MOLLY-MAE has revealed that her two-year-old Bambi is flying first class, despite dad Tommy Fury vowing to ban ‘five star hotels and business class flights’ for his daughter.
Molly-Mae has revealed that her two-year-old Bambi is flying first classCredit: InstagramTommy recently vowed to ban ‘five star hotels and business class flights’ for his daughterCredit: InstagramMolly and Bambi in DubaiCredit: Instagram
But the rekindled pair have now jetted off on another holiday to Dubai, and showed a snap of Bambi lapping up first class service en-route.
The tot could be seen in a black and white photo with headphones on watching TV on the plane, as they jetted abroad.
Bambi looked content in her tracksuit as she reclined on the large first class seats with her legs outstretched.
During the interview, he said: “Today’s world is tough because you don’t wanna spoil your children, but then it’s hard to not, in a way. I just said to myself, ‘She can’t take business class flights every time, that ain’t the real world.’
“I didn’t go on a plane until I was 17! It was a Flybe flight and the propeller nearly broke.
“But Bambi’s got more air miles than me now, and she’s two and a half.”
Evidently, Tommy’s rule has gone out of the plane window as he continued to say at the time: “I want her to know the meaning of normal, which is, you know, a nicecamping holiday, driving to the lake.
“Not staying in five star hotels, not going business class flights, not doing that sometimes – and that’s okay.”
Not only this, but after watching the new episodes of the influencer’s hit new Amazon docuseries, Molly-Mae: Behind It All, many viewers have admitted the Love Island star’s “bratty behaviour” has “put them off her.”
Since the release of the Amazon docuseries, former fans of the influencer have slammed the mother as “selfish” and “tone deaf.”
A content creator named Emily Entwistle took to social media to share her thoughts on the episode as she wrote: “Why was this scene in episode three the hardest watch?
“At times she’s so relatable but this season just shows a girl who needs a wake up call.”
Not only this, but Emily also added: “Really enjoyed season one but this season is not the one.
And it appears that Emily isn’t the only viewer to think this way, as her TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @emilyentwistle_x, caused a flurry of women expressing similar views.
One person said: “I genuinely thought the exact same thing and lowkey put me off her.
“I’ve always liked her but I think she’s done so many things now that’s off putting. She’s massively out of touch with reality.”
Another added: “She’s definitely out of touch with reality, these new episodes have made me really change my opinion of her.
“I actually think she’s selfish and it’s not her friend or her manager’s fault that she forgot the product she was supposed to review.”
A third commented: “It was very bratty behaviour tbh.”
Meanwhile, someone else chimed in: “She gives spoilt brat vibes.”
At the same time, one former fan penned: “Tone deaf in today’s economic climate. She’s so out of touch with reality and spoiled.”
However, others tried to sympathise with the busy mother.
One fan wrote: “She’s trying her best and running a business and being a mum trying to do her best.
“Being a mum is hard work. I respect her for showing the reality of her world that everyone wants to judge.”
POP fans have only just realised that Sombr is secretly a nepo baby, following controversy over his performances.
Horrified fans worked out who his dad is and accused the pop star – real name Shane Michael Boose – of using his father’s connections to launch his music career.
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Sombr, who received criticism over his stage antics by one concertgoer on TikTok, has seemingly been exposed as a nepo babyCredit: GettyIt comes as he was forced to release a response to critics following the viral TikTok video, telling them to ‘touch grass’Credit: Tiktok
Social media users looking into Sombr, who will be playing three nights at London’s Brixton Academy next March, have clocked that the singer is actually a nepo baby, whose dad counts some of the world’s biggest celeb names, including Elton John and Leonardo DiCaprio, as his clients.
The Back to Friends singer is the son of Andy Boose, 54, who founded luxury events company AAB Productions.
His company produces galas, concerts, fashion shows and charity events including fundraisers internationally.
Andy, who operates his company in cities including Los Angeles, London, Hong Kong and Venice, counts huge names among his client books.
These include UNICEF, Elton John AIDS Foundation, amfAR, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation and other high-profile organisations.
Social media users were shocked to learn of Sombr’s nepo baby status, and quickly spread the news on X.
One wrote: “I found out today that sombr is a nepo baby, I feel like I just got shot in the chest”.
Another blasted: “well the reason sombr has no stage presence is because he was never meant to be a performer.
“his father is a CEO of some sort of major music company & he’s a mega nepo baby”.
While one posted: “Sombr is a f***ing nepo baby i knew something was fishy about him”.
It’s the latest saga surrounding his music career after a concert goer called out inappropriate jokes and bizarre segments at his concerts.
Sombr played a show in Washington, D.C. earlier this month, which 25-year-old TikTok user Megan Tomasic attended.
She posted a videoon Wednesday recapping the whole experience, calling it “genuinely the worst concert” she’d ever seen.
She quickly realised she wasn’t the target audience – describing “thousands of tweens running around like they were at a middle-school dance” at the concert.
She claimed the singer made “a bunch of niche meme references for like the 12-to-16-year-old age range” through large parts of the show.
“It was like brain rot on stage,” she added.
The star, who won his first VMA Award last month, said anyone who attends his concerts should be aware of his ‘online presence’Credit: Getty
The video, which went viral on the platform, prompted Sombr himself to respond.
“Anyone who knows me knows I’ve never uttered a serious word in my life,” he said.
“And also, I make jokes for five minutes of the concert and the rest is music. Like, live a little, enjoy life.”
“Every age, sex, sexuality, gender, race, everyone is welcome at my concert, and I mean everyone,” he said. “You guys need to find problematic people to hate on because I am just existing.”
He ended his video with a “quick tutorial” where he touched grass, a Gen Z reference which essentially means ‘get a life’.
Sombr is an avid user of TikTok, where he has 4,2M followers, and regularly posts for fansCredit: Tiktok
PARIS Fury has predicted her hubby Tyson will burst into tears when he walks their daughter Venezuela down the aisle.
The wife of ex-world heavyweight champion Tyson, 37, has opened up about the surprise family engagement, and revealed that 16-year-old Venezuela’s fiance boxer boyfriend Noah Price asked Gypsy King Tyson’s permission before popping the question.
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Paris Fury has revealed boxer Tyson will burst into tears when he walks their daughter down the aisleCredit: GettyVenezuela got engaged at her 16th birthday partyCredit: InstagramVenezuela with now fiance Noah Price at Ascot last yearCredit: InstagramThe family at Venezuala’s birthdayCredit: TikTok/@parisvenezuela
Paris said: “I think Tyson will get teary and emotional giving Venezuela away. He might be strong, but underneath he is softer than I am.
“If he is feeling the love that day, he will be balling. She’s our daughter.”
She added: “Hopefully it’s not too close in the future though, we hope Venezuela has time to embrace her engagement.
Recalling the proposal, which saw Noah get down on one knee in front of Venezuela’s family and friends last month, she said: “Noah asked for Tyson’s permission to propose to her at her 16th birthday shortly before he proposed.
“I didn’t get involved, but I had an inkling it might happen.
“It’s an old fashioned tradition, Tyson asked my dad for his permission to propose to me, we believe in that.”
She added: “But when it happened I was so nervous and my hands were shaking.”
Speaking at the launch of her new Eternal Collagen, held at the Grosvenor House Suites in London on Thursday (MUST REF) mum-of-seven Paris hopes her business venture inspires Venezuela to continue working as an influencer once she is married.
She said: “I want to inspire my kids, you can be a mum, and a wife and have it all.
“I know Venezuela is only 16, but she’s happy, we support her. I know in my heart this is the right thing for her.
“In the traveller, gypsy community, traditionally we get married young, I was 17, but 50 years ago everyone in England got married young.
“I’ve given Venezuela every option in life and this is what she has chosen, she has an independent woman and makes decisions for herself.”
Speaking about the secret to her long-lasting relationship with Tyson Paris said: “You can’t delude yourself that relationships are hard, there will always be ups and downs.
“But Tyson and I have just renewed our wedding vows and we are cringingly still in love, even after all these years.
“We’re still madly in love.
“As long as the good times outweigh the bad times. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I look at Tyson and think, ‘you’re a pain in my the arse’ but most of the time I love him.
“You have to put the time in, especially when you’re juggling family and work. We’re being negligent at the minute, as we love to do date night, and we have had it enough.
How Venezuela Fury ‘could be a millionaire by age 16’ with her own modelling career
WITH a heavyweight boxing champ for a dad and a bestselling author mum, it’s likely that Venezuela Fury has a bright future ahead of her.
And the 15-year-old is already shaping up to be one of the most popular teenagers on the internet, racking up 70,000 followers on Instagram and more than 200,000 followers on TikTok.
The star has already caught the attention of modelling agencies, who have claimed that her unique style could make her a “millionaire by the time she’s 16.”
Gemma Howorth, Founder of Body London Model Management is convinced that Venezuela’s “gorgeous” looks and “strong social presence”, could make her a lot of money from modelling – before she even turns 16.
