Since Amorim’s arrival, he has attempted to get United playing his specific system, rarely straying away from his philosophy.

By taking a system-first approach, Amorim looks for specific qualities from his players in each position, asking them to adapt to what he wants, rather than altering his system to fit the players at his disposal.

Looking at his system and what he wants from his midfielders may help explain how he navigates the next few months.

Amorim opts for a 3-2-4-1 shape that does not rely on having the majority of the ball.

At the start of his tenure, Amorim looked to build-up short, but to his credit has opted to play long from the keeper more often – which suits the players he has. This requires players able to cover distance and win second balls.

His side are asked to carry out passing routines too with patterns of play often ending in United’s midfielders playing through-balls over the top for attackers running in behind.

The midfield duo therefore need to be able to carry out these instructions.

Amorim’s preferred midfield duo of Casemiro and Fernandes provides clues to what he asks from his midfielders.

Casemiro’s role is more positionally strict – screening the defence, breaking up play and getting up and down the pitch to close the distance between defence and attack when the ball is played long.

Fernandes is given licence to contribute in attack but, like Casemiro, has the ability to run hard up and down the pitch, getting back to defend when needed.

Both players have a tendency to play direct passes into attackers running in behind whilst taking few touches in midfield – qualities that fit Amorim’s tactical plan.

The other midfield options must therefore fit into either Casemiro or Fernandes’ roles, with Ugarte being the most likely back-up to Casemiro while Mount, Martinez and Mainoo possess some of the quality to do Fernandes’ job.

Given the constraints around the Africa Cup of Nations and United’s injuries, the other option is for Amorim to tweak his system.

This is not something he has done yet at Old Trafford, but – when asked about a shortage of wing-backs – he hinted he could, depending “on the way we play in that particular week, if we have to change for a back four, we change for a back four”.

The shortage of midfielders could force his hand in the same way.

If United are to move to four at the back, with three in midfield, the obvious player to benefit would be Mainoo.

The England man has struggled to displace either Casemiro or Fernandes given the specific tactical demands Amorim asks for in this system. And the United boss believes Mainoo’s strengths and weaknesses are more suited to a midfield three.

“The problem is that we are playing with two [midfielders] and you guys see Kobbie in a different way to what I am seeing,” he said.

“Maybe if you play with three midfielders, not with just two. But with three, Kobbie will have more minutes.”

Dec. 22 (UPI) — Paramount Skydance amended its hostile bid to take over Warner Bros. Discovery, guaranteeing the backing of Larry Ellison.

“Larry Ellison has agreed to provide an irrevocable personal guarantee of $40.4 billion of the equity financing for the offer and any damages claims against Paramount,” the company said in a press release. Ellison also agreed not to revoke the Ellison family trust or adversely transfer its assets during the pendency of the transaction.

Last week, WBD urged its shareholders not to accept Paramount’s bid, saying it wasn’t backed by billionaire Larry Ellison, father of Paramount’s CEO.

WBD agreed to sell to Netflix but Paramount, which had been in a bidding war with Netflix, mounted a hostile bid.

Paramount didn’t raise its bid of $30 a share, saying it believes the bid is superior. But it did raise its proposed reverse breakup fee to match Netflix’s offer.

“What we’ve done in this amended filing is we’ve cleared the brush of obfuscation around the offer,” said Gerry Cardinale, founder and managing partner of RedBird Capital Partners, on CNBC’s Squawk Box on Monday.

RedBird is an investor in Paramount Skydance and has committed to financing the proposed purchase.

Cardinale said the bid is backed by 1.2 billion Oracle shares in an irrevocable trust.

“Like we’ve done through the six bids that we’ve made, we are being responsive to what their concerns are,” Cardinale said.

Warner Bros. Discovery shares jumped 4% in early trading Monday, while Paramount shares rose almost 6%, CNBC reported. Netflix shares dipped slightly.

“Paramount has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to acquiring WBD. Our $30 per share, fully financed all-cash offer was on Dec. 4, and continues to be, the superior option to maximize value for WBD shareholders,” David Ellison said in a statement. “Because of our commitment to investment and growth, our acquisition will be superior for all WBD stakeholders, as a catalyst for greater content production, greater theatrical output, and more consumer choice. We expect the board of directors of WBD to take the necessary steps to secure this value-enhancing transaction and preserve and strengthen an iconic Hollywood treasure for the future.”

Booking a hotel can feel like a daunting task, especially with the surge in prices, but there’s a simple Travelodge hack to get a bigger room without needing to fork out extra for an upgrade

Aside from choosing your room category when booking a hotel, you never quite know what room you’ll be given. However, I discovered a clever hack that can get you a bigger hotel room, and it costs just £3.50.

Booking a hotel for any occasion, whether that’s a city break with pals or a romantic weekend away, can be a daunting task, with a lengthy list of establishments to choose from. Yet, even when you’ve chosen your desired hotel, you then need to select your room category, although the price often determines which one we book (in an ideal world, we’d all book the premium suites if we could afford them).

However, what if I told you that you could get a bigger room when booking through Travelodge, without having to hope that the booking system gods have been kind? I found this out during a trip to London with my friends earlier this year.

We were spending the night after watching an evening show, so I found us a Travelodge in London, Central City Road, to book for the night. As there were three of us, I booked a triple family room – the most affordable option I could find for a Saturday night in the capital.

A few days before our stay, I discovered an option in my booking that allowed me to ‘choose my room’ before arrival. I was a little sceptical at first, but I’m so glad I investigated further.

For an additional £3.50, I found that I could choose the exact room my friends and I would stay in during our trip. In the name of research and curiosity, I paid the mere £3.50 and was taken to a site map of all the rooms available in my category, which allowed me to choose our room.

What surprised me was that, although the rooms shown were all in the specific category I had booked, a few were noticeably larger as shown on the floor plan. So naturally, I selected the biggest room available.

Even at this stage, I was questioning whether I’d get this room at check-in, considering I had paid less than £5 and it was noticeably larger than the others. So when I checked in on Saturday afternoon, I was delighted when they handed me the keys to the exact room I had chosen, and it was well worth the extra £3.50.

