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MAFS UK stars expose huge show secrets including strict phone rule

Married At First Sight UK contestants Leigh and Davide have discussed behind-the-scenes secrets about phone use and restrictions

A star from Married At First Sight UK has opened up on a little-known secret about the show that might leave fans gobsmacked.

The tenth series of the popular E4 dating programme was full of drama and chaos, with a fresh batch of singletons hoping to meet their soulmate at the altar. For some, it was smooth sailing with immediate sparks flying, but for others, there were numerous hurdles to overcome.

This series had everything from shocking revelations to accusations of cheating. Despite several couples making it to the final vows and continuing their relationships outside the show, only one pair – Abi and John – are still together weeks after the series ended.

Post-show, a string of breakups were announced, including Rebecca and Bailey and Davide and Keye, as cast members continue to share their experiences from the show.

Now, one participant has unveiled a behind-the-scenes secret that could astonish some viewers, reports OK!

During an appearance on the Private Parts Podcast, a snippet of which was posted on Instagram, members Leigh and Davide were asked if they were allowed to use their personal mobile phones during filming. The answer, unsurprisingly, is no – they were given production phones.

But what fans might not know is that the production teams allegedly monitor their phones and don’t permit them to form groups of four outside of filming.

On the podcast, Leigh – who was paired with Leah on the programme, confessed it was “f***** chaos” behind the scenes when the cast went out for drinks, with Davide comparing it to “like being at uni again”.

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Davide, who was coupled with Keye on the series before they announced their separation, revealed: “We’re not supposed to be in more than groups of four, because they track your phones, the production phones they gave us, they track them.”

After confirming they weren’t permitted to use their personal mobiles, presenter Olivia questioned how participant Steven managed to access dating platform Hinge – following revelations he’d been active on the app.

Davide explained: “He got his phone back when he went home.”

Leigh chimed in: “This is the thing about this story right, I don’t think that this has ever been explained. So Nelly and Steven had got to a point where I think they both knew it wasn’t going to work.”

Taking to Instagram to respond, Steven posted: “We both had the conversation the day we came back together after partner swap about it being done. We were asked to leave it open so we could do the Dinner Party & Commitment ceremony & between partner swap and the last CC it was about 10 days wait… so we both knew it was done.”

Married At First Sight UK can be viewed on Channel 4

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One of the best value winter sun cities is getting a huge new £880million airport

A NEW £880million airport will soon make it much easier to travel to a popular winter sun destination.

Cape Winelands Airport is set to open in 2028 to ease pressure on the current Cape Town International Airport.

Cape Winelands Airport is a new airport opening in South AfricaCredit: Supplied
Cape Town is often named one of the best value long haulsCredit: Getty

Cape Town was named the best value winter sun destination by the Post Office.

And it is seeing a surge in travellers seeking an affordable, hot holiday.

The new airport will become the second international airport for the South African city.

It is being backed by Growthpoint Properties, a leading real estate investment trust in South Africa.

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It is set to be built on a current aviation facility, mainly used for flying lessons.

Construction hopes to start next year, with the first phase opening two years later.

This is set to cost around R$7billion (£309million), which includes a new 2.2millon runway and passenger terminal.

It will eventually welcome five million passengers by 2050 with two million international passengers and three million domestic.

The overall project is expected to cost as much as R$20billion (£880million)

Deon Cloete, Managing Director of Cape Winelands Airport, said that it would both increase tourism to the area.

He said: “We are thrilled to introduce this our airport expansion to the Cape Winelands region.

“This facility represents a commitment to providing world class transportation options, promoting tourism, and stimulating economic growth in our beautiful region.

“Airports world-wide are known to have a positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of the regions which they serve.

“This airport will be no different.”

The city was named the best value long-haul holiday destination in the Post Office’s 2024 Long Haul Holiday Report.

It dropped to second place in the 2025 Report, being beaten by Hoi An.

One of the most affordable ways to fly there is with Norse Atlantic Airways.

Last year, they launched a London Gatwick route to Cape Town, which starts from £499.

This is a bargain when you consider the flight time, which is around 12 hours.

And it was so popular, they launched more flights per week, and extended the season from December to April.

Don’t worry when you land though as Cape Town is the same time as the UK, so you won’t get any jet lag.

It is also around 27C between November and January so perfect for some winter warmth.

Here’s what it is like to fly with Norse to Cape Town.

The new airport will eventually serve five million passengers a yearCredit: Boogertman + Partners

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Shocking cost of Lapland UK visit revealed as huge price of tickets mean it’s cheaper to travel to Arctic to meet Santa

VISITING Lapland UK can be more expensive than flying to the Arctic Circle.

Tickets to the festive experience this Saturday are selling for as much as £180 each.

A family of five would have to spend more than £930 for a day out at Lapland UKCredit: TripAdvisor
A few days in the real Lapland, in northern Finland, can cost in the region of £600Credit: Alamy
It may be cheaper to take your family on a trip to Santa’s real home

There are no discounts for children, a £24.75 booking fee and £5.95 postage and packaging.

It means a family of five would have to spend more than £930 for their day out.

But a few days in the real Lapland, in northern Finland, can cost in the region of £600.

Lapland UK has a site in Siddington, Cheshire, and another in Ascot, Berks.

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One dad, who asked not to be identified, said: “When I saw the price I spat my mulled wine out.

“It’s obscene pricing, meaning only rich kids get to have the thrill.”

