UK Holidaymakers Flash the Cash Before their Summer Vacations

People in the UK are spending lots of money in preparation for their summer holidays, despite the continuing recession, as their appearance is more important to them - according to DiscountVouchers.co.uk. The money off voucher website conducted a survey of UK consumers recently to track habits.

Twelve percent of the 700 respondents of the survey said they would spend £1,000 on looking good for the summer, while more than 50% said that they would spend up to £500. Due to the higher living costs in London, residents would cap their spending at £2,500, although people in East Anglia said that paying over £2,500 on their appearance was common.

The recent spate of reality TV programmes, such as Made in Chelsea, The Only Way is Essex (or TOWIE as it is known) and Geordie Shore might have kick-started the trend of looking after our looks. In a funny quip from TOWIE members heading to Marbella for their summer sun, “No carbs before Marbs”, is very close to the findings of the survey.

The voucher site, DiscountVouchers.co.uk, found that up to half of the people surveyed would visit a hairdresser, 83% would buy new clothes or shoes, and over 50% would add new swimwear to their list. To make sure they look good, 20% of the people asked would buy beauty treatments.

Sun bed outlets and fake tan suppliers will see a spike in sales as 20% of people said they would try and kick-start their sun tan, and those joining a gym or dieting amounted to just under 20%.

Although they are less likely to go to a beautician, people from the North East are more likely to get pre-holiday tans and their hair cut at a hairdresser.

“We have seen people striving to cut-back on their energy and fuel bills because of the recession, but that hasn't stopped 50% of people saying they would pay up to £500 to ensure they look good on holiday”, said Doug Scott, DiscountVouchers.co.uk managing director. The discount site owner also added, “People are more interested in their looks than what the future holds for their finances.”

North-westerners said that they would work out more (25%), lose weight (60%) and prepare themselves better (24%) when asked what ideas they had to look better on holiday.

People from Wales, London and Scotland agreed that they would stop drinking as much, and people from the south west (42%) said they would enhance their dress sense.

One piece of advice that was very common across the survey is that people should 'wear more sun cream to stop sun burn'.

 

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RARE painting found in Marbella – which is a firm favourite of Russian president Dmitry Medvedev – has sold at auction for 300,000 euros.

The painting, which turned up in a private collection on the Costa del Sol, tripled its pre-auction estimate.
The work ‘The appeal of Minin to the people of Nizhni Novgrod’ by Russian artist Konstantin Makovsky was sold alongside another work by Philip Maliavin, which went for 204,000 euros.
The painting holds so much significance to Russia, that president Medvedev was pictured explaining it to Venezualan president Hugo Chavez at a recent exhibition in Moscow.
“There has been an incredible interest in the old Russian masters,” explained Alexandra Heffler, of auctioneer Bonhams in London.
“They are very high quality and it was a very pleasant surprise to find them in Marbella.”

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Marbella assets of one of Mubarak’s aides seized

AN Egyptian businessman linked to former president, Hosni Mubarak, has been arrested in Spain. Hussein Salem, who has Spanish nationality, is accused of money laundering both in Spain and in Egypt, and suspected of squandering public funds by selling gas to Israel below market prices.

Egypt's Interpol head Magdy el-Shafie said Salem, one of Mubarak's closest aides and a major shareholder in East Mediterranean Gas (EMG) was arrested in Mallorca. The police here have seized €33m of illegally obtained funds from several bank accounts and almost a dozen properties in La Moraleja area of Madrid and Marbella, valued at around €8m.

One of his sons, Khaled Ismail, and his front man in Spain, a Tunisian citizen, named Ali Even, who allegedly sent the money to Egypt, have also been arrested. In Egypt, he is also accused of providing a palace and four mansions in Sharm el Sheikh for Mubarak and his children in exchange for State-owned lands to the Southern Sinai.

Salem, fled the country on February 3, just days before Mubarak stepped down. It is believed that the Spanish authorities are considering extraditing Salem to Cairo.

Prosecutor General Abdelmeguid Mahmoud has ordered that court hearings on the trial of Mubarak, his two sons Alaa and Gamal and Hussein Salem should begin on August 3. However, it is not yet clear whether Mubarak will be tried before the criminal court in Cairo, or in Sharm El Sheikh for health reasons.

