There’s some big moments ahead on the soaps next week according to teasers shared, with big decisions, realisations, new twists and turns and a plan to save a business
There’s some big moments ahead on the soaps next week according to teasers(Image: ITV)
Spoilers for next week tease fire drama, some big choices to be made and some realisations. Next week’s full spoilers have yet to be released, so check back on the Mirror on Tuesday for all the gossip.
For now, some publications have revealed little teasers for the big week, and there’s so much drama and the rest. One soap sees a wedding loom, while a character could be in danger.
Another soap sees concerns for a legend as a fire takes place, after it was previously reported Roy Cropper’s café would be deliberately set on fire. There’s also hard scenes and some happy scenes for a soap.
According to the BBC website, Inside Soap magazine and What’s On TV magazine, next week sees some big moments. On EastEnders, Vicki Fowler and Ross Marshall’s hen and stag parties arrive.
A situation soon escalates for Vicki, with her left paranoid and left with little option. Elsewhere, Bea Pollard’s obsession with Honey Mitchell escalates, and she’s clearly jealous of her – while she soon makes a decision about her love life.
Jasmine Fisher starts to feel part of the Slaters, while Oscar Branning attempts to avoid Josh. Oscar then spends his time putting Max and Lauren Branning to the test as they compete.
Finally, Priya Nandra-Hart continues to worry about Ravi Gulati. Over on Coronation Street, Summer Spellman drops a horrifying truth on Todd Grimshaw.
In a fire twist, the residents of Weatherfield see smoke coming from the café. Both Christina Boyd and Glenda Shuttleworth try to help George amid his business troubles.
Eva Price attempts to bring the Driscolls back together, and Mal Roper continues to cause trouble. Finally on Emmerdale, Dr Todd escalates her cruel manipulation towards Jacob Gallagher.
Charity Dingle decides to throw a baby shower for Sarah Sugden, while some new evidence appears. But what is it, who is it linked to and will to help someone in need?
Vanessa Woodfield gets a new housemate, DS Walsh makes an accusation and someone takes action when they notice a spark between two characters, after it seemed things were over.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Asked whether Scarratt or Hunter, who have a combined total of 260 international caps, have the capability to take over as head coach for the next World Cup in 2033, Mitchell said: “Most definitely. I will probably be an old man by then, in my 70s I think.”
He added: “They have been challenged for a long time in their careers and they are extremely curious.
“You don’t play over 100 Test matches or become the most-capped English women’s player in history if you don’t have a strong work rate.
“You have two wonderful people who are authentic, easy to work with and fun to work with.”
A challenge for Scarratt, which Hunter has already had to navigate, is coaching her former team-mates.
Scrum-half Natasha Hunt appears regularly on Scarratt’s podcast, ‘The Good, the Scaz and the Rugby’, and the pair were room-mates in camp.
Pre-recorded shows will still go out but Scarratt will be fully focused on coaching during the Six Nations.
“She [Hunt] tried [to still room with me], she tried pretty hard,” she joked.
“Mo [Hunt] is rooming with Marlie Packer. So for anyone who was concerned, she is safe and well looked after.
“There are certain things that I cannot talk to Mo about any more because there is an element where it is not appropriate for players to know certain things.
“Obviously they know who I am. I know who they are. There is no point trying to pretend like we [former team-mates] are not friends or that we can’t share a joke with one another. That would almost be weirder.”
Only three female head coaches were in charge at the last World Cup (France, Australia and Japan).
Scarratt said it is too early to consider one day taking on that role but she remains passionate about increasing opportunities for female coaches.
“Fundamentally, we need to do a better job – whether that is upskilling, making it more accessible or showing that it is visible – for more people to be in the game and to then move into those roles,” she added.
“There is still probably a shortage of people available to do that, aside from ex-players. It is very cool to see women in those roles.”
A low-key and cosy eatery in a market town has been crowned Best Pasta Restaurant at the Italian Awards 2026, putting the Derbyshire hidden gem on the culinary map
The authentic restaurant is known for being small and cosy (Image: A Tavola Gastronomia Siciliana)
Italian cuisine is always a firm favourite when it comes to dining out but what you might not realise is that some of the finest examples can be found right on your doorstep.
In what has essentially become the Oscars of the Italian hospitality world, the Italian Awards 2026 took place recently, celebrating the very best pizza, pasta, restaurants and cafés across the UK.
And in a fiercely competitive category, the winner of Best Pasta Restaurant turned out to be a hidden gem nestled in New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire.
A Tavola Gastronomia Siciliana, the authentic Italian eatery, claimed the coveted prize – and will no doubt see a wave of curious food lovers descend upon them as a result.
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Led by award-winning chef Alessio Muccio, the restaurant takes great pride in producing fresh pasta, gelato and pastries on the premises, using traditional Sicilian ingredients.
Their website states: “Our restaurant is small and cosy and adorned with Sicilian artefacts; it’s a little slice of Sicily here in the High Peak.”
One delighted customer left a glowing review on TripAdvisor, saying: “A Tavola is a colourful, warm, and welcoming trattoria located in the dark, cold, wintery heart of the Peak District.
“Highly recommended for those longing for those rich Sicilian flavours but far from the light and abundance of the Bel Paese. Sicilian sweet and sour flavours are present in many dishes, from pistachio and fennel to sardines with pine nuts and raisins.”
Another reviewer said: “What a wonderful restaurant! A lucky find as we were looking for somewhere to eat before going to hear some live music nearby. Very friendly staff, delicious food and a convivial ambience.
“I only wish it were not over 100 miles from my home. I highly recommend a visit, especially if you are missing being in Italy! You will be transported!”
The Derbyshire eatery bills itself as a ‘labour of love’ from the chef, who has crafted a menu designed to accommodate all dietary needs. What’s more, his specials change with the seasons to guarantee fresh and seasonal ingredients year-round.
