Latest news with #Laura
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 8 reasons you have awful hangovers even after just TWO drinks – and the must-do hacks to avoid it
Eating cereal may help you prepare for a night of drinks, or in the morning DOUBLE TROUBLE The 8 reasons you have awful hangovers even after just TWO drinks – and the must-do hacks to avoid it Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) APEROL spritz at the Saturday BBQ, rosé after work and G&Ts in the garden - summer is here, but with booze comes the dreaded 'next day'. What's worse, is that sometimes, it can only take a couple of drinks to feel the effects of a hangover. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Waking up feeling rough after just a couple? You're certainly not alone! Credit: Getty Laura Jennings, nutritionist and founder of the NutriMethod tells Sun Health that typically, a hangover sets in as the blood alcohol level starts to drop, often peaking when there's no alcohol left in the system. 'Hangovers can last for up to 24 hours,' she adds. But, there are some reasons why you might end up suffering the next day, even if you kept your alcohol intake to a minimum… 1. You're dehydrated DRINKING water is the number one rule of avoiding a hangover. So, if you're not doing it, there's your first clue as to why you feel it even after a couple. While drinking water won't stop you getting a hangover, it could help reduce the severity of your symptoms, Laura says. She adds: 'Alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning it encourages your body to lose more water through urine. 'It does this by blocking the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin, which normally helps your body regulate water excretion. 'As a result, you can become dehydrated and that alone can cause symptoms like fatigue, headache and dry mouth.' Make sure you're hydrated throughout the day, not just when you're drinking alcohol. Aim for 1.5 to two litres of water each day. Doctor shares the 5 remedies that actually stop your Christmas party hangover - and they work wonders for the over 25s When drinking, use the 'zebra striping' method - one alcoholic beverage, one water. And make sure to hydrate on route home. 2. Your drinks are dark NOT all alcohol affects you the same way when it comes to hangovers. 7 Make sure to drink water throughout the evening AND once you get home Credit: Alamy 'Clear spirits such as vodka and gin tend to cause fewer symptoms because they contain lower levels of congeners, which are compounds produced during fermentation and distillation,' says Laura. Darker drinks like whiskey and brandy are higher in these by-products, which can make hangovers feel worse. In people who are susceptible, a spike in histamine and serotonin can lead to symptoms such as flushing, headaches or nasal congestion Laura Jennings 'Some of these congeners, like methanol, can be broken down into toxic substances such as formaldehyde and formic acid in the body,' says Laura. 'Thankfully, our body has enzymes that help clear these toxins out, but if you've had a lot to drink, or you're dehydrated, the system can get overwhelmed, which may contribute to the severity of a hangover.' 3. You drink red over white IF you're a red wine over white kind of a drinker then your hangover might be worse. Red wine has more of those pesky congeners than white, Laura says, adding: 'Red wine also contains more histamine and serotonin-releasing compounds than white wine or spirits like vodka. 7 Go for white wine over red- which has more chemicals that induce a hangover Credit: Alamy 'In people who are susceptible, this spike in histamine and serotonin can lead to symptoms such as flushing, headaches or nasal congestion, often mistaken for classic hangover effects.' She adds that red wine also contains more quercetin, a polyphenol (antioxidant) found in significantly higher amounts in red wine. Research in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that quercetin might interfere with alcohol metabolism, especially in people with a variant of the enzyme ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2). 'This enzyme helps break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol,' Laura says. 'If this process is slowed or impaired, acetaldehyde can build up, leading to more severe hangover symptoms like headache, nausea and fatigue.' 4. Your diet is filled with UPFs ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS, such as cereals, processed meats, cakes, chocolate, crisps, ice-cream and fizzy drinks, could make your hangover worse. Laura says: 'These foods provide little in the way of protective micronutrients and can amplify inflammation and blood sugar swings, both of which can intensify hangover symptoms.' Drinking alcohol can mess with your blood sugar because it makes it harder for your body to produce glucose. Women have less body water and lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that metabolises alcohol Dr Mohammed Najjar 'This can lead to dips in blood glucose, which might explain why people feel shaky, tired or irritable after drinking,' says Laura. Drinking on an empty stomach could also make your hangover worse. But, on the flip side, Laura adds: 'Eating nutrient-dense, whole foods rich in B vitamins and minerals like zinc before drinking may help take the edge off a hangover.' Research in the journal of Clinical Medicine found that vitamin B3 and zinc play a pivotal role in reducing the severity of hangovers, especially when it comes to symptoms like nausea and vomiting. 