World Leaks

MARTIN Lewis has revealed how you can stop your energy bills from rising next week and whether they will go up or down in 2025.

The consumer champion featured as a co-host on ITV‘s Good Morning Britain yesterday morning.

ITV

Martin Lewis has revealed how you could save money on your energy bills[/caption]

And the MoneySavingExpert.com website founder used his platform to reveal how households can save money on their energy bills from October 1 when the new price comes into effect.

The new price cap, which affects about 28million households, will see the average family’s bill rise to £1,717 from £1,568 a year – a £149 hike.

But, Martin said, you can beat the hike by locking in a fixed-rate energy deal which is lower than the price cap.

Responding to a viewer question on whether they should lock in a fixed tariff with Octopus Energy for 15 months, he replied that it could save them money.

He explained this is because wholesale energy costs, which is what energy firms are charged, are falling so there are fixed deals on the market cheaper than the price cap, which was decided in August.

“Energy is going up (in price), it’s not going down,” he said.

“It’s going up on the first of October. It’s likely to come down a tiny bit in January but still be a lot more than it is now.

He added: “Bizarrely, energy prices are going up if you’re on the price cap, but the cheapest rates available if you are going to switch (and fix) are coming down.”

The consumer champion went on to reveal some of the best fixed deals currently on the market will be up to 9.4% cheaper than the new price cap coming into effect on October 1.

The advice came as he revealed what is predicted to happen to energy prices from 2025 based on wholesale costs.

The consumer champion said while energy bills are expected to rise by around 10% from next week, they will fall by 2% in January then a further 1% in April, based on predictions from EDF.

Bear in mind though that these are just predictions for what will happen to energy prices and aren’t guaranteed.

How to get help with energy bills

Locking in a fixed-rate energy deal ahead of prices rising next week is one way to cut the cost of energy.

There is a host of help on offer to cover costs over the colder months, including the Winter Fuel Payment and Warm Home Discount.

Both schemes are means-tested though, which means you will have to be on certain benefits to qualify.

But, in total, they are worth up to £450 which could massively help.

If you are struggling to cover the cost of your energy bills or have fallen into arrears, you might be able to get a free grant.

British Gas, ScottishPower, EDF and Utilita all have schemes offering customers up to £2,000.

You also might be eligible for help with energy bills via the Household Support Fund (HSF) which is worth £421million.

The new round will run from October until March next year, but many councils are yet to announce what type of help will be on offer.

However, in previous rounds, local authorities have given households in need energy vouchers, supermarket vouchers and free cash.

Contact your local council, which you can find using the Government’s online council locator tool, to find out what help is on offer.

It’s worth checking if your energy firm has any targeted support on offer based on your circumstances too.

For example, Octopus Energy is handing out 20,000 electric blankets to customers in need this winter.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

A WOMAN has revealed how she helped her husband impregnate her best friend – and says it was the best decision she has ever made.

Kimberley Allen had dreamed about becoming a mum ever since she was a little girl.

Jam Press

Jam Press

Jam Press

Jam Press

Kimberly and her tot Roxanne[/caption]

But after several devastating miscarriages, the 33-year-old gave up hope.

After meeting husband Jamie, 35, the pair accepted that they’d never become parents.

Until Becki, 33 – Kimberley’s best friend – gave them a lifeline; to have a baby that was half hers and half Jamie’s.

“For a moment, I thought I’d misheard her – but I hadn’t,” the canine fertility specialist, from Portsmouth, told What’s The Jam.

“Jamie and I sat in stunned silence for a few minutes before I questioned her.

“Becki said she wanted to be a surrogate for us, which cleared up things.

“I felt overwhelmed and full of her love for her.

“My child being biologically hers just made our bond even closer.

“I just remember feeling so happy that I had helped my husband impregnate my best friend – a sentence I never thought I’d say.”

Kimberley and Becki met in school, where they quickly became inseparable.

At aged 15, the canine fertility specialist was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects how the ovaries work, and was told that she would struggle to have children.

She said: “Being a mum was my biggest dream in life.

“I turned to Becki for comfort and we remained the best of friends, even when she went on to have three children of her own.

“I was so pleased for her, and I wasn’t envious at all, and so I stopped wondering when – or if – it would happen for me.”

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The two have been pals since school[/caption]

But thanks to Becki’s selfless deed, they were able to get the ball rolling in February 2022.

With no surrogacy agency, the trio made the deposit themselves at home – with Jamie putting his sperm in a cup, and Kimberley injecting it into Becki using a liquid medicine syringe.

On their third attempt, the couple’s dream was finally coming true.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it, I was completely speechless when Becki showed us the positive pregnancy test.

