McDonald’s has been forced to address customers’ questions over dates on certain Monopoly stickers.
The fast food giant’s ever-popular Monopoly promotion started last month after being postponed due the COVID-19 pandemic, but some shoppers have been left confused by the dates written inside the stickers on food items.
Some of the stickers appear to have already “expired” dates printed on.
Customers whose eagle eyes have spotted the previously-passed dates have been taking social media over the past few days to flag up the issue and ask McDonald’s whether or not prizes can still be redeemed if they win.
One confused customer said on Twitter: “Loved that McDonalds monopoly was back… Mind you there’s no prizes coz all the stickers are out of date. One job lads. One job.”
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“I was excited to try out my monopoly game codes online from the meals I just purchased. None of them winners, but no surprise as ALL of the expiry dates have passed,” another disappointed shopper said on Twitter.
After countless questions directed at the restaurant chain on social media, McDonald’s has been forced to speak out and clear up the confusing situation once and for all.
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Taking to Twitter to explain what’s happened with the dates, McDonald’s UK said: “The dates might be wrong but your MONOPOLY Game Pieces are all still valid, don’t panic.
“The new dates are below.”
It also issued a friendly reminder to those posting pictures of their tickets, explaining: “And remember, when you post photos of your Games Pieces, others can claim your prizes – don’t let anybody steal your Apple Pie…”
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McDonald’s confirmed that the dates are wrong because the stickers were printed before the competition was re-scheduled, so fans should just ignore the dates.
Pieces which show a “play until” date of 4 May 2021 will still be valid until 5 October 2021.
The dates might be wrong but your MONOPOLY Game Pieces are all still valid, don’t panic! The new dates are below.
And remember, when you post photos of your Games Pieces, others can claim your prizes… don’t let anybody steal your Apple Pie…#McDonaldsVIPpic.twitter.com/a0kfaIuEoh
Collect to win non-food prizes: Old date 4 June 2021, new date 11 November 2021
Collect to win food prizes: Old date 18 May 2021, new date 19 October 2021
Instant win non-food prize or discount: Old date 4 June 2021, new date 5 November 2021
Instant win food or Just Eat vouchers: Old date 18 May 2021, new date 19 October 2021
Instant win discount voucher (excluding Just Eat): Old date 31 August 2021 or earlier, new date 31 January 2022
Online game: Old date 5 May 2021, new date 15 October 2021
Lucky players in McDonald’s Monopoly 2021 could win up to £100,000 in cash this year, as well as an Ibiza holiday, a hot tub, or even a £1,000 home entertainment voucher.
Speaking about this year’s promotion, a McDonald’s UK spokesperson said: “Packaging and Game Pieces printed prior to rescheduling couldn’t be securely reprinted in time, so new dates apply – consumers must see the website or ask in restaurants to find details of all rescheduled enter-from/until dates and claim or redeem prizes-by dates.”
Featured Image – Pxfuel
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The simple hack that can save healthcare workers and teachers money on their holidays
Danny Jones
With cost-of-living pressure ever-present in the background of most everyday lives, finding some spare pennies for a getaway feels more difficult than ever, and if there’s anyone who deserves discounts on a holiday, it’s healthcare workers.
That’s why, when we became aware of the simple hack that can save those working in healthcare services money on holidays, we thought we’d help spread the word.
We’re sure lots of you working within the sector already know plenty about this booking strategy, but for anyone who doesn’t, how do you fancy saving up to half a grand on your next jolly?
In fact, even those working in education can cut their costs, too.
With searches for ‘holiday voucher code’ up by 73% on Google, and even the likes of TikTok seeing ‘money saving tips’ up by 45%, travel agency TUI have decided to team up with the Health Service Discounts platform for 2026.
Providing those who work for the NHS with a ‘Holidays for Heroes’ (HfH) access code on various popular peak-season trips, this exclusive discount can be added on top of all other seasonal TUI deals, including the company’s ‘First Choice’ package holidays.
With the HfH code alone guaranteeing workers an extra £100 off their bookings, play your cards right, and you could get up to £500 in total discounts overall.
How to access the healthcare ‘Holidays for Heroes’ deal
Separate from standard Blue Light card savings, here’s how it works, and don’t worry, it’s all very simple:
As mentioned, education workers can also benefit from similar money off, with an extra £50 per person through the TUI x Discounts for Teachers partnership, as well.
Ella Foden-Lynch, Partnerships Manager for TUI, said in a statement: “Getting away is absolutely vital for wellbeing, especially for those working in high-stress healthcare and education roles.
“With the cost-of-living crisis still putting a strain on household budgets, we know how hard it is to stretch your pay to cover a much-needed family break. By unlocking these exclusive TUI deals, we hope to give our key workers the realistic recovery time they deserve without the financial worry.”
So, for those of you healthcare heroes and teachers looking for a well-deserved break, we urge you to find an affordable holiday that suits you very soon. With cheaper airport pints also inbound later this year, here’s hoping you save even more spends for when you’re away.
The new James Bond game is full of Easter eggs – including a nod to Manchester United
Danny Jones
Even if you’re not a big gamer, you may have seen that a rather popular new James Bond game recently dropped: 007 First Light – and if you’ve played it yourself, you will have no doubt come across many Easter eggs and references throughout, including one to Manchester United.
As we happen to be currently playing it for ourselves, we’ll admit that hearing any mention of our hometown or even just quintessentially UK nods that any Brit would enjoy was likely to result in putting a grin on our faces.
That being said, apart from whenever the next FIFA—sorry, EA Sports FC drops, we weren’t expecting to hear Man United brought up in one of the biggest video games of the year.
In fact, we’re going to go out on a limb and say that nobody has this on their 2026 bingo card.
Credit: @CaptPierce93 via r/Manchester (screenshots shared to Reddit)
It may just be a slightly tongue-in-cheek throwaway line in a cutscene, but it’s still been enjoyed by many around the world.
As player ‘CaptPierce93’ writes in his caption of his Reddit post sharing the snippet: “The game has a good splash of product placements that don’t get overwhelming; an earlier portion of the game even has radio chatter of a Manchester City and Liverpool match as well.”
He’s right as well: we’ve come across lots of different little interesting nuggets and cameos during our limited playtime, and it’s safe to say we’re looking forward to seeing what else we can spot.
While any Mancunian or true, dyed-in-the-wool United fan will no doubt squirm a little at the use of ‘Man U‘ (we’re thinking like when people ‘Manny’), it’s still pretty cool nonetheless.
You can see the specific scene in full down below.
Such a surreal few seconds.
There’s something very satisfying about hearing ‘Greenway’ – played by recognisable British actor Lennie James (Snatch, The Walking Dead, Blade Runner 2049) – utter the words “Stretford End”.
And before you ask, no, he isn’t a Red: the South Londoner is a Spurs fan and is also said to have a soft spot for Valencia, as it happens.
We’re pretty sure there aren’t any other Manc references to keep your eye out for, but we’ll let you know if we stumble upon more as we continue playing the game.
There’s something about videogame Easter eggs, in-jokes and refs like these that we never tire of; you just never know what little tidbits are going to inspire someone…
Emily Sergeant -
2nd September 2021 