We were treated to a sprawling room with a double bed and two twin beds, despite never changing the room category. Plus, it gave us vital extra space when getting ready for a night out without having to fork out for a pricey upgrade.

This handy hack can be used at more than 575 Travelodge hotels, and it’s not just for extra space. You can select to ‘choose your room’ to ensure you’re staying near family or friends, have a specific view, ensure you have a top or ground floor room, or that you’re near a lift.

Not only can it provide an additional perk of a bigger room, as I found out, but it also avoids the uncertainty at check-in. However, it’s essential to note that using this hack is contingent upon the hotel’s availability and layout.

Some Travelodge hotels may not have a larger room available in the category that you’ve booked, but it’s certainly worth checking. Additionally, the price can vary by hotel, room type and length of stay, but it’s available for a selection of Travelodge room categories.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

A young family decided to make a significant lifestyle change and move to Thailand, selling almost everything they owned to make the big move – and they have no regrets

Faced with Britain’s dreary weather and struggling to carve out precious family moments, one couple took radical steps, flogging all their possessions on Vinted to fund a dramatic relocation overseas.

Jasmine Riam and her partner made the courageous choice to abandon their UK existence with their two youngsters for a completely new beginning in Thailand. The pair relocated to Southeast Asia within just six months, though the decision wasn’t taken lightly, and they had compelling reasons for such a transformative leap.

“My husband and I had been talking for a long time about moving away to create a better life for ourselves and our young children – he works incredibly hard, yet by the end of each month, we were often left with little to nothing, and even less time to truly enjoy life together as a family,” Jasmine revealed to travel experts at Omio, the online booking platform.

“We had a nice life in the UK, but the weather, rising costs, and a growing sense that we wanted more began to weigh on us. The moment everything became clear was after praying and watching things align. My husband’s work began to slow down in the UK, and we both felt a deep sense of peace that this was the right next step for our family.”

READ MORE: You can currently book Spain and Portugal holidays for less than £150pp in 2026

Jasmine went on: “Being half Thai made the idea of moving feel more achievable, and slowly, the possibility turned into a real plan. I’ve always wanted to explore this side of my culture more deeply. Growing up in the UK, I had only ever experienced Thailand through holidays, so living here felt like something that had always been calling me. My husband also loves Thailand, which made the decision even easier.”

To turn their aspirations into reality, the pair took dramatic steps to raise additional funds and flogged nearly everything they owned. The mother-of-two revealed: “The relocation happened quickly – within six months, we had booked our flights and were actively moving forward.

“We already had some savings, but we also decided to fully commit by selling almost everything we owned – our car, many personal belongings and even our son’s quad bike. I sold clothes on Vinted, and we cleared out anything no longer needed. We also filled bags and bags for charity. After this, we had roughly between £5,000-£10,000 in savings.

“We truly sold everything, and surprisingly, it felt incredibly freeing. I had been holding onto things for years without realising how much they were weighing me down. Decluttering and moving toward a more minimal lifestyle felt so good – lighter, clearer, and more intentional.”

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Having relocated at the end of this year, she noted: “There haven’t been any unexpected expenses so far, but when you first arrive, it’s easy to spend more than planned. Rent is usually the biggest cost, and day-to-day expenses can slowly add up if you’re not careful.”

Jasmine and her spouse have been adapting to their new lifestyle, with their daily routine undergoing significant changes. “Our wellness routine is amazing. We take turns to go to the gym each morning, go on long walks along the beach with the children, and make time for relaxing massages. We’ve had so much more quality time together as a family, and it’s been such a gift,” Jasmine revealed.

“It’s been really nice to slow down to wake up early, read the Bible, and pray together. We’re feeling refreshed, grounded, and grateful, and we’re really looking forward to connecting with a new church here as well.

“A slower-paced life and more time to spend with each other has been exactly what we needed. We’re no longer constantly in a rush, and instead feel more relaxed, present, and at ease. The mental load is finally starting to lift, and the sunshine is making us all happier too!”.

She further stated: “The people are incredibly friendly, life is far more affordable, the weather is beautiful, and there is so much for us to do and experience together as a family.”

READ MORE: Jet2 launches huge sale with £400 off all holidays and 20% discount on flights

However, they do miss their extended family back in the UK, but are eagerly anticipating their visit. Jasmine confessed: “The hardest part was leaving our family. We’re incredibly close to both sides, and saying goodbye was heartbreaking. We miss them more than we ever imagined, but we’re grateful that we can FaceTime regularly and stay connected. Their love and support has meant everything to us, and we already look forward to them coming to visit us.”

For those considering a similar move, Jasmine encouraged: “Go for it. Sometimes it takes actually moving away to realise that change really is possible. Change is the catalyst, and at times, you simply have to take that leap of faith. If it doesn’t work out, what’s the worst that can happen?”.

“Be wise and prepared, make sure you have enough savings and budget realistically. While Thailand is more affordable, costs can add up quickly if you’re not mindful. Stay humble, stay grounded, and enjoy the process. It’s also important to have the correct paperwork and visas in place.

“Respecting the culture and the Thai people is also vital – Thailand is a beautiful, calm place to live, and you’ll be welcomed with open arms.”

Got a travel tale to tell? Drop an email to webtravel@reachplc.com

Deadly Israeli air strike is latest in Israel’s near-daily violations of 2024 ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.

At least three people have been killed in an Israeli attack near the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, the country’s National News Agency (NNA) is reporting, in the latest Israeli breach of a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.

Lebanon’s Ministry of Health said on Monday that the three people were killed in an Israeli air strike on a vehicle on Quneitra Road in the southern Sidon district, according to NNA.

The Israeli military said in a statement that it had targeted Hezbollah members in the Sidon area, without providing further details.

The deadly strikes come a day after another Israeli attack on southern Lebanon on Sunday killed one person and wounded two others. The Israeli army said it killed a Hezbollah member in that attack.

Israel has repeatedly violated the November 2024 ceasefire agreement with the Lebanese group, carrying out near-daily attacks across Lebanon, particularly in the south, that have drawn widespread condemnation.

