Latest news with #Rachel
Leader Live
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Former Love Island host embracing acting talents on stage
Acclaimed actor and presenter Laura Whitmore, stars in the upcoming visiting touring production of The Girl On The Train, coming to Theatr Clwyd (Tue July 15-19). The former Love Island presenter also hosts the popular podcast, Murder They Wrote, with husband Iain Stirling. Here, Laura talks about the show, Paula Hawkins' iconic novel and finding fame... What can audiences expect when they come to see the show? It's a great show for fans of the book, of course, and also for those who aren't as familiar with the story because it's a cracking thriller. There's lots of twists and turns, visually it's very clever, as is the staging, and you go on a journey with characters that you really care about. It's a thrilling night out. Who is Rachel and what is her role in the story? When we first meet Rachel Watson she isn't in a very good place. You see someone who appears to be a very vulnerable woman. But what we learn and unpack as the show goes on is that there's a lot more to her. One of the big things about the show has to do with her memory - what she remembers and how she tries to fit all those pieces together. Her memory is kind of playing tricks on her and it's like she's piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. Plotwise, she takes this journey on a train every day and it stops at the same place where she can see into people's back gardens. It's that natural thing where we look into people's back gardens because we're nosy or we imagine the lives those people are living. With Rachel, she becomes obsessed with a couple that she sees each day, then the girl in the couple goes missing. Actor and presenter Laura Whitmore in The Girl On The Train, coming to Theatr Clwyd. What makes her such a juicy character to play? As I said, you first meet this seemingly vulnerable woman but you soon realise that there's a lot more strength there. There's a lot of hope in her and the audience is rooting for her. Even though sometimes she seems a bit messy and she does things that are questionable and also questions herself, there is a likeability to her as well. It's such a meaty part to get into because there are so many layers to her. She can't remember things, she has a drink problem, she has this ex-husband who she just can't let go of, she's obsessed with this couple and wishes she had the life they're living... There's so much to go at. Were you already familiar with the Paula Hawkins novel on which the play is based? I remember years ago my mum saying to me "Have you heard about this new Girl on the Train book by Paula Hawkins?". Everyone was talking about it, so I devoured it. I set my alarm early every morning so I could read a chapter before I got out of bed. It seemed like everyone was reading it at the time and [laughs] I remembered being on a train, reading the book and thinking "Oh, I'm a girl on a train reading The Girl on the Train!" It's a brilliant book and Paula is a really gripping writer. Her characterisation is so good, on top of which there's the plot and all the twists. It's like once you're on that train with these people you don't want to get off. Are there surprises in store for people who have read the book or seen the film version? Well, it's a different setting from the film, where the story was relocated to America. The stage version is much closer to the book but you've got the visuals and the sound, so you really feel immersed in the story. I love reading books where you can imagine things for yourself, but when you're in a theatre with other people it brings a whole other level to it. What challenges does playing a drunk present to you? I also played a character last summer who had a drink problem, namely Lauren in 2:22 A Ghost Story [laughs] so I feel like I might be being typecast at this stage. But I think most people who have a drink problem spend most of the time trying to hide the fact that they drink. So it's more about disguising rather than showing that, because that's what Rachel herself does. Plus she's a functional drunk; she's piecing things together while she's drinking that the detective can't do while sober, although it does affect her memory and we see in the play how those memories come back together again. You previously appeared in the thrillers Not Dead Enough and 2:22 A Ghost Story. Why do you think audiences are drawn to a good thriller on stage? For one thing, there's the word itself. Shows like this are a thrill. They're about excitement and I am a huge fan of live theatre, just as I love live telly, because it's all in-the-moment. With a thriller it's about being part of that rollercoaster, that whodunnit element, with all those twists and turns. I'm actually working on a documentary at the moment about true crime and sometimes fictional