This week’s diarist feels communication is key for intimacy (Picture: Myles Goode/ Getty)
Welcome to How I Do It, the series in which we give you a seven-day sneak peek into the sex life of a stranger.
This week we hear from 38-year-old married dad-of-two Calvin*, who has been with his wife, Marie*, since 2017.
After tying the knot in 2021, they have a little boy, now four, and a girl, now two, but Calving says being busy working parents isn’t conducive to a hyper-active sex life.
‘We have sex about twice a week and I’m really happy with how my wife and I communicate and enjoy our time together,’ he says.
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Despite their best efforts, they sometimes have three-week dry patches because of the demands of work and childcare.
‘I’d like my sex life to be a bit more regular and adventurous, but life gets in the way,’ he adds. ‘While we don’t schedule sex in the diary, we do make an effort to make time for each other.’
So, without any further ado, here’s how she got on this week…
The following sex diary is, as you might imagine, not safe for work.
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Monday
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Who has sex on a Monday? I’m half-joking.
Maybe in years gone by when I was a student it was on the cards, but as a working parent in my late 30s, sex just isn’t on the agenda at the start of the week.
I’m working from home today with plenty to get through, before picking our kids up from nursery in late afternoon.
Marie gets home just after I get back from the nursery run, and she’s had a rough day.
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We talk it over, I try and offer support, and see if there’s anything else I can do. It goes without saying that I pick up the slack with the kids, get the housework done, and generally just try to be helpful.
The rest of the evening is about having dinner and keeping our two little ones content before it’s time for bed. It’s just a routine Monday.
Tuesday
I’m looking forward to my night out with Marie on Friday, and it’s serving as today’s motivation.
We don’t get out alone together too often, but this is a formal event related to her work. During the day, I get some twinges thinking of what Marie could be wearing underneath her dress for the occasion. I’ll need to tell her.
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The anticipation is a huge turn on for me. I like to be teased and thrilled, it keeps things fun and exciting, as well as making sure the intimacy is alive.
Marie gets home from work late, but as the kids are with my parents until late this evening, we have time together to enjoy dinner and talk. It sounds simple, but it doesn’t always happen as parents.
It is crucial to connect and talk, in and out of the bedroom for us, otherwise complacency can set in and it can cause silly niggles between us. Often though, we’re both just missing sex and connection.
While making dinner, we’re playful, touching and kissing each other here and there. When she’s at the sink, I come up close behind her and grab her curvy bottom, then rub myself against her while kissing her neck.
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I tell her how much I like her ass. She likes it, but she’s too busy peeling the potatoes to act on it. Teasing is great, though. The more the better.
Dinner is delicious, but we ate too much while nattering about work and kid stuff.
Our window of opportunity for sex has passed, and soon after the kids get home, so there’s too much going on.
It’s a late night by the time the kids are settled, and we’re ready to crash out. Missing out on sex can be disappointing and frustrating for my wife and I, but mostly it’s because of the kids, which can’t be helped.
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Wednesday
Today is a disaster for me. I have our son all day and while he’s well-behaved, he just wants to play and get my attention all day.
Unfortunately, I have one work task to complete and getting it done is taking much longer than expected. Our son has some tantrums because I can’t play yet, and I’ve got a tension headache that just won’t shift.
I’m just not feeling good at all today, and I’m not in the mood for anything.
A busy day extends to the evening with a lot of housework and extra admin to do at home. Mariegets home with our daughter, and soon my son is playing football is a bundle of energy and mess.
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We have dinner, play for a little with the kids, and then fall into bed.
Thursday
I wake up as Marie is getting ready for work.
She’s wearing a matching red underwear set that makes me want to pull her back into bed. I give her a compliment and she bends over and slaps her ass, but tells me that she needs to go, and that I’ll have to wait until later.
We kiss, and she leaves for work, but I need to relieve myself. I reach for my phone and into my ‘w**k bank’ of raunchy pics of Marie.
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She knows I occasionally take pictures of her while we’re having sex, and while I do sometimes watch porn, I prefer to look at my wife.
I’m getting very horny and think about later, tomorrow night, and what I want to do. Masturbating is a good decision, instant gratification, self-pleasure and looking at my wife. What’s not to like?
Time for a shower before the kids wake and the day begins for real. They’re off to their grandparents’ house until tonight.