“Venezuela is very young but if correctly managed could really do well with a strong fashion-focused brand like Boohoo and then go on to develop an exciting modelling career,” she said.
According to Carol Needham, who runs Needham’s Models, Venezuela could even follow in the footsteps of Katie Price’s daughter, 17-year-old Princess Andre, and sign a deal with PrettyLittleThing.
“Seeing someone like Venezuela Fury is truly unique,” Carol said.
“She’s almost 6ft tall at 15 years old and has her own signature style in modelling, especially with her teapot pose.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if PrettyLittleThing wanted to snap her up!”
Princess signed a four-figure deal with the fast-fashion brand back in January, and some experts predict the move could see her become a millionaire by the time she’s 18.
“We love to have a date night at the movies with popcorn or go 10 pin bowling, just as long as we are together and having fun.
“It’s about getting glammed up and flirting, you’ve got to flirt and date each other. It helps keep the love alive, I love it when Tyson has had a shave.”
Paris has partnered with Eternal Collagen, which she calls the perfect solution for busy women looking to take care of themselves.
Unlike other products on the market, Eternal Collagen delivers a strong 15,000 milligrams per shot of super strength hydrolysed marine collagen and is packed with essential vitamins, including vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin B12.
Speaking about her collaboration with Eternal Collagen, Paris said: “It’s got all the vitamins that you need to make you healthy and glow.
“Since I’ve started taking it I’ve noticed so many changes, I never used to be able to grow my nails, but now I can.
“My skin is glowing and clear, my hair is growing fast and I keep having to go to the hairdressers. I also feel really great, all my kids got ill recently, but I didn’t get it, that’s because it’s so good for your immune system.”
She added: “I would only endorse a product I believe in.”
Venezuela is set to have a ‘knees-up with as much glitz and glamour as possible’Credit: instagramNoah Price popped the question at Venezuela’s sweet 16th birthday partyCredit: instagram
THEY say an apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – and in the case of Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter it could hardly be more appropriate.
Yesterday we revealed Apple Martin’s first photoshoot, posing with a python in an ad campaign for fashion brand Self-Portrait.
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Apple Martin’s recent fashion roles have fuelled accusations she could be this year’s Ultimate Nepo BabyCredit: Gap Studio/Mario SorrentiShe recently collaborated with her famous mum Gwyneth Paltrow for a high profile Gap shootCredit: Mario Sorrenti / Gap / BEEMApple with her famous dad, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin
And last week saw her collaboration with her mum for a high-profile Gap shoot.
But the 21-year-old model, singer and socialite insists we should all forget the nepo baby label — because it’s all thanks to her parents “instilling a work mentality in her”.
“I should not be entitled to anything, I have to work,” she said in a recent interview.
But what Apple means by “work” is raising a few eyebrows in the world of showbiz.
Singing on records by her dad’s band Coldplay, cameos in her mum’s Netflix documentaries, and even a movie role — despite having zero acting experience — are only fuelling accusations that she could well be this year’s ultimate nepo baby, or the child whose success is seen as resulting from their parents’ connections.
A showbiz insider said: “Apple has all the qualities to be the new It girl.
“She’s got girl-next-door looks and has a sweet and innocent demeanour, but deep down she has a wild side.
“She’s sure to ruffle a few feathers as she makes her way in the modeling world.
“And whether she likes it or not, she’s definitely one of the nepos to watch.”
But showing she is not afraid to hit back at the naysayers, the fiery model said: “I constantly remind myself how grateful I am to have these opportunities. I know this is not a normal way to grow up, by any means.
“But my parents did a really good job of instilling in me that I shouldn’t be entitled to anything.”
Apple claims she always wanted to be a model, recalling how she “did run runway walks” in her bedroom while dressed for school, practising her version of Ben Stiller’s Blue Steel pose from the film Zoolander.
She said: “I’ve always been obsessed with fashion. I remember when my mum would do fittings for photoshoots when I was younger, I’d love to just hang out while she was getting her make-up done on set.”
My parents did a really good job of instilling in me that I shouldn’t be entitled to anything
Apple Martin
Given that dad Chris is the super-clean frontman of the world’s most inoffensive band, Apple’s personality — as well as her looks — is perhaps more aligned with her Hollywood-star mum, who knows all too well about divisive images.
Gwyneth — herself the nepo baby of film director Bruce Paltrow and actress Blythe Danner — was a self-confessed party girl in the Nineties and famously bragged about loving the buzz of “doing cocaine and not getting caught” during her twenties in New York.
It’s yet to be seen how Apple gets her kicks on a night out, but her parties have certainly gained quite a reputation after police were forced to shut down one particularly raucous bash in 2022 with 50 of her pals at Gwyneth’s estate in the Hamptons — the affluent seaside resort on New York’s Long Island.
Apple insists her parents have ‘instilled a work mentality’ in herCredit: The Mega AgencyApple with mum Gwyneth Paltrow in 2016Credit: gwynethpaltrow/instagramApple’s first photoshoot was for a new Self Portrait fashion campaignCredit: Ryan McGinley
Mum was out of town at the time but according to neighbours, the revellers were “partying like rock stars” and made so much noise, angry locals had no choice but to call the cops.
Apple reportedly ended up receiving a fine for hosting a gathering without a permit. Her parents have a combined worth of £320million, so it’s unlikely she would have struggled to pay it.
Apple, who was born in London, was educated in California, attending the £30,000-a-year Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, where she graduated in 2022.
She is now studying English and history at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Her taste for fashion has been evident since she got a job in a clothes shop aged 15.
I don’t think we need another celebrity child in the world
Apple Martin
She attended her first runway show in 2023, sitting front row at the Chanel Haute Couture show in Paris, and said afterwards she was developing her own style, a mix of “classic ’90s and cool grandpa”.
Apart from brief appearances in her mum’s Netflix shows and Instagram pictures, as well as singing on Coldplay songs — including 2021 single Higher Power — Apple has only entered the limelight in the last few years, when signs of her personality have begun to shine through.
In April this year she gave a bolshy take on growing up in the public eye for high-end fashion mag Interview — where she worked as an intern — in which she admitted she used to be “anxious about making mistakes”.
She added that she had been put off showbiz because “I don’t think we need another celebrity child in the world.”
She continued: “I just try to do what feels right and block out anything regarding me in the news to the best of my ability.
“And I’m getting a lot better at being like, ‘F*** it’. I’m not going to be scared. I just want to do what seems fun and figure my life out.”
But Apple’s steely approach was put to the test last year when she made her debut at the high-society Le Bal des Débutantes — a modern version of the old debutante ball — in Paris.
The bash at the $1,000-a-night Hotel Shangri-La was supposed to signal her arrival, in a stunning Valentino gown, as a new Hollywood power player.
But instead Apple suffered an online backlash after she was accused of deliberately photobombing a fellow guest and forcing her out of the frame, then pouting and posing for several photos.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin with their children Apple and Moses
After the footage went viral, social media users branded her “obnoxious”, “entitled” and “giving Regina George” — a reference to the notorious queen bee in the 2004 movie Mean Girls.
But rather than give a mature response, Apple instead poked fun at the situation, posting a video on TikTok with a pal jokingly stating that they are both “a delight” and “very funny” — which only served to earn her the nickname “Rotten Apple”.
Gwyneth was also at the ball with ex-husband Chris and Apple’s 19-year-old brother Moses, who is the lead singer in up-and-coming band Dancer.
She has previously admitted that despite Apple’s recent claims that her parents don’t want her to be “entitled”, there is little doubt that she is — but Gwyneth sees it as positive.
Talking about Apple and her pals, she said: “They have, and I mean this word in the best possible way, a sense of entitlement that’s beautiful.
“It’s not spoiled . . . I find it very uplifting and heartening that we all seem to be going in this direction together.”
Even so, Gwyneth knows Apple’s spiky side too, having received a ticking off from her for posting a snap of her on Instagram when she was 14.
Apple commented under Gwyneth’s post, ranting: “Mom we have discussed this. You may not post anything without my consent.”
Sassy response
She later deleted the remark after her mum replied: “You can’t even see your face.”
Apple also gave a sassy response when her mum posted a picture of herself making breakfast while topless, writing: “Did I steal your shirt by accident”.
And she also ripped into Gwyneth’s morning routine while trolling the TikTok account of her lifestyle brand Goop, saying: “She eats nothing except for dates and almond butter,” adding that Gwyneth had been on a cleanse “since the day I was born, apparently”.
But when asked how she stays grounded, Apple said: “Hanging out with my friends and trying to have a normal college experience makes me feel more normal.
“That’s how I like to unwind. We’ll sit down and do little guitar playing sessions, one person will play and the others will sing.
“I also love watching reality TV with my friends. There was one day we spent five hours on the couch and just watched old episodes of America’s Next Top Model.”
Normal? Or nepo? You decide.