These touches haven’t gone unnoticed by diners, with one writing: “Absolutely fantastic food and service. From start to finish totally delicious. Thanks so much. Can’t wait to go back. 5 stars!”
It’s an unexpected location to discover authentic, mouthwatering Italian pasta, nestled in a market town, but it’s definitely worth stopping by while exploring the Peak District.
The restaurant sits on Albion Road, New Mills, High Peak, roughly eight miles south-east of Stockport and just 13 miles from Manchester.
While it might seem somewhat off the beaten track, it wasn’t quite concealed enough to escape the notice of the Italian Awards, which bestowed upon it the recognition its patrons believe it richly deserves.
Awards Director Warren Paul, discussing the launch of the Italian Awards for 2026, expressed his delight in celebrating the efforts of “passionate people”. He added: “That’s why we do what we do.
“It’s to make sure the hard-working inspirational people and businesses get the recognition they deserve.
“Everyone jumps to criticise and leave a negative review or complaint over the tiniest thing, but very few rush to praise good service, food and experiences. That’s where we come in. So congratulations to our winners.”
Highly Recommended restaurants in the same category included:
Italian Touch By Ivano Pizzeria & Ristorante (Bedford)
Mele e Pere (London)
Primavista (Bury St Edmunds)
Shambles Restaurant & Winebar (Teddington)
The Kettlebridge Inn, Bar & Italian Restaurant (Cupar)
April 6 (UPI) — The United States and South Korea began a joint investigation Monday to locate the wreckage of at least three U.S. aircraft that crashed off South Korea’s northeastern coast during the Korean War, officials said.
The four-week survey of the Gangneung and Yangyang areas of northeastern Gangwon Province seeks to trace the wreckage of a fighter plane and two transport aircraft, ahead of underwater investigations scheduled for August, South Korea’s Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
The joint survey is being conducted by the Pentagon’s POW/MIA Accounting Agency and South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense Agency for KIA Recovery and Identification, which will collect materials, including information from local residents, as well as confirm the availability of medical decompression chamber facilities essential for underwater operations.
“Since 2024, I have been coming to Korea for three years to work with MAKRI to find traces of the heroes who fought in the war,” U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Jordyn King, deputy team leader of the Pentagon’s DPAA investigation team in South Korea, said in a statement.
“During the one month given to us, we will carefully gather materials so that we can achieve good results in the future underwater investigation.”
Seoul said the survey covers three aircraft crash sites, including that of a transport plane that crashed on Nov. 15, 1952, after departing Gangneung Air Base for Pohang with nine people, including a South Korean service member, on board.
The plane suffered engine trouble mid-flight and crashed into the sea.
A second site is waters near Yangyang County, where a U.S. aircraft crashed on Feb. 21, 1952. The third is in waters near Gangneung, where a transport plane with 17 people on board crashed on Oct. 16 of that same year after suffering a mechanical problem.
“Just as we recover the remains of South Korean troops killed in action, we will spare no support in helping to find the war dead and missing of the U.S. military who helped us,” Lt. Col. Kim Seong-hwan, acting head of MAKRI, said in a statement.
The announcement comes months after the two agencies signed a memorandum of understanding in Arlington, Va., committing to the recovery and identification of remains of soldiers who were classified as missing during the Korean War of 1950-1953, which ended with an armistice.
According to a DPAA release announcing the signing in August, the agreement enhances cooperation and collaboration between the two agencies, while streamlining efforts to locate, excavate and identify the remains of fallen service members.
More than 1.8 million Americans served in the Korean War of 1950-1953, about 37,000 of whom were killed, more than 92,000 wounded and roughly 8,000 were listed as missing, according to Pentagon statistics.
The ongoing war of choice launched by the United States and Israel against Iran has shattered the geopolitical status quo in our region. As Washington finds itself entangled in another Middle Eastern quagmire, reports suggest that US President Donald Trump’s administration is increasingly in need of a political off-ramp.
The Hormuz littoral states possess a rare, collective opportunity to provide the American president with an exit strategy. By taking the initiative to establish a new, locally managed security architecture for the Strait of Hormuz, our nations can further elevate their strategic significance in regional geopolitics and the global economy. The alternative to this win-win scenario is prolonged conflict that would ensure that a new regional order is eventually imposed unilaterally by Tehran.
Seeking to balance their positions, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states appear trapped between two bad options. Confronting Trump, especially in the middle of a war, would undoubtedly carry significant costs and unpredictable reactions from an increasingly unpredictable leader.
At the same time, their inability to avoid being seen by Iran as at least passive participants in the aggression against the country makes them legitimate targets under its increasingly assertive military doctrine, which seeks to prevent the repetition of such wars for the foreseeable future.
Yet, this reality also demonstrates the limits of the United States’ security patronage. These limits—especially during what appears to be a historically unconditional alliance with Israel in which Israeli interests increasingly trump American interests in the region—suggest that the status quo is unsustainable.
A new order will inevitably replace the existing one, as conditions for all regional states will further deteriorate if the conflict continues to escalate. There is no longer any scenario in which Iran remains a target while the GCC carries on as usual, as was the case during the 12-day war in June 2025.
Iran’s ability to choke the flow of maritime traffic with $20,000 drones that can be produced underground and launched from anywhere in the country suggests that it possesses immense leverage. Iranian officials have clearly stated that it will now be utilised to forge a new order for Hormuz.
Relations between Iran and the GCC states have seen ups and downs since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The relationship was defined by hostility for a long time until it underwent a radical, positive transformation in the past few years.
Iranian attacks against the military and economic infrastructure in the GCC states, along with the recent expulsion of Iranian diplomats from some GCC capitals, undoubtedly constitute a severe setback and a regression toward the past.
However, this crisis has also demonstrated that security is a collective good; the current war proves how one state’s insecurity renders all states in the region insecure. A security architecture built at the expense of a neighbour is no longer viable. Iran has already begun dismantling the former order, but the new order does not need to be exclusively Iranian in its design.