Danielle Halliday said: “We went to Finland last year with two adults, two children.

“Flights were £250, accommodation was £350 for the four nights and going to see Santa is free, or €10 each for a present.

“You might as well go for the real thing for a cheaper price.”

Lapland UK was asked to comment.

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Huge movie and TV studios opening as top UK attraction next year

HAVE you ever fancied pulling a pint at the Queen Vic or stepping inside the Star Wars universe?

Well, at a brand-new immersive museum that’s set to open next year, you’ll be able to do exactly that.

A new studio is set to open close to Elstree Studios in BorehamwoodCredit: Alamy
Fans will feel like they’re on the set of shows like EastEndersCredit: PA

Set to open next year in Borehamwood down the road from Elstree Studios is a museum, but not in the traditional sense.

It won’t be a stuffy room full of relics, but rather it is set to be an immersive experience which will allow visitors to feel like they’re on the sets of their favourite films and TV shows.

It was approved by the council in November 2025 and will honour 100 years of film and television production in Hertsmere.

The new experience is set to open in December 2026 on a vacant former Sky Studios space in Panattoni Park.

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Just down the road, Elstree Studios has been used to film shows like Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Harry Potter and of course, BBC soap opera, EastEnders.

These shows are likely to make an appearance at the museum – but nothing has been confirmed so far.

Other TV or film shows that could potentially appear in the museum are Alfred Hitchcock’s Blackmail, The Shining and BBC’s Holby City which was axed in 2022.

The opening aligns with the 100 year celebration of the UK’s first sound film, Alfred Hitchcock’s Blackmail, which was filmed at the studios in 1929.

The local council stated: “This isn’t just about looking back, it’s about creating an experience that can bring any story to life.

“From walking through the sets of EastEnders to standing in the middle of a historic scene like the Great Fire of London, or even taking part in the launch of a major new movie filmed right here in Borehamwood, the Immersive Experience will combine cutting-edge technology with creative storytelling.”

The show will celebrate films like Star Wars which was extensively filmed at Elstree StudiosCredit: Alamy

In December 2025, Hertsmere Council approved a £2million contribution towards the project.

Visitors can easily reach the studios from Elstree & Borehamwood Station, which is a 25-minute train ride from London St Pancras.

Currently, visitors aren’t able to take general public tours of Elstree Studios because they are working production sites.

However, the public are permitted to visit if they’re seeing shows like Strictly Come Dancing which requires a live audience.

Currently, the only other permanent tour experience is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter, which is just a 20-minute drive from Elstree Studios.

Sun Travel recently visited Hogwarts and discovered everything you need to know about the experience.

We rated everything from its general experience, which is a self-guided tour, to discovering Diagon Alley and the creepy Forbidden Forest.

Other aspects we rated were whether it’s child-friendly, how much tickets are, food and drink options, and exactly how long you need to explore it.

Plus, here’s everything we know so far about the new Universal theme park set to be built in Bedfordshire.

And Head of Sun Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire, visited the UK’s best theme park – with no queues for any rides.

A new immersive museum exploring shows like EastEnders is set to open next yearCredit: BBC

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Charming village hides huge secret link to Oasis fame

A picturesque Peak District village in Derbyshire, gained worldwide fame when its railway station appeared on Oasis’s ‘Some Might Say’ single cover – the band’s first number one hit

A quaint Derbyshire village nestled at the edge of the Peak District may seem like a typical old hamlet, but upon closer inspection, it’s more familiar than you might realise.

Historically, this place is renowned for its role in the industrial revolution, with Sir Richard Arkwright establishing the world’s first water-powered cotton mill there. From 1771 onwards, Cromford emerged as a trailblazer for factory systems, fostering an entire community of industrialisation that remains accessible for exploration today. However, it’s not this history that makes the now-defunct railway station in the village centre recognisable to many. Oasis fans worldwide will identify this building as the train station featured on the cover of the band’s first number one hit, Some Might Say.

The album cover depicts famous brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher standing at Cromford railway station, situated right in the heart of the Derwent Valley in Derbyshire, during the winter months. Liam can be seen on the bridge, saluting the camera, while Noel is on the platform edge, holding a watering can.

But the burning question is, why did they select this station, so distant from their native Manchester and seemingly unrelated to the song? The answer lies in the station’s history – it fell victim to the cuts of the 1960s when it was part of a main line between London and Manchester, before its closure in 1968. This left the remainder of the line as a single-track railway, rendering their waiting room and platform completely derelict with no purpose. Consequently, it provided the ideal location for the Gallagher brothers’ photoshoot without any train disruptions.

Graphic designer and art director Brian Cannon, who helped create the cover, explained to the BBC that the entire artistic concept hinged on using a disused station. He said: “The idea was if you’re standing at a disused station waiting for a train, you’re in need of education, which is the next line of the song.”

The lyric he references is: “Cause I’ve been standing at the station, in need of education in the rain.” Alongside photographer Michael Spencer Jones, they dismissed numerous other stations before settling on Cromford.

The station remains standing today as a Grade II listed structure owned by Network Rail and overseen daily by East Midlands Railway. Tucked behind the waiting room sits a stunning house that was previously neglected but has since been purchased and transformed into a magnificent residence with quite spectacular views.

Beyond this, holidaymakers often flock to the renowned Cromford Mills, celebrated for their significant role in Britain’s industrial revolution. The site provides a guided tour that delves into the rich history of the building and the Midlands’ pioneering early days that had a profound influence globally.

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