'These nutrients are involved in alcohol metabolism and help the body break down acetaldehyde, the toxic by-product of alcohol that contributes to hangover symptoms,' explains Laura. 'Foods rich in zinc include legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains and shellfish, while B3 can be found in poultry, brown rice, mushrooms and fortified cereals. Including these foods in your meals before drinking could help support your body's detox pathways.' 7 If your diet is heavy in ultraprocessed foods, you're more likely to feel the effects of alcohol Credit: Getty 7 However, some cereals are fortified with B vitamins, which can help with fatigue and low energy Credit: Getty 5. You're relying on hangover supplements THERE'S a lot of hangover supplements on the market which make promising claims. Have you given them a go, only to find you are still hungover, even after just two drinks? That's because most of these supplements aren't backed by strong scientific evidence, says Laura. 'While a few small studies have looked at individual ingredients that may help with specific symptoms like nausea or headaches, there's currently no solid, peer-reviewed research in humans to confirm that these products are safe or consistently effective at preventing or treating hangovers,' she says. So while you might benefit from some minor symptom relief, there's no proven supplement that can reliably prevent or cure a hangover. 7 Hangover supplement are all the rage. But there isn't a huge amount of research to say they work, so don't rely on them Credit: Getty 6. It's your medications IF you're taking medications, these could have an impact on how your body metabolises alcohol, which could make your hangover worse. 'These include some pain relievers such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs (medicines that relieve pain, reduce inflammation and bring down a high temperature, such as ibuprofen and aspirin) and some antidepressants,' says Dr Mohammed Najjar, Medical Director of Jorja Healthcare Group. Some medications require you to avoid alcohol at all costs. Dr Najjar recommends speaking to your GP if you're concerned. 7. You're a woman GENETICS do play a role in how you metabolise alcohol. Dr Najjar says: 'Although men and women tend to metabolise alcohol at approximately the same rate, women appear to have a higher rate of alcohol elimination.' This can mean women feel the effects of alcohol more strongly. 'This could be due to a number of factors such as the smaller lean body mass in women which leads to higher alcohol concentration per unit of lean body mass, and also due to the fact that women have less body water and lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that metabolises alcohol,' adds Dr Najjar. The menstrual cycle can impact how severe a hangover is. Dr Najjar says that some women notice their hangovers are worse during the luteal phase (the week before your period). 'Levels of the hormone progesterone levels increase significantly during this phase, and oestrogen levels also remain elevated,' says Dr Najjar. 'It's possible that these hormone changes can cause more acetaldehyde to remain in the body after drinking alcohol which can result in hangover symptoms.' 7 Women metabolise alcohol differently which means they may feel the impact of a hangover more Credit: Getty Surprising hangover cures If you've woken up with a groggy head and an aching body from a day or night on the booze, you need to nourish your body to help it regain strength. Unhealthy, high calorie foods could derail you weight loss efforts as well as make the hangover worse. Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at says: 'Excessive alcohol consumption damages your liver. To detox your liver and alleviate nasty hangover symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and dehydration, try some of the below ingredients.' Onions and garlic Both of these foods contain a nutrient called sulphur, according to Shona, which is essential in liver detoxification. 'Toxins in the body essentially join to the sulphur and are then excreted from the body.' Lemon peel Adding some lemon peel to a glass of water or shaving some onto your food could help alleviate some of your hangover symptoms. Shona says: 'Lemon peel contains a substance called limonene, which helps your body to detoxify itself by removing carcinogens from the body. 'There is research that suggests lemon peel may even offer an effective solution to migraines and headaches, given that it's a great source of Vitamin C.' Grapefruit It's the substance naringin in grapefruits, which helps to protect the liver from all kinds of damage. Shona says: 'There are a lot of medicines out there that don't mix too well with grapefruit however, so consult your GP before adding too much grapefruit into your diet if you're on any prescribed medications.' Pickle juice An odd one, but pickle juice is packed with electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which Shona says are essential in a whole host of the body's vital processes. She says: 'Electrolytes help to keep us hydrated by regulating the amount of water in our cells to ensure they're able to function properly. 'If you're hungover, it's the perfect remedy.'