They face charges of ordering the killing of pro-democracy demonstrators in Tahrir Square during the January 25 Revolution, abusing power and embezzling public funds.

 

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Jessica Wright thinks it will be a ''long time'' before her brother Mark Wright marries fiancee Lauren Goodger.

Jessica Wright thinks it will be a "long time" before her brother Mark Wright marries Lauren Goodger.

The 'Only Way Is Essex' star thinks if Mark - who is rumoured to have kissed other girls while on a recent holiday to Marbella - and his fiancee Lauren do make as far as getting married, they both have to mature first.

When asked if they will actually tie the knot, Jessica said: "I really, really don't know. If they do, it won't be for a long time.

"They need to get older and become adults. Maybe then it might work."

However, the brunette beauty admitted while reformed playboy Mark does "love and care for" Lauren - who he has dated on and off for the past 10 years - the fact that they have been together since the age of 15 will mean they have a turbulent relationship.

Jessica added to new! magazine: "He does love and care for her a lot. When you get together at the age of 15, it's very, very unlikely that you'll have a smooth life for the next ten years. It's natural to want to kiss other girls.

"That's why they've probably had problems in the past. But now, because they're at the age where they might finally commit to each other, this will be the telltale of what actually happens."

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A mass of hot air from Africa sends temperatures higher this weekend

Temperatures across the country will be higher both on Saturday and Sunday this weekend, with clear skies dominating across the country.

A mass of very hot air from North Africa will cause the heatwave across Spain for the weekend and in the start of next week, when temperatures will reach 40 degrees centigrade in some areas according to the AEMET State Meteorological Agency.

AEMET spokesperson, Ángel Rivera, says the west of the country will be most affected along with the centre, Ebro Valley and Eastern Cantabria. Temperatures of between 36 and 39 can be expected on Saturday in Galicia, the west of Castilla y León, and the valleys of the Tajo, Guadiana and Guadalquivir.

On Sunday the temperatures will be up to 38 or 40 degrees in these areas, but a few degrees cooler along the Mediterranean coast and with strong Levante winds possible over the weekend in the Strait.

Monday evening will see the arrival of fresher air into the NW of the country, and the cooler temperatures will be of note across the country on Tuesday.

 

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Serbian gangster on the run left behind Eva Peron's stolen jewellery

Rings, earrings and the tiara, given to Eva Peron by the Dutch Royal family, were found in a hotel room in Milan. They were left behind by a member of the Serbian gang, which was identified and partially arrested by police months ago.

The gang stole the jewellery in December 2009 from a shop in Valencia, Spain, simulating purchase intentions. It is believed that the value of the collection exceeds 6 million euros.

The investigation was conducted by Spanish and Italian police. They identified the robbers as a gang of Serbs, situated in the area of Milan. Ten of them were collared in Spain in May 2010, another was arrested in Milan.

The latest development occurred this week, when policemen broke in a hotel room in the northern Italian city. Its occupant fled, leaving behind three quarters of the stolen collection of Eva Peron.
The former first lady of Argentina was known for her fascination with jewellery and her treasure is nearly mythical. Its theft was one of the biggest in recent history.

 

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Castellón Airport has been open since last March. There have been no scheduled flights.

Last March, local officials inaugurated a brand new airport in Castellón, a small city on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. They are still waiting for the first scheduled flight.

To justify the grand opening, Carlos Fabra, the head of Castellón’s provincial government, argued that it was a unique opportunity to turn an airport into a tourist attraction, giving visitors full access to the runway and other areas normally off limits. This Sunday, it will be used as the starting point for part of Spain’s national cycling championships, featuring the three-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador.

Castellón Airport, built at a cost of €150 million, or $213 million, is not the only white elephant that now dots Spain’s infrastructure landscape. Spain’s first privately held airport — in Ciudad Real in central Spain — had to enter bankruptcy proceedings a year ago because of a similar lack of traffic.