For a path forward, we can look to Europe’s successful historical experiences in achieving a regional order. From the Congress of Vienna, which stabilised Europe following Napoleon’s wars of aggression, to the gradual economic, political, and security integration that followed World War II, these milestones should not serve as templates, but as sources of inspiration for our region.
The Strait of Hormuz suffers from a legal anomaly, as it remains one of the few critical maritime arteries of its kind lacking a dedicated international regulatory treaty. Unlike Turkiye, whose sovereign control and regional stability are in part anchored in the Montreux Convention regulating the Bosporus and Dardanelles, Hormuz operates without a codified maritime framework, which has made it uniquely vulnerable to superpower impositions throughout history. The current war can thus, to some extent, be understood as a product of this unregulated environment.
Convening a “Congress for Hormuz” could help regional states collectively design a security architecture, fill this legal vacuum, and ensure the stability of not only our own region but the global economy as well.
The ultimate goal of such a platform should be the codification of a treaty that formalises the status of the strait and provides the legal certainty currently absent, while also elevating the strategic weight of regional states in the global economy by ensuring that the management of Hormuz remains a local prerogative.
In the short term, this framework can serve to reopen the strait, providing Trump with a way out of the quagmire by claiming that his regional allies have helped reopen it. In the long term, this framework would protect GCC countries from a patron willing to sacrifice international law and regional stability for the benefit of its principal ally, Israel, an ally that none of us will ever be able to replace or compete with.
The future of Hormuz belongs in the hands of its inhabitants, not the superpowers who have exploited it and are currently destabilising it to pursue their own, or Israel’s, interests.
While a multilateral platform and a formal treaty represent the ideal path towards long-term stability, it is imperative to recognise that the current existential war launched against Iran—a conflict facilitated by the regional status quo—has made the emergence of a new order a non-negotiable necessity for Tehran.
Should the GCC states choose to prioritise the requests of their Western allies over regional integration—which is likely to also prolong the conflict, inflicting costs on all sides—Iran will undoubtedly proceed to forge this new order unilaterally.
In such a scenario, the resulting framework would also be an imposed order, born of strategic necessity and survival rather than consensus. Under these conditions, the common ground for shared peace, regional stability, and collective prosperity would be significantly diminished. This would be a lost opportunity.
The GCC states must now decide whether they wish to be the architects of this new regional era, or passive observers.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.
Britain’s Got Talent has been accused of a ‘fix’ after one if it’s contestant has been revealed as a West End star who appeared in the musical Lion King
20:25, 05 Apr 2026Updated 21:28, 05 Apr 2026
Nic Vani was revealed as a West End star(Image: ITV)
A Britain’s Got Talent star’s West End past has been revealed. But now, Nic Vani has shared his dreams of finally being centre stage in a production, rather than in the background.
During his audition, Nic impressed all four judges with his impressive rendition of Circle of Life, taken from the hit musical, The Lion King.
But one explanation for his outstanding performance is the fact that he starred in the production as a performer. And according to reports, he played the iconic role of Simba.
Nic received a standing ovation from the judges, Stacey Solomon, who is standing in for Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, KSI and Alesha Dixon. And he received four yesses.
Nic, a father of three, described himself as a singer, without mentioning his professional past. And the reason for appearing on the show was that he finally felt ready to take his career to the next level. During his audition, Nic said: “In my current music career, I’ve always been at the back – so now I think that it’s time for me to be on the spotlight.”
However, after his performance, viewers started to do a bit of digging and found out he was a professional singer. A source said of Nic: “Nic loves performing and has been grafting in musical theatre for decades, but he has always been the swing player waiting in the wings and never the headline West End star. BGT has opened doors for all kinds of stage talent and Nic stepping out of the shadows to show his singing to the world could be the moment to change.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson said: “Anyone can apply for Britain’s Got Talent whether they are professional or amateur, irrespective of their experience. All contestants are auditioned on merit and judged on their performance on the day. Some of the acts appearing on the show may have tasted a level of success in their craft, but are not household names. All enter the contest with the hope of elevating their career to the highest level.”
As well as starring in The Lion King, he also landed a role in The Book of Mormon and has toured with former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse. Fans were not happy about the revelation as they believed the show should be about discovering untapped talent. Taking to X, one person wrote: “Nic vani.. the guy who literally played Simba in The Lion King.. why are they letting people like this on #bgt ??”
And his celebrity links were also on full display as Oti took to Instagram and wrote: “I love you so much and I hope this is the start of a beautiful journey for you.”
Although many were unhappy about his inclusion, others celebrated his talent as they felt he should have been given the coveted golden buzzer.
Another viewer said: “This man was phenomenal!!!! And should have had the golden buzzer!!! His performance made the hairs on my neck and spine stand on end!! Amazing!!!!”‘
Another act that was given Stacey’s golden buzzer was a primary school group who performed a unique version of All Things Bright And Beautiful. But within the song they then paused and performed a comedy skit.
Nic may be wanting to follow in the footsteps of BGT legend Susan Boyle, who shot to fame back in 2009 with her rendition of I Dreamed A Dream.
Following her performance, she made it to the final but lost out on winning the competition to dance group Diversity. Susan is now worth an estimated £22 million and has finally moved out of her childhood home.
Susan, who recently celebrated her 65th birthday, showed off her transformation. And fans were so taken aback by her news look, they said that the TV personality was ageing “backwards.”
Sharing a snap of her in a football shirt, showing off her blonde hair she captioned the post saying: “I’m so proud to support the wonderful charity, Street Soccer Scotland. I’ve absolutely loved getting my hands on this beautiful limited edition Street Soccer Scotland x Timorous Beasties football shirt.”
Figure Technology Solutions (FIGR) reported significant growth for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Consumer Loan Marketplace Volume reached $2,902 million in Q1, a 113% increase from last year.
