There’s nothing worse than finally climbing into bed after a long day, only to spend the night tossing and turning because you’re too hot to sleep. While things like your bedroom temperature, bedtime routine and the weather all play a part, your bedding has a bigger impact than you might realise. The wrong sheets can trap heat, hold onto moisture and leave you waking up hot, sweaty and uncomfortable, especially during a heatwave.

The good news is that the right sheets can make a noticeable difference. But staying cool at night isn’t simply a case of choosing the thinnest fabric you can find. Different materials vary in how breathable they are, how well they wick away moisture and how easily air can circulate, meaning some are far better suited to hot sleepers than others.

To find out which sheets are really worth investing in, I spoke to sleep experts about what to look for when shopping for cooling bedding, the materials they recommend and why the right fabric can help you sleep more comfortably.

Read more: How to wash and care for linen bedding

What sheet material is best for people who sleep hot?

Dr. Louis Lerebours, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Freeman Recovery Center says the best materials for hot sleepers are those with “natural breathable fibres with good air circulation.” These materials can include cotton, linen, bamboo-derived viscose, and Tencel.

He explains: “These breathable fibres will also allow your body to move some moisture during the course of the night. This is important because most people who experience excessive nighttime sweating (or what’s commonly referred to as night sweats) have an inability to move enough sweat out of their skin to cool themselves down properly during the night. In other words, they retain too much heat in the upper layers of their skin. As this excess heat builds up, it causes them to become excessively warm and sweaty at night. So, breathable fabrics may be beneficial to you if you find yourself getting hot and waking up multiple times throughout the night.”

How do different fabrics compare when it comes to breathability and temperature regulation?

According to Dr. Lerebours, there are some differences in how these materials work. Linen, he explains, is made with a large weave that doesn’t cling to the skin, whereas cotton will feel cooler due to its crisper texture.

“Bamboo and Tencel are also examples of breathable sheet materials,” he adds. “They’re also softer than heavier materials such as microfibre or densely woven sateen.”

How to reduce your temperature while sleeping

There are some sleep tricks you can follow to try and stop your body temperature rising at night. According to Dr Tim Mercer, NHS GP partner and GP trainer, adjusting your sleep position helps more than you might think.

“Sleeping on your side can improve airflow and reduce contact between your body and heat-retaining surfaces like your mattress and bedding,” he explains. “Minimising contact points may help your body stay cooler overnight. If you share a bed, avoid physical contact during sleep, as body heat transfer can worsen discomfort.”

Best linen bedding

Naturalmat organic linen bedding

Ranked as our best overall bedding, reviewer Ali Howard called this set a “strong choice if you want relaxed linen with proper sustainability credentials.”

She added: “In testing, the fabric had a soft, airy feel with a slightly more substantial handle than very lightweight linen, and the pure white shade kept the bed looking clean, unfussy and inviting. It washed well, keeping its airy handle and drying with a gentle crumple that didn’t need ironing. The brand’s breathability claim held up well, making this one a sensible year-round option rather than a purely summer switch.”

Why we love it

• GOTS certified
• Soft, airy texture
• Matching Oxford pillowcases available

H&M linen duvet cover set

Linen bedding can certainly add up in price, so for a good budget option Ali Howard recommends this set from H&M. She wrote in her review: “ The washed linen has a relaxed, lightly crumpled texture and feels perfectly breathable in use. While this one might not be the softest straight out of the packaging, it becomes more and more supple after washing. Pure linen bedding is not cheap, and it is not created equally, but for an affordable entry point, H&M’s set does the job really well.”

Why we love it

• Relatively affordable pure linen
• Snap poppers
• Washed texture

Woolroom arinta organic cotton linen bundle

“Woolroom’s arinta bedding keeps things simple in the best possible way, and is the best bedding set I tested,” wrote reviewer Ali Howard in our guide to the best bedding sets. She added: “Made from 100 per cent organic cotton percale, it has the kind of crisp, smooth feel you get in a good hotel – cool, breathable and noticeably fresh against the skin.”