Across the country, nearly empty toll roads are struggling to turn a profit. Other projects are surviving only with continued public financing, which has been cast into doubt by Europe’s sovereign debt crisis.

Over the past 18 months, Spain has been in investors’ line of fire after allowing its budget deficit to balloon during a long real estate bubble, which finally burst alongside the worldwide financial crisis. To clean up the mess, the Socialist government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero introduced austerity measures last year that, among other things, shrank spending on infrastructure. And that has left some projects in limbo, despite political pledges to keep them alive.

Over the past two decades, Spain built transport networks at a rate that few other European countries came close to.

Having opened its first high-speed train connection between Madrid and Seville in 1992, Spain overtook France last December as the country operating Europe’s biggest high-speed rail network, covering just over 2,000 kilometers, or 1,200 miles.

Growth in road and air transport has been just as spectacular. From 1999 to 2009, Spain added over 5,000 kilometers of highways — the biggest road construction endeavor in Europe. And its 43 international airports handle more cross-border passengers than any other country in Europe.

Such expansion has been a source of intense national pride. It has also brought major economic benefits to some previously isolated and impoverished regions.

Yet like Castellón Airport, not all the projects were necessarily well thought out. Some experts suggest that Spain’s approach to development during the boom years had placed speed ahead of risk assessment.

Joseph Santo, logistics and transportation director in the Iberian subsidiary of the consulting firm Booz & Co., said there were differences between Spain and Britain, for example, when it comes to forming so-called public-private partnerships in the transport sector.

“In the U.K, they try to get everything into the agreement ahead of time and think of every contingency, so that it can take years to negotiate the deal,” Mr. Santos said. “In Spain, they do the reverse. They make the deal in six months and then if something comes up, they see how they can fix it.”

In separate interviews, the heads of some of Spain’s largest construction and infrastructure management companies conceded that spending had gotten out of control before the crisis. But they also predicted that most building projects, particularly in transport, would eventually yield profits.

“The problem is that such projects are generally conceived at a time when everything seems bound to succeed — even sometimes badly conceived projects — and there were no doubt some planning problems,” said Salvador Alemany, the chairman of Abertis, which is based in Barcelona. “At the same time, such projects have to live with the realities of an economic cycle that brings lows as well as highs, and there are plenty of examples of highways around the world that had difficult takeoffs.”

Baldomero Falcones, chairman and chief executive of FCC, another builder, recalled the painful opening of toll roads in the region of Catalonia in the 1970s — roads that have recently required expansion to cope with soaring traffic.

“I have never seen any transport infrastructure that at the end of the day has not proved profitable,” he said.

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LOVESTRUCK Ashley Cole has begged ex-wife Cheryl to “come away with me” and start a new life in Spain.

The Chelsea star believes he has “one last move” in him and has targeted Real Madrid or European champions Barcelona as his destination – as long as he can persuade the Girls Aloud babe to go and live abroad with him.

The pair first got together in 2004, married in 2006 and divorced in 2010 – but friends insist that their love has never dimmed.

Cheryl, 27, is “hugely intrigued” by the proposal, as it would end the “circus” that is her life in the UK and help her get over her X Factor disaster.

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A source close to the footballer, 30, said: “Ashley has told friends he sees his future abroad and he wants to persuade Cheryl to come with him.

“It all boils down to what Cheryl wants, but the early signs are she would be up for the idea.”

Cheryl is taking a break from showbiz, but she feels when she is ready to return living away from Britain will not be a problem.

However a pal said the main attraction of going abroad would be the anonymity she could enjoy.

The friend said: “She’s found living in the UK to be fraught especially with so much ‘negativity’ towards her now.

“But abroad, she could lead her life at her own pace. That’s appealing to say the least.”

England left-back Ashley is currently half way through a four-year, £120,000-a-week contract which he signed in September 2009.

He would only expect a “small” pay rise to £150,000 a week at Real Madrid – but his take-home pay would be substantially higher as Spanish clubs can set up foreign players as “company executives” with a preferential 23% tax rate for the first six years.

Also stars pay a 50% top tax rate in the UK, and only 27% in Spain – so he could save tens of thousands of pounds every week.