A new route to the Italian city means Brits can indulge their love of cheese and even book a factory tour and tasting, as well as enjoying the historic sights in this sun-soaked destination
The city is a cultural and gastronomic destination(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A new Ryanair route has launched from London-Stansted and it’s the perfect city break for those who love cheese, or Italian food in general.
Booking is now open for London to Parma flights, with the first of the twice-weekly flights taking off on June 4. The service will run on Thursdays and Sundays, making it the perfect route for a long weekend, and the flight time is just under two hours. Fares start from £20.95 one way.
Parma is found in northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region and is a major foodie city thanks to two of its most famous products that are enjoyed around the world. Firstly, the pungent Parmesan cheese comes from this city, and there are a number of factories and tours you can take which end with cheese tastings. You can even visit the Museo del Parmigiano-Reggiano just outside the city and learn about the history of cheesemaking in the area.
Prosciutto di Parma, or Parma ham as Brits tend to call it, also hails from this region. There are a few Prosciuttificio around the city where you can see the giant legs dangling from the ceiling as they go through the curing process for months on end. Some Prosciuttificio have cafes attached where you can enjoy platters of prosciutto and cheese served alongside a glass of Italian wine.
Parma is a walkable city, and many tourists start of at the old town, known as Centro Storico. Down its narrow medieval streets you’ll find impressive Romanesque architecture, colourful terraced houses, and cobbled town squares full of cafés.
At the heart of the old town is Piazza del Duomo, and here you’ll find the 900-year old gothic cathedral and 12th-century Bishop’s Palace which was built with repurposed Roman stone blocks.
Other incredible architectural sites include Teatro Farnese, one of Europe’s largest Baroque theatres, built entirely in timber. This grand auditorium dates back to the 17th century and the elaborate wood carvings are a testament to the craftsmanship of the time. Parma was the birthplace of composer Verdi, so there’s usually a packed schedule of operas and classical concerts across its historic theatres.
Music lovers can also visit the fascinating House of Sound, a museum that is focused on how technology developed for music, from the creation of the gramophone and radio to modern music devices. The museum also features 228 speakers, grouped in 64 audio channels, which allow visitors to experience ‘sound rains’ as they move around.
Parma has a huge number of restaurants, including two with Michelin stars, making it the perfect destination for foodies. There are endless Trattoria and Osteria found down narrow streets where you can experience authentic, inexpensive Italian cuisine. Osteria dei Servi comes highly recommended, and you can dine in this cosy restaurant among the hanging prosciutto legs while choosing specials from the chalkboard.
Trattoria Corrieri has a similarly rustic Italian feel. One page of the menu is devoted to prosciutto and other cured meats, and local ingredients are the cornerstone of this cosy Italian restaurant, which has been open since the 1800s.
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Every year at San Mames, the iconic home of Athletic Club in Bilbao, local fans pause to recognise and celebrate players not from their own club, but those who share a unique value with the Basque outfit – loyalty.
Athletic Club – famous for only fielding players born or raised in the region – introduced the One-Club Award in 2015, honouring those who dedicated their entire professional career to a single team.
“We wanted to create an award that recognised most kids growing up dream of playing for one club,” explains Dan Parry from the La Liga side’s communications department.
“On the other side, we wanted to show despite all the big-money transfers in modern-day football, there are top players all over the world who want to become one-club players.
“It’s an individual award, but it’s also an award that celebrates the union between the football team, fans and the player.”
Keeping those values in mind, then, this week I’m ranking football’s top 10 one-club men – you can have you say below, too.
You don’t need to venture too far into France to find its wow factor. Indeed, within minutes of exiting the ferry or Channel Tunnel, you can be staring a fire-breathing dragon in the face. The Dragon de Calais is a 25-metre-long mechanical beast that stomps along the renovated sea front carrying 48 passengers on its back (adult ticket €9.50), emitting jets of fire, steam and water from its nostrils. It was created by the team behind Les Machines de L’île, a collection of steampunk wonders including a 12-metre elephant, in Nantes.
This year, Calais’ dragon is joined by Le Varan, a giant iguana that crawls around the town and the old fishing district with room for 25 passengers (adults €8.50). While you’re there, explore the beaches along the coast at Hardelot-Plage and visit the Chateau d’Hardelot, with its history of Franco-British relations.
Celebrate Monet in Rouen
Rouen cathedral, which Monet painted more than 30 times. Photograph: SC Stock/Getty Images
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Claude Monet’s death and many galleries and venues in Normandy and Paris have events planned. You don’t need to face the crowds at Giverny or the Musée d’Orsay to appreciate the great artist’s work, though. Instead, visit Rouen, where Monet found the ever-changing, silver-grey light on the intricate and imposing facade of the cathedral so inspiring he painted it more than 30 times (from the window of what was, at the time, a ladies’ undergarment shop opposite).
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen has the largest collection of French impressionist works outside Paris, including one of the cathedral paintings and works by Camille Pissarro and Alfred Sisley. While you’re there, explore the Boucles de la Seine natural regional park, where you can cycle between the loops of the River Seine through orchards and past the ruined Abbaye de Jumièges.
Visit a postman’s palace in Drôme
The Palais Idéal, created by Ferdinand Cheval. Photograph: DV Travel/Alamy
The Dauphiné region, close to Grenoble, combines breathtaking scenery and curious attractions. Chief among them is the Palais Idéal, a whimsical monument built over 33 years from the late 19th century by Ferdinand Cheval, a postman whose inspiration came from the travel journals and postcards he delivered on his 20-mile round. On the facade of the 10-metre-high palace, you’ll see mythical creatures and mysterious grottoes, Egyptian temples and Swiss chalets, while the small on-site museum recounts the stories of Cheval’s tragic life, and those who fought until the 1960s to have the structure recognised as a listed monument.
