The 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards look at both the quality and quantity of reviews, from February 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026.
Laurel Greatrix, chief communications officer at TripAdvisor Group, said: “There’s a clear theme in this year’s winners: they bring out what makes a destination unique.”
It has won a number of awards, with theme park website Blooloop also praising it: “What makes the Pleasure Beach of today unique among British parks is its surviving collection of vintage rides. Some of these are the last remaining types of their kind worldwide.”
The Blackpool theme park is even set to open an exciting new £8million ride, a gyro-swing called Aviktas which will be the tallest of its kind in the UK.
There is also the Valhalla ride which was named best water ride by the European Star Awards last year.
And it wasn’t just Blackpool Pleasure Beach named one of the UK’s best theme parks.
Other UK entries include Paulton’s Park (14th), Camel Creek Family Adventure Park (16th), The Milky Way Adventure Park (17th) and Twinlakes Family Theme Park (20th).
President Alexandr Lukashenko is hoping to improve relations with the West once more.
Published On 28 Apr 202628 Apr 2026
Belarus has released Polish-Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut from jail as part of a prisoner exchange.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed the release on Tuesday, noting that Warsaw had been helped in a joint diplomatic push on Minsk by the United States, Romania and Moldova.
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The prisoner swap with Poland saw 10 prisoners released overall, with signs that Belarusian President Alexandr Lukashenko is hoping to improve relations with the West once more. Ties have deteriorated due to his support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Poczobut was detained by Belarusian authorities in 2021 and later sentenced to eight years in a labour camp after a trial widely criticised by rights groups and Western governments as politically motivated.
Concerns had grown in recent years about his health while in detention.
“Andrzej Poczobut is free! Welcome to your Polish home, my friend,” Tusk posted on social media.
Belarus also released Polish priest Grzegorz Gawel and a Belarusian who helped Polish services, whose name was not to be revealed, the Polish leader added.
Russians and Moldovans were also among the prisoners swapped in a “five for five” exchange.
Joint-effort
Tusk also noted that the release followed lengthy diplomatic efforts.
“The exchange at the Polish-Belarusian border is the finale of a two-year-long intricate diplomatic game, full of dramatic twists,” he said.
“It succeeded thanks to the outstanding work of our services, diplomats and prosecutors, as well as the tremendous help from our American, Romanian and Moldovan friends.”
The announcement came hours after Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski published a photograph of a meeting with US Special Envoy to Belarus John Coale, saying the pair had discussed “important issues”.
Coale later said that the US had helped to secure the release of three Polish nationals and two Moldovans.
“We thank Poland, Moldova, and Romania for their invaluable support in this effort, as well as President Lukashenko’s willingness to pursue constructive engagement with the United States,” he said.
“Under President Trump, America shows up for its allies and delivers diplomatic victories no one else can,” he claimed.
Poczobut, who had worked as a correspondent for the Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza, has been arrested numerous times in Belarus over the past decade.
In 2011, he was fined and jailed for 15 days for his participation in protests following Belarus’s 2010 presidential election. He was later detained again in 2011 and 2012 on accusations of insulting Lukashenko.
His cases drew international condemnation, with the European Parliament, Reporters Without Borders and Amnesty International among organisations calling for his release.
Earlier this year, the European Parliament awarded Poczobut and Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli the Sakharov Prize.
Peter Andre’s wife Emily has shared a series of sweet snaps with her rarely seen kidsCredit: InstagramTheo, aged eight, was seen inspecting bluebells with Arabella, aged twoCredit: Instagram
And while mum of three Emily made sure they were facing away from the camera in her latest snaps, their fun adventure to the park was clear.
Theo and Arabella were seen inspecting bluebells in the grass, with the little girl’s short dark hair and trendy outfit captured in one image.
Another picture saw the youngsters scooting towards a lake on their bikes, joined by Millie in a turquoise helmet, before they stopped to admire the view.
Emily then took a selfie showing her cycling in the countryside in a white top, with her youngest in a bike carrier and donning a pink helmet.
Emily’s eldest child Millie could be seen on her bike in a turquoise helmetCredit: InstagramArabella showed off her trendy spring outfit on the day outCredit: InstagramPeter and Emily hide the faces of their children on social media snaps to protect their privacyCredit: Instagram/@peterandrePeter is also dad to Princess, 18, and Junior, 20, from his marriage to Katie PriceCredit: Getty
Speaking out in a 2021 YouTube video, Peter said: “So Emily’s point is that they weren’t born into the media – no one has ever seen their faces so she doesn’t really want anyone to see their faces.
“So when they go to school no one can really recognise them at that.”
The Mysterious Girl hitmaker then explained that the situation with his two children; Junior and Princess, from his marriage to Katie Price is different as they were “documenting” their lives.
“Obviously from J and P from day one, we were documenting our lives and they were part of that so I think they have always been in the media,” he added.
“And that’s the reasoning for it.
“So I have to respect Emily for that. She hasn’t done it. She says once you do cross that, there’s no going back so I’m like, ‘OK, no problem’”.
ABC late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel explained his controversial joke about First Lady Melania Trump, but declined to apologize for offending her.
On Monday, President Trump repeated his demand that ABC fire the longtime show host over a joke that aired on the L.A.-based “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” program two days before the White House Correspondents’ Assn. dinner in Washington. Kimmel, who has headlined that event before, staged a pretend roast during his Thursday night broadcast that featured spliced-in footage of Melania Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President Vance and others.
During the bit, a tuxedo-clad Kimmel called the first lady “beautiful,” saying she had “the glow of an expectant widow.” There wasn’t much reaction to Kimmel’s comment at the time, Kimmel said during Monday’s show.
On Saturday, the White House Correspondents’ Assn. gala, to celebrate the 1st Amendment, was interrupted when a gunman sprinted past security at the Washington Hilton, where the event was being held. He did not reach the ballroom. The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, of Torrance, has since been charged with attempting to assassinate the president.
“There was no big reaction to [the joke] until this morning, when I greeted the day facing yet another Twitter vomit storm and a call to fire me from our first lady,” Kimmel said during Monday night’s telecast.
“Obviously, it was a joke about their age difference and the look of joy we see on her face every time they’re together,” Kimmel said.
“It was a very light roast joke about the fact that he’s almost 80 and she’s younger than I am,” Kimmel said. “It was not, by any stretch of the definition, a call to assassinate. And they know that.”
Kimmel added that he has long been vocal “speaking out against gun violence,.”
Melania Trump, who appeared visibly shaken during the Saturday night scare, expressed her outrage in a social media post earlier Monday.
“Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country,” she wrote. “His monologue about my family isn’t comedy- his words are corrosive and deepens the political sickness within America. People like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate. A coward, Kimmel hides behind ABC because he knows the network will keep running cover to protect him.”
The AIG Women’s Open has increased its prize fund for a sixth successive year despite not being a profitable tournament to stage.
This year’s championship, which is being held from 30 July – 2 August at Royal Lytham & St Annes on the Lancashire coast, will have a record purse of $10m (£7.4m).
It is not the only one of the five annual women’s majors taking advantage of sponsorship deals to offer increasing prize money. The US Women’s Open – which last year had the largest prize fund in the women’s game at $12m – has the backing of Ally Financial.
“At the moment it’s not profitable,” said R&A chief executive Mark Darbon.
“We treat it as an investment into the game, but an absolutely critical investment.
“Our focus actually is around audience growth. We think if we’re going to be true to that notion of inspiring millions of people around the world, we need to grow the audience for this championship and the women’s game more broadly.”
Around 50,000 spectators are expected to attend across the week of what will be the 50th Women’s Open, while Darbon pointed to increased television coverage as a way of boosting the game’s profile.
The $10m prize fund lags behind the $17m shared out between the players at last year’s Open Championship and while Darbon would like to see that levelled in the future, he said the R&A had to “think sustainably”.
“There is a commercial reality. We’re investing collectively, AIG and the R&A, significant sums into the championship, and we want to do that in a responsible way.
