Latest news with #MaryPoppins-like
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC true crime series unveils 'Bad Nanny' who scammed vulnerable families
Serial con-artist Samantha Cookes assumed multiple identities and made up wild stories. BBC's documentary tonight sheds a light on the true crime case Like an evil Mary Poppins, serial con-artist Samantha Cookes posed as a nanny and scammed families with disabled children - even taking their money for a fake trip to Lapland. Gripping two-parter Bad Nanny (Tues 8th July, BBC1, 10.45pm) rakes over all the shocking details of this true crime case, that saw Cookes assume multiple identities, including a child therapist, an arts teacher and a surrogate mother, to con families in the UK and Ireland between 2011 and 2024. She even posed on TikTok as Carrie Jade Williams, a terminally ill woman and disability activist, winning the sympathy and support of thousands. But when one of her posts went viral, some followers became suspicious and began to dig, discovering her real name was Samantha Cookes, a fraud with multiple aliases and a troubling history. Speaking for the first time, Katie and Luke in North Yorkshire describe how she posed as a surrogate mother, defrauding them of their savings. Mother-of-three Layla describes how she believed she was hiring 'Lucy Hart', a Mary Poppins-like au pair at their home in County Offaly. When Layla became suspicious, 'Lucy' vanished, leaving an ominous note that left Layla fearing for her children. And Dublin mums Lorraine and Lynn reveal how they hired 'Lucy Fitzwilliams' as a child therapist for their disabled children, eventually handed over desposits for a fake trip to Lapland. 'Lucy' also told wild stories, pretending she was the 3M company heiress and was set to marry a pastor. Lorraine says: 'She took advantage of people's trust and their emotions and vulnerability.' Bad Nanny is airing on BBC One tonight at 10.45pm There's plenty more on TV tonight - here's the best of the rest... TRAINWRECK: THE REAL PROJECT X, NETFLIX The Trainwreck documentary series revisits headline-making events that went terribly wrong. This latest instalment recounts what happened when a teen's birthday invite accidentally went viral on Facebook, leading to a full-blown riot. In 2012, a teenage girl in the small Netherlands town of Haren created a Facebook event for her sixteenth birthday party, but made the page public instead of private. Inspired by a love of the Hollywood movie Project X, which saw three high school seniors throw a party that spiralled out of control, Dutch teenagers made the event go viral, and soon thousands of people had RSVP'd. Despite warnings, police and local authorities didn't seem to think that anyone would turn up, so no provisions were made to entertain the 3,000 young people who arrived in Haren. Before long the quiet Dutch town became host to a night of drunken chaos, the birthday girl fled her home and riot police were deployed. If it wasn't true, you'd never believe it… SHARKS UP CLOSE WITH BERTIE GREGORY, NAT GEO WILD, 8pm Wildlife filmmaker Bertie Gregory is a braver man than most as he gets extremely up close to some scary-looking sharks. Arriving on the coast of South Africa, he says: 'I have dived with a lot of sharks around the world, but I have never seen the most famous and the most feared - the Great White. I'm going to try something that my mum really doesn't want me to do. I'm going to dive with a Great White Shark without a cage.' There is only one place where this is possible, thanks to its shallow waters, which prevent sharks from attacking from below, and clear visibility, which allows the team to see the predators coming. It still doesn't feel completely reassuring. Bertie works alongside local shark spotters, a community-led initiative developed in response to past fatal shark attacks. Their shared mission is to explore how humans and Great White sharks might coexist in these waters. With a cage, I'd suggest… A YORKSHIRE FARM, 5, 7pm As a new series kicks off, farmers Rob and Dave Nicholson pick sloes from their farm hedgerows before turning them into artisanal chocolate. JB Gill takes a trip to the rolling hills of Wales, visiting a farmer who is reaping the rewards from a rather unusual diversification - he's making medicine from daffodils. And on his farm in the Cotswolds, Adam Henson works hard looking after his native pigs, which are some of the rarest breeds in the UK. EMMERDALE, ITV1, 7.30pm Joe is fearful as the harassment campaign against him continues with an envelope containing a blackmail demand for £100,000 being placed in the Home Farm kitchen. Unsure of who else to trust, Joe shows the blackmail demand to Sam, but he's none-the-wiser. When Ross confronts Robert about the missing weed, Robert threatens to cancel the land deal with Moira, forcing Ross to back down. Forced to take Gabby's car to Kammy at the garage, Vinny faces unavoidable questions about his sexuality.
