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A BRIT and her fiance died on Boxing Day after suffering methanol poisoning from “homemade” limoncello, according to Vietnamese cops.

Newly engaged couple Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and Arno Els Quinton, 36, are believed to have ordered two bottles of the contaminated liqueur from a local restaurant on Christmas Eve.

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Brit Greta Marie Otteson was found dead alongside her fiance on Boxing Day in Vietnam[/caption]

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Arno Els Quinton and Greta both died of methanol poisoning from ‘homemade’ limoncello, according to local cops[/caption]

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Cops say they found bottles of liqueur inside one of the villas where the couples were found[/caption]

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The pair announced their engagement just weeks before they were found dead[/caption]

Both bodies were found in separate rooms inside a villa by shocked cleaners two days later.

Cops immediately launched an investigation into the deaths with officers saying they found empty bottles inside the rooms.

Tests later concluded both died of methanol poisoning, believed to be linked to the tainted limoncello, according to Vietnamese police.

A source close to the family of the couple told The Times: “Police forensics established the limoncello, which had been delivered, was the source.”

They added that Greta spent Christmas complaining to her parents over WhatsApp about having the “worst hangover ever”.

The Welsh woman was also suffering from “black spots” in her vision, the source said.

The couple reportedly tried to “sleep it off” instead of going to the doctors despite being urged to by pals.

The source continued: “A local bar owner and a fantastic friend called over and wanted to take them to hospital but they refused.

“Sadly I think it was too late by then.”

The pair are said to have gone out for dinner on December 24, before returning back to the holiday villa which they own at around 10pm.

Two bottles of limoncello were waiting for them at the reception desk after being delivered earlier in the night by a different restaurant.

The business is said to be popular in the area and a photo of their menu online shows they offer the lemon liqueur at a cheap price.

They advertise a shot as costing 85,000 Vietnamese dong (£2.70) and, according to the menu, it is homemade.

It is unclear how methanol could have been inside the drinks.

The highly toxic industrial chemical is found in antifreeze and windscreen-washer fluid but also appears in some home-brewed or counterfeit alcohol.

A suspected methanol poisoning incident killed 33 people in Istanbul with 48 more hospitalised, it was reported earlier this month.

Another six people – including a Brit, died from methanol poisoning in November after drinking tainted alcohol while in Vang Vieng, Laos.

Simone White, a 28-year-old lawyer from London, was one of the victims after partygoers were allegedly handed free shots.

TRIBUTES FLOOD IN

Greta and Arno Els Quinton passed away less than a month after the pair got engaged.

They had moved to Vietnam together last year and settled in Hoi An.

The happy couple had taken out a lease out on the gorgeous red-roofed Silverbell Villa where they were later found dead.

It featured a nine-bedroom guesthouse with a swimming pool and sat just ten minutes from Hoi An Ancient Town – a Unesco World Heritage site.

A heartfelt Instagram post on December 3, saw the pair officially announce their engagement to the world.

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Tributes have poured in for the couple[/caption]

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The pair were staying in a villa in Vietnam[/caption]

Days after their bodies were discovered the pair were featured in a touching engagement video posted to YouTube.

A filming studio posted a montage they had made of the pair to celebrate their marriage.

The video shows Greta and Arno, wearing white, dancing, walking hand-in-hand, and expressing the love they shared.

Greta’s parents, Susan and Paul, also paid a touching tribute their only child as they called her “beautiful”.

The statement continued: “Both Greta and Arno were experienced worldwide travellers.

“They found their perfect home and were incredibly happy with their life in Vietnam, planning for the future.”

Paul, originally from Swansea, added: “We were so happy she picked Arno. He was such a lovely boy. Arno was a great musician, composer and lyricist.

“They bought a second-hand bike and were so proud. Susan told Greta, ‘Make sure it’s red for Wales’.

“They were a loving couple with their life ahead of them. The tributes we have had from around the world are unbelievable.”

Travel lover Greta had previously lived in Dubai and backpacked around different countries in Asia before settling more recently in Vietnam.

She was a digital strategist who ran a social media and content marketing agency called Not Sorry Socials.

Arno was a barista, musician, and streamer.

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Greta was a digital strategist who ran a social media and content marketing agency called Not Sorry Socials[/caption]

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A touching engagement video showed the pair in love just weeks before their sudden deaths[/caption]

O'Connor also asked to be dressed in priest clothing in her coffin with a Hebrew bible and her album "Theology" at her side.

IT’S Camilla’s first day back at work and her daughter’s first day at nursery, but when Cam wakes up, her husband Luke is nowhere to be seen.

