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WhatsApp to launch new paid premium subscription service

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WhatsApp to launch new paid premium subscription service

The messaging platform began as a paid app upon its launch in 2009 before becoming free to use in 2016.

Along with Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify, an increasing number of apps are turning to paid subscription services, giving users access to extra content at a cost.

Some of these major apps include TikTok, Snapchat, Strava, Calm, Tinder, and Instagram.

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WhatsApp to launch new ‘Premium’ subscription

It appears WhatsApp is now set to join these major apps in launching an optional premium subscription that will offer users extra features in exchange for a monthly fee.

WhatsApp Plus is under development for Android and iOS, according to WABetaInfo.

It appears WhatsApp will remain free to use, with the upcoming Plus tier being an optional subscription offering extra perks.

How much will WhatsApp Plus cost?

WhatsApp will remain free to use, with the new Plus subscription completely optional, WABetaInfo explains.

It continues: “This means that users are not required to subscribe in order to continue using WhatsApp.

“Again, all of the app’s essential tools (including sending and receiving messages, making voice and video calls, sharing media, participating in group chats, privacy and security features) will remain fully accessible to everyone at no cost.

“The introduction of the paid tier is designed to offer additional customization and convenience features for users who want them, without restricting or limiting the free experience.”

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WhatsApp has not yet confirmed pricing or an official launch date for its new premium subscription.

Features included in WhatsApp Plus

WhatsApp Plus will include a range of exclusive features, which is expected to be added to over time.

Some of the features included in the new subscription, according to WABetaInfo, include:

  • Several customisation options to change the app theme, app icon, and accent colors, including a selection of 14 new icons and multiple color choices for interface elements.
  • The ability to pin up to 20 chats (instead of the standard limit of three)
  • Exclusive ringtones

Will you be buying the new WhatsApp Plus subscription when it comes out? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.

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Major airport introduces strict rule on hand luggage item affecting 580,000 Brits

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Major airport introduces strict rule on hand luggage item affecting 580,000 Brits
There’s another power bank crackdown (Picture: Getty Images)

Authorities in Singapore have announced a limit of two power banks per passenger on flights to reduce risks for travellers.

The new rule will come into effect from April 15, and any additional power banks will have to be surrendered before people board their plane, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore has said in a statement.

CAAS also advised power banks shouldn’t be charged onboard the aircraft and that passengers shouldn’t be using them to charge their other devices while flying.

This is already the case on all Singapore Airlines flights after it banned the use of these chargers in March 2025. But these blanket changes are set to affect more of the roughly 580,000 Brits who visit Singapore each year, according to Travel Weekly.

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This change comes after the International Civil Aviation Organisation updated its global safety guidelines on April 2 to a new requirement of two power banks per passenger.

Not to mention, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism recently banned the use of this tech on flights departing or arriving to its airports.

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Emirates also rolled out a blanket ban prohibiting passengers from using power banks onboard in October, while Lufthansa became the first European airline to do so in January this year.

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Officials are working with airlines operating out of Singapore’s Changi Airport to ‘implement the new requirements in a smooth and orderly manner’.

Singapore, Changi Airport
Singapore’s Changi Airport will have reminders in place for passengers throughout the terminal (Picture: Getty Images)

It’s the airlines who are expected to inform passengers travelling with them of the new requirements.

‘CAAS will provide some time for the airlines to do so and for passengers to familiarise themselves and have the requirements take effect only from 15 April, 2026,’ a Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore spokesperson said. ‘In the meantime, passenger service and security screening officers will be trained.’

Reminders will also be displayed across the airport to avoid any confusion.

‘The new requirements will help reduce the risk of fire caused by power banks on board flights,’ Foong Ling Huei, director of Flight Standards at CAAS, says. ‘We urge all passengers to familiarise themselves and comply with the new requirements, for their own safety and the safety of other passengers.’

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Why are power banks a problem on planes?

If a lithium-ion battery is damaged, misused, or stored improperly, it can short circuit — triggering a process called ‘thermal runaway’ where the batteries start to irreversibly overheat.

The result can be a sudden, violent, and explosive fire, hence why the European Union Aviation Safety Agency advise only putting these in your hand luggage, and not your checked baggage.