Between January and late November, Israeli forces carried out nearly 1,600 strikes across Lebanon, according to data compiled by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED).

Late last month, the United Nations said at least 127 civilians had been killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect, prompting a call from the United Nations human rights office for a “prompt and impartial” investigation.

Delegations meet in southern Lebanon

Israel’s attacks have continued despite the November 2024 ceasefire agreement, which includes provisions for Hezbollah’s disarmament in parts of southern Lebanon and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Lebanon was close to completing the disarmament of Hezbollah in the area south of the Litani River.

That is a key provision of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which designates the zone between the Litani River and the Israeli border as an area where only the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers are permitted to operate.

Hezbollah has long rejected calls for full disarmament, saying its weapons are necessary to defend Lebanon against Israeli attacks and occupation.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has consistently said the group will end its military presence south of the Litani River in line with the ceasefire, but insists it will retain its weapons elsewhere in Lebanon.

Under the 2024 ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces were also required to withdraw fully from southern Lebanon, south of the Litani River, by January. But Israeli troops have only partially pulled back and continue to maintain a military presence at five border outposts inside Lebanese territory.

Hezbollah officials have previously said the group would not fully implement its commitments under the ceasefire while Israeli forces remain deployed in southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, a committee overseeing the ceasefire agreement continues to hold talks in southern Lebanon as Israel and the United States increase pressure on Hezbollah to disarm.

Civilian and military delegations from Israel and Lebanon met in the southern town of Naqoura on Friday in closed-door discussions.

Following the talks, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with diplomat Simon Karam, who has been appointed as Lebanon’s chief civilian negotiator.

Hezbollah has been critical of the appointment of Karam, who has previously served as the ambassador of Lebanon to the US.

In a statement, the Lebanese presidency said Aoun stressed that enabling tens of thousands of displaced Lebanese civilians to return to their villages and homes was “an entry point for addressing all other details” of the agreement.

Aoun said the committee’s next meeting is scheduled for January 7.

He also welcomed a separate diplomatic agreement reached in Paris between the US, France and Saudi Arabia to organise an international conference in early 2026 to support the Lebanese army and internal security forces.

Driving Home For Christmas singer Chris Rea was making festive posts on social media hours before he died ‘peacefully in hospital’ at the age of 74 following a short illness

Chris Rea made reference to his famous Christmas song in his final social media post which he shared just hours before his sudden death. A spokesperson for the music legend announced on Monday that he had died following a short illness, at the age of 74.

The musician, who was from Middlesbrough, is arguably best known for his 1988 song, Driving Home For Christmas. And amid the 2025 festive season, he had been sharing social media posts about the countdown to Christmas.

On Sunday, the star uploaded a photo of a car driving through snow along a busy motorway. A Variable Message Sign was also in shot which had the message: “Driving home for Christmas with a thousand memories. Adding a caption of his own, Chris wrote: “Top to toe in tailbacks … If it’s a white Christmas, let’s hope the journey’s a smooth one.”

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The singer added the hashtages #DrivingHomeForChristmas, #ChristmasSongs, #ChristmasMusic and #ChrisRea to the post – as well as a snowflake and a car emoji. Just hours later, family members of the singer were around the star as he died.

A spokesperson confirmed on Monday: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”

Chris had suffered from a number of health conditions in recent years, including peritonitis, pancreatic cancer and diabetes – while it has been reported that he would inject insulin up to seven times per day as he battled his conditions. Following the news of his death, fans have flooded social media with tributes and memories of the star.

One wrote on X: “Genuinely gutted to hear this. A proper Teesside legend. Safe drive home Chris… Damn… he lived for his cars, wonderful guitarist, and made so many great albums. RIP Chris Rea… Aah no! Bad news…”

Another typed: “Chris Rea has died. Shocked. Talented, he was also a really nice guy. I’m freaked because I mentioned him in a pre-Yule newsletter from my website. Chris had loads of friends in Ireland. He’ll be missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam…”

Chris had previously discussed his health issues – revealing: “I’ve had nine major operations in ten years. A lot of it is to do with something called retroperitoneal fibrosis, where the internal tissues attack each other. No one knew it existed 20 years ago, and it’s completely unpredictable.. It’s affected the colon, the pancreas, the gall bladder, the liver – and then I get a stroke.”

The singer went on to explain that his health was something that could not be taken for granted, despite the chart and commercial success he enjoyed over the years. He said: “I made a lot of money, but you can dangerously let it lead you on…

“It depends what company you keep. I once said to Michael Winner, ‘I’m the poorest man on this Barbados beach.’ On days like today, the richest man in the world is the one who hasn’t got a bad shoulder.”

Chris is survived by his wife Joan Lesley, who he was together with since they were teenagers, and their two daughters; Josephine, born 16 September 1983, and Julia Christina, born 18 March 1989. As well as Driving Home For Christmas, he penned tracks including On the Beach, Let’s Dance, and The Road To Hell.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

NEW YORK — Mayor David N. Dinkins, battered by the budget crisis and seeking to project a message of personal accountability, invited ordinary citizens to his office Monday with suggestions on how to better life in the city.

Hundreds of people started lining up before dawn with complaints and ideas–including sending a squad of cowboys and cowgirls through poverty-stricken areas to preach AIDS-awareness and anti-drug messages, offering centralized computer access to municipal information, encouraging volunteerism and sacrificing a day’s pay a year to help the city.

After being pre-screened in front of City Hall, people in line were funneled through a metal detector to chat with the heads of appropriate agencies. A far smaller group met the mayor himself.

Was it a sincere search for innovation or a folksy public relations exercise? “I’d say it was 50-50,” said Michael Attisano, who emerged from the mayor’s office after suggesting a consolidation of the city’s separate housing and transit police forces. “I think he is going to get a lot of good ideas today.”

“Even now, there are those who see this as some sort of a gimmick,” Dinkins said. “It really is a desire to convey to the people of our city that this government really cares about them.”

The mayor’s invitation for ordinary citizens to meet with him came during a major televised address on July 30 that was designed to reassure both the city and the New York State Emergency Financial Control Board, created during the great fiscal crisis of the 1970s. The review board has the power under certain circumstances to seize financial control of the city.