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
The 8 reasons you have awful hangovers even after just TWO drinks – and the must-do hacks to avoid it
APEROL spritz at the Saturday BBQ, rosé after work and G&Ts in the garden - summer is here, but with booze comes the dreaded 'next day'. What's worse, is that sometimes, it can only take a couple of drinks to feel the effects of a hangover. Advertisement 7 Waking up feeling rough after just a couple? You're certainly not alone! Credit: Getty Laura Jennings, nutritionist and founder of the ' But, there are some reasons why you might end up suffering the next day, even if you kept your alcohol intake to a minimum… 1. You're dehydrated DRINKING water is the number one rule of avoiding a hangover. Advertisement Read more life hacks So, if you're not doing it, there's your first clue as to why you feel it even after a couple. While drinking water won't stop you getting a hangover, it could help reduce the severity of your symptoms, Laura says. She adds: 'Alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning it encourages your body to lose more water through urine. 'It does this by blocking the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin, which normally helps your body regulate water excretion. Advertisement Most read in Health 'As a result, you can become Make sure you're hydrated throughout the day, not just when you're drinking alcohol. Aim for 1.5 to two litres of water each day. Doctor shares the 5 remedies that actually stop your Christmas party hangover - and they work wonders for the over 25s When drinking, use the 'zebra striping' method - one alcoholic beverage, one water. And make sure to hydrate on route home. 2. Your drinks are dark NOT all alcohol affects you the same way when it comes to hangovers. Advertisement 7 Make sure to drink water throughout the evening AND once you get home Credit: Alamy 'Clear spirits such as vodka and gin tend to cause fewer symptoms because they contain lower levels of congeners, which are compounds produced during fermentation and distillation,' says Laura. In people who are susceptible, a spike in histamine and serotonin can lead to symptoms such as flushing, headaches or nasal congestion Laura Jennings nutritionist and founder of the NutriMethod 'Some of these congeners, like methanol, can be broken down into toxic substances such as formaldehyde and formic acid in the body,' says Laura. Advertisement 'Thankfully, our body has enzymes that help clear these toxins out, but if you've had a lot to drink, or you're dehydrated, the system can get overwhelmed, which may contribute to the severity of a hangover.' 3. You drink red over white IF you're a red wine over white kind of a drinker then your hangover might be worse. Red wine has more of those pesky congeners than white, Laura says, adding: 'Red wine also contains more histamine and serotonin-releasing compounds than white wine or spirits like vodka. 7 Go for white wine over red- which has more chemicals that induce a hangover Credit: Alamy Advertisement 'In people who are susceptible, this spike in She adds that red wine also contains more quercetin, a polyphenol (antioxidant) found in significantly higher amounts in red wine. Research in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that quercetin might interfere with alcohol metabolism, especially in people with a variant of the enzyme ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2). 'This enzyme helps break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol,' Laura says. Advertisement 'If this process is slowed or impaired, acetaldehyde can build up, leading to more severe hangover symptoms like headache, nausea and fatigue.' 4. Your diet is filled with UPFs Laura says: 'These foods provide little in the way of protective micronutrients and can amplify inflammation and blood sugar swings, both of which can intensify hangover symptoms.' Drinking alcohol can mess with your Advertisement Women have less body water and lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that metabolises alcohol Dr Mohammed Najjar Medical Director of Jorja Healthcare Group 'This can lead to dips in blood glucose, which might explain why people feel shaky, tired or irritable after drinking,' says Laura. Drinking on an empty stomach could also make your hangover worse. But, on the flip side, Laura adds: 'Eating nutrient-dense, whole foods rich in B vitamins and minerals like zinc before drinking may help take the edge off a hangover.' Research in the journal of Clinical Medicine found that vitamin B3 and zinc play a pivotal role in reducing the severity of hangovers, especially when it comes to symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Advertisement 'These 'Foods rich in zinc include legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains and shellfish, while B3 can be found in poultry, brown rice, mushrooms and fortified cereals. Including these foods in your meals before drinking could help support your body's detox pathways.' 7 If your diet is heavy in ultraprocessed foods, you're more likely to feel the effects of alcohol Credit: Getty 7 However, some cereals are fortified with B vitamins, which can help with fatigue and low energy Credit: Getty Advertisement 5. You're relying on hangover supplements THERE'S a lot of Have you given them a go, only to find you are still hungover, even after just two drinks? That's because most of these supplements aren't backed by strong scientific evidence, says Laura. 