A holiday in the UK turned into a transformative experience for Leanne Knowles, who lost nearly 9 lbs during a week-long boot camp. Struggling with weight loss through various diets, Knowles found new motivation at the GI Jane Bootcamp in Kent, which emphasizes lifestyle changes over quick fixes like weight-loss injections.

Previously, at a height of 5ft 1in and weighing 12st 9lbs, Knowles faced challenges in feeling comfortable in her own skin. Despite trying popular diets such as Slimming World and Atkins, she found herself regaining weight after stopping. “I was frustrated with my inability to lose weight,” she reflected, noting that while she considered options like Ozempic and Mounjaro, she ultimately sought a more sustainable approach.

The pivotal moment came during a trip to Niagara Falls, where a photograph of her prompted a wake-up call. “I hated the way I looked,” Knowles said, realizing that change was necessary. Inspired by a television show featuring a “fat camp,” she researched options and chose the GI Jane Bootcamp, which costs £900 for a week of accommodation, meals, and fitness training.

Upon arrival at Scuttington Manor in Sittingbourne, Kent, Knowles felt apprehensive, having never exercised regularly before. However, the welcoming atmosphere and camaraderie among participants quickly eased her nerves. The boot camp’s structure included early morning hikes, rigorous exercise sessions, and nutritious meals, all designed to push participants to their limits.

“We were encouraged to support each other every step of the way,” she shared, highlighting the camp’s motto: “You’re only as fast as your slowest man.” By the end of her week, Knowles achieved a significant milestone, running a full mile with weights, a testament to her newfound strength and determination.

At the end-of-week weigh-in, Knowles was delighted to learn she had lost 9 lbs. She compared this to the average weight loss of 2 lbs per week with injectable medications, emphasizing the additional benefits gained from physical fitness. More importantly, she felt energized and empowered, having developed a deeper understanding of her body and health.

Back at home in Beverley, East Yorkshire, Knowles implemented the lessons learned at the boot camp. Lacking a gym membership, she purchased a kettlebell and began running around her village. The support from a WhatsApp group created by fellow camp attendees provided ongoing motivation and encouragement.

Nine months later, Knowles returned to another GI Jane Bootcamp, this time in Koh Samui, Thailand. By then, she had lost weight on her own, reaching 8st 11lbs. At the end of that week, she achieved her target weight of 8st 7lbs, marking a significant milestone in her weight-loss journey. Altogether, she has shed over four stone, now fitting into a size 8.

Since her first boot camp experience, Knowles has participated in several others, including a recent week in Greece. She has formed lasting friendships with fellow attendees and has experienced a boost in confidence that has reshaped her approach to holidays.

“I still treat myself, but I’m also very active,” she noted, reflecting on how her vacation habits have changed.

Looking back, Knowles considers the boot camp holiday a life-changing experience. “If I’d tried so-called ‘fat jabs,’ the weight would have piled back on,” she stated. She encourages others contemplating expensive weight-loss medications to explore alternatives like boot camps. For Knowles, the journey was not just about losing weight but about reclaiming her life and health.

The highly anticipated second season of *Karen Pirie* is set to captivate audiences once again, with star Emer Kenny revealing her unique challenges while balancing her roles as a writer, executive producer, and actress. The show, which airs on ITV, continues to explore gripping storylines, and Kenny’s life off-screen has been just as demanding.

Kenny plays River, a close friend of the titular character Karen Pirie, portrayed by Lauren Lyle. In an interview, she shared insights into how she managed her professional commitments while navigating the early days of motherhood. “Filming was hectic,” Kenny said. “My baby was 12 weeks old when I started writing the season and he was 18 months old when we were shooting. He came to Glasgow with me for three months.”

With her husband, Rick Edwards, working in Germany as a presenter during the UEFA Euro 2024, Kenny relied heavily on her mother for support. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my mum,” she stressed, showcasing the importance of a solid support system in managing both family and career.

Kenny also found joy during the filming process, thanks in part to the presence of pop icon Kylie Minogue. The star shared, “Kylie has her own brand of rosé that we drank the whole way through. It was absolutely crazy, but I never feel more alive than when we’re making stuff. It just feels thrilling.”

Returning to Familiar Challenges and New Adventures

The new season, based on *A Darker Domain*, delves into a haunting case that has lingered in the public consciousness since 1984: the disappearance of heiress Catriona Grant and her toddler son, Adam. Kenny hinted at the intensity of the plot, stating, “She’s kidnapped at gunpoint, and then a ransom note arrives at her family home with a Polaroid of her, and she is never seen again.” The discovery of a body in a remote quarry complicates the case further, revealing no connection to Catriona but presenting new mysteries to unravel.

As the narrative unfolds, viewers will also witness hidden romances, including Catriona’s affair with Mick, played by Mark Rowley. “Julia (Brown) and Mark were amazing together,” Kenny noted, emphasizing the chemistry that drives their storyline. Meanwhile, Lyle’s character Karen faces her own romantic challenges with DS Phil Parhatka, portrayed by Zach Wyatt. “Karen’s under the impression a woman can only have one of the other – a career or a home life,” Lyle explained, highlighting the character’s internal struggles.

Despite these challenges, Lyle’s portrayal of Karen is marked by determination. She acknowledged the skepticism her character faces, particularly after receiving a reluctant promotion. “You’re difficult, but you’re great, so you deserve it,” her boss tells her, encapsulating the hurdles Karen must overcome in a male-dominated environment.

Filming in Diverse Locations and Future Prospects

The production faced logistical challenges this season, including a move to Malta for filming. “We had to move the shoot to September because it was too hot in Malta to shoot,” Kenny recalled. The cast engaged in numerous running scenes through the streets, navigating the high temperatures. Yet, the experience proved exhilarating for them, providing a unique backdrop for the unfolding drama.