Apple made her debut at the high society Le Bal des Débutantes in ParisCredit: tiktok/@parismatch
HE is among the world’s highest-paid male models, with smouldering good looks and a six-pack you could grate cheese on.
But David Gandy has swapped his jet-setting lifestyle for school runs, sleeping alone and discussions about HRT after becoming a father.
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Model David Gandy has swapped his jet-setting lifestyle for school runsCredit: David Gandy Wellwear
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The Brit hunk has daughters Matilda, six, and Tabitha, three, with partner Steph Mendoros, aboveCredit: Getty – Contributor
The Essex-born hunk — who has daughters Matilda, six, and Tabitha, three, with partner Steph Mendoros — may be desired by women across the globe.
But he spent three months kipping by himself on the floor after Tabitha’s birth in 2021, because she was taking up his side of the bed.
In his most candid interview yet, David — who shot to fame wearing tiny white briefs in Dolce & Gabbana ads — tells the latest episode of Fabulous’ No Parental Guidance podcast: “Steph, in the first few months, was sleeping with the baby and was breastfeeding.
“And just so she got a good night’s sleep, she would have the baby there falling asleep.
“That is a situation where you are just going to be a hindrance. You are taking up room. You can’t help.”
He adds: “So when we were building our house, Steph had just given birth to Tabs.
I failed at labour. I kind of turned into George Clooney from ER and thought, “I’m delivering this baby. I was at the business end and the midwifehad to ask me to get out of the way
David
“We were staying in Steph’s old flat while the house was being built, and Matilda had this little room.
“I had nowhere to sleep. I slept on the floor for three months. I had to spin like a dog, trying to find somewhere to sleep.
‘Christmas alone’
“But as long as your partner can get sleep, that’s the main thing. I am fine with no sleep. Steph is awful.”
Since settling down with Steph, a barrister, heartthrob David is now more likely to be found hanging out with the other dads at the school gates than strutting his stuff on the catwalk.
And it seems the menopause is a hot topic for men as well as women.
“The dads have had the [HRT] discussion at the school gates,” David, 45, tells comedian Hannah East and model and influencer Louise Boyce, who host the podcast.
“They say, ‘Get the patch’. Then one dad will go, ‘They’re very horny on the patch!’.”
David and Steph got together in 2016 and daughter Matilda was born two years later.
The model admits that when his girlfriend went into labour, he turned into George Clooney’s character Dr Doug Ross from US hospital drama, ER.
“I failed at labour,” he says. “We still argue about it. I kind of turned into George Clooney from ER and thought, ‘I’m delivering this baby’.
Of course I tried the gas and air. They told me to go and have a sleep and then Steph needed me and the midwife had to go back to Steph and say, ‘I can’t wake him up
David
“I was down at the business end. The midwife had to ask me if she could have her stool back and if I could get out of the way.”
Like most men, David could not resist having a sneaky puff of the gas and air intended to relieve labour pains — only for it to knock him out completely.
He reveals: “Of course I tried the gas and air. They told me to go and have a sleep and then Steph needed me and the midwife had to go back to Steph and say, ‘I can’t wake him up’,” he recalls.
It is all a world away from David’s globe-trotting days as a top-earning male model with an estimated £12million fortune.
After growing up in Billericay, he went on to study marketing at the University of Gloucestershire, where his flatmate entered him into a modelling competition on ITV’s This Morning without his knowledge.
He went on to win a contract with Select Model Management — and a star was born.
His now- infamous campaign for Dolce and Gabanna’s Light Blue fragrance in 2007 — which saw him squeeze into tiny white trunks to cavort on a boat with a brunette — set women’s pulses racing and launched him to stardom.
He now has more than one million followers on Instagram as well as 25million likes on TikTok, not to mention high-profile campaigns for Burberry and Hugo Boss.
After meeting Steph and becoming a dad, he cut back on the commitments that involved him take around 100 flights a year, and has recently launched his own line of underwear for his David Gandy Wellwear brand.
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David on holiday with one of his daughtersCredit: instagram/davidgandy_official
But it could have ended very differently for David — who has also had high-profile romances with singer Mollie King, musical theatre actress Samantha Barks and TV host Laura Whitmore — because he thought Steph had stood him up on their first date nine years ago.
“We met through one of my good friends,” he recalls.
“We kind of knew each other before — we only lived a mile and a half away from each other. We arranged to go for a date, but Steph has a terrible sense of direction and ended up in the wrong pub.”
He adds: “When me and Steph got together, there was a discussion, like ‘When are we having children?’.
“I said I’ve been working solidly. I didn’t take holidays. I didn’t take time off.
“I spent Christmas alone because I was so exhausted sometimes. I just want two years of us two to enjoy being together’.”
Now, having had two kids with Steph, David thinks there should be more education for men about the hormone changes women go through when they embrace parenthood.
“When babies are born, no one ever tells the husband about the hormones,” he says. “Your wife’s hormones are all over the place, before and after giving birth.
I think we are so scared to let our children even out the front door
David
“No one explains that you are probably going to be wrong about everything for the next year and to just put up with it. Just go, ‘OK darling’.”
‘Give kids freedom’
While, nowadays, parents are often super-protective and more overbearing than previous generations, David is making a conscious effort to relax when it comes to raising his daughters.
He explains: “I’m trying to tell myself not to be too protective.
“I think we are so scared to let our children even out the front door.
At nine years old, I was on a bike going through Billericay, travelling five miles out, and my parents were like, ‘It’s cool’.
“My kids are outside for 20 seconds at a supermarket and I’m panicking. I just think we need to allow our kids a bit more freedom.
“That’s advice for all of us — ‘Don’t worry, no one knows what they’re doing’. Generally, everyone turns out OK.”
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The star shot to fame wearing tiny white briefs in Dolce & Gabbana ads
But while he tries to be laid back, David, who is also an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, admits he is not a fan of the trend for “gentle parenting”.
He says: “I teach them, ‘You’re not having iPads. First of all, you have a conversation around the dinner table’.
“I take colouring stuff and I always make sure they’re entertained so they are not bored.
“But they are very polite. I’ve always said, ‘You don’t talk to someone like that. You don’t ask someone like that. Go and get it yourself. Go and do it yourself’.
“I got to a point with my mum and dad where they just needed to give me a look. It seems to work.
“My mum’s best threat that used to shut me up really quickly was, ‘I’m going to come and take your pants down in front of everyone and smack your bum’.
“My mum and dad never smacked me, but it was the threat of my bum being pulled out in front of everyone.”
And while his children might have excellent table manners, David jokes they treat him like a live-in chef at their home in London’s Richmond Park.
He says: “We have a pretty good rhythm going now. I do mornings — the kids are up with me.
“I do the breakfast, which they order from me.
“I am the waiter. I say, ‘What would you like? Do you want porridge today?’.
“And they say, ‘Daddy, I don’t want porridge, I want waffles. Can I have waffles with honey?’. Matilda musy think she’s at a Michelin-star restaurant.
“It’s actually not that chaotic. I put everything out in the evening as I am not a morning person.
A SAVVY entrepreneur ditched her boring desk job at ASOS and is now raking in as much as £56,000 in a single day.
Aimee Smale, has taken her fashion brand Odd Muse from a bedroom side hustle to a multi-million-pound empire.
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Aimee Smale quit her £21,000 a year job at AsosCredit: iNSTAGRAM/ @ODDMUSELONDON
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The entrepreneur now runs a multi-million pound businessCredit: iNSTAGRAM/ mOLLIE fRECKFLIES
The twenty-eight year old has now cemented her place among luxury giants by flinging open the doors to her first UK flagship on London’s exclusive New Bond Street.
Humble beginnings
Just a few years ago, Aimee was slogging away in a £21,000-a-year admin role, feeling unfulfilled working from home during the pandemic.
But with a burning ambition, she started a clever side hustle, flogging £10 logos to Brits who’d started small businesses in lockdown.
“Finishing ASOS, closing my laptop, staying up all night to just make logos. But it got me £12,000 for Odd Muse.”
Aimee’s dream was to have her own fashion brand and so she began saving to start what would become her own fashion empire.
Aimee ploughed her entire side-hustle earnings into ordering the first batch of stock, admitting she was “almost arrogant” in her belief that it would be a roaring success.
She ordered 100 units of her now-iconic blazer, and her bold gamble paid off big time, selling out in days and breaking even instantly.
A significant moment for Odd Muse came when influencer Lorna Luxe purchased the blazer, leading to a massive surge in sales.
I was so shy growing up but now my fashion brand Odd Muse is worth £5 million after forcing myself to be confident
Aimee shared, “I remember saying to everyone – everyone would be like who do you want to wear your brand and I would say Lorna. Anyone in the world – Lorna.
“She literally bought it, put it on her story, and it changed the game for me.”
The success of the Ultimate Muse Blazer was followed by the launch of the Pearl Dress, which sold out within a minute.