Why we love it

• Naturally hypoallergenic
• Super soft
• Breathable

Take note

• Needs a pre-wash to soften

Dunelm Durham stripe 100 per cent cotton duvet cover and pillowcase set

For a budget cotton set, Ali Howard recommends this set from Dunelm. For £20, she says it’s great value, adding that the stripe design “is simple enough to work in most bedrooms.”

She continues: “Crafted from 100 per cent cotton with a 144 thread count, the bedding feels light and breathable, but still durable enough for heavy, regular use. The button fastening keeps everything in place, and I found it refreshingly easy to care for, too: machine washable, low tumble dry and a cool iron if needed, making this an effortlessly chic option. “

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Why we love it

• Budget-friendly
• Fresh, modern colourways
• Reversible

Take note

• Lower thread count
• Not as soft as others

Experts share whether linen bedding is better than cotton

Ryhope Junior School in Sunderland was rated as meeting ‘strong standards’ in four out of six categories following a visit by Ofsted.

The team praised the school’s environment, describing it as one where pupils “feel safe, are happy and feel valued as members of ‘Team RJS’.”

The report also underlines the quality of relationships and safeguarding culture at Ryhope.

Well‑trained and vigilant staff are said to understand the context of each individual pupil, building highly positive relationships that create a clear sense of care and nurture.

Inspectors note that bullying, derogatory language and other poor behaviours are “very rare”, and that pupils have confidence that problems will be dealt with swiftly and effectively.

Inspectors said: “Pupils at Ryhope are very well prepared for life in the community beyond the school gates.”

They also found them to be “superb ambassadors for their school.”

Ofsted noted that the school’s focus on personal development, behaviour, inclusion, and leadership were particular strengths.

The report highlighted the pride pupils take in their roles across the school and the positive impact of these responsibilities on attendance.

Inspectors also commended the “very high-quality pastoral support” and the effectiveness of tailored assistance for pupils with additional needs.

In the two categories rated as ‘expected standard’, Ofsted recognised the progress made in curriculum and achievement.

The report noted that while most pupils achieve well and are prepared for the next stage of their education, further work is needed to close the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers.

“A collaborative approach between leaders and governors ensures that their actions have demonstrable impact”, it added.

The school’s motto of “learn to live” is described as central to pupils’ wider development, with inspectors concluding that pupils are valued members of a community where they “do very well from their different starting points.”

The area has been taped off by police.

A street has been taped off by police in Glasgow after reports of a late-night rape.

Officers were called to the scene on Warroch Street near the city centre at around 10.45pm on Wednesday, July 8. Police say inquiries into the street attack are at an early stage.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 10.45pm on Wednesday, 8 July, we received a report of a serious sexual assault in the Warroch Street area of Glasgow. Inquiries are ongoing and at an early stage.”

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The gates of one of York’s best used parks are currently locked whilst the heatwave rages on and preparations get underway for Live at York Museum Gardens – a music festival led by Futuresound Group.

Live at York Museum Gardens returns from Thursday, July 9, to Saturday, July 11, followed by the York Comedy Festival at the venue on Sunday, July 12.

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This year’s festival opens its doors at 5pm with a sold-out headline performance from synth-pop duo Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, who will be joined by Heaven 17 and China Crisis as well as rising star singer-songwriter Andrew Cushin.

Taking the Friday night slot – also at 5 – is Mercy Prize nominated artists Self Esteem, supported by  by London-based indie group the Big Moon, South African “future ghetto funk” pioneer Moonchild Sanelly and Nigeria-born now Sweden-based spoken word artist and musician Joshua Idehen.

Super Furry Animals will close the music festival on the Saturday from 4pm, with indie musician Baxter Dury, indie-pop’s Los Campesinos!, Nottingham-based alt-country band Divorce and Welsh Music Prize nominees Pys Melyn.

A notice on the gates of Museum Gardens (Image: Ben Hardy)

On the Sunday, York Comedy Festival will see performances from Russell Howard, Ross Noble, Joanne McNally and more from 3pm.

Rachel Hill, project manager at Futuresound, said the group is “so proud of how Live at York Museum Gardens has grown”.

She said: “We’re looking forward to seeing the changes we’ve made to the site this year, ensuring that everyone enjoys their time in such a beautiful space.

“None of this would have been possible without the continued collaboration, trust and support of the team at York Museums Trust; the opportunity to put together such an incredible bill for the summer makes us excited for the future of our partnership.”

Former Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, who is tipped for a major role in a Burnham Cabinet, insisted Andy Burnham had a blueprint for his first 100 days in No10

PM-in-waiting Andy Burnham has been working on his plan for Downing Street for at least a year, close ally Louise Haigh has said.

The former Transport Secretary – tipped for a major role in a Burnham Cabinet – insisted the ex-Greater Manchester Mayor had a blueprint for his first 100 days in No10.

Her comments came as Mr Burnham’s path to power became clearer as nominations opened on Thursday in the Labour leadership contest to replace Keir Starmer.

Former defence minister Al Carns – believed to be his last remaining Labour MP mulling a challenge- confirmed he would not stand against him. It means Mr Burnham will almost inevitably take office on July 20 without a contest.

Appearing on the BBC’s Political Thinking podcast, Ms Haigh was asked how long Mr Burnham had been thinking about what he might do as Prime Minister.

She replied: “I don’t think I am breaking any state secrets to say Andy has been thinking and has had his ambition, his ambitions have been clear for some time.”

She added: “Of course he’s run for leader twice before, so this is hopefully, touch wood, third time, third-time lucky. So he’s, you know, he’s been thinking about this and certainly planning for this, for this moment, for at least a year.”

Asked on whether there was a plan for the first 100 days, Ms Haigh said: “Yes, of course there’s a plan.” But she added: “I’m not going to tell you about it here.”

Ms Haigh – a crucial figure in Mr Burnham’s victorious Makerfield by-election campaign – has been involved in transition talks with the civil service in recent weeks.

She has been working alongside Mr Burnham and James Purnell, who is set to be the new No10 chief-of-staff, with a focus on national security, the economy, and devolution.

It follows the admission from Mr Starmer’s ex-chief-of-staff, Morgan McSweeney, that Labour did not enough to prepare for power in the run-up to the 2024 general election.

He said early mistakes including the decision to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners, “defined the government in a way that really did us a lot of damage”.

Ms Haigh rejected claims Mr Burnham was “unprepared or inexperienced” because of his nine years away from Westminster while Mayor of Greater Manchester.

She said: “He has spent that time thinking very deeply about how the country is run, what holds regions like Greater Manchester, and therefore most regions and the devolved nations of this country, back. He has got very, very clear ideas and a plan to put that right.”

Ms Haigh also criticised the outgoing Mr Starmer for the “hurtful” way he removed her from Cabinet and accused his operation of deliberately seeking to “knock my character down” with briefings afterwards.

The Sheffield Heeley MP quit as transport secretary in 2024, several months after Labour came into power, after it emerged she had pleaded guilty to a criminal offence related to incorrectly telling police that a work mobile phone was stolen in 2013.

She told the BBC that Downing Street had initially signed off a statement from her saying she had previously disclosed the matter to Mr Starmer – but then his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney rang and asked her to resign.

She said: “I had to really push even for a conversation with Keir, he didn’t want to have that conversation with him himself, and both Morgan and he kept saying, ‘Well, additional information has emerged’, but at no point would any of them tell me what that additional information was.

“And afterwards they repeated that. And it was painful because they could have said, ‘Look, these headlines are awful, and it’s not going to be nice for you to ride them out’.

“And it wasn’t. And to be honest, I would have agreed, and I would have gone on that basis because I didn’t particularly want to ride them out. It was embarrassing, and it wasn’t pleasant to go through.

“But to pretend that I hadn’t told him and to brief so consistently and so viciously for quite a number of weeks after that was a deliberate attempt to knock my character down.”

Strictly Come Dancing fever is well underway ahead of the 2026 series, with several members of the cast already being revealed.

This year’s batch of competitors will no doubt be hoping to replicate the success of Lioness Karen Carney and professional partner Carlos Gu, who emerged as last year’s winners.

And the newcomers will be joining Strictly at an important time, with a number of enormous changes taking place on the BBC’s flagship dancing show.

This, of course, includes the departure of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman – replaced by three new hosts (count ’em!) in broadcaster Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and pro dancer Johannes Radebe.

The pro dancer line-up has also undergone some sweeping changes too, with fan favourites Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Márquez having departed, while Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will be ‘benched’ without a partner.

As bosses look to usher Strictly into a new era – hopefully scandal-free from now on – let’s take a look at who has been confirmed and who is rumoured for the 2026 line-up.

Who is confirmed in the Strictly Come Dancing cast 2026?

Cach Mercer

Rolling in at number five is influencer Cach Mercer, who is already in good standing after winning reality show Love Island with his partner Toni Laites in 2025.

Off the back of his Casa Amor victory, he’s trading sunny days in Mallorca for the high-energy Strictly dance floor.

Although he may well feel right at home, given his social media fame comes from posts showing off his Afrobeat, hip-hop and street dance moves.

‘I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!’ he said in a statement.

Time will tell if his moves, which have won over 1.3 million TikTok followers and counting, will be enough for the general public.

Chris Appleton

Born in Leicester, the 43-year-old creative has made it all the way to Hollywood as a hairstylist to the stars, including bestie Kim Kardashian and other A-listers like J-Lo, Sofia Vergara, and Ariana Grande.

In 2023, Kim K even officiated his wedding to screenstar Lukas Gage (the couple later divorced), and his career continues to ascend even higher.

Now, he’s cha-chaing his way onto the dance floor to show just what he’s soaked up from all the performers he’s hung out with over the years.

He said in a statement: ‘I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new.

‘I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story – and I can’t wait to get started.’

Delta Goodrem

The Australian singer-songwriter, Delta Goodrem, was just 15 years old when she signed her first record deal and her careers gone from strength to strength ever since.

The 41-year-old has released seven albums, sold millions of copies, and even represented Australia at Eurovision 2026 – basically, she knows the stage like the back of her hand.

Still, there’s a difference between singing and dancing, but that’s a challenge Deta is keen to take on.

‘I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from TV, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is, however, one stage I’ve never stepped onto, and that is the ballroom floor,’ she said in a statement.

‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can’t wait to get started!’

With an attitude like that, is it any wonder Delta has reportedly been on the Strictly boss’s wishlist for years?

Lacey Turner

She’s been playing EastEnders’ favourite Stacey Slater for over 20 years, but now Lacey Turner is set to appear on the BBC in a very different way.

As the 38-year-old soap actress takes a break from Albert Square to pursue new ventures, it seems her journey is taking her from the cobblestones straight onto the dance floor.

In the announcement, Lacey wrote: ‘I am so excited to be making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing.

‘I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!’

It wouldn’t be the first time an EastEnders icon has appeared on Strictly – who could forget Jake Wood (aka Max Branning) with his Mambo No. 5 salsa?

Dani Dyer

Poor Dani Dyer had one of the briefest Strictly stints ever last year, as she was forced to withdraw shortly after the launch show due to an ankle fracture. But now – she’s back!

Dani was originally partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, who went on to reach the final with Amber Davies when she filled in at the last minute.

The reality TV star previously said on The Jonathan Ross Show that she would ‘love’ to do Strictly again, saying: ”If they rang me, I’d answer the phone. I was devastated. It was hell for me when I hurt my foot; I was so sad.’

Her dream has now become a reality, as she’s become the second celebrity to be confirmed for the 2026 line-up.

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‘I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!’ the 29-year-old said in a statement.

‘I’m just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!’

Who is rumoured for the Strictly Come Dancing cast 2026?

Dame Sarah Storey

Paralympic athlete Dame Sarah Storey, 37, is said to have signed up to this series of Strictly, with an official announcement rumoured to be on the cards.

A source told The Sun: ‘Sarah is delighted to be taking part in Strictly and is really excited to be learning a new skill.

‘She is obviously very competitive and hopes to give the contest her all, while letting viewers get to know her personality.

‘She’s also keen to embrace the glamour of the show and is looking forward to getting dressed up.’

Cyclist Dame Sarah is Britain’s most successful Paralympian, having won 30 medals – including 19 Gold – over the course of her career.

She had been due to compete in last year’s Dancing on Ice, but was forced to withdraw after sustaining an injury while training.

Jeff Brazier

The Brazier name will be familiar to Strictly fans – in 2023, EastEnders actor and model Bobby Brazier danced his way to runner-up with professional partner Dianne Buswell.

According to The Sun, Bobby’s father, 47-year-old Jeff, is in talks to compete in the upcoming series of the show.

A source told the publication that he had become ‘tempted’ after being approached by the BBC.

The insider added: ‘Previously he said he wouldn’t do it because he didn’t want to step on Bobby’s toes. But three years have passed now and it’s a massive opportunity for Jeff.

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‘He has discussed it with Bobby who thinks it would be amazing if his dad was to give it a go. Jeff has yet to sign his contract but everyone around him is urging him to do it.’

Josie Gibson

She rose to fame as a Big Brother winner and has since cemented herself as a British TV favourite.

Josie Gibson is now often seen presenting on This Morning, and, in 2023, she placed fourth in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

If reports are to be believed, though, she could be looking to at least earn herself a place on the podium by signing up to Strictly and wowing on the dance floor.

‘Josie has been on the BBC’s radar for a while, and they’ve not given up their pursuit,’ said a source.

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They added to The Sun that the ball has already started: ‘They’re hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well.’

‘Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year’s new-look show needs,’ the insider also claimed. ‘Warm and engaging, she’s just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans.’

Josie, 41, certainly wouldn’t be the first ITV daytime star to tackle Strictly, with previous series signing up the likes of Alison Hammond, Ruth Langsford, Charlotte Hawkins, and, who could forget, Ed Balls.

Jake Quickenden

Rising to fame on the X-Factor in 2012, Jake Quickenden has his roots in reality TV.

Subsequently appearing on I’m A Celeb and Dancing On Ice (which he won, back in 2018), Jake currently stars in the CBBC series Jamie Johnson FC.

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Of those Strictly rumours, a source told The Sun: that he’d ‘caught the eye of the Strictly bookers.’

They added: ‘He’s fun, hunky and known as an all-round nice guy. He’s an actor and singer, so is a natural performer. And he won Dancing On Ice, so has clearly got the moves. And now he’s in the BBC stables, he’s part of the gang.’

The 37-year-old star said that he’d be keen to take part, revealing that he’d ‘love to do it’ should the opportunity arise.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC in September.

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A version of this article was first published on May 31, 2026.

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On Thursday afternoon, the BBC revealed that Cach would be the second former Love Island star to be taking part in the new series, joining fellow champion Dani Dyer on the line-up.

He said: “I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast.

“Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!”

Since leaving the vila, he’s enjoyed work as a model and DJ, and become a major presence on social media, with the BBC noting that he has accrued tens of millions of likes on TikTok, thanks to his posts “showcasing his Afrobeat, hip-hop and street dance moves”.

Stirling MP Chris Kane spoke in Parliament after the comments made by Rupert Lowe about the Tragedy on a recent episode of the podcast.

An array of local politicians have reacted angrily to comments made by the Restore Britain MP Rupert Lowe on a podcast – where he described the Dunblane Tragedy as “one murder”.

The right-wing politician has faced fury from across the political spectrum after the comments on the Joe Rogan podcast.

Sixteen children and teacher Gwen Mayor lost their lives in the Tragedy at Dunblane High School in March 1996, with locals quietly marking its 30th anniversary earlier this year.

Mr Lowe, a businessman and former owner of Southampton Football Club, appeared on the episode of the popular show and was asked to discuss gun laws in the UK.

On the episode, Lowe tells Rogan: “If you don’t have a farm, you’ll find it very difficult to get a gun of any kind. Even if you have a farm.”

Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth, continued: “They don’t want the public to have guns. As you probably know they banned handguns in the 90s, right in the late 90s, because there was a murder up in Dunblane.”

Rogan responded: “One murder?”. Lowe responded: “One murder”.

He added: “So everybody, my father used to shoot pistols for Oxford University and he had, he’s dead now bless him, but he had all his pistols were taken away.”

Stirling and Strathallan MP Chris Kane was among those who denounced Lowe’s remarks.

He submitted a point of order in the House of Commons, where he said the comments had caused “profound offence” and “diminished” those who gave their lives in 1996.

The point of order continues: “The people of Dunblane responded not with division, but with dignity, compassion and a determination that no other community should endure such horror.

“It is because of their courage, and the united action of this House, that the United Kingdom has some of the strongest firearms laws in the world and an ongoing cross party approach to ensuring those protections will not be weakened.”

Mr Kane followed those remarks up on social media, adding: “Like most reasonable people, my initial reaction to Rupert Lowe’s comments was one of fury and disbelief.

“However, unlike Mr Lowe, many of us have thankfully chosen to take the lead of the courageous parents and families forever touched by the Dunblane Tragedy and from the community that I am both proud and humbled to represent.

“They have conducted themselves with dignity, with a desire to unite people rather than to divide them, and in the hope that generations to come will be protected in a way that 16 – yes sixteen, not one – innocent five and six year olds and their teacher Mrs Mayor were not.

“Families across our country have children and grandchildren in our schools today who are alive because of that kind of selflessness and the determination that something positive would come from unimaginable evil.

“Mere words can never describe the sort of darkness that was visited upon Dunblane Primary School and our nation on March 13, 1996.

“Many people on that terrible day and since have lived with a kind of acute consciousness and pain that should never be visited on any human soul.

“The least the rest of us can do is to ensure that is forever acknowledged and honoured.

“Mr Lowe’s attitude does not reflect the sort of thoughtful society the vast majority of our nation and its people wish to have and which has been displayed day in and day out in my constituency for over 30 years.

“We can all learn something from the example of the good people and families of Dunblane. We can only hope that one day that includes Mr Lowe.”

Mr Kane’s remarks were echoed by Dunblane’s MSP and SNP deputy leader, Keith Brown, who said: “Rupert Lowe is a stain on our politics and his comments are beyond despicable.

“Despite these hideous remarks from Rupert Lowe, the Snowdrop Campaign that followed that terrible day ensured a ban on the private ownership of most handguns – that is the proud legacy of the bereaved families and the local community.

“Their courage and determination in the aftermath of the attack is something we should never betray and our community will never let the likes of Rupert Lowe do exactly that.”

Meanwhile, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Stephen Kerr, whose children went to school close to Dunblane and were in lock-down during the attack, said: “Rupert Lowe’s comments are astonishingly insensitive and profoundly disrespectful to the victims of Dunblane, their families and everyone in Scotland who remembers that horrific day.

“To describe Dunblane as ‘one murder’ is not simply inaccurate – it diminishes one of the darkest days in Scotland’s modern history.

“Sixteen children and their teacher were murdered, and fifteen other primary school children were wounded.”

A Restore Britain spokesman told the Record: “Rupert was clearly referring to one incident.”

Influencer Lorna Luxe has detailed how her eating disorder became a ‘full-time job’ and admitted she would do secret workouts that she hid from husband John. 

Talking to Davina McCall on her podcast Begin Again, Lorna, 43, recalled how she became incredibly unwell battling anorexia after getting a job as an air hostess. 

And she admitted she developed a ‘war mindset’ when it came to managing her disorder, working out twice a day, with one workout being done in complete secret.

She told Davina about where she thinks her eating disorders originated, saying: ‘I had been at uni and like anyone, you’re drinking loads and you’re eating loads and I put a bit of timber on.

‘I was a bit of a curvier woman. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I  wasn’t happy in how I looked.

