M&S has axed the iconic Colin the Caterpillar sweet that shoppers say was “the best”.
Nearly every Brit will know the name Colin the Caterpillar, along with its iconic gummy sweet range in the shape of our fuzzy friend.
However, M&S has quietly axed the last of the Colin The Caterpillar Fizzy Rainbow sweets, unknown to many shoppers until now.
It is believed that the steady disappearance of the sweet is to make room for more seasonal lines, although this does not make the news any easier to accept.
Now, there are around 10 Colin-themed sweets in the caterpillar sweets range left, but sadly, the fizzy rainbows will no longer make the cut.
The sweets were rainbow in colour with a sour sugary coating and despite some shoppers claiming the sweets were “too chewy”, others rated them a “15 out of 10”.
Earlier today one fan took to X, formerly known as Twitter to question what had happened to their much loved treat: “Looked everywhere for the Fizzy Rainbow Colins, are they gone for good??
“They were the best along with original veggie percy.”
In response, a spokesperson for M&S said: “Hi, I’ve had a look and while they are showing in a few stores, the stock is very low so it looks as though these are being discontinued sadly.
“It may just be to make room for more seasonal lines so hopefully you’ll see these back again in future.”
The unhappy shopper replied: “Yeah please tell the appropriate dept to bring them back! Thanks.”
Suitable for veggies and vegans, there was nothing quiet about the raving reviews these sweets earned: “Fizzy, tangy, sugary, exactly what you want,” said one shopper.
While another wrote: “These candies are incredible.
“The texture is delightful! The sour sugar coating almost crunches as you bite into them but they’re gummy candies so they become chewy deliciousness, as you’d expect with sour gummy candy.
“They have added something devilishly different to my candy spread for Halloween this year and I will be keeping some in my stash year-round.
“I’m so glad I got them despite some of the previous reviews. I think some of the other reviewers got these candies thinking they would be super soft like the aptly named softie colin caterpillars.
“While they are not softie gummies, I wouldn’t say they’re any firmer than any of the other sour colin caterpillars in the line.”
This devastating shock comes after M&S stealthily axed another popular range of caterpillar sweets.
In July, we said goodbye to the Colin and Connie “Together Forever” sweets, leading one fan to comment online: “Sad that Colin and Connie are no longer Together Forever”.
The sweets in the Colin and Connie pack were fruit gums with a love heart in the middle.
A few years ago Connie also used to have her own packs of sweets, which were sour berry-flavoured gums, similar to M&S’ Percy Pig Phizzy Pigtails.
Thankfully, the Percy Pig Phizzy Pigtails are still available for purchase via Ocado, however, Percy Pig Phizzy Chew’s were also axed in July.
Like the Colin The Caterpillar Fizzy Rainbow’s, Colin and Connie’s “Together Forever” sweets earned gleaming reviews.
One said: “What happened to Connie the Caterpillar sweets? I can’t find them anywhere and they were SO good!”
A second said: “Any plans to bring back the Connie curly berry gums @marksandspencer? They were my absolute favourite of your veggie range.”
A third added: “Potentially an unpopular opinion but I think @marksandspencer Connie the Caterpillar sweets are better than Percy Pigs.”
While a fourth added: “We all know that your lovely fruity sweets are a staple for runners, Colin and Connie are the best!”
When The Sun approached the retailer, it said it was committed to Connie the Caterpillar and she will be appearing in future product launches.
A spokeswoman said: “Our Connie and Colin sweets were discontinued in July 2024 as part of our confectionery relaunch, however within this relaunch we have a brand new product, Colin Party Time, bursting with six flavours in party theme shapes.
“We also have a full range of Colin sweets including our Colin Softies and Colin Fruit Gums.
“Colin is the original caterpillar character, so he is always going to show up more throughout our confectionery and bakery ranges.
“However we of course equally love Connie, she has her own cake and mini cakes and we hero Connie throughout seasonal campaigns where relevant e.g. our Mother’s Day Connie and Colin and Connie Valentine’s cakes etc.
“We’re always exploring new ways to keep the Colin range relevant and Connie will appear in future launches we’re working on so keep your eyes peeled!”
Thankfully, it isn’t all doom and gloom as earlier this week M&S kept their word and produced a fabulous Christmas edition of the much loved Percy Pig sweets.
News of the return of the sweet was posted on the Newfoodsuk Facebook page.
It read: “Percy Pig and Family pack spotted at M&S!!.”
The post racked up hundreds of likes and fans could not contain themselves.
“Get these on the Christmas shopping list!!”, said one excited shopper.
“They’re back!!”, replied another.
“You can get me some for Xmas”, commented a third person.
To find your local M&S store head to the website and click Find a store on the top right.
Then, enter your postcode, town, or street name to find your nearest store.
We always recommend checking the product’s in-store availability to avoid making a wasted trip should it be out of stock.
ANALYSIS by chief consumer reporter James Flanders.
Food and drinks makers have been known to tweak their recipes or axe items altogether.
They often say that this is down to the changing tastes of customers.
There are a number of reasons why this could be done.