The Mirror can also exclusively reveal that Ashley is buying new rings for him and Cheryl – to signify “a new start” in their relationship.

A friend said: “It’s a lovely gesture that he thinks she will really appreciate. A lot has happened over the last few years which they are determined to draw a line under.”

Rings are particularly symbolic for the couple who have fought for their love against the odds.

When Cheryl forgave Ashley after he cheated with Aimee Walton, she defiantly flashed her wedding ring on Twitter. Ashley was snapped wearing his wedding band before flying to LA.

Ashley has also been encouraged by his mother Sue backing his and Cheryl’s reunion, telling friends: “I’m looking forward to having my daughter-in-law back.”

A source said: “Sue consoled her broken son after Cheryl left him and was very unhappy at the time. But she’s embraced the idea of the two of them getting back together.

“She knows Cheryl was good for Ashley and has nothing but nice things to say about her because she makes him happy and is the most important thing in Ash’s life bar his football.”

However Cheryl’s friends and family have been less supportive, urging her not to get back together with her former husband.

Yesterday, Ashley was infuriated by reports that he was “cosying up” to a woman in LA after she was photographed with her arms around his shoulders at Hollywood’s Colony Club.

Distraught that it might affect Cheryl’s attitude, he changed his BlackBerry Messenger status to read: “F*** you ….You f****** p*****.”

A friend said: “Ashley is so excited to be reunited with Cheryl when he is back from LA and his holiday with the boys.

“Yet even over there, everyone wants to paint him as the bad guy. He’s not on the look-out for any holiday romance or anything.

“The plan is to go official with their romance after the summer. He has made mistakes in the past, but this is a fun trip with the lads.” Cheryl, meanwhile, is keeping a low profile after being sacked from US X Factor last month and is said to be eagerly awaiting Ashley’s return.

However she broke her silence this week, joking that her feet do not miss the glam lifestyle.

She said: “I have had the time that I have not had in so long to just chill with my loved ones and do normal things.

“It feels long overdue and sooooo good – even my feet are happy to not have to wear high heels.”

On her website she also thanked fans for their concern. She said: “I feel your presence and strength always, and no matter what decision I make or what it is I’m facing, I appreciate you all more than you’ll ever know.

“It also breaks my heart a little when I hear that some of you worry about me and need to know that I am OK, so I want to PROMISE you that I am absolutely fine and more than OK.”

 

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The BBC has splashed out an astonishing £22million on a reality entertainment show to take on The X Factor in the Saturday night ratings war.

BBC1 controller Danny Cohen signed a two-year deal to secure the UK rights for The Voice, which is already a success in the U.S. and Holland.

The cost to the Corporation is likely to be ramped up still further as it looks to sign up a big-name judging panel. Adele, Robbie Williams, George Michael and Cheryl Cole are among stars being touted for the role.


Cheryl Cole  and Adele are being touted as judges for the £22m reality entertainment show, The Voice

The show has a similar format to talent shows such as The X Factor. However, at initial auditions, the judges are unable to see the acts and must base their decisions solely on the artists’ vocal skills.

It focuses more on constructive criticism rather than the pantomime put-downs and rivalry for which the ITV show has become famous.

The eventual winner will get a record deal with music giant Universal.
But critics questioned why the BBC was spending such a vast sum on a derivative show at a time when it is supposed to be cutting back.

Shamed BBC could lose prestigious TV award over ‘faked footage of child labour’ in Primark Panorama expose
Nicole Scherzinger reveals her X-tra small waist in midriff-baring top as auditions roll on
It is also questionable whether the Corporation, as a public service broadcaster, should be involved in a programme that will inevitably heavily promote Universal and its talent.

Last night the TaxPayers’ Alliance said: ‘The BBC often justifies the licence fee by telling the public that it provides unique content. Spending millions on what viewers might consider to be a rip-off of X Factor risks making a mockery of that claim.’

Senior BBC figures revealed the deal for the show runs until 2014.

It is estimated the programme will cost £650,000 an episode to make – which is more than Strictly Come Dancing, but around half ITV’s weekly bill for The X Factor. The length of the series has yet to be finalised.

BBC executives told the Daily Mail its bid was not the highest and ITV had offered more than £30million for the programme.

Mr Cohen said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted that The Voice will be coming to the BBC. It’s a big, exciting and warm-hearted series and will be a fantastic Saturday night event.’

The show is the brainchild of John De Mol, the man behind Big Brother, who said he chose the BBC because the broadcaster ‘shared his passion’ for the series, which he described as the ‘new generation of the [reality] show genre’.

Sources close to Miss Cole said she was ‘taking time out’ after being axed from the U.S. X Factor and had not been in discussions about The Voice.

But it is understood the BBC and Mr Cohen are keen to work with the singer.



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Josie has piled on the pounds and this week she was pictured wearing an ill-advised skimpy red bikini, as she soaked up the sun in the Spanish resort Marbella

It looks like Josie Gibson has turned to junk food, to help mend her broken heart.

The former Big Brother winner split from Australian hunk John James Parton in March and within weeks, he had moved on and found himself another woman.

Since becoming single, Josie has piled on the pounds and this week she was pictured wearing an ill-advised skimpy red bikini, as she soaked up the sun in the Spanish resort Marbella.



The Sun published a series of unflattering pictures of the buxom blonde this afternoon and we were quite shocked to see her looking so heavy, after she shed so much weight earlier this year.

Josie was said to be devastated earlier this week, when John James was pictured walking hand in hand with his new woman Sherrie Cobley.

A friend told Now magazine: ‘These pictures will break her heart.

‘In many ways, him being on the other side of the world has made it easier for her to cope with her heartache.

‘But these photos will only bring home the fact that her relationship is over for good and Sherrie and John James are serious.’

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GOLF professional from Burton is believed to be in a Spanish jail facing accusations of child sex abuse.

Sean William Stiff, who ran El Soto de Marbella Golf Club, on the Costa del Sol, is behind bars as investigations continue into the allegations.
Stiff, 39, who formerly played at Branston Golf and Country Club, was arrested after his alleged victim, now in her teens, claimed he had abused her for five years.
The allegations, which remain under investigation by Spanish prosecutors and have not been proven, have, for now at least, curtailed an idyllic lifestyle Stiff is thought to have enjoyed since moving to Spain from Burton six years ago.
Initially the golf professional at Cabopino Golf Club, he became head professional at El Chaparral Golf Club before moving to El Soto.
He is understood to have taught golf, run competitions and set up a children’s academy.
Stiff is thought to have been hit by the abuse allegations only weeks after moving into a new house near Marbella.
British officials, meanwhile, are remaining tightlipped about a matter they regard is one for the Spanish authorities.
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: “I can confirm the arrest of a British national in Spain.
“Consular assistance is being provided and we are in touch with next of kin.” Staffordshire Police said they had not been informed of any legal proceedings against Stiff.

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The London Chinawhite Club has started legal action against 'Chinawhite by Dreamers' which opened in Puerto Banús last Friday

The Chinawhite Club in London has started legal action against the owners of Dreamers discotheque in Puerto Banús, Marbella, after the Spanish club opened a new business called ‘Chinawhite by Dreamers’ last Friday.

The trade name ‘Chinawhite’ is registered and protected in the European Union, and the London owners say that want the name removed immediately and they will be demanding compensation for damages. They are also considering legal action under article 274 of the Spanish Penal Code which envisages prison sentences of between six months and two years for trade mark infringement.

They consider that the Puerto Banús club is fooling its clients who think they are visiting a branch of the famous London establishment.

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Five of the UK’s Top Ten criminals living in or near Marbs

Five of the UK’s Top Ten criminals living in Marbs – estimated to be worth around 920 million euros between them – have made large chunks of their fortune out of drug smuggling through Spain.
The majority also have a string of properties on the Iberian peninsula, as well as yachts and luxury cars.
In the case of one, Mickey Green he is said to have buried his millions in a series of safe deposits in the hills above Marbella.


