Hails & Fails – July 18th 2025
It’s been a wild week – with MasterChef rocked by scandal as the BBC axed Gregg Wallace and John Torode, and ITV’s Celebrity Infested Waters was unceremoniously sunk by savage reviews. But amid the chaos, a few heart-warming PR moments have helped put smiles back on faces nationwide.
From tiny tennis ball homes for mice at Wimbledon to luxury bug hotels from Switzerland Tourism, nature stole the show this week. Meanwhile, footie star Zlatan Ibrahimović flexed his legacy on the new EA FC 26 cover. Not such a great week for Trip Drinks who got told to calm down, as the ASA banned its “chill” claims for a CBD-free wellness drink.
HAILS
Game, Set and Mouse
Wimbledon’s gone from match point to mouse pad – turning 55,000 used tennis balls into snug little homes for Britain’s tiniest rodents.
In a wild team-up with The Wildlife Trust, the balls are being repurposed into shelters for harvest mice facing habitat loss. While the pros chase glory, the real winners might just be the mice. Game, set…burrow.
EA FC 26 Cover Recreates Iconic Childhood Moment
Zlatan’s back…and this time, he’s on the cover.
EA Sports has dropped the artwork for EA FC 26 Ultimate Edition, featuring Ibrahimović in a re-creation of an iconic childhood bedroom pic.
It’s a full-circle flex, loaded with career memorabilia from PSG to Sweden. And after past beef with EA, this cover suggests peace has been made and Zlatan’s legacy is now cemented.
Switzerland Tourism Unveils Five-Star Stays for Wildlife
Switzerland Tourism is giving nature a five-star upgrade with nine luxury insect hotels, birdhouses, and hedgehog shelters styled after real Swiss hotels.
Each mini-retreat oozes boutique charm – from the spa-inspired Tiny Dolder Grand in Zurich to the seasonal BEE Rivage in Lausanne.
Voiced by Game of Thrones star James Faulkner in a lush Attenborough-style doc, the Bees and Friends campaign proves even bugs deserve a little pampering.
FAIL
Drinks Firm Told to Chill After Banned Calm Claims
Trip Drinks has been slapped down by the ad watchdog for claiming its cucumber and mint drink could “help you feel calm” and reduce stress – despite having zero CBD in the can.
The ASA upheld three complaints, ruling the wellness wording broke strict rules on making health claims about food and drink. The ad hyped a so-called “Mindful Blend” with magnesium, ashwagandha, and Lion’s Mane, saying it could help you unwind.
Trip says it’s pulled the claims and is “awaiting advice”