Nearby, explore the jaw-dropping Vercors mountains, with precipitous roads such as the Combe Laval route, which was chiselled out of the rock in the 19th century to transport timber. Also visit the fascinating Grotte de Choranche underground caves, with curious, spaghetti-like stalactites, and the town of Pont-en-Royans, where medieval houses hang high over a gorge.
Discover Brittany by bike
A cyclist on the Traversée Bretonne passes a chateau in Nantes. Photograph: Un Monde à Vélo
Cyclists have always been spoiled by the smooth, car-free cycle paths throughout France, and now the Traversée Bretonne, a new route through the heart of Brittany, offers a fresh challenge. Starting in the city of Nantes, the 14-stage route takes riders past the curious mid-century architecture of Saint-Nazaire (such as the Soucoupe, a sports centre shaped like a flying saucer), then on to the “Atlantic Riviera” at La Baule, with its belle époque villas and vast beach.
Further along, the lively city of Rennes is perfect for rehydrating: Rue Saint-Michel is nicknamed Rue de la Soif (thirsty street) because it has a bar approximately every 7 metres. The route finishes with a nice flat stage at Mont-Saint-Michel. traversee-bretonne.com
Celebrate figs in the Var
Figs for sale at the Fête de la Figue in the village of Solliès-Pont. Photograph: Laurent Parienti
Plan a late-summer sojourn in the Vallée du Gapeau, inland from Toulon, which is renowned for its fig orchards: local people say the trees like their heads in the sunshine and their feet in the water. At the end of August, the start of the harvest is celebrated with the lively Fête de la Figue in the village of Solliès-Pont. As well as the bountiful market, there are tours of the groves and a lively four-course dinner with music in the village’s main square.
While you’re there, hike in the wooded valley and admire the curiously shaped “elephant rock”. Visit the local olive oil mill at Moulin à Huile du Partégal (entry free) to explore its ancient grove and taste its oils; and stroll the unspoiled villages of Solliès-Ville and Solliès-Toucas. valleegapeau-tourisme.fr
Taste cheese in the Jura mountains
Cheese at La Maison du Comté. Photograph: Hemis/Alamy
To truly understand the flavours of French cheeses, it pays to visit the landscapes in which they are made. One of the most enchanting areas for a foray in fromage is the Jura mountains, the home of comté cheese. Here, as part of the Routes du Comté, you can visit the so-called cathedral of comté at the Fort Saint-Antoine (tour reservations essential, €11), where Fromageries Marcel Petite ages its 100,000 wheels of comté between the stone arches of a 19th-century military fort. Nearby, next to the Lac de Malbuisson, Restaurant du Fromage offers a comté and savagnin wine fondue in its Swiss-chalet-like surrounds.
An hour west, the town of Poligny is home to La Maison du Comté, a visitor centre dedicated to explaining how the cheese is made and infused with the flavours of the 130 plants from the spectacular landscape on which the cows graze. montagnes-du-jura.fr
Hunt for bric-a-brac in Normandy
A flea market in Honfleur. Photograph: Peter Andrew Richardson/Alamy
Take a road trip to the bucolic Perche regional natural park in southern Normandy, an area of rolling hills, cider farms and charming villages. It is ideal, too, for those who love hunting for vintage treasures and bric-a-brac. Near the towns of Bellême, Mortagne-au-Perche and along the D923 road between La Ferté-Bernard and Nogent-le-Rotrou, you will find many brocante shops and warehouses with artfully displayed items on offer.
The area is a popular weekend destination for Parisians, hence the abundance of good restaurants. In the village of La Perrière, La Maison d’Horbé B&B and wine bar (rooms from €142.50) is set in an antiques shop, while in Saint-Hilaire-le-Châtel, the Hotel les Prés has its own restaurant (rooms from €142). perche-tourisme.fr
Relive history in the Vendée
Cahriot racing at the Puy du Fou theme park. Photograph: Arthur Aumond
You need never utter the word Disney once you’ve discovered the Puy du Fou, a theme park like no other, in the countryside of the Vendée. With bombastic historical re-enactments of Viking invasions, Roman chariot races, medieval jousting and more than 2,500 actors across the park, many of the shows are big on wow factor.
Yet there are also experiences that evoke a quieter sense of wonder – walk through the cabins and hull of the 18th-century ship La Pérouse and see its myriad flora and fauna gathered from around the world, before it sinks in a storm in the South Pacific. Moving, too, is the Amoureux de Verdun experience, which puts you in the trenches of Verdun in the first world war, where actors play out a love story. Adult tickets from €47, puydufou.com
Swim in a tidal pool in Brittany
Saint-Malo’s Piscine de Bon Secours. Photograph: JJ Farquitectos/Getty Images
There are several tidal swimming pools along the Emerald Coast in Brittany. At Dinard, the Piscine de Mer overlooks the vast main beach, alongside stately belle époque villas and maritime pines; and from Saint-Malo’s Piscine de Bon Secours, you can walk at low tide to the island of Grand-Bé for a great view back to the walled town.
The Emerald Coast is good for hiking too, so make a point to stroll out to the dramatically perched Fort La Latte on the Cap Fréhel headland. dinardemeraudetourisme.com
Explore the wild Aubrac plateau
The volcanic landscape of the Aubrac plateau. Photograph: Hemis/Alamy
Many holidaymakers speed through the centre of France on the autoroute known as La Méridienne (A75), bound for busy beaches of the Med. Those who prefer more solitude, however, should exit sooner (exit 39 to be precise) and venture west on to the extraordinary, volcanic landscape of the Aubrac plateau. Here, stone-walled meadows abound with wild flowers and the buron huts that once housed cowherds and cheesemakers have been converted into welcoming rustic restaurants, such as the Buron de Born, serving local potato and cheese dishes such as aligot and truffade. At night, the total absence of light pollution makes it ideal for stargazing. tourisme-en-aubrac.com
The pretty market town is famous for many things, including being the home of former Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith
Christopher Sharp visited Moreton-in-Marsh(Image: Christopher Sharp)
A pretty market town home to an iconic TV judge blew me away – not least because of its high street. Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds clearly attracts a remarkable number of visitors, judging by the sheer volume of eateries lining its streets.