Concerns about allowing passengers to keep power banks in the cabin initially began to grow following an incident in January 2025, when a portable power bank caused a fire that engulfed and destroyed a passenger plane in South Korea.

Solar battery charger connected to laptop being used by businessman
Portable chargers can be a hazard on flights (Picture: Getty Images/Westend61)

First discovered by a flight attendant in an overhead luggage bin, the flames quickly spread throughout the entire cabin. Thankfully, everyone onboard was evacuated safely.

But this wasn’t an isolated incident.

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An Air China flight suffered a similar fate in October last year after a power bank stored inside carry-on luggage caught fire, but cabin crew put the fire out while the plane made an emergency landing.

According to the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation in Japan, portable battery chargers caused 123 fires in 2024, an increase of more than 150% from the 47 fires reported in 2020.

Moreover, the Japanese fire agency, stated that by product type, power banks accounted for 30% of the 290 incidents in 2024, followed by power tools at 89 and mobile phones at 85.

While flights pose an exaggerated risk, given the intense pressure, faulty lithium-ion batteries can be lethal in all kinds of environments.

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So, with all this in mind, it’s not surprising that more and more government bodies are cracking down on these particularly feisty fire hazards.

Which other airlines have banned power banks?

At the time of publication, the following airlines have banned the usage of power banks onboard its flights:

Air Busan

The Lufthansa Group

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Emirates

Singapore Airlines

Cathay Pacific

Qantas

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Thai Airways

South Korean Airlines

Hong Kong Airlines

Starlux Airlines

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Tigerair

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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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Families enjoy Easter Sunday fun day at Auckland Palace

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Families enjoy Easter Sunday fun day at Auckland Palace

Crafts, performances and an Easter egg hunt were held at Auckland Palace in a packed day of activities.

Fiona Thomas, events co-ordinator at The Auckland Project, said: “Easter is an important moment in the calendar for families, and we are pleased to be able to offer a range of activities at Auckland Palace that bring people together to enjoy the occasion.

“From the firm family favourite Easter Egg Hunt Trail to performances, crafts and the chance to meet the Easter Bunny, the programme has been designed to give families the opportunity to spend quality time together while exploring the historic surroundings of the palace and its gardens.”

There was also live music and a coffee cart which served refreshments between 10am and 4pm.

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An Easter Sunday Fun Day event at Auckland Palace (Image: Chris Booth)

An Easter Sunday Fun Day event at Auckland Palace (Image: Chris Booth)

An Easter Sunday Fun Day event at Auckland Palace (Image: Chris Booth)

An Easter Sunday Fun Day event at Auckland Palace (Image: Chris Booth)

An Easter Sunday Fun Day event at Auckland Palace (Image: Chris Booth)

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North East nurse inspired by autism writes children’s book

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North East nurse inspired by autism writes children's book

Lin Fidgin, of Hartlepool, who works at University Hospital of North Tees, wrote and illustrated Bess of Clara Vale.

Drawing from her own experiences as a woman with autism, Ms Fidgin wanted to create the stories she longed for in childhood.

She said: “I wanted to write the books I wish I had as a child.

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“I felt so different to everyone else around me but had no mirror to see myself reflected or to help me understand why I wasn’t like my peers.

“Being different can be a lonely place – always trying to fit in, but always feeling like an outsider.

“Understanding who you are and why can lighten the load.”

The story follows Bess, a Labrador with autism, and gently explores sensory differences, social misunderstandings, and the comfort found in routine and repetition.

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Through Bess’s journey, the book explores the development of her confidence and self-acceptance.

Since its publication in March, Ms Fidgin has gifted copies to local schools, libraries, autism services and other organisations, including the children’s ward and children’s emergency department at the University Hospital of North Tees.

The first in a planned series of seven books, Bess of Clara Vale is the first of a series of seven books Lin has planned, each focusing on neurodiversity, friendship and belonging.

Ms Fidgin said: “If I can help make education about autism and neurodiversity accessible to those who need it most, then it can only be a good thing.

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“I want to make a difference.”

Ms Fidgin said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the response and have cried a lot.

“I’ve had some beautifully affirming messages and emails, and one particularly beautiful video from two young children who have a book and wanted to share with me how they felt while reading it, because I would understand them.”

