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Six Nations 2026: Maro Itoje – five moments that made the England centurion

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Maro Itoje talks to his team

Saracens were relegated from the Premiership at the end of the 2019–20 season following persistent salary cap breaches, bringing more adversity for Itoje to contend with.

Having won three Champions Cups and four Premiership titles by the age of 25, his decision to remain loyal and help the club return to the top of English rugby could have affected his England career.

He was named in reports as one of the players whose business ventures with Saracens owner Nigel Wray fell foul of rules restricting spending on players – something he was not aware of.

He remained a regular for England in 2020–21, while also playing a key role in Saracens’ victories over Ealing Trailfinders to secure promotion from the Championship.

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Despite playing considerably less rugby, Itoje was selected again for the Lions in 2021 and impressed, being named the team’s player of the series in a 2–1 defeat in South Africa. The risk had paid off.

In 2023, an underlying health issue during the Six Nations led to some below-par performances from Itoje.

“I had something structurally wrong and I didn’t know it was structurally wrong until I was quite deep into it,” he said.

“To be able to persevere through that period and finally get a fix for that was great.”

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As he had four years earlier, Itoje rediscovered his form to help England finish third at the 2023 World Cup.

“I have had a silver and bronze medal, I am desperate for a gold and I think we are capable of achieving that,” he said.

“It is a dream to play in a World Cup and win one.”

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Wuthering Heights Director Explains Why There Are No Nude Scenes In New Film

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Wuthering Heights Director Explains Why There Are No Nude Scenes In New Film

However, while much has been made in the media of the film’s sexually-charged content, it should be noted that, unlike Saltburn, Emerald’s Wuthering Heights doesn’t actually contain any nudity, which she said was a deliberate choice on her part.

During a recent appearance on the podcast Happy Sad Confused, host Josh Horowitz suggested it “might surprise some people” that Emerald’s latest big-screen is offering not an “explicit movie”.

“Saltburn wasn’t explicit, either,” she responded, pointing out the film’s two nude scenes both featured a character who was completely alone, and that “one is about grief and the other is about joy”.

The Oscar winner said: “When we talk about ‘explicitness’, it’s sort of interesting, because it’s explicit because of what we’re thinking.

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“But the movies that I grew up with, and the way that they used bodies – and the way that they, in particular, used female bodies – were really explicit because often there was nudity and sex for absolutely no reason. The trick for me is always making people feel that they have seen more than they have.”

Turning her attention to her new film, Emerald claimed: “Wuthering Heights is an extremely sexy book. It’s so sexy. Lots of people argue about that, lots of people feel that it is not a sexy book at all. I believe it is a very sexy book, I felt it was a very sexy book.

“But, you know, nothing [sexy] happens [in the book]. So that’s the other side of things. But, you know, it’s interesting, the perception of something, and the thing itself, are so different.”

When the host told Emerald that she has become known for subverting expectations, citing the film’s opening scene – which viewers are initially led to believe is sexual, before it’s revealed that it’s actually all taking place at a hanging – she claimed: “That is what the gothic is, and that’s what Wuthering Heights is.

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“It’s all pain. It’s all pain, but there’s so much pleasure in that pain. And that was the centre of trying to make the movie.”

During a separate interview with USA Today, Emerald claimed: “Things that are sexy often take us by surprise. Maybe some people would argue otherwise, but I’m not interested in anything being explicit. I’m interested in making people feel.”

Lead actor Margot Robbie agreed in the same piece: “It’s funny – Jacob [Elordi] with his shirt off is the most nudity there is. There’s no nudity whatsoever other than that.

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“Sometimes, the most provocative moments are when the characters are fully clothed, because there’s just been so much build-up.”

Margot Robbie has claimed that shirtless scenes featuring Jacob Elordi are as “explicit” as Wuthering Heights gets

While promoting Wuthering Heights, Emerald has made no secret of the fact that she wanted her film to evoke the feelings she had when reading the novel for the first time as a teenager.

This is what inspired many of the controversial changes she made to the novel’s central characters and story when adapting the source material for the screen.

Wuthering Heights is in cinemas now.

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Wales v Scotland match ended in devastation as Principality Stadium witnessed chaos

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Wales Online

There was pandemonium in the stands as the drama unfolded in Cardiff

Scotland will return to the Principality Stadium this weekend as they face Wales in the latest instalment of a Six Nations fixture that has thrown up plenty of memorable moments over the years.

