips and discounts you may find useful.

A former employee of a popular nightclub whose roof collapsed a year ago and killed 236 people told a judge Monday that the owners were fully aware the structure was deteriorated.

Gregory Adames testified against siblings Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, who are accused of involuntary manslaughter and involuntary assault and battery following the collapse at the legendary Jet Set club in Santo Domingo.

“They knew because I sent them photos, I sent them videos of all the problems that were there. That shouldn’t have happened; not a single person should have died there,” Adames said.

Attorneys for the victim’s families asked in court for the siblings to be accused of voluntary manslaughter.

“We hope that happens,” Jean Carlos Martínez Segura, who represents nine families, told The Associated Press.

The potential prison sentence is up to 20 years for voluntary manslaughter but is two years for involuntary manslaughter.

Monday’s court hearing is expected to continue Friday, with a judge eventually deciding whether there’s enough evidence to hold a trial. Relatives of the victims have complained about delays and slow judicial proceedings.

Prosecutors have said hundreds of pieces of evidence implicate the siblings, who were arrested last June.

Miguel Valerio, the Espaillats’ attorney, told reporters after their arrests: “Nobody wanted that to happen.”

Prosecutors have accused the Espaillats of trying to intimidate or manipulate employees. Antonio Espaillat is considered a powerful businessman who owns upscale entertainment centers and dozens of local radio stations.

Hundreds of people including many high-profile Dominicans were at the nightclub for a concert on April 8, 2025, when the roof collapsed. Those who died included singer Rubby Pérez; Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of Major League Baseball All-Star Nelson Cruz; and former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel. More than 100 people were injured in the collapse and rescuers worked around the clock to pull out survivors.

Charles and Camilla had a tour of White House beehives and a cream tea reception

The King and Queen are visiting Donald Trump in Washington in a visit hoped to smooth over Anglo-American relations that have been fractious in recent months, the Press Association reported.

Charles and Camilla began their four-day state visit to the United States by sitting down with their American hosts Mr Trump and first lady Melania Trump in the White House after touching down at around 7:30pm UK time today (April 27).

The two couples greeted each other outside by the historic building’s south portico overlooking the lawns where past presidents have hosted Queen Elizabeth II.

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The start of the historic trip – Charles’ first to America as King – has been overshadowed by the attempted assassination of the president on Saturday night at a Washington media dinner when he was surrounded by secret service agents and bundled from the room.

The King privately contacted the president and his wife to express his and the Queen’s sympathies with all those affected on the night, and their gratitude to the security services who prevented further injury.

Mr Trump wanted the first inward state visit of his second term in office to be from the UK, a reflection of the Anglophile nature of his administration and his family ties to the UK.

The Queen arrived in Washington for the much-anticipated four-day state visit wearing a symbol of Anglo-American unity – jewellery featuring the American stars and stripes crossed with the Union flag.

Camilla, dressed in a pink Dior coat dress, was wearing a brooch presented to Queen Elizabeth II during her 1957 state visit to America on behalf of New York during a civic lunch hosted by the city’s then-mayor Robert F Wagner.

The couple were taken on a tour of the White House gardens and sat down to a cream tea with the President and the First Lady.

The visit is the most important foreign trip of the King’s reign so far as it comes during a pivotal moment for the UK and US, with relations between the Prime Minister and US President Donald Trump fractious.

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Mr Trump has branded the UK’s approach to the Iran war “terrible” and repeatedly lashed out at Sir Keir Starmer – at one point describing him as “not Winston Churchill”.

And reports have suggested the US could review its position on the Falkland Islands in retaliation for Sir Keir’s lack of support for the war in Iran.

The monarchy’s soft power diplomacy is its strongest weapon in support of the UK’s overseas interests and there will be hope in Downing Street that Charles and Camilla can help put the UK-US special relationship on a firmer footing.

When the royal couple first arrived they were driven to their accommodation at Blair House, a luxury guest house within the White House security cordon.

Camilla, who had changed into a white chiffon dress with black beaded embroidery by Anna Valentine, was seen smiling broadly as the couple later got out of the car to meet the president and first lady.

Posing for photographers for nearly a minute, Mr Trump appeared to make small talk with the King as they stood in the sunshine.