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Wireless Festival faces fresh blow after Kanye West ‘shock booking’

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Daily Mirror

Kanye West’s headline slot at Wireless Festival this year has sparked backlash, with leading sponsor Pepsi MAX pulling out of being associated with the event

Kanye West’s “shock” booking for Wireless Festival could face another setback. The rapper has sparked backlash since it was revealed he would be headlining all three nights of Wireless this year.

West, known as Ye, hasn’t performed in the UK since he headlined Glastonbury Festival 11 years ago. But while he was once one of the most decorated musicians, the decision to host him at Finsbury Park has sparked controversy, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling it “deeply concerning”.

However, in recent days, the leading sponsor, Pepsi MAX, informed The Mirror that they had decided not to be associated with the festival in the wake of booking West. The festival was titled “Pepsi MAX presents Wireless Festival.” Diageo, the company behind Captain Morgan and Johnnie Walker, has also pulled out of the association.

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Reports claim West had hoped to perform a string of shows at Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium, but bosses swiftly said no, given their association with London’s Jewish community. “It feels there’s an element of shock value in booking Kanye,” celebrity publicist and talent agent Dermot McNamara told the Mirror.

He added: “He hasn’t performed at a festival for a while and I think organisers wanted to capitalise on that, especially as he does remain one of the biggest music artists in the world. However, I think they underestimated the response this would generate, and however big his fame is, his comments are far worse and while there’ll be some who will still buy tickets and love him, the vast majority won’t.”

West has shared antisemitic views on social media, including a post claiming he wanted to “death con 3” on the Jewish community. West also went on to release a track titled Heil Hitler – as well as releasing t-shirts with a swastika on, leading Shopify, which hosted his site, to pull the platform.

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Dermot added: “It’s not surprising to see sponsors pull out. The signing of Kanye to the festival was already controversial. Brands want to be associated with PR friendly events that bring people together.

“Festivals are usually a great way of reaching a huge demographic, across various ages, genders, sexualities, races and religions and at some point, Kanye has said something offensive about most groups.”

Reflecting on Pepsi and Diageo pulling out, Dermot of Candid Publicity stated: “Brands are extremely important to festivals, as they will often provide much-needed cash flow to put on the show in the first place. There’s a mutual benefit from generating coverage and clicks on social media.

“There’s an entire industry built around which festivals brands sponsor. Depending on the scale of the relationship, brands will often have a say in which artists get booked, but in this instance, it’s fair to say they weren’t happy with Kanye being booked. Another element to this issue will now be safety. Given Kanye has offended many communities, can his safety or festivalgoers’ safety, or the safety of locals in the area, who may be affected by his views, be guaranteed?”

A source told the Mirror previously: “Following the mounting backlash surrounding the announcement and Sir Keir Starmer speaking out, Pepsi’s position as festival sponsor became untenable. Festivals are about bringing people together; the only decision was to withdraw with Kanye West topping the bill.”

“Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears,” Keir said. “Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe.”

A spokesperson for Haringey Council said: “Festival Republic, who are the licensee responsible for hosting the event, must meet several conditions. This includes ensuring performing acts do not offend or denigrate any race or religion and we’ll be seeking assurances from Festival Republic that they’ll be reminding all artists of this condition prior to them performing this summer.”

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West has since apologised for antisemitic comments in a full-page advert hosted by the Wall Street Journal. He said he was in a “four-month-long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour that destroyed my life.” In his letter, he said he wasn’t looking for “sympathy or a free pass,” adding that he wanted to “earn forgiveness”.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

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Female entrepreneurs remain ambitious but scaling requires better financial education, new research shows

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Wales Online

The research gathered by Small Business Britain, in partnership with Starling Bank, found that more than eight in ten (82%) aim to grow their business in the next 12 months

Female entrepreneurs are not short on ambition and resilience, with many continuing to grow their businesses, despite operating at a small scale with limited access to structured support, new research from Small Business Britain, in partnership with Starling Bank reveals.

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As part of a partnership aimed at boosting UK female entrepreneurship, the research gathered from more than 1,000 women found that more than eight in ten (82%) aim to grow their business in the next 12 months, with over half (53%) reporting increased revenue since 2025.

While this reflects strong confidence and momentum, there is a clear opportunity to better support women in scaling their businesses and strengthen income security, as just over half (51%) do not plan to hire in the next year and 51% report their household incomes are lower than before starting their business.

The research demonstrates UK female entrepreneurs are ambitious, resilient and growth-focused. However, their clear long-term goals are tempered by financial literacy, as 44% have not received financial education and over half (56%) rate themselves as beginner or intermediate in financial confidence. This highlights the importance of embedding practical skills into mainstream business support, as two in five (40%) of female entrepreneurs are unaware or have not used government support systems to help grow their business.

The findings also shed light on the transformative role female entrepreneurs play in the UK economy, leading many of the nation’s 5.6 million small businesses. However, with just over half (52%) of female solo entrepreneurs not planning to hire, it’s vital to provide tailored pathways to support female entrepreneurship and convert ambition into scalable growth.

Based on the report, the following recommendations have been made to government to support female entrepreneurs on their growth journey.

  • Prioritise financial education to improve financial literacy
  • Implement segmented and targeted support to move women from sole trader to employer
  • Prioritise the adoption of digital financial tools to support productivity

“Female entrepreneurs play a vital role in the UK’s economic ecosystem and across the country, their ambition and contributions, often alongside significant caring responsibilities, do not go unnoticed,” said Michelle Ovens, CBE, CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain.

“However, our research demonstrates a growth gap holding women back. There is a huge opportunity to support female entrepreneurs to scale their businesses with confidence and unlock financial success through clearer pathways to support. By providing women with the right tools and resources, we can level the playing field, boost entrepreneurship and enable more women to grow their businesses while continuing to benefit from flexibility and freedom taking the leap into entrepreneurship offers.”

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The research showed that many female entrepreneurs are resourceful in navigating limited access to financial literacy and rely on variation platforms for financial advice:

  • 26% turn to accountants for financial support
  • 15% rely on Google
  • 12% use AI tools such as ChatGPT
  • 6% rely solely on their own judgement

Michele Rousseau, Chief Marketing Officer at Starling, said: “The demand for business and financial education is strong and we were blown away by our webinar series for female entrepreneurs, delivered in partnership with Small Business Britain, being heavily oversubscribed.

“Starling is committed to helping small businesses grow and we’re playing our part in publicising the digital financial tools that can help save them time and money, as well as supporting projects to help them get to the next level.

“We help entrepreneurs move beyond manual, time-consuming processes to digital tools, with in-app insights and free solutions to allow real-time financial clarity. This enables them to focus on converting their strong ambition into scalable business success.”

Becky Barnes, Founder of Becky Barnes Style – a sustainable stylist – said: “Being part of the Female Fundamentals programme has helped me feel more confident navigating the financial side of my business which is something many of us aren’t taught but are expected to lead on. It’s given me a clearer understanding of growth, pricing and long-term sustainability. As my business continues to grow, I’d welcome more support around scaling in a way that feels aligned, without compromising the values that sit at the heart of what I do.”

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To celebrate female entrepreneurs across the country, Small Business Britain and Starling gathered more than 100 women at Emirates Stadium. As an official partner of Arsenal, Starling hosted the networking event ahead of Arsenal Women’s WSL fixture against Tottenham Hotspur Women. Many attendees were graduates of the free six-week Female Founder Fundamentals programme, focused on building confidence, growth and financial skills.

Small Business Britain has a stated mission to increase the number of female small business owners from 15% of all entrepreneurs to 30% by 2030. As part of this mission Small Business Britain will be working with Starling Bank to offer a range of support for female founders across the country.

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I’m a Celebrity’s Beverley Callard clears up ITV show confusion after cancer diagnosis

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Wales Online

The former Coronation Street legend posted a message to I’m A Celebrity South Africa fans ahead of the launch show on ITV

Beverley Callard has clarified any potential confusion surrounding her I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! comeback. The former Coronation Street star is due to return to TV screens on Monday, April 6 as one of 12 celebrities participating in the second series of the ITV reality programme’s spin-off, I’m A Celebrity South Africa.

However, this follows her January announcement of an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis, which came just before she filmed her debut scenes on Irish drama Fair City, where she currently portrays Lily Patterson.

Beverley, who originally featured on I’m A Celebrity in 2020 when the programme moved to Gwrych Castle in North Wales during the Covid pandemic, used Instagram late on Sunday (April 5) evening to remind followers that the series is pre-recorded rather than broadcast live like the main programme, reports the Manchester Evening News.