A visit to the town’s high street reveals an almost unbroken row of bakeries, cafés, pubs, and artisan bistros – quite the sight for a town with a population of just over 5,000 residents (5,015 according to the 2021 Census).
Philip, 53, a cellarman at the local brewery, reflected on the changes: “It’s more touristy stuff. You don’t get so much. The old tour shops gone, the old card’s shop gone. Some of the shops have disappeared, definitely got more touristy. It’s got pluses and negatives. Got a supermarket and the market’s still here.”
When asked whether he ever crosses paths with the town’s most celebrated resident – former Great British Bake Off star Prue Leith – Philip was blunt: “I don’t.”
It seemed only fitting to pen this piece from within The Bell Inn. This much-loved establishment was once frequented by J.R.R. Tolkien himself, reportedly inspiring The Prancing Pony Inn featured in The Lord of the Rings.
We won’t Tolkien the micky (apologies…) and claim any resemblance to that literary giant, but there are certainly far worse spots to settle in than a pub crowned winner of The Pub of the Year in the North Cotswold Campaign for Real Ale Pub of the Year competition, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Inside, the atmosphere is wonderfully unpretentious – a lengthy rope allows dogs to wander freely, locals chat about everyday matters, and a map of Middle Earth adorns the wall.
The walls are adorned with vintage cameras, motorsport posters advertising motor oil, and numerous plug sockets for customers to charge their laptops and other devices.
According to two staff members I chatted to, regulations stipulate that no single pub can claim victory two years running, meaning the Bell may miss out on silverware this year.
Nevertheless, the establishment, which I selected after Google reviews highlighted its affordability, delivered a peppermint tea alongside fish and chips for a reasonable £12.50.
This followed a £3.90 cappuccino from Grouch Coffee, a nine-year-old enterprise near the local train station that began life serving coffee from the rear of a Piaggio.
Fresh from a 100-mile journey in my cherished MINI, and despite my reservations about Allpress beans, it was unmistakably a vital fixture in the community.
The proprietor and staff engaged warmly with families, while comedy posters and tea towels were scattered throughout the tastefully furnished cafe; a cafe situated in a town brimming with spring sunshine.
Emerging from New Road onto the fittingly named High Street, a bustling market was trading trinkets, carpets, fruit, vegetables, and antiques. Venture past the market, beneath which lies a sizeable car park, and you’ll find yourself facing an extensive row of shops, seemingly positioned every six feet or so.
Most of them, as Phil mentioned above, are coffee shops and cafes. Choosing where to grab a bite proved tricky, but if anyone’s concerned about the decline of the high street, Moreton’s appears to be thriving – particularly with a large Co-Op and Tesco Express nestled amongst the independent coffee shops and pubs.
Was it attractive? Certainly in the surprisingly mild spring sunshine, it felt like somewhere you could do more than simply pass through. It had the feel of a town worth pausing at during a long journey – a worthwhile and peaceful pit stop.
Regarding the former Bake Off judge, I’d also enquired at Grouch whether Prue was frequently spotted, and the response was no, not particularly; though perhaps she travels through on her way to the station to catch the 1h 31m £32 15:54 service to London Paddington for an evening out.
Prue has opted to make her home here, in a property she constructed with her husband John Playfair, and it seems to be an excellent town. The key question, though, remains: ‘Should I visit?’.
Several Palestinians were rushed to hospital with severe injuries after an Israeli air strike hit a crowd near the Al Jazeera Club in central Gaza City. Near-daily Israeli attacks have killed more than 700 people since the so-called “ceasefire” entered into effect in October 2025.
Abu Obeida says calling for the group’s disarmament amounts to an attempt to continue Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Published On 5 Apr 20265 Apr 2026
Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida has said that calling for the group’s disarmament amounted to an attempt to continue Israel’s genocide.
Hamas’s armed wing has rejected calls for the Palestinian group to disarm, saying that discussing the issue before Israel fully implements the first phase of the United States-brokered “ceasefire” in Israel’s war on Gaza amounts to an attempt to continue the genocide against the Palestinian people.
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In a televised statement on Sunday, Obeida, who is Hamas’s armed wing spokesperson, said that raising the issue of weapons “in a crude manner” would not be accepted.
The issue of Hamas relinquishing its weapons is a major obstacle in talks to implement US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza, aimed at ending Israel’s war on the besieged territory.
Since the US- and Qatar-brokered “ceasefire” took effect in October, more than 705 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa.
Hamas has told mediators it will not discuss disarmament without guarantees that Israel will completely withdraw from Gaza, three sources told the Reuters news agency last week.
“What the enemy is trying to push through today against the Palestinian resistance, via our brotherly mediators, is extremely dangerous,” Obeida said.
He said the disarmament demands were “nothing but an overt attempt to continue the genocide against our people, something we will not accept under any circumstances”.
It was not immediately clear whether the comments amounted to a formal rejection of the US-backed plan, which includes a demand that Hamas lay down its arms.
Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, which began after the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023, has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians and injured at least 172,000 others.
Obeida urged mediators to pressure Israel to fulfil its commitments under the first phase of the Trump plan before any discussion of the second phase can take place.
“The enemy is the one who undermines the agreement,” he said.
There was no immediate comment from Israel on his remarks.
Obeida also addressed Israel’s role in the US-Israel war on Iran, condemning it for launching strikes on Iran “in the midst of the deception of negotiations, with full collusion and conspiracy with the United States”.
The US had been involved in talks with Iran over its nuclear programme in the weeks before the US and Israel launched the war on February 28.
In Iran, more than 2,000 people have been killed and at least 26,500 others injured since the war began.