“So we’re not in a position to have equal prize funds at the moment, but we will look to continue to elevate our prize fund over time.
“We want to reward the stars of our sport. We have to do that in a sustainable fashion.”
Darbon said it would be possible to make the championship profitable by cutting back on the spend but that was not on his agenda.
“If profitability was our number one ambition for this event, there are a number of things we could do to put us on a path to achieving that result.
“At the moment, profitability is not a principal target for us. We want to deliver brilliant venues and a wonderful experience for the players.
“We want to have a meaningful and growing prize pot, and we want to deliver a spectator experience both live and through broadcast and digital channels that inspires and excites people.”
Darbon also announced that the 2028 Women’s Open would be held at Sunningdale’s Old Course in Surrey.
Unlike the men’s Open Championship, the women’s visits inland courses as well as links courses on the coast.
“The Open and Women’s Open have their own discrete identities,” he said.
“We don’t treat them as one, and therefore we don’t treat the venue selection process as one either.
“We are very focused on taking this event to what we regard as some of the world’s very best courses.”
Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told reporters at a weekly briefing that the Strait of Hormuz must not be used as a bargaining chip, as peace talks between the US and Iran continue to stall.
HAVING ditched London for the Kent coastline, my evenings are now spent walking along the beach. But it comes with a downside – the dreaded pricey commute.
A standard peak-time ticket on the high speed line costs me a whopping £105.60, despite it taking less than an hour.
Margate is a stunning holiday hotspot on the Kent coastlineCredit: Getty
Yet on that 52-minute commute, going from green countryside to dreary grey city buildings, I’m often dreaming of my next holiday.
And you’ll be surprised to know that there are a hell of a lot of holidays that are actually cheaper than that day ticket – both in the UK and abroad.
I’ve crunched the numbers to find return flights or cruises, as well as hotels, when going abroad, although you might need to factor in your own costs such as parking and bus transfers.
Some are day trips, so you can even save on the hotel and spend elsewhere, be it on culture or boozing.
So here are some of the 20 best holidays that are less than £105 each (and where I’d much rather be than in the office).
Three nights in Venice
A huge bargain deal lets you spend three nights in Venice for just £79, and it includes return London flights.
It comes with breakfast, so have a big one to get you through the day.
Skip the very expensive gondola rides and hop on a local one that costs just €2 (£1.74) and goes across the river.
If you want a bit of extra cash to spend, reduce the trip to just two nights, which takes it down to £49pp.
= £95.48pp
The Grand Canal on a sunny day in Venice, ItalyCredit: Getty
Weekend trip to Margate
You can get a Travelodge right by Margate station for just £33 a night – working out to £16.50 each – and return tickets from London are around £12 each way, if you book in advance.
That’s just over £40, which can get you some fish and chips from Beach Bouys (£14.50), AND you can squeeze a drink at The Mechanical Elephant (£5 pint), the Wetherspoons in town.
Dreamland is free to visit, as well as the very bizarre crab museum and the Turner Contemporary gallery.
= £60pp
The beach in Margate, KentCredit: Getty
One night Amsterdam cruise
Did you know you can spend the day in Amsterdam without having to sort flights or a hotel?
DFDS has some two-night mini cruises from Newcastle to Amsterdam for as little as £54.50 each (or £39.75 is sharing as a four, not two people). This includes a private overnight cabin as well as bus transfers to the city centre.
This leaves you with £50, best spent on a ticket to Anne Frank’s House (£14.35).
A cone of frites is around €4 (£3.50) and for a cheap drink, Backstage Bar has pints for under €5 (£4.35).
Free things to do include the boat to Amsterdam Noord, as well as Vondelpark and Rijksmuseum (or Van Gogh Museum on Friday evenings).
= £76.70pp
You can spend the day in Amsterdam without having to sort flights or a hotelCredit: Alamy
Two nights all-inclusive in Turkey
A two-night all-inclusive holiday in Turkey comes in just under budget too.
Be quick, as there are only a few days left in May.
= £99pp
Panoramic view of Antalya Old Town port, Taurus mountains and Mediterranean Sea, TurkeyCredit: Getty
Day trip to Oxford
Trains from London to Oxford take less than an hour, and can be found for as little as £5.40 each way.
Visit the Ashmolean Museum without spending a penny or spend your money on a university tour (£27). Harry Potter tours are also similarly priced.
The rest of your budget can go on a three-course menu at No.1 Ship Street (£26pp) named one of the best restaurants in the city, before heading home for the evening.
= £63.80pp
Oxford is a great day out for familiesCredit: Getty
One night in Milan
Loveholidays has one-night stays for £79 each, which includes return flights as well as an overnight stay.
The stay is at the B&B Hotel Milano, in nearby Monza.
But there is lots to do for free in Milan, such as visiting the outside of the Duomo or the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Head to Pizza Am where you can get an entire pizza for just €6 (£5.22) which comes with a free glass of fizz.
Famous for its Negroni Sbagliato, Bar Basso is where to end the evening where a cocktail will set you back a tenner.
= £94.22pp
View of the Peace Arch in Milan, ItalyCredit: Getty
Four nights camping in Spain
From £99pp, you could spend four nights at Estival Torre De La Mora with return flights.
This is based on a family of four, and the airport is super close to the campsite as well.
You have just £6 leftover, so probably best to pack some cereal and pasta from home.
= £99pp
A view of the Roman Amphitheatre in Tarragona, SpainCredit: Alamy
Holiday Pirates has done the hard work and found some cheap return flights to Majorca from £34, which leave in the morning and come back in the evening.
This leaves you with around £71 to spend on cocktails and dinner.
Marley’s has cheap pints and cocktails, so get one of each and it will cost you less than a tenner overall.
Sa Fonda has a Majorcan buffet in the week that is just €13.50 (£11.74) leaving more than enough cash for a fridge magnet or two…
= £55.74pp
You can fly to and from Majorca for as little as £34Credit: Alamy
One night in Fez
It isn’t just Europe on the cards; you could do an overnight stay in Morocco with Loveholidays for £99pp.
Along with flights, the deal includes hotels such as Riad Dar Guennoun (which comes with breakfast) or Hotel Ibis Fez.
Make the most of the free attractions like the Fes el Bali medina, while street food ranges from 40p for fried sfenj (doughnuts). A dinner out will usually cost about £8.
= £97.40pp
The Mosque at Bab Guissa Gate in Fez – MoroccoCredit: Getty
Four nights at Haven holiday park
One of the cheapest holidays you can go on in the UK is to a Haven holiday park.
Four nights start from £49 based on a family of four if you travel next month.
This doesn’t include access to the arcades and pools, so I recommend going for a break that does instead which is £69, or £17.25.
That leaves you around £87, so take your own food to save on breakfast.
Instead, treat yourself to a cocktail pitcher on your last night for £11 each, as well as a dinner for £10 each. You can even get a roast for a tenner each with cash to spare.
= £48.25pp
Haven is a great spot for families on a budgetCredit: Haven
A day in London
So if you are already living in London, there is an easy way to spend under £105 each.
A one-day travelcard for Zone 1-2 is £8.90 per adult, and it will certainly get its use.
Pre-theatre menus are a bargain too – try Gallio, where a two-course pre-show meal is just £20 each.
End the night at Cardinal Bar & Kitchen in Aldgate – where every day you can get pints of house beer for a fiver (and treat yourself to two).
= £75.90pp
The Hintze Hall with blue whale skeleton in the Natural History Museum in LondonCredit: Alamy
Two nights in Lake Garda
Two nights in Lake Garda is as little as £59 each, with dates even after summer. The two-night stay is at a 4* hotel, with return flights from London.
It includes breakfast, so make sure to have a big one. Then enjoy a fresh pizza for around £11 and an Aperol Spritz for £7.
Add in a boat tour too, as Get Your Guide has some to Sirmione for £21 each.