Green who has been on the run for 20 years is still believed to live in Andalucia.
Known as ‘the Pimpernel’ for his amazing ability to evade capture, he has been trailed by police through Morocco, France and America.
But detectives now believe he is currently living in Malaga province, ‘probably near Marbella’.
Three of the top five in the News of the World poll have particularly strong connections to Spain.
Mickey Green, 69, 85m
Still on the loose after evading capture for more than 20 years and thought to be living near Marbella. The authorities believe he has buried some of his millions in the hills there.
Brian Wright, 64, 115m
Known as the Milkman because he always delivered, Wright is currently serving a 30 year sentence for drug dealing after being arrested in Spain, where he had been living since 2005.
Curtis Warren, 47, 350m
The only drugs trafficker to appear in the Sunday Times Rich List, ‘Cocky’ is locked up in Belmarsh top-security prison but is known to have a vast property portfolio including a string of Spanish casinos.
John Palmer, 60, 350m
The fake timeshare tycoon and ex-market trader is understood to be living on his £6 million yacht off the coast of Tenerife. He was banged up for selling non-existent holiday homes to 17,000 tourists and is also suspected of masterminding a criminal gang in Tenerife.
Brian Charrington, 55, 23m
Charrington built up a vast international drugs empire and subsequently spent time in jail for drug smuggling but is now a free man with a home in Calpe, Costa Blanca.

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Marbella stag and hen dos feel the Essex effect

Since TV show The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE) flew out to Marbella, bookings for stag and hen parties to the Spanish resort have jumped by 63%, according to the world's leading, and only award winning hen and stag party provider, Redseven.

To satisfy the wild demand, Redseven has launched ‘No carbs before Marbs’, a hen weekend package created for fans of the show looking for the ultimate VIP beach and club experience.

As well as pre-booked transfers to the hotel, there’s two nights accommodation, VIP beach club and guest list entry into one of the resort’s top clubs.

The stars of ITV2's BAFTA-winning half-reality show have been running wild in the resort, on what appears to be a shoot for a one-off special - and thanks to all the media coverage, hens and stags are clearly deciding to follow suit.

Lydia, Lauren, Lucy, Sam, and Jessica all ditched fake tan for some of the real stuff and did what most hens would do: get straight into pool mode. Fans will have noted that the boys, rarely scared of a little spray-on, were quick to follow and grab a deckchair.

"Since The Only Way is Essex cast flew out to Marbella we’ve seen a huge surge in bookings from those wanting to follow suit, and rightly so, since Marbella has a vibrant party scene and beautiful beaches to relax on the following day" says Ian Lucas, founder and CEO of Redseven.

Marbella hen weekends have long been popular with groups. At just two-and-a-half-hours' flight time and packed with glitzy nightclubs and bars, the resort town is used to Brits flying in to party.

As well as excellent beaches and traditional tapas, there's all the modern attractions expected by young, perfectly preened pseudo-starlets.

"This extra demand is no sweat for Redseven as our customers enjoy unrivalled access to all that’s great, plus we have a local office with representatives - available exclusively with Redseven, as we're the only company with our own operations actually in resort."

 

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RYAN GIGGS RETREATS TO SPAIN AS FAMILY ARE LEFT DEVASTATED

RYAN Giggs’ turmoil continued yesterday as his major sponsor declined to back him following claims he had an eight-year affair with his brother’s wife.
As the footballer fought to save his marriage over a second sex scandal in a matter of weeks, his younger brother Rhodri also cut a miserable figure after being left “devastated” by the revelations.
Bosses at sportswear giant Reebok, who have paid Giggs an estimated £20million over the last 20 years, refused to say whether he would be retained.
Asked whether his alleged relationship with sister-in-law Natasha Giggs would jeopardise his one-year rolling endorsement deal with the firm, a spokeswoman said: “At this point in time, Reebok is declining to comment.”
Yesterday Giggs, who also had an alleged affair with former Miss Wales and Big Brother contestant Imogen Thomas, was thought to have left for a holiday in Spain with wife Stacey, 32, and their children Libby, eight, and Zach, four.
Rhodri, 34, has reportedly left his estate agent wife Natasha, 28, just 10 months after they wed because he feels “betrayed”.
Natasha is gutted. But not half as much as Rhodri will be. It is just an awful situation
Natasha’s stepfather Paul Lever
Manchester United star Giggs, 37, is alleged to have repeatedly slept with Natasha throughout her eight-year relationship with van driver Rhodri.
The revelations were said to have shattered the rest of his family and put his mother in an “impossible” situation.
A friend said: “She has always been a major influence in Ryan’s life but she is obviously as loyal to Rhodri too. What would a mother do in her position?”
Yesterday Rhodri emerged grim-faced from the £165,000 home he recently shared with Natasha in Bolton, Greater Manchester.
He picked up actor Will Mellor, who was best man at his wedding, and drove to his mother Lynne’s £1.5million mansion in nearby Worsley.