For example, government regulation, like the “sugar tax,” forces firms to change their recipes.
Some manufacturers might choose to tweak ingredients to cut costs.
They may opt for an alternative that’s cheaper, especially when costs are rising in order to keep prices stable.
For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from shelves in 2018.
It has recently returned after six years away, but as a sugar-free version.
Fanta removed sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year.
Suntory tweaked the flavour of its flagship Lucozade Original and Orange energy drinks.
While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose.
EASTENDERS fans have ‘worked out’ when Bobby Beale will be leaving the soap after spotting a “tell-tale sign”.
The character is set to leave the soap in upcoming scenes after actor Clay Milner Russell, announcing he’d quit after five years in the role.
Leaked photographs from the set back in July promise a showdown between Bobby and Cindy Beale at the gravesite of Lucy, who Bobby killed in a gripping whodunnit 10 years ago.
Bobby, who was sent to jail for the murder, returned to Albert Square in 2019 (when Clay took over the role) has since been trying to make amends for what he’s done.
However, Cindy – who returned to the soap from the dead in 2023 – has been more hesitant to move past what happened.
With the exit now in motion, fans think the expected scenes that trigger his exit will take place as soon as this Thursday.
Speaking on the Digital Spy forum, one fan shared the theory and added: “I can’t see him mentioned in upcoming storylines. The scenes at Lucy’s grave must be featured soon as they were filmed back in July.
“I can’t see where he can go after tonight’s episode really.”
“I think it’s likely Bobby leaves tomorrow but I don’t think we will see Jane and Masood,” added another.
The storyline comes as Bobby was pushed to the brink after discovering girlfriend/step-sister Anna (Mollie Rainford) was pregnant with his baby but was already in the process of having an abortion.
To add insult to injury, he discovers this after Anna finally gave in to her feelings for Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier), with Bobby catching the pair kissing.
A furious Bobby got into a scrap with Freddie in the middle of the Square upon the discovery.
When he told the family, Cindy flipped her lid, believing Bobby had even attempted to deliberately get her pregnant, with his reaction to Anna providing the “proof” she needed that he hadn’t changed.
Branding him “weird”, she stood by daughter Anna, causing more friction within the Beale family.
Could this be what pushes the pair over to the final confrontation?
JOEY Essex and Jessy Potts have split just seven weeks after leaving the Love Island villa.
The Love Island stars today confirmed the break-up exclusively to The Sun – with Jessy, 25, confessing: “It wasn’t meant to be.”
She and Joey, 34, have been plagued by continuous split rumours since returning to normal life after just missing out on the final in July.
But were the signs they’d failed to make their relationship work in the real world there all along?
Shortly after leaving the villa Joey and Jessy made their first TV appearance as a couple on This Morning.
During the interview with Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle, former Towie star Joey revealed he was taking a break from UK reality TV to pursue opportunities Stateside – but there was no mention of Jessy joining him.
He said: “I feel like I’ve done every reality show possible now.
“I don’t think I’d really want to do Strictly. I’m just taking a break. I’ve got some opportunities over in America at the moment so I feel like I might maybe take it over there.”
Both Joey and Jessy jetted off on solo holidays following their Love Island stint.
Joey headed to Ibiza with his cousin Chloe Sims while Jessy opted to fly to Marbella to soak up the sun.
Jessy also sparked rumours of trouble in paradise when she was asked about her future plans in an interview and failed to mention Joey.
Speaking to heat, she said: “I just want to make the most of everything, I’m the type of person who takes every opportunity as it comes.
“I would love to get more into fashion and just try to make the most of what I’ve got and take every opportunity and just run with it.”
She added: “I’m not sure exactly what’s to come yet but it’s all very exciting.”
Jessy also fuelled speculation when she confessed it had been “hard” to make her relationship with Joey work due to his established showbiz career.
She said: “I think it’s hard because you compare it to the other couples.
“They’re with each other 24/7, whereas we always knew it was going to be different because he’s catching up on his normal life, whereas for the rest of us we’re thrown into a new life.”
Sam Faiers – Joey dated Towie co-star Sam Faiers from 2011.
The pair were one of the original Essex duos, and were together on and off for three years before ending the relationship for good in September, 2014.
Amy Willerton – Joey was rumoured to be dating his I’m A Celeb co-star Amy Willerton in 2013, when they both appeared on the show together.
The romance soon fizzled out afterwards and Willerton, who won the title of Miss Universe Great Britain said she found it difficult.
Speaking to the Daily Star Sunday newspaper, she said: “The attention after we left the show was really hard for me. While Joey had a strong management team behind him, I didn’t really have anybody in my corner.”
Stephanie Pratt – Made In Chelsea star and US born socialite, Stephanie Pratt, dated Joey for three months.
They fell for each other while appearing in Celebs Go Dating and shared a steamy kiss in Joey’s swimming pool.
But he dumped her in October 2016 for making him “spend too much time in Chelsea”.
Lorena Medina – Joey met model Lorena Medina on MTV reality show Ex On The Beach in 2019.
Their relationship seemed to be going well after Joey showed her around his hometown of Chigwell in Essex. But the pair split in February 2020.