= £98pp
Lake Garda is a steal of a holiday with stunning viewsCredit: Alamy
Day trip to Calais
Another no drive option is heading to France via Eurotunnel for the day, which starts from £59 per car, so £14.75 per person.
Entering via Calais, you can explore some of France’s best seaside towns such as Boulogne-sur-Mer and Le Touquet-Paris-Plage.
But one of the closest is Wimereux, where you can grab a croissant and coffee for around £3, before heading to the beach for the day.
Have a dip in the sea pool before getting a ‘plat du jour’ (two-course lunch) for around £20 – and then make the most of cheap duty-free with by bringing 12 bottles of £5 wine home…
= £97.75pp
The waterfront in the seaside resort of Wimereux on the English ChannelCredit: Getty
The cheapest deals are £99 each for two nights with flights with Loveholidays.
This leaves you with £6 to play with, so you’ll need to bring your own food or head to the supermarket.
But spend your time just chilling on the beautiful beaches, catching some rays to keep costs down.
= £99pp
Alvor Beach in the Algarve is a must-seeCredit: Alamy
Four nights at Butlins
A last-minute holiday to Butlin’s is a bargain too, with four-night breaks next month for £49. The Bognor Regis stay is based on four people sharing, so that’s £12.25 each.
Add a dining plan, such as the Food Court Dining plan, which is around £50 each and includes buffet breakfast, dinner, and unlimited soft drinks and desserts.
You can even add on an All Action Pass (£15) for access to go karts, bowling, golf and trampolines, AND a two-hour spa experience and come under budget still.
= £105pp
Butlins has something for the whole familyCredit: Alamy
Two nights in Zagreb
Book your own flights and hotels, and you could spend two nights in the capital of Croatia for just £92pp. According to HolidayPirates, this includes return Ryanair flights from London Stansted and two nights at Zajceva 34.
The Historic Upper Town is free to see, as are walking tours, where you can spot some street art along the way, and the Museum of Contemporary Art on the first Wednesday, and the Archaeological Museum on the first Sunday.
You only have about a tenner for food so you’ll need to go to the supermarket, or you could try a “burek” meat pastry from street food stalls for about £5.
= £97pp
Zagreb is a great city break for those wanting a short tripCredit: Getty
Two-night Santander cruise
A no-flight holiday option is a two-night cruise to Spain, which starts from £99 per person when based on a four-person cabin.
This includes the return cruise and two nights onboard in a cabin.
This does only leave you £6, so pack some food… and save it for a wine in Santander (around £2 a glass).
= £101pp
Marina in Santander, Cantabria, northern SpainCredit: Getty
Two nights in Rome
The Italian city of Rome is both easy and cheap to get to. A two-night Wowcher deal in May has return London lights, a hotel and breakfast included for £79 each.
Tickets to the Colosseum will take you close to the budget, so I recommend seeing it from the outside instead (or go on the first Sunday of the month, where it is free as well) and see the free Pantheon as well.
Try Giano Restaurant for lunch, where a two-course meal and coffee is £19 each, followed by gelato for around £4.
= £102pp
The iconic Trevi Fountain in Rome is a must-seeCredit: Getty
One night in Krakow
How about an overnight in Krakow for £99 each? The Loveholidays deal for May has return London Luton flights and a stay at a three-star hotel.
Kraków is cheap, so get a Zapiekanka (pizza) for around £4.50 that will keep you full all day.
Exploring the Old Town is free, as are some of the museums, such as Schindler’s Factory on Monday or MOCAK on Thursday.
= £103.50
Krakow, Poland, is a great option for a cheap city breakCredit: Alamy
Two nights in Costa Brava
You could spend two nights in Spain for under £100, just.
Two nights in Costa Brava or Costa Dorada come in at £99 each with Loveholidays, although the latter has breakfast (so make sure to nab some rolls and snacks for lunch).
Put the last £6 towards supermarket snacks to take back to the pool where you can relax for the rest of the day.
= £105pp
Beach of Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava, SpainCredit: Alamy
One night Mystery Holiday to Europe
If you don’t know where you want to go, how about letting Wowcher decide for you?
Their famous European Mystery Holiday starts from £89pp, which includes return flights and two nights’ stay.
Some lucky winners could get seven nights, all-inclusive, so you won’t have to spend a penny.
Even those that don’t, you’ll have £16 left each to grab a cheap dinner and pint either from a restaurant or supermarket.
Make sure to check which museums are free to visit too, as most cities have a few.
People planning holidays should check that their destionation has no new alerts or warnings
Some areas have a blanket warning, and others may have specific areas that should stay off-limits(Image: Craig Hastings via Getty)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has significantly expanded its ‘red list’ in recent months due to regional escalations, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. It is important to be aware of which parts of the world pose a greater risk to tourists than others.
While it is not advisable to ignore the Foreign Office’s advice, doing so is likely to invalidate any insurance that travellers have obtained. In most cases, insurers will not cover people who knowingly go against FCDO advice and take risks. If you absolutely must travel to a high-risk area, you may need to look for specialised travel insurance companies that provide specific cover for such scenarios, according to ABTA.
As of April 28, 2026, the following list summarises the countries for which the Foreign Office has specific safety advice for travelling. In some cases, it issues a blanket alert urging people to reconsider visiting countries that are unsafe across all areas. Some areas have partial warnings in place. If people are visiting the area, check the Foreign Office website for the latest updates and warnings.
Countries where the Foreign Office currently advises against all travel:
Afghanistan
Belarus
Burkina Faso
Central African Republic (CAR)
Eritrea
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Lebanon
Mali
Niger
Palestine (Occupied Palestinian Territories)
Russia
South Sudan
Sudan (most of the country)
Syria
Ukraine (most of the country)
Yemen
Countries where the Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel:
Bahrain
Cuba (entire island)
Ecuador (coastal provinces)
Egypt (significant parts: Western Desert, North South Sinai)
India (significant parts: Manipur, Pakistan border)
Earlier, Sir Philip Barton, the top civil servant at the Foreign Office at the time, told the committee Downing Street had been “uninterested” in the vetting process and the focus was on making sure Lord Mandelson was able to start his job by the time of Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Six in 10 Brits say free roaming is their top priority when choosing a phone plan – with a third having being stung by additional fees.
I’m A Celeb’s Harry Redknapp shares advice on roaming charges
A study of 2,000 adults revealed of the 34 per cent who had been charged roaming fees whilst abroad, 22 per cent had to fork out £50 or more extra from a single trip overseas – with 1.5 million travellers facing shocking bills of over £100.
Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) admitted they had no idea different charges applied to varying countries in Europe. Almost half (48 per cent) who were hit with surprise additional costs due to roaming said it had negatively affected their holiday as a result. The study also found, of those who have been charged with unexpected roaming fees, 90 per cent were shocked by the amount.
The research was commissioned by iD Mobile, which has teamed up with the former King of the Jungle and I’m a Celebrity… South Africa returnee, Harry Redknapp, to beat the sting of holiday bill shock.
A spokesperson for the network provider, which offers inclusive roaming as standard in 50 European destinations, said: “Being hit with a huge roaming bill when you return home is genuinely frustrating. Our research shows just how many people are unsure about roaming charges, how they work, and where they apply.”
Meanwhile 54 per cent said they do not understand how such charges are calculated on their current mobile phone plan, including what they are charged for calls, texts and data when abroad.
Over a quarter (28 per cent) said they didn’t understand what mobile roaming is and how the charges would work when travelling abroad.
When using their phone abroad, 42 per cent said it left them feeling anxious, regularly checking their usage (29 per cent) or actively limiting what they do to avoid unexpected costs (13 per cent). Tactics to avoid unexpected fees included switching off mobile data entirely (40 per cent) and not sending photos or videos to family and friends (20 per cent).
The study also found 30 per cent felt disconnected from friends and family while on holiday abroad, according to OnePoll.com figures. In a bid to stay connected, for 21 per cent, finding Wi-Fi would be the first thing they would do.