Buzz Feed
29-06-2025
- Buzz Feed
Target's "Suitcase In Backpack Form" Travel Bag Is Pure Magic
The dance between airline carriers and their passengers' luggage has long been a delicate one. There's nothing like waltzing up to the check-in counter with a bag that you've painstakingly packed to be sub-weight-limit, only to find out that it's not — and getting it to your destination will be an extra $75, please and thank you. Or to arrive at the boarding of a budget airline with your 'carry-on' to be confronted with that stingy little box with clearly marked measurements that are sure to fall short of what you planned to bring on the fliers have therefore become well accustomed to stuffing as much as possible into as few square inches or liters as physics will allow — and when a bag comes along that appears to offer that Mary Poppins-like ability to stash a shocking amount of stuff, it's worth Open Story brand is known for its stylish and genuinely functional travel accessories — we've previously written up fan favorites like this suspiciously Away-like hardshell suitcase. This generously-sized backpack appears to be the next installment in this march of well-designed essentials, and it has a stunning number of long-winded 5-star reviews testifying to its supreme functionality. Overall, it's earned a 4.7-star rating across 90 reviews (with 73 of them clocking in at 5 stars).The 35-liter capacity bag has a clamshell closure, which opens completely flat, and one exterior zip pocket that opens to reveal a series of slip pockets for small essentials like passports, reading material, and the like. The interior reveals two zipper-protected sides that are equipped with every conceivable shape of compartment for keeping clothing, toiletries, and more organized with scientific precision, and the rear laptop sleeve holds a machine measuring up to 17 inches. One reviewer below described using packing cubes, but given the bag's internal structure, we're not even really sure that's necessary. The whole shebang can be compressed shut with the help of adjustable exterior closures, and in addition to the padded backpack straps, there are side carrying handles and a luggage slip for use with handled rolling every review is stellar, and some of the poorer reviews offer perspective on the bag's size, which, at 19.25 inches tall, 13 inches wide, and 8 inches deep, is perhaps a hair larger than, say, a traditional banker's box. For some reviewers, the heft was too much — but this population pales in comparison to the number of customers who happily embraced the bag's girth and stuffed it full of everything they'd need for trips up to three weeks long (in the instance of the reviewer below who brought it on a solo trip to Italy).Enough from me, though — take a look at what some of the most informative reviews had to say (it was hard to narrow down) or just scroll all the way to get this magical bag in time for your next trip. Promising reviews: 'Took this as my sole bag for two weeks in Europe and it held up amazingly. Fits neatly under the seat in front of me on my flight and holds a ridiculous amount of stuff. Very sturdy zippers and seams. A little uncomfortably on the shoulders when loaded heavy, but manageable.' —Lg'I used this item as a personal item on a Spirit flight. I was a little nervous it would be too big, but I didn't have any problems! I tried not to overstuff, but of course still did. The straps to condense it smaller definitely helped. I have used it a few times since for weekend trips. All of the different pockets and compartments make it perfect for any small trip.' —Jayme'This worked great for my long flight! I was able to bring some clothes and all the things that I needed for my long flight. The computer pocket and small pocket were great for easy and quick access. I wanted to make a suitcase in a backpack form and this is it.' —RebF'Single Greatest Luggage Purchase. Size is perfect for avoiding carry-on fees for air travel. So many well-designed, convenient, and supported compartments. Wears like a backpack, stores like a suitcase! Chef's kiss!' —LFTravels'I used this for a trip to Europe and it was great! I used compression packing cubes, and it held a ton! I love that it still has a protected spot for my laptop and easy-access pockets. It held up really well!' —skb324'If you fly Spirit or Frontier, then this is definitely a must-buy. I used it for the first time on a Frontier flight last week, and just as I expected, I was stopped during the boarding process (along with like five other people) because I didn't pay the extra fee to bring a carry-on bag. Luckily, I was able to squish it down, tighten the straps on the side, and unclip the shoulder straps to make it fit in the little metal bin. At that moment, I said to myself, 'I have to give this thing a 5-star review,' so here I am. Now I'm buying one for my dad and my brother.' —Mia'I needed a backpack for a 3-week solo trip to Italy, and this was amazing. It was so sturdy and held up with all of the travel. It carried so much, and the different compartments are super convenient. I love how it opens fully. It was very comfortable to wear and walk around with. I've used this bag several times since my trip, and it has not disappointed. The ONLY negative thing I can think of is that the zipper handles didn't have a hole thick enough to use miniature locks (for safety while traveling). So we had to use a little creativity to make sure I could 'lock' the zippers. That's literally my only complaint, though. I recommend this bag all the time.' —kbskate'Purchased for my bf last minute as he was flying to Vegas for a bachelor party. He didn't purchase a carry-on or a checked bag and just planned on using a backpack. After packing all of his things, I realized it would not fit, so I quickly purchased this for pickup! It was awesome! The bag fit everything he needed for 4 days' worth of things. He's also a BIG guy, so his things take up a lot of room. All in all, it was perfect and Spirit Airlines had no issues.' —Kat Get it from Target for $39.99 (originally $49; available in five colors).