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This year, Steve Tandy’s side head into the match as clear underdogs, with their losing run in the championship running all the way back to March 2023, having been extended by heavy defeats to both England and France in the opening two rounds of this year’s tournament.

The visitors to Cardiff, meanwhile, are riding high after reclaiming the Calcutta Cup with a stunning win against England last weekend, with Gregor Townsend’s side widely tipped to add to Wales’ misery on Saturday.

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Of course, it wasn’t always like this. In fact, the fixture was responsible for one of the most remarkable Welsh victories in history, with the two sides’ Six Nations showdown in 2010 seeing chaos break out on the Principality Stadium field.

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In one of the most memorable championship matches of all time, Wales clinched a stunning 31-24 comeback win over the Scots, having trailed by 10 points with just five minutes left on the clock.

It looked as though Warren Gatland’s side were heading for a humiliating defeat in Cardiff, having been red-hot favourites ahead of the match. Nothing was going right for the hosts, with Scotland seemingly minutes from victory despite having a man in the sin bin.

But when Leigh Halfpenny raced over on 76 minutes, the deficit was cut to just three points and, cheered on by a packed stadium, Wales went in search of more.

With the game entering its final minute, Lee Byrne charged through the Scottish defence, only to be tripped by Phil Godman, who had come on just two minutes earlier. The replacement back was sent to the bin, with Scotland down to 13 men and Wales opting to kick for goal, with Stephen Jones drawing his side level from the tee.

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While the clock was in the red, there was somehow still time for one more play. With the stadium roaring, Wales threw caution to the wind and went in search of a win, with Jones boldly opting to fire a cross-field kick in the direction of Byrne and Halfpenny on the right wing.

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The bounce favoured Byrne as he collected and looked outside him to feed Halfpenny, who soon got reinforcements as Wales piled forwards in attack. Edging closer to the Scottish line, Richie Rees looked up and fired the ball out to his left to Shane Williams, with the wing diving under the posts to seal the most remarkable of comebacks and send the stadium into pandemonium.

It was one of the most memorable and chaotic finishes to a match in rugby history, but not everyone who started the contest was there to witness the end, with two Scottish players taken to hospital before full-time.

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Captain Chris Paterson, who won his 100th Scotland cap that day, split his kidney in a collision with Wales’ Andy Powell and spent almost a week in hospital in severe pain. But while he was able to return to play at the Rugby World Cup the following year, for one of his team-mates, that match in Cardiff was to be their last in professional rugby.

Shortly before half-time, wing Thom Evans had been stretchered off the pitch following a sickening collision with Byrne, after receiving several minutes of treatment on the field. There was immediate concern for the Glasgow Warriors back and the brutal extent of his injuries became clear shortly after he was rushed to hospital.

It was revealed that the collision with Byrne had knocked Evans’ cervical vertebrae so badly out of alignment that he had been left just a millimetre from paralysis, or even death.

The 24-year-old underwent emergency surgery on his neck just hours after the match ended, before having a second operation to further stabilise his spine later that week.

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He then spent a week in hospital in Cardiff before undergoing four months of rehabilitation. However, Evans – who later described the impact of his collision with Byrne as “like being hit with a sniper’s bullet” – was sadly forced to retire later that year upon medical advice.

Announcing his decision, the Scotland international said at the time: “I can still do pretty much anything. I just can’t play a physical game such as rugby. When you’re told you can’t play the sport you love dearly, it comes as quite a shock.

“I’ve been fortunate to have played six seasons at the top against some of the best players in the world. I’ll have those memories for the rest of my life,” Evans added.

“You can ask any rugby player who has had a freak accident and they will still tell you that rugby is the best game in the world.”

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While his rugby career ended in devastating circumstances, Evans has gone on to have a successful life outside of the sport. As well as modelling for magazines including Men’s Health and Attitude, he also trained to become a sprinter and competed at the Scottish Senior Championships just two years on from his career-ending injury.

Now 40 years old, the 10-cap international has also tried his hand at reality TV, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls before meeting his now-fiancee Nicole Scherzinger on The X Factor: Celebrity in 2019.