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READ MORE: Adam Thomas’ life from famous siblings and stunning wife to eye-watering net worthREAD MORE: Jimmy Bullard’s age, net worth and famous son as he enters I’m A Celebrity 2026

She stated: “Well, I’ve just got to, first of all, I’ve got to say Happy Easter – even though it’s a bit late – to everybody. Not a bad day today, but I didn’t eat chocolate because I just didn’t fancy it. And also, I want to remind everyone that tomorrow at 9pm, Easter Monday, I’m A Celebrity…South Africa begins.

“And I know everybody thinks I’m suddenly going away to South Africa. I’m not. We did film it a little while ago. So please watch it because it’s frightening, wonderful, horrifying, funny – it was terrifying, exhilarating, everything. But believe me, it’s great television, honestly, so I hope you enjoy it.”

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At the weekend, Beverley also opened up about her struggles following a delay to her surgery results caused by a backlog. The actress, who has moved to Ireland with her husband Jon McEwan while appearing in the soap Fair City, shared a video on Instagram saying: “Well, I had to do a photoshoot yesterday and on the way there – it was for a magazine about Fair City – and on the way there, Jon was driving, and I was in the passenger seat.

She said: “My phone rang, and it said the caller ID. Usually, it’s the hospital or one of the consultants from the hospital and I thought ‘Okay, this is it, my results.’ It was one of the amazing cancer care nurses from Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, they are fantastic. She wanted to know how I was doing.

“I told her that I’ve got quite a lot of soreness, which I’ve not had for ages but it came on a few days ago. She said I could be overdoing things, hopefully I’m not, I’ve had a lazy day today. But then she said ‘No results yet because there is a backlog,’ so hopefully I will get them next week.”

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Beverley continued: “You know when your heart is in your mouth? You think ‘This is it. It’s coming now, any minute,’ and then, no, nothing. Obviously, we were still moving in the car, and I just thought ‘I can’t do this now, I cannot paint a smile on my face again.’ Anyway, I did it. You just do, don’t you? Then we went out for some dinner and it was really nice.”

Despite her ongoing health concerns, Beverley was effusive in her praise for her husband Jon, to whom she has been married since 2010. She said: “The other thing I was thinking was that Jon’s painting the bedroom in our new home and doing all that so it will be lovely for me for radiotherapy, etc, if I am tired, and I just thought ‘Oh, I could not go through this by myself.’

“I really feel for anyone who is going through it by themselves, I really do. If you are, you’re much stronger than me, that is for sure, and I’m sending you so much love.”

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Beverley recently disclosed her relief at not requiring a further operation, having already undergone the removal of two lymph nodes as a precautionary measure to prevent the cancer from spreading. She is currently awaiting test results that will determine whether she has been given the all-clear.

I’m A Celebrity South Africa is on ITV1 at 9pm and ITVX

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Sort Your Life Out fans ‘can’t wait’ as expert shares huge announcement

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Wales Online

Sort Your Life Out star Dilly Carter has been a fan-favourite on the programme since it began back in 2021

Fans of the BBC’s Sort Your Life Out have reason to celebrate as organisation specialist Dilly Carter has announced an exciting professional development.

Sort Your Life Out Unpacked, a podcast inspired by the programme, debuts on Tuesday, April 7. The series will feature Dilly in conversation with celebrity guests, each bringing three undisclosed items from their residence.

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Each episode will conclude with BBC audiences discovering whether the guest chooses to retain, donate or recycle their belongings in authentic Sort Your Life Out fashion.

Promising emotional moments, laughter and unexpected revelations throughout, Dilly offered a glimpse of what listeners can anticipate in a behind-the-scenes sneak peek.

On Sort Your Life Out’s official Instagram account, the BBC presenter appears in a studio setting, announcing: “Finally, I can reveal what I’ve been up to!

READ MORE: This Morning guest thought she had stomach pains until she gave birth to babyREAD MORE: Scott Mills’ replacement for Race Across the World podcast revealed after BBC axe

“I am going to be the host of a brand new podcast called Sort Your Life Out Unpacked. Look at my beautiful set.”