'While a few small studies have looked at individual ingredients that may help with specific symptoms like nausea or headaches, there's currently no solid, peer-reviewed research in humans to confirm that these products are safe or consistently effective at preventing or treating hangovers,' she says. Advertisement So while you might benefit from some minor symptom relief, there's no proven supplement that can reliably prevent or cure a hangover. 7 Hangover supplement are all the rage. But there isn't a huge amount of research to say they work, so don't rely on them Credit: Getty 6. It's your medications IF you're taking medications, these could have an impact on how your body metabolises alcohol, which could make your hangover worse. 'These include some pain relievers such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs (medicines that relieve pain, reduce inflammation and bring down a Advertisement Some medications require you to avoid alcohol at all costs. Dr Najjar recommends speaking to your GP if you're concerned. 7. You're a woman GENETICS do play a role in how you metabolise alcohol. Dr Najjar says: 'Although men and women tend to metabolise alcohol at approximately the same rate, women appear to have a higher rate of alcohol elimination.' This can mean women feel the effects of alcohol more strongly. Advertisement 'This could be due to a number of factors such as the smaller lean body mass in women which leads to higher alcohol concentration per unit of lean body mass, and also due to the fact that women have less body water and lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that metabolises alcohol,' adds Dr Najjar. The Dr Najjar says that some women notice their hangovers are worse during the luteal phase (the week before your period). 'Levels of the hormone progesterone levels increase significantly during this phase, and oestrogen levels also remain elevated,' says Dr Najjar. Advertisement 'It's possible that these hormone changes can cause more acetaldehyde to remain in the body after drinking alcohol which can result in hangover symptoms.' 7 Women metabolise alcohol differently which means they may feel the impact of a hangover more Credit: Getty Surprising hangover cures If you've woken up with a groggy head and an aching body from a day or night on the booze, you need to nourish your body to help it regain strength. Unhealthy, high calorie foods could derail you weight loss efforts as well as make the hangover worse. Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at Onions and garlic Both of these foods contain a nutrient called sulphur, according to Shona, which is essential in liver detoxification. 'Toxins in the body essentially join to the sulphur and are then excreted from the body.' Lemon peel Adding some lemon peel to a glass of water or shaving some onto your food could help alleviate some of your hangover symptoms. Shona says: 'Lemon peel contains a substance called limonene, which helps your body to detoxify itself by removing carcinogens from the body. 'There is research that suggests lemon peel may even offer an effective solution to migraines and headaches, given that it's a great source of Vitamin C.' Grapefruit It's the substance naringin in grapefruits, which helps to protect the liver from all kinds of damage. Shona says: 'There are a lot of medicines out there that don't mix too well with grapefruit however, so consult your GP before adding too much grapefruit into your diet if you're on any prescribed medications.' Pickle juice An odd one, but pickle juice is packed with electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which Shona says are essential in a whole host of the body's vital processes. She says: 'Electrolytes help to keep us hydrated by regulating the amount of water in our cells to ensure they're able to function properly. 'If you're hungover, it's the perfect remedy.'
Irish Examiner
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Book review: Status update of suspense and guilt
Life is good for influencer Gemma Fitzgerald, at least on the internet. She has thousands of loving fans, her own branded line of accessories, a doting young son, and a supportive husband. It's all going great from an outsider's point of view — that is until the police knock on her door. Gemma's brother Max, a talented sailor, disappeared 18 years ago and everyone in Dún Laoghaire thinks that he took his own life on the night of his 21st birthday. Gemma and her husband, Conleth, are the only ones who know the truth of what really happened to Max — and it has the potential to ruin their lives for good. 