ATM withdrawal or foreign transaction card fees were the most unexpected costs (25 per cent), as well as hotel extras for pool towels, Wi-Fi and safe hire (16 per cent).
A spokesperson for iD Mobile, which partnered with Harry Redknapp for a campaign video which features the football star fighting the sting of roaming bills with his ‘Roaming Sting Repellent’, added: “People feel it when it comes to using their phones abroad.
“Many travellers don’t know what’s included in their phone plan, or when charges might apply, until they’re already away.
“That confusion is clearly influencing how people behave on holiday, with some cutting back on phone use entirely to avoid the risk of unexpected costs. No one should have to worry about being stung by their phone bill while trying to enjoy a well-earned break.”
Top 10 hidden holiday costs:
ATM withdrawal or foreign transaction card fees
Hotel or resort extras (e.g. pool towels, Wi-Fi, safe hire)
Data roaming charges
Baggage or hold luggage fees
Charges for calling or texting friends/family at home
Last year, studios and Hollywood labor unions lobbied hard to ensure animated movies and shows could compete for California’s expanded film and television tax credit program.
The payoff came last week, when three animated movies were among the nearly 40 film projects that received a production incentive in the latest round of awards, the California Film Commission announced Thursday.
Walt Disney Co.-owned 20th Century Studios received $21.9 million for “The Simpsons Movie 2,” Disney Entertainment Television got $3.5 million for “Phineas and Ferb” and DreamWorks Animation was awarded $24.7 million in credit allocation for a yet-untitled animated film.
The three are the first animated feature films to receive tax credits from the state of California. (Last month, two animated shows — a spin-off of “Rick and Morty” and “Stewie,” which branches off from the “Family Guy” cartoon — also received tax credits.)
I spoke with DreamWorks Animation Chief Operating Officer Randy Lake about the award, which he called a “potential game changer” for the Glendale-based studio known for the “Shrek” and “Kung Fu Panda” franchises.
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“Unlike live-action, our projects are years long,” he said. “You’re talking about not just a job for six or nine months on set. It’s literally three or four years that these projects can take. It’s long-term employment.”
Like most of Hollywood, the animation industry has suffered from the effects of the 2023 dual writers’ and actors’ strikes, as well as the retrenchment in studio spending after the initial rush to invest in content for streaming services.
And like much of U.S. film and TV work — particularly in California — the animation business has been deeply affected by the increasingly rich tax credits offered by other countries.
Over the last 15 years, countries including Canada and Ireland have slowly built up animation hubs, aided by their local talent and lucrative production incentives specific to animation and visual effects.
DreamWorks, too, has outsourced work to partner studios, particularly in Vancouver and Montreal, as costs in the U.S. have increased and studios face pressure to rein in their production expenses while theatrical box-office revenue has become less reliable.
Just three years ago, DreamWorks cut about 70 jobs across its corporate functions, feature films, TV and technology departments. In 2024, Disney-owned computer animation studio Pixar laid off about 175 employees as it pulled back on its production of streaming series.
But with the recent tax credit allocation, DreamWorks will hire about 100 people in California for its upcoming untitled film. Those jobs would probably would have been outsourced to a third-party studio, Lake said. Keeping all of the jobs on that film in California helps improve collaboration among the teams and foster more creativity, he said. Today, DreamWorks has about 1,000 employees.
To understand why the new incentives are meaningful, consider that a DreamWorks Animation movie similar to the one that received the credit will typically have a crew of about 400 to 500 people.
That film is a big feature, though Lake declined to share details since the project hasn’t been announced.
Both the Animation Guild and studios have pointed to the incentive as a way to bring back animation jobs to the Golden State.
“Studios have been chasing animation tax credits in other states and countries for years, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see them use California’s for the very first time,” Marissa Bernstel, a trustee on the union’s executive board and member of the task force that helped lobby for the expanded production incentives, said in a statement last week. “The results feel very real, and I’m excited to see what future employment opportunities the incentive inspires.”
Lake said DreamWorks hopes to take advantage of the state incentives for all of its full-budget films.
“We’ll be applying for the next window,” he said, adding that he hoped they will be successful so “we’ll be able to have more and more of our films be fully produced in state. That’s the goal.”
Stuff We Wrote
Film shoots
Number of the week
Lionsgate’s “Michael” had a massive opening weekend with just over $217 million in global box-office revenue. In the U.S. and Canada, the Michael Jackson biopic hauled in about $97 million, far surpassing studio expectations.
The film, which stars Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, as the late singer, chronicles the pop star’s rise from his early days in the Jackson 5 through the growth of his solo career. The movie ends in 1988 while Jackson is on tour for his hit album “Bad.”
The premiere for “Michael” marks the biggest domestic opening for any biopic, musical or otherwise. The 2015 movie “Straight Outta Compton” previously held the record for highest opening weekend total for a musical biopic, with $60 million in the U.S. and Canada, followed by the Queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody” in 2018, which had a $51.1-million domestic opening.
Critics’ reviews of “Michael,” however, were largely negative. Many noted the plot sidesteps the child sexual abuse allegations against Jackson and said the film presents a more one-dimensional view of the singer.
An earlier cut of the film did end in 1993 and addressed the allegations, but that ending had to be scrapped due to a clause in a legal settlement with an accuser that stipulated he could never be pictured or mentioned in a dramatization of Jackson’s life. Jackson and his estate have denied that the pop star abused children.
What I’m watching
I finally finished the Hulu series “Paradise” this last week, which kept me guessing about literally everything all the way until the end. I’m interested in seeing where this genre-morphing show goes next season.
On China, the mood at the European Commission has shifted in recent months.
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China hawks are gaining ground inside both the Commission’s powerful Directorate-General for Trade and in the cabinet of President Ursula von der Leyen, Euronews has learned, with drastic new measures being considered to counter what is seen as unfair competition.
The 27 EU commissioners are set to debate on their China strategy on 29 May, with one official saying, “It will be about acknowledging there is a problem and that something needs to be done.”
Tensions flared Monday after China’s Ministry of Commerce threatened retaliation against the EU over its Made in Europe legislation, which sets strict conditions on foreign direct investment.
An EU official told Euronews the Chinese were “playing games,” adding that the Commission’s priority remains engagement with Beijing through multiple channels set up in recent months.
However, Commission services are already working on new measures to address China’s economic threats, sources have confirmed. “We don’t see any move from the Chinese despite all the issues we have flagged with them, so there’s a reflection on whether we should do more,” one said.
Another source said the release of Germany’s trade deficit figures before Christmas marked a turning point for the Commission.
Data published last autumn by Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) showed a record €87 billion German trade deficit with China — a wake-up call in Berlin, long focused on securing market access in China ahead of protecting domestic manufacturing.
China has since surged up the agenda for German industry, for the Bundestag — which has set up a dedicated committee — and for the Commission, whose German president has Berlin’s ear.
The EU has long grappled with cheap Chinese imports threatening its industry. Pressure intensified last year after the US slapped steep tariffs on Chinese goods, effectively shutting its market and pushing Beijing to reroute overcapacity in sectors like steel and chemicals toward Europe.
A recent report by the French High Commission for Strategy and Planning, a French government advisory body, warned that “the production cost gaps, as assessed by industry players [across Europe], have now reached levels incompatible with sustainable competition, averaging between 30% and 40%, and exceeding 60% in certain segments (industrial robotics, mechanical components).”
Under these conditions, how can the EU defend its market?
The bloc’s leverage is mainly limited to its 450 million-strong consumer base. Still, one source said it is “increasingly becoming mainstream” inside the Commission to warn Beijing that the EU market could close without rebalancing.
But the trade-offs are stark.
Chinese electric vehicles — hit with EU tariffs in October 2024 — highlight the dilemma. China depended equally on the US and EU markets for almost all its exports before Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2025. “It cannot easily diversify its EVs as it will not sell in Africa, nor in southeast Asia, where there’s no infrastructure,” another source said.