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Dog trainer shares why her pooch sniffs people’s beds for ‘invaluable’ reason

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Daily Record

Dog trainer Emma has revealed how her dog Zephyr uses his powerful sense of smell to detect problems in the home, and his skills are proving invaluable to his owner

Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell, boasting up to 300 million scent receptors that enable them to detect things humans simply cannot. This remarkable ability explains why dogs work hand-in-hand with people to crack criminal cases, spot medical conditions and even flag up household problems before they escalate.

Dog trainer Emma, who goes by @emmercrew online, has explained her dog’s incredible talent for sniffing out bed bugs through his exceptional olfactory powers. Discussing Zephyr, she explained: “This skilled canine has a unique ability to locate infestations, showcasing the impressive potential of working dogs in pest control.

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“Zephyr’s nose is a powerful tool, allowing him to sniff out even the most hidden bed bugs that traditional methods may miss.

“This video highlights Zephyr’s training in action, demonstrating how he identifies bed bug presence reliably and efficiently.

“Bed bugs are notorious for being difficult to eradicate once they infest a space, making trained detection dogs like Zephyr an invaluable asset in both residential and commercial settings.”

She explained how Zephyr can differentiate between numerous environmental odours, pinpointing precisely the distinctive scent of bed bugs.

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She continued: “As you watch Zephyr at work, appreciate the dedication and hard work involved in training a K9 detection dog.

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“The teamwork between Zephyr and his handler showcases the vital role canines play in pest management, offering a humane and effective solution to dealing with these pesky invaders.

“If you’re dealing with a potential bed bug situation, consider the benefits of using a K9 detection service like Zephyr’s.

“His skills not only save time but also provide peace of mind in ensuring your environment is free from these unwanted pests. Remember, prevention and early detection are key in managing bed bug problems.”

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Viewers flocked to the comments section in their droves, with one writing: “Isn’t he just a bundle of joy.” Another added: “Your dog is adorable.”

A third gushed: “He is so proud. I’m going to cry. Look how happy he is.” whilst another joked: “I swear he raises his hand to point to the bed.”

Experts at VCA Animal Hospitals have shed light on why dogs have such a remarkable advantage over humans when it comes to detecting scents, pointing to a unique biological feature that supercharges their ability to sniff things out.

Their statement explains: “Jacobsen’s organ (or the vomeronasal organ) is a special part of the dog’s olfactory apparatus that is located inside the nasal cavity and opens into the roof of the mouth behind the upper incisors.

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“This amazing organ serves as a secondary olfactory system designed specifically for chemical communication. The nerves from Jacobsen’s organ lead directly to the brain.”

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Emmerdale star sent ‘bring back’ demand one year after ‘goodbye’ to the Dales

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Manchester Evening News

Amy Barton star took to Instagram as she looked back on her final scenes

Emmerdale star Natalie Ann Jamieson reflected on her exit from the ITV soap one year later after the tragic Valentine’s crash.

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Actress Natalie Ann Jamieson made her Emmerdale debut as Amy Barton (then Wyatt) in 2019 when the character was brought back onto the soap. Chelsea Halfpenny had played Amy for three years between 2010 and 2013.

However, last year viewers of the ITV soap had to bid farewell to Amy as she was one of the three heartbreaking deaths in the aftermath of the Valentine’s Day limo crash.

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The night started off with excitement as two limos ventured off into the night. The boys limo was fraught with tension as Caleb found out that Cain Dingle had slept with his wife Ruby Miligan.

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However, the tragedy happened in the limo driven by Charity Dingle as she swerved off the road in an attempt to avoid hitting her son Noah who was stumbling in the road after being drugged by Joe Tate.

The limo then veered onto the frozen lake, leaving the women trapped in the vehicle. As the limo began to sink, they panicked when Suzy Merton had died on impact after hitting her head.

One by one the women attempted to escape but Amy was suddenly plunged into the freezing water after the ice cracked beneath her feet.

Although she was rescued, she died later in hospital from a cardiac arrest as Matty and Kerry broke down and sobbed in gut-wrenching scenes.

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She was also the only character who knew that Nate Robinson’s body was under the water and, as viewers will recall, it was villain John Sugden who had killed him.

Taking to her Instagram, Natalie shared a carousel of behind the scenes clips from filming her final scenes on the ITV soap, including her hospital name tag and the makeup for the hospital scenes.