And she admits she developed a ‘war mindset’ when it came to managing her disorder, working out twice a day, with one workout being done in complete secret

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‘Then when I started to diet and lose a bit of weight, I also saw that people treat you differently, right? So I had interest from men I’d never had that before.

‘And when I got my Virgin job, when I went for my Virgin Atlantic interview back in 2002, they weighed you, they checked your height, they took a photo of your face, they wanted to see what you’d look like in the uniform. This was the norm back then.’

She continued: ‘And actually them as a brand, they’re so different that now, all their advertising is all about celebrating inclusivity, but at the time it was just a standard protocol. I imagine with all airlines that people had to fit a mould.’

Lorna said she believes she was rewarded in some way for losing weight. 

She said: ‘I got in there because I’d lost a bit of weight. So, it was always in the back of my head from the day one of that job. Okay. you’ve been rewarded.

‘And so maintaining weight because if you changed uniform size, you got pulled into the office because it cost the business money. 

‘So all these things were playing in my mind. I was living in Brighton, partying a lot, drinking, boozing, eating kebabs and having to manage my weight became an absolute full-time job.

‘And so sadly for me, I used my job, you know, flying away transatlantic. You stay down route somewhere for a couple of days, no one’s going to see what you’re up to. 

Lorna said:  ‘When I got my Virgin job, you know, I when I went for Virgin Atlantics interview, and this is back in 2002, they weighed you, they checked your height, they took a photo of your face, they wanted to see what you’d look like in the uniform. This was the norm back then’

John, who was 21 years Lorna’s senior, died in February after battling stage four adrenal cancer after being diagnosed in April 2023. The couple had been married 16 years

‘So your behaviours, your habits can really start to manifest. And I became incredibly unwell and it’s terrifying when I look back.’

Lorna admitted that as well as controlling her eating, she was working out like a ‘manic obsessive.’ 

She said: ‘I also think that you know the the real peak of my illness. I was with John now so he didn’t know about this either. 

‘He’d got me a David Lloyd membership in Brighton, there’s one in Worthing and there’s one in the marina and I would go to the one in the marina in the morning.

‘I’d cycle all the way down the seafront which was a schlep if you know Brighton. I’d go down there and then in the evening I’d go to the Worthing one.

‘I’d be there for two, three hours and when I look back now I’m impressed at you know the energy I put into that.

‘How was I even keeping going? You get into this very war mindset where I was doing daft things and my behaviours were changing, my mood swings were up and down I was permanently cold.’

Lorna sadly lost her husband John in February. He died following a battle with adrenal cancer on February 11, 2026, at the age of 64 

She said that at the height of her eating disorder battle, he did what he could to try and help her. 

Lorna said: ‘He would often say like you just you lost a bit too much weight now. “You’re beautiful but you’ve just gone a bit too far”. And also on flights, I might fly with someone.

‘A girl that I’m still mates with now, Cla. She’d suffered with anorexia, so she recognized the signs straight away and she pulled me in the galley.

‘She went, “You’ve got a problem. This is not good. You need to look after yourself. I’m here if you need me.” And I treated her with such disrespect at the time.

‘I was rude to her. I was like, “Don’t be so ridiculous. This is actually really out of order. What are you saying? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with me.” 

‘I think that’s such a brilliant defense mechanism because it does put people off talking to you about it. It frightens people from broaching it.

‘I’ve worked really hard to be skinny so you’re not going to [ __ ] with this now. And that was my headspace. 

I was like, “don’t you dare try and come for me on this because this is the the only thing I’m really good at”.

‘I kept thinking, I’ve got the secret sauce here. They don’t know. But I’m on to something with this. And I was really proud of my ability to undereat and be hungry.

‘And that’s really terrifying. Thank God that I’ve come through the other end now. I definitely have control issues but just with different things now like my business is what I control and I John certainly gave me those tools to feel like I’m your safe place. 

You don’t need to be in control anymore because I’ve got you. And he kind of stepped into that role for me in a big way.’