In his speech, the mayor laid out a mixture of money-saving ideas, including ordering the heads of all city agencies, except for the police and fire departments, to give up their chauffeurs.

The mayor announced that he would not accept a pay raise for at least a year and set aside Monday as the day when New Yorkers with concerns and innovative ideas could come to see him.

And come they did. Coreen Brown of Brooklyn, arrived before dawn with a complaint about a sewer problem. When she emerged from the mayor’s office after waiting in line for hours, she admitted that she had broken into tears and Dinkins had given her a tissue.

“I forgot everything I wanted to say. I was going to invite him to my house,” Brown said.

Others remembered to deliver their messages.

Irving Scharf, a store owner from Brooklyn, suggested among other things that the mayor set up a lending-library system of math videotapes so children who miss classes because of illness or those who need extra credit can increase their learning skills.

“I am not here to berate the mayor. I am here to encourage him,” said Thelma Williams of the Bronx, who pushed for increased volunteerism and the sacrifice of a day’s pay by New Yorkers to help the city.

Carlos Foster, a rodeo producer who also lives in the Bronx, arrived wearing cowboy garb and proposed riding into poorer areas of the city with 10 cowboys and four cowgirls to preach against substance abuse and for safe sex.

Hulan Jack Jr., the son of a former Manhattan borough president in the 1960s, suggested putting all city data in central computer depositories for quick access.

Jack said that Dinkins listened and then had a municipal computer expert deliver a 30-second capsule of what already was being done. “Then we talked another minute and a half, and that was it,” he explained after leaving the mayor’s inner office.

The Dinkins invitation to New Yorkers brought out a summer Santa Claus, complete with red suit, and a woman dressed as the Easter Bunny. Police looked on bemusedly, except when Tasia Figueroa arrived with her 11-foot python, Shorty, draped around her neck.

The mayor’s staff, after quick consultation with police, asked that the snake be parked with Figueroa’s fiance while she went into City Hall to voice her municipal license complaint.

WITH Christmas this week, you more than likely already have a few things in the diary – but for those odd days around the big day itself, here’s some inspiration for when you need to get the kids out the house.

Whilst a lot of places are closed on the big day itself and Boxing Day, many attractions, destinations and events are still open the rest of the week.

And some even on Christmas Eve.

So here’s a round up of some of the best free things to do across the UK between December 22 and 28.

Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry, Reading Museum

Located at Reading Museum, just two minutes from Reading train station, visitors can see Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry – a full-size replica of Normandy’s Bayeux Tapestry.

This is ideal to see ahead of the Norman Bayeux Tapestry coming to the British Museum in autumn next year – though, this will be a paid-for experience.

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Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry is a full-size replica of the Norman one and is permanently located at Reading Museum, which is free to visit.

The tapestry measures 70 metres long and depicts the Norman conquest of England.

In the late 19th century, Britain decided it should have its own tapestry and so a group of Victorian embroiderers recreated the tapestry in full.

There are two main differences between the British tapestry and the Norman one – the Victorian embroidered underwear on the naked people in the British one and the ladies who embroidered the British one added their names to the end of the tapestry.

Head to the museum between December 22 and 24 to catch a glimpse of the tapestry before the museum closes for Christmas.

Paul Vanstone x David Aaron – Carrara Triceratops Skull

From now until December 31, you can see a marble life-sized skull of a Triceratops in Mayfair, London.

Created by British artist Paul Vanstone, the sculpture has been created in collaboration with the David Aaron gallery.

The sculpture can be found in Berkeley Square, Mayfair.

Wallace & Gromit in A Case at the Museum Exhibition, Preston

At The Harris in Preston, visitors can explore a hands-on exhibition of Aardman’s Wallace and Gromit.

Named A Case at the Museum, the exhibition marks the reopening of The Harris and showcases 35 years of Wallace and Gromit.

The exhibition explores the life of the creator of Wallace and Gromit – Nick Park – from growing up in Lancashire to the influence the region had on his characters and films.

Through the exhibition, visitors get to see original sets and models, storyboards, concept art, early sketches and even strike a pose in Wallace’s living room.

The museum and exhibition are both free to visit, with the museum only closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Though on Christmas Eve, The Harris is only open until midday.

Christmas Bauble Trail, St Albans

Until December 28, families can venture on a Christmas bauble trail around St Albans.

There are 12 baubles in total to spot, and you could even win a prize.

Boxing Day Swims, Various

A number of locations across the country host a Boxing Day Swim each year, where brave souls run into the chilly water for a dip.

A lot you have to either pay for or pre-book, but there are still a number that are free to participate in.

Though, most swims are for charity so donations are encouraged.

For example, you could head to Ventnor Bay on the Isle of Wight, where swimmers often wear pyjamas before running into the water.

The swim takes place on Boxing Day at 12pm.

Or head to North Norfolk Beach for the Runners’ Boxing Day Dip, where there is both a run starting at 11:30am and a splash in the sea at 12:30pm.

To find out if there is a Boxing Day Swim near you, just search your location and ‘Boxing Day Swim’.

Alternatively, some places host a New Year’s Day dip.

Christmas Lights, Various

Before they disappear for another year, make sure to check out the Christmas lights near you.

Whether that be Regent Street‘s iconic angels or the houses decked out in your nearby village, spotting Christmas lights makes the ideal festive walk.

Snoopy in the City, London

Until January 16, if you live in London you can still explore the Snoopy in the City sculpture trail.

Dotted around London’s Fleet Street Quarter, there are 12 Snoopy sculptures, all decorated by different artists, to find.

The trail celebrates 75 years of the Peanuts comic strip, created by Charles M Schulz.

Those trying to follow the trail can download a map on Wild in Art’s website.

Ikea events, various

In the lead up to Christmas, Ikea is still running its events including free ‘present hunts’ at Ikea Cardiff until December 23.

Or at Ikea Lakeside, visitors can make Christmas cards with the last session taking place on December 23.

Also tomorrow, from 10am to 11am, head to Ikea Southampton to have breakfast with Santa.

