22 h. ago Muriel’s Wedding review – Toni Collette is outstanding in the film that brought Abba back

Brilliantly led by Collette, PJ Hogan’s 1994 story of a lovable loser was the feelgood sensation that rescued the band’s reputation – how can you resist it?When writer-director PJ Hogan made Muriel’s Wedding in 1994, he surely knew he had struck feelgood-movie gold. But maybe he didn’t realise he had personally authored a pivotal moment in Abbamania’s global history: the momentous transitional phase between the band being taboo-naff and being world-conqueringly beloved. (Maybe Mr Hogan should be getting a cut of the Mamma Mia! musicals and the Abba Voyage live show.) Hogan also gave us our first real view of Toni Collette who started the way she meant to go on: being outstanding in everything she is in.But back in 1994, it was still appropriate that a loser – albeit a lovable loser – could be depicted as an Abba fan; but this movie gets something right that the endless pedantic jukebox musicals that came later get wrong. This crucial pro-Abba film is not itself obsessed with Abba an...

Politics

46 h. ago A moment that changed me: I used a pseudonym on a dating app

This new identity gave me confidence and the freedom to discover different relationships. It also helped me understand, more broadly, what I really want from lifeI’ve never been a good liar. I can trace it back to my early school days, where my excuses for unfinished homework were never convincing, or I’d guiltily double back on even the smallest of fibs. With a knowing look, my mother would say: “Georgina ” She instilled a reverence for the truth, which was bound to the idea of doing the right thing. She wasn’t wrong: building trust is crucial in forming strong bonds in any relationship dynamic.But, like most teenagers, I gently smudged the boundaries of truth, from concealing my bellybutton piercing, to “borrowing” my brother’s car to meet a boy I fancied. Notably, my untruths were told in the knowledge that they would probably later be discovered (although I hadn’t banked on the flat tyre) and, looking back, they were often linked with an early exploration of my sexual identity. ...

Politics

1 week ago Yotam Ottolenghi: I tried intermittent fasting, and hated it. This is why we need to ditch the diets and go back to basics

The chef says we need to forget fads and focus on the joy of good food cooked with love• Yotam’s recipes for roast chicken with butter beans, and perfect potatoesThe kids normally have breakfast at 7.30. I make eggs – soft boiled, scrambled or an omelette – sliced cucumber, toast with butter and a bowl of yoghurt on the side. Whether I eat too depends on how much I ate the previous night – and how late.Last year, I decided I’d skip breakfast altogether. I was reading everywhere about the benefits of intermittent fasting (IF) and it didn’t feel like a huge sacrifice. Apparently, if I managed to avoid food for 16 hours, half of it spent sleeping anyway, I was more likely to sustain weight loss compared with following any other diet. On top of that, fasting periods are said to allow the body to repair cells and, as a result, help to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, general inflammation, memory loss, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other maladies. Continue reading...

Events

2 w. ago Traditional elevenses are dead with modern Brits preferring roast chicken and hummus

A third of health-conscious Gen Z and Millennials have a daily protein goal to hit - and while 32% still enjoy a morning and afternoon snack every day, it's more likely to be Greek yoghurt, boiled eggs, or a protein shake

Events

2 w. ago ‘If I fail, I’ll step down’; Jim Ratcliffe makes promise after revealing cause for Manchester United’s decline

United’s co-owner aims to turn the fortunes of the club around after ‘unpleasant year’

Events

2 w. ago You're making boiled eggs wrong – 'crucial step' promises 'perfect yolk'

Boiled eggs are a simple breakfast, lunch or dinner option, but many people struggle to cook them perfectly. Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd has shared his top tips for making the "perfect" boiled egg

Politics

3 w. ago Man's relationship on the brink as wife's car error 'nearly cost £1,000'

A woman borrowed her husband's car while hers was in the garage, and he asked her to fill it up for him - but it all went horribly wrong when she made a crucial error

Economics