At the same time, Europe remains reliant on China imports in many of the same sectors where China depends on Europe. “Are we to close our market to lithium batteries from China? We cannot do this overnight,” the same source said. The same applies to solar panels, laptops and medical devices.
Commission explores anti-coercion tool
The EU has trade defence tools — including anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties — but they can take at least 18 months to deploy after a complaint is filed. Two sources said the Commission is working on new instruments, but by the time they bite, the damage may already be done.
A fourth source described an overcapacity instrument as still “premature.”
However, Commission services are also mulling the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), which allows the EU to deploy a wide range of measures — from tariffs to restrictions on public procurement or intellectual property — in response to economic pressure from third countries.
The tool, sometimes described as a “trade bazooka”, has never been used since its creation in 2023, but resurfaced after China weaponised rare earth exports in October 2025 during its trade standoff with the US by imposing strict export controls.
Exports resumed after Washington and Beijing agreed on a one-year truce, which also covers Europe. But that deal expires in October 2026, leaving uncertainty hanging over the EU.
Brussels wants the anti-coercion tool ready if needed.
Tensions could rise further after Beijing’s threats over the Industrial Accelerator Act — the Made in Europe legislation now debated by member states and MEPs — or over pressure linked to the Cybersecurity Act, which could phase out Chinese telecom operators from the EU market.
Securing member states’ backing
However, a qualified majority of EU countries is needed to activate the ACI, and member states remain split.
“It requires a political support higher than for the traditional anti-dumping or anti-subsidies duties which can only be rejected by a reversed majority of EU countries,” a source said.
Despite the wake-up call, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz struck a softer tone in March, floating a long-term trade deal with Beijing.
But in Brussels, that idea is off the table.
“There are a number of concerns and real challenges that the European Union has consistently expressed to China that we need to see them meaningfully address before we can even talk about any future agreements or anything like that,” the Commission’s deputy chief spokesperson, Olof Gill, said.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez — who has visited China four times in three years and secured major Chinese investment — backs closer ties with Beijing.
Meanwhile, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever urged a tougher line in an 18 March letter to von der Leyen.
“We have arrived at a point of no return in which we need to make difficult choices in the short term towards China to protect our industries, economies and the well-being of our citizens in the long term,” he wrote.
France, long a proponent of a hard line on China, shares that view.
One day Delcy Rodríguez calls for a reform to the justice system after announcing the sudden revocation of the amnesty law her brother sponsored. The other, rumors suggest she’ll reshuffle the country’s higher court without providing any indication of who the new magistrates are going to be. The central bank president she recently named prepares to disclose figures to the IMF for the first time in decades.
The public does little else than follow the news, as if things were normal. Futile debate has emerged on social media over whether the new US chief of mission in Caracas is more hawkish than his predecessor. Or if the opposition has racist tendencies because a singer (once popular in the 2000s) called Delcy an ape in the opposition’s largest rally in years.
The picture of the country in recent weeks is one of Delcy Rodríguez calling the shots with near-total freedom. She has been enjoying a clear head start over a potential presidential election, as she crisscrosses Venezuela on what amounts to an unofficial campaign tour. In Caracas, she keeps changing everything so that nothing really changes. She is intent on controlling government offices in the next four years through newly promoted loyalists and a clean inflow of petrodollars. The chavista elite has looked more confident in the meantime, touring with Delcy in sky-blue outfits, leading cartoonish chants for peace and national union as if the internal contradictions that surfaced two months ago were now less important, because the possibility of survival looks clearer.
Back in February, optimists would discuss the scope of Washington’s coercion capacity over the “caretaker” regime, the boundaries that (if crossed) would trigger a “second wave” of attacks, the disappearance of Alex Saab as a prelude of a broader purge against other “untouchables” that overtly normalized the commission of terror. Now, lunatics like Diosdado Cabello’s nephew, Alejandro Rondón, claim on social media that “the recess is about to end” the same day Delcy says the amnesty scheme ran its course and Cabello recounts an unlikely justice system crackdown.
What followed January 3rdwas a paradigm change with positive practical consequences for society that chavismo quickly learned to manage if not reverse.
Alejandro doesn’t look like the brightest dude. He’s another chavista nepo-kid working for the other Cabello uncle that controls Venezuela’s taxing authority, Jose David, though Alejandro made a name for himself with rage-baiting tweets that celebrated Maduro’s “victory” in 2024 and claimed the opposition were terrorists who falsified the official voting records (i.e. Diosdado’s talking points during the tun-tun operation).]
But an emboldened member of the Cabello Rondón clan is a troubling sign for those who fled the country after being placed on “treason” blacklists. It also undercuts the very notions of pluralism and national reconciliation that Marco Rubio invoked three months ago when outlining his vision for Venezuela’s democratic transition before US senators. Shortly thereafter, Rondón drove the point home by publicly wishing Donald Trump well after the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The message seems clear: the arrangement with Team Trump is comfortable enough that, however fraught the geopolitical backdrop, they can afford to be flippant—even in public. They remain, unmistakably, the bullies in town.
The long wait for elections (or just a calendar?)
What followed January 3rd was a paradigm change with positive practical consequences for society that chavismo quickly learned to manage if not reverse. Allies of Maria Corina Machado who spent the past two years jailed or hiding are back in the street, even providing testimonies about their imprisonment. The student movement has undergone a revival, liaising with human rights groups to set up carefully-controlled protests. Censorship isn’t what it used to be, so journalists have tried to take advantage of that opening. Pensioners and public workers have perhaps become the loudest actor in confronting Rodríguez, despite having to face colectivos and National Guards whenever they hit the streets.
Repression has become less intense, but the lack of a clear electoral calendar keeps the opposition on the sidelines, waiting for the arrival of Machado, which is no less paralyzing. The amnesty law passed on February 19 effectively funneled the release of political prisoners, shattering expectations of a “landmark outcome” that would speed up the process.
Indeed, the statute’s contents make more than 180 supposed military rebels ineligible, although the release of a handful of FANB officers in recent days reinforces the idea that a law wasn’t necessary to get people out of jail. Nearly 300 civilians are still imprisoned, and we haven’t seen significant breakthroughs in the past few weeks.
According to figures from NGO Foro Penal (based on documented cases), the political prisoner population fell by 40% in the two months following the US military intervention—dropping from 863 detainees in late December to 526 by March 2. The pace has clearly slowed since then. Chavismo released 36 people between March and April, and 17 over the past 18 days (about 6% of the pre–January 3 total). The regime still resorts to sporadic arbitrary arrests and intimidation. Alexis Paparoni, an opposition figure in Mérida (and brother of Carlos Paparoni), was briefly detained while traveling and later released under precautionary measures. A similar incident occurred last weekend with a government employee in Guárico, who was detained for having a note on his desk bearing the now-infamous slur directed at Delcy.
“These prisoners are currently incarcerated because POTUShas chosen to appease and praise the perpetrators instead of supporting their victims,” Burelli recently told Senator Scott.
The White House appears satisfied with results so far. Venezuela is now subject to sweeping sanctions relief across oil, gas, minerals, and fertilizers, while OFAC has issued waivers allowing operations with public banks. Most notably, Delcy Rodríguez has been removed from the Specially Designated Nationals list—effectively unfreezing her US-based assets and clearing the way for financial dealings under American jurisdiction.
The opposition leadership has largely stuck to its 2025 strategy of projecting trust and patience toward Donald Trump. María Corina Machado continues to argue that Trump is the head of state who has done the most to advance Venezuela’s liberation and maintains that the Rodríguez government is dismantling the Maduro-era “structures of corruption and repression.” However, she acknowledged last week that a bout of political instability cannot be ruled out.
“The risk is that if people feel the path [toward freedom and democracy] is beginning to close, they may start to push back in a disorganized and potentially anarchic way,” she told esRadio hosts in Madrid. “That’s why a clearly defined electoral calendar is a guarantee of peace and stability. That would help people accept that this process will last a bit longer, as institutions must be strengthened and we need to take time to prepare for a truly impeccable election.”