Obeida also condemned Israel’s renewed offensive “against sisterly Lebanon”, which it launched on March 2 after the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel.
Israel’s assault on Lebanon has killed more than 1,400 people and displaced over 1.2 million, according to Lebanese authorities.
Obeida commended Iran, Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis for their continued strikes against Israel.
Hamas’s spokesman also condemned the Israeli parliament’s passage of a new death penalty law that only applies to Palestinians, urging people in the West Bank “to seek, by every possible means, to liberate the [Palestinian] prisoners” held in Israeli jails.
Beverley Callard has addressed the apparent confusion that some fans have had ahead of her appearance on I’m A Celebrity…South Africa amid her breast cancer battle
Beverley Callard will appear on this year’s edition of I’m A Celebrity…South Africa (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
The soap star, who initially appeared on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in 2020, will be seen again on-screen from Easter Monday, where she joins a whole host of other former campmates from the ITV survival series as they battle it out to become the next Jungle Legend.
She will be seen facing challenges alongside the likes of Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, who was crowned Queen of the Jungle in 2016, and TOWIE legend Gemma Collins, who infamously quit the show after just three days in 2014, but some fans have been left wondering how this is possible when she is going through major health issues.
The former Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps star has been open and honest about her health woes since the start, and took to Instagram late on Sunday night to remind fans that the show is pre-recorded, and doesn’t go out live like the main series.
She said: “Well, I’ve just got to, first of all, I’ve got to say Happy Easter – even though it’s a bit late – to everybody. Not a bad day today, but I didn’t eat chocolate because I just didn’t fancy it. And also, I want to remind everyone that tomorrow at 9pm, Easter Monday, I’m A Celebrity…South Africa begins.
“And I know everybody thinks I’m suddenly going away to South Africa. I’m not. We did film it a little while ago. So please watch it because it’s frightening, wonderful, horrifying, funny – it was terrifying, exhilarating, everything. But believe me, it’s great television, honestly, so I hope you enjoy it.”
The update comes after Beverley, who underwent her first operation at the beginning of March and was due to receive her results at the start of April, revealed she had received some by bad news just before the onset of the long Easter weekend.
Speaking to her followers again, she heartbreakingly admitted she couldn’t pretend any longer that everything was all right as she headed to a photoshoot to promote her new role on Irish soap Fair City.
She said: “Well, I had to do a photoshoot yesterday and on the way there – it was for a magazine about Fair City – and on the way there, Jon [my husband] was driving, and I was in the passenger seat. My phone rang, and it said the caller ID. Usually, it’s the hospital or one of the consultants from the hospital and I thought ‘Okay, this is it, my results.’ It was one of the amazing cancer care nurses from Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, they are fantastic.
“She wanted to know how I was doing. I told her that I’ve got quite a lot of soreness, which I’ve not had for ages but it came on a few days ago. She said I could be overdoing things, hopefully I’m not, I’ve had a lazy day today. But then she said ‘No results yet because there is a backlog,’ so hopefully I will get them next week.
“You know when your heart is in your mouth? You think ‘This is it. It’s coming now, any minute,’ and then, no, nothing. Obviously, we were still moving in the car, and I just thought ‘I can’t do this now, I cannot paint a smile on my face again.’
At the beginning of March, Beverley told fans that she had around four weeks of waiting to find out if the operation had been a success, and at the time, seemed optimistic about the situation.
She said: “So, the next stage, is, in about four weeks, we will find out if she managed to get all the cancer out and we’ll also get the results of whether it was in the lymph nodes or not.
“If I’m cancer-free, then, a few weeks after that, I will begin radiotherapy. If I’m not cancer-free, then we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. But I have a feeling I will be. I don’t why I have that feeling but I just have.”
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.
United, along with Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal, are among the clubs who have been contacted about the potential availability of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, 25. (Teamtalk, external)
Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic, 19, currently on loan at Hamburg, has suggested he could return to White Hart Lane despite interest from major clubs in Europe. (The Standard, external)
Bayer Leverkusen will try to retain star forward Yan Diomande, 19, with a deal for a further year, despite numerous clubs being interested in signing the Ivorian. (Fabrizio Romano, external)
The woman jumped out of her seat as soon as the plane hit the tarmac and ignored flight crew instructions to return to her seat while the seatbelt sign was still on
The pilot was praised for his actions (stock)
A pilot has been praised as a “hero” for ridiculing an entitled woman who rushed down the aisle in an attempt to be the first passenger off the aircraft. A fellow traveller recounted how the woman leapt from her seat the moment the plane touched down and bolted towards the exit.
Despite the seatbelt sign remaining illuminated, she disregarded the cabin crew’s requests to return to her seat until the aircraft had come to a complete stop. Recounting the incident on Reddit, the passenger explained: “The woman in the back unbuckled and darted to the front of the plane to get off first.
“She did not make any eye contact and felt that she was special. I’m talking about going from the very last seat on the plane, down the whole row, and past first class, basically standing at the little kitchen thing in the front.
“The seat belt sign was still on and we were still rolling down the runway. The flight crew had asked her to return to her seat until we reached the gate but she was not even responding.”
The passenger went on to describe how everyone aboard shifted their focus to the woman following the gruelling eight-hour journey. But that’s when the pilot chose to intervene personally.
“Suddenly the captain announced we had a special guest onboard and he would be coming out to greet them after we were settled at the gate,” they continued.
“The woman stood there awkwardly until we did the whole rolling into the gate thing, and whatever planes do when they land, for about 15 to 20 minutes.”
They went on: “Everyone sat there waiting to see what the captain was talking about. Eventually, the captain came out and asked the lady to please move back a little to get to his special guest, then a little more, then a little more.
“He was looking from row to row trying to find a specific person. Everyone is watching and looking around to see who it could be. “
The pilot kept ushering her back one row at a time until she reached the very back of the plane.