During a studio tour, viewers spotted a scaled-down Sort Your Life Out house – regularly featured in the warehouse on the main programme – accompanied by a photograph of fellow team members, including Stacey Solomon, Robert Bent and Iwan Carrington.

Elaborating on the podcast’s format, she revealed that the celebrity items will remain completely unknown to her until they’re presented.

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Dilly continued: “This is going to be the celebrity podcast that teaches you all about celebrities’ homes. It’s the one you don’t want to miss.”

The post was captioned: “We can’t wait for you to listen to the brand new Sort Your Life Out Unpacked podcast with our very own Dilly Carter! Coming tomorrow on @bbciPlayer and tune in on @BBCSounds #SYLO #Podcast #SortYourLifeOut #DillyCarter.”

Responses flooded in shortly afterwards, with numerous people expressing their enthusiasm about the announcement, reports the Mirror.

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One viewer commented, “Congratulations, lovely lady. Exciting, can’t wait!” Another wrote: “OMG I NEEDED THIS!!!!!!!!!!! Dilly, I will be listening to it on repeat.”

Reacting to the news on the BBC social media page last week, one follower stated: “We can’t wait to listen!” while another added: “So proud of you xx”

The description for the new podcast series states: “Amongst funny anecdotes and personal revelations, we learn how to organise and sort our own lives out.

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“Celebrity guests include Elizabeth Day, Lorraine Kelly, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Kerry Katona, Eddie Kadi, Dr Alex George, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Sort Your Life Out’s own Stacey Solomon and many more.”

Sort Your Life Out Unpacked launches on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer on April 7.

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Inside Scotland’s most notorious prison as new series reveals life behind bars

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Daily Record

A gripping new series goes inside Scotland’s largest prison, exposing the tensions, dangers and fragile hopes behind its walls

Inside Barlinnie returns for a second series, offering a powerful and unfiltered look at life inside Scotland’s largest prison. The BBC Scotland documentary, filmed over the course of a year, captures the daily realities faced by inmates and staff within a system under constant strain.

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Commonly known in Scotland as ‘The Big Hoose’, Barlinnie houses more than 1,400 prisoners across five vast Victorian halls. Behind its ageing walls, tension is ever-present, with the threat of violence or crisis never far away. The series explores how both prisoners and officers navigate this challenging environment, balancing control, rehabilitation and survival.

Life inside is unpredictable, according to Prison Governor Mick Stoney, who begins the series by describing the volatile atmosphere inside the prison walls. He states: “Barlinnie is iconic, notorious, infamous. Things can be calm, but it can go from zero to 99 at any second.”

The programme also looks beyond the prison gates, following inmates as they attempt to rebuild their lives after release. These journeys are often fragile, marked by uncertainty as individuals try to reconnect with loved ones and adjust to life on the outside.

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The two episode BBC Scotland series sheds light on how difficult it can be to break the cycle of reoffending.

One of the most difficult challenges explored in the series is the flow of drugs within the prison. As drug smuggling methods continue to evolve, from visits to drone drops, the rise of synthetic substances has heightened the risks. These drugs are linked to increased violence, erratic behaviour and serious mental health issues among inmates.

The first episode presents a series of stark and eye opening storylines. JP, a known drug user, is rushed to hospital after collapsing from an overdose in the exercise yard, showing the dangers of substance misuse within Scotland’s largest prison.

Meanwhile, inmate Norry reaches a breaking point as he struggles with his past and threatens to take his own life, reflecting the mental health pressures within the prison system.

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Additionally, inmate Ryan – who’s known as RJ in Barlinnie – one of Scotland’s most dangerous prisoners, turns to religion in a bid to transform himself. As he prepares to stand trial for another violent offence, he clings to the hope of staying sober and rebuilding his future.

Produced by Friel Kean for BBC Scotland, the series provides a stark insight into one of the country’s most infamous institutions.

The official BBC synopsis for Inside Barlinnie reads: “Inside ‘The Big Hoose’. The reality of life behind the bars of Scotland’s infamous prison. As it finally closes its doors, staff and inmates reflect on a violent, chaotic history.”

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Inside Barlinnie is available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 7 April, both episodes will be available to stream.

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Manchester United confirm 25-man squad for Ireland training camp

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Manchester Evening News

Man Utd are flying to Dublin on Monday afternoon as they embark on a short training camp ahead of their return to Premier League action against Leeds next week.