In the evening, Marie returns home in the mood, and tells me straight away what she wants. We both go upstairs and I can hear her getting changed in our bedroom, as I’m brushing my teeth.
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I enter our room to see my wife lying on the bed in a very sexy, strappy underwear set. She’s touching herself already and teasing me. I’m hard as I strip down to my boxer shorts.
We are both on the bed, watching each other masturbate. We love it. It feels sexy and intimate. It f***ing feels good. Next, I go down on her and take my time. We’re enjoying every moment.
I kiss and touch her all over, with extra time spent on her ass. It’s that good.
She’s lying on her front, I’m leaning on top of her back with my hand underneath her. I ask her what she’ll be wearing tomorrow night and she giggles. She’s too horny and locked in for a proper answer.
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We do doggy, then missionary with her legs up, the latter of which is a favourite of mine. We go for as long as we can over the next five minutes or so, before coming together.
Friday
It’s a busy work day and there’s lots to do, but before I know it, the evening has arrived. The kids get picked up by my sister-in-law before we go out.
My wife and I both like the concept of ‘f*** first’. Going out for dinner, out for drinks, or with friends? You can have plans for a big finish to the night, but it doesn’t always happen, so do it before you go out.
We’re both touching each other before we’re even washed and changed. We’re naked and taking advantage. Some nice kissing turns to doggy over the bed, but it’s a quickie and nothing wrong with that. We have somewhere to be!
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We both feel sexy, horny, closer together, and very satisfied.
Then we scrub up well, both complementing each other, and are ready to go. While out at the dinner event, I touch her leg and caress her subtly a few times.
I wonder if we might have round two tonight, but we get home later than planned and tiredness takes over.
Saturday
The kids are coming back early, but we wake up before with a cuddle.
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A few moments later, I reach around to her front with my hand, and she reaches back for me. We lock eyes and enjoy the feeling, sound, and touch of pleasuring each other with our hands.
Like this diary? There’s more
After a few minutes, she takes control, sits up, and briefly touches herself before putting her fingers in my mouth. This is something we both find incredibly dirty and intimate, it’s a major turn on for us.
Then she goes back down on me with her hand to finish me off. It’s good, quality time and we enjoy the climax before showering.
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Once the kids get back we hit the local shops, grab lunch, head home and spend play and TV time together.
Sunday
We’ve got family visiting today, and we pop out to Tesco and get our washing done, before heading out on a walk with everyone.
We’ve had sex more this week than usual, and it’s been really satisfying, so I feel pretty content and happy.
Sometimes we can go two, three weeks without, but we always talk and make sure the drought doesn’t last too long. We get grumpy with each other otherwise, it just brings the mood down a little.
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Yes, life gets in the way, but sex and intimacy are too important to neglect for us, especially because our sex life is a big factor as to why we’re so compatible as a couple.
Things are always better when we’re talking, sharing, and connecting, which we certainly did this week.
ONE of the UK’s first ever American-style shopping centre is set to be demolished after 43 years in business.
The space, which contains multiple vacant units, will be torn down to make way for a new development featuring housing, green spaces, and leisure facilities.
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Ridings Shopping Centre in Wakefield, West Yorkshire is set to be demolished as part of a revamp to the Cathedral QuarterCredit: AlamyRidings Shopping Centre first opened in 1983 but is now less than two thirds occupiedCredit: Alamy
Ridings Shopping Centre in Wakefield will be demolished as part of a city centre revamp, with the local council agreeing to buy the site.
The centre, which first opened in 1983, is now less than two thirds occupied, with the site’s M&S recently announcing its relocation.
Wakefield Council said it also expected Primark to announce plans to leave the site.
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Deputy council leader Jack Hemingway explained the authority wanted to create “an economy that’s sustainable and has a future, and that’s why the Ridings has got to change.”
He revealed the government was providing £17.9 million towards “a once in a generation opportunity to transform the city centre”.
“The Ridings is looking dated now, it’s a shopping centre from the 1980s and high streets are changing and it’s right that we look at that,” he said.
The development to the city’s Cathedral Quarter will include a new public square and green spaces, as well as a cinema, library, museum, and car parking.
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In addition to the shopping centre’s demolition, 260 separate flats will also be knocked down.
The council previously backed out of a deal to buy the centre in 2023, when it was purchased by Zahid Iqbal, who has now agreed to sell it for an undisclosed amount.
Regeneration specialist Muse is said to lead the development, which also includes 1,000 new sustainable, affordable, and private homes.