Justin Carter’s Liquid Light at the BottleWorks, Newcastle

Artist Justin Carter, who has showcased his work in Europe, Japan, China, Australia and America, has an exhibition at the BottleWorks in Newcastle.

The exhibition ‘Liquid Light’ showcases how important location can be to Justin and features a number of watercolour artworks.

You can visit on December 23 from 10am.

Ice skating, Blackpool

Ice skating at Christmas usually costs you an arm and a leg for just one person.

And then by the time you calculate how much it will cost for a family of four, you are nearing the £100 mark.

Up until January 4, you can head to the outdoor skating rink in Blackpool at the Christmas by the Sea village.

It sits below the iconic Blackpool Tower and is free to visit, with free skate hire as well.

The ice rink measures 20 metres in total and is open each day between 12pm and 9pm (apart from Christmas Day).

You don’t need to book, just turn up.

Christmas Rave, London

On Christmas Eve in the capital you can head to a free rave.

Located at Club Makossa in East London, ravers can head underground for some techno before the big day.

Whilst entry is free, there is a £1 donation to New Horizons Youth Centre in King’s Cross.

You can also enter a raffle at the rave and could win numerous prices from a £30 bar tab to event tickets.

The rave starts at 5pm and ends at midnight.

For more inspiration on what to do during the Twixmas period, here are 50 things to do between Christmas and New Year across the UK – including free activities and immersive experiences.

Plus, all the UK rides and attractions that we lost in 2025 and the exciting ones coming in 2026.

Hi, and welcome to another edition of Prep Rally. I’m Eric Sondheimer. It’s time to close out 2025 with The Times’ All-Star football package.

It’s awards time

Trent Mosley of Santa Margarita holds the CIF state championship Open Division trophy after beating De La Salle.

(Craig Weston)

The unanimous player of the year is Trent Mosley of Santa Margarita. During the postseason, he was unstoppable as a receiver and wildcat quarterback. The Eagles smartly decided he needed to get as many targets and opportunities as possible to turn short passes into long gainers, and he delivered in spectacular fashion. All the people who declined to make him one of their “five-star prospects” perhaps because of his size or a misunderstanding of how fast he is might want to reconsider now that he’s headed to USC and ready to be an impact player. Here’s the profile.

Luke Fahey of Mission Viejo.

(Craig Weston)

The back of the year is Luke Fahey of Mission Viejo. Ohio State is getting its next top quarterback. Accurate with a strong arm and great leadership skills, Fahey set an example of how you can reach the top while waiting your turn. He didn’t become the full-time starter until his senior season for the good of the team. He became a Mission Viejo legend. Here’s the profile.

Braiden McKenna of Los Alamitos, left, opens a hole against Cathedral Catholic.

(Craig Weston)

The lineman of the year is Braiden McKenna of Los Alamitos. Playing center, he helped ignite a ground game that produced two 1,000-yard rushers and a Southern Section Division 2 championship. Here’s the profile.

Los Alamitos football coach Ray Fenton stands with his players during an Alpha League opener at SoFi Stadium.

(Craig Weston)

The coach of the year is Ray Fenton of Los Alamitos. He took an underrated team and guided them to a Division 2 championship without transfers and lots of best friends uniting. Here’s the profile.

Here’s a look at the 22-person Times All-Star team.

Here’s the final top 25 rankings by The Times.

Here’s the complete package.

With finals taking place or finished, get ready for the transfer portal to open for high school football players looking for new schools for the spring semester.

There have been lots of rumors about players coming to Santa Margarita to play for coach Carson Palmer after the Eagles won the Division 1 title in his rookie season. Mater Dei has had two lackluster freshman classes the last two years, so if the Monarchs intend to keep up in the Trinity League, look for new players checking in.

Mission Viejo has an opening at quarterback, so keep watch who ends up there. Will JSerra players stick around for a new coach or switch to another Trinity League team.

St. John Bosco has lots of returning players, including two promising quarterbacks who will be juniors. It will be a surprise in today’s environment if both stay. The Braves are expected to get a top defensive back/receiver in the coming days. Sierra Canyon has plenty of back-ups expected to move into starting roles, but it’s been the same problem in recent years for the Trailblazers: Average play at quarterback against the best teams doesn’t get you to be one of the top two teams.

In the City Section, Carson won its 12th championship and gets to build the likely City player of the year, quarterback Chris Fields III. Will Crenshaw continue its rise? Will Birmingham start a new winning streak against City teams? What will happen to coach Robert Garrett, who didn’t get to coach this season at Crenshaw while on administrative leave with no end date in sight. All he does is check in from home waiting for a long and confusing Los Angeles Unified School District investigative process to play out despite reaching 300 career victories.

New coaches at JSerra, Bishop Alemany, St. Francis, Bishop Montgomery, Oaks Christian and St. Paul will offer a glimpse about what direction those private school programs want to take.

JSerra makes historic hire

Finally, a Trinity League school said yes.

Hardy Nickerson of the Chicago Bears poses for his 2007 NFL headshot at photo day in Chicago. He’s the new head coach at JSerra.

(Getty Images / Getty Images)

Hardy Nickerson, a Verbum Dei grad who was an All-Pro linebacker and coached in the NFL, college and high school ranks, was hired by JSerra as its new football coach, becoming the first Black head football coach in the Trinity League since it was formed in 2006. Here’s the report.

This is a story from 2021 about the lack of Black head coaches in the league.

There’s been excuses in the past, from lack of fit, to lack of coaching experiences to lack of school ties. Nickerson earned this chance based on years of qualifications and coaching at every level, from youth to high school to college to the NFL.

There’s no guarantee of success, however, in a league in which the other five schools have invested lots of money and hard work trying to be successful. There’s an expectation coaching in the league you get about three years and are gone without progress.

Nickerson will face the same challenges as his predecessor, former Azusa Pacific coach Victor Santa Cruz, who came in with strong qualifications but was pushed out following a 3-7 season.

If Nickerson succeeds, it can pave the way for other Black head coaches to get a chance to be a coach at a top private school. It has happened in basketball, but football has been way behind.

Basketball

It’s freedom day for high school basketball players who transferred without moving and have been sitting out the first month of the season. They’re getting the best Christmas present of all — eligibility on Friday.

Many teams will undergo changes that could lead to much-improved performances. Sierra Canyon, Chaminade, Mater Dei, Loyola, Crespi, Arcadia and Pasadena are among the schools getting stronger. Among girls, Etiwanda and Corona Centennial will be getting new players.

Crespi is getting 6-foot-9 junior Rodney Mukendi, which will add much-needed rebounding and a rim protector.

Ontario Christian’s girls’ basketball team has won 14 straight games to start the season. Etiwanda is 7-1. The inevitable meeting between the two should happen in the postseason.

The day after Christmas is always one of the busiest basketball days of the season with tournaments galore. The Classic at Damien leads the tournament action. The fact that sit-out period players become eligible on Dec. 26 will make for interesting matchups and possible surprises.

On Monday in Las Vegas, there will be some great matchups at the Tarkanian Classic, including Redondo Union vs. Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, San Gabriel Academy vs. La Mirada and Santa Margarita vs. Utah Timpview.

Here’s this week’s top 25 boys basketball rankings by The Times.

Here’s this week’s top 10 City Section boys basketball rankings by The Times.

Baseball/softball

St. John Bosco closer Jack Champlin

It’s not too early to start speculating which teams will challenge defending Division 1 champion St. John Bosco for No. 1 this season. The Braves are loaded with quality returnees, from twins James and Miles Clark to star closer Jack Champlin.

There are at least seven other schools gearing up to make a title run, including JSerra, Orange Lutheran, Huntington Beach, Santa Margarita, Harvard-Westlake, Cypress, Corona and Norco.

Among the elite players, JSerra outfielder Blake Bowen is being mentioned as a possible first-round draft pick. Trey Ebel of Corona is hoping to follow brother Brady as a high pick. Norco has two of the best underclassmen in sophomore pitcher Jordan Ayala and junior shortstop Dylan Seward. Huntington Beach has the best hitter/pitcher in junior Jared Grindlinger. Santa Margarita returns Brody Schumaker, who is switching from second base to shortstop. Harvard-Westlake welcomes a group of off-the-chart freshmen, led by El Segundo Little League World Series hero Louis Lappe.

In softball, Norco looks strong but JSerra has pitching and Sherman Oaks Notre Dame made a big move last season to be a contender with lots of youth.

Notes

Point guard Ryan Gov from Cypress has committed to Azusa Pacifica …

Mark Holman has resigned as football coach at San Dimas …

Mike Moschetti has resigned as football coach at St. Paul …

Former Campbell Hall football coach Dennis Keyes is the new football coach at Bishop Alemany. He was the defensive coordinator at Chaminade this past season and was an All-City player at Birmingham and starting defensive back at UCLA …

Baseball player Malachi Wobrock of Hart has committed to MIT.

From the archives: Colby Parkinson

Oaks Christian tight end Colby Parkinson during his playing days with the Lions.

(Los Angeles Times)

Former Oaks Christian tight end Colby Parkinson, 26, continues to demonstrate as a key player for the Rams why almost everyone was projecting him to be an NFL player since his high school days when he was a three-sport athlete.

Here’s a story from 2016 looking at his blossoming skills as a tight end in high school.

Here’s a story from 2024 on Parkinson signing with the Rams to come home.

Recommendations

From the Washington Post, a story on two high school basketball siblings who are five-star players.

Tweets you might have missed

Until next time….

Have a question, comment or something you’d like to see in a future Prep Rally newsletter? Email me at eric.sondheimer@latimes.com, and follow me on Twitter at @latsondheimer.

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Prep Rally will be on hiatus next week before returning Jan. 6.

Who: Nigeria vs Tanzania
What: CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Where: Fez Stadium in Fez, Morocco
When: Tuesday, December 23, at 6:30pm (17:30 GMT)
How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 14:30 GMT in advance of our text commentary stream.

Nigeria’s much-celebrated golden generation was expected to propel the nation to new heights, but another World Cup qualification disappointment has left the Super Eagles searching for answers.

After the heartbreak of missing out on a trip to North America in 2026, Nigeria arrive in Morocco in search of redemption and continental glory. The three-time champions open their AFCON 2025 campaign against Group C opponents Tanzania, who have appeared at the tournament just three times.

Boasting world-class talent in Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Nigeria are among the favourites to top the group that also features Tunisia and Uganda.

Tuesday’s face-off in Fez pits together Nigeria and Tanzania for only the second time at the continental championships, 45 years after their first meeting at the competition.

Here’s all you need to know about the match:

Why did Nigeria fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

Nigeria were among the best runners-up across the nine African qualifying groups who advanced to the playoffs, but lost 4-3 on penalties to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), failing to reach the inter-confederation playoffs.

The Super Eagles, who have made six World Cup appearances, have now failed to qualify for the global showpiece event for the second time in a row.

A poor start to their qualifying campaign, managerial changes and a pay dispute were among the factors that led to their World Cup disappointment.

What happened after the loss to DCR?

Last week, Nigeria submitted a petition to FIFA alleging DRC fielded ineligible players in that decisive playoff match.

The Nigerian football federation said several dual-nationality players had been cleared to play for DRC without meeting the required criteria, but DRC’s federation rejected the allegations.

Coaching turnover for Tanzania

There is no dearth of controversy in Tanzania, too.

Tanzania’s football federation fired its coach, Hemed Suleiman, just a month before AFCON 2025, replacing him with Miguel Gamondi, who will take interim charge of the Taifa Stars for the competition.

Former coach Suleiman led Tanzania to their fourth Cup of Nations appearance and reached the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championships this year. But they failed to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who are Nigeria’s key players to watch?

Nigeria’s squad is packed with talent in all departments, with forwards and former CAF Player of the Year award winners Osimhen and Lookman headlining the group.

Defender Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, along with striker Samuel Chukwueze, are the other high-profile players.

Who are Tanzania’s key players?

Mbwana Samatta, who plays for Ligue 1 club Le Havre, and fellow experienced forward Simon Msuva headline Tanzania’s squad.

Msuva returns after missing the October and November windows and remains the most capped member of the squad. An appearance on Tuesday will mark his 100th international cap.

Defender Mohamed Hussein is a formidable presence in Tanzania’s backline, while youngster Haji Mnoga, who plays for Salford City in the English fourth tier, is also part of the squad.

Form guide

All matches, most recent result last:

Nigeria: L-L-W-W-W

Tanzania: L-L-L-L-D

Head-to-head

Nigeria and Tanzania have met seven times across all competitions, including at the FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria have won four of those matches, while three ended in a draw.

Their last meeting was in 2016 at AFCON, where Nigeria won 1-0.

AFCON records

Nigeria have played at AFCON 20 times, finishing winners on three occasions – most recently lifting the trophy in 2013 – and runners-up five times. Remarkably, they have finished in the top three in 13 of their last 15 AFCON appearances.

Tanzania have never made it past the group stage in their three AFCON appearances. They are also one of only four teams at this year’s edition that have never won an AFCON match, with six defeats and three draws in their nine AFCON matches overall.

The AFCON 2025 is a landmark tournament for Tanzania, as they have qualified for successive finals for the first time.

Nigeria team news

Nigeria will be without centre-back Benjamin Fredrick and full-back Ola Aina, who are both injured.

William Troost-Ekong, the regular captain, is unavailable after recently announcing his retirement from international football, with Ndidi now taking over the captaincy.

Strikers Victor Boniface and Tolu Arokodare were the surprise omissions from the squad.

Nigeria’s predicted lineup

Nwabili (Goalkeeper); Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Lookman; Osimhen, Adams

Tanzania team news

New coach Gamondi dropped experienced midfielder Mudathir Yahya from the squad, but apart from that, there are no absentees.

Tanzania’s predicted lineup

Suleiman (Goalkeeper); Kapombe, Hamad, Husseini, Msindo; Miroshi, Salum, Job; Msuva, Mzize, Samatta

First Choice has launched holiday deals for 2026 including savings of up to £500 on trips to destinations including Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura

As 2025 draws to a close, many of us are already dreaming about our summer escape for the upcoming year – and luckily, travel companies are starting to roll out some tempting deals.

First Choice has discovered that nearly half (48%) of holidaymakers this year are keen to cut their travel expenses compared to previous years. Coupled with the escalating costs of flights and accommodation, it can be a tough task to snag a budget-friendly break without sacrificing your dream destination.

To help ease the strain on your wallet, the holiday booking giant is offering up to 10% off selected package holidays when you spend £500 or more, and there are savings of up to £500 off to be found on holidays departing between May 1, 2026 and October 31, 2027.

Bargain breaks start from a mere £225 per person, with a 10% discount automatically applied to some of the most sought-after destinations from 2025, including Cape Verde, Turkey, the Balearics, Cyprus, and Mexico. The stunning Canary Islands are also part of the deal, allowing sun-seekers to soak up the rays in popular spots like Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, all at a reduced price.

Among the First Choice 10% discounts is a 7-night stay in June 2026 at the four-star TUI BLUE Atlantic Hills in Tenerife, on a half-board basis with flights included from around £567 per person. This holiday offers a generous total saving of around £580, including checked-in luggage and transfers, with two adults sharing a double room.

The same package but for May 2026 starts from around £618 per person, offering a total saving of £446. Other discounted holidays to the Spanish island are also available at a catalogue of luxurious beach resorts.

Moreover, holidaymakers can book a 7-night stay at the four-star Hotel H10 Lanzarote Princess in Lanzarote, on a half-board basis with flights included from £548 per person. This offers a total saving of around £310 and is based on two adults sharing a twin room, although transfers and checked-in luggage are not included.

Beyond the reductions, customers can also benefit from additional deals, including a £0 deposit scheme that allows holidaymakers to reserve their getaway and spread payments throughout the year. Furthermore, hundreds of hotels and resorts provide free accommodation for children, creating opportunities for even greater savings.

First Choice has also partnered with Airalo to offer all guests a complimentary 1GB eSIM, helping to reduce expenses when using mobile roaming overseas. Kevin Nelson, Managing Director of First Choice, commented: “We know people don’t want to compromise on amazing holiday experiences, but the impact of the cost of living is hitting us all.

“That’s why we’re offering our biggest ever discounts, on top of other great ways to save. So people can get the most holiday for their budget and take a break they deserve in 2026.”

For further details or to book your next getaway, you can visit the First Choice website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

LEGENDARY British singer-songwriter Chris Rea has tragically passed away aged 74.

The singer, from Middlesbrough, penned the smash hit Driving Home For Christmas in 1978.

Christopher Rea was born on 4 March 1951 in Middlesbrough in the North Riding of Yorkshire to an Italian father, Camillo Rea, and an Irish mother, Winifred K. Slee.

In 1973 he joined the local Middlesbrough band, Magdalene and began writing songs.

He went on to enjoy a long and sucesfull career on the British music scene.

His most famous song Driving Home for Christmas, song has made a reappearance on the UK Singles Chart every year since 2007.

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It’s now a chart regular at this time of year, reaching its highest position in 2021 when it made it to number 10.

Rea was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of just 33 and faced nine serious operations – spending a total of 32 weeks in hospital.

While appearing on the TV show Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing Christmas special in 1994 Rea told the hosts he had “never really gotten over” his diagnosis.

He has previously opened up on his health battle, revealing that some of his internal organs, his pancreas, gallbladder, and left quadrant of the liver were “all gone” after an operation.

It was after he had received the lifesaving surgery that the star discovered he had type 1 diabetes.

Speaking candidly about the moment he told his wife Joan Lesley about the diagnosis Rea said: “She pulled the car over and burst into tears.”

Chris has previously said he has to take “34 pills every day” after his health struggles.

His wife Joan was there when the hitmaker wrote the Christmas favourite Driving Home for Christmas.

The pair have been together since they met as 16 year olds in Middlesbrough and it is said Rea has the longest surviving relationship in the music industry.