The police arrive at her office and tell her he is caught up in a hostage situation.

But he’s not a hostage – he’s the gunman.

This clever, compelling and twisty thriller is a standout read.

10 lucky Fabulous readers will win a copy of this new novel in this week’s book competition.

To win a copy, enter using the form below by 11:59pm on February 18 2025.

For full terms and conditions, click here.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

LIBRA

SEPT 23 – OCT 23

Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

The way you take vague creative ideas and get them market- ready is one element of Mercury’s chart effect. 

You also have a clear vision for a family, and how to make it grow in positive ways. 

With Uranus power now positive in your transformation chart, acting on a design or fashion impulse can set brilliant changes in motion. 

Cash and luck centre on a new team of six. 

DESTINY DAYS   Press send on a money message on Monday. 

Thursday, fill in for someone older at work — or home. 

Check schedules carefully on Saturday.

LUCKY LINKS   An “S” friend who always gives the best gifts. 

Competitions with a countdown element. 

Something you made when you were a child.  

U IS FOR…UNSTOPPABLE

All the positive presence of planet Uranus is felt in your transformation zone so you have the power to be anyone you want to be, and feel anything you want to feel. 

Any obstacles that have stopped you before can simply be side-stepped or smashed. 

Change is not always easy, and it can be a challenge for you to stick to just one plan. 

But this is prime time to get started. 

The new moon backs this process with a deep ability to pick up on atmospheres. 

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 – FEB 18

Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

What a week for Aquarius – a bold new Mercury viewpoint that backs practical solutions rather than endless talking, plus a new moon of infinite possibilities. 

The only mistake you can make this week, is to underestimate yourself and your abilities. 

As for love, knowing who you are in private as well as public, unlocks new levels of passion. 

Single?  This can link you to a fellow Aquarius.  

DESTINY DAYS   Make sure you take all friends’ calls on Tuesday. 

Wear an old favourite outfit for luck on Wednesday.

Choose the third of four options on Friday. 

LUCKY LINKS  Hearing someone sing your favourite song.  

A place with a  “West” name.  The family member with the most musical voice.

U IS FOR…UNQUANTIFIABLE

If there’s one thing that can’t happen to you, now that Uranus is pursuing a forward path, it’s being put in a box. 

From where you live to how you handle the big questions in life, you will do things your way, or not at all. 

And no one can predict just what “your way” will be. 

You may not be that sure yourself at the start, but the moment you see it, you will simply know. 

The new moon backs this up with absolute Aquarius self-confidence. 

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 – DEC 21

Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

All kinds of communication breakthroughs can make this a week of wonderful words, as both Mercury and the new moon power your chart.

Just be careful to say only what’s necessary, try not to embroider a simple truth too much. 

Your working world has the invention abilities of Uranus back up to full, helping you see a way to transform the job you have into your dream career. 

DESTINY DAYS   Tuesday should include clarifying a commitment
question. 

On Thursday, three people wearing similar colours make a great  
team. 

On Saturday, spend wisely but save wildly. 

LUCKY LINKS   A book with a family connection. 

An “F” address. The last person to wish you luck.  

U IS FOR…UPGRADING

No more half-hearted work and wellbeing attempts, as Uranus shows Sagittarius must be all in now, or not at all. 

Choosing career and fitness goals more carefully is your key positive move, so you don’t waste time on anything that’s not quite right – but this most inventive planet also reminds you that you absolutely must have something that sparks your imagination. 

When the right option appears, you’ll recognise it instantly – and give a healthier, wealthier future your own unique spin. 

The new moon backs you with brilliant communication skills.

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

WHEN Grady calls wife Abby to tell her the good news his book is a bestseller, he hears her slam the brakes, then she gets out of her car and disappears.

A year later, wracked with grief, he heads to  a Scottish island to find his writing mojo.

But plagued by insomnia and drinking too much, he keeps “seeing” Abby.

Expect countless OMG moments! 

10 lucky Fabulous readers will win a copy of this new novel in this week’s book competition.

To win a copy, enter using the form below by 11:59pm on February 8, 2025.

For full terms and conditions, click here.

FROM nailing an interview to getting a pay rise, navigating the career ladder can be tricky.

Follow Karren Brady’s top tips to give your work life a makeover in 2025.

Mark Hayman

Nailing a job interview

Be prepared: It’s key to do your research on the company and the role. Being able to discuss the firm’s values and aims, as well as explaining clearly how you can contribute to those, shows you’re serious and can be an asset.