The development is expected to take 10 years to complete, with no date confirmed for the closure of the shopping centre.
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Businesses within the shopping centre have been told the council will help them find alternative premises if they plan to stay in Wakefield.
The shopping centre is set to make way for a mixed use space, featuring housing, green spaces and leisure facilitiesCredit: Wakefield CouncilThe redevelopment of the city’s Cathedral Quarter is expected to take a decade to completeCredit: Wakefield Council
The new Reform councillor was previously a member of the Conservative Party
Reform UK has taken a seat from Plaid Cymru in the party’s north Wales heartlands in a council by-election. Reform now has its first councillor on Isle of Anglesey County Council after Celfyn Furlong was elected as the new councillor for the Ynys Gybi ward.
Celebrating his party’s “sensational” by-election victory overnight, the new leader said Reform will be fighting for every single vote “from the former Labour heartlands to the former Plaid heartlands.”
It was a comfortable victory for Reform, with candidate Celfyn Furlong receiving 603 votes compared to Plaid Cymru candidate Bethan Pari Jones’ 343. The turnout for the election was 33.3%.
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According to the Isle of Anglesey County Council website, Mr Furlong was a registered member of the Conservative Party from January 1 to May 31, 2025.
The by-election was triggered after long-serving Plaid Cymru councillor and Football Association of Wales (FAW) president Trefor Lloyd Hughes MBE died in November.
In a post made after his victory, newly-elected councillor Furlong paid tribute to Mr Hughes and said that the result sends a “clear message” that “people want change”. Always keep on top of the latest Welsh news with our newsletter
He said: “Before anything else, I want to pay tribute to the late Trefor Lloyd Hughes MBE. A man who gave Ynys Gybi, Ynys Môn and indeed Wales, years of service. A talisman that will never be forgotten. Tonight I accept this seat with respect for his legacy, and with determination to serve the people as he did.
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“I am absolutely humbled and honoured to have been elected to represent Ynys Gybi. Thank you to everyone who put their trust in me and to everyone who came out to vote for me.
“This result sends a clear message. People want change, and people want common sense back in local politics.
“A huge thank you to my campaign team, supporters, family and all polling staff. None of this would be possible without you.
“Now the real work begins. I will work hard every day to stand up for our community.
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“Ynys Gybi voted Reform. Ynys Gybi will have Reform”
Mr Thomas, the new leader of Reform Wales, said: “This is a sensational victory for Reform, and it shows that we can win absolutely anywhere here in Wales. From the former Labour heartlands to the former Plaid heartlands, we are fighting for every single vote so we can deliver the change Wales desperately needs.”
Here are the full results of the Ynys Gybi by-election:
A WhatsApp “vulnerability” was discovered recently by Google’s Project Zero team, where a malicious media file is automatically being downloaded to users’ phones.
Hackers create group chats on the app, and once a user accepts the invitation, the file is sent to their device without them even knowing it.
Malwarebytes adds: “The bug affects WhatsApp on Android and involves zero‑click media downloads in group chats.
“You can be attacked simply by being added to a group and having a malicious file sent to you.”
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WhatsApp launches new privacy protection feature
WhatsApp has now launched a new, lockdown-style feature called Strict Account Settings.
If you turn this feature on, it will lock certain account settings on the app to the most restrictive.
WhatsApp explained: “It will limit how your WhatsApp works in some ways, like blocking attachments and media from people not in your contacts.”
How to turn on Strict Account Settings on WhatsApp
Strict Account Settings began rolling out on WhatsApp late last month.
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To activate, head to settings, click privacy, then advanced. And that’s it, easy as that.
WhatsApp added: “Strict Account Settings is one of many ways we’re working to protect you from the most sophisticated of cyber threats.
“We’ve also rolled out a programming language called Rust behind the scenes to help keep your photos, videos, and messages safe from things like spyware, so you can share and chat with confidence.”
Your WhatsApp messages are private. We use the open-source Signal protocol to encrypt them.
• Encryption happens on your device • Messages are encrypted before leaving your device • Only the intended recipient has the keys to decrypt messages • The…
It continued: “At WhatsApp, we think you should be able to have a private conversation online, just like you would in-person.
“We will always defend that right to privacy for everyone.”
RECOMMENDED READING:
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Other ways to protect against ‘malicious’ WhatsApp bug
Another way to prevent unwanted files from being downloaded onto your phone via bugs on WhatsApp is to switch off auto-download (for media), according to Malwarebytes.
