Life

Marie Louise McConville: Oh Primark, how I've missed you old friend

I have a spring in my step at last - and it's all thanks to Primark. Picture by Kelvin Boyes
I have a spring in my step at last - and it's all thanks to Primark. Picture by Kelvin Boyes I have a spring in my step at last - and it's all thanks to Primark. Picture by Kelvin Boyes

I've finally struck gold ladies.

I've come up with a million pound idea that can not fail - and it's been right under our noses all this time.

It's simple.

We find someone who can bottle up that newly-reopened Primark smell and we sell it - and that's not all.

We release it alongside a CD of Primark sounds - the till opening, the pricer gun dinging and the store announcements.

I'm planning to call it `The Primark Experience' and I have no doubt it will be quite the money spinner.

I'm feeling pretty much on top of the world this week and I don't mind telling you it has nothing to do with family or friends. (Sorry guys).

Nope, I managed to make a trip to my homeland this week, to be among my people and I loved every minute.

There are those that will laugh and make fun of people like myself for feeling in tip-top form that Primark has reopened as restrictions have eased but they are bores and clearly, do not know the pleasure our beloved brand brings us.

I walked through the doors of Donegall Place on Tuesday and instantly felt at home.

The sight of rails and rails of colourful new clothes, not to mention the smell of newness, just made me come over all joyful and suddenly, the happy pheromones were released.

I practically danced around the store, filling my basket with new clothes for the kids and I'm pretty sure I had a smile on my face the whole time.

I loved seeing the staff going about their work and I can't tell you how marvellous it was to hear the tills ringing - I loved it.

It was as if normal life had returned.

Then, it was time for me, so off I popped to Castle Street to shop for mummy.

As I sanitised my hands at the door, I could feel the draw as I was pulled towards the place where we all know I belong - and would move to, if I was allowed - the handbag department, followed swiftly by the jammie floor.

I was absolutely giddy with excitement.

With a whole day booked off work and with Darren off work too and signed up for daddy duty, I had all the time in the world to browse and look and lift and just take it all in, smells and sounds and all.

With my bags filled, I exited the store feeling electrified, excited at the thought of wearing my new shoes.

My little `Primark Day' has re-energised me and reminded me that some form of normality is out there.

So now, as long as everyone continues to abide by the Covid-19 advice, everything will be fine because, believe me, if the numbers start going up again and the shops close again, there is no telling what I might do.

You have been warned.

#we all must do it to get through it

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TV presenter Stacey Dooley has signed up for what could be her most eye-opening experience yet.

The 34-year-old former Strictly star is set to move into a convent full of nuns for a brand new film project.

Ms Dooley, who is dating former Strictly dancer, Kevin Clifton, is to swap the comforts of the modern world for a life of obedience and simplicity as she lifts the veil on life in a convent for a new show, which is inspired by her `Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over' programme.

The broadcaster described the idea as "different", adding: "I really can't wait".

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He's the newest addition to the professional Chase team and it seems it's not just his brain which has won him a legion of fans.

Irish man Darragh Ennis, who has joined the ITV quiz show as a professional chaser, has revealed he has not just received congratulations on his new post but also more than 40 marriage proposals.

The 40-year-old Dubliner, who is happily married, has spoken about how he has politely declined all the offers to win him over.

Nick-named Darragh `The Menace' Ennis, the Irish man became the first new Chaser since Jenny Ryan joined the show in 2015.

The post-doctoral researcher at Oxford University was snapped up by the quiz show after he appeared as a contestant and made quite the impression when he came face to face with Paul 'The Sinnerman' Sinha.

Speaking about his new found fame on The Chase, he said: "Since I started on The Chase I've had many marriage proposals.

"I must have had about 40 people asking if I'm married or would I marry them and would I meet up with them. I find it funny rather than flattering."

Well. Well. Well.

I have to say, I hear ya ladies.

Our Darragh is quite the dish and really, is there anything sexier than a man with curls and a brain?

I think not.

***Competitions will return in the coming weeks