Latest news with #DarraghEnnis
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
The Chase star Darragh Ennis sets tricky 'real name' quiz that most can't solve
The Chase star Darragh Ennis has left people baffled after setting a fiendishly difficult 'real names' quiz on social media, as many struggle to get every answer correct You'll need to have a sharp mind to beat this quiz set by The Chase star Darragh Ennis. The 44-year-old neuroscientist and professional quizzer is most known for his role as The Menace on the ITV quiz show, where he is tasked with preventing contestants from being able to take home huge prize money by answering questions quicker than they can. However, in his spare time, Darragh regularly challenges the public to quizzes of his own on his social media accounts. These brainteasers are usually comprised of five questions, and while some are themed around specific franchises like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, others are more general knowledge based. One recent quiz set by The Menace was on "real names", and he claimed that most people wouldn't be able to get a perfect score. So if you think you've got what it takes, why not give it a go? Darragh started by explaining how the quiz would work. He would give the real name of a famous person who uses a stage name, and your job is to work out what name they're "better known by". He added: "I bet you can't get all five." Questions Which actor, who was born in 1951, had the real name Michael Douglas? Which Welsh singer, also born in 1951, was originally named Gaynor Sullivan? Which rapper's real name is Calvin Broadus Jr? Which American President was born Leslie Lynch King Jr? Which American singer's real name is Elizabeth Woolridge Grant? Take some time to read through the questions and think about your answers before you scroll down to see how many you got right. There's no time limit on this one, so take as long as you need. We won't be giving you any hints this time, but we can tell you that the first question is not a trick. The actor changed their name because the Michael Douglas we know was already a famous actor. Once you think you've got all the answers, check them against the correct ones below! Answers Michael Keaton Bonnie Tyler Snoop Dogg Gerald Ford Lana Del Rey Commenters on the video were mixed. Some said they found the quiz easy, and many others said they "couldn't answer any correctly" because they found it too hard. One person said: "I didn't know the answer to any of those!" Another added: "Blimey, I am hopeless at this. I only had a guess on the second one, and even that was wrong. I thought Shirley Bassey." Of the several people who managed to get four answers correct, the US President question tripped them up the most. Several said they had no idea who Gerald Ford was, let alone what his birth name was.
Edinburgh Live
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
ITV The Chase star Darragh Ennis gives fans a peek at what he does off air
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Darragh Ennis, better known as The Menace from The Chase, is man of many talents. Not only does he excel in quizzing on the popular ITV quiz show, he also has a passion for beekeeping off-screen. At 44, the Irish quizmaster frequently delights his online followers by posting about his apiculture adventures on TikTok. Darragh took to the video-sharing platform to show his first spring bee hive inspection earlier this year. Donning a protective white suit and hooded veil, he told his TikTok fans: "Okay so it's time for my first bee [hive] inspection of the season." He enthusiastically reported the healthy activity within his buzzing apiary, noting: "So my bees are just over here and they're doing pretty well. There's lots of flying bees and foraging collecting pollen so the colony seems to be in good shape." The beloved TV personality demonstrated his pre-inspection routine, including lighting a smoker to pacify the bees before manipulating the various parts of the hive. Darragh continued to educate his audience on effective beekeeping practices, explaining: "And I do that during the winter time because I want the insects to be on the top because it's warmer and helps them to stay alive over the winter. :I want to switch it around now and have the honey at the top so that's how you do it during the summer, makes the hive more productive and just it's better for the hive." Darragh recently checked on his queen bee and remarked: "Okay, so a very busy colony, they got really annoyed at me there for a bit but I've put them back into summer configuration in the hive and I couldn't see the queen." He remained optimistic, saying: "I couldn't find her but that's not too unusual. There was babies so somebody's laying eggs in there. So I'll come back in a week or two and have another look; they seem to be doing okay." Beekeeping has surged in popularity, with enthusiasts maintaining colonies for honey and other derivatives like beeswax and Royal jelly. Bee Built's website is on hand, providing vital pointers for novices. Their advice reads: "General maintenance requires periodic inspections during the warm months to make sure your queen is laying eggs, your workers are building up honey stores, and your colony has enough space to expand. "In the cold months, the colony clusters and eats through their honey stores, only emerging when the temperature is above freezing to eliminate waste. Inspections are discouraged during this time to keep from releasing precious heat from the hive." Darragh's beekeeping journey, shared on TikTok, has captured the interest of many followers. A comment from one viewer read: "So good to see your bees are doing well. It is very interesting seeing your bee updates. Good luck with them this year." One delighted viewer commented: "Brilliant so pleased for you and of course the bees." Meanwhile, another inquisitive user asked: "Have your bees stung you?" Although Darragh hasn't addressed the question, Bee Built has since pointed out that 'all beekeepers get stung at some point'. They further explained that stings can be accidental, stating: "For example, a bee might end up in the fold of your clothing, go unnoticed, and be unable to get out. Honeybees are mostly very docile, and stinging is a last resort, since once they sting, they die."
Edinburgh Live
06-07-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Blueberries stay fresh 21 days longer without turning mouldy if stored with one item
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Blueberries are a summertime favourite that work brilliantly in smoothies or baked into muffins, yet keeping them fresh can be maddening as they frequently go off well before their use-by date. You may be astonished to discover that most fruit shouldn't be kept in plastic packaging, as this limits air circulation and captures moisture, creating a damp atmosphere. Berries are packed with water, which naturally escapes over time, and when excessive moisture accumulates it causes fruit such as blueberries to develop mould. READ MORE - The Chase star Darragh Ennis shares 'genius' tip to help you sleep better READ MORE - Oasis fans say gig-goer 'didn't deserve' ticket as they spot what she's doing Nevertheless, recipe developer Jerry James Stone has revealed that maintaining blueberries plump and fresh for extended periods is remarkably simple, requiring just a few minutes of proper washing. Jerry explained: "You simply cannot see all the bad stuff on the blueberries. You're not Ant-Man. Produce is covered in dirt, mould spores, and other nasties that cause it to spoil. Blueberries are especially sensitive to these things. So you need to wash them.", reports the Express. Blueberries are susceptible to bacteria owing to their substantial water content, and washing them extends their lifespan by reducing contamination and mould risks. Simply place the blueberries in a large bowl containing three parts water to one part vinegar. Vinegar eliminates mould spores and bacteria from your blueberries whilst being mild enough to disinfect without damaging the fruit. To ensure your blueberries remain fresh, soak them for about five minutes, then drain using a colander and spread them on a plate with a tea towel or kitchen paper to dry. It's crucial to eliminate any dampness as moisture promotes bacterial growth which can spoil the berries, so confirm that the blueberries are completely dry before storing them again. After drying, place the blueberries in a container lined with kitchen paper, which will soak up any residual moisture and prevent them from turning mouldy or soft. Jerry advises on the best storage method: "Once they are dry, store the berries in a towel-lined container that you can cover, and place them in the fridge." He also highlights the importance of proper ventilation, adding: "Something slightly breathable is best. Airtight containers can trap moisture, and we don't want that. That also means keeping them out of any drawers that create excess humidity. No joke. I have had blueberries last for just about three weeks this way." By washing, thoroughly drying, and storing blueberries with kitchen paper, you reduce bacterial presence and can keep them fresh for up to three weeks, ensuring no need to discard these succulent fruits during the summer.
Edinburgh Live
06-07-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
ITV The Chase star Darragh Ennis shares 'genius' tip to help you sleep better
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The Chase's Darragh Ennis, also known as The Menace on the popular ITV quiz show, has shared a tip that could revolutionise your sleep. While he's widely recognised for his quizzing prowess, Darragh is also a neuroscientist and has penned a book about the human body titled 'The Body: 10 Things You Should Know'. In a recent TikTok video, Darragh delved into why so many of us find it difficult to nod off at night and disclosed a straightforward change we can make to ensure a more restful slumber. Darragh explained that the habit of scrolling through our phones before hitting the hay can hinder sleep due to the type of light these devices emit. READ MORE - Oasis fans say gig-goer 'didn't deserve' ticket as they spot what she's doing READ MORE - Alan Titchmarsh makes 'heartbreaking' find after returning home with wife He elaborated: "Did you ever wonder why it is that looking at your phone at night can make it hard to go to sleep? It's all to do with light. Backlit screens emit a lot of light, and we've evolved to be active during the day. "Our bodies tend to get tired when it's dark outside. Our brain does this by using signals from our eyes about how much light there is, but also what colour light we see. If we take in blue light, a lot of which comes from backlit screens, the production of the hormone melatonin decreases. Melatonin is one of the key things that helps make us sleepy.", reports Dublin Live. Many modern phones and backlit devices now come with blue light filter options that can be set to activate automatically at certain times of the day. These filters are designed to block out blue light in an effort to reduce eye strain in the evening, but according to Darragh, they don't do much for improving sleep quality. He remarked: "The blue light filters and things don't seem to have much impact either. Lots of studies have shown this because [with] other parts of the light spectrum, particularly yellow light, our brain thinks that it is coming from midday sunlight. This also stops us from getting sleepy." For those struggling with sleeplessness at bedtime and searching for a simple remedy, Darragh recommends leaving your phone behind when you go to bed. He suggested: "If you really want to get better sleep, it has been shown that the best thing you can do is not look at a backlit screen at all. If you want to read or anything, it's better to put your phone down and read a book." Tips for improved sleep from NHS Every Mind Matters. The NHS' Every Mind Matters initiative offers several tips to help you fall asleep faster and enjoy better-quality sleep once you do. Their advice includes establishing a good sleep routine. One key aspect of good sleep hygiene is maintaining a consistent routine, which involves setting specific times for winding down before bed, as well as sticking to regular sleeping and waking times. 2. Unwind and consider meditation for better sleep. Steer clear of electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime, as mobiles, tablets and computers emit blue light that hinders sleep. Reading, listening to soothing music or a podcast, or practising sleep meditation can all aid if you struggle with sleep. 3. Embrace mindfulness for improved sleep. Anxiety, worry and stress can impact the quality of our sleep. Fortunately, there are daily practices you can adopt to manage your worries, such as confiding in someone you trust or jotting down your concerns in a notebook. If you frequently find yourself lying awake with worries, allocate time before bed to compile a to-do list for the following day, as this can be an effective way to ease your mind. 4. Cultivate the ideal sleep environment. Generally, it's easier to drift off to sleep in a quiet, dark, and cool setting, although the perfect sleep environment is subjective. So, experiment with different things and discover what suits you best. You might find that wearing earplugs and silencing your phone can help you eliminate distractions and fall asleep quicker. Good curtains or blinds can assist in keeping a room dark and prevent unwanted light by keeping clocks out of sight and phones face down. Some people also find it beneficial to play sleep-inducing music, such as ambient sounds like rainfall, gentle tunes or white noise. 5. Avoid forcing sleep. If you find yourself tossing and turning, unable to drift off, don't force it. If you're weary and relishing the sensation of rest, sleep may naturally ensue. However, if sleep eludes you, rise from your bed and settle in a cosy spot to engage in a calming activity, such as reading a book or listening to soothing music. 6. Enhance sleep with diet and exercise. Maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity can aid relaxation and promote better sleep. Steer clear of hefty meals before hitting the hay, and aim to cut out caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine prior to bedtime. The general guidance is to dodge stimulants 1 to 2 hours before retiring for the night. Regular physical activity aids sleep, but refrain from vigorous workouts in the 90 minutes leading up to bedtime if you find it hinders your ability to nod off.
Daily Mirror
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
ITV The Chase star Darragh Ennis has 'game-changing' tip to fall asleep faster
The Chase star Darragh Ennis, also known as The Menace, has shared a 'genius' trick to help you fall asleep quickly and get a better night's rest – and it's super easy to do Tweaking just a single element of your nightly routine could revolutionise your sleep, according to The Chase star Darragh Ennis. Known to viewers as The Menace on the popular ITV quiz show, Darragh is also a neuroscientist and has penned a book delving into the wonders of the human body titled 'The Body: 10 Things You Should Know'. In his most recent TikTok video, Darragh explains why so many of us find it tough to nod off at night and shares a foolproof tip for ensuring a peaceful sleep. It turns out there's only one small change we need to make to our bedtime ritual. Darragh points out that pre-sleep scrolling on smartphones can be detrimental to our ability to fall asleep due to the way our brains respond to the light emitted by these devices. He explained: "Did you ever wonder why it is that looking at your phone at night can make it hard to go to sleep? It's all to do with light. Backlit screens emit a lot of light, and we've evolved to be active during the day." He continued: "Our bodies tend to get tired when it's dark outside. Our brain does this by using signals from our eyes about how much light there is, but also what colour light we see. If we take in blue light, a lot of which comes from backlit screens, the production of the hormone melatonin decreases. Melatonin is one of the key things that helps make us sleepy." Many modern phones and gadgets now come with blue light filter options that can be set to kick in at certain times, aimed at blocking blue light to ease eye strain in the evenings. However, Darragh points out that these settings might not be as helpful for sleep as one might hope. He shared: "The blue light filters and things don't seem to have much impact either. Lots of studies have shown this because [with] other parts of the light spectrum, particularly yellow light, our brain thinks that it is coming from midday sunlight. This also stops us from getting sleepy." For those struggling with nocturnal restlessness and looking for a simple fix, Darragh recommends ditching your phone before bed. His advice: "If you really want to get better sleep, it has been shown that the best thing you can do is not look at a backlit screen at all. If you want to read or anything, it's better to put your phone down and read a book." How to sleep better The NHS ' Every Mind Matters campaign offers several tips to help you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful sleep. Their guidance includes:. 1. Establish a consistent sleep routine Creating a regular sleep pattern can greatly enhance sleep quality. Often referred to as sleep hygiene, a solid sleep routine should involve setting specific times for winding down and going to bed, as well as waking up consistently each day. 2. Relax and try meditation for better sleep Steer clear of electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime, as mobiles, tablets and computers emit blue light that hinders sleep. If you struggle to drift off, reading, listening to calming music or a podcast, or practising sleep meditation can all be beneficial. 3. Give mindfulness a go for improved sleep Anxiety, worry and stress can all impact the quality of our sleep. Fortunately, there are daily practices you can adopt to manage your worries, such as confiding in someone you trust or jotting down your concerns in a notebook. If you frequently find yourself lying awake with worries, allocate some time before bed to compile a to-do list for the following day - this can be an effective way to ease your mind. 4. Cultivate the ideal sleep environment Generally, it's easier to fall asleep in a quiet, dark, and cool setting, but the perfect sleep environment is subjective. So, experiment with different conditions to see what suits you best. You might discover that wearing earplugs and silencing your phone helps you eliminate distractions and fall asleep quicker. Good-quality curtains or blinds can keep a room dark and prevent unwanted light from clocks or phones by keeping them out of sight or face-down. Some people also find it helpful to play sleep-inducing music, such as ambient sounds like rainfall, soothing tunes or white noise. 5. Avoid forcing sleep If you find yourself wide awake, struggling to drift off, don't force it. If you're weary and relishing the rest, sleep might naturally ensue. However, if sleep eludes you, rise and settle in a cosy spot to engage in a calming activity such as reading or listening to soothing music. 6. Enhance sleep with proper diet and exercise Maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity can aid relaxation and improve sleep quality. Refrain from consuming large meals before hitting the sack, and aim to eliminate caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine prior to bedtime. The general guideline is to steer clear of stimulants 1 to 2 hours before retiring for the night. Regular physical activity promotes better sleep, but refrain from vigorous workouts in the 90 minutes leading up to bedtime if it hinders your ability to fall asleep.