Buzz Feed
25-05-2025
- Buzz Feed
Target's "Suitcase In Backpack Form" Bag Is Pure Magic
The dance between airline carriers and their passengers' luggage has long been a delicate one. There's nothing like waltzing up to the check-in counter with a bag that you've painstakingly packed to be sub-weight-limit, only to find out that it's not — and getting it to your destination will be an extra $75, please and thank you. Or to arrive at the boarding of a budget airline with your 'carry-on' to be confronted with that stingy little box with clearly marked measurements that are sure to fall short of what you planned to bring on the fliers have therefore become well accustomed to stuffing as much as possible into as few square inches or liters as physics will allow — and when a bag comes along that appears to offer that Mary Poppins-like ability to stash a shocking amount of stuff, it's worth Open Story brand is known for its stylish and genuinely functional travel accessories — we've previously written up fan favorites like this suspiciously Away-like hardshell suitcase and the brand's no-brainer, just-buy-it luggage scale that will save anyone from the aforementioned overweight baggage fees. This generously-sized backpack appears to be the next installment in this march of well-designed essentials, and it has a stunning number of long-winded 5-star reviews testifying to its supreme functionality. Overall, it's earned a 4.7-star rating across 90 reviews (with 73 of them clocking in at 5 stars).The 35-liter capacity bag has a clamshell closure, which opens completely flat, and one exterior zip pocket that opens to reveal a series of slip pockets for small essentials like passports, reading material, and the like. The interior reveals two zipper-protected sides that are equipped with every conceivable shape of compartment for keeping clothing, toiletries, and more organized with scientific precision, and the rear laptop sleeve holds a machine measuring up to 17 inches. One reviewer below described using packing cubes, but given the bag's internal structure, we're not even really sure that's necessary. The whole shebang can be compressed shut with the help of adjustable exterior closures, and in addition to the padded backpack straps, there are side carrying handles and a luggage slip for use with handled rolling every review is stellar, and some of the poorer reviews offer perspective on the bag's size, which, at 19.25 inches tall, 13 inches wide, and 8 inches deep, is perhaps a hair larger than, say, a traditional banker's box. For some reviewers, the heft was too much — but this population pales in comparison to the number of customers who happily embraced the bag's girth and stuffed it full of everything they'd need for trips up to three weeks long (in the instance of the reviewer below who brought it on a solo trip to Italy).Enough from me, though — take a look at what some of the most informative reviews had to say (it was hard to narrow down) or just scroll all the way to get this magical bag in time for your next trip. Promising reviews: 'Took this as my sole bag for two weeks in Europe and it held up amazingly. Fits neatly under the seat in front of me on my flight and holds a ridiculous amount of stuff. Very sturdy zippers and seams. A little uncomfortably on the shoulders when loaded heavy, but manageable.' —Lg'I used this item as a personal item on a Spirit flight. I was a little nervous it would be too big, but I didn't have any problems! I tried not to overstuff, but of course still did. The straps to condense it smaller definitely helped. I have used it a few times since for weekend trips. All of the different pockets and compartments make it perfect for any small trip.' —Jayme'This worked great for my long flight! I was able to bring some clothes and all the things that I needed for my long flight. The computer pocket and small pocket were great for easy and quick access. I wanted to make a suitcase in a backpack form and this is it.' —RebF'Single Greatest Luggage Purchase. Size is perfect for avoiding carry-on fees for air travel. So many well-designed, convenient, and supported compartments. Wears like a backpack, stores like a suitcase! Chef's kiss!' —LFTravels'I used this for a trip to Europe and it was great! I used compression packing cubes, and it held a ton! I love that it still has a protected spot for my laptop and easy-access pockets. It held up really well!' —skb324'If you fly Spirit or Frontier, then this is definitely a must-buy. I used it for the first time on a Frontier flight last week, and just as I expected, I was stopped during the boarding process (along with like five other people) because I didn't pay the extra fee to bring a carry-on bag. Luckily, I was able to squish it down, tighten the straps on the side, and unclip the shoulder straps to make it fit in the little metal bin. At that moment, I said to myself, 'I have to give this thing a 5-star review,' so here I am. Now I'm buying one for my dad and my brother.' —Mia'I needed a backpack for a 3-week solo trip to Italy, and this was amazing. It was so sturdy and held up with all of the travel. It carried so much, and the different compartments are super convenient. I love how it opens fully. It was very comfortable to wear and walk around with. I've used this bag several times since my trip, and it has not disappointed. The ONLY negative thing I can think of is that the zipper handles didn't have a hole thick enough to use miniature locks (for safety while traveling). So we had to use a little creativity to make sure I could 'lock' the zippers. That's literally my only complaint, though. I recommend this bag all the time.' —kbskate'Purchased for my bf last minute as he was flying to Vegas for a bachelor party. He didn't purchase a carry-on or a checked bag and just planned on using a backpack. After packing all of his things, I realized it would not fit, so I quickly purchased this for pickup! It was awesome! The bag fit everything he needed for 4 days' worth of things. He's also a BIG guy, so his things take up a lot of room. All in all, it was perfect and Spirit Airlines had no issues.' —Kat Get it from Target for $49 (available in five colors).