 

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The Only Way Is Essex star Mark Wright reportedly cheated on girlfriend Lauren Goodger on a recent trip to Marbella.

The ITV2 reality star was pictured getting close to his co-star and ex-girlfriend Lucy Mecklenburgh while in a club, despite telling Goodger that he had stayed away from her, the News of the World reports.

After seeing the photographs, Goodger apparently packed her bags and told Wright: "The wedding's off." However, he has since talked her round and she has agreed to give him a "final chance".

"Lauren hates how close Mark has got to Lucy, for good reason," a source said. "But the fact is Mark knows he needs Lauren to make a stack of cash from their engagement and wedding so he has to keep her sweet.

"Lauren has seen the snaps. She is absolutely furious and can't believe Mark has done this to her again. It makes her look stupid.

"They have been talking for hours with Lauren crying down the phone but he has somehow managed to change her mind."

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Heather Small is bringing her magic touch to the Costa del Sol, with two intimate shows at Marbella’s Polo House restaurant

Heather Small is bringing her magic touch to the Costa del Sol, with two intimate shows at Marbella’s Polo House restaurant next week.
The former M People singer is no stranger to Spain having had a number of holidays here, with one trip in particular, holding special memories.
“I’ve got a soft spot for Spain because I found out I was pregnant just before I went on holiday there, so I suppose you could say it was my son’s first holiday,” the 46-year-old Londoner told the Olive Press.
“He’s learning Spanish now and really enjoying it and he’s a massive sports fan so we’ve been to see Real Madrid play, which was fantastic,” she added.


Small will return to Spain again this summer with friends in Ibiza, but relaxation won’t necessarily be on the agenda.
“Some people like to relax on holiday but I love being active and going to the gym, which is probably a good thing with all that wonderful Spanish food,” she says with a hearty laugh.
“I went to Mallorca for New Year once and I remember having lots of fantastic tapas, with vegetable-based dishes and of course the Spanish love their meat.”
Small recently performed in Washington to an audience including Prince Charles, who she describes as being ‘very complimentary’, and is now setting her sights on the Polo House show.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” she enthused. “It will be quite an intimate show which is nice because you get a better feel for the nuances of the crowd.
“But regardless of whether it is a big or small crowd you have to have a passion for it, and performing will always make me happy.”

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The Only Way Is Essex's Mark Wright has wished he'd stayed in Marbella for a little bit longer now that reports and pictures of him with his pants down and with his ex girlfriend

The Only Way Is Essex's Mark Wright has wished he'd stayed in Marbella for a little bit longer now that reports and pictures of him with his pants down and with his ex girlfriend, Lucy Macklenburgh, have surfaced.

According to the Daily Star, Mark, who was enjoying a stag do in Marbella last week, was pictured in a compromising position on his hotel balcony, wearing next to nothing with his ex pictured emerging from his room just moments later, both looking "dishevelled"...

Speaking about the shots, a source revealed: "Lucy was in Mark’s room for about half an hour and then Mark appeared on his balcony totally naked and looking a bit the worse for wear. He went back in and then two minutes later she appeared looking just as dishevelled.”

With the revelation that Mark may have done the dirty on his fiancée and fellow TOWIE star, Lauren Goodger, the source continued: “Obviously it’s really sad. Everyone hopes it’s not true but they’ve been scurrying around and meeting up with each other in secret all week. They’ve even been caught together a few times round the back of Buddha Bar looking a bit sheepish.”

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