Running out of patience
Criticism of the Trump administration’s handling in Venezuela continues to grow among groups of scholars and foreign policy observers, while opposition parties remain largely quiet and prefer to let Machado formulate their stance.
But in general, there’s a tense awareness that the waters are getting muddy. Some in journalism, and other opposition allies are starting to lose their patience.
Venezuelan journalist Sebastiana Barraez, an outspoken critic of chavismo and popular source on repression, told her audience that Venezuelan people have no guarantees about their future. Two days ago, she admitted the overthrow of Nicolás Maduro had raised hopes of a new democracy and true institutional recovery.
“It turns out none of that is happening,” Barráez said. “In Venezuela, Trump is promoting the interests of the United States. The problem is that those interests are not compatible with what we Venezuelans are looking for.”
Pedro Mario Burelli, an independent advisor for the opposition, is among the few figures to be pressing Washington over its ties with Delcy Rodríguez, calling Trump’s decision to elevate her an “incoherent strategy.” He has warned that doing business with Minerven makes the US an effective enabler of environmental crimes in Venezuela’s south. In March, he told The Atlantic that the remaining political prisoners now belong to Trump and Rubio.
“These prisoners are currently incarcerated because POTUS has chosen to appease and praise the perpetrators instead of supporting their victims. Constantly praising Delcy is disgraceful and an insult to the vast majority of Venezuelans”, Burelli told GOP Senator Rick Scott on Sunday.“Faulting her, as you and some of your colleagues do, is disingenuous. Venezuelans rightfully expect, and deserve, much more from democratically elected US officials.”
Manchester City face a fixture pile-up of four games in 11 days next month after the Premier League confirmed the rescheduled dates for two of their key matches in the race for the title.
Pep Guardiola’s side will host Crystal Palace on Wednesday, 13 May and travel to Bournemouth six days later, with the FA Cup final against Chelsea taking place in between on Saturday, 16 May.
The Palace game was originally scheduled for 22 March but had to be postponed because of City’s participation in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal, while the Bournemouth match was pushed back because of a clash with the FA Cup final.
City, Palace and Bournemouth had been involved in dialogue with the Premier League over the dates for the games, which have now been resolved.
While Massie has long dominated elections in Kentucky’s 4th district, polling this year shows a tighter race than expected.
A Quantus Insights survey conducted from April 6 to 7 showed Massie leading Gallrein 46.8 percent to 37.7 percent.
Another survey conducted by Big Data Poll in early April had Massie ahead with 52.4 percent to Gallrein’s 47.6 percent.
The relatively close primary could be a bellwether for Republican voting trends nationwide, according to Stephen Voss, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky.
“Massie is an early opportunity to see what Republican voters will do when their pro-Trump leanings clash with their conservative leanings,” Voss said. “That is the great puzzle of this race.”
This is not the first time Trump has turned against Massie, though. In 2020, another election year, Trump famously petitioned to “throw Massie out of the Republican Party”.
But by 2022, Trump had reversed course, endorsing Massie over a challenger who questioned the congressman’s commitment to the president.
Still, the past year has widened the rift between Trump and Massie, leading the president to make his most aggressive moves yet to unseat the congressman.
The two Republicans clashed on a range of issues in 2025. Massie, for example, opposed the president on his tax and spending measures, fearing increases to the national debt.
That meant voting against Trump’s signature piece of legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, last July.
The Kentucky Republican also denounced Trump’s campaign of foreign intervention. Last June, NBC News reported that it was after Massie criticised Trump’s strikes on Iran that the president’s allies began laying the groundwork for a primary challenge.
Massie also led the charge to compel the Department of Justice to release all the files related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted child sex offender.
Shortly thereafter, Trump gave his stamp of approval to Gallrein, posting on his Truth Social site, “RUN, ED, RUN.”
By that point, Gallrein, a military veteran and fifth-generation farmer, had yet to enter the race. Four days later, on October 21, he launched his bid.
Critics argue Gallrein’s platform does not offer much of a distinction from Massie’s. His campaign website lists his priorities as cutting taxes, reducing government spending, protecting gun rights and opposing abortion — issues Massie also supports.
“I don’t think he’s offering any kind of alternative, except for being the selection of Donald Trump,” Kahne said. “I think that’s it. That’s the only thing he has to offer.”
But Gallrein has drawn heavily from Trump’s endorsement, using it as a badge of loyalty and authenticity.
“You deserve an authentic, true Republican conservative that stands shoulder to shoulder with our president and the Republican Party,” Gallrein declared at the Trump rally in March.
Trump, meanwhile, told the crowd he had grown so frustrated that he just wanted “somebody with a warm body to beat Massie”.
This hidden gem provides the perfect no-crowds experience for summer 2026.
15:11, 28 Apr 2026Updated 15:15, 28 Apr 2026
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This island has so much to offer(Image: Freeartist via Getty Images)
Summer is just around the corner and many of us are already dreaming about our next sunny escape. With so many destinations to pick from, settling on the perfect spot can feel like quite the challenge.
Many of the world’s most coveted holiday hotspots are now bursting at the seams, which can turn a much-needed break into something of a headache. If you’re after a getaway unspoilt by hordes of tourists, it pays to explore the roads less travelled.
Travel specialists at Solmar Villas have scrutinised more than 160 destinations worldwide to reveal the most tranquil spots for a laid-back summer holiday in 2026 – and Greece has taken the top spot.
Greece boasts more than 6,000 islands to explore and while some are overrun with visitors, others remain blissfully peaceful.
Each location in the top 10 was rated across eight key factors: crowd density, climate, nature and scenery, pace of life, affordability, safety and ease of access.
Remarkably, eight of the top 10 destinations were found in Greece.
Topping the list is Alonissos – a tiny, serene island nestled in the northern Sporades – an archipelago in the Aegean Sea.
To reach it, travellers can fly from the UK to the neighbouring island of Skianthos before hopping on a high-speed ferry across to Alonissos.
The island feels worlds apart from everyday life.
Verdant hills blanketed in pine trees cascade down towards crystalline waters, ideal for a summer dip. Life moves at a leisurely pace, with traditional villages dotted across the hillsides.
The island also houses the National Marine Park of Alonnisos and Northern Sporades, one of the largest protected marine areas in Europe, reports the Express.
This transforms it into a haven for divers and snorkellers.
A boat trip around the island reveals caves, reefs and colourful marine life thriving beneath the sea’s surface.
It’s also home to the rare Mediterranean monk seal – fewer than 700 of them survive in three or four isolated subpopulations in the Mediterranean.
On her blog Asinglewomantraveling, travel blogger Melissa said that Alonissos is “absolutely stunning and peaceful”. She added that the island is “quiet, a little wild, totally underrated”.
It could cost up to £160 if people do not notice this problem before it is too late
Ryanair passengers should double check their details(Image: Nicholas Ahonen via Getty Images)
Passengers flying with Ryanair have been warned against making one of the most expensive mistakes, which could leave them facing three-figure bills just before take-off. The mistake can be prevented by carefully checking a small detail when booking a flight with the carrier.
In the rush to snap up a bargain, tiny keypads on mobile phones or a simple typing error mean travellers could easily misspell their name when booking a Ryanair journey. However, this could set them back as much as £160 to correct.
As of April 2026, the charge remains in place and is listed on the Ryanair website. Aside from the £100 missed flight penalty, the name fee is one of the highest charges Ryanair passengers can face.
The budget airline operates a policy for amending passenger information that provides a brief window of opportunity should an error occur. However, this limited timeframe comes with specific terms and conditions, according to the Express.
Ryanair says: “Name changes are allowed on all bookings, with full changes possible online up to 24 hours before departure or at the airport up to two hours before, subject to a fee. Free corrections include swapping first and last names within 48 hours of booking or changing up to three characters per name once, up to 48 hours before departure.”
