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Yearly Archives: 2019

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Seeing as 80 percent of young women say they feel more confident as a result of playing for their national team, why not encourage their dream to become a reality?

Boots Ireland has kicked off their three-year partnership with the Republic of Ireland Women's National Team to nurture this confidence in girls and women, and we're loving the support.

Only seven percent of the Irish population have attended a live women's sporting event, which is pretty shocking. Women in sport aren't celebrated as much as their male counterparts, which needs to change.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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According to a Boots survey, 76 percent of the Irish population believe that female sports stars should be equally celebrated, but sponsorships can help to draw in the funds needed to air the matches.

Legendary Republic of Ireland captain and Arsenal midfielder Katie McCabe announced the partnership between the national team and Boots Ireland to boost confidence in our sporty ladies.

Recent research from UEFAi found that awareness and participation in women’s football has created a powerful impact on the confidence of girls and women, with the Women's World Cup this year drawing in record numbers of viewers. The demand for women in sport is definitely there. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The Irish national team is currently competing in the UEFA Women’s Championship qualifiers, kicking off this September with Ireland facing off against Montenegro.

Interestingly, one-third of women feel great about themselves while playing sport, while 31 percent of women who play sports feel happier. 45 percent feel healthier, so what's to lose?

As part of the partnership, Boots will be shining a light on the amazing role models within the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team, who will be inspiring the next generation of female footballers and sportswomen.

Republic of Ireland Captain Katie McCabe said: “I am delighted to launch the partnership between Boots Ireland and the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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"As a team, we have a big couple of months ahead, with qualifying for the European Championships starting next month. It was great to see the women’s game get the exposure it deserves during the Women’s World Cup.”

Women's football is growing in every area; be it commercial, participation and performance. Our gals are going from strength to strength, and we owe it to them to support the team.

Boots Ireland hopes to encourage more women and girls to get involved in the great game by watching, supporting and playing football, whilst feeling good too.

Feature image: Instagram/@katie_mccabe11

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We all remember the pain and turmoil surrounding the annual family photo taking.

Usually it's the Irish granny who forces all the grandchildren to stand in a group together and sit still long enough for someone to get the shot, but somebody always blinked or looked the wrong way.

Kim Kardashian has finally managed to get her four children to sit still for a family portrait photoshoot, three months after baby Psalm arrived. The result? It's pretty damn cute.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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She captioned the gorgeous image; "Bahamas pictures coming up! I thought taking a picture with three kids was hard. OMG this is almost impossible! "

Celebrity mums are just like our own, it seems. The famous family are holidaying in the Bahamas, which means proof has to be captured via camera of the experience. 

The 38-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star struggled to get her children to pose; six-year-old North, three-year-old Saint, 19-month-old Chicago and three-month-old Psalm.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Kim and her daughters, Chicago and North, are matching in metallic swimsuits in the photo, while Saint and Psalm are wearing dark green swimming trunks.

Khloe Kardashian commented on the image of her nieces; “Honestly you’re perfect!!!! Your beautiful family!! You are everything.” Matriarch and momager Kris wrote;  “This is so beautiful!!”

Kim and Kanye’s youngest child, Psalm, was born via a surrogate earlier this year. We wonder will a fifth come along soon?

Feature image: Instagram/@kimkardashian

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Social media influencer and Love Island runner up Molly-Mae Hague has landed a huge £500,000 clothing deal with PrettyLittleThing.

The reality star came second on the show with boxer boyfriend Tommy Fury, and has been handed the biggest paycheck of this years' cast of Islanders yet.

The Irish Mirror report that the 20-year-old has signed a deal with the retailer to become their latest brand ambassador.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The star is currently in Los Angeles, taking part in photoshoots apparently for the brand. 

The influencer is said to have dined out with PrettyLittleThing boss Umar Kamani, and is following in the footsteps of some names like Kourtney Kardashian, Kylie Jenner and Hailey Baldwin, by partnering with the brand.

A source told The Sun : "This is a huge deal not only for Molly-Mae, but PrettyLittleThing too. It’s one of their biggest collections to date."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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"Molly-Mae had a huge following even before Love Island, so they were desperate to land her, whatever it cost."