The car that started it all went off the road four years ago

The man who started Northern Ireland’s Community Rescue Service has been surprised by having the vehicle that started it all restored as part of a TV show.

Eighteen years ago, Sean McCarry was working with the Coastguard when more and more requests began coming in to help locate missing people inland. Eventually, he decided to set up a dedicated search and rescue team.

With no formal funding, he used his own two Land Rover Defenders and equipment to establish Bann River Rescue in Coleraine. That grassroots operation eventually grew into the Community Rescue Service (CRS), which today has ten operational units across Northern Ireland and more than 220 volunteers.

READ MORE: DUP leader challenges Sinn Fein over public support for policeREAD MORE: Fermanagh teen forced to take a 140-mile round trip for audio described film screening

Sean’s Land Rover Defender was used for everything from riverbank operations to extreme weather rescues and played a vital role in establishing this rescue service.

It went off the road four years ago due to rear axle failure and has fallen into disrepair. Now, for this week’s episode of Car S.O.S, it’s being brought back to life and restored to the ultimate off-road rescue vehicle.

Car S.O.S. is the much-loved motoring restoration series hosted by Tim Shaw and Fuzz Townshend which combines expert vehicle rebuilds with powerful human stories.

In each episode, the duo secretly restore a cherished vehicle belonging to a deserving owner who has put others before themselves. From classic motors to family favourites, every transformation celebrates remarkable people, emotional journeys and the life-changing impact a vehicle can have.

This week, the hosts surprised local hero Sean with an emotional restoration of the vehicle that started it all. Due to the 24/7 nature of his role, the Coleraine man hasn’t had the time, headspace, or resources to restore the Defender that means so much to him.

Car S.O.S airs on National Geographic at 8pm this Thursday.

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

“It raises their hopes but I am afraid, in practice it will offer nothing in the way of conclusion or finality because, although there will be court cases, and there will be inquests, and there will be trials and reviews and challenges, as the Secretary of State himself has said, the prospect of conviction now is vanishingly small.

Collagen has become a staple of skincare advertising and social media wellness trends. But it is not just a buzzword.

It is the most abundant protein in the body and helps support structures throughout the body, including skin and bone.

For women, collagen loss can become especially noticeable during perimenopause and menopause. Some studies suggest that skin collagen may fall by as much as 30% in the first five years after menopause, with further losses of around 2% a year after that. On social media, this is sometimes called the “collagen cliff”, but the underlying idea is not new. Researchers have been writing about the effects of menopause on skin for decades, with papers from at least the 1940s pointing to the connection.

This sharper drop happens on top of the gradual changes that come with ageing. Collagen appears to decline over time, with some estimates suggesting a fall of around 1–1.5% a year from early adulthood.

Oestrogen helps regulate many processes in the body, including the production of collagen. In animal studies, oestrogen has been shown to increase collagen production and skin thickness. Human research has also found benefits for skin thickness, elasticity and wound healing.

This is partly because oestrogen acts on fibroblasts, the cells responsible for making collagen in the skin. When oestrogen levels fall during perimenopause and menopause, this signalling becomes weaker. The result is less collagen being produced, along with thinner skin, reduced elasticity and lower water content.

Collagen loss cannot be stopped entirely, but some factors can speed it up. One of the most important is ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds. This increases enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases, which act like the skin’s demolition crew, breaking down structural proteins such as collagen. These enzymes are found at higher levels in skin that has been damaged by the sun.

Ultraviolet radiation reduces the amount of new collagen that fibroblasts produce. People with darker skin tones tend to show less wrinkling, probably in part because higher melanin levels offer some protection against ultraviolet damage. But darker skin is not immune to photo-ageing, which means skin ageing caused by sun exposure.

Smoking appears to accelerate collagen loss. One study found that smoking reduced skin production of type I and type III collagen by 18% and 22% respectively, contributing to premature ageing of the skin.

Vitamin C is essential for collagen production. Around 100mg per day is enough for most adults, although smokers may need more. Many wellness supplements provide much larger doses, often around 1,000mg a day, but more is not necessarily better; around 2,000mg a day causes unpleasant gastrointestinal issues.