crime dramas are not too far off things that happen in real life. I think that's another reason why so many people love thrillers, because they could happen. It's that "There but for the grace of God..." thing. Plus everyone likes to play the detective, don't they? You get to the interval and everyone's chatting, going 'Who do you think did it?' I love that. You came to fame as a radio and TV broadcaster, but was acting always part of the plan? I studied drama and on my first audition in London, when I was about 18, I was down to the final few for a Channel 4 drama. I didn't get the job so I went back to Ireland, did my degree in journalism and went down the presenting route, which I love too. I love storytelling in all its forms and I always said I wanted to get back into acting and balance the two. Now I get to indulge both of my passions. What's more nerve-wracking, playing a character or being yourself? It's interesting because you play different versions of yourself, I think. If I'm hosting a BBC radio show or I'm in a newsroom or presenting I'm a Celebrity, I'm playing different versions of myself, because presenting it's very different to presenting a documentary. They're all me, they're just different versions of me. It's the same as playing a character, because you always draw on some of your own experiences. But it's not nerve-wracking so much as exciting or thrilling or challenging. What have been your favourite jobs over the years? You never forget your first big job. I remember when I auditioned for MTV Europe. I won the competition to be the face of MTV when I was 22 or 23 and I moved to London not knowing anyone there, then they sent me off to LA. I probably didn't realise how big a deal it was, I remember just being like "This is fun!" I love filming but when it comes to live telly and live theatre they're my favourite things to do. With filming you do something and it comes out a year later, but live stuff is immediate. When you're touring with a show is there anything you couldn't be on the road without? Well, it used to be my dog. When I last toured I brought him with me, but he refuses to go anywhere these days! I like to take my family with me whenever it's workable to do so, but otherwise I travel quite light. I travel all the time for work between different countries and people probably think I take a lot of stuff with me but I've learned how to be a light traveller, how to keep it simple. • For more details or to book, visit or call the box office on 01352 344101.
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
‘My favourite' cry fans as popular business with Dublin store to close as owner says ‘thank you from bottom of my heart'
A POPULAR shop in Ireland's capital has announced it's shock closure - and shoppers have been left devastated. Happy Days Style, with an online store and Dublin shop, revealed the popular shop will Advertisement 3 Happy Days Style is set to close in days Credit: Google Maps 3 The owner shared the news on Instagram Credit: HAPPY DAYS STYLE/INSTAGRAM Located at 4 The Mart House in Leopardstown, Happy Days was a popular spot to rent dresses. Rachel Hennessy Sheanon, owner of the popular business, announced the shock news on Taking to In a statement, she wrote: "After almost four incredible years in Advertisement READ MORE IN CLOSURES "This decision wasn't made lightly, but, sadly, having things going on in your personal life and trying to run and grow a start up business just don't mix well, and at some point something's got to give." Speaking about her aim behind founding the business, Rachel explained: "I founded Happy Days with the mission to make "I am so proud to say we've made a real impact - shifting customer habits, breaking fashion norms and building a Paying tribute to her team, she added: "The wonderful Kate has been with me for the majority of this journey, and I would not have gotten this far without her. Advertisement Most read in Money "She treated this business as if it was her own, and went above and beyond for our customers which, if you read our reviews, is truly evident. Thank you Kate for all of your support." The company has seen a large amount of success since it's foundation, with many opting to rent out a dress instead of Rachel explained: "Over the last few years, we've served thousands of amazing customers, won multiple awards, hosted so many fun events and made incredible relationships. "We have been part of a movement created around renting, not buying and we're truly honoured to have been part of your most memorable moments. Advertisement "Thank you from the bottom of my heart." SUSTAINABILITY Speaking about the rise in sustainable "I would love to continue to see Happy Days continue to be a part of that journey so if anyone is considering getting involved in the rental market let's chat." Rachel revealed that the store will close on July 11, but the website