Finally, as they approached the rear of the plane he asked her to sit for a second while he grabbed the intercom at the rear of the plane.
The person recalled: “The pilot said: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to announce our special guest sitting in seat 42C. Let’s give her a round of applause’. The whole plane went wild with laughter and applause. I loved every moment of that.”
Responding to the pilot’s power move, one user remarked: “That pilot is a hero to the people.”
Another user added: “I was hoping that the special guest was a federal marshal coming onboard to arrest the woman for refusing to follow safety-related commands given by members of the flight crew.”
One passenger said: “Sometimes when a plane is late getting in there are people that have a connecting flight that will be very tight to make. They need to get off the plane quickly to have any chance at their connection.
“The best way to handle that is to inform the stewardess and they can make a general announcement. Of course, sometimes people ignore that announcement and block the aisle for those people anyway.”
OPEC+ members announced Sunday they would modestly boost production as worldwide oil supplies tighten and prices spike amid the American-Israeli war on Iran. File Photo by Olivier Matthys/EPA
April 5 (UPI) — Members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said Sunday they will again modestly boost oil production as war rages in Iran and the Persian Gulf, although the move is largely symbolic as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
As first they did in March, the eight OPEC+ countries — Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman — on Sunday agreed to a 206,000 barrel-per-day production increase amid attacks by Iran on the oil and gas facilities of several of its members in the Persian Gulf.
Iran has blocked the key Strait of Hormuz shipping lane in response to the American and Israel attacks that started on Feb. 28.
Since then the global price of oil has shot up by close to 60% while gas prices at the pump in the United States have surpassed $4 per gallon.
Although the waterway remains choked off, the OPEC+ move indicated producers will likely ramp up production to help alleviate the worldwide oil shock once the Strait is reopened and production facilities in the Gulf states are secured from Iranian drones and missiles.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday continued to threaten Iran with destruction of civilian and military infrastructure by Tuesday unless Tehran loosens its grip on the Strait.
But Iran has remained defiant, continuing to launch drone attacks against OPEC members who host U.S. military facilities, particularly targeting Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE, where critical infrastructure again came under attack on Sunday.
Damage was sustained at civilian facilities in all three countries, officials reported.
The Kuwait Petroleum Corp. announced “significant material losses” after Iranian drone attacks on several of its facilities, the KUNA news agency reported.
Meanwhile, Kuwaiti Interior Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Nasser Bousleib said officials had registered nine reports of falling shrapnel during the preceding 24 hours, boosting the total of such incidents since the beginning of the Iranian aggression to 678.
An Iranian flag stands amid the destruction in Enghelab Square following the attacks carried out by the United States and Israel on Tehran, Iran, on March 4, 2026. Photo by Nahal Farzaneh/UPI | License Photo
Trump wrote on Sunday: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP”.
The Luxembourg entry for the Eurovision Song Contest is under investigation after their song held similarities to the singer Birdy’s song Keeping Your Head Up
22:11, 05 Apr 2026Updated 22:14, 05 Apr 2026
BBC stars Sara Cox and Rylan Clark are tipped to replace Scott Mills at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest
Luxembourg has been thrown into chaos regarding its participation in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest after its entry’s song is facing a copyright investigation.
Mother Nature by Eva Marija has been accused of being almost identical to the 2016 hit song “Keeping Your Head Up” by singer Birdy. It emerged that the chorus of the song is similar to Birdy’s, prompting her team to launch an investigation.
Now, a spokesperson for the singer has said that they are aware of the situation. In a statement, they said: “The Birdy camp is now aware, and they are reviewing. And the Luxembourg broadcaster RTL confirmed that it was exploring the suggestion of copyright infringement.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Luxembourg broadcaster RTL told The Sun: “We, the Eurovision team, take the discussions about possible copyright infringements seriously and want to deal with them transparently.”
But this is not the first time the legendary song contest has had its fair share of disruption. Back in 2024, the final aired from Malmö in Sweden. However, the run-up to the show was blighted by boycotts and even arrests.’
The Dutch actor Joost Klein was told that were not allowed to perform after an alleged heated argument, which reportedly turned physical.
But it wasn’t just that; the contest was thrown into further chaos as people gathered to protest against Israel’s inclusion despite the country’s war with Palestine. Activist Greta Thunberg was also seen supporting the pro-Palestine protesters. The protests occurred outside the Swedish arena.
In the wave of Joost Klein’s disqualification, the Dutch radio Avrotos found the punishment “disproportionate” and “very heavy.” A petition was even generated in support of the act to perform in the final.
And this year is now facing its own drama after would-be UK host Scott Mills was sacked by the BBC over issues with his personal conduct. The Mirror also understands that the allegation concerns a relationship from three decades ago. The BBC’s decision to axe Scott relates to a 2016 police investigation into “serious sexual offences” against a boy in his teenage years.
At the time, Scott was questioned by police under caution, but the case was not pursued due to insufficient evidence. But the Mirror believes that the sacking relates to the individual.
At the time, Director General Tony Hall was not aware of the “full picture”, including the accuser’s age, although it’s unclear if other managers did. However, after learning about the age in the last week, the newer management took swift action.
The TV and radio presenter had been a regular face when it came to the international competition, but now speculation over who is to replace him has hit fever pitch.
This year, the event is set to be hosted in Austria with LookMumNoComputer representing the United Kingdom. According to The Sun, Sara Cox and Rylan Clark, who have been regulars at the broadcaster for many years, are likely candidates to replace Scott Mills.
Last year, the sacked presenter was open about his eagerness to return to hosting the contest. He said at the time: “Eurovision is like a melting pot and we’re all there for the same reason and everyone can chat and talk about what songs they like and what they don’t like.”
He added: “We absolutely adore it, it’s our World Cup. I look forward to it so much, and that’s what’s magical about it. Everyone’s there for the same reason.”
The Mirror has contacted a rep for the Luxembourg Eurovision entry.