The brand made over £100k in its first three months and is now a certified smash hit, turning over a whopping £5.2 million in 2023.
Fashion visionary
Aimee’s vision was to create timeless, luxury clothes that young women could actually afford, offering an alternative to the world of throwaway fast fashion.
She previously told The Sun: “I just remember thinking fashion when I left university aged 21 was fast fashion, which is all we can afford, and the luxury sector is unattainable.
“I just wanted to offer a fast fashion alternative and justify a price point that encouraged re-wearing and investing in your wardrobe.”
Flagship store opening
Now, Aimee has officially taken over one of the most prestigious shopping streets in the world, having opened her glitzy new store on October 3.
Despite her mega-success, she admitted on TikTok she still gets terrified no one will show up to her events, a fear that was quickly squashed when 2,000 eager fans turned up to a recent sample sale.
The fashion mogul revealed she was even warned against the bold move onto Bond Street.
“I was told no… I didn’t need to take on New Bond Street,” she said.
But Aimee was determined to create a space for her loyal fans, “inviting our community into a world luxury fashion previously didn’t think to invite them into.”
The shy girl from class is now the poster girl for her own business, using her relatable personality on TikTok to connect with thousands of customers worldwide.
She credits this authentic approach for building a massive community, with a staggering 60% of orders now coming from the US.
Meanwhile, the company’s permanent boutique in London’s Covent Garden celebrated its second anniversary back in March.
From her bedroom to Bond Street, Aimee’s incredible journey shows what can happen when you have a bit of northern grit and a brilliant idea.
As she puts it, seeing addresses from all over the world flooding in made her realise “Odd Muse was going to be something big.”
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Odd Muse opened its UK flagship store on 77 New Bond StreetCredit: iNSTAGRAM/@ODDMUSELONDON
A surgery addict has spent a jaw-dropping amount of cash to get the ‘world’s biggest bum’Credit: Youtube/Truly
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But Natasha Crown’s ‘before’ photos have now left the internet gobsmacked, with some crying at how “gorgeous” she was before going under the knifeCredit: Youtube/Truly
Natasha, who is 6’1 and describes herself as an “Amazon,” said she first realised she wanted a super-sized bum at the age of 17.
Three years later, she started her cosmetic journey from an “athletic teen to a curvy goddess.”
Now, Natasha has spent over $150,000 [£111,650] going under the knife and has had five Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL).
Read more surgery stories
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a painful surgery where fat is taken from the stomach, lips, lower back, or thighs and transferred to the buttocks.
This results in an hourglass figure and a larger bum and can cost up to £8,000.
Not only is it expensive, but it is incredibly dangerous and has in some cases led to death.
But Natasha has no desire to stop surgeries any time soon, as she explained: “When I was 17, I saw a girl with a really big bum, and I was sold.
“I have added 100lbs [7stone 1lbs] to this big bum.
“I love having big curves. Everything needs to be big.
I’m 30 & have had 4 BBL’s – trolls say my bum looks like a wisdom tooth but I don’t care about the risks, I want curves
“I love surgery and I will keep going. I’m growing my bum to be over 100 inches.”
As well as five BBLs, Natasha, who is “famous” for her big bum and believes “the bigger the booty, the better,” has also had breast implants, Botox and fillers.
When I’m out, people stare. Online, people are mean, but it doesn’t affect me
Natasha Crown
But she doesn’t have any fears the impact of such procedures will have, as she added: “I don’t have any concerns about my health.”
Getting candid on the public’s reaction to her look, Natasha claimed that her “body shapescares men.”
What are the risks of getting surgery abroad?
IT’S important to do your research if you’re thinking about having cosmetic surgery abroad.
It can cost less than in the UK, but you need to weigh up potential savings against the potential risks.
Safety standards in different countries may not be as high.
No surgery is risk-free. Complications can happen after surgery in the UK or abroad.
If you have complications after an operation in the UK, the surgeon is responsible for providing follow-up treatment.
Overseas clinics may not provide follow-up treatment, or they may not provide it to the same standard as in the UK.
Also, they may not have a healthcare professional in the UK you can visit if you have any problems.
Source: NHS
She continued: “When I’m out, people stare. Online, people are mean, but it doesn’t affect me.”
Discussing the reality of having such a large derrière, the content creator admitted: “Things that are difficult having this big butt – when I fly, I need to have two seats. I bump into people when I’m at restaurants.”
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Natasha, pictured here before surgeryCredit: Youtube/Truly
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Natasha had her first procedure at the age of 20Credit: Youtube/Truly
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Natasha loves her “big booty” and has also had breast implantsCredit: Instagram
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She claimed that her “body shape scares men”Credit: Instagram
One person said: “I wish she knew how beautiful her natural self was.”
Another added: “The before is better.”
She was gorgeous before
YouTube user
A third commented: “She was so gorgeous.”
Meanwhile, alongside a crying emoji, someone else sobbed: “She was gorgeous before.”
Not only this, but another user chimed in and claimed: “Delusion at its finest.”
At the same time, another wrote: “The doctors should have their licenses revoked! This is insane! I could find way better things to spend all that money on!”
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club
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YouTube users thought she “delusional”Credit: Barcroft Media.
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Others even claimed “doctors should have their licenses revoked”Credit: Rex Features
A 20-YEAR-OLD mother has revealed how she really spends her Universal Credit payments.
Skye Byrne, a young mum from the UK, claimed that not only has she treated herself to a holiday, but she even splashed the cash in Sainsbury’s on a huge homeware haul.
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A young mother has shared how she spends her Universal CreditCredit: tiktok/@skyebyrnex
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As well as booking a holiday abroad, Skye Byrne also treated herself to some new homeware from Sainsbury’sCredit: tiktok/@skyebyrnex
And as well as stocking up her daughter’s wardrobe, she also indulged with a McDonald’s takeaway.
She said: “What I spend in a day, UC Benefit Britain Edition.”
Skye kicked off her morning with a Universal Credit appointment and was quick to clap at trolls who have criticised her for booking a trip abroad.
Read more on Universal Credit
She said: “For everyone that said, ‘you shouldn’t be going on holiday when you’re on UC,’ well, I told my work coach and she cried, she actually cried because she knows how much I’ve been wanting so badly to take my daughter on a holiday and she was so happy and thrilled for us, so, yeah, suck on that, everyone.”
Following this, Skye then headed to her local supermarket and stocked up on homeware buys and clothes for her daughter.
She added: “I went into Sainsbury’s and picked up these little bits and bobs for the house – I got three pillows and a blanket.”
As well as this, Skye also nabbed some tea towels and place mats, bringing her interior purchases to a total cost of £48.
However, Skye then picked up two pairs of £3.50 leggings and a pair of £7 jeggings for her child.
Following this, she also nabbed a pair of beige trousers and a PAW Patrol bottle, but was lost for words when she went to the till and saw the total cost of her haul.
I’m a ‘UC bandit’ & love the £2.7k I get, I couldn’t imagine working for minimum wage
The benefits recipient shared: “Honestly, I almost had a heart attack when I saw the price – this all came to £88, I was stunned.”
But the money spending clearly didn’t stop there, as Skye ended her day with a takeaway.
So glad my taxes are being spent wisely
TikTok user
Although Skye didn’t splurge masses on her fast food as it cost her just £2.99.
“Then went into Maccas cause I was quite hungry, so I picked up a triple cheeseburger,” she concluded.
Am I entitled to Universal Credit?
According to the GOV website, if you’re on a low income or need help with your living costs, then you could be entitled to Universal Credit.
To claim, you must live in the UK, be aged 18 or over (with some exceptions if you’re 15 to 17), be under State Pension age, and have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments.
Other circumstances are if you are out of work, or unable to work, for example because of a health condition.
Social media users react
Skye’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @skyebyrnex, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 32,100 views.
But social media users were fuming by how Skye spent her money and many raced to the comments to express this.
One person said: “So glad my taxes are being spent wisely.”
I am allowed a nice home for my daughter to live in. I’m also allowed to take my daughter on holidays and enjoy her childhood
Skye Byrne
Another added: “How can you afford to shop in Sainsbury’s on UC? I’m lucky if I can afford Primark nowadays.”
Details of all your income, such as existing benefits, tax credits, earnings from employment and your pensions,
Details of your partner’s income if you’re married, in a civil partnership or living with someone as a couple. You will be assessed as a couple
Information on any savings you have,
How much you pay in council tax per year, and whether you get any discounts, reductions or exemptions,
Details of your rent or mortgage payments,
Employment and income information about anyone else living with you, such as grown-up children,
Details about your carer’s allowance if you receive it.
You’ll need to make sure that the information provided is as accurate as possible to get the truest estimate.
At the same time, one user questioned: “Isn’t UC designed to help you survive when you aren’t working? Not for pillows? And apparently a holiday.”
In response, Skye shared: “1. I am allowed a nice home for my daughter to live in. 2. I’m also allowed to take my daughter on holidays and enjoy her childhood.”