Lisandro Martinez is part of the Manchester United squad travelling to Dublin for a training camp on Monday, with the centre-back eyeing a return to action against Leeds next week.

United have named a 25-man group that will fly to Ireland on Monday for a short training camp ahead of the game with their Yorkshire rivals on April 13.

Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have also been included after withdrawing from international duty with Cameroon and Slovenia, respectively, and they will be in contention to face Daniel Farke’s side. Matthijs de Ligt is absent as he continues his recovery from injury, while Diogo Dalot and Tom Heaton miss out through illness.

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Patrick Dorgu has been going through individual training at Carrington recently as he continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury and he too has been named in the travelling squad, though the 21-year-old won’t be fit enough to return to the squad against Leeds.

Michael Carrick has also included academy youngsters Fred Heath, Yuel Helafu, Jim Thwaites and Victor Musa in his squad, with the training camp lasting until Thursday. Harry Maguire is also part of the squad, despite being suspended for the visit of Leeds.

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United’s last fixture was the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Friday, March 20, and the international break and scheduling of the FA Cup quarter-finals means they have 24 days without a game.

The players have been given some time off during that period, while the internationals were also granted a couple of days off at the end of last week, before regrouping at Carrington on Monday and heading to Ireland.

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Training camp squad

Goalkeepers: Altay Bayindir, Senne Lammens, Dermot Mee, Fred Heath.

Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Yuel Helafu.

Midfielders: Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Jim Thwaites.

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Forwards: Matheus Cunha, Joshua Zirkzee, Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Victor Musa.

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Why is I’m A Celebrity South Africa not aired live?

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Why is I'm A Celebrity South Africa not aired live?

It initially aired back in 2023, with it acting as an all-stars version of I’m A Celebrity featuring previous contestants.

One of the main differences between the programmes was the setting, with it moving from the Australian jungle to Kruger National Park in South Africa.

A synopsis for the second series shares: “Campmates have already proved that they can survive the Australian jungle, but this is I’m A Celebrity… on a whole new level, it’s where legends are made.

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“The trials are tougher than ever and with that, so are the stakes.

“With relentless twists and turns, the campmates will never know what’s coming next.

“They will be faced with challenges at every turn, quickly learning that with big decisions come even bigger consequences.”

Outside of the change in setting, the show also has a major difference from the original as it is pre-recorded.

Why is I’m A Celeb South Africa not live?

Due to the 2023 series being pre-recorded, it meant that viewers weren’t able to vote for trials or the winner.

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Usually, much of I’m A Celeb is filmed live with Ant & Dec appearing from the studio in Australia, with an 11-hour time difference.

The reason behind the South Africa show being pre-recorded was that it was reportedly made as a backup in case ITV were not able to film a regular series in Australia due to potential Covid restrictions.

ITV had filmed two series of I’m A Celeb in Wales to counteract this initially, but there hadn’t been a great desire to do it again.

An insider told The Mirror at the time: “This is a brilliant reserve plan in case Covid restrictions come round again in the Autumn and the cast and crew can’t get Down Under, as has happened for the past two years.

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“There is no appetite to go back to Wales.

“It was great while it lasted but it’s just too dark and damp.

“Everyone’s had enough, including the viewers.”

Filming for the first South Africa series took place in July 2022, with it being broadcast in April and May of 2023.

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Despite Covid restrictions now not being a major worry for TV productions, the decision was still made to pre-record the second series.

ITV have been contacted by Newsquest for comment.

Filming for the second series occurred back in September 2025.

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I’m A Celeb South Africa final to be aired live

In a change from the first series, the final of I’m a Celeb South Africa will be aired live on Friday, April 24.

The Radio Times shares that rather than making the 12-hour flight back to Africa, the entire celebrity cast will instead gather in a UK studio.


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From here, the public will be able to vote to crown this year’s I’m a Celebrity Legend.

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Discussing the change, Ant & Dec said: “It’s going to be here in the UK, live on the television.

“We’re going to get all the cast back, we’ll have the finalists in the studio.

“It’ll be a live vote like we do in Australia and the public will decide their Legend.”

Will you be watching I’m A Celeb South Africa? Let us know in the comments.

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