To do that, head to settings and click chats, then switch off ‘Media visibility’ (Android) or ‘Save to Photos’ (Apple iOS).
With President Donald Trump standing awkwardly behind him, a Democratic congressman used his prayer at the National Prayer Breakfast to urge Trump to “think of families preparing to bury their loved ones in Minneapolis.”
Speaking at the bipartisan Washington, DC, event on Thursday shortly after Trump gave a rambling address, Representative Jonathan Jackson (Democrat, Illinois) offered a prayer for “the future of this nation,” and asked God to “lead this president into greater levels of compassion.”
Jackson, the son of civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, said, “Today, we remind him that the lives of millions of people are in his hands, and that he has the power to turn mourning into dancing or to reduce the country into a cosmic elegy of chaos and suffering.”
Jackson continued by calling on Trump to be “mindful of the poor” and “be invested in the alleviation of suffering happening on farms in the Midwest, in the families preparing to bury their loved ones in Minneapolis.”
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He added that “we are all Americans, all made in the image of God, and that none of us are free unless all of us have our freedoms protected.” (Watch video at the end of the story.)
When the prayer finished, Trump shook Jackson’s hand and appeared to say, “Great words.”
Rep. Jonathan Jackson (far left) speaks as President Donald Trump listens during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C.
SAUL LOEB via Getty Images
During his address, the Republican president said he didn’t know “how a person of faith can vote for a Democrat.”
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The plea to Trump came amid weeks of chaos in Minnesota as a result of his administration’s immigration crackdown, with the president’s rhetoric helping to sow discord.
The president has baselessly accused the state of harboring thousands of violent undocumented immigrants, calling them the “worst of the worst.”
Against a backdrop of protests against the influx, federal agents have shot dead two US citizens ― 37-year-old Renee Good and Alex Pretti, also 37 ― in separate incidents.
On Wednesday, the Trump administration announced it is scaling back immigration operations around Minnesota by withdrawing about 700 of the roughly 3,000 federal officers sent to the state.
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Speaking to NBC News later that day, Trump admitted he could have adopted “a little bit of a softer touch” in the region.
wow — with Trump standing behind him, a man (not sure who he is) offers this prayer: “We pray that he would be mindful of the poor and that he would be invested in the alleviation of suffering happening in the families preparing to bury their loved ones in Minneapolis.” pic.twitter.com/toJk9vIboF
The Manchester Evening News understands a man in his 20s was stabbed. Greater Manchester Police says it received reports of a man seriously injured in the street.
He tragically died at the scene. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody for questioning this morning (Friday).
Two forensic tents are in place at the scene today, with a silver car partially covered. A second car was seen being removed from the scene earlier this morning, witnesses told the M.E.N.
Residents living close to the scene saw a large police presence overnight. Forensics investigators have been seen gathering evidence.
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One neighbour told the M.E.N.: “I came out this morning to take my partner to the tram stop and I saw the tent up. I knew straight away someone had died. You could just tell. I just can’t believe it. Nothing ever happens here. I’m just shocked. Really shocked. It’s a bit scary as well.”
Another resident living close to the scene added: “I didn’t see or hear anything last night. I just came out this morning with the kids and saw it all here. I had to ask if I was allowed out to take them to school… I’m stunned. It’s really scary.”
Witnesses are being urged to come forward with any information as the murder investigation takes shape. A GMP spokesperson said: “At around 11.35pm last night (Thursday, February 6 2026), we were called to reports of a seriously injured man on Southwick Road in Northern Moor, Wythenshawe.
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“Officers attended the scene and located a man in his 20s, who sadly died at the scene. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody for questioning. Investigations are ongoing.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact GMP on 101 or online using Live Chat, quoting log number 3832 of February 5, 2026. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The Six Nations got under way on Thursday night and the media were unimpressed by the Irish
France have blown the Six Nations wide open on night one – and if this is the standard, the rest may be playing for second.
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Fabien Galthié’s side tore Ireland apart 36-14 in Paris, running riot in a first half that left Andy Farrell’s men 22-0 down and clinging on. From London to Dublin to Paris, the verdict was emphatic: France were irresistible, Ireland were overwhelmed.
Here’s how the media reacted.
Daily Mail – France deliver ‘iron fists wrapped in velvet gloves’
Nik Simon painted a picture of a French side out for revenge and brimming with swagger.