Her boyfriend Tommy has clearly been pining for his girlfriend, showing his love for her to the world by commenting, "How can you be so perfect?" on her Instagram photos.

Fellow Islander Maura Higgins agreed, saying: "Exactly what @tommytntfury said". Molly-Mae looks set to rake in the most money in sponsorships so far, but Amber has already signed up for Dancing On Ice.

Feature image: Instagram/@mollymaehague

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Electric Picnic is only nine days away, and Casa Bacardi have finally released their stage times for their stellar line-up, featuring Detroit Swindle, Heidi and Mark Knight as headliners.

Support will be provided by Boots & Kats, Riff Shop, Get Down Edits, Magnier, Adult Store and Jimmy Rouge, so it's set to be a wild ride.

Soaking up that party atmosphere has never been easier since the arrival of the award-winning Casa Bacardi stage, where Latin street-culture meets music lovers.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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DJ and producer Jasper James is kicking off opening night at the stage, warming up the crowds at 8pm with his off-kilter house before Friday's headliner Heidi takes to the stage at 10pm with a highly-anticipated set.

Toast House residents Adult Store will perform at 2pm, Orange Tree Edits DJ and producer Jimmy Rouge at 4pm and disco-house duo Get Down Edits at 6pm to round up the daytime acts.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Dutch duo Detroit Swindle will hit the Casa Bacardi stage on Saturday from 10pm, taking time out from their worldwide tour.

JORDAN will be on at 12am, who will bring us into the early hours with his underground house mixes. Main support on the night comes from disco and funk-duo Boots & Kats at 8pm, who offer a distinctive sound to any stage.

House of Disco founder Magnier will be on the decks at 6pm, with day-time support from RTE 2FM star Tara Stewart from 1:30pm, Mix + Fairbanks from 3pm and Dublin faves Riff Shop bringing their energy at 4:30pm.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Music heavyweight and producer Mark Knight will close out the sold-out weekend from 10pm on Sunday, supported by DJ legend Al Gibbs.

Electric Picnic will take place from August 30 until September 1 in Stradbally, County Laois.

The festival sold out almost immediately this year, so any gigs will be special to witness. Check out the Bacardi bartenders making the weekend's tastiest cocktails to match the summer sounds.

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I was lucky enough to visit The Hibernian Hotel in Mallow, Co.Cork over the weekend and I’m already itching to go back. 

The warm and welcoming hotel, located in the heart of Mallow, has just launched their new Gastro menu and it is to die for.

I honestly haven’t been able to squeeze into my jeans since sampling the delicious new menu during my stay. I ate like a queen and I only wish I could go back for breakfast, lunch and dinner every single day.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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I struggled to pick a main course because there are just so many options on the new menu. I eventually settled for the chicken supreme and for desert I chose the raspberry and dark chocolate brownie.

And I have to say I would happily eat it as my last meal.

One of the best things about the new Gastro menu is the fact that all the dishes are made from fresh, quality local ingredients.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The hotel is already renowned as one of the areas best eateries, this new menu elevates customer favourites and introduces a host of new must-try dishes. 

Start your evening of dining with the divine Caprese Salad made with beef tomatoes dressed in basil and artisan olive oil and paired with Macroom Buffalo Mozzarella. 

Other tasty options include Nachos with prime Irish beef, Sizzling Prawns and Soup du Jour, all of which use local ingredients where possible. 

The sandwich options are sure to please all palates with pulled Ham Hock and Cheddar in a gourmet toastie, Pastrami with Swiss Cheese on freshly baked ciabatta and a Vegan Wrap bursting with a rainbow of vibrant flavours. 

As well as the tasty chicken supreme, the Hibernian offers a variety of main courses that are prepared with the same love of a home cooked meal.

These dishes include Pan Fried Seabass, Beer Battered Haddock, Seafood Pie and Prime Irish fillet steak.