Products that claim to boost collagen are increasingly popular, but the evidence behind them is mixed. Topical collagen creams are unlikely to replace collagen lost from the skin because intact collagen molecules are too large to get through the skin barrier. They may help moisturise the outer layers of the skin, but they are unlikely to make a major difference to the skin’s own collagen levels.

Oral collagen supplements have been linked in some studies to improvements in skin hydration and elasticity. However, the scientific literature remains mixed. Reviews point to limitations in the evidence, including small study sizes, potential conflicts of interest and inconsistent findings, leading researchers to urge caution when interpreting the results. In the same way that collagen can’t be absorbed through the skin, the body has to digest it to absorb the amino acids that make collagen and there is no way to ensure the amino acids that made that collagen go to the skin or wherever you hoped it would. Hydrolysed collagen is better for absorption but there is still no guarantee that the body uses it where you want it to.

Hormone replacement therapy may offer more consistent benefits. As well as helping with other symptoms of menopause, HRT has been shown in some studies to improve skin thickness, elasticity and hydration. One study reported that women receiving HRT had a 48% increase in skin collagen content compared with untreated women, and other studies have reported similar trends. Some evidence suggests that transdermal (through-the-skin) oestrogen may also have measurable effects on skin collagen. But the overall risks and benefits of HRT always need to be considered on an individual basis.

Some dermatologists and cosmetic practitioners also use procedures designed to stimulate collagen production. Laser resurfacing treatments aim to trigger repair processes in the skin and remove damaged collagen. Newer versions of these treatments are designed to reduce side effects.

Microneedling is another commonly suggested option, although it is not risk free. Potential complications include pain, bruising, bleeding, infection, changes in skin colour, and in rare cases abnormal growths. It can also cause hyperpigmentation, which means patches of skin become darker than the surrounding area.

By the time menopause begins, collagen has usually already been declining for years. Protecting the skin from ultraviolet damage, avoiding smoking and getting enough vitamin C may help support the body’s natural collagen levels.

Menopause may speed up collagen loss, but the picture is more complex than social media slogans suggest. While collagen supplements remain popular, the science behind them is still developing. HRT has a clearer scientific basis for improving skin thickness, elasticity and hydration in some women, although it is not suitable for everyone. When it comes to collagen, the science is more helpful than the hype.

Dwain Hall, 54, pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder and kidnapping of Sonia Exelby, 32, from Portsmouth, whose body was found in a shallow grave in Florida after she failed to board a return flight to London

A Florida man accused of murdering a woman he encountered on a fetish website is set to stand trial later this year.

Dwight Hall, 54, pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder and kidnapping of British woman Sonia Exelby, 32, who travelled to the US from her home in Portsmouth in October last year. Court documents seen by the Mirror revealed that Sonia had made the trip to Florida “to be possibly sexually abused, tortured and murdered”.

A post-mortem examination established that Sonia died as a result of four stab wounds, with her body subsequently discovered in a shallow grave. Hall initially denied any knowledge of or contact with Sonia, but later told investigators the pair had been intimate, according to documents.

Hall made a brief court appearance on Wednesday, during which a judge set out the timeline for proceedings. Jury selection for his trial is scheduled to commence on November 16.

The case will be heard in Marion County, Florida, and is anticipated to last approximately one week, reports the Mirror.

Sonia’s body was uncovered in a shallow grave in woodland after she failed to board a return flight to London on October 13. Those close to her said Sonia had battled mental health difficulties and may have been in a “vulnerable” state when she allegedly began communicating with a man she had met on a fetish website.

Their exchanges allegedly progressed from discussions of bondage and suicide to Sonia voicing a wish to be killed. An affidavit stated that if Hall had been compelled to assist in her death, he would have taken her to Alligator Alley, where wildlife “would have taken care of her.”

When quizzed over whether he had killed Sonia, Hall declined to respond but reportedly stated “she’s happy now because she got what she wanted.” It emerged that Sonia may have had second thoughts about the plot but felt trapped with no means of escape.

Detectives uncovered messages Sonia had sent to a friend through the online messaging platform Discord, dated 11 October, the day after she touched down in the US. Sonia said: “I’m sorry he keeps taking my phone, he doesn’t trust me with it. He made it clear there was no way out unless I shoot him. I was questioning it last night.”