Have a strong handshake, smile and make eye contact: Small gestures make a big impact and set a positive tone.

Let your personality shine: Relax and be yourself! They want to know who they’ll be working with: your enthusiasm, creativity and energy will make a lasting impression.

Display confidence: Speak with assurance about your skills and experiences. Ahead of the interview, write down three key achievements you want to tell them about.

Be truthful, clear and concise: Stay focused, answer questions thoughtfully, but don’t ramble, and always be honest.

Changing careers

Gain experience: Look for new roles that bring you closer to your desired field. It’s a great way to learn, network and test out whether this is the right move for you.

Network with the right people: Attend events, join groups and connect with like-minded individuals for support. You never know where the right opportunity will come from.

Be resilient: Changing careers takes time. Don’t get discouraged – all your hard work will pay off.

Be open to starting small: Entry-level positions can lead to bigger opportunities and will give you the chance to gain experience in a lower-pressure environment.

Learn constantly: Always be willing to pick up new skills. The more knowledge you gain, the better prepared you’ll be.

Getting a promotion

Know your worth: It’s important to own your achievements and the value you bring – don’t downplay your impact. Throughout the year, write down your professional achievements so that you have a list when it comes to review and promotion time.

Don’t fear being assertive: It’s natural to want to be liked, but speak up about your ambitions, otherwise how is anyone supposed to know you would like more responsibility? Asking for what you deserve is about standing up for your future.

Believe in your abilities: Confidence is everything. Trust that you’re ready for growth and recognition, and be ready to convince your boss of it, too.

Don’t wait for perfection: If you’re ready, go for it! Don’t hold back just because you don’t tick every box. You can grow on the job. After all, if you could do a new job standing on your head, it probably won’t be challenging enough for you.

Be your own advocate: Once you realise you’re your own biggest supporter, everything changes. Embrace your power and claim the recognition you deserve. Share your professional achievements on LinkedIn, and tell your friends and wider network. If you can’t shout about yourself, who will?

Asking for a pay rise

Choose the right moment: Timing is key. Ask for a raise after you’ve achieved a big win or when your value is fresh in your boss’ mind.

Back up your request with results: Use concrete examples of your success: targets met, projects delivered and positive feedback received. Numbers speak volumes when you’re trying to negotiate for more money.

Frame it positively: Position your request as a discussion, not a demand. Use phrases like: “I’d like to talk about my growth and contribution to the team.” Remember that your boss doesn’t have to give you a pay rise, so it’s up to you to try to influence them into making that decision, and being courteous will go a long way.

Practise the conversation: Rehearse your pitch with a trusted friend or family member. Be concise and confident, anticipate questions and practise calm, clear responses.

Don’t be afraid of no: Rejection isn’t personal. If it’s a no, ask for feedback and what you need to do for it to be a yes next time, so that you have something to work towards.

BBC

Dealing with work politics

Address conflicts head-on: Tackle issues with open, face-to-face discussions that start with: “I have noticed that. . .” or: “When this happens, I feel. . .” so the other person doesn’t feel attacked.

Don’t take it personally: Office politics often stem from others’ insecurities. Remove emotion from the issue and focus on the actual problem.

Clarify roles and responsibilities: Many conflicts arise from unclear expectations. Define everyone’s role to prevent misunderstandings.
Set boundaries Be firm and let people know that disruptive behaviour isn’t acceptable.

Be patient: Building trust and resolving issues takes time. Stay consistent and true to yourself.

Avoiding burnout

Break down your goals: Instead of focusing on the long-term, take one step at a time with smaller, more manageable tasks.

Share the load: Divvy up responsibilities among the rest of your team to create space for balance and, if possible, free you up to explore projects that bring you energy.

Prioritise yourself: Take a step back and focus on what brings you joy. Your mental wellbeing should always come first.

Consider a change: Explore new job opportunities. A shift in environment and fresh challenges can reignite your motivation.

Juggling parenting and work

Make space for your home life: Define work hours and family time to maintain balance.

Prioritise tasks: Focus on what’s important, and what’s time-sensitive. Use lists or apps to keep track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Remove the guilt: Not able to do school pick-up every day? It’s OK! You’re doing your best and can’t do everything all the time.

Ask for help: Don’t hesitate to lean on others, – you don’t have to do it all alone. And offer to return the favour when you can, so you build a network of people you can turn to without guilt.

Be flexible: Things won’t always go according to plan. Be prepared to adapt and adjust when needed, whether it’s at work or home.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

ARIES

March 21 to April 20

Taking a truer look at friendships is easier this week. As Mercury guides you, you can ask for what you really need.