Meanwhile, someone else asked: “How on earth do you afford to go on holiday?”
Setting the record straight, Skye wrote back and confirmed: “I save. I make sure I can do these things for my daughter.”
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club
SHE described her stint on Dragons’ Den as the “biggest and the most public rejection” ever – but Zara Saleem has had the last laugh.
The 37-year-old mum-of-two, who quit her underpaid £27k-a-year job, now has a business worth £5 million – and she started it all with just £500 at her kitchen table.
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A savvy businesswoman has revealed all on how she went from a teacher earning £27,000 a year to owning a business worth £5 millionCredit: Delhicious
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Zara Saleem runs Delhicious alongside her husband and co-founder Zak Ismail, 36Credit: Delhicious
But things haven’t all been smooth sailing for Zara, who has two daughters, aged eight and seven and her thriving beauty brand, Delhicious.
Not only did she deal with a huge plummet in sales during the coronavirus lockdown, but she’s also been faced with numerous rejections by top high-street retailers too.
However, now sales are flying for the award-winning skincare brand, which is approved by dermatologists and clinically tested.
Opening up on her business journey, Zara exclusively tells us: “I had no money when I started – we had no more than £500.
“We started with just buying a small batch of ingredients and a tiny bit of packaging. Everything else that we could do for free, we did for free, including making the website.
“The first year of revenue was very low. It was around £50,000 in year one. But now, we’ve made over £5 million since we launched.
“We’ve sold over 100,000 bottles of hair oil – we sold 10,000 bottles in three days.
“We are currently on track to make between £2 and £3 million this year and are hoping to scale the business to £8 million in the next two to three years.”
Making products in the kitchen
It was when Zara found herself having to mark up to 150 school books a day that she realised being an “underpaid” teacher was no longer for her.
And it was when Zara, who is married to her co-founder Zak Ismail, 36, came face to face with skin challenges in 2018 that the mother began making products in her kitchen.
I’ve made over £56k with a side hustle anyone can do – skint people must stop being scared and should try something new
Zak helped out too and whilst on maternity leave, things really took off, as the beauty guru, who lives in Wembley, London, explains: “I had really dry skin and really ugly, scaly patches that were really painful.
“I didn’t really want to use steroid creams and that’s when I started to experiment with ingredients that I knew had anti-inflammatory properties.
“I used to use black tea as a face toner, so I would brew the tea and add some oils, and I knew that it was a good anti-inflammatory.
“I formulated the body scrub in my kitchen and it had incredible results. Within a couple of days, my skin had almost completely cleared.”
We were really scared in the beginning but we took the risk. We were quite delusional
Zara Saleem
At the time, while Zara was employed as a teacher, her husband Zak was working in a corporate job.
However, their lifestyle was far from lavish, as she adds: “I wasn’t living a luxurious life at all.
“The money wasn’t great – teachers are incredibly underpaid for the amount of work that they do.”
The GlossyBox deal that changed everything
Unsure of the brand’s future, Zara shares: “It was never really meant to be a proper beauty brand – I didn’t really have it in my head how far I could take it.
“It was literally just me and my husband with the scrappy website that we made, hoping that we would get some sales.
“I had 20 bags of body scrub at the time and we had no sales coming in.
“I was like, ‘if I sell a couple of body scrubs, I’m great,’ but I was very much at home with my two children under two.”
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Zara got candid on her highs and lows, as well as her biggest public rejection yetCredit: Delhicious
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A collaboration with Glossybox really helped the brand to growCredit: Delhicious
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Hair products have also proved profitable and the brand has sold over 100,000 bottles of hair oilCredit: Delhicious
But it was a huge deal with GlossyBox that really made the business take off, as Zara recognises: “Once we’d launched and started to get a couple of sales, I was adamant that I wanted to try and get some press, so I started to reach out to a couple of journalists.
“I went on the radio and then after that, we got approached by GlossyBox, who at the time were the biggest beauty box around, and beauty boxes around that time were really taking off. They wanted to place an order of 100,000 units.
“We were still making products in our kitchen. We had no manufacturer, we had no idea how we would actually be able to fulfil the order, but we took it on and turned our house into a factory.
“Our neighbours very kindly took our furniture in, we had our family and friends coming and filling body scrubs for us and we had a crazy four months where we hand-packed and made 100,000 body scrubs.
“I think it was at that point that we kind of thought, ‘this could actually be something.’”
Going viral on TikTok
After the success with GlossyBox, Zara and Zak turned to body balms – now one of their bestselling, award-winning products.
Zara explains: “We made our body balms which went super viral on TikTok because they had incredible results for people with eczema and psoriasis.
“Our fridge was full of balms and we couldn’t make enough because the minute we would put them online they were gone.
“We created waitlists. I think we had a waitlist of around 50,000 people at one point. It was actually insane.
“We started hitting five-figure sales a month. We were growing, growing, growing and sales were pouring in.”
How to start your own business
Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis revealed his tips for budding entrepreneurs:
One of the biggest barriers aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners face is a lack of confidence. You must believe in your idea — even more than that, be the one boring your friends to death about it.
Never be afraid to make decisions. Once you have an idea, it’s the confidence to make decisions that is crucial to starting and maintaining a business.
If you don’t take calculated risks, you’re standing still. If a decision turns out to be wrong, identify it quickly and deal with it if you can. Failing that, find someone else who can.
It’s OK not to get it right the first time. My experience of making bad decisions is what helped develop my confidence, making me who I am today.
Never underestimate the power of social media, and remember the internet has levelled the playing field for small businesses.
Don’t forget to dream. A machine can’t do that!
Whilst running the business, Zara returned to her teaching job, but shortly after, realised it was time to quit for good and focus on her business full-time. Soon after, Zak followed suit.
The couple were initially fearful to take the risk and Zara describes her actions as “delusional.” But in just three months, she had matched her monthly teacher wage.
The businesswoman shares: “We had no business background whatsoever. We were really scared in the beginning but we took the risk.
“We were quite delusional. I don’t think we thought things through enough to be honest.
“We were really lucky. We had a really supportive circle of family and friends who helped us get through.
“Who knows, if anyone did doubt us, but it wasn’t to our face.”
Rejection after rejection
But things haven’t always been easy for this couple, as Zara shares: “When we first launched, we aimed to get into Boots and buyers rejected us straight away.
“They were like, ‘no you’re not ready’, and I agree with that now.
“We’ve had multiple rejections – every single retailer you can think of rejected us.”
After sales plummeted in lockdown, just four years after launching the business, Zara decided to go on Dragons’ Den, where she asked for £50,000 for 15% of the business.
But Zara left the infamous den without an investment, as she shares: “I felt like the Dragons didn’t quite get the brand.
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But going on Dragons’ Den was a low point for ZaraCredit: Instagram
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Zara pitched her skincare business to the entrepreneursCredit: BBC
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But she left without an investmentCredit: BBC Studios
“But also, what had happened was, we had a spike in our sales with the GlossyBox order, and then after that, it was lockdown, which meant that I had both of my very small children at home, so I had to step back because I didn’t have any childcare available.
“I had to make that conscious decision to not invest as much time as I could in the business and obviously to the Dragons that didn’t sound good.
“I think they just didn’t really get it and they thought we were a TikTok brand. It felt like a little bit more of an excuse as to why they may not have wanted to invest.”
Reflecting on her time on the BBC show, the mother admits: “Dragons’ Den was probably the biggest and the most public rejection I’ve had, which was really difficult.
“Even before it aired, I was really nervous because I felt like I’d let myself down, I felt like I’d let the brand down because I didn’t get the investment.
“It was a really tough experience and at the time, I felt like I doubted everything about the brand.
I thought it would be good if I could have secured the investment, not for the money but more for the guidance, because obviously I didn’t have a mentor and we didn’t really know what we were doing
Zara Saleem
“They didn’t think it would scale and they didn’t think it was investable because of that one dip.
“And actually, rejection is always redirection and it’s something you need to overcome if you truly believe in whatever it is that you’re building.
“And I do fully believe in the brand, I believe in the ethos and the values of it, so I guess that keeps me going.
“I wasn’t relying on Dragons’ Den for the success of the business. I thought it would be good if I could have secured the investment, not for the money but more for the guidance, because obviously I didn’t have a mentor and we didn’t really know what we were doing.”
Expansion and £120,000 salaries
But despite walking away empty handed, it didn’t take long for things to pick up again for Delhicious.
As well as being online for Debenhams, Zara says: “Retail was a big move for us – we always wanted to be on the high street. We are in store in Beauty Base and exclusively in store with Superdrug.”
Things have since expanded from Zara and Zak’s kitchen and now, Delhicious is a team of five.
Zara adds: “We’ve got all UK manufacturers now – that process took us quite a long time.
Zara’s advice for those starting out in business
FOR those looking to start their own company, Zara shares her top tips.
She advises: “Even if it’s not perfect, just start. The way our brand looks now is very different to what it looked like five years ago. You can always change as you grow.
“I think a lot of women are held back by the idea that it needs to be perfect. Your business idea does not need to be perfect, you just need to make a start and believe that you can do it.
“You don’t need experience or lots of money. You do need to have resilience and determination, because you will get rejected a lot.
“It’s hard, business is hard, but don’t let the rejections put you off and just keep going. And be prepared for a lot of rejections.”
“Obviously when you’re making products at home, it’s a very different process – you’re making a couple of hundred to now making thousands at a time.”
“We used to pack every single order that used to come in. Now we have a fulfilment centre and it’s a very, streamlined process compared to how it was before, which was very hands-on by me and Zak literally seeing every order coming in, making the products, printing labels, and packing them ourselves.
“We’ve outsourced all of that so we can actually focus on the growth of the business.”
Being able to focus on the business growth has proved profitable for Zara and now, both she and Zak are on £120,000 salaries.
Life-changing success
Reflecting on the company’s success, she acknowledges: “We’ve had six-figure months – we’ve done at least £200,000 in one month.
“It’s been so life-changing in so many ways. Financially, to have that ease of mind, it’s incredible.
“I’m not a big spender but if we want to go on a nice holiday, we can go on a nice holiday.
“We’ve recently done a big house renovation, which was amazing – it’s something we’ve always wanted to do.
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Zara now gets a salary of £120,000Credit: Delhicious
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She is no longer making products and instead, focuses on growing the brandCredit: Delhicious
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She wants more women to get into businessCredit: Delhicious
“Going from a £27,000 salary to then being able to be on six-figures now – I would never have been able to get that in teaching.
“We’re very, very blessed and very lucky, but we’ve worked really hard for it.
“I’m still very modest, I’m very conscious of the way that I spend my money, and that’s something that I pass on to my children as well.”
Now that Zara is her own boss, she has much more flexibility over her life, as she beams: “I absolutely love that I can do all the school drop-offs and pick-ups. I have a lot of flexibility over my time which is so nice.
“Of course, we still do work a lot. People get the impression that when you run your own business, you’re not working as much.
“We work a lot but it’s on our own terms – that was the one thing that I couldn’t get in teaching and it used to break my heart.”
Zara is now on a mission to get more women into the industry, as she continues: “I’m a really big advocate for women going into business. I think it’s such a great way for women to be independent, but still be able to be present in their other roles. We need more women in business.”
Discussing the future of the business, Zara concludes: “Hopefully we’re going outside of the UK now as well and hoping to be able to expand distribution and go to more multiple retailers as well.
EMILY Ratajkowski raised the temperature as she posed for steamy lingerie snaps to promote her campaign with Lounge underwear.
The actress and model, 34, flaunted her famous figure in a selection of lingerie pieces from her collaboration with the underwear brand, and posted some of the saucy pics to her Instagram account.
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The mum-of-one looked radiant in a hot-pink bra, panties and garter set for one campaign shotCredit: Lounge/Morgan Maher
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Emily lay seductively on the floor for another snap, where she wore an all black bra and thong ensembleCredit: Lounge/Morgan Maher
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She showed off her slender frame in a standing shot from the promotional shoot for her Lounge campaignCredit: Lounge/Morgan Maher
Mum-of-one Emily donned a hot-pink bra, panties and garter set in one snap, as she posed suggestively with white sheets on a bed.
In another picture, the Gone Girl actress lay seductively on the floor in an all-black set as she looked directly into the camera.
The famously slender star also showed off her frame and toned stomach as she posed stood up in the all black ensemble,
The sexy lingerie pieces are part of the model’s collection with Lounge Underwear, dubbed “Emily’s Edit”.
Read more on Emily Ratajkowski
Speaking about the edit, Emily said: “Sexiness has nothing to do with what someone else sees. It’s about how I feel.
“I’m a mother, I’m a writer, I’m someone who loves fashion. I play a dozen different roles every day. I love that Lounge recognizes how multifaceted women can be.”
The edit, which features seasonal picks from the star, marks Lounge’s Fall 2025 collection, and also features clothing items including a suede blazer and matching shorts, a cherry lacquer argyle cardigan, and a chocolate sheer shirt paired with a coordinating skirt.
It comes a week after Emily was seen partying away with British pop star Charli XCX, after attending their wedding ceremony in Sicily, Italy.
The Brat star, 33, married her The 1975 drummer husband George Daniel in a small ceremony in London last month, before flying out to Italy to throw a huge celebration with family and close friends.
Emily was among a flurry of stars who attended the wedding, which included Matty Healy, Gabriette, Amelia Dimoldenberg and Julia Fox.
Emily Ratajkowski rocks the tiniest thong bikini ever on beach in Brazil as model friend applies her sunscreen
The model appeared to attend the ceremony alone – without her four-year-old son Sylvester Apollo Bear, who she shares with her ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard.
Emily finalized her divorce with the film producer, who faced a slew of sexual misconduct allegations, in July, after filing for divorce in September 2022.
The model sparked her latest romance rumours earlier this month, after she was spotted getting close to Caught Stealing actor Austin Butler in New York.
The pair were spotted together at the Waverly Inn in Manhattan’s West Village, in what could mark her first relationship since her divorce.
Emily recently revealed she would be making a career turn, as she gears up for a screen-writing debut on A24’s untitled drama series for Apple TV+, which is set to explore female identity and modern motherhood – with Lena Dunham and author Stephanie Danler.
“Lena was the first person who published my writing, on Lenny Letter, but she knew about me from Instagram,” she told Variety in July.
“I’ve had a lot of experiences, with Lena specifically, where she has seen past surface level things and given me so many opportunities.”
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Emily sparked dating rumours with film star Austin Butler after the pair were spotted together in ManhattanCredit: Deux Moi
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The model was since spotted at the Tory Burch S/S 2026 fashion show at New York Fashion Week earlier this monthCredit: Getty
Influencers are reportedly raging after an over-night sensation is given jungle spot
22:19, 27 Sep 2025Updated 22:19, 27 Sep 2025
Latest I’m A Celeb contestant sparks fury as influencers feel “stitched up”(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Social media influencers are reportedly fuming after TikTok star Angry Ginge is pipped for this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, as some are said to be feeling overlooked by ITV.
Angry Ginge, who is really 21-year-old Morgan Burtwhistle, has been added to the rumoured line-up for the hit ITV show, alongside Lisa Riley and Shona McGarty. The decision is thought to have sparked outrage amongst other social media stars, many of whom are said to feel “snubbed”.
A source said told the press: “It’s turned into an influencer war every single year now. There are some really big names in that space who have been trying to get into the jungle for ages, and they feel ITV keep ignoring them. First it was GK Barry last year, now it’s Angry Ginge – people are fuming.”
Angry Ginge, whose content focuses on FIFA, has more than 3 million followers across TikTok and Instagram and has already filmed videos with football stars such as Wayne Rooney. He even participated in Soccer Aid this year. It is thought that ITV bosses are eager to get the TikTokker into the jungle as GK Barry was popular on last year’s series.
The insider said this was souring the mood for influencers off camera, especially those who have been in talks with ITV for years. “The mood behind the scenes is not good. Some of these influencers have been in proper talks with ITV for years.
“They were already furious when GK Barry got the call-up last year, and now they’re watching another online star — who’s barely been around five minutes compared to them — bag the jungle spot. They feel stitched up.”
Despite the backlash, the I’m A Celeb producers are reportedly excited by their line-up. Lisa, who is known for playing Mandy Dingle on Emmerdale for 30 years, is already a fan of the show is rumoured to be heading to the jungle. EastEnders‘ Shona McGarty is also said to be joining the show, as she has now left the soap after 16 years on it.
Angry Ginge is thought to have been signed as part of a plan to draw in the next generation of viewers. ITV have recently struck a deal that has secured I’m A Celeb’s future until 2030, which will mark 30 years of the show. With that in mind, producers are rumoured to be hoping to attract younger viewers.
The Express’ source added that influencers are still pushing for a spot in the jungle, but this push is not a happy one. “It doesn’t matter who else is going in. Right now the influencer community is at war with ITV, and Angry Ginge is right in the middle of it.”
DONALD Trump has signed an executive order laying the groundwork for China to hand over TikTok to US owners following “very good talks” with Xi Jinping.
Dealmaster Don said he had come to an agreement with the Chinese leader following years of speculation surrounding the fate of the beloved $14billion social media giant.
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Donald Trump signs an executive order regarding a new TikTok deal on September 25Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Trump said he had ‘very good talks’ with Chinese leader Xi JinpingCredit: Alamy
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It ends months of speculation around the app’s futureCredit: Getty
In a major U-turn by Beijing – who once slammed the idea of giving TikTok to Washington as “robbery” – Chinese officials have now agreed to hand over the prized platform.
The landmark deal will separate the popular video-sharing hub from its Chinese parent company ByteDance – in a key step allowing TikTok to keep operating in America.
Trump said the agreement would comply with a bipartisan law that would have forced the app’s shutdown if it was not divested and sold to a US owner.
The US President said: “I spoke with President Xi and he said: ‘Go ahead with it.’
“This is going to be American-operated all the way.”
The groundbreaking plan will see US investors oversee the vast majority of TikTok‘s operations.
A coalition of American owners are expected to take charge of 80 per cent of the app – while Chinese investors will have a 20 per cent stake.
They will also gain a licensed copy of the cutting-edge recommendation algorithm retrained solely with US data.
The controversial digital recipe which shows users content based on their preferences previously stirred alarming concern among US officials.
China hawks warned the ByteDance-crafted algorithm could be weaponised by the CCP to influence content seen by hundreds of millions of Americans every day.
Donald Trump officially rebrands the Department of Defense with Pete Hegseth now named the Secretary of War
But US officials have failed to present any evidence proving China has ever attempted to do so.
The new US version of the spun off firm will be valued at $14billion, US Vice President JD Vance said.
But the new figure doesn’t compare to ByteDance’s overall valuation, which is estimated to stand at a staggering $330billion.
TikTok’s social media arch nemesis Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, is valued at $1.8trillion.
The new investing team will be spearheaded by US software giant Oracle.
The firm will oversee US operations for TikTok, provide cloud service for user data storage and obtain the elusive algorithm license.
The alliance of investors is set to include Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, News Corp owner Rupert Murdoch and Dell CEO Michael Dell.
Trump said of the potential new owners: “Great investors. The biggest. They don’t get bigger.”
Vance said more details about who is involved in the huge deal will be announced over the coming days.
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Trump said Xi encouraged him to go ahead with the dealCredit: Reuters
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US officials warned Xi Jinping’s China could use the app to influence American usersCredit: AP
The deal seemingly puts to bed months of legal limbo for the massively popular app, which is said to host some 180 million US users.
Trump has even credited TikTok with helping him win the 2024 presidential election – as part of his gamechanging social media campaign.
ByteDance and TikTok once faced widespread concerns from US lawmakers over national security and data privacy.
US officials alleged China could use the app to shape messaging and ultimately spread propaganda in an effort to undermine US democracy.
TikTok denied the claims, but Congress collectively agreed to force ByteDance to find a US buyer after a historic vote last year.
The supreme court unanimously upheld the ban in January – before Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office to postpone its removal from the US.
The US President also hinted at TikTok’s secure future last week, writing on Truth Social: “A deal was also reached on a ‘certain’ company that young people in our Country very much want to save.
“They will be very happy!”
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Trump signing executive orders on ThursdayCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
AN INFLUENCER with dwarfism has urged people to think twice about the way they speak to “little people”.
Lucy Sleight has made a name for herself as someone to watch in the social media world, and has a whopping 20.7 million likes on her TikTok page.
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Influencer Lucy Sleight took to her TikTok page to share a video in which she explained the things she finds “patronising as a little person”Credit: tiktok/@lucysleight2
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She said she can’t stand it when people get down on their knees to talk to her – or use her head as an arm restCredit: instagram/lucysleight
She uses her platform to share fashion and beauty advice, but recently shared a video in which she opened up about some of the things she finds most difficult about being somebody with dwarfism.
One thing she can’t stand is when people “full on get on their knees” to talk to her, as she said it gives her “second hand embarrassment” for what they look like.
Instead, she urged them to sit down while she stands up, so that they’re at similar heights.
And don’t even think about patting her on the head – or using her as an armrest.
Read more Real Life stories
“Like girl please!” she sighed in the TikTok, which she captioned “things I find patronising as a little person”.
“This hasn’t actually happened to me many times thank God.
“Because if somebody did I’d literally be like excuse me. Like who do you think I am?
“I am not an object!”
She can’t stand it when people call her “cute”, which happens a lot – especially when she’s out with her boyfriend, who also has dwarfism.
“I want to be gorgeous. I want to be beautiful,” she said.
Bullied boy with dwarfism, 9, urges other victims to ‘stand up for yourself’ in inspirational message after shocking vid
“I want to be amazing. I want to be incredible.
“And I feel like me personally. I associate the word cute with like small things or younger things.
“Like I’d call my nephew cute.
“I’m 26. I don’t want to be cute!”
Lucy also took aim at people who call her “inspirational” just because she’s a dwarf, as she said she wants to be considered an inspiration to others because of the things she does with her platform – not just because of her condition.
And she can’t stand it when people “overcompensate” in the way they talk to her, and end up talking to her like she’s “three years old”.
“I just want to reiterate like I know all those things I’ve mentioned are like are harmless,” she concluded the video, which has had over 357,000 views on the social media site.
“People are being nice, but it’s just sometimes the way things come across.”
The comments section was immediately filled with people having their say on Lucy’s advice, as one wrote: “I hate it when people infantalise people with dwarfism or visible disabilities.
“All of these comments must be so infuriating and annoying.”
“What is wrong with people?” another sighed.
“I don’t see you as anything different.
“You’re a beautiful human with an amazing personality!”
“As a wheelchair user and someone with cerebral palsy, I relate to all of these! Drives me mad,” a third admitted.
A FORMER flight attendant has revealed some of her shocking mile-high experiences – from love rat pilots to passenger deaths.
Alanna Pow joined the cabin crew when she was just 19-years-old and worked on short-haul flights for three years before leaving the industry behind.
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Alanna Pow was an air hostess for three yearsCredit: Jam Press/@alannasworldx
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She is a pro travellerCredit: Jam Press/@alannasworldx
The 22-year-old, who is now a model with three million followers across social media@alannasworldx,liked her job but admits certain situations could be very challenging.
And she was left stunned by some of the things she witnessed.
“What happens on flights is crazy,” said Alanna.
“For one thing, passengers die on planes more than people think.
“On our way from Melbourne to Cairns, an old man was in the toilet for half an hour or so.
“We opened the door to check on him and his body fell out onto my colleague.
“He was unresponsive and his poor wife was on the plane.
“We have a defibrillator onboard so we tried to resuscitate him, but it was too late.
“So, we just had to lay the passenger’s body down on the floor until we landed.
“What flight attendants go through and what we have to be trained in makes me sad.
I’m an air hostess and there are 6 types of annoying passengers – and you’re probably one of them
“I was only 21 at the time and it’s such a big responsibility.”
The adult model also revealed that romances between cabin crew, pilots and passengers are rife.
She herself admits to having flings with three pilots – and even once hooked up with a passenger who slipped her his business card in first class.
Alanna said: “Some pilots are so flirty that you get warned about them by other colleagues and they can do what they want, because they’re in charge of the plane.
“Most of them are cheats.
“I slept with three pilots and one had a girlfriend.
“Sometimes they would see my name on the sheet and invite me into the cockpit for take-off and landing.
“One pilot would come over to mine when he had layovers even though he had a girlfriend, which was really bad.
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Alanna has seen some shocking things on flightsCredit: Jam Press/@alannasworldx
“When you have stopovers, all the cabin crew and pilots spend it together.”
Alanna also shared two tips for passengers who want a smooth ride.
She said: “Always be nice to flight attendants.
“And always have cash on you in the right currency to bribe people if your bag is overweight.”
The model quit flying and joined OnlyFans in 2023 after rumours circulated that she was already an adult star.
She said: “Passengers and colleagues always assumed I was on OnlyFans before I was because of my body type and the photos that I posted on Instagram.
“They weren’t too crazy but because I had really big boobs they always were out.
“I love flying and I love traveling as every flight attendant would say, though it got a bit boring after one year because the flights I was on were domestic.
“And the early mornings and long hours are hard.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to go back to a normal job.”
This enables the passengers doors of the Mercedes slide open and the front door swings out.
And illuminated side step also comes out making it easier for passengers to climb into the vehicle.
The interior of the Mercedes reveals fully white leather seats and an illuminating floor.
A 65-inch television screen is also able to emeberge from behind the front seats.
“We also have seven projectors all over the car creating a fully immersive experience, including projecting on the windows,” Le Roux adds.
Mercedes reveals its new luxury EV with ‘superscreen’ passengers can play video games or watch Netflix on while on move
Other features inside the Mercedes is a chessboard that folds out between the passenger seats which are zero gravity, have extendable leg rests, and can be fully reclined.
On the outside, the front grill can light up along with a “world’s first illuminated” Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet.
And there is no glass at all along the front headlights, which actually contain crystal.
The rim of the wheels also illuminate.
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The front grill can light up along with a ‘world’s first illuminated’ Mercedes-Benz starCredit: Getty
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The back of the car can also fully light upCredit: Getty
On the roof are several solar panels, and the back light is illuminated with a ring all around the back of the car – this contains the indicators.
Commenting on the video posted by car and technology influencer Tuesday Le Roux, fans shared their shock by this new motor.
