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STRICTLY Come Dancing bosses have banned long training sessions in the wake of the show’s bullying scandal.

Professionals and celebrities will only be allowed up to six hours in the rehearsal studios at a time to keep couples sweet.

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Strictly Come Dancing couples will only be allowed to train for six hours at a time[/caption]

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There will also be chaperones watching on in rehearsals[/caption]

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TV sources say the move will help to improve relationships between couples[/caption]

Producers believe that exhaustion is one of the main factors behind arguments, say show insiders.

But some critics have hit back at the move, saying the standard of dancing won’t match up to previous years.

A source told The Mail on Sunday: “It’s hoped this will create a better environment for the celebs, in the wake of all the mistreatment claims. 

“It has been accepted that the long hours are not helpful and are often behind fallouts and frayed tempers.

“The new rules mean most couples are now starting earlier in the morning and finishing in the early afternoon, which means everyone is far less tired.”

If contestants want to spend longer rehearsing, they will have to split their training into two shifts and factor in a substantial break between them.

One TV insider said that some contestants are “determined to win” and will want to spend all their time practicing.

They added that whilst that’s a positive thing, it can lead to tiredness and frustration.

Another show insider said that less time in rehearsals will lower the chances of the “Strictly curse” unfolding between partners.

There are also chaperones this year to watch over rehearsals and make sure everything is above board.

The six-hour training limit also means that they won’t have to pay the chaperones overtime.

The Sun has approached the BBC for comment.

This is one of the new rules put in place after the show was rocked by claims of threatening behaviour between dancers and their partners.

Last year Graziano Di Prima was sacked after kicking Zara McDermott during rehearsals, which he has since apologised for.

Amanda Abbington also claimed that her partner Giovanni Pernice bullied her, which is currently under investigation.

Details of the five-month inquiry are expected to be revealed within a fortnight.

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Graziano Di Prima was booted off the show for his threatening behaviour towards Zara McDermott[/caption]

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Amanda Abbington claimed former partner Giovanni Pernice gave her PTSD[/caption]

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The couples took to the dance floor for a second week[/caption]

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Some critics claim the standards of the dancing will be affected by the decision[/caption]

STRUGGLING households have only a few hours left to claim hundreds of pounds worth of white goods or a new boiler — here’s how to apply now.

The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a government scheme which aims to support those most in need.

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The scheme will allow Gateshead Council to replace or repair boilers for households who are eligible for the fund[/caption]

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Eligible households can get a new carpet installed via the scheme[/caption]

Around £1.8million is available to households in Gateshead until September 30.

Households struggling to afford energy bills, food and wider essentials will be eligible for the fund.

The council confirmed they will use the funds to help residents replace kitchen appliances, install carpets for warmth, repair or replace boilers, and pay off large utility bills.

However, only householders in Gateshead who need support will be eligible.

Gateshead Council will evaluate a household’s income and expenses to decide if they qualify for assistance from the funds.

Residents who have received funds from the scheme since May 1 will no longer be eligible to apply again.

The council announced that they will not be offering food vouchers as part of the scheme.

Households in need of food support should reach out to Citizens Advice Gateshead for additional help.

What is the Household Support Fund?

The Household Support Fund (HSF) was first set up in October 2021 and has now been extended six times.

Councils in England are now able to benefit from the latest round of funding which amounts to £421million.

Nationwide councils have received a portion of the cash to distribute to households in need.

But there is a postcode lottery to determine who qualifies and each local authority can set its own eligibility criteria.

Yet if you have a limited amount of money or savings in the bank, or are deemed to be vulnerable or on benefits, you will probably qualify for help.

The HSF’s fifth round of funding will close on September 30, but the government has extended the scheme until April 2025 with the injection of a further £421million.

Applications may still be being accepted for the fifth round of funding, so it’s still worth checking with your local authority.

Applications to access the next round of funding will open in October.