The new moon lights up new bonds and someone special moves in to fill a vacancy.

Cash ideas may seem out of the ordinary but, as Uranus spins direct, you have personal money magic.

 TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

If you’ve struggled to see a clear future for yourself, this can change as Uranus resumes a positive path in your star space.

Holding ideas back is not sensible, so express everything with your unique spin – reactions can surprise you.

Love is full of Venus forgiveness with a firm backbone of Saturn strength.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

Instead of lots of different options, Mercury helps you hone in on the right journey at the right time.

The moment you see it, you will sense it is time to book it, so do go with this inner feeling.

You also have a new moon lighting up new horizons.

In love terms, this opens your heart to an unlikely passion pick.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CANCER

June 22 to July 22

Feeling you don’t understand those around you has been a factor of Uranus’ retrograde.

As this ends, you start to connect in meaningful ways but only because you want to, not because you feel you should.

In love? Venus mixes new feelings into a delayed ticket for two.

Single? The One wears active clothing.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

LEO

July 23 to August 23

With Venus so settled in your transformation zone, this is your week to go all-out for love.

Changing your own approach in turn can alter how others relate to you.

This time, you can set a date or deadline and trust it will be kept.

Single? The person who is always the group peace-maker can heal your heart.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

Your career chart combines make-waves Pluto with make-progress Mercury and the make-heat sun this week, so don’t delay that key chat any longer.

The right people may have entered your life at what feels like the wrong time but you can make it work.

A routine trip takes an unexpected but welcome direction.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

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Single? The One wears active clothing[/caption]

LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

The way you take vague creative ideas and get them market-ready is one element of Mercury’s chart effect.

You also have a clear vision for a family and how to make it grow in positive ways.

With Uranus’ positive power in your transformation chart, acting on a design or style impulse can set changes in motion.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

A new moon of new family plans marks out a set of must-dos – first in line is accepting that a group may need to change to move forward.

Efforts to keep everything the same are draining your energy.

In love? Venus goes deep, then deeper, and connections are super-sincere.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

Various communication breakthroughs can make this a week of wonderful words.

Say only what is necessary and try not to embroider a simple truth too much.

Your working world has the invention abilities of Uranus back up to full, helping you see a way to transform your job into your dream career.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

Your passion chart is open and reaching out – doubts or fears that have held you back before can fade.

Saying big words first can lead to a response far better than you hope.

Meanwhile, a new moon of cash-confidence scraps plans and substitutes something richer, and focused on the future.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

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Venus mixes new feelings into a delayed ticket for two[/caption]

AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

A bold new Mercury viewpoint that backs practical solutions, rather than endless talking, takes hold – plus a new moon of infinite possibilities.

The only mistake you can make is to underestimate yourself.

As for love, knowing who you are in private as well as in public unlocks new levels of passion.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

PISCES

February 19 to March 20

The way you use words is unique to you, now Uranus boosts this further.

So, sharing something you write, even in its roughest form, can unseal a creative success door.

In love, too, you’re in control, able to get your face into a special mind space with your name topping an elite list.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.

Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who is worried about how her son might react to rejection in the world of showbusiness – and how it could impact his school work.

Q) My 14-year-old son has attended a theatre class for the past three years, and it has recently brought on board a talent agency to professionally represent those who successfully audition.

The financial gains that could come from him getting industry work are very attractive, and it would look good on his CV (he’s keen to pursue acting as a career), but I’m worried about the rejection he may face, as well as trying to balance auditions with school.

How do I know if it’s right for him?

I worry by not putting him forward, he’ll be at a disadvantage in a competitive industry. Laura, via email

A) First, try not to focus too much on the potential financial gains, as tempting as that may be.

While this opportunity could set your son up for the future, it’s important to prioritise his wellbeing and development at his young age.

Start by having a conversation with him about how he feels. As parents, it’s natural for us to want to encourage our kids to pursue opportunities, but it’s equally important that we ensure it’s something they truly want.

Rejection is a natural part of the acting world and something he will need to grow comfortable with.

Talk to your son about how he might handle it to gauge his resilience, while reassuring him that he has a strong support system in you and your family.

Speak to the drama class teacher to see what support they offer students, plus keep his school informed – they may be able to provide help, such as homework extensions.

Balancing auditions with schoolwork will be a challenge, but it can be managed with planning.

Remember that you know your son best, so keep a conversation open with him so he knows he can confide in you.

• Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk.