KATHERINE Ryan has revealed the results of her £16k full facelift which she underwent just weeks after giving birth to her fourth child.

The comedian, 42, who is known for her love tweakments like Botox and fillers, welcomed her daughter Holland in October.

In December, Katherine teased that she’d had “serious cosmetic surgery” and even taken her newborn along with her.

However, she didn’t reveal what work she’d had done, until now.

Today the Canadian-born star spilled the beans and revealed that she’d undergone a full facelift in York, North Yorkshire.

Speaking on the latest edition of her Telling Everybody Everything podcast, Katherine said: “The surgery was a facelift. Yes, a full facelift – a little bit of fat transfer to my cheekbone area, and a small bleph[aroplasty].

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“A bleph is when they take a tiny bit of your eyelid skin, though not too much, and then they’ll usually – to avoid hollowness, put a little bit of fat back in there too.

“So I had some fat put in like my upper face, my eyelids, and then I had a facelift.’

Explaining why she wanted to have the cosmetic procedure, Katherine said: “Almost metaphorically I needed to do something, to reclaim my identity, to reclaim my autonomy, to claw back the face that I had in, like, 2019,’ she said.

“I am not crazy. I’m not trying to wind it back to 2006. I’m just trying to look the way I did, like, pre-COVID, pre-six pregnancies in five years.”

Talking about how she felt afterwards, The Duchess star said: “The beauty is you’re pretty numb afterwards.

“I was bruised, and I was swollen, and I think I am still a little bit swollen. But basically, I just went about my daily life from day one.

“They sent me home with some paracetamol. If I had needed stronger drugs, I think that was available, but I didn’t. I took ibuprofen, paracetamol for like three days.”

As she had the surgery in December, Katherine then added: “I went to Christmas parties.

“I took the kids to Lapland. I went to the Royal Hall for carolling. I did all of the Christmas stuff. I looked after a newborn baby.”

Katherine previously teased her surgery in December and told fans she was in “no pain” following the procedure.

“I went to York, it was three and a half hours, I elected to take the baby with me because she just turned eight weeks that day and I’m still breastfeeding her, obviously, I will be for a long time,” she told her fans.

“You can’t breastfeed immediately after surgery but I could obviously spend the night with her before and breastfeed her then.

“I was thinking to myself, after I got this surgery – which, wait until you see it, is pretty serious surgery – I was like, ‘Katherine Ryan what is your damage? What the f*** are you doing? Why have you brought a baby to surgery.’

“But then i thought, up and down this country, worldwide, everyday, we are giving women C-sections and then saying, ‘Sweet, go keep these twins alive’.”

Katherine clarified that a C section is “much more serious” than the procedure she had.

She joked: “So, what’s an elective cosmetic procedure with a newborn?”

She says there is more information coming soon on the show.

Katherine’s husband, Bobby Kootstra revealed in October that the comedian welcomed their newborn in just 45 minutes.

She appeared to have a speedy bounce back, as Bobby even shared a snap of the star enjoying a flute of prosecco in hospital following he birth,

Alongside baby Holland, Katherine and bobby share children Fenna, two, and three-year-old Fred.

The comedian is also a mum to 15-year-old Violet, who she has from a previous relationship.

Published on 10/02/2026 – 17:37 GMT+1•Updated
17:51

The Vatican Bank has announced this Tuesday the launch of two equity indices, both in the US and in the eurozone, selecting stocks from firms that purportedly respect and adhere to Catholic tenets.

The initiative was set up in partnership with Morningstar and represents an abnormal association between the Vatican and the financial sector.

The Vatican Bank is officially known as the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR) and these new indices are labelled as the Morningstar IOR US Catholic Principles and the Morningstar IOR Eurozone Catholic Principles.

Each of these indices holds 50 medium and large-cap companies, including Big Tech and major financial firms, that the Vatican Bank argues are “consistent with Catholic teachings on life issues, social responsibility and environmental protection”.

According to Morningstar, the fund’s top American holdings feature companies like Meta and Amazon, while its European counterpart includes firms such as ASML, Deutsche Telekom and SAP.

This partnership between the Vatican Bank and Morningstar comes after initiatives to rehabilitate the IOR’s image, which had been damaged over the years through various scandals involving fraudulent activities such as misappropriation of funds.

The late Pope Francis had already ratified a series of reforms to address those problems.

ESG outflows and Catholic-based investing

This move by the Vatican Bank also occurs during a period when ESG funds are experiencing substantial outflows.

However, the concept of Catholic-based investing is not new or unique. These new indices already face rivals in the sector.

For example, there is a US-based ETF named S&P 500 Catholic Values Index structured in a similar way and worth over $1bn (€840mn).

Additionally, a US-based family fund named Ave Maria Mutual Funds reported over $3.8bn (€3.2bn) in assets under management last year. This fund also claims to follow a Catholic-based investment strategy.

February’s first weekend produced a flurry of gestures that were quickly read as progress. A deeply flawed amnesty law was approved in the first round without even being seen, high-profile prisoners were released after months of disappearance, and the tone of official politics softened, at least on the surface. What emerged, however, was not a clearer transition but a clearer struggle over authorship, over who gets to define what this process is, and what it is allowed to become.

What the weekend revealed is that Venezuela’s transition is not being negotiated in a single place or under a single logic. It is being contested simultaneously across different arenas, each operating on its own incentives, timelines, and definitions of success.

The least visible of these battles is unfolding inside the governing coalition itself. Here, the question is not democracy versus repression but something more technical, and more cynical, how much openness can be performed without relinquishing control over coercion, adjudication, and resources.

Seen from this angle, the weekend’s choreography makes sense. Political prisoners were not simply released, their freedom was folded into a legislative ritual authored by the same political actors responsible for their detention, complete with announced deadlines, speeches heavy with the language of forgiveness, and even calls for applause. This was not the state binding itself, but an attempt to convert discretion into legitimacy.

Political prisoners in Venezuela could have been freed at any moment by executive decision. By embedding their release in a process the government controls, the regime preserved its core advantage, the ability to decide not just when to give, but what the giving means. The Guanipa episode made that logic explicit. A release could function as a signal, and its reversal or legal redefinition could function as discipline. Freedom, in this model, is not a right restored but a condition granted. Arbitrariness is not eliminated, it is rebranded.

If political prisoners are released into silence, surveillance, or renewed legal jeopardy, as we have already seen, then the transition exists largely on paper.

The later revelation that the families Jorge Rodríguez met outside Zona 7 were staged only reinforces the point. Real families introduce uncertainty, anger, memory, demands that do not respect sequencing. Staged ones deliver predictability and allow reconciliation to be performed rather than negotiated. That choice suggests a lack of confidence. A government secure in its legitimacy would not need to simulate social consent at the moment consent matters most.

A second battle is unfolding far from Caracas, inside Washington. It is not a fight over tactics so much as over objectives.

Recent reporting and congressional testimony suggest growing tension over what the Venezuela file is supposed to deliver. Is the goal stabilization, the appearance of calm streets, predictable governance, reduced migration pressure, reopened markets, or is it a democratic transition, with all the uncertainty and volatility that implies.

Those two goals are often rhetorically conflated. In practice, they can diverge.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s testimony is revealing here. By emphasizing that the United States will pay attention not only to the release of political prisoners but to how they are treated after, whether they return to political life, whether they speak freely, whether they are harassed or re-detained, Rubio shifted the metric from gestures to behavior over time. That distinction matters. Releasing prisoners is a signal, allowing them to act politically afterwards is a concession.

The regime’s strategy appears aimed at satisfying the former while containing the latter. Speed becomes an asset. If the appearance of a transition advances quickly enough, attention fades, diplomatic costs accumulate, and renewed pressure begins to look disruptive rather than principled.

But stabilization without a genuine transfer of political authority is a fragile equilibrium. It depends on discretionary power remaining benevolent, conditional freedoms remaining honored, and social legitimacy remaining dormant. The events of this weekend, reversible releases, staged consent, selective recognition, suggest none of those conditions can be safely assumed.

This is where the US debate becomes consequential. A Venezuela that is calmer but still politically closed begins to resemble not a democratic transition but a familiar Pinochet-style authoritarian compromise, technocratic opening, crony capitalism, and political repression wrapped in legal form. Whether that outcome is treated as acceptable stabilization or failed transition remains an open question in Washington.

A transition conducted under regime terms prioritizes closure over accountability and order over pluralism. One conducted under society’s terms is slower, messier, and harder to manage, but it is also the only path to durable stability.

The third battle is the most visible and the most familiar. It is the struggle inside Venezuela itself over whether this moment produces a real political opening or merely a rearrangement of control.

Here, the opposition’s internal divide matters. One faction, already seated in the National Assembly, is pursuing legitimacy from the top down. Its wager is that institutional participation, procedural wins, and international recognition will eventually cascade downward to society.

Another current rests on the opposite theory, that legitimacy flows from society upward, and that institutions rebuilt without social consent remain hollow. It is no accident that this current is not attacked head-on but bracketed out of the official narrative. It is easier to exclude than to incorporate.

The treatment of released prisoners will be the clearest test of which logic prevails. If those freed are able to speak, organize, and contest power without fear, then something real is shifting. If they are released into silence, surveillance, or renewed legal jeopardy, as we have already seen, then the transition exists largely on paper.

What the February weekend demonstrated is not that Venezuela is transitioning, but that the fight over who gets to define that transition has intensified.

Inside chavismo, the battle is over how much can be conceded without surrender. In Washington, it is over whether stability is an acceptable substitute for democracy. Inside Venezuela, it is over whether political life will be genuinely reopened or carefully contained.

These battles are related, but they are not the same. They may not even resolve on the same timeline.

A transition conducted under regime terms prioritizes closure over accountability and order over pluralism. One conducted under society’s terms is slower, messier, and harder to manage, but it is also the only path to durable stability. The events of this weekend, far from settling that question, have made it unavoidable.

The youngest brother of late NFL star and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to setting fire to a Northern California post office last summer.

Richard Tillman, a 44-year-old San Jose resident, was arrested July 20 in connection with a fire at the Almaden Valley post office and charged with malicious destruction of government property.

“In pleading guilty, Tillman admitted that he intentionally set the fire in order to ‘make a point to the United States government,’” the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California said in a statement.

It remains unclear what point Tillman was trying to make.

Tillman was accused of backing his vehicle through the front door of the post office during the early morning on July 20 and setting the vehicle ablaze after exiting it. Tillman had loaded the vehicle with fire logs and doused it with lighter fluid, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. The fire quickly spread to the post office, completely destroying the lobby. No one was injured.

U.S. Postal Inspector Shannon Roark said in July that Tillman told officers at the scene that he had livestreamed the incident on YouTube.

Tillman is in federal custody and is scheduled to be sentenced at an April 27 hearing. He faces a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years, as well as a $250,000 fine.

In the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, Pat Tillman walked away from a three-year, $3.6-million contract offer from the Arizona Cardinals and enlisted in the Army, along with his younger brother, Kevin.

On April 22, 2004, Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire in the province of Khost, Afghanistan. He was 27.

Following the post office fire last year, Kevin Tillman released a statement.

“Our family is aware that my brother Richard has been arrested. First and foremost, we are relieved that no one was physically harmed,” Kevin Tillman said. “ … To be clear, it’s no secret that Richard has been battling severe mental health issues for many years. He has been livestreaming, what I’ll call, his altered self on social media for anyone to witness.

“Unfortunately, securing the proper care and support for him has proven incredibly difficult — or rather, impossible. As a result, none of this is as shocking as it should be.”

Feb. 10 (UPI) — Paramount Skydance announced enhancements to its offer to buy Warner Bros. Discovery as it tries to woo shareholders away from Netflix.

Paramount added a 25-cent-per-share ticking fee, adding up to $650 million cash value per quarter that the transaction doesn’t close beginning in January 2027. It also said it would pay the $2.8 billion termination fee that would be due to Netflix.

The sweetening of the Paramount deal is the latest in the ongoing battle against Netflix to buy the company, which includes Warner Bros. Studios, HBO and HBO Max, among other titles. WBD shareholders must vote to choose between Netflix and Paramount, and the merger must pass federal scrutiny.

In October, Warner Bros. said it was open to offers after getting unsolicited ones. On Dec. 5, after a bidding war between Netflix and Paramount Skydance, Warner Bros. said it would accept Netflix’s offer.

Then Paramount launched a hostile bid to buy WBD. The Warner Bros. board told shareholders not to accept the Paramount bid because Oracle creator Larry Ellison, father of Paramount CEO David Ellison, wasn’t backing the deal. On Dec. 22, Paramount said that it has Larry Ellison’s backing of $40 billion in equity. On Jan. 20, Netflix changed its offer to all cash to make it more attractive to shareholders.

In the new deal, Paramount would eliminate the potential $1.5 billion financing costs that would come with the debt exchange offer. Paramount would fully reimburse WBD shareholders for the $1.5 billion fee without reducing the $5.8 billion reverse termination fee if the deal doesn’t close.

Paramount said it will also cover WBD’s bridge loan if its financing sources won’t extend theirs, including covering the costs.

Paramount’s financing again includes an irrevocable personal guarantee from Larry Ellison of $43.3 billion, covering the equity financing for Paramount’s amended offer as well any damages claims against Paramount.

“The additional benefits of our superior $30 per share, all-cash offer clearly underscore our strong and unwavering commitment to delivering the full value WBD shareholders deserve for their investment,” said David Ellison, Paramount chair and CEO, in a statement. “We are making meaningful enhancements — backing this offer with billions of dollars, providing shareholders with certainty in value, a clear regulatory path, and protection against market volatility.”

On Feb. 4, Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee’s antitrust subcommittee on the merger. Paramount declined to participate.

TWO more UK airports have raised the price of their drop-off charges, in what is becoming an increasingly common trend for drivers.

Glasgow and Aberdeen airports have announced they are increasing their fees to £7 for up to 15 minutes, with Glasgow rising by £1 and Aberdeen up from £5.50.

AGS Airports, which operates both sites, said the increases reflect higher running costs and that the extra income will help the airports remain competitive and attract new routes.

It acknowledged the decision would not be popular, while some critics have described the wider rise in airport drop-off fees as “price gouging” and “a national disgrace”, as reported by Travel Tomorrow.

AGS has stressed that drivers have a free alternative at both airports, with up to one hour’s free parking in long-stay car parks and an on-demand shuttle service to and from the terminal.

They said: “It is important to keep in mind that there is always a free alternative where customers can park for up to one hour.

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“This is located in our long-stay car park, and passengers can use a free, on-demand shuttle service to and from the terminal.

“The pick-up and drop-off area is intended for short visits of up to 15 minutes only.

“We would encourage anyone who thinks they may be longer to use the free alternative or our short-stay car park.

“Valid Blue Badge holders continue to receive 30 minutes free in our Short-Stay Car Park.”

The increases also reflect a recent pattern across the UK, with airports such as Edinburgh having raised prices previously as well as other hubs charging comparable or higher rates.

These include Leeds, Luton, Heathrow and Stansted at £7, London City charging £8, Bristol at £8.50 and Gatwick increasing to £10 for 10 minutes.

London City introduced its charge for the first time at the start of the year, while Gatwick, Heathrow and Bristol also increased their fees.

Opponents, including Clive Wratten of the Business Travel Association, have argued that outside London, public transport is often not a practical substitute, meaning higher kerbside fees can simply shift costs onto passengers, workers, businesses and the taxi trade rather than changing behaviour.

There have also been calls for clearer, more transparent pricing, as well as proposals such as a cap – for example, £3 per drop-off – as well as a single daily charge to avoid people being hit by charges twice.

UK pricing has also been compared to several large European airports, including the Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt airports, where short drop-offs can be free for limited periods.

Pakistan’s decision to reverse its boycott of the match against India at the T20 World Cup has been welcomed by fans, players and coaches in both countries.

The highly anticipated confrontation between the archrivals was thrown into doubt for more than a week after Pakistan’s government ordered its team against taking the field for Sunday’s clash in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The reversal late on Monday brought relief to millions of fans on both sides of the countries’ shared border as well as tournament organisers and coaches.

The Indian camp said it would be “delighted” to play against a “quality side”.

“It’s great that the game is back on. We kind of never changed the preparation,” India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said on Tuesday.

India will play their second Group A match against Namibia on Thursday in New Delhi before flying to Colombo the following morning.

It means a quick turnaround for Sunday’s match, the biggest and most lucrative clash in world cricket.

“It’s going to be a challenge going to Colombo, where Pakistan have been for the last two weeks,” ten Doeschate added.

“We are fully focused on just bringing our best game to that fixture.”

‘Good for cricket’

Pakistan’s decision to go ahead with the game was hailed as an outbreak of “good sense” and “good for cricket”.

A frantic weekend of negotiations saw the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Bangladesh Cricket Board chiefs fly to Lahore on Sunday for talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The governments of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka both wrote to the Islamabad government on Monday, urging it to change its stance and allow the game to go ahead.

After “multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15”, the Islamabad government said on its official X account late on Monday.

The decision had been taken with the aim of “protecting the spirit of cricket”, it added.

Former India cricketer Madan Lal told the AFP news agency that the resumption was “good for cricket”.

“We want strong teams to play so that the charm of the World Cup is not lost,” he added.

Sri Lanka, who will host the match – which generates multimillions of dollars in advertising, broadcast rights, sponsorships and tourism – also praised the decision.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in a social media post thanked Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for “ensuring the game we all love goes on”.

Veteran Indian journalist Pradeep Magazine said, “Good sense has prevailed on all sides.”

Financial considerations would have been taken into account, he added.

“Everyone realised that losing the revenue from an India-Pakistan match would have been a loss-loss situation for all ICC member nations.”

‘No greater happiness’

For fans, it’s another chance to watch the bitter rivals face off at a global tournament.

Kafeel Ahmed, a cricket fan from Karachi, said Pakistan vs India matches were unique.

“There is a different intensity to it. If Pakistan wins by 12 runs, there is no ⁠greater happiness than that,” Ahmed told the Reuters news agency. “This happiness is not just about a challenge against a rival; it is the feeling that comes after defeating your opponent.”

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-2013 due to their longstanding political rift.

“The benefit is not only that the public is happy or that young people who play cricket are happy; it also increases business and public interest,” cricket ‌fan Rai Fayaz said.

Rajeev Shukla, vice president of the Board of ‌Control for Cricket in India, said on Tuesday that it was good that a solution had been found.

“All kudos to the ICC for taking this initiative, resolving the whole issue and bringing cricket back to the forefront. This is a big achievement as far as the ICC is concerned,” he said.

KATIE Price has put down a deposit on a property in Dubai, pals tell The Sun.

The former glamour flew back to the country over the weekend to visit her “Walter Mitty” husband Lee Andrews.

Katie, 47, said it would be a short trip for a honeymoon following their quickie wedding.

But pals fear she is planning to relocate to Dubai for good.

A source said: “Katie said she had found a property in Dubai and has put down money.

“The contract is signed and she’s forging ahead.

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“She is really excited and thinks she is going to have her happy ending with Lee.

“But those close to Katie fear this could be the start of a potential scam.

“She was only supposed to be in Dubai for two days but she’s still not returned home.

“Katie says she is busy planning her new life with Lee and has splashed the cash on this property – but it’s making her closest friends and family anxious.

“They’re concerned about his motives and that is only natural given what some of his ex partners have said.”

The Sun reported last month how two of Lee’s former partners, Alana Percival and Crystal Janke, had issued stark warnings to the mum-of-five.

Alana, who was engaged to Lee, told Katie to “run to the hills” and branded Lee a “liar” and a “narcissist”.

Crystal echoed her sentiment and warned Katie not to give Lee money.
It comes after The Sun revealed how businessman Lee lives a Walter Mitty style existence in Dubai.

Lee was accused of using artificial intelligence to fake images of himself with tech billionaire Elon Musk and reality TV star Kim Kardashian.

He was also claimed to be speaking to multiple women at the same time, with single mum Tina Prodromou alleging Lee was sending her mucky messages in December saying what he would do to her “when we are married”.

Katie Price’s money worries

REALITY star Katie Price has faced multiple bankruptcy hearings.

She initially avoided it in 2018 with an IVA.

But she was then declared bankrupt for the first time in November 2019 and blew her £45million fortune.

Katie was then declared bankrupt again in March 2024 for over £750,000 in unpaid tax.

In August 2024, a warrant was issued for her arrest for failing to attend a hearing.

She later had a private interview and a public exam for the second bankruptcy which was set for April 2025.

As per reports, Katie remains under strict income payment orders until 2027.

Lee calls himself Dr Lee Andrews and says he founded Aura Sustainable Vehicles on Linkedin.

He also claims he is the founder of Blue Diamond Resorts, now Royalton Hotels and Resorts.

But in a statement to The Sun, they denied this and said: “We can confirm that Dr Wes Lee Andrews (also known as Lee Andrews) is not the founder of Blue Diamond Resorts.

“Based on our corporate records, he has not been affiliated with the company in any professional capacity.”

Andrew lists himself as a Director of Philanthropy at the Prince’s Trust — now the King’s Trust.

But they denied his involvement and said  Lee does not hold the role of Director of Philanthropy, and it has no record of him as a volunteer, or under the moniker Weslee Andrews, which he uses online.

Another claim by Lee was that he had been a Member of the Board of Advisors to the Labour Party since 2015.

A Labour insider denied his claim to The Sun and said: “We don’t have a board of advisors and he doesn’t work with us.”

Lee’s former fiancee Alana warned: “Lee doesn’t know what’s fact and what’s fiction.

“It’s worrying because I think he believes his own lies.”

When LAFC promoted Marc Dos Santos from assistant coach to manager two months ago, there were some perks that came with the new job. A raise, certainly. A better seat on the team charter.

But not as many as you might think.

“The office is a little bit bigger,” he said. “My parking space is exactly the same.”

The biggest perk, however, could also prove the more difficult. After five seasons working under Bob Bradley and Steve Cherundolo, Dos Santos is now the guy calling the shots. And if he misfires, it will be clear who deserves the blame.

Dos Santos welcomes the scrutiny.

“I never coach with the intention of what people think or what people are going to say,” he said. “I’m focused on the group and my job; the validation that is the most important for me is from my owners, from the people in the club that believe in me.

“I’m blessed with the pressure of coaching LAFC, It’s a privilege to be under pressure. But at the same time, I want to start well.”

He’ll get that chance Tuesday, when LAFC faces Honduran club Real España in the first round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup in San Pedro Sula. The MLS season will start four days later against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, the reigning league champion, at the Coliseum.

Dos Santos, who speaks four languages, has already started putting his stamp on the team by tweaking LAFC’s playing style. Under Cherundolo, who spent his whole playing career in Germany, the team ran a German-influenced, high-press system that combined fast-paced attacking with defensive discipline, emphasizing quick transitions and a compact defensive organization.

But Cherundolo’s teams were also content to concede the ball as much as they controlled it. Dos Santos, conversely, spent the preseason implementing an aggressive possession-based attacking game.

“Marc had a lot to do with what we thought was really good about LAFC. But he had some ideas on how to tweak things,” said general manager John Thorrington, whose team is unbeaten in four preseason games, outscoring opponents 7-3. “What is really impressive is Marc and the staff have begun implementing these tweaks. Everybody is really buying in.”

Which is good since Dos Santos won’t have much of a chance to do any teaching once the season begins. LAFC will start the year with four games in 12 days; if it advances to the second round of the Champions Cup, the team will play nine times in 33 days.

Then in late May, after 16 MLS match days, the season will pause for more than seven weeks for the World Cup.

The vagaries of that schedule will require flexibility and depth and will likely force Dos Santos to rotate players in and out of the lineup. And though LAFC’s roster, led by South Korean captain Son Heung-min and former MLS Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga, appears top heavy, the coach lauds the depth, with offseason additions including wingers Jacob Shaffelburg and Tyler Boyd and midfielder Amin Boudri.

“People could look very superficially,” he said. “But it’s also a league with a salary cap and there’s so many players that support what are called the more known or star players. That’s important.

“The focus is to surround these players with a system and a way of playing that is going to maximize everybody.”

Dos Santos, 48, has won everywhere he’s managed with one exception: his only other MLS head coaching stint in Vancouver, where he spent parts of three seasons, two of which were impacted heavily by the coronavirus pandemic.

He got his coaching start in his native Canada, then moved to Brazil, where he coached in the youth programs of two clubs and worked as a technical director for another. He returned to North America to manage three lower-division clubs and worked as an assistant with Sporting Kansas City of MLS before Bradley named him to the first LAFC staff in 2018.

After Bradley moved on, Dos Santos returned to LAFC as part of Cherundolo’s first staff. And now, as manager, he’s brought in his own lieutenants, replacing original LAFC assistant Ante Razov with former Seattle assistant Andy Rose — who played for Dos Santos in Vancouver — and adding Spanish coach Xavi Tamarit.

“When you go from assistant coach to head coach, you have to take a few steps back. But you need to make sure you delegate to competent people,” he said. “The people that have joined are really competent and do a really good job.”

The proof of that will come on the field and Dos Santos knows he has big shoes to fill. Under Bradley and Cherundolo, LAFC was the best club team in U.S. soccer over the past eight years, winning more games, earning more points and scoring more goals than any team in MLS. It made the playoffs seven times, played in two MLS Cup finals and two CONCACAF Champions League finals, won two Supporters’ Shields and a U.S. Open Cup.

Thorrington expects the winning to continue under Dos Santos.

“I am confident that we made this decision for the right reasons,” he said. “And those who are not convinced yet will be convinced very soon.”

If they aren’t, LAFC’s famously demanding fans will be calling for the coach’s head. So even though MLS is heavily promoting the regular-season opener with Messi and Inter Miami, Dos Santos isn’t looking past his real first game in charge, which is the Champions Cup game with Real España.

“For me, the only game that counts in my head right now is the game of Feb. 17 in Honduras,” he said. “That’s where I put my energy. And then we’ll deal with the Miami game.”

SEOUL, Feb. 10 (UPI) — South Korea’s Mirae Asset Securities said it posted a record bottom line last year, based on solid performances across its business sectors, including brokerage, wealth management and trading.

The Seoul-based company said Monday it netted $1.1 billion in the 2025 profit, up 72% from a year earlier, as assets under management rose 25% to $410 billion. Among them, 14% was operated in the global markets.

The pretax profit from its brokerage business jumped 43% year-on-year thanks to a bullish stock market, which saw the country’s benchmark KOSPI surge more than 75% last year.

Those from its wealth management and trading divisions rose 21% and 14%, respectively.

Another key contributor to the results was its global business, of which pretax profit doubled to $342 million. Mirae Asset Securities noted that its investments in such innovative companies as SpaceX and xAI boosted profitability.

“Since our founding, we have strategically reinvested capital secured through globally diversified investments, building a virtuous circle that has led to meaningful achievements,” Mirae Asset Securities said in a statement.

The share price of Mirae Asset Securities climbed 11.25% on the Seoul bourse Monday before dipping 2.43% Tuesday.

The largest brokerage house of South Korea is a representative subsidiary of Mirae Asset Group, one of the country’s leading financial conglomerates.

Disney Cruise Line has confirmed the Disney Wish will sail from Southampton for the first time in summer 2027 with European itineraries – and I’ve been onboard to review the incredible ship

Mickey Mouse fans across Britain, it’s time to dust off those iconic ears – because we’re about to welcome an unprecedented wave of Disney enchantment next summer.

In a historic first, the Disney Wish cruise liner will set sail from British shores. Launching from Southampton, the flagship vessel of Disney Cruise Line’s Wish class fleet is confirmed to embark on a series of sun-drenched European voyages throughout summer 2027.

This maiden European adventure will feature sailings ranging from three to 10 nights, departing from the UK, Spain or Italy, with exciting new ports of call including Zadar in Croatia, Trieste close to Venice in Italy, and Hellesylt in Norway.

Having recently experienced the Disney Wish firsthand with my other half and our two year old, I was absolutely thrilled when this announcement dropped – especially since I’ve already been daydreaming about our next voyage. Here’s my guide to the standout features aboard the Disney Wish, and exactly why I’ll be at the front of that virtual queue when bookings launch later this month.

The entertainment

Adults, prepare to unleash your inner child aboard the Wish (whilst, in our experience, your little one also literally unleashes theirs). This isn’t your typical cruise offering a single show, a handful of activities, and then leaving you lounging aimlessly poolside.

Instead, expect an action-packed schedule brimming with spectacular performances, trivia contests, deck celebrations, live musical acts, and two cinemas screening the freshest Disney releases alongside timeless favourites. For those preferring a more relaxed approach, there’s ample poolside real estate – and the onboard spa continuously tempted us throughout our stay.

The ship’s top deck boasts several pools, a feature I particularly appreciate as it prevents overcrowding in one spot. However, being someone who can’t sit idle for more than a couple of minutes, I made a beeline for the AquaMouse water slide.

With its twists, turns and initial surprises, it’s easy to see why it’s dubbed Disney’s first sea attraction – it wouldn’t feel out of place in a theme park!

Deck parties are another must-add to your schedule. On the day of embarkation, Mickey Mouse and his pals host a ‘Sail Away’ party on the top deck that’s well worth attending. Expect lively music, dancing and a grand countdown before the ship’s horn blares out a Disney melody!

One evening is always dedicated to a pirate theme. Dress up, meet characters like Captain Hook, and join in the fun with Mickey and friends at parties featuring spectacular fireworks at sea (Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise company permitted to offer this).

A visit to the theatre promises a fantastic show, whether it’s the charming ‘Seas the Day’ performance, or West End-calibre productions of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin.

The Kids’ Club

Families must give a big cheer for the exceptional kids’ club, known as the Oceaneer Club. Included in the cruise package, it boasts zones inspired by Marvel, Star Wars and the Disney Princesses.

We barely saw our friends’ children all week; they were utterly smitten with the place!

The Oceaneer Club caters to children aged 3 and above, so our toddler was a tad too young but there were open house hours where he could scamper about, including ‘Toddler Time’ which provided a fantastic space for him to burn off some energy.

A handy hint for other parents; the Small World Nursery accommodates babies and toddlers under 3. You’ll need to book and it’s an additional $10 per hour, but it does afford you that much-needed breather if you fancy a trip to the spa or an adults-only bar!

Character encounters

An often overlooked benefit of a Disney cruise is the ease of meeting the characters. Besides the shows, there are plenty of chances to meet your favourites throughout the day, with queues typically lasting around 10-15 minutes.

Characters roam the ship, and you can also join dance parties where they’ll have a little jig with the kids – a truly delightful interaction. For princess fans, it’s worth trying to secure a spot for A Royal Gathering; this is free but fills up fast, offering you the opportunity for meet and greets with the likes of Cinderella, Belle, Moana and Rapunzel.

The food

Disney cruises operate on an all-inclusive basis, and even with my most valiant attempts, I’m fairly certain I didn’t manage to sample every single dining venue on offer. Beyond the Marceline Market eatery featuring a conventional buffet spread, passengers can indulge in pizzas, tacos and barbecue fare at the Festival of Foods street food-inspired zone, or help themselves to the self-serve ice cream stations.

For dinner service, Disney has a ‘rotational dining’ system which eliminates the scramble for bookings; you’re guaranteed a table at each of the ship’s three restaurants. There’s a Frozen-themed venue complete with live entertainment and abundant character meet-and-greets, the sophisticated 1923 which exudes elegance whilst paying homage to legendary Disney pictures, and the Worlds of Marvel restaurant where guests become immersed in an interactive superhero escapade.

Whilst these are all covered in your fare, additional premium options are available for an extra charge. Brunch at the Palo Steakhouse proved to be a genuinely memorable experience for our party.

Reservations are required, but this adults-only establishment truly embodied fine dining, with the cuisine being utterly exquisite. Pastries, pizzas, brunch staples such as Eggs Royale and puddings all feature on the bill of fare.

A cautionary note; it’s unlimited dining and those servings are substantial – I genuinely believed I might never manage another morsel. (This proved incorrect the instant I spotted the Inside Out inspired confectionery shop, where I constructed an ice cream creation that I suspect has left me on a sugar rush ever since).

For those partial to an evening drink, there’s a variety of options. The Bayou lounge offers live music, exquisite cocktails and a relaxed vibe, while Nightingale’s is an adults-only bar.

However, it was the themed bars that kept drawing me back – from the Star Wars-inspired Hyperspace Lounge, where you feel as though you’re journeying through space, to the pirate-themed Keg and Compass pub, where you can enjoy a proper pint.

My verdict

I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the Disney Wish; it truly caters to everyone. It’s a sophisticated ship with ample adults-only areas for those seeking tranquillity, but there’s also plenty of room for families.

The overall atmosphere is fantastic, and it’s definitely one I’ll be keen to book again. Plus, on a personal note, the extra sprinkle of Disney magic worked wonders for us; amidst all the excitement and fun during the day, our two year old actually managed to sleep through the night!

Want to book it for yourself? The Disney Wish will embark on 3, 4 and 5-night European sailings in summer 2027. Bookings open on February 23, 2026. For more details, visit disneycruiseline.com.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to Washington to meet US President Donald Trump, saying Iran negotiations will be the “first and foremost” topic of discussion.

Unfamiliar is a six-episode espionage thriller which is already climbing the Netflix charts.

Unfamiliar follows two married former spies unable to escape their killer past.

Unfamiliar has just arrived on Netflix and the series, which is just one of many hit Netflix thrillers, centres around a couple, Simon and Meret Schäfer (played by Felix Kramer and Susanne Wolff) who run a safe house in Berlin.

They lead a seemingly idyllic life until ghosts from their past come knocking. With their cover blown, they are forced to face the lies they told those closest to them.

The thriller, which has already received rave reviews, sees Meret and Simon celebrating their daughter Nina’s (Maja Bons) 16th birthday, when they become suspicious of a mysterious man who asks for their help.

The person who sent the man to them is Josef Koleev (Samuel Finzi), a high-ranking Russian military intelligence officer suspected of espionage.

While the series is set in Germany, fans are keen to find out if the series is dubbed and here is all you need to know.

Unfamiliar was dubbed by Sound & Vision Studios and before it was released, Netflix confirmed the German spy series would provide subtitles and dubbing options in multiple languages.

This means viewers are able to select their preferred language and the show includes English subtitles so UK audiences can follow the story.

The series has already received positive feedback from fans who took to IMDb reviews to share their thoughts, with some awarding it 10 out of 10 stars.

Fiegehen commented: “10 for all the right reasons. Excellent plot and acting. Understated dramatic sequences far from the over-cooked American style. Clever special ops and spy aspects bringing MI6, BND and Spetnaz together.

“Expectations are challenged by exceptional and unexpected outcomes. Not your usual drama action piece.”

NuoS-91 hailed it “smart, tense and suspenseful”, adding: “When I saw the rating was below 7.0 I almost skipped the show. Glad I didn’t!

“This is the best suspense series on Netflix in the past few months. I really enjoyed the storytelling and character building, aside from the fantastic action scenes.

“Every character was there for a reason and there was no wasted details. Not sure how anyone can call this ‘boring’. Give it a try if you like suspenseful dramas!”

EinarssonO shared: “I couldn’t stop. I watched all the episodes straight through until 2:30am. So much better than the usual Hollywood-glam-makeup-productions.

“It may be a bit irrelevant but I also liked that the series was in German. It’s been almost 50 years since I studied German in school and I surprised myself by understanding quite a bit.”

Unfamiliar is on Netflix now

**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new Everything Gossip website**

A NEW budget-friendly hotel has opened up in a major tourist destination.

A 532-room Moxy hotel has just opened in London’s Piccadilly Circus within an old office building in the West End.

The hotel is the largest Moxy outside of New York and inside, decor is inspired by Horses of Helios fountain, which can be found on Piccadilly Circus.

Pictures also show purple interiors, with neon lights and vibrant murals.

Rooms nod to the nearby theatre district too, with names such as ‘Showstopper’, ‘Showtime’ and ‘Spotlight’.

There are eight different room types, but each features a comfy bed, speedy WiFi, motion-activated LED guidelights and walk-in showers.

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One room option is the Moxy Loft, where guests climb up a ladder to a loft bed and underneath is a sofa bed.

However, some rooms don’t have a window.

The hotel has two bars, including House of Helios which is a 24/7 bar serving cocktails.

Then there is Snacks 24/7, where snacks and beverages are available at all times.

But it is worth noting that complimentary breakfast is not currently served at the hotel.

Until March 1, you can also book a Be My Moxytine stay, with accommodation, breakfast for two at Masala Zone, two cocktails and late check-out until 4pm.

It costs from just £55 per person to stay, or £110 per night.

Halima Aziz, head of hotels at Criterion, said: “The opening of Moxy London Piccadilly Circus marks an exciting milestone for Criterion.

“With its fun, energetic and contemporary concept, Moxy is the perfect fit for this global district – right in the heart of nightlife, theatreland, retail and the city’s renowned culinary scene.

“It’s a fantastic addition to our growing portfolio of prime hospitality assets, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Marriott International to bring this building to life in a way that prioritises sustainability.”

Paul Thomas, vice-president, international hotel development at Marriott International, added: “By reimagining an existing building, Moxy London Piccadilly Circus showcases our commitment to bold, lifestyle-led hospitality while honouring the heritage and vibrant energy of one of London’s most iconic destinations.

“Set in the heart of the city, Piccadilly Circus perfectly captures the playful spirit of the Moxy brand, offering guests an immersive West End experience.”

Piccadilly Circus is one of the most-visited and busiest spots in the UK.

And around 100million people visit the giant LED screens each year.

The landmark is great base to explore central London from, with Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, Leicester Square and Soho all within walking distance.

The brand behind Moxy – Criterion Capital – also recently opened a Zedwell hotel, which is the largest capsule hotel and can be found in Piccadilly Circus.

Travel writer Helen Wright stayed recently and said: “Inside, decked out with a modern concrete and timber design, there are nearly 1,000 individual sleep capsules over five floors.

“It’s a twist on the traditional ‘dorm style’ hostel set up as each guest gets privacy and security of being tucked up in your capsule, with the ability to lock it from the inside.

“On first glance, the dorm rooms, which are minimalist and dimly-lit looked a bit like a car park or a storage locker.

“However, inside, I was surprised to find a cute little space, with mood lighting and welcoming interiors.

“Each capsule is made from oak and come with a single Hypnos mattress, Egyptian cotton bedding, individual mini aircon or heat, smart climate control, noise reduction, and ambient lighting.

“There is also a plug socket inside, two USB plugs and a mirror.”

In other hotel news, these are 12 of our favourite UK hotels to visit this year – from cosy farm retreats to £55 all-inclusives in London.

Plus, is this the UK’s fanciest Premier Inn? New hotel opens inside former Victorian police station.

In a game of fine margins, Mouat and Dodds were repeatedly an inch or two away from where they needed to be.

They started with the hammer – theoretically advantageous in allowing a team to control a match – and had a shot in the first end to take three points.

However, Dodds’ effort was fractionally out and the Italians stole one. It would be a recurring theme as Constantini and Amos Mosaner dictated the contest.

The British pair levelled, before the hosts edged back ahead in a cagey third end and pinched another in the third. Again, it was a near-miss from Dodds.

That had Italy 3-1 ahead at the interval and GB chasing.

One in the fifth was less than they wanted but a big mistake by Mosaner in the sixth opened the door. Was this going to be the moment the momentum shifted?

It wasn’t. Constantini – a picture of tranquility throughout – played a perfect shot to ensure the Italians edged two clear again with two to play.

GB needed a big score, and deployed their powerplay, but again could only take one and were left needing a steal to even force an extra end.

They couldn’t. And they were left to face the nightmare scenario of another Games in which they have finished in fourth place and without a mixed doubles medal.

“We spoke last night about how lucky we are to be playing at the Olympics as best mates,” Mouat added. “We are two people that grew up together and never really knew where we could go with curling. It has been pretty special with Jen.

“I’m obviously pretty gutted but I’m so proud of us for sticking at it.”

In Beijing, they responded the right way, with women’s gold and men’s silver. What will they do this time?

MORE than 86,000 holiday rentals have been removed from a region in Spain as the crackdown continues.

Last year, the Spanish government said they would suspending licenses for accommodation that breaches regulation rules.

This includes not having an official license number, or no information on the owner.

The region of Andalucia has since taken down 13,037 holiday listings following these new rules, local media reports.

Nearly 5,000 of these affect the province of Malaga, which saw the highest number of removals.

The region of Valencia has removed another 14,387, followed by the Canaries (13,726) and Catalonia (13,350)

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Last year, Catalonia removed more than 9,000 Airbnbs from being listed.

This affected cities such as Barcelona, Reus and Tarragona.

And Madrid said that another 5,000 rentals also breached the regulations and were removed.

Despite this, it is thought there are still thousands of properties that are breaking the rules.

Another 53,000 properties could be removed from private property companies, and go back on the rental market.

Until then, Brits are still able to book a holiday rental but should check if they follow the guidelines.

Otherwise hotels and resorts are unaffected by the rules.

The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot explained it could have a “big impact on Brits looking to book a holiday rental this summer“.

She added: “If you have booked a short term rental via Airbnb or any other booking service like Booking.com this summer, then the first thing you should do is check the rental has been registered correctly. It should be clearly displayed on the listing.”

It’s also not the only tourist crackdown in Spain.

Malaga is banning any new holiday rentals for the next three years.

Barcelona announced a full ban in holiday apartments by November 2028.

And Seville now only allows 10 per cent of homes in each neighbourhood to be Airbnbs.

Feb. 10 (UPI) — Air Canada became the first scheduled airline to withdraw services to Cuba due to shortages of jet fuel as the United States tightened its energy embargo on the Caribbean island.

Canada’s Montreal-headquartered flag-carrier announced Monday it was suspending its 16 weekly flights serving Havana and three other cities, effectively immediately, but said it would send aircraft to bring home 3,000 customers already in Cuba.

“For remaining flights, Air Canada will tanker in extra fuel and make technical stops as necessary to refuel on the return journey, if necessary,” the airline said.

Airlines in Russia, where Cuba is also a top holiday destination, said they had no plans to change their schedules, but Russian media reported at least one Rossiya Airlines flight was canceled with the carrier instead dispatching an empty aircraft to collect Russian tourists.

As many as 4,700 Russians on package holidays were thought to be on the island currently, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia.

Spain’s Iberia and Air Europa said flights from Madrid to Havana would now stopover in the Dominican Republic to refuel but would otherwise continue as normal.

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico said they would continue flying the route, with American telling CNN that the aircraft it used on the route could carry enough fuel for the round trip without refueling.

On Sunday, an international NOTAM system notice confirmed that no A-1 jet fuel, the standard for commercial aviation, would be available at Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport for one month between Tuesday and March 11.

The aviation fuel shortage and its knock-on effect on tourism was the most visible economic casualty of additional measures imposed 10 days ago by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at shutting off all oil shipments to the island.

Accusing Cuba of harboring terrorist groups, Trump threatened any country supplying oil to Cuba with tariffs in a move principally aimed at Mexico, one of the only remaining points of supply since the United States severed the economic lifeline provided by Venezuela in January.

Venezuela was the source of most of Cuba’s oil imports until the United States’ Jan. 3 military operation to remove President Nicolas Maduro, seize control of the country’s oil and turn off the tap to Cuba.

The move was in line with the Trump administration’s efforts to ratchet up a six-decade-long U.S. trade embargo with the energy blockade exacerbating rolling blackouts and forcing the communist government to ration health and transport, shorten hours in schools and state-owned workplaces, and close some hotels as it scrambles to conserve fuel.

Official Cuban government data shows Canada was the number one source of tourists to the island with more than 754,000 Canadians traveled there in 2025, compared with 110,000 from the United States, 56,000 from Mexico and 46,000 from Spain.

A plane passenger has sparked a debate after bringing up an unspoken ‘middle seat rule’ that she demands all fliers follow, but some people have claimed she’s being ‘cheeky’

Nobody relishes being stuck with the middle seat on a plane. We all have our preferences when it comes to flying, and for virtually everyone, that means either bagging the window or aisle seat, while the dreaded middle spot remains the universally unwanted option for most travellers.

The middle seat earns its poor reputation because it offers none of the perks associated with its neighbours. You’re denied the scenic views enjoyed by window-seat occupants, and you miss out on the additional legroom that comes from stretching into the aisle. What’s more, if you’re flying solo, you’ll typically find yourself sandwiched between two strangers.

One woman has recently taken to social media to argue that there should be an unwritten “rule” observed by all air travellers, granting middle-seat passengers a modest degree of comfort – though whilst many backed her stance, others branded her simply “cheeky”.

Australian Molly Wroe posted a video on TikTok documenting her middle-seat ordeal on a recent flight. Throughout her journey, she found herself trapped between two male passengers who wouldn’t allow her access to either armrest – which she insisted violated a crucial unspoken aviation etiquette.

She questioned: “Who’s gonna tell these men I get both arm rests because I’m in the middle??”

She reinforced her position in the caption, stating: “Middle person gets both armrests.”

This unofficial etiquette surrounding the middle seat has been debated before. It’s frequently suggested that passengers occupying the window and aisle seats shouldn’t monopolise their inner armrests, given they already benefit from an outer armrest plus the additional perks of avoiding the middle position.

Consequently, many argue that the middle seat passenger ought to have access to both armrests flanking their seat, as they’re denied the privilege of a decent view or extra legroom. This was precisely Molly’s argument in her video – though not everyone saw eye to eye with her stance.

Several commenters on her clip branded her “cheeky” for expecting access to both armrests. They contended there’s no “airline rule” stipulating the middle seat gets armrest priority, suggesting instead that she should simply ask her neighbouring passengers if they’d mind shifting their arms.

One person questioned: “Why would you get both, and they both get zero?” Another remarked: “Absolutely not, one each, which is fair; there are no rules regarding arm rests.”

A third commented: “Why don’t you tell them instead of filming? It’s not an official rule that the middle seat gets both armrests.”

However, others leapt to Molly’s defence, insisting it’s an unwritten rule rooted in basic courtesy. Whilst it’s neither a legal requirement nor an airline regulation that’s actively enforced, most passengers would willingly relinquish the armrest out of compassion, recognising that the middle seat is utterly miserable and warrants some degree of comfort.

One commenter remarked: “Everyone in the comments is not getting it, but you’re right. It’s an unofficial rule, but it’s just polite. Middle gets nothing, so they get both armrests. The window and the aisle each get their outer armrest and all the other perks.”

Another contended: “The window seat gets one armrest and the window, aisle seat gets one armrest and obviously the aisle to get up whenever they like, and the centre seat gets no window, no getting up when they like and BOTH armrests. THAT’S THE RULE ON ANY AND ALL AIRLINES.”

A third added: “They both have one on the outside, one gets the window, and one has free access to the toilet. Would seem fair to me.”

FOR the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish is coming to the UK.

From summer 2027, Disney fans can head off on a cruise on the Disney Wish from Southampton on three to seven-night European sailings.

Bookings for sailings go live on February 23.

The Disney Wish is the fifth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and is full of storytelling.

As guests board the ship, they will enter through the Grand Hall, with their name even being called out.

Princes and princesses will be there to greet you before you head off to discover the rest of the ship and your room.

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Inside each stateroom, passengers will find spacious wardrobes, sprawling beds and a theme specific to a Disney character.

Mine featured Moana artwork, including a huge piece on Te Fiti – the goddess of life and nature.

Most of the staterooms also feature a split bathroom and an ocean view.

When it comes to food on board the ship, guests won’t be short for choice, with market-style buffet options and immersive dining adventures.

For example, at Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure there is a live performance from the characters of the film, including Olaf.

All the iconic songs are performed, and plenty of opportunities to sing along as you get served your food.

Another dining experience is Worlds of Marvel where you are immersed in a futuristic-style restaurant and accompanied by Ant-Man and Spider-Man.

As a sweet-tooth, I especially loved Inside Out: Joyful Sweets, where you can pick up handmade gelato and ice cream or tuck into a themed macaron, cupcake, or chocolate treat.

Coffee onboard the ship is also an experience – each time I picked up my morning latte from either The Wishing Star Café or The Enchanted Sword Café, I was greeted by a character printed onto the foam.

As for other entertainment, the ship has an endless amount of things to do.

Each night over a voyage, the Walt Disney Theatre puts on a West-End style show.

My personal favourite was Disney Seas the Adventure, where passengers follow Goofy on a journey sailing the ship.

Other shows include Disney The Little Mermaid – an adaptation of the classic tale.

Kids have lots to do outside of the shows as well.

The Disney AquaMouse is a performance and ride in one, with lighting, special effects, and scenes of Mickey and Minnie on different adventures.

And for kids needing to let off steam, there is the Hero Zone, where there are a number of challenges and game-style competitions.

Once they ultimately tire out, the two cinemas are the ideal spots to cosy up with some popcorn while watching the latest Disney releases.

And the ultimate night for the whole family is Pirates’ Night, where Captain Jack Sparrow takes a fateful leap from the ship’s funnel.

If parents do want some time away from the kids, there is an entire deck dedicated to children, including a full-service nursery and separate clubs for kids and teens.

This gives parents the chance to nip off to the adult-only spaces without stressing about their kids, and these were my favourite spaces on the Disney Wish.

The Senses Spa & Salon was the ultimate destination for a pamper session.

With a sauna, steam room and heated loungers, there are plenty of spots for child-free relaxation, though my favourite was the frigidarium, sitting at a chilly 10C.

And who wouldn’t enjoy the outdoor whirlpools as the sun sets and the waves crash against the side of the ship?

Quiet Cove is another top adult-only spot, where you can relax in an infinity pool that looks over the sea.

It is the ideal place to be when the ship’s horn blasts the iconic first seven notes of the ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’ song melody.

In total, the ship can carry up to 4,000 passengers, with an additional 1,555 crew members onboard.

The cheapest sailing is a three-night Belgium cruise from Southampton, sailing to Zeebrugge (Brussels) in Belgium costing from £1,633 for two people.

One of the four-night itineraries costs from £2,252 for an inside stateroom for two people, heading to La Coruña, in Spain.

Or you could head off on a seven-night Northern Europe cruise from Southampton from £3,273 for two people.

You could really splash out with the a seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise from Southampton, sailing to Kristiansand, Olden, Alesund and Haugesund in Norway from £5,235 for two people.

In other cruise news, here are our pick of the eight best cruises for both hot and cold weather – from Caribbean sailings to Icelandic glacier tours.

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This tropical paradise with beaches, waterfalls, rainforests and warm February weather is perfect for escaping the UK winter

With cold, wet weather blanketing much of Britain, it’s no wonder many of us are fantasising about jetting off somewhere sunny to escape the gloomy conditions. While sandy shores usually mean booking flights to the Maldives or Bali, there’s a less crowded tropical haven that’s worth considering – Mauritius.

This small island sits off Africa’s southeast coast, roughly 1,200 miles from the mainland. Despite its modest size, it boasts stunning beaches thanks to the coral reefs encircling it. These natural formations create beautiful lagoons with crystal-clear turquoise waters and gentle waves, allowing visitors to spot abundant marine life without even boarding a boat.

But Mauritius offers far more than just coastline – you’ll find cascading waterfalls, lush rainforests, volcanic craters, and even giant tortoises nearby, meaning you can take in extraordinary landscapes all within a single afternoon.

According to Heather Richardson from Safari Bookings, Mauritius ranks among the “most beautiful” and “most spectacular” islands on the planet.

She explained: “An island bursting with colour, Mauritius is so much more than a beach destination (though its white-sand shores are indeed beautiful).”, reports the Express.

“With rich, green rainforests, craggy mountains, silvery waterfalls and a diverse and delicious foodie scene, there’s plenty to enjoy when you’ve had your fill of beach time.”

What makes Mauritius truly special is the versatility it offers – one day you’re lounging beside pristine turquoise waters, the next you’re embarking on a boat trip, exploring underwater worlds, trekking through nature, spotting dolphins or venturing to another island.

Among Mauritius’ most celebrated landmarks is Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where an imposing peak emerges dramatically from the ocean.

Viewed from above, the panorama is stunning as the shoreline seems to cascade into the depths, creating the visual illusion of an enormous submerged waterfall.

In truth, it’s simply the distinctive shape of the ocean floor combined with drifting sediment that deceives the eye, yet it appears enchanting and remains a favourite spot for photography.

Mauritius is equally renowned for its distinctive cuisine, which blends Indian, French, Chinese and Creole traditions, drawing visitors specifically for the culinary experience.

Wandering through the lively bazaars of Port Louis or dining at a neighbourhood eatery can be delightful, though numerous tour companies across the island also offer guided gastronomic tours.

The island has additionally gained recognition for its rum production, with methods dating back centuries and enhanced with indigenous ingredients such as vanilla, passion fruit and aromatic spices.

There’s perpetually something distinctive to experience in Mauritius, and even during February, conditions remain pleasant, with typical temperatures spanning 24°C to 30°C.

FORMER soap star Danniella Westbrook has been on a journey to rebuild her face after her tumultuous past with drug abuse.

The Sun yesterday unveiled snaps of the 52-year-old looking completely unrecognisable after undergoing more reconstructive surgery in Dubai.

Danniella shot to fame starring as Sam Mitchell on BBC One’s EastEnders.

While many of Danniella’s surgeries have been constructive, some have been purely cosmetic – either way the star loves to keep her fans in the loop.

These are all the wild surgeries the TV legend has had so far.

Nose reconstruction

Following Danniella’s battle with cocaine addiction in the 90s her septum collapsed and she was forced to have a nose reconstruction.

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The I’m A Celeb star previously said she first tried the drug at 14 as a result of child abuse.

In her tell-all book, released in 2006, Danniella said she had her eroded septum and columella replaced.

Danniella’s many boob jobs

Danniella has been very committed to boob surgery over the years, having at least seven boob jobs and ending up a size 34DD.

When she appeared on Channel 5‘s Celebrity Botched Up Bodies she revealed she went from a 34B to a 34D.

But she didn’t stop there, wanting to go bigger despite being warned by her doctor.

Danniella even insisted she wanted them so large that they looked like “huge footballs.”

Her doctor apparently said her frame was too small for such huge breasts but Danniella claimed she didn’t care and begged him to do it anyway.

Screws instead of Teeth

The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant previously revealed she nearly died following a botched surgical procedure in 2015.

Danniella suffered a severe bout of osteoporosis, which is a health condition that weakens bones.

She was left with screws for teeth as her cheekbones “wasted away.”

In 2018, she told The Mirror: “They need to take a piece of bone out of my skull and put a plate into my face but they’ve got nothing to stick the plate on at the minute because the bone’s not strong enough.”

While Danniella was in the CBB house she was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment after suffering horrendous teeth pain.

She said: “The bone hadn’t closed around the screws so they took me out of the house three times to a dentist, which they’re not meant to, because the pain was so bad.”

The star was down bad and even contracted septicaemia, which she battled in hospital for seven weeks.

Danniella told fans they had to remove all her teeth out and give her a denture.

Liposuction on her knees

One of the most bizarre surgeries the star had was liposuction on her knees; a procedure she told The Sun was unnecessary.

Alongside the surgery the star also admitted she didn’t need her seven boob jobs, eye lift, face lift and Botox.

A rib inserted into her cheek

TV icon Danniella claimed in 2022 she made plans to have a rib put into her cheek to help reconstruct her face.

She previously told us: “I hate the way I look. I’m constantly made fun of, and trolled for it.

“People message me, saying: ‘You’re so ugly, you’re a junkie, you should just go and kill yourself.’

“I’ve also had messages saying they are glad I’m not coming back to EastEnders because no one wants me scaring their kids on the telly.”

While the planned procedure would most definitely have boosted her confidence she said it would also help her breathing and sinus issues.

Five facial reconstruction surgeries

Danniella jetted off to Turkey for her fifth facial reconstruction surgery back in 2023.

She told OK! it was a thread lift which saw surgeons put over 1,200 threads into her face.

The TV personality also said she flew over for a nose reconstruction but the surgery failed to straighten her nose despite the use of 200 threads.

In another of her facial reconstruction attempts Danniella announced she had a fat transfer.

She said surgeons took “fat out of my back, my sides and my stomach, and put it into my face to make it more symmetrical.”

But Danniella soon regretted this procedure as she branded her experience a “living nightmare.”

In 2025, she went under the knife again for another facial surgery.

She said: “Today, I got the amazing news that I’m officially clear to move on to stage 2 of my recovery. Despite a rough patch with an infection (which was a known risk), my doctors are happy with how everything’s going – and that means everything to me.”

Latest Surgery

We yesterday revealed Danniella’s latest surgery snaps as she went under the knife for a full face, neck and brow lift in addition to a lip and nose reconstruction.

Undergoing the procedure at the Gargash Hospital in Dubai, the actress was pictured in her hospital gown awaiting the surgery before finally being able to leave several hours later.

Donning a pink dress, Danniella left the facility in a wheelchair with a facial compression garment wrapped around her head.

A full recovery for a face, neck and chin lift can take up to nine months.

The surgery was performed by Danniella’s trusted Surgeon Dr Parviz Sadigh, who has carried out operations on her in the past.