If travellers only spot the mistake after getting to the airport, it could cost up to £160. The policy was previously flagged by Martin Lewis’ MSE team in an article about the most effective ways to dodge Ryanair’s additional charges.
The budget carrier is known for imposing penalties on travellers who go against their policies when booking, including mistakes that can happen entirely by accident. Correcting a minor misspelling – such as jumbled or missing letters – is free of charge, but only if passengers act within two days of making their booking.
Travellers must also have booked directly through Ryanair, not a third party service. Beyond the 48-hour window, passengers will be hit with a £115 fee for a name change, rising to £160 if done at the airport, according to MSE.
Each airline’s policy varies, so check whether your airline charges to fix these mistakes; some may amend small typos for free if reported as soon as possible. The important thing is making sure that the name on your passport matches for boarding, and errors can lead to being denied a place on your holiday.
The MSE team suggested there is a rather drastic workaround to avoid the charge if it’s too late to make amendments without paying £115 or more. Given the typically low price of Ryanair flights, cutting your losses and starting a new booking could actually be the cheaper option.
MSE said: “If you notice errors after 48 hours, it may be cheaper to make a completely new booking, rather than amend an existing one. It won’t always be cheaper, but it is worth checking the cost of a new flight to see if it’s less than the change fee.”
Ryanair confirmed on its website that certain passengers needn’t worry about being stung by the name change fee. Bookings made under a maiden name can be updated at no extra cost.
It said: “If you booked your flight using your maiden/married name, and you update your name in the passport before the date of travel, we will make the name change on your booking for you free of charge. You’ll need to have proof (a copy of your marriage certificate).”
The Lady Grace Mysteries is a collection of children’s detective fiction novels, originally penned by English author Patricia Finney, before Sara Volger and Jan Burchett later came aboard as co-authors.
Written in diary format, the story centres on Lady Grace Cavendish, a maid of honour to Queen Elizabeth I, who sets out to unravel a series of mysteries within the royal court.
The series comprises 12 books in total, with the earliest releases regarded as the most beloved titles. These include Assassin, Betrayal, and Conspiracy – published in 2004 and 2005. The final instalment, Loot, hit shelves in 2010.
Now, audiences can immerse themselves in the 16th-century royal court as the beloved books have been brought to life in a new BBC adaptation. The “vibrant” new drama breathes excitement, humour and intrigue into Queen Elizabeth I’s court, appealing to younger viewers, as well as older fans who grew up devouring the books, reports the Liverpool Echo.
“The series introduces 14-year-old Grace Cavendish, a spirited lady-in-waiting with a sharp mind, a strong sense of justice and one enormous secret: she is the Queen’s top secret teenage spy,” reads the official synopsis for the series.
“Moving through the glittering but treacherous world of the Tudor court, Grace must juggle her official duties with undercover missions as she tackles everything from stolen crowns and mysterious hauntings to political plots and deadly traitors hiding in plain sight (Claudia Winkleman not included).
“With picture perfect palaces, sweeping gardens, secret passageways and lavish royal celebrations, The Lady Grace Mysteries brings the Elizabethan Golden Age to the screen in a way that feels both authentic and fresh. Alongside her best friends, Ellie, a fearless scullery maid, and Masou, an ambitious young actor, Grace’s world is packed with daring escapades, heartfelt friendships and relatable teenage drama, just with more ruffs, royal balls and assassination attempts.”
Sarah Muller, Head of Commissioning 7+ at the BBC, commented: “The Lady Grace Mysteries is everything we love in co-viewing a series: it’s warm, funny and full of adventure, with a brilliant young heroine at its heart.
“It blends mystery, history and big emotional stories in a way that feels fresh and exciting for today’s audience, while giving parents and grandparents something richly nostalgic and visually spectacular to enjoy too. We’re so proud of this show and can’t wait for families to discover Grace’s world together.”
Evie Coles takes on the role of Grace, with Rebecca Scott portraying Queen Elizabeth I. The cast further features Carys John, Twinkle Jaiswal, Rafael Alessandro, Georgia Farrow, and Fintan Buckard. All ten episodes of The Lady Grace Mysteries dropped on BBC iPlayer earlier this month (April 20), with viewers already devouring the entire series in one sitting.
Numerous fans have taken to social media to express their enthusiasm, with one user posting on X (formerly Twitter): “The Lady Grace Mysteries are heaps of fun.”
Another chimed in: “It’s actually a kids show but I’m liking the teenage spy at the Elizabethan court. Great fun with FAB costumes. Each character has their own colour scheme, Lady Grace in greens, the Queen in orange/gold, another in purple, one in blue. NICE!”
The official CBBC Instagram account also enthused: “If you like and miss Malory Towers… we’ve got you! Brand new series, with familiar faces… #TheLadyGraceMysteries is available right now.”
The Lady Grace Mysteries is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
The popular airline offered reassurance to passengers in a message shared on social media
The popular airline shared a message reassuring passengers(Image: Getty)
Jet2 has offered reassurance to passengers worried about passport control queues at Spanish airports. In recent weeks, British travellers visiting the popular destination have reported long queues following the rollout of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System.
In response, the airport authority, AENA, has reportedly directed staff to take all possible measures to streamline the process and reduce waiting times. In light of the border control queues, passengers have also been contacting airlines on social media to find out what to do in the worst-case scenario.
For instance, a Jet2 customer recently contacted the travel firm on X to ask for advice. @Jet2tweets often offers assistance to Jet2.com and Jet2holidays passengers on social media.
In a post shared on April 28, a passenger named Laura wrote: “With the crazy queues at Spanish airports to get through passport control, can you guarantee that I won’t miss my transfer bus? Thanks.”
In response, Jet2 said: “Hi Laura, any congestion caused by passport control our airport team will be aware off and will make sure there is a plan in place, so customer do not miss their transfers. Thanks, Gemma.”
Sharing a further message, Laura continued: “Thanks Gemma. Last time it took nearly 3 hours to get through – I’m hoping there won’t be any issues even if it’s that long?” Jet2 replied: “Rest assured our team will be aware of any congestion and plans will be in place.”
Passengers with transfers can find more information about the service on the Jet2holidays website, with transfers to and from hotels included with all Jet2holidays. The website says: “You’ll be met at the airport by our friendly Red Team who’ll then show you to your coach. Once onboard, you’ll be informed whether you are the first, second or third stop.
“Coach transfer information will be available in the Jet2 app when you land in your destination. We’ll also send it by SMS. Whether you have a coach, private or adapted transfer, our friendly Red Team will be on hand to guide you and help you on your way.”
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) requires visitors from non-member countries such as the UK to have their fingerprints recorded and a photograph captured to enter the Schengen Area, which comprises 29 European countries, predominantly within the EU. While the new system was initially introduced in October, it became fully operational on April 10, 2026.
Holidaymakers planning a trip to Spain who haven’t yet booked their flights are being warned to do so know amid speculation that escalating oil prices could soon drive up the costs
Brits should book their travels soon according to one tourism boss(Image: Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
A Spanish tourist boss has warned that Brits who haven’t yet booked their summer holidays should book flights as soon as possible to avoid “price fluctuations”.
Jordi Hereu, Spain’s Industry and Tourism Minister, made the comments to Spanish news outlet Expansion yesterday (April 27), warning that growth in the tourist industry could be dampened by rises in the cost of flights. Last year, Spain welcomed 97 million tourists through its borders, and was expected to hit the 100 million mark this year.
He said: “What we’re recommending is that people buy their tickets now because it’s true that (airlines) are currently using kerosene that was purchased some time ago, and therefore there’s an element of price fluctuations involved.”
“It’s already clear that prices have risen and this could affect demand.” he added. He went on to reassure holidaymakers that authorities were looking at ways to prevent fuel shortages as the busy summer season looms.
But Mr Hereu also warned: “If the countries that send tourists to Spain had problems, we would have them too.”
Many airlines have been foreced to cancel flights this spring and summer due to the rising cost of jet fuel as supplies run law, as a consequence of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the Israeli and US attack on Iran.