'If I could change that night — like in those stories where the hero changes one tiny detail in the past, and the whole future is reshaped — oh my God, I would give anything to change it.' After a mysterious body washes up on the shore, Detective Laura Shaw, with her partner and close friend Niamh Darmody, are put on the case. The duo have plenty of experience but nothing could prepare them for the twist that comes next. A post-mortem reveals that Max didn't die by suicide, he was stabbed. The more shocking reveal comes as a result of his mysteriously well-preserved body and snapped rope around his chest — someone had tied Max up somewhere and abandoned him, certain that nobody would ever discover their heinous crime. Laura and Niamh jump into action, determined to get to the bottom of the case and to finally give Max the justice he deserves, but their own problems weigh heavy on their shoulders too. Laura's estranged father, who abandoned her family when she was a child, is now gravely ill. His second family reaches out, urging Laura to say goodbye before it's too late. Time is running out, and she must quickly make a decision: Forgive or continue to forget? Niamh is also fighting her own battle on the sidelines. Her dream of becoming a mother — regardless of her relationship status — is proving to be a long and difficult journey. After a failed round of IVF, she is trying her best not to get her hopes up in case she gets another negative result. However, she is nothing if not determined and will not give up easily, especially with Laura on her side. 'Look, [Laura] I know all this. I know you're there for me. That's how we work, you and me. We don't have to be crying on one another's shoulders or having long, meaningful conversations. Even if I'm not telling you something, it's enough to know that I could, you know?' All the while, Gemma is struggling with her demons. Guilt is threatening to overwhelm her every waking moment and Conleth seems to grow more controlling each day. Her only priority is protecting Ferdia, her little boy. She promises to do for him what she couldn't do for Max: Keep him safe at any cost. The Night I Killed Him is a gripping thriller that blends crime fiction with a sharp critique of influencer culture. It peels back the polished surface of social media to reveal the dark truths beneath and asks the question: How much are celebrities hiding behind the scenes? Talented author Gill Perdue also masterfully drives home a chilling warning that lingers on every page: Don't believe everything you see online. Read More Book Review: Gill Perdue is a highly empathetic writer in When They See Me
Daily Mirror
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
First Dates' Laura Tott expecting second child as she teases over son's reaction
Former First Dates star Laura Tott - who starred alongside the likes of Fred Sirieix on the Channel 4 show - has announced that she's expecting another baby with her husband Former First Dates star Laura Tott has announced that she's expecting another baby with her husband. She shared the news with fans this week and teased over her eldest child's reaction ahead of becoming a "big brother". Laura, 30 - who was once among the restaurant staff on the Channel 4 show - announced the pregnancy in a post on Instagram yesterday. She is already a parent to son Leo, who turns two in August, with her husband Sean Clarke. Sharing the news with her followers, paramedic Laura posted a photo of Leo holding a baby scan whilst stood in a garden. She then further showcased the scan in another photo that was included in her post on the platform. Alongside the photos, Laura told fans that Leo's sibling is due later this year. The former reality TV star wrote in the caption: "Life is about to get a little crazier - Baby Clarke Number 2 is due December 2025, and we can't wait!" Laura later followed up by sharing another photo of her son on her Instagram Story. Seemingly teasing that he didn't look impressed, she wrote: "BTS. Leo's reaction to finding out he is going to be a big brother soon. The face says it all." She went on to express gratitude for the reaction to her news. Laura told fans: "Thank you so so much for every comment and message, you lovely lot. Going to be just over a two year age gap, whish me luck, all the luck please." Her initial post has amassed more than 10,000 likes since it was first uploaded and fans took to the comments section to share well wishes to Laura. Former Coronation Street star Kimberly Hart-Simpson wrote: "Huge congrats." Laura's former colleague Fred Sirieix - who is best known as the maître d'hôtel on First Dates - also reacted to her announcement earlier this week. The presenter shared a heart-eyed emoji as his response to the pregnancy news. Another follower wrote: "The biggest congratulations to you all my darling! So much love." Someone else commented on the post recently: "Best big brother in the world pending." One fan said: "Aww huge congratulations." Someone wrote: "So exciting. Congratulations guys." Another person responded to Laura's post: "Many congratulations to you all. Lovely news." Whilst one fan wrote: "Congratulations to all of you Leo will be the best big brother." The news comes just over two years on from Laura announcing that she was expecting Leo in April 2023. At the time, she teased to her followers: "Our best adventure yet." She announced his birth four months later in August that year. Marking his first birthday last year, she wrote: "Celebrating one year since this little ray of sunshine graced this earth with his presence; happy first birthday little Leo." Laura added: "Watching you grow is my favourite thing in the world."
Daily Mirror
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Zara McDermott 'freaked her out' about stalkers after new documentary
Zara McDermott has made a BBC series about stalking but was shocked by her experiences Laura's ex broke into her car and followed her to and from work. He bombarded her with hundreds of unwanted messages. She moved house to get rid of him. He found out where she lives, and stands outside at night, watching. 'This has been going on for four years,' she says. 'There doesn't seem to be an ending. When we split up, my neighbours told me that he used to turn up at my door and look through the kitchen window at seven in the morning. He was sending me 200 messages a day. 'I even had holes in my back fence and every time I covered them up, more appeared. When I went around the back, you could see straight into my living room. I had a note left at my house that said 'caught in my trap'. Now I am checking my cameras outside all the time because he is watching me. He keeps turning up at like three or four in the morning and I catch him on my Ring doorbell. 'The person I am seeing is standing there anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour and a half. They are just stood there and then they disappear. I am convinced it is him. I cannot think of anyone else like a passer-by or a dog walker... they would not just stand there for an hour staring at the house in the middle of the night.' Laura's nightly reality would be enough to break most people. For Love Island star turned filmmaker Zara McDermott, one night at Laura's place was more than enough. In her forthcoming BBC mini-series To Catch a Stalker, Zara admits: 'I could not relax. I could not sleep. This is how some women live every single day. It would absolutely destroy me. 'Even the creaking sound of the house is freaking me out a bit.' Zara, 28, wanted to reflect the reality facing thousands of women in the UK who live in fear for their lives because of the actions of a stalker. Laura's ex has already been convicted twice for stalking and was given a suspended sentence. When Zara visited, he was out on bail having been arrested for breaching the terms of the suspended sentence. The former reality star – who has never experienced what it is like being stalked – offers to spend the night and keep watch in case the figure returns, and is warned to dial 999 immediately if she spots someone. Zara admits: 'I want to keep her company for the evening. I am really interested in getting an understanding as to what she has been going through. 'I am staying the night to keep an eye on the door bell so Laura gets the chance for a good night's sleep. But I almost jumped at my own reflection and I feel a bit paranoid in this house.' Later, Zara says: 'It's nearly 2am. Laura has given me access to her cameras and I can't relax because I am waiting for this figure to appear.' Zara is relieved to report the next morning that the figure did not appear across the street. But she tells Laura: 'I didn't sleep much. I spent most of the night checking the camera. But it makes you realise how distinctive that figure on your screenshots is. It is undoubtedly someone because it is so pitch black.' Anxious Laura struggles to hide her tears as she tells Zara exactly how her ex has turned her life upside down with his creepy behaviour. She says: 'It is quite unpredictable but through the six-week holidays it was about eight times. 'I had to move here because of it. Before I'd stay at my sister's every other weekend, just because I did not feel safe at home. Then a vehicle that is very similar to his started driving past my sister's house at 2am. 'You know it is him but it's not like he is knocking on the door and waving at the window – which is what the police need. 'So I think this is why it is so difficult to get him charged. I am lucky that he has already been charged with stalking but I don't want to move again because he is just going to keep finding where I live.' In Zara's documentary, Laura adds: 'Although I am not with him, I feel my life is still controlled around him and I think that is what I find most frustrating and quite scary because how can you escape?' She tells Zara after her stay: 'It is nice to have someone who has experienced it. I feel believed – which is very rare when you are stalked.' Zara discovers Laura's ordeal could have some positive resolution if the offender is given a stalking prevention order. The police can apply for this civil order to protect anyone at risk of stalking, and it does not require the same standard of proof as a criminal conviction. An SPO can ban a stalker from going near a victim's home or a place they often visit, and from contacting or approaching them. In contrast with a restraining order, an SPO can also force a suspect to have a mental health assessment, sign on at a police station or attend an intervention programme. The National Stalking Helpline has received over 75,000 contacts from victims of stalking since 2010. Anti-stalking charity the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, named after the estate agent who disappeared in 1986, says: 'When many people hear the word stalking they still think of a stranger lurking in the shadows or a delusional fan following a celebrity. About 45% of people who contact the helpline are being stalked by ex-intimates and a further third have had a prior acquaintance with their stalker. 'Just because you know or knew the stalker does not mean that the situation is your fault – it is still stalking and it is wrong.' A 2024 report found police forces often lack a sufficient understanding of stalking, conduct flawed investigations, fail to respond to breaches of orders and lack a consistent and effective strategy to support victims. Latest figures say one in seven people aged 16 and over in England and Wales have been a victim of stalking at least once, with women and younger people the most targeted. An estimated 1.5 million people aged six years and over experienced stalking in the year ending March 2024. Among women, 20.2% have experienced stalking since the age of 16, as have 8.7% of men. In the documentary, a Met Police detective tells Zara: 'Many suspects have a pattern that is fixated and obsessive. He does not stop just because a victim changes her number. You can find their TikTok or Snapchat, we all leave a footprint.' Zara adds: 'The impact this crime has on its victims is truly devastating. 'I have seen women have to change their entire lives, their entire routine, but also live in constant fear.' The documentary will be screened just days after a convicted stalker of singer Cheryl Tweedy admitted another breach of a restraining order after turning up at the singer's home. Daniel Bannister pleaded guilty to a single charge of breaching a restraining order on Thursday. * Zara McDermott: To Catch A Stalker launches on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer on Tuesday July 1 at 9pm.