will remain open until August 31. Advertisement She continued: "We hope you will support us and rent one last time before we say goodbye. "In the meantime, you will still find me promoting pre-loved, sustainable and Irish fashion... Here's to new beginnings and lots more happy days ahead. With love, Rachel." PODCAST The entrepreneur launched the Happy Days But fans were heartbroken with the reveal, as many shared their devastation in the comments. Advertisement One person said: "You've done an amazing job Rachel and should be very proud of the impact you have made! "And everything you have achieved over the last four years! Sending love." Another commenter wrote: "I'm so sorry to read this Rachel! What an incredible business and community you have built… "You are a core part of developing the fashion rental conversation in Ireland, and should be so proud of that! Advertisement "You were always willing to help and advise me on my own journey, I'll always be grateful to you for being so kind, especially in the early days! "Congratulations to all you have built, and best of luck in your next chapter." Someone else said: "So sorry to hear this, have rented for events over the last few years and loved the vibe in the shop when trying the dresses on and the whole idea of renting "Wishing you the best for the future." Advertisement Another commented: "You built something truly special in Happy Days, excited to see what is next for you Rachel! "You are power house and we're sure whatever you do it will be even more amazing." 3 Fans were devastated to hear of the stores closure Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
I've found the rudest Vinted seller EVER – people are stunned when I show them her ‘unhinged' messages pestering me
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN has claimed to have found the 'rudest' Vinted seller ever - and the 'unhinged' messages are sure to leave you gobsmacked. Rachel Hutchinson, a mother from the UK, buys and sells items on the secondhand marketplace app, but was recently left lost for words after she was pestered numerous times to collect her parcel, just 24 hours after it arrived at the collection point. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 A woman has claimed to have found the rudest Vinted seller ever Credit: 3 Not only did the seller send her a barrage of "unhinged" messages, but she also sent her threatening remarks too Credit: 3 The seller accused her of playing a "weird game" and "wasting people's time" Credit: Shocked by the jaw-dropping messages she received from the Vinted user, Rachel took to social media to share screenshots of the conversation, leaving many totally stunned. Posting online, the mother gasped: 'This has got to be the rudest person I have ever spoken to in my life on Vinted. 'I felt sorry for her, because she's obviously filled with that hatred inside her. She was so p****d off at me for not collecting this parcel within 48 hours.' Rachel then explained why she didn't immediately collect her parcel, as she recognised: 'Now I'm sorry but I have my girls two of the days. I went one of the days, I forgot my ID. 'The first day I went, they hadn't sorted the parcels out. 'I didn't realise that Satan was on the other end of Vinted. 'When I have got my children, I am not doing anything else but spending time with them. I don't go on my phone much, I don't film any content, I like to be with them, so my nights aren't going to be wasted telling them they can't go to the park because we've got to pick up a parcel. I'll do that on the days I don't have them. 'My parcel arrived 24 hours before this first message.' The first message from the angry seller, who sold Rachel a pair of black trainers for just £6, read: 'Hi I would really appreciate it if you could collect today.' Moments later, that same day, another message popped up which read: 'I can appreciate being busy but this is getting silly now. Feedback will reflect this.' I've made almost £4.5k on Vinted & here's the 18 unexpected brands that will make you a fortune, including Jane Norman Rachel didn't reply to the messages, but the following day was hit with a barrage of abuse. The following morning, Rachel received a message that read: 'Actually you know what, don't. Let it come back to me, l've had enough of this now. 'You are clearly playing some kind of weird game and will probably find fault with the shoes.' The angry Vinted seller then went on to accuse: 'What's it gonna be, busy at work? Granny had a fall? I'm really curious! 'Why buy stuff off Vinted if you aren't going to collect it? Do you actually enjoy wasting people's time?' I didn't realise that Satan was on the other end of Vinted Rachel Hutchinson Rachel confirmed that she was 'busy' and 'didn't know that it was going to be a problem' that she hadn't collected the parcel within the first two days. On Vinted, the collection window for parcels at pick-up points is typically between seven and 10 days, depending on the carrier. While InPost usually allow three days, Evri and Yodel often allow 10 days. If a parcel isn't collected within the specified time, it will be returned to the sender. Why I hate Vinted, a real-life view Fabulous Associate Editor Sarah Barns opens up on why she hates Vinted: It's the king of second-hand fashion but I hate Vinted. There I said it. Yes, it stops items going into landfill. Yes, it helps create additional side-hustle income for many. And yes, you can get things at bargain prices. But it is just not my (shopping) bag. From personal experience, I've bought 'cheap' bundles of children's clothes only for them to arrive dirty and misshapen. Plus, with postage and buyer protection they didn't feel like such a great deal. I much prefer going to my local charity shop or supermarket for kids' stuff. I've also bought more premium high-street items - a dress from Arket and a skirt from Cos - only to find they didn't fit properly and the colours were faded. I attempted a bout of selling stuff but gave up after my £110 Veja trainers got lost in the post and I spent two hours on the phone to Royal Mail. A major gripe with it is that it still encourages you to spend, spend, spend. I'm not sure I needed the items I did purchase, I just didn't want to miss out. Also, the reselling of fast-fashion items - a £5 Shein top on Vinted for £17.50 - makes me feel a bit queasy. Clothes shopping has become a daily hobby for a lot of people when really it should be something that's done once or twice a year as a necessity. But the 18 million Vinted app users clearly disagree with me. Stunned by the rude and threatening remarks, Rachel responded to the seller to explain why she hadn't yet been able to collect the parcel. But to this, the Vinted seller accused her of being 'very weird' and suggested she was 'playing some kind of game'. In response, Rachel expressed her shock at the situation, as she confirmed: 'I let people that buy from me take however long they want [to pick parcels up]. 'I understand they've got other commitments than just picking the parcel up.' Social media users react At the time of writing, the TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @rachmariex, had clearly left many open-mouthed, as it had quickly racked up 80,200 views, 1,392 likes and 137 comments. Social media users were stunned by Rachel's Vinted experience and many took to the comments to express this. Tbh you should of picked it up sooner, you never know people might be waiting for that money to eat TikTok user One person gasped: 'Can you report them to Vinted? They are unhinged.' Another added: 'Completely unhinged response.' A third commented: 'People on Vinted are feral.' Meanwhile, someone else agreed: 'Savage, think she needs a hug.' Do you need to pay tax on items sold on Vinted? QUICK facts on tax from the team at Vinted... The only time that an item might be taxable is if it sells for more than £6,000 and there is profit (sells for more than you paid for it). Even then, you can use your capital gains tax-free allowance of £3,000 to offset it. Generally, only business sellers trading for profit (buying goods with the purpose of selling for more than they paid for them) might need to pay tax. Business sellers who trade for profit can use a tax-free allowance of £1,000, which has been in place since 2017. More information here: But at the same time, others claimed that they understood the sellers' frustration at Rachel not collecting the parcel. One woman wrote: 'Tbh you should of picked it up sooner, you never know people might be waiting for that money to eat... In reality it would of taken at least half and hour.' A second chimed in: 'Not picking stuff up really irritates me. For Bigger Vinted sellers it's annoying. The messages were a bit strong but she is right when she says, don't buy if you can't collect. You could have walked to get parcel with kids then to the park.' Meanwhile, another Vinted seller recognised: 'It's annoying when people take forever to collect.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I've found the rudest Vinted seller EVER – people are stunned when I show them her ‘unhinged' messages pestering me