One wrote: “Mercedes Vision V is like my living room.”
Another added: “Is this one car or heaven?”
A third said: “There is only two cars in the world, Mercedes Benz and the other cars.”
A WOMAN who “never” wears a bra has hit back at those criticising her for the choice.
Lauren has never made a secret of her dislike of the underwear, but her openness has seen her hit with criticism online.
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Lauren took to TikTok to hit back at people criticising her for not wearing a braCredit: tiktok/@laurenbische
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She insisted she hates wearing bras because they make her itchy and antsyCredit: tiktok/@laurenbische
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She also questioned why anyone even cares about her bra decisionCredit: tiktok/@laurenbische
However, in a video on her TikTok page, she responded to the backlash, and said she doesn’t understand why people care.
“I don’t know why so many of you have got such a problem with the fact that I don’t wear a bra,” she said.
“I don’t have enough chest, I don’t think, to warrant wearing a bra every single day.”
Lauren added that if she “absolutely has to”, she’ll put on a bra, but will always go for an unpadded, unwired ‘bralette’ type option.
But even wearing one of them makes her feel “anxious and antsy”, and makes her “skin itch”.
And considering Jennifer Aniston made it “trendy not to wear a bra” in the 90s, Lauren doesn’t get why she can’t get away with it in 2025.
“It doesn’t affect your day, whether I wear a bra or not… why do you care?” she continued.
“If somebody else walking down the street didn’t wear a bra, I’d be like, ‘oh, she’s not wearing a bra’ and continue with my day.
“I don’t care who wears a bra or who doesn’t. I don’t care what other women decide to do with their bodies.
“That is up to them. It is none of my business!
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“If I don’t wear a bra because I don’t want to, that is none of your business. Okay?”
“I don’t care what other women decide to wear or not wear, if your comfortable and happy and living your best life then you do you boo,” Lauren captioned her video.
People were quick to comment on the video, with one admitting: “If I could get away without wearing one, I would.
“In the house I never do, or as soon as I’m home it’s off, but when I’m out I have to.
“They’re so uncomfortable and make me feel restricted. But no-one wants to see this swinging about in public.”
“The fact people care or have an opinion on other people wearing a bar is WILD to me,” another added.
Top bra tips
Fabulous’ Deputy Fashion Editor, Abby McHale has shared her tips for keeping your bras looking their best.
1. Don’t wash your bras in the washing machine on their own, this is how your wiring will get damaged. Instead either wash in a pillowcase or take them in the shower with you and wash as you would your body.
2. Always start on the loosest hooks for your back, that way as the bra is worn more and the elastic stretches you can tighten it up with the tighter hooks.
3. If you wear your bra two to three times a week then it should last between six months to a year before you need to replace it.
4. You should always be able to feel your bra throughout the day, if you don’t it means it’s not doing its job properly.
5. It’s actually the band across the back that keeps your boobs upright and not the cups itself.
“You do you babe!”
“It’s no business of anyone else, you do what is comfortable for you, and sod the haters!” a third insisted.
“You look absolutely fabulous without one and I think you should wear whatever you like,” someone else agreed.
A YOUNG woman has moaned about how the Jobcentre has found “yet another way” to get on her nerves.
Serena Lola, a 23-year-old who receives Universal Credit, described the Jobcentre as “dumb” and “poorly run.”
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A 23-year-old woman has moaned about the “dumb” JobcentreCredit: TikTok/@serenaxlola
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The unemployed content creator opened up on her recent “illogical” situationCredit: TikTok/@serenaxlola
The content creator, who is currently unemployed and is “vibing her way through life” took to social media to express her frustration at her situation, leaving many open-mouthed.
As she travelled to her local Jobcentre, she fumed: “The Jobcentre has found yet another way to p**s me off.”
The youngster acknowledged that she was sent money to pay for travel to an interview, but the ticket didn’t cost the full amount she was given.
As a result of being overpaid by the Jobcentre, she now owes them £15.
Read more real life stories
After receiving a letter requesting the overpaid money back, Serena explained: “They told me that I have to come into the Jobcentre and hand them cash – now this just seems illogical to me, especially in a day and age of technology where we can bank transfer money.
“I’m now having to pay £1.75 to go to the Jobcentre, when I don’t have a job or an income, to hand in cash.
“So now that’s £1.75 I’m wasting to go to the Jobcentre, when that’s something that could be done online.”
Serena was fuming with the circumstances, after being forced to go to a cash point, withdraw money and then “physically trek” to hand the payment back.
While Serena recognised it was a “minor, non-issue,” she was clearly very irritated by the “illogical” situation,.
“But come on – it just shows you how poorly run the system is and they could be doing things a lot better and a lot easier,” she concluded.
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Social media users react
Serena’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @serenaxlola, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 359,600 views, 9,177 likes and 445 comments.
Social media users were stunned by Serena’s situation and many flocked to the comments to express their thoughts.
One person said: “So ridiculous.”
They have to make everything 10 times more difficult for no reason
TikTok user
Another added: “Ring them and raise a complaint. You are out of pocket for travelling to the Jobcentre to pay them back, defeating the purposes of supporting you in the first place. That’s not okay.”
In response, Serena wrote back and penned: “It’s such a silly system.”
Will I be better off on Universal Credit?
Around 1.4million will be better off on Universal Credit, the government calculates.
A further 300,000 will see no change in payments, while around 900,000 will be worse off under Universal Credit.
Of these, around 600,000 are expected to get top-up payments if they move under managed migration, so they don’t lose out on cash immediately.
The majority of those – around 400,000 – are claiming Employment Support Allowance (ESA).
Around 100,000 are on tax credits while fewer than 50,000 each on other legacy benefits are expected to be affected.
Examples of those who may be entitled to less on Universal Credit according to the government include:
Households getting ESA who and the Severe Disability Premium and Enhanced Disability Premium
Households with the lower disabled child addition on legacy benefits
Self-employed households who are subject to the Minimum Income Floor after the 12 month grace period has ended
In-work households that worked a specific number of hours (eg lone
parent working 16 hours claiming Working Tax Credits
Households receiving tax credits with savings of more than £6,000 (and up to £16,000)
But they could miss out on any future increase to benefits and see payments frozen.
Those who move voluntarily and are worse off won’t get these top-up payments and could lose cash.
Those who miss the deadline and later make a claim may also not get this transitional protection either.
The clock starts ticking on the three-month countdown from the date of the first letter, and reminders are sent via post and text message.
There is a one-month grace period after this, during which any claim to Universal Credit is backdated and transitional protection can still be awarded.
The most recent data from the DWP shows 61,130 individuals have made a claim for UC, and 39,920 awarded transitional protection.
Another 40,540 are still in the process of moving to the new benefit.
A third commented: “They have to make everything 10 times more difficult for no reason.”
To this, Serena responded: “Tell me about it.”
Meanwhile, someone else questioned: “Can’t they just take it from your next UC payment?”
Clearly baffled by the situation, Serena responded: “That’s what I thought?!? But clearly not.”
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club
LOVE Island’s Montana Brown has waded in to the aftermath of a huge show split with some brutal stark remarks.
The ITV2 matchmaking show contestant didn’t hold back as she took to her TikTok page to rant about the “f**king stupid” actions of one particular show winner.
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Montana Brown has let rip at a ‘f**king stupid’ show starCredit: tiktok/@montana
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The 2017 Love Island alum addressed the fact that Millie Court and Liam Reardon have split for a second timeCredit: Rex
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The duo’s podcast is now under threatCredit: instagram
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Montana, 30, called out Liam for leaving Millie to go to her birthday party aloneCredit: tiktok/@montana
At the time, pals claimed the “distance was difficult” between their bases inEssexand Wales and since then, former ASOS buyer Millie has been showing her ex what he’s been missing with a series of bikini clad snaps.
Yet while little detail is known about their unexpected parting of ways, mum of two Montana, who starred in the 2017 series, has revealed an unexpected feud.
She took to her TikTok page for a video showing her wearing a black running jacket and her hair brushed up in a bun.
Montana said: “I just saw a video from Millie and Liam’s podcast from Love Island about him f**king off with his mates on her birthday and so she had to go to her birthday party by herself.
“Why are all men the same?
“I’ve never known one of my friend’s partners, bar maybe like a couple, who aren’t just f**king stupid.
“They are all just indoctrinated.
Watch the awkward moment Millie and Liam discuss break-ups on last podcast hours before shock split
“I would like to know, on a scientific level, why men are so annoying.”
She then captioned her clip: “Tell me why then.”
One fan was quick to react and quiz: “Did they break up over this then?”
Another mused: “Don’t expect less than worship.”
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EVERY year Love Island opens its doors to more sexy Islanders who are hoping for a holiday romance that could turn into more.
A third then put: “He doesn’t like her enough, simple.”
POD FUTURE?
Recently, fans expressed their worries over the Liam & Millie podcast as a whole.