Councils will determine how the cash is distributed. For example, households in Leicestershire have been able to apply for a financial award of £300 per household, which was paid in the form of vouchers to support with gas, electricity and food.

The payment could be delivered as a Post Office voucher, which can be redeemed for cash to help with gas, electricity or water, or an e-voucher to help with food costs that can be converted to a gift card for major supermarkets.

Meanwhile, residents of Leeds could receive council tax support with those with dependent children able to claim up to £100, while those without children could receive £25.

You should get in touch with your local council to see if you might be eligible for help.

You can find what council area you fall under by using the Government’s council locator tool on its website.

The help you can get varies, depending on who your local council is, as well as your personal situation.

You may be able to receive free cash or vouchers to cover the cost of heating your home, or the weekly food grocery shop.

If an applicant is already receiving benefits, these will not be affected by the HSF.

Additionally, you do not need to be getting benefits to receive vouchers or funds from the HSF.

Check with your local council to find out what support is available and the eligibility criteria.

How do you apply?

To get the help, you’ll need to look it up with your council because local authorities are the ones responsible for distributing the funding.

To find your local council, use the gov.uk council finder tool.

Once you’ve identified your local council, there should be information on how to apply for the funding online.

Every council has a separate application process, meaning specific details regarding how to apply depend on whereabouts you live.

The eligibility requirements to access the fund might vary in addition so it’s best to check with your local council for further details.

Some councils won’t need you to apply for help and will get in touch instead if you qualify.

If you can’t find any information on your council’s website, it’ s a good idea to call them and ask for further information.

The founders of Tornado Cash a crypto mixing platform Roman Storm and Roman Semenov are set for Trial after the United States court rejected a motion to dismiss the charges pegged on the founders of the platform by the United States Department of Justice. This development comes one year after the US DOJ announced an …

THE heartbroken families of victims of a Nottingham knife rampage have blasted the BBC’s Panorama show about the incident as “shameful”.

Valdo Calocane killed 19-year-old students Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, as well as Ian Coates, 65, in June last year.

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Valdo Calocane got a hospital order for manslaughter by diminished responsibility[/caption]

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Nottingham stab victims, from left: Ian Coates, 65, Barnaby Webber and his friend Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both 19[/caption]

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The victims’ families outside court[/caption]

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Calocane’s mother Celeste and brother Elias feature in the show[/caption]

The paranoid schizophrenic, 32, then stole Ian’s van and rammed three people, causing serious injuries to them.

It later emerged cops failed to arrest Calocane – who had previously been sectioned four times – a year earlier when he attacked a police officer.

The victims’ families were dealt another blow when prosecutors dropped murder charges and the twisted killer instead admitted manslaughter, before receiving a hospital order.

The Beeb’s documentary, The Nottingham Attacks: A Search for Answers, aired on August 12.

The loved ones of all three victims have made formal complaints, labelling the show “shameful and arrogant”.

They also claim they were refused a preview screening, adding that it contains inaccuracies and was too sympathetic to the killer’s family.

Barnaby’s mum Emma, speaking on behalf of all three families, told The Mirror: “We believe what they’ve produced is a very imbalanced documentary – it’s shameful, cold, ill-judged, arrogant and thoughtless.”

She went on to say the broadcaster’s treatment of the case has made their trauma worse and they were only informed about the show after it had already been filmed, just two works prior to it going out.

Emma said producers told them “people would be talking on camera for the first time”, but refused to give any further details.

It was only on watching the show they realised Calocane’s family were interviewed.

She said to “even know their names is trauma” and having to see photos of the killer as a child “made it a million times worse”.

They have also questioned claims Calocane’s family were unaware of his mental health issues until after the killings, despite his being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2020.

Emma went on to raise an issue with the BBC failing to mention his mother was an NHS nurse.

She said: “There were a wide number of ­inaccuracies and clearly curated editing to make it an attack on the NHS failures and a sympathetic piece towards the family.”

She added they “utterly dispute” the family being unaware of the diagnosis and have “seen evidence that they knew years ago”.