“Woe for Ireland. The sorry men in green looked like a team who felt the force of iron fists wrapped in velvet gloves from the Champs Elysees.”
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France’s blend of brutality and brilliance left Ireland reeling, with Simon adding: “Ireland looked like a shadow of their former selves. Their confidence is tumbling and their team lacked gravitas, losing the physical battle in almost every area.”
On Antoine Dupont’s return, the tone was ominous for the rest of Europe: “If the French can master the science of the 80-minute performance then nobody in Europe will be able to stop them in this form.”
The Times – ‘Sliced and diced’ in a ‘merciless’ Parisian execution
Alex Lowe described it as a calculated killing.
“France killed off Ireland with a devastating display… sliced and diced by Les Bleus.
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“They carved open Andy Farrell’s men with the precision of a surgeon’s knife. It was merciless.”
France’s skill level was hailed as “other-worldly” as they surged 29-0 ahead, denying Ireland “a foothold in the game”. By the time Ireland rallied, it was cosmetic.
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Robert Kitson suggested Irish fans might have preferred not to watch at all.
“Irish fans would probably have preferred a total 80-minute blackout… instead those back at home had to watch the visitors being repeatedly sliced and diced by seemingly ravenous hosts.”
He warned the championship: “It is going to take a seriously good team to beat France in Paris.”
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France’s attacking play was labelled “sublime”, while Ireland were left with “bruised pride” despite a “gallant response”.
Pierre Sarniguet dismissed any notion of Irish payback:
“Would they be up to the task of defeating Dupont’s team? We now have the answer: no, and a resounding no!”
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The first half was described as near-perfect: “Not a single penalty conceded, not a single missed tackle… incisive runs tore the Irish defence apart.”
The stats underlined the dominance – 860 metres gained, 19 line breaks, 41 defenders beaten – as Jalibert was hailed as “imperious”.
L’Equipe – Ireland ‘spin-dried by the French machine’
Karim Ben Ismail delivered perhaps the most brutal metaphor of the night.
“The Irish rugby players we saw… resembled those glasses that have lost their shine… Spin-dried by the French machine.”
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He warned that Ireland’s struggles may run deeper: “Unable to reinvent themselves since the 2023 World Cup, the Irish team appears to have begun a worrying decline.”
For a nation that has set the benchmark in recent seasons, that is a stinging assessment.
The Telegraph – ‘Blitzkrieg’ brilliance ends the rivalry – for now
Gavin Mairs declared the rivalry on hold.
“France have laid down an intimidating, brilliant marker… such was the blitzkrieg manner in which they swept Ireland away.”
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He suggested the balance of power has shifted decisively: “The days of the compelling French-Irish rivalry in the championship appear to be over for now.”
And from Shaun Edwards came the line that will echo across Europe: “When we are on it in attack, it is a joy to watch.”
Chinese New Year is celebrated in communities all over the world
Kate Lally SEO writer and Courtney Eales
09:22, 06 Feb 2026
The Chinese New Year celebration is all about saying goodbye to the old and the negative, and embracing the new and the positive. This significant event is marked by Chinese communities worldwide.
It signifies the end of winter and heralds the promise of new beginnings. Unlike the Western New Year, which follows the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, resulting in a different date each year. In 2026, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 17.
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This date will bring in the Year of the Fire Horse, a period associated with optimism and opportunity, with robust public and investor confidence indicating potential economic growth. In Chinese culture, the Horse is recognised for its dynamic and energetic characteristics. It embodies vitality, speed, and determination.
According to horoscope predictions, the year of the Horse will bring in financial gains for four signs.
Tiger
Expect career and travel opportunities. Adaptability and openness to new surroundings will be key. Maintaining emotional balance and clear communication will enable you to capitalise on this active phase.
The Tiger holds the title of king amongst all creatures in China, symbolising strength, courage and the power to ward off evil. Youngsters often wear tiger-themed hats or footwear to attract good fortune.
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Come 2026, those born under this sign can expect a flourishing financial outlook, featuring consistent earnings, backing from supporters, and fortunate windfalls. Your professional life will flourish this year, with your leadership abilities driving impressive progress and results.
Your growing influence will help you shine and capitalise on chances for advancement and pay rises.
Rabbit
This year brings tremendous backing from celestial forces including “Tian De”, “Fu Xing,” and “Ba Zuo” ushering in supportive connections and financial prospects. Through consistent work and prudent spending habits, you can gradually strengthen your financial reserves.