“All our friends and family were so supportive and each kick felt like a tiny miracle.

“While all eyes were on Becki and her bump, I didn’t feel jealous in the slightest.”

In October 2022, Becki gave birth to little Roxanne Nicola Allen, now two.

There are no words to describe how thankful I am to Becki

Kimberley AllenPortsmouth

And their happy family is now complete.

Kimberley added: “I fell head over heels in love with my baby girl.

“I couldn’t believe that we were finally parents – it still feels surreal.

“There are no words to describe how thankful I am to Becki.

“I had always considered her my sister, but now there really is a piece of her DNA in my family.

“Our daughter looks very much like me when I was young – no one would ever know or question it if I didn’t tell them.

“I thought my dream of being a mum had been taken away from me for good – but she made it finally come true.”

CHARLOTTE Dawson showed off her growing baby bump as she hit the red carpet without her fiance Matt Sarsfield on Thursday.

The Ex On The Beach star, 32, who is expecting her third child, turned heads as she attended The Podcast Awards at the Outernet in London.

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Charlotte Dawson looked incredible as she attended the British Podcast Awards 2024 at the Outernet in London on Thursday[/caption]

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The star looked every inch the doting mother as she cradled her blossoming bump on the red carpet[/caption]

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Fiance Matt Sarsfield Matt was missing from the event[/caption]

Charlotte looked incredible as she donned a light blue maxi lace dress with a feathered trim around the hem and a thigh-high slit.

She styled her hair in a chic messy bun with loose strands framing her face and opted for a fresh dewy makeup look.

The expecting mum elevated her look with silver pointed heels that featured a cluster of sparkly diamantes at the toes.

She kept it simple with silver jewellery and lovingly cradled her growing bump as she posed for snaps on the carpet.

It comes after Charlotte shared the gender of her third child with fans on her podcast Naughty Corner, with her fiance Matt noticeably absent from the gender reveal video.

She flashed a huge smile as she cut into a cake, before telling listeners she would soon be welcoming her first baby girl.

The reality star later clapped back at any criticism from the clip and wrote in an Instagram message: “I did ask Matthew to be in the video in some sort of way as it’s his daughter but he didn’t want too.

“Before I get people jumping down my throat saying where is he, and it’s his child too.”

The Sun has previously told how Charlotte had allowed Matt to return to their home after their romance hiccup in a bid to move forward as a family.

The star had kicked ex-professional rugby league player Matt, 33, out of their home after learning he’d been messaging another woman behind her back.

But she hinted nothing was set in stone about their future as she revealed they were “taking each day as it comes” as well as having a clear focus on their “two beautiful boys”

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The couple are expecting third third child[/caption]

DISNEY’S streaming service with ads will usually cost you £7.99 each month.

A limited-time promotion lets shoppers get 3 months of the streaming service for just £1.99 per month – but this deal ends today (27th September).

Standard Disney+, £1.99p/m for 3 months
(usually £7.99p/m)

I’d like to say I watch as much TV as the next couch potato, but in reality, I suspect I watch more. A lot more.

And I’m not loyal to any particular platform since, I’ll be honest, not everything Netflix releases fills me with excitement.

Actually, I’d class myself as a streaming nomad: I move from service to service, depending on what’s just premiered, and I make sure I don’t have too many active subscriptions at the same time.

I even put alarms in my phone’s calendar to remind me to cancel subscriptions before I have to pay the next month’s fee.

Which is a bit lame, I’ll admit, but hey: my bank balance is all the better for it. Watching TV ain’t cheap, not these days.

Having just caught up on the last season of House Of The Dragon on Now, I’ve just cancelled that subscription.

And with perfect timing, here comes a top-class deal from Disney+, which I last cancelled after binge-watching the third season of culinary drama The Bear.

If you sign up to the Disney platform right now, you pick up the Standard With Ads package for £1.99 per month for 3 months.

The House Of Mouse rolls out these promos with semi-regularity – the last time we saw a Disney streaming deal was back in February.

That’s a total of £5.93 – you’re saving a total of £18. Not bad, right?

And if it need be said, that’s 3 months of cheap access not just to Disney’s back catalogue of classic movies, but the ever-expanding Marvel and Star Wars universes, and adult-focused platform Star.

Shows include classics like Grey’s Anatomy, along with newer releases like Only Murders In The Building, which has just had its fifth season confirmed with a star-studded cast.

There’s also a trip down memory lane with Nineties docuseries In Vogue: The 90s, which features interviews with Vogue’s former editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

Okay, okay, I’ll admit: re-watching Iron Man 3 is higher up my priorities list (it’s so underrated) – but my point is there’s a surprising breadth of content on Disney+.

If you’re keen, just be sure you take advantage of this deal before it ends at midnight today (Friday 27 September).

Oh, and if you decide to jump ship before this promotion ends and you’re auto-enrolled on to the typical £7.99-per-month rate, here’s how to cancel Disney+.

Trust me, you’ll need this: they don’t make it easy.

Standard Disney+, £1.99p/m for 3 months
(usually £7.99p/m)

AMANDA Holden has revealed her concern for Eamonn Holmes after he shared a heartbreaking social media post.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge mentioned the TV veteran’s blight during her Heart breakfast programme.

Global

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He admitted he couldn’t look after himself in a heartbreaking video[/caption]

Amanda, 53, and Ashley Roberts discussed Eamonn’s plea for fans to adopt his dog Bella.

In a social media post, the 64-year-old revealed due to his limited mobility and health issues he’s no longer able to care for his furry companion.

Eamonn said: “This is Bella and Bella’s come the whole way from Greece, and it wasn’t a very happy experience for her in Greece.

“But all of that could change thanks to you. Yes, she is actually looking for the perfect home somewhere that she can feel loved forever and live out the rest of her days in happiness being spoiled.

“She’s got the most beautiful personality, too. As you can see, she’s a very special girl. So if you can offer this little one a home, please get in touch with the canine angels.”

Covering the news on Heart radio, Ashley said: “Let’s talk about Eammon Holmes, so he’s asking fans for some help.

“He’s found this dog Bella, fell in love with little Bella. Bella’s come from Greece and had a bit of a tough time over in Greece and he’s like listen I unfortunately can’t walk or run. So he’s asking fans for help to help find Bella a new home.”

Responding, Amanda Holden simply replied: “I feel so bad for Eammon.”

Eamonn previously shared a pooch with estranged wife Ruth Langsford, but lost custody of the fur baby after they split.

Earlier this month Eamonn and his new girlfriend Katie Alexander jetted off to Barcelona for a lavish holiday.

The Sun recently revealed how the pair have now lined up more trips abroad after Eamonn shared his plans with his GB News stars.

Our cousin's response to the family trauma strikes us as unwise.

During a day-long hearing by the Senate Judiciary Committee, Christine Blasey Ford said she was “100 percent” certain that she was sexually assaulted by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh when they were teenagers.

STRICTLY’S Shayne Ward has taken a fresh swipe at cruel trolls after being branded “insufferable” and “cocky”.

Shayne, 39, and his Strictly partner Nancy Xu made their dance debut on Saturday night with a Samba to Stevie Wonder’s Do I Do.

Instagram

BBC

BBC

They scored 23 from judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

But some viewers took to social media to hit out at Shayne following the performance.

He later posted a lengthy statement slamming the claims and now he’s hit back again.

Shayne reposted a photo and message on Instagram from a fan that read: “This is the Shayne Ward I’ve known and loved for almost 20 years.

“Who has been nothing but kind, funny and very caring towards everyone he meets.

“If you knew his heart or met him even once you would think twice about those nasty comments being said online.

“Why would you wanna try and bring someone else down that you’ve never even met just because you can see them enjoying themselves.”

The follower added: “I hope none of this gets to him and he continues to be the superstar that he is.”

Writing on social media after their performance on Saturday, one fan said: “The overconfidence is actually something I’m not enjoying about Shayne right now. No question, he’s good but he’s NOT the master of all things dance.”

Another critic said: “Shayne Ward did well for week 1, but there just something so cringe about the guy.”

Another said: “Find someone who loves you as much as Shayne Ward loves himself.

And another person simply said: “Hes insufferable.”

Shayne later posted a statement to assure fans that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Accompanied by a moody black and white photo, Shayne said: “Strictly is amazing and I love being part of it.

“But through my smile on TV I’m as nervous as the next person.

“Not cocky or overconfident… I’m nervous!

“I just gotta work hard and listen to my wonderful teacher Nancy Xiu. All I can do is my best!”

AFTER kicking off his broadcasting career in the late 50s, David Hamilton helped shape the airwaves as they are today.

Known for being part of the golden era of radio, Diddy was also part of team of Top of the Pops presenters which helped launch the show.

Louis Wood - The Sun

DJ ‘Diddy’ David Hamilton is an iconic radio star[/caption]

Getty

David was one of the first DJs to broadcast on Radio 1 in the 70s[/caption]

Born David Pilditch on September 10, 1938, David Hamilton was a wartime baby.

He took his mother’s maiden name Hamilton when he was told that radio audiences would struggle with Pilditch.

David’s childhood was spent on a farm, which he was evacuated to during World War II.

He started his broadcast career in Forces Radio during his National Service with the RAF.

One of David’s first ever interviews on the radio was with Cliff Richard, who was just 18 at the time.

Hitting the airwaves

By the mid-Seventies, David had cemented himself as a household name, with one magazine at the time calling him a “housewives superstar”.

He joined Radio 1 in the early seventies alongside other veteran DJs like Tony Blackburn and Noel Edmunds.

Speaking in his 2024 memoir David Hamilton’s Long and Winding Road, he talked about getting the job and wrote: “I was still in my twenties.

“I felt a little dated, you know, but I boded my time, and eventually, six years later, Radio One gave me my own show.”

In the 80s, David switched to commercial radio and he continues to broadcast to this day.

He is now a member of the presenting team on Boom Radio.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he chuckled: “I’m the oldest person in Britain to be still doing a national daily radio show.”

Becoming ‘Diddy’

David is affectionately known as “Diddy”, a nickname he hasn’t always been happy with but decided in the end just to “go with it”.

Standing at 5ft 6in, the moniker was given to him by the late Ken Dodd because he simply thought it “was funny”.

Top of The Pops was probably the most high-profile time of my whole career, and I would say it was the most exciting time.”

David Hamilton

David, however, found it less hilarious, but told the Daily Mail he “accepted it on the basis that there were worse things to be called”, and the nickname stuck forever.

Top of the Pops fame

David hit the dizzy heights of TV fame in the late 70s, when he landed the coveted job of presenting Top of the Pops.

The BBC show was huge back in the day, and made stars out of it’s hosts.

David was on series from 1976 until 78, before returning in 1988.

Speaking in his memoir about landing the TOTP hosting gig he said that Radio 1 helped him get the job.

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David seen here hosting Top Of the pops in 1977,[/caption]

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The broadcaster switched to commercial radio in the 80s[/caption]

He wrote: “Radio 1 at that time was a huge network, and it had taken the place of the pirates; it also led me to do Top Of The Pops.

“So that was probably the most high-profile time of my whole career, and I would say it was the most exciting time.”

David talks about his life on TOPT on the Channel 5 documentary Top of The Pops: Secrets & Scandals, which airs September 27, 2024 at 9pm.

Married life

In 1962 and aged 24, David married his first wife Shelia who was a make-up artist at the time.

The couple went on to have two children, Jane and David Jr, before splitting up in 1970.

Reflecting on his marriage, he said: “I loved her very much.

“Although you may wonder from the book whether I fell in love a lot.”

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David seen here with his second wife Dreena in 1989[/caption]

David then met his second wife Dreena, an aerobics teacher, who he was set up with on a blind date.

They were married in 1993, and have been together ever since.

Reflecting on the early years of their relationship, Dreena told the Mail: “There was quite a brouhaha when we got together.

“My friends did say, ‘You can’t marry him. He is a womaniser’, but we’ve been together for 40 years now, married for 30.

“And there are no regrets there.”

Health battle

In 2022, David revealed he had been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer called polycythaemia vera.

Since then he has undergone chemotherapy to stop it spreading.

One of the symptoms of the cancer is that it causes your face to appear tanned or reddish.

David told the Mail: “It’s one of the better cancers to have.

“They picked it up because my blood was too thick.

“I was too red-blooded!”

THE Apprentice star Rochelle Anthony has revealed she was rushed to hospital and needs surgery after six weeks of hell.

The businesswoman took to Instagram last night to share her agony.

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Rochelle Anthony has been in agony with gallstones[/caption]

Instagram/rochellerayeanthony

The Apprentice star revealed shy she’s been so quiet recently[/caption]

Rochelle told fans she has two gallstones stuck in her bile duct which are too big to pass naturally.

The health concern comes a year after she had her gallbladder removed as well as 19 gallstones.

She wrote: “I’ve been struggling with back pain for the past six weeks. This last 10 days have really ramped up.”

After blood tests, scans and A&E trips, Rochelle finally got her diagnosis.

The stones need to be removed by a specialist, so she was sent home from hospital with strong painkillers in the meantime.

She continued: “… that’s left me sleeping all day/being sick feeling dizzy. But it’s better than the intense pain I’ve had for the past six days.

“Trust your gut and fight for answers. Hopefully I will get the much needed operation asap.”

She went on to deny posting for attention and signed off: “Honestly, I’d rather give birth hurts less than any kind of stone.”

Rochelle made it to the finale of The Apprentice season 17 as she tried to convince Lord Sugar to invest in her hair salon.

It was a close call, but in the end, he decided to partner up with Marnie Swindells to open a boxing gym in London instead.

Despite coming in second place, Rochelle’s business boomed after the show as clients started to travel up to four hours to get their hair done by her at The Dollshouse.

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Rochelle finished as a runner-up on the BBC show last year[/caption]