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She penned: “365 days since that Limo crash did this lil Geordie cherub in Can you believe it? We miss you Amy Have I still got a load of BTS to share with you? Whey Aye!!!”

As Amy Walsh commented crying emojis, Natalie responded: “wahhhhhhhh I miss working with yoooouuuuu (not that you’re working right now – Ahhhhh exciting times!!!!) x x. X”, as Amy is currently on maternity leave.

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On-screen husband Ash Palmisciano added: “Ahhhh one year! Bring back Amy Wyatt right now” and @itsglittertime76 wrote: “What an episode that was , unreal acting by all involved. Wishing for a storyline of you coming back from the dead …if they can do it for Graham they can do it for Amy …we miss you”.

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.

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Soy-sesame-honey chicken

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Soy-sesame-honey chicken

Put 7 tbsp soy sauce, 2½ tbsp honey, 3 tsp sesame oil, the juice of  ½ lime, 4 grated garlic cloves, a 4cm cube of peeled ginger (grated) and 1½ tsp chilli flakes (or you can use a chilli sauce, to taste, if you like), into a dish in which the chicken will fit. Add the meat and turn it so that it gets coated.

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Parrot spotted in Glasgow McDonald’s as customers left baffled

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Daily Record

The tropical parrot was spotted perching on chairs causing a mix of confusion and laughter among customers.

Scots at a McDonald’s restaurant were left baffled after witnessing one very unusal visitor as they waited for their orders.

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The chain is no stranger to odd happenings but at the Sauchiehall Street branch in Glasgow, customers were stunned to spot a a tropical parrot in the restaurant on January 24.

Photos shared with Glasgow Live show the striking bird, believed to be a Scarlet Macaw, perched on the back of a chair as bewildered punters watched on.

It’s unclear whether the parrot was a pet brought in by a customer or if it had wandered in on its own. One photo appeared to show the bird sitting next to a woman, who may have been familiar with the colourful visitor.

Sharing the snaps on TikTok, one onlooker admitted they “couldn’t stop laughing” at the unusual scene. Other social media users were equally amused, with one commenting that the bright-feathered guest had “spruced up the place.”

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Glentoran star had great rivals Linfield in sights from the minute he arrived

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Belfast Live

The 29-year-old ‘can’t wait’ for his first taste of Big Two action at Windsor Park on Saturday evening (6pm)

Josh Daniels admits he Linfield on his radar right from the moment he joined Big Two rivals Glentoran last month.

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The 29-year-old ‘can’t wait’ for his first taste of Big Two action at Windsor Park on Saturday evening (6pm).

The former Derry City, Glenavon, Shrewsbury and TNS player arrived to the Oval on the January transfer window deadline day with games like this in his mind.

“Derby games always have an extra edge to them but the Big Two game is extra special,” said the midfielder.

“There has been so much rivalry between the clubs down the years every game carries that bit more weight. When I joined I found out we would be playing them in a couple of weeks so that was definitely something to look forward to.

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“I can’t wait, it’s going to be a great atmosphere with a big crowd and that’s what you want to be involved in as players.

“We have to focus on the task in hand and make sure that we work hard and produce a performance which is good enough to get the points.

“We know it won’t be easy as they are on a decent run of form and they are at home too, but we are also on a good run and confidence is high in the camp.

“We want to keep our unbeaten run going and we will be doing all we can to make that happen.”

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Daniels is feeling right at home in east Belfast following his return to the Irish League and has started the last three games as the Glens extended their recent unbeaten run.

Daniels has been impressed with the standards, both in the league and under the current regime at Glentoran under Declan Devine.

“There are now a number of teams who operate under a full-time model, and that has helped the overall quality of the league,” he said.

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“Teams have looked further afield to strengthen their squad with the offer of full-time football and the potential of playing in Europe a big carrot for players.

“The part-time teams also seem to have benefited too by picking up players who maybe are unable to turn full-time, so that has helped strengthen the other sides as well.

“In my opinion that’s good, because you know that you have to be on it every week if you are going to be successful. Those are the standards that Decky and his staff have been driving here since they arrived according to the rest of the boys.

“We have a very talented squad here but we all know it’s about putting a shift in every week too. If you don’t do that you could end up with egg on your face.