A WOMAN has claimed to have found the 'rudest' Vinted seller ever - and the 'unhinged' messages are sure to leave you gobsmacked. Rachel Hutchinson, a mother from the UK, buys and sells items on the secondhand marketplace app, but was recently left lost for words after she was pestered numerous times to collect her parcel, just 24 hours after it arrived at the collection point. Advertisement 3 A woman has claimed to have found the rudest Vinted seller ever Credit: 3 Not only did the seller send her a barrage of "unhinged" messages, but she also sent her threatening remarks too Credit: 3 The seller accused her of playing a "weird game" and "wasting people's time" Credit: Shocked by the jaw-dropping messages she received from the Vinted user, Rachel took to social media to share screenshots of the conversation, leaving many totally stunned. Posting online, the mother gasped: 'This has got to be the rudest person I have ever spoken to in my life on 'I felt sorry for her, because she's obviously filled with that hatred inside her. She was so p****d off at me for not collecting this parcel within 48 hours.' Rachel then explained why she didn't immediately collect her Advertisement Read more on Vinted 'The first day I went, they hadn't sorted the parcels out. 'I didn't realise that Satan was on the other end of Vinted. 'When I have got my children, I am not doing anything else but spending time with them. I don't go on my phone much, I don't film any content, I like to be with them, so my nights aren't going to be wasted telling them they can't go to the park because we've got to pick up a parcel. I'll do that on the days I don't have them. 'My parcel arrived 24 hours before this first message.' Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive The first message from the angry seller, who sold Rachel a pair of black trainers for just £6, read: 'Hi I would really appreciate it if you could collect today.' Moments later, that same day, another message popped up which read: 'I can appreciate being busy but this is getting silly now. Feedback will reflect this.' I've made almost £4.5k on Vinted & here's the 18 unexpected brands that will make you a fortune, including Jane Norman Rachel didn't reply to the messages, but the following day was hit with a barrage of abuse. The following morning, Rachel received a message that read: 'Actually you know what, don't. Let it come back to me, l've had enough of this now. Advertisement 'You are clearly playing some kind of weird game and will probably find fault with the shoes.' The angry 'Why buy stuff off Vinted if you aren't going to collect it? Do you actually enjoy wasting people's time?' I didn't realise that Satan was on the other end of Vinted Rachel Hutchinson Rachel confirmed that she was 'busy' and 'didn't know that it was going to be a problem' that she hadn't collected the parcel within the first two days. Advertisement On Vinted, the collection window for parcels at pick-up points is typically between seven and 10 days, depending on the carrier. While If a parcel isn't collected within the specified time, it will be returned to the sender. Why I hate Vinted, a real-life view Fabulous Associate Editor Sarah Barns opens up on why she hates Vinted: It's the king of second-hand fashion but I hate Vinted. There I said it. Yes, it stops items going into landfill. Yes, it helps create additional side-hustle income for many. And yes, you can get things at bargain prices. But it is just not my (shopping) bag. From personal experience, I've bought 'cheap' bundles of children's clothes only for them to arrive dirty and misshapen. Plus, with postage and buyer protection they didn't feel like such a great deal. I much prefer going to my local charity shop or supermarket for kids' stuff. I've also bought more premium high-street items - a dress from Arket and a skirt from Cos - only to find they didn't fit properly and the colours were faded. I attempted a bout of selling stuff but gave up after my £110 Veja trainers got lost in the post and I spent two hours on the phone to Royal Mail. A major gripe with it is that it still encourages you to spend, spend, spend. I'm not sure I needed the items I did purchase, I just didn't want to miss out. Also, the reselling of fast-fashion items - a £5 Shein top on Vinted for £17.50 - makes me feel a bit queasy. Clothes shopping has become a daily hobby for a lot of people when really it should be something that's done once or twice a year as a necessity. But the 18 million Vinted app users clearly disagree with me. Stunned by the rude and threatening remarks, Rachel responded to the seller to explain why she hadn't yet been able to collect the parcel. Advertisement But to this, the Vinted seller accused her of being 'very weird' and suggested she was 'playing some kind of game'. In response, Rachel expressed her shock at the situation, as she confirmed: 'I let people that buy from me take however long they want [to pick parcels up]. 