Regarding money matters, winter or spring present promising investment windows, with spring proving especially favourable for monetary gains, whilst surprise financial blessings may materialise as the year concludes. Despite healthy earnings, frivolous expenditure should be avoided.
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Career-wise, 2026 promises steady progression for you, though autumn may bring some uncertainty, demanding sustained dedication.
Goat
Throughout 2026, your monetary outlook will flourish owing to the correspondence of your birth year with the present year, alongside the fortune of the favourable Green Dragon star.
Beyond standard earnings, you’ll additionally witness considerable profits from secondary investments. Earlier investments in property and shares will yield substantial dividends, delivering tremendous satisfaction.
During 2026, your professional life will enjoy consistent progression. Whether you’re employed or self-employed, your earlier dedication and commitment will deliver notable benefits.
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Rooster
Your monetary circumstances in 2026 are anticipated to strengthen. Your standard income possibilities appear encouraging, with opportunities for pay rises and multiple bonuses.
Business owners amongst you will witness significant earnings. You’ll manage to advance your company’s achievements and secure acknowledgement and career elevation.
From April 2029, pension contributions made through salary sacrifice above £2,000 a year will no longer be exempt from national insurance contributions (NICs) – a move announced in the Budget.
Salary sacrifice schemes, widely used by employers, allow workers to swap part of their pay for higher pension contributions, cutting NICs while keeping take-home pay steady and boosting retirement savings.
But under the new rules, any pension contributions sacrificed above £2,000 will be treated like ordinary pension payments and hit with both employer and employee NICs, slashing the tax advantage.
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Former pensions minister Sir Steve Webb has now sounded the alarm, pointing to a new document from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggesting the fallout could spread far wider.
Sir Steve says: “This was a huge Budget change that will force employers to rethink pay and pensions. The OBR makes clear the impact won’t stop at those contributing over £2,000.”
Millions already set to lose
Figures released by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) show around 3.3 million pension savers are already on course to be directly affected.
In total, 7.7 million employees currently use salary sacrifice to pay into their pension, with 3.3 million sacrificing more than £2,000 in salary or bonuses each year.
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The OBR warned that how employers and workers respond is “highly uncertain”, opening the door to unintended consequences.
Warning: even those under £2,000 could be hit
Sir Steve, now a partner at consultants Lane Clark & Peacock (LCP), said the changes could backfire badly.
“Far from ordinary workers being ‘protected’, we could see millions of people on modest incomes losing out, further undermining their incentive to save into a pension,” he said.
He added that some workers contributing less than £2,000 could still lose out if employers respond by holding down future pay rises or reducing contractual salaries.
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Employers may freeze pay or rethink pensions
The OBR noted that firms could try to recreate tax benefits by increasing pension contributions instead of wage growth, or by lowering base pay in exchange for higher employer pension payments.
It also highlighted the risk of costs being “passed through” to workers – affecting salaries, bonuses or pension generosity.
In some cases, employers may scrap salary sacrifice schemes altogether, hitting entire workforces rather than just higher earners.
Industry fears ‘new era of under-saving’
Daniel Gallon, head of taxation at the Association of British Insurers, said the changes could ripple across the workforce.
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“The OBR’s analysis shows the impact could reach far more people than expected,” he said.
A survey by the ABI and Reba found 99% of businesses expect to be affected, with many bracing for extra admin, reduced benefits and pressure on pension contributions.
“It’s a clear warning sign that constant tinkering with the tax system risks opening the door to a new era of pension under-saving,” Mr Gallon added.
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A Treasury spokesperson defended the move, saying behavioural impacts were already factored in.
“Our reforms protect 95% of workers earning under £30,000 who use salary sacrifice, while tackling costs that were set to treble to £8 billion as high earners piled in bonuses tax-free,” they said.
But critics warn the real-world impact may be far broader – and that ordinary workers could pay the price.
UK broadband provider VISPA has ceased trading and plans to commence liquidation proceedings, sending an email to customers advising them to cancel direct debits and find a new ISP immediately.
Peter Davidson and Ben Hurst
09:16, 06 Feb 2026
UK broadband company VISPA has informed its customers that it has ceased operations and advised them to ‘cancel direct debits’. The long-standing provider announced plans to “commence liquidation proceedings” in an email sent to its subscribers.