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“I knew Glentoran was a massive club but I don’t think you really appreciate the scale of it and the history until you join.

“Just because you have been successful in the past though it doesn’t mean you are going to be again. That only comes from everyone buying into the common goal and working hard to achieve it.

“When I first spoke to Decky about signing I could see the desire and hunger he has to make this club successful again and challenge for honours. Every player here has bought into that and has the drive to go on and do it.”

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Never endure a squashed toastie again

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Never endure a squashed toastie again

What is the Sage Perfect Press?

This is a premium sandwich toaster engineered to deliver café-quality results at home, without the common issue of squashed or flattened bread. Its standout feature is the innovative ‘crush control’ hinge, which utilises a counterweight system to apply minimal pressure, ensuring the sandwich is toasted to a golden crisp while the fillings remain fluffy and intact.

However, unlike other sandwich toasters, this design has fixed flat cooking surfaces rather than interchangeable ones, such as ridged panini plates or waffle irons. The focus here is purely on achieving top results rather than offering a wide range of culinary uses.

Priced at £99.95, this model sits at the higher end of the market, also evidenced by the weight and quality of the materials used. With basic sandwich toasters available for less than a third of the price, is this press worth the extra dough?

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JUMP TO:


I tested the sandwich press over several weeks using different styles of bread, including standard white sliced, sourdough and hefty seeded and rye breads. I buttered my bread on the outside and filled my sandwiches with a selection of popular fillings, making everything from tuna melts and prosciutto panini to baked beans and cheese toasties. I also reheated croissants and pizza to check for warmth and toasting versus squashing.

I evaluated how long the press took to heat up compared to other sandwich toasters, as well as how easy it was to operate, including using the crush control and lock features. I monitored the speed and evenness of the toasting and how well the filling melted without being flattened.

I also scored the toaster on the quality of its build and practicalities, such as the length of the cord and how easy it was to clean and pack away.


Score: 4.5/5

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Danny Dyer Updates Fans On Those Celebrity Traitors Rumours

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Danny Dyer Updates Fans On Those Celebrity Traitors Rumours

In terrible news for Traitors and Danny Dyer fans alike, the former Eastenders star has claimed he’s still waiting for the call up to join the next celebrity series of the show.

However, it looks like he and the BBC are yet to have any serious conversations, as the Bafta winner has now insisted the rumours about him donning a cloak for the next Celebrity Traitors are “absolute bollocks”.

Appearing on this Saturday’s Jonathan Ross Show, Danny told the host and previous Celebrity Traitor: “I don’t know why they’re saying it.”

“If they ask me I’ll do it, but no one’s asked me,” he added. “I would fucking declare it. I’m not on it, you’ll see when it comes on.”

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Tabloids claimed Danny had been lined up to appear in the next series after watching the show made him want to take part, but BBC reps at the time wouldn’t comment.

The Celebrity Traitors will return to our screens later this year, and its renewal came as no great surprise given the first season’s huge success – raking in 14.8 million views on its opening night to become the biggest single episode on TV in 2025.

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Ware & Kay Solicitor appoints Senior Associate on team

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Ware & Kay Solicitor appoints Senior Associate on team

Caroline is based across Ware & Kay’s York, Wetherby and Malton offices, and will advise clients on key corporate and commercial decisions, including the purchase or sale of a business, the preparation of shareholder and partnership agreements, and the drafting of commercial contracts.

She will also provide guidance on corporate governance and business structuring.

Having studied at the University of York she qualified as a solicitor in 1993. Caroline has previously worked as a corporate solicitor in London and Southampton, most recently within her own family firm, where she advised a diverse client base across multiple sectors.

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Caroline brings over three decades of experience advising large, medium and small businesses on a wide range of commercial and corporate matters. She is particularly known for her work with owner-managed businesses.

Caroline said: “I enjoy working closely with businesses on their commercial and corporate matters, helping them navigate key legal decisions in a practical and clear way. I am delighted to have joined Ware & Kay and to be supporting clients across the region as part of such a well-respected firm.”

Ware & Kay MD David Hyams, said: “We are pleased to welcome Caroline to our Commercial & Corporate Services team. Her extensive experience, particularly with independently run businesses, will be a tremendous asset to our clients. Caroline’s practical and clear approach aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing outstanding client-focused legal advice.”

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