Complaints submitted by Grace, Barnaby and Ian’s families have been escalated to the BBC’s highest stage two level.

If they are dissatisfied with the corporation’s response, they could then approach TV regulator Ofcom.

Lawyer Neil Hudgell, who is representing the families, said they believe they were not consulted so “the programme could promote the narrative that the Calocane family were victims too”.

The Sun has contacted the BBC for comment.

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Emma Webber says she feels ‘let down’ after learning the BBC’s Panorama will air interviews with the family of Calocane[/caption]

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Calocane as a child[/caption]

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Grace (left) with her family[/caption]

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CCTV showing triple killer Calocane being arrested[/caption]

STRICTLY star Jamie Borthwick made a very cheeky four word remark to pro partner Michelle Tsiakkas on the dancefloor.

Jamie, 30, couldn’t resist having some banter with his pro during his first live performance last week.

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Jamie Borthwick made a very cheeky four word remark to pro partner Michelle[/caption]

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The soap star made an inside joke while on the dancefloor[/caption]

The EastEnders actor took to the dance-floor to perform his Viennese waltz where he received a score of 23 points from the judges.

Jamie and Michelle joined host Fleur East on It Takes Two on Friday and was quickly asked about Jamie’s funny comment to Michelle.

He cheekily told the professional dancer that she had a garlic scent during their Saturday performance.

It was caught on a secret microphone that captures the dancers conversations from the dance floor and backstage.

Fleur said: “Here at It Takes Two we like to eavesdrop on your mic, I’m sorry we like to introduce.”

Jamie was heard telling Michelle: “You smell of garlic.”

Fleur asked: “What was going on? ”

Michelle explained: “In the most romantic moment of the dance, he decides to tell me I smell like garlic.”

Jamie explained: “Well we’ve had this thing during the week at rehearsal, it was an inside joke where we were eating garlic bread and stuff like that and we’ve been burping in each other’s faces all week.”

“You watch the mic thing now for as long as we are here there is going to be something good on that mic.”

Michelle joked: “I’m going to get him back”.

Jamie, was first given a perfect score of 40 points from the judges when he won the 2023 Christmas special of the hit BBC show.

This time around it seemed the judges were much harsher with their comments, except for Craig who seemed to enjoy his performance.

During the interview, Fleur mentioned how the judges may have been harsh with their scores.

She thought this may have been due to his success in the holiday period when he performed the Quickstep.

The presenter then read out a comment from a viewer named Lizzie who said: “Judges – harsh much.

“Seemed far more critical than anyone else? I thought it was fab!”

Jamie replied: “They were critical. But they were judges, it’s what it’s meant to be.”

However, he then made a swipe at Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

The actor implied that he was only really concerned with impressing Craig Revel Horwood.

It could have been his top priority, due to Craig’s reputation as being the harshest critic on the panel.

“Craig liked it!”, he exclaimed. “I’d much rather Craig love it than the other three.”

After his previous performance, Anton and Shirley tried to actually demonstrate how he could improve his posture.

But despite the criticism from the others, Craig seemed to lavish praise on the amateur dancer.

“Well I think you are terrific actually, I love your energy.”

He added: “It needs a little bit of fluidity, it was a bit sort of jaggered throughout. But that performance I thought was absolutely wonderful.”

Jamie scored a total of 50 points on yesterday’s second live show – placing him eight in the leaderboard.

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Jamie scored a total of 50 points on yesterday’s second live show[/caption]

CHOOSING the right dog breed for your lifestyle is paramount. 

Dogs are the most variable mammal on the planet with a whopping 360 globally recognised breeds, meaning there really is pooch to suit you. 

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Choosing the right dog breed for your lifestyle is paramount[/caption]

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Experts have warned parents against getting a Weimaraner[/caption]

With that in mind, it’s important not to choose a breed just because they’re “trendy” or look cute. 

Vets across the globe are increasingly urging pet owners to do thorough research on breeds before welcoming a new four-legged friend into their home. 

Choosing the perfect breed requires even more thought if you have small children in the house. 

That’s why the dog experts at The Spruce Pets have shared their “worst dog breeds for kids”.

At the top of their no-go list for parents is the Weimaraner. 

They explained: “They’ve been bred to hunt big game – a class of prey that, size-wise, can look pretty similar to a child under 13. 

“While this trait doesn’t mean that a Weimaraner will constantly be on the hunt when they’re at home, it does mean that they’re known to play rough with their humans. 

“Particularly if they’re not getting enough exercise and attention otherwise. 

“The Weimaraner requires a set routine and lots of time to run, walk, and play if they’re going to be on their best behaviour. 

“That can be hard to maintain if you’re a parent on the go, so you may be better off with a different dog breed.”

Their second biggest no-go breed is a lot smaller – the Chihuahua. 

These handbag dogs might be little, but they’re known for having a nippy mouth that they’re not afraid to use. 

The Spruce Pets experts said: “Because of their small size, many people assume that Chihuahuas are fit for families with small kids, but it’s quite the opposite. 

“These little guys rely on their mouths to protect them where their stature can’t, reacting with barks – and sometimes bites – when they feel the need to defend themselves. 

“Many Chihuahuas need personal space. 

“They will give plenty of social cues if anyone outside their primary caregiver enters their zone and makes them feel uncomfortable. 

“The problem is kids aren’t great at reading signals, and a Chi may become aggressive.”

Akitas – a large breed of Japanese mountain dog – are the third least family friendly pooch, according to The Spruce Pets. 

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Chihuahuas may be little, but they can be nippy[/caption]

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Akitas aren’t great family dogs due to their breeding history as protective guard dogs[/caption]

The experts said: “Akitas can be incredibly sweet and loyal, but they’ve also been bred for years to be guard dogs. 

“The instincts born from this type of breeding can be difficult to reverse and may pose a problem with playdates and other occasions where unfamiliar kids visit your home. 

“Akitas want to protect their families.

“That includes your children and they may perceive other kids coming over and roughhousing or squealing as a threat. 

“Their natural, guard-driven instincts could kick in and an injury may occur. 

“The same rule applies if you do not have young children in the home but invite them over; rambunctious kids may trigger a defensive response.”

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has declared Martin Odegaard the “perfect” captain for the North London club. Odegaard is working his way back from ankle injury. Havertz told Sky Sports: “I don’t know how long he is injured now, maybe two weeks, but every day, he’s here every day, he’s in the meetings and speaks to us. “Yeah I …

A LUCKY woman who saw her “forgotten valley” street scoop £1million on the People’s Postcode Lottery said she didn’t think they would win anything.

Rebecca Banks was one of 11 winners on a street in Nantymeol, Ogmore Vale, to bag an eye-watering £83,333 each.

People's Postcode Lottery

Rebecca Banks scooped up a whopping £83,333 in the People’s Postcode Lottery[/caption]

People's Postcode Lottery

She said the huge win was massive for their ‘forgotten valley’ village[/caption]

Rebecca broke down in tears after the win and said the windfall was hard to believe for “the forgotten valley” village.

She said: “We are the forgotten valley as we don’t have many amenities for anyone.

“The buzz on the street and around the whole place is just unreal.

“We’ve got a couple of small shops, the pub has only been open a couple of months, there’s no supermarkets and the nearest is a 20-minute drive away.

“We don’t have any petrol stations, nothing at all. So, for this to happen is just incredible.”

Rebecca, who works for a credit union, said: “We can just enjoy life and have fun.

“We’re going to Thailand next April, so we might make a few upgrades.

“And it’s my 40th birthday in December, so now we could go on a nice weekend away.”

Alan and Muriel Owen also won a life-changing sum in the lotto.

Muriel said: “I couldn’t believe it, I thought it was a scam at first, and then I said to [Alan] somebody was playing a sick joke on us.”

Fortunately, the phone call confirmed their win was real, and now the couple look forward to splashing their newfound wealth.

Alan and Muriel wasted no time and had already booked a trip to Turkey to celebrate.

The lucky pair added that it was “amazing” to share the win with the other residents, describing them as “lovely valleys people”.

Most of the winners in Nantymeol came together to celebrate at the local village pub, with owner Helen Smith describing the news as “fantastic”.

She said: “It was a lovely atmosphere here, we put on free prosecco for everybody to help them celebrate.”

“It’s nice to see lovely people winning money.”

It comes after a great gran who won £166,666 says her husband will have to write a “begging letter” if he wants to see a single penny of it.

Gill English landed the cash on People’s Postcode Lottery in Rugby, Warwickshire – and is now planning a slap-up carvery dinner for her big family.

The retired carer also said she is prepared to buy her hubby a new pair of shoes – but only once she sees his “begging letter”.

GARDENERS are being urged to do an essential job before October starts to prevent slug infestations.

So if you want your garden to impress your guests and don’t fancy pesky creepy crawlies slithering all over your beautiful plants, then you’ll need to take notes.

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Gardeners have been advised to try a £1 trick today in an attempt to prevent slug infestations in October[/caption]

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So if you want to protect your plants this Autumn, you’ll need to listen up and take notes[/caption]

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According to gardening pros, coffee granules deter such pests from entering your garden[/caption]

Gardening enthusiasts have revealed that if you want your garden to be slug-free this Winter, you’ll need to get your hands on some instant coffee – yes, you heard that correctly. 

The pros at gardening blog Tea and Coffee explained: “Coffee grounds contain a chemical called alkaloid, which is poisonous to slugs. 

“When slugs ingest coffee grounds, they suffer from severe dehydration and eventually die.

“For these reasons, slugs will steer clear of areas where coffee grounds have been scattered. 

“Coffee grounds can be a useful tool in deterring these pests.”

As a result, gardeners have been warned to pour coffee granules on their garden before October starts.

Now that Autumn is here and the weather is getting wetter and more miserable, it’s essential to try to attack slug and snail numbers before they get completely out of control.

These invading molluscs will stop at nothing to ravage your garden, feasting on strawberries, raspberries, tomato plants, potato foliage and all kinds of flowers in their relentless pursuit of food.

Slug and snail populations soared this summer, spurred on by the damp and dreary weather, but conditions are set to deteriorate further next month. 

And as the weather becomes increasingly wetter, these pests will find the perfect environment to proliferate throughout your garden.

Even worse, slugs will mate and lay eggs throughout the Autumn, ensuring an even larger population of slugs and snails next year.

But that’s where the instant coffee comes in – inexpensive coffee grounds not only give you a much-needed caffeine fix in the morning, but they can also provide a big boost to everything growing in your garden.

In fact, some studies have found that caffeine actually enhances plant growth, making this not only an affordable way to banish slugs, but also a great way to add colour and depth to your outside space too. 

Caffeine is toxic to slugs and snails, hence why many gardening experts advocate its use as a form of pest control.

It’s worth noting that coffee, which has been found to decrease slug and snail populations by between 50 and 90 percent, is a particularly agonising death for slugs, even more so than salt.

As a result, it’s advised to avoid applying coffee grounds directly onto slugs or snails.

Instead, simply scatter the coffee grounds into the soil and around raised beds or pots during dry, clear weather.

Then, when it does rain, slugs won’t cross the coffee, thereby safeguarding your beloved flowers and crops.

If you’ve run out of instant coffee, or don’t fancy using your nice stuff in your garden, then you’ll be able to nab some for as little as £1 from Tesco, making this simple trick great for those on a budget.

The Federal Government, through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), will begin the distribution of 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles to youths in the transportation sector across Nigeria starting October 1st, 2024. The initiative aims to distribute 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles to youths in the transportation sector across the country, as part of efforts to address rising …