With eight novels worth of content to adapt, Kenny expressed optimism about the show’s future. “There is potential for another season and ITV are really supportive,” she said. “It just depends on whether the audience wants more.”

For now, *Karen Pirie* remains a compelling entry in the crime drama genre, with its mix of intense storytelling and complex characters. As the new season unfolds, viewers can expect even more twists and turns that keep them engaged and invested in the lives of these characters.

Stand-up comedian Matt Forde has publicly criticized the Edinburgh Council for derogatory comments made about fans of the band Oasis. Ahead of the group’s three sold-out concerts at Murrayfield in August 2024, city officials labeled attendees as “fat,” “old,” “drunk,” and “lairy,” a portrayal that has sparked outrage among fans and the comic community alike.

Forde, known for his work on the television show Spitting Image where he impersonates figures like Boris Johnson, expressed his dismay regarding the council’s remarks. He stated, “I just think a lot of people don’t get Oasis. They basically think it’s just a load of yobs.” He emphasized that such negative stereotypes are often directed towards white working-class individuals, a viewpoint he finds to be deeply unfair.

Reflecting on his recent experience at an Oasis concert in Cardiff, Forde described the atmosphere as “joyous” and “phenomenal.” He noted that while attendees were indeed enjoying drinks, the event was a celebration devoid of any aggression or hostility. “It was just a really good celebration,” he added. The comic expressed concern that the unwarranted comments from the council could tarnish the experience for fans traveling to Edinburgh for the concerts, suggesting it paints an unwelcoming picture for tourists.

Forde’s upcoming show, titled Defying Gravity, will be showcased during the Edinburgh Festival from July 30 to August 24. He aims to bring his signature humor, including impressions of the Gallagher brothers, to the stage. The comedian has faced his own health battles in recent months, having been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called chordoma, which required significant medical intervention.

In addition to his comedy, Forde has been vocal about the current political landscape in the UK. He has noted the challenges facing the Labour Party, particularly under the leadership of Anas Sarwar, and the rise of the Reform Party, which he feels has been mischaracterized by political opponents. Forde argues that dismissing Reform supporters as merely right-wing extremists overlooks the complexities of voter sentiment and the socio-economic issues driving their support.

His performances at the Edinburgh Festival include not only his stand-up but also discussions on pressing political matters, featuring guests like former SNP MP Joanna Cherry and Scottish Secretary Ian Murray. Forde is keen to engage audiences on topics that resonate with current political discourse, illustrating how comedy can intersect with serious issues.

As the festival approaches, Forde invites fans and newcomers alike to join him for a mix of laughter and thought-provoking commentary. He plans to integrate his impressions of Oasis into his set, allowing fans to relive the excitement surrounding the band’s resurgence. With the concerts at Murrayfield and the festival just around the corner, the anticipation among fans continues to build.

Forde’s remarks serve as a reminder of the ongoing conversations around class, identity, and the representation of music fans in public discourse. As Edinburgh prepares to welcome Oasis fans, the hope is that they will be met with the celebration and respect they deserve.

A reboot of the 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct is gaining momentum, with Australian actress Margot Robbie emerging as a leading contender for the role of Catherine Tramell, originally portrayed by Sharon Stone. The announcement comes following Amazon MGM Studios’ acquisition of the film rights, sparking excitement among fans and the film industry alike.

As reported on July 19, 2025, by The Wrap, the project aims to capture the essence of the original while offering a contemporary twist. The film is expected to retain the provocative nature that characterized the original, which was notorious for its explicit content and gripping narrative. Fans have taken to social media to express their enthusiasm, with one commenter on X exclaiming, “OMG Margot Robbie would be perfect for this!” Another echoed the sentiment, stating, “Remake it with Margot Robbie.”

Bookmakers appear to agree, with William Hill listing Robbie at odds of 3/1 to take on the iconic role, trailing only Florence Pugh, who holds 2/1 odds. Other actresses considered for the role include Sydney Sweeney at 5/1, Anya Taylor-Joy at 6/1, Ana de Armas at 8/1, and Jodie Comer at 10/1. Pop star Lady Gaga is currently seen as a long shot at 12/1.

The original Basic Instinct was a massive success, grossing over $350 million globally. It featured Michael Douglas as Detective Nick Curran, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of seduction with novelist Tramell, a prime suspect in a murder case. The film’s most memorable scene, an interrogation featuring Stone, became iconic and solidified her status as a Hollywood star.

Screenwriter Joe Eszterhas, who penned the original film, is returning to write the reboot. Reportedly, he has signed a $4 million deal for the project. In a statement, Eszterhas addressed concerns about his ability to write an erotic thriller at the age of 80, asserting that his creativity remains intact. He remarked, “The rumors of my cinematic impotence are exaggerated and ageist,” emphasizing his enthusiasm for the project.

The reboot follows a less successful sequel released in 2006, which featured Stone reprising her role but only managed to gross $38.6 million, significantly less than its production budget of $70 million.

Interestingly, Stone herself endorsed Robbie for a future adaptation of her life in a 2023 interview on The Lady Gang Podcast. She expressed her admiration for Robbie, stating, “I adore Margot Robbie so probably her. She is so talented. After I saw her playing Tonya Harding, I was like, you’re it.”

As the casting process continues, anticipation builds for the film that promises to blend nostalgia with fresh storytelling, aiming to captivate both new audiences and fans of the original thriller. The revival of such a culturally significant film could mark a significant moment in contemporary cinema.