'I understand they've got other commitments than just picking the parcel up.' Social media users react At the time of writing, the TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ Advertisement Social media users were stunned by Rachel's Vinted experience and many took to the comments to express this. Tbh you should of picked it up sooner, you never know people might be waiting for that money to eat TikTok user One person gasped: 'Can you report them to Vinted? They are unhinged.' Another added: 'Completely unhinged response.' A third commented: 'People on Vinted are feral.' Advertisement Meanwhile, someone else agreed: 'Savage, think she needs a hug.' Do you need to pay tax on items sold on Vinted? QUICK facts on tax from the team at Vinted... The only time that an item might be taxable is if it sells for more than £6,000 and there is profit (sells for more than you paid for it). Even then, you can use your capital gains tax-free allowance of £3,000 to offset it. Generally, only business sellers trading for profit (buying goods with the purpose of selling for more than they paid for them) might need to pay tax. Business sellers who trade for profit can use a tax-free allowance of £1,000, which has been in place since 2017. More information here: But at the same time, others claimed that they understood the sellers' frustration at Rachel not collecting the parcel. One woman wrote: 'Tbh you should of picked it up sooner, you never know people might be waiting for that money to eat... In reality it would of taken at least half and hour.' A second chimed in: 'Not picking stuff up really irritates me. For Bigger Vinted sellers it's annoying. The messages were a bit strong but she is right when she says, don't buy if you can't collect. You could have walked to get parcel with kids then to the park.' Advertisement Meanwhile, another Vinted seller recognised: 'It's annoying when people take forever to collect.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Wales Online
2 days ago
- General
- Wales Online
Domino's pizza guy delivered more than he bargained for on night off from work
Domino's pizza guy delivered more than he bargained for on night off from work Craig Thomson from Cardiff proved to be a safe pair of hands when a much anticipated 'package' arrived very suddenly Both of Craig and Rachel's sons had a dramatic birth (Image: Rachel Thomson ) A pizza delivery driver had a shock delivering something he never thought he would. Craig Thomson, 43, swapped delivering pizza to delivering a baby as his wife gave birth on their bathroom floor. Craig and Rachel have been together for over seven years, celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary in May and welcomed their second son in June. After around ten minutes of labour, Craig helped Rachel give birth at 3am on the bathroom floor as an ambulance headed to their home in Cardiff. On June 10, two days before Rachel, 44, was due to be induced, Craig started his two-week paternity leave from his job at Domino's. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here Their five-year-old son, Ieuan, was sleeping over at a friend's house that night, leaving just Craig, Rachel and Rachel's 19-year-old daughter, Erin in the house. During the night Rachel began to feel pain and woke up in the early hours of the morning and headed to the bathroom as the pain became "horrendous". As she looked down Rachel could see her baby's head breaching and she shouted for her husband and daughter to call an ambulance. Article continues below She said: "I ran into the bathroom and that's when the pain was horrendous then when I looked down I could see he was emerging. "I screamed for Craig and my daughter to phone an ambulance because I was stuck in the bathroom, I couldn't move." Craig immediately ran into the bathroom to help his wife as she was in labour. With ambulance control on the phone and paramedics on the way, Craig helped Rachel give birth to their son. Rachel said: "I asked him what he could see and he said 'oh my God, I can see a nose, a mouth and a hand. "It was only ten minutes and the head was delivered then Craig caught the body and handed the baby up to me." Rachel and Craig welcomed their baby boy on June 11 (Image: Rachel Thomson ) Craig helped his wife without thinking twice as he went into "survival mode", not feeling nervous one bit until the couple noticed Oscar wasn't breathing straight away. The ambulance worker on the phone advised that they tilt the baby's head back and put their mouth over his nose and mouth which helped him to begin to breath. "That was more scary than his delivery", Rachel said. She said: "We want to praise the quick response from the ambulance and midwifes although it was over by the time they got there. Our bathroom embodied a crime scene." Craig with newborn son Oscar (Image: Rachel Thomson ) Whilst dramatic birthing stories can be quite uncommon, for Rachel and Craig it seems they get more dramatic each time. When pregnant with their first son, Rachel got stuck in traffic as a combination of Christmas shoppers and a broken down vehicle meant that she began labour in the car. Luckily, a police van headed to the broken-down lorry stopped to help the couple and escorted them to the hospital where Ieuan was born later that night. Oscar and Rachel were taken to the hospital later on to check them both over and make sure they were both healthy. Oscar was born in 11 minutes, weighing 8lb 11oz. Article continues below