Keir Starmer said the UK was doing “everything we can” to reopen the Strait, although the UK PM warned: “I don’t want anybody to think that, once the Strait is open, that that’s the end of the damage. It will go on longer than that.”
He went on to tell Sky News: “I can see that, if there’s more impact, people might change their habits… where they go on holiday this year, what they’re buying in the supermarket, that sort of thing.”
Corneel Koster, Virgin Atlantic’s chief executive, told the Telegraph: “I was looking at improving our financial results by a really significant chunk. And then this happens. We have never seen jet fuel at these levels, with prices more than doubling. The industry cannot absorb increases like this.”
In recent weeks, the cost of a barrel of jet fuel has increased from £63 to as high as £148 amid the conflict in the Middle East. The cost of fuel accounts for around a quarter or more of operating expenses for airlines, meaning it can have a big impact on profits.
According to reports by the BBC, the lowest-priced economy tickets currently cost 24% more on average than this time last year. In response, airlines have asked for measures such as a cut or suspension to Air Passenger Duty to be put in place to balance out the costs for consumers.
A number of airlines have already cut services, such as Lufthansa, which has axed 20,000 European short-haul flights, which it claims will save around 40,000 metric tons of jet fuel. The German airline will offer customers options, including refunding fares or booking them on alternative flights with other airlines.
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Welcome to this week’s Lakers newsletter, where the brooms are going back in the closet.
The Lakers squandered their first playoff sweep since 2010, but are still one win away from their first playoff series win of the JJ Redick era.
Three weeks ago, even this moral victory of a 3-1 lead seemed out of reach. Now actually grabbing a spot in the conference semifinals could take more than one super-human performance.
All things Lakers, all the time.
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Help needed
The forceful drives turned into desperation jumpers. The dominant dunks became limp layups that dribbled off the rim.
LeBron James carried the Lakers to a historically insurmountable 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven first-round series against the Houston Rockets. But with a chance to clinch the series Sunday, he showed just how much the Lakers need someone else to help carry the team across the finish line.
James had his worst shooting game of the season, settling for 10 points on two-of-nine shooting. The nine field-goal attempts he took were tied for the fewest he’s taken in a playoff game. He didn’t extend his streak of consecutive playoff games with double-digit scoring to 144 until the fourth quarter.
Just after accepting a third-option role behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, James was thrust back into the top spot when the star guards were injured April 2. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer had no problem putting on his Superman cape again. He started taking — and making — more shots than he had in months. His usage rate spiked.
But with the ball back in his hands more, James had eight turnovers in each of the last two games. The turnovers, 24 total by the Lakers on Sunday, were their “kryptonite,” James said.
The Lakers’ lack of guard play is becoming a glaring weakness.
“That’s the biggest challenge we have is just the ballhandling and downhill drivers, not having those guys,” Redick said.
Doncic and Reaves are progressing in their returns. Just three weeks after his oblique injury, Reaves was questionable for Games 3 and 4. He even warmed up before the games. But his timeline for return is still indefinite.
Considering the Lakers’ 3-0 start to the series, it might be safe to think the team would just wait until the conference semifinals for Reaves’ return. Redick said it’s fair to consider all factors when deciding when to bring Reaves back. But after a long conversation with the guard Saturday, Redick said the most important variable is the player’s confidence.
“That’s always the final hurdle coming back from an injury,” Redick said, “is the psychological component of it.”
Doncic, hampered by a balky hamstring, is ramping up, but is still not as close as Reaves.
The hope of getting their two most important players back was “a carrot” for the Lakers to keep extending their season, Redick said. A two-day break between games could be just as significant of a lifeline.
The one day of rest between Games 3 and 4 was the shortest of the series so far. The Lakers, led by 41-year-old James and 32-year-old Marcus Smart, looked especially desperate for the extra downtime.
Smart was wearing inflatable compression boots on both legs in the locker room before the game. Lakers were dropping passes like they were loose coffee plans with someone who lives across town.
Meanwhile the 23-year-old Alperen Sengun was doing spin moves in transition, finishing through contact and flexing toward the crowd in the third quarter with the Rockets up by more than 20.
Smart insisted the mistakes were mental. They looked like physical fatigue manifesting as mental blunders.
“It’s something we gotta clean up,” said Smart, who had four turnovers Sunday. “We know it, we understand it.”
The Lakers have time to fix it. The two-day break between Games 4 and 5 will be the last such break of this series if the Lakers let this stretch on.
Games in mirror are closer than they appear
This series is 30 inexplicable seconds away from being 2-2.
NBA teams that have a 3-0 lead in a best-of-seven playoff series are 159-0. Since 1984 – when the NBA expanded its playoffs to 16 teams – teams with home-court advantage in the current series format are 125-42. Had that comeback never materialized, the Lakers would still have the upper hand in this series but they surely wouldn’t be invincible.
In a tighter-than-it-appears series, the Lakers have their 3-1 lead thanks to a run of hot shooting.
They were already the NBA’s most efficient shooting team, but the early part of the playoff success came from a sudden uptick in three-point shooting. The Lakers’ 40.8% three-point shooting through the first four games was 5.1 percentage points better than their regular-season mark. On the other hand, the Rockets are shooting 5.1 percentage points worse than their regular-season rate.
The Lakers identified turnovers and limiting offensive rebounds as the two most important items against the Rockets. They’ve struggled on both. The Lakers averaged 20 turnovers per game in the first four games and gave up 16.8 offensive rebounds. The Rockets’ 39% offensive rebounding rate is almost identical to their league-leading 38.8% from the regular season.
The Lakers have turned the ball over on 20.9% of their possessions, the highest turnover rate in the playoffs.
The Rockets have scored 21.5 points per game off the Lakers’ turnovers, the second-most of any team in the playoffs. Only Oklahoma City — the team that’s waiting for the winner of this series — has scored more points off turnovers in the playoffs.
On tap
Wednesday vs. Rockets, 7 p.m.
The Lakers can clinch the series at home and earn extra rest days before facing the Oklahoma City Thunder in the conference semifinals. The Thunder finished a sweep of the No. 8 seeded Phoenix Suns in the first round Monday.
Friday at Rockets, 6:30 p.m. (if necessary)
If this game is necessary, it will be especially difficult to win for the Lakers. Both teams will have to travel from L.A. to Houston and we just watched what happens when the shorthanded Lakers play on one day of rest in the playoffs.
Sunday vs. Rockets, TBD (Game 7, if necessary)
The Rockets are trying to become the fifth team in NBA history to force a Game 7 after trailing 3-0 in a best-of-seven series. The 2023 Celtics were the last team to even a series after a three-game deficit. Smart’s Celtics lost Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals to the Miami Heat.
Status report
Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain)
Approaching the four-week mark, Doncic is ramping up his on-court work. On Sunday, he progressed to more movement instead of standstill shooting. He is still out indefinitely.
Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain)
Reaves’ return has been faster than many expected. He was questionable for Games 3 and 4, a quick three-week turnaround from his initial injury on April 2.
Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain)
After missing Game 1 with a knee bruise, Durant sprained his ankle in the fourth quarter of Game 2 and missed the next two games. Rockets coach Ime Udoka said Sunday pain and limited range of motion because of a bone bruise in Durant’s ankle are keeping him sidelined, but there’s a chance he returns this series.
Favorite thing I ate this week
Seafood boil with the Combo No. 4 (crawfish, snowcrab, shrimp, corn and potato) at Crawfish Cafe in Houston.
(Thuc Nhi Nguyen / Los Angeles Times)
This was a culinary bucket list item for me: Viet cajun food in Houston.
At Crawfish Cafe, you choose your seafood combination for a delicious, and slightly messy, seafood boil. I went for a combination of crawfish, shrimp and snow crab tossed in a mix of Viet cajun and Thai basil sauces. But there are more than a half-dozen sauce choices, so with that many options left to explore, maybe I wouldn’t be mad if this series returns to Houston.
