78 minutes ago I had strict rules to keep my British and Italian lives separate. Then I learned the joy of being both | Silvia Saunders

I would elbow my mum when she spoke Italian in England, until I realised each part of my identity is more than just a ‘half’In our end of year series, writers and public figures remember the place or time when they felt most at homeSince I was small, I have liked sitting on stairs to read. In my childhood home, in Nuneaton, I favoured the square of carpet between the two flights, positioned directly opposite the wall-mounted clock, so I could keep an eye on how many pages I could squeeze in before bed. My favourite place to read, though, has always been the red tiled steps that lead to the front door of my nonna’s house in Puglia. There are photos of me and my cousins on those steps at every age. If I close my eyes, I can feel the terracotta under my hands, somehow always warm, even in deepest winter.Throughout my childhood, I grappled with the question: “Ti senti più inglese o più italiana?” – do you feel more English or more Italian? I’m British-Italian, and most of my family live...

Politics

78 minutes ago EastEnders Cindy Beale star Michelle Collins love life including husband 22 years younger

Soap icon Cindy Beale is set to break Ian's heart again over Christmas dinner, but way from the soap Michelle Collins leads a much quieter family life with her husband and her grown-up daughter

Politics

78 minutes ago Charlotte Dawson remembers dad Les Dawson with heartwarming act every Christmas

EXCLUSIVE: Charlotte Dawson, daughter of legendary comedian Les Dawson, has revealed how the family make sure his memory lives on at Christmas time

Events

2 hours ago Inside Royal Family's Christmas traditions including one thing every family will relate to

Have you ever wondered how the royal family celebrate at Christmas? We take a closer look inside their Sandringham festivities - and some of their unusual traditions

Politics

3 hours ago Boat built 120 years ago in English brewery vies for win in Sydney to Hobart race

Katwinchar, the oldest boat in the race’s history, is making her third attempt since being found in a dilapidated state on Gumtree and undergoing restorationGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe oldest boat in the history of the Sydney Hobart yacht race, Maritimo Katwinchar, will make her third attempt after undergoing significant modifications.The boat was built by workers at an English brewery in 1904, using off-cuts of timber from the keg-making process. The first Sydney Hobart yacht race was still 41 years away.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

Politics

4 hours ago Woman 'nearly sick' after discovering real recommended serving of cheese

Bupa UK shared a post comparing a plate of cheese that looked 'normal' to most people, and then the actual recommended daily amount of the dairy product

Politics

5 hours ago Wild video shows 'UFO' accelerating instantly as family are left stunned

A 13-second video of a mysterious 'UFO' hovering near Atlantic City, New Jersey, has captivated online viewers, showing a white light blinking before vanishing at incredible speed.

Culture

5 hours ago Gordon Ramsay wears matching Christmas pyjamas with wife Tana and their children as he shares adorable festive snap

Gordon Ramsay brought the festive cheer to Instagram on Tuesday as he shared an adorable family photo in matching Christmas pyjamas.

Politics

5 hours ago Teenager dead after police chase 'involving stolen car' just days before Christmas: South Yorkshire force refers itself to watchdog

Officers were chasing a black Ford Fiesta in the Hyde Park Walk area of Sheffield on Monday afternoon when it smashed into a wall.

Events

5 hours ago Outrage over 'coward' NYPD officers who did NOTHING as illegal migrant burned woman alive on subway

The New York City police department is facing outrage after officers were caught on camera walking past a woman on fire.

Events