Indulgent, delicious and even some semi guilt-free desserts are sure to satisfy the craving for an after dinner treat. All made by French Pastry Chef, Carine Hamon, the desserts are renowned in Mallow and further afield. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Hibernian’s infamous Bread and Butter Pudding is another delectable dessert that marries Bramley Apples with cinnamon and custard. My dessert of choice is by far one of the nicest dishes- the sharp berries create a stark contrast to the rich dark chocolate used in the Brownie which is aptly paired with vanilla ice cream.

Flavour pairings of mint and chocolate are combined harmoniously in the Cheesecake while a Selection of Ice-Cream from Eldorado based in Clonakilty, Co. Cork will be the perfect finish to your meal.

The Hibernian Hotel is located in Mallow, Co.Cork and serves the Gastro Menu from 3pm. For more information, visit www.hibernianhotelmallow.com or follow them on social media @hibernianhotelmallow.

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Gypsies on the Autobahn are set to play at The Button Factory, November 15 2019. Tickets €15.00 inclusive of booking fee, available now from Ticketmaster.

The four-piece is comprised of brothers, lead singer James and drummer Dan Smith, guitarist Niall Mooney, and Gary Quinn on bass. After processing their first outing 2017’s Born Brief, a record ten years in the making, it’s evident that they have arrived at a point in their lives where they not only know the music they want to make but also they know themselves more than they ever did before. Freed up from the pressure of introducing where they came from on their debut, Suspended brings with it a more mature sound and central theme of hope born from moments of struggle.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Talking about writing the record, James said he had always previously found it necessary to try to use his lyrics to speak to someone else. However when it came to moving forward he found that familiar process transitioning into one that delivered lyrics he identified as him searching for hope for himself. It’s that intimacy and insular dialogue that delivers Suspended's big emotional punch and creates inevitable internal conversations for the listener because everyone can relate to them on a deeply personal level.

While they admit they write songs in what might be considered a backwards way, music first and lyrics second, it’s easy to see that it is born from an understanding between four young men who have been creating together for over a decade. This understanding allows them to continually bring each other outside of their comfort zones.

A lack of fear in suggesting things that might on the surface level sound unorthodox, ultimately delivers moments of glory that give this sophomore record brand new life. Being so close for so long doesn’t come without conflict, yet even as tensions rose and a battle between their own aggressions and sensitivities reared its head, all it did was create a raw environment where only candour could exist.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Teaming up with producer Ciaran Bradshaw, Suspended glues together seamlessly but is never afraid to go places the previous track hasn’t, providing big guitar moments that meet at a crossroads with the slower piano driven junctures like the record’s heart breaking first single Make You Mine. You can’t help but feel that Gypsies on the Autobahn aren’t just wanted by those who listen to them, they are needed.

Four men unafraid to be vulnerable in a society where that so rarely transpires. A voice for everyday people who carry real tragedy but can’t help but move forward with an infinite hope for the future.

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Today, representatives of Hospice and specialist palliative homecare services throughout the country gathered at Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services, Harold’s Cross to launch Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice Together with Bewley’s. The group are calling on the people of Ireland to host a coffee morning on Thursday, September 19 to help raise vital funds for their local hospice.

Celebrating twenty-seven years of coffee mornings, it is hoped that this year’s events, held in homes and businesses across the country, will raise a much needed €2 million for Hospices across Ireland, to meet growing demands for the service.

Author and broadcaster, Maia Dunphy, officially launched this year’s campaign which is asking people across the country to support this important campaign by hosting or attending a coffee morning. Those who can’t attend a coffee morning can simply text COFFEE to 50300 and donate €4* to support local hospice and homecare services and help to give patients the best quality of life during their illness.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Pat Quinlan, Chair of the Voluntary Hospice Group said, “The demands on specialist hospice in-patient and community services around Ireland are growing each year and as always we, as providers, want to be able to deliver high quality and responsive services. The money raised through Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice Together with Bewley’s is crucial in ensuring that we continue to meet each individual patient’s needs and to support their families and loved ones at a most difficult time in their lives. The success of the campaign over the last 27 years is thanks to the incredible generosity of our many supporters, including our dedicated coffee morning hosts, guests, Ambassadors and our long-time sponsor Bewley’s. Indeed, we could not do what we do without this ongoing financial support.’’

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Jason Doyle, Managing Director at Bewley’s said, “It’s been a privilege for Bewley’s to lend its support as sole sponsor for Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice for the past 27 years. Community and people are at the heart of Bewley’s and caring for people in the local community is what hospice services are all about. Our connection to hospice is a perfect fit with the ethos of our company and we are delighted to be involved once again with this important fundraising event for Hospice.’’

To register to host a coffee morning on Thursday, September 19, or on a date that suits you, go to www.hospicecoffeemorning.ie or call 1890 998 995. Hosts are provided with a Coffee Morning Pack containing Bewley’s coffee, posters and invitations free of charge. Remember, every cup counts.

The public can support Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice Together with Bewley’s on Thursday, September 19 2019 by:

Hosting a Coffee Morning

Attending a Coffee Morning

Texting COFFEE to 50300 to donate €4*

*Text costs €4. Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice Together with Bewley’s will receive a minimum of €3.60. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline: 076 6805278.

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With the rise of eco-consciousness, it's no surprise that certain popular brands are catching up to the importance of sustainable materials.

Primark's homewear ranges are always ones to watch, but their latest collection featuring 100 percent sustainable cotton has us racing down to the store.

A fresh set of bedding can be the pinnacle of bedroom relaxation, and their latest range is perfect for your bed-time oasis of calm.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Primark have taken inspiration from refined Nordic interiors, creating a selection of soft Scandinavian greys and crisp white linens for the ideal minimalistic home.

The range serves as the perfect base for colour blocking with your favourite colours. The fresh, spa-worthy sustainable towels add to the theme, and are only €9 each.

Small wire basket €4, large basket €6
Image: Primark Home

Primark's reusable cup is just €6, for those of you who no longer want to waste cardboard takeaway coffee/tea cups.

The rise in popularity of Keep Cups are most likely contributing to brands like Primark focusing on reusable homewear features.

Image: Primark Home

Their gorgeous striped duvet cover single set comes in at the affordable price of €11, the double is just €16 while the king is €20.

Utilising sustainable materials such as cotton rather than microplastics of synthetic materials (polyester) can do wonders for the environment. 

Supporting brands like Primark in their quest to reduce harmful materials is hugely important, and the affordability can't be denied. Why not head down and check out the latest range before it sells out? 

Feature image: Instagram/@primark.home

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Molly-Mae Hague won't be back in Ireland anytime soon, according to The Clare Echo. Remember when she took a private plane to an underage disco in Co. Longford? We do.

The Queens Nightclub in Ennis announced during the airing of Love Island that the social media influencer would appear for a meet-and-greet in August.

Tickets had been on sale for the event, but the nightclub have now confirmed that Molly-Mae has postponed her trip indefinitely to Co. Clare.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The Ennis venue wrote; “Due to unforeseen circumstances Love Island’s Molly-Mae Hague has had to postpone her appearance at Queens Nightclub Ennis this Saturday night.

"She would like to apologies to all her fans. Full refunds available on tickets already purchased from both eventbrite.com and Kaffeine," they added.

"Stay tuned to our social Media Accounts for further updates. Apologies for any inconvenience caused."

Image: Queens Nightclub Ennis/Facebook

Molly-Mae has been dating professional boxer Tommy Fury since mid-way through the ITV reality show, but is currently undergoing photoshoots in Los Angeles.

The star has yet to comment on the postponement of her nightclub appearance, after winners Greg O'Shea and Amber Gill spent the weekend in the county to see the Cliffs of Moher.

You're missing out on some Wild Atlantic Way beauty, gal. Your loss, we say.

Feature image: Instagram/@mollymaehague

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Jameela Jamil has stepped in to defend Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle against the cruel treatment by the British press regarding her usage of private planes to go on holiday last week.

Celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres, Pink, Elton John, and Meghan's best friend, Jessica Mulroney, have all blasted the media for degrading the Duchess consistently and unfairly.

The Good Place actress and activist Jameela Jamil has now had her say, pointing out that the reason why the royals take private planes is because of their assassination risk.

"Ugh. Dear England and English press, just say you hate her because she’s black, and him for marrying a black woman and be done with it God dammit," she wrote on Twitter.

"Your bullying is so embarrassing and obvious. You’ve all lost your marbles. It’s 2019. Grow up.

"I will never forget reading an English sh*t rag, writing the words, “Meghan’s exotic DNA shall certainly THICKEN the royal blue blood line…” (bangs head against table and throws up in own mouth.)" Jamil added.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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"I too used to not understand that in this day and age there’s still such a distinct hatred/disrespect towards black women in the world, because I grew up sheltered and without personally feeling any negative way towards any race. But we have to open our eyes. It so prevalent," she tweeted.

"ALSO, it’s not safe for us to be on the same planes as royals or presidents you absolute muppets. They are prime targets for kidnap and sometimes assassination. It’s in the interest of us civilians to not be endangered by proximity to people in such powerful positions."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The iWeigh founder and activist was featured as part of Meghan Markle's Vogue UK September issue, entitled 'Faces for Change'.

Hopefully the media and general public realise the inequality which Prince Harry's wife faces as a result of her race, and checks their privilege.

Fair play to Jameela for saying it like it is.

Feature image: Instagram/@jameelajamilofficial

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Sony Pictures, who own the rights to comic book character Spider-Man, have made a statement about the split with Disney which will see the webslinger no longer involved in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The company said they were "disappointed" last night by Disney's demand for a greater stake in the Spider-Man films and its proposal to reduce the involvement of Marvel president Kevin Feige in the franchise.

“Much of today’s news about Spider-Man has mischaracterised recent discussions about Kevin Feige’s involvement in the franchise,” said the statement.

“We are disappointed, but respect Disney’s decision not to have him continue as a lead producer of our next live action Spider-Man film.

“We hope this might change in the future, but understand that the many new responsibilities that Disney has given him – including all their newly added Marvel properties – do not allow time for him to work on IP they do not own," they added.

“Kevin is terrific and we are grateful for his help and guidance and appreciate the path he has helped put us on, which we will continue.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Negotiations had been underway for numerous months between Sony and Disney over Spider-Man's future, after Disney's purchase of Marvel in 2009 for $4 billion heightened box-office dominance.

Disney had been demanding that future movies be financed evenly between the two studios, with Feige as the consultant producer.

Feige has been aligned with the Avengers series since Iron Man was released in 2008, and has been mostly credited with satisfying the franchise’s hardcore fans alongside Disney’s desire for awards and critical recognition.

Image: Twitter/@SonyPictures

Avengers: Endgame overtook Avatar last month as the highest grossing film of all time, and Black Panther became the first superhero film to win a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars last year.

Spider-Man: Far From Home, deposed Skyfall as Sony’s biggest film ever at the global box office only this week, with two more films starring Tom Holland supposedly in the works.

Major character plot holes will no doubt be the result of Sony's split with Disney, after Far From Home set up the next major Avengers storyline. Tom Holland fans are in mourning over the news, with the actor playing arguably the most popular Spidey to date.

Feature image: Instagram/@santi7_hm

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Love Island star Anton Danyluk has denied cheating on Belle Hassan after a video of him kissing another girl leaked online.

The Scottish gym owner is seen with a mystery brunette girl in a nightclub in the clip, but the 24-year-old insists that he was 18 when the lip locking occurred.

It went viral on social media after the public believed he had gone behind Belle's back, but Anton made sure to set the record straight.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by (@anton_danyluk) on

A representative for Anton told Mirror Online:

"There is a video circulating regarding our client Anton Danyluk. It was filmed when he was 18 of him kissing a girl in a nightclub.

"The person trying to sell the video is alleging he cheated on Belle which is categorically not true – the video was six years ago."

The video surfaced only days after Belle and Anton went to Majorca together on their first solo holiday.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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We're sure Anton was pretty terrified when the video came to light after finding out that Belle's dad is gangster actor Tamer Hassan…

The star joked that he would parachute into the villa if Anton ever hurt his beloved daughter, and we believe him.

Anton hadn't had any luck with the ladies until Belle arrived, and he hit it off with her dad immediately. Anton's mum is also a fan of Belle, offering her a razor to shave his bum as a special gift. How…quaint.

Feature image: Instagram/@anton_danyluk

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