Lorena had moved into his home in Chigwell, Essex, in September 2019, but they had a furious bust-up after he was snapped entering singer Rita Ora’s home in the early hours of the morning.
Rita Ora – Joey’s ex Lorena revealed to The Sun that she dumped Joey after he spent a wild night out with Rita Ora early in 2020.
He was holed up for 13 hours in Rita’s mansion after the pair had tried to avoid being seen together by taking separate cars between venues.
However, the pair have denied that there was anything romantic between them.
Joey said: “We have known each other for years. She’s a nice girl but we’re just friends.”
Vanessa Bauer – Joey was rumoured to have had a brief romance with Dancing on Ice pro skater Vanessa Bauer during his stint on the hit ITV show in 2023.
Rumours of the pair’s relationship circled for months in the lead up to the show airing, with Vanessa exclusively denying the whispers to the Sun in November 2022.
The pair came runners-up during the final in March – and while it seemed like they were close on the show, it appeared to have fizzled out shortly after.
By May 2023, Joey confirmed he was single and said he could not see a future for them after the final.
JOHANNESBURG - The South Gauteng High Court, sitting in Palm Ridge, has sentenced Sifiso Mkhwanazi to life in prison for the brutal murder of six Zimbabwean s**x workers who were based in Johannesburg. Judge Cassim Moosa declared Mkhwanazi a dangerous criminal who was arrogant and threatened the wellbeing of other people in society.
The post Man sentenced to life for murdering six Zimbabwean sex workers in Joburg appeared first on Nehanda Radio.
Firefighters are battling to stop a gas explosion after two sheds caught ablaze in London.
Pictures show black smoke billowing from the gardens in Wimbledon.
There are concerns that a gas cylinder at an adjoining property could explode, reports say.
More follows…
IN today’s world, keeping a bit of personal space has never been more important.
If you’re dreaming of a cosy, secluded garden, wanting to keep those nosy neighbours at a distance, a privacy fence might be just what you need.
These fences act as a solid barrier, shielding your home from prying eyes.
Plus, installing a privacy fence can actually increase property value.
According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, a well-maintained privacy fence can add up to 10 per cent to a home’s market value.
But you don’t have to fork out a fortune on them, and neither do they have to be plain and boring looking.
One gardening fan has revealed a super creative hack, and it has made their garden a “beautiful” space to relax in.
The DIY pro, who is known as @prasadshomeandgarden on TikTok, shared a video showing the before and after of their garden space.
The footage first showed off a garden that had fences, but neighbours were still able to peer into their garden as they were so low.
The garden had minimal plants in it, a concrete patio and a freshly cut lawn.
However, in the second clip – once his privacy fence was up – the garden clearly had a complete transformation and neighbours weren’t able to peer in.
The difference between the before and after was the amount of plants and flowers he had used to form his own privacy fence.
The account wrote: “Don’t rely on one plant for all of your privacy needs!
“You need multiple layers of planting that are strategically placed, so no matter the angle, you are still private.
“I used to feel so overlooked at the bottom of the garden – as though I was on a stage .
“By adding some strategic pockets of planting and some beautiful trees and shrubs I am now completely private when I come and sit at the bottom of the garden.”
She threatens to call the council if a leaf from our side touches her fence
He made his “neighbours disappear” by adding an archway of plants, which created a walkway and separated the garden into two.
The video received over 78,000 views, with many gardening fans rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts.
One simply complimented his work by writing: “Beautiful.”
Whilst another added: “Absolutely love this.”
Someone else said: “I would love this but my neighbour would hate this, she threatens to call the council if a leaf from our side touches her fence.”
With September starting, so does autumn, and The Sun's Gardening Editor Veronica Lorraine has a few tasks to keep you busy as the summer sun winds down.
1. Starting thinking about Spring bulbs
Its early bulb time! As well as the more traditional daffodils, crocuses, alliums and bluebells, try snake-head fratillaries for something slightly different.
2. Remember the bees
Make sure you’re still looking after the bees with autumn flowering pollinators – like sedums, honeysuckle and asters.
3. Dig and enjoy your potatoes
Maincrop potatoes are ready to dig up – make sure you get them all so they don’t get slug damage.
4. Change your lawn mowing schedule
Raise the height of your lawn mower and start to reduce the amount of mowing you do. GIve it an autumn feed, especially if you didn’t get round to it in Summer and start to rake to remove thatch.
5. Plant out new perennials while the soil is still warm.
6. Take salvia cuttings
It’s as easy as cutting a shoot tip above a node and chucking it in a glass of water to see if it sprouts roots. Especially with tender Salvias which wont survive the winter.
7. Keep camelias well watered to make sure that buds form next year.
8. Keep on deadheading and watering your hanging baskets
They should keep going until the first frosts.
9. Get pumpkins Halloween ready
Remove any leaves shading pumpkins to make sure they’ll be ready for halloween – and make sure you keep watering them, they’re very thirsty.
10. Check on your pond
Net your pond to stop it filling with fallen leaves when the trees start to drop.