Established in 1999, VISPA instructed its customers to “immediately” find an alternative broadband provider, as reported by ISPreview.
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The company offered a variety of Openreach-based broadband packages and had recently branched out into full fibre (FTTP) broadband networks, while also running its own Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) network.
However, ISPreview had previously pointed out several issues plaguing the company, including outstanding debts, complications with the firm’s registered address, and negative reviews on Trustpilot, reports the Express.
The publication has now disclosed that numerous VISPA customers received an email from the company’s chief executive, which read: “We are writing to inform you that Vispa Limited has ceased trading and decided to commence liquidation proceedings.
“As a result, we regret to advise that Vispa will no longer be able to continue providing broadband services. To avoid any interruption to your connectivity, you will need to immediately choose a new Internet Service Provider (ISP) as soon as possible.
“We also strongly recommend that you cancel any active Direct Debit or standing order you have in place with Vispa Limited to prevent any further payments being taken.
“We understand this news may be inconvenient and we sincerely apologise for the disruption this causes. We would like to thank you for your custom and support over the years.”
VISPA director James Ormerod, who penned the letter, advised customers to “cancel your direct debit”. VISPA’s announcement did not provide its remaining customers with a specific date for the termination of the service. Currently, the VISPA website’s service status page reads “down for maintenance”.
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It states: “The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to maintenance downtime or capacity problems. Please try again later.”
According to the Companies House website, Vispa Limited has an “active proposal to strike off”, indicating it is in the process of being removed from the register and dissolved.
One customer, Dr Fender, vented his frustration on X: “My c***** internet service provider that hosts my domain and email, @vispainternet, has yet again gone down and they’re unresponsive. How do I complain? They’re not registered with the ombudsman or any of the schemes (of course). #Vispa #ISP #complaint.”
Jasmine was confirmed as Zoe Slater’s (Michelle Ryan) long-lost daughter towards the end of last year.
Shortly after Zoe returned, a flashback episode aired that allowed us to learn she gave birth to a baby girl and boy in the early 2000s.
The boy was put up for adoption, and it was believed the girl died.
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However, as Jasmine’s identity was revealed, we learnt that if Zoe never ran out of the hospital when her daughter’s heart stopped, she would’ve seen staff resuscitate her.
Oscar is set to find himself torn between both siblings (Picture: BBC)
Jasmine was then adopted, but made her way to Walford after seeing an article about Zoe in the paper.
During Jasmine’s time in Albert Square, she’s had an on/off relationship with Oscar, Max Branning’s (Jake Wood) son.
As if Jasmine’s life wasn’t complicated enough, things are about to get even worse, as her twin brother will eventually arrive – and take a shining to Oscar as well!
It’s said that actor Joshua Vaughan has joined the BBC One soap as Jasmine’s twin and Zoe’s son.
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Joshua Vaughan will reportedly play Zoe’s son (Picture: Instagram/Joshua Vaughan)
It seemingly won’t be long until the character picks up on the chemistry between him and Oscar, but what will that mean for Jasmine?
During the flashforward episode on New Year’s Day, Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) told Oscar that he’s ‘a Trueman now’. Due to the fact Jasmine didn’t feature in the episode – which was set in 2027 – does that mean Oscar is going to start a relationship with her brother?
‘This is going to be one of the hottest love triangles the soap world has ever seen. Oscar is happy with Jasmine but when her twin arrives the chemistry between them is something neither can ignore’, a source said to The Sun.
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‘It’s going to set temperatures soaring in Walford. But with Jasmine having bumped off her dad Anthony Truman at Christmas the pair had better watch out.’
Jasmine teamed up with Chrissie Watts last year (Picture: BBC)
After getting kicked out of her adopted parents’ home, Jasmine came across, potentially, the worst person she could’ve, when she met the fabulous-but-evil Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman), who used her well-honed powers of manipulation to twist the poor girls mind further, ensnaring her in a revenge plot against Zoe.
Though Zoe and Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) are convinced that Chrissie is to blame for Anthony’s death, with Zoe unconscious before the killing blow took place, Zoe is reluctant to tell the police.
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She’s terrified that Chrissie’s inevitable vengeance would put Jasmine in mortal danger and, knowing Chrissie, it definitely would. Meanwhile Kat and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) have gone above and beyond to make Jasmine feel like a part of the Slater/Moon family, she’s struggled to integrate into the crumbling clan.