The couple have two daughters together Josephine, born 16 September 1983, and Julia Christina, born 18 March 1989.

Speaking to Bob Mortimer about its origins, Chris previously said: “I was on the dole when I wrote that.

“My manager had just left me. I’d just been banned from driving.

“My now wife, Joan, had to drive down to London to pick me up in the Mini and take me home, and that’s when I wrote it.”

That Christmas drive up north was a magical one indeed, not only did he write a famous song, he also received a cheque for £15,000 upon stepping through his front door.

His song Fool (if you think it’s over) had become a hit in America and earned him a pretty sum. The timing couldn’t have been better given he was down to his last £200.

It was a while before Driving Home would make any money.

SACRAMENTO — I’ve got a wish list for Santa and it’s topped by this urgent request: a remodeled president with at least an ounce of humanity and humility.

Maybe a Ronald Reagan type. I’m not referring here to ideology or policies. Just common decency, someone who acts presidential.

I know, forget it. That’s beyond Santa’s reach. It would require a miracle. And that’s not likely to happen with President Trump, who seems increasingly to be auditioning for the devil’s disciple.

But you’d think as we approach our nation’s 250th birthday, America could be led by a president who at minimum doesn’t publicly trash the newly deceased.

Someone who follows the basic rules of good behavior and respect for others that our mothers taught us.

For Trump, the Golden Rule seems to be only about cheapening the historic Oval Office with tasteless gilded garnishments, turning it into an extension of his Mar-a-Lago resort. That’s what you’d expect from someone who would pave over the lovely Rose Garden.

But I’ve gotten off the point: the despicable way our unhinged president treats people he deems the enemy because they’ve criticized him, as we’ve got a right and often a duty to do in a democratic America.

What our president said about Rob Reiner after the actor-director-producer and his wife Michele were brutally stabbed to death in their Brentwood home, allegedly by their son Nick, should not have shocked us coming from Trump.

After all, this is a guy who once said that the late Sen. John McCain, a Navy pilot shot down over North Vietnam, tortured, maimed and held captive for five years, was “not a war hero … I like people that weren’t captured.”

He also once mocked a disabled New York Times reporter at a campaign rally, saying: “The poor guy, you ought to see this guy.” Then Trump jerked his arms around imitating someone with palsy.

He frequently attacks female reporters for their looks.

Recently, he called all Somali immigrants “garbage. … We don’t want them in our country.” As for Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, a onetime Somalian refugee, “she’s garbage. Her friends are garbage.”

But even with Trump’s sordid history of insults and insensitivity, what he disrespectfully said about Reiner was stunning. He implied that the Hollywood legend was killed by someone angered by Reiner’s criticism of Trump. Again, everything’s all about him, in this egotistical president’s mind.

Trump said the Reiners died “reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.”

Then the next day, he doubled down, telling reporters that Reiner “was a deranged person. … I thought he was very bad for our country.”

Topping off the holiday season for Trump, he orchestrated the renaming of Washington’s classy John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts after himself. From now on, it’s to be called the Trump Kennedy Center.

What’s next? The Washington National Cathedral?

OK, next on my Santa’s wish list is a governor who spends his last year in office trying to improve California rather than his presidential prospects. Actually, he could do the latter by doing the former: making this state a better place to live and proving his ability to sensibly govern.

Too many of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s projects fall flat, collapse or are a waste of energy and dollars.

One recently announced Newsom venture particularly is questionable. He seems to be using state resources and tax money to expand his overdone war with Trump rather than helping Californians with their everyday lives.

The governor unveiled a new state-run website that tracks what his office calls Trump’s “criminal cronies.” It catalogs major criminal convictions that were followed by Trump pardons — from Jan. 6 rioters to former politicians and business tycoons.

Yeah, well, so what? I suppose some people may be interested in that. But at taxpayers’ expense? Will the information lower gas prices? Make it easier to buy a home? Pay for childcare?

Here’s just one example of a Newsom program that failed miserably:

Early in his administration the governor announced with great fanfare that he was increasing fees on telephone service to pay for upgrading California’s 911 emergency communication system. The state spent $450 million, couldn’t make the new stuff work and abandoned the project, the Sacramento Bee reported after a lengthy investigation. Now they’re apparently going to start all over.

A little hands-on supervision by the governor next time could help.

Also on my wish list: A Legislature that doesn’t hibernate through the winter and wait until late spring before starting to push bills.

They’d need to change legislative rules. But Democrats with their supermajorities could do practically anything they wanted — even work earnestly during the cold months.

Either that or just stay home.

Included in the gift package: Legislation focused more on quality and less on quantity. This year, the Legislature passed 917 bills. My guess is that 100 meaty measures would have sufficed.

There’s one more item on my Santa list that all of America needs: A new casual greeting to replace “How ya doing?”

Nobody really wants to hear how most people are doing and they probably don’t want to candidly say anyway — not in an elevator, on the sidewalk or in a restaurant.

“Bad stomach flu,” I might honestly answer. You really want to hear that while chomping on a hamburger.

So, what do we replace it with?

Maybe simply: “Good morning.” Or “Go Dodgers.”

Or “Go Trump” — far away out of earshot.

What else you should be reading

The must-read: Ronald Reagan biographer, legendary California journalist Lou Cannon dies
The TK: Newsom taps former CDC leaders critical of Trump-era health policies for new initiative
The L.A. Times Special: In a divided America, Rob Reiner was a tenacious liberal who connected with conservatives

Until next week,
George Skelton

—
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“I thought, in terms of attitude, the ability to stick in the game for 80 minutes was the most pleasing.”

Those were Harlequins coach Jason Gilmore’s words after his side stuck to cross-town rivals Saracens with a performance of cunning and commitment back in October.

He has not seen much to please him since. Quins have lost three out of their last four Prem games, with Bristol running in four unanswered first-half tries to wreck the hosts’ Big Game party at Allianz Stadium.

It was a worryingly feeble showing on the biggest stage.

Their tackle success was down at 76% and despite shading 22 entries 17 to 12, they had little of Bristol’s attacking glint, until Marcus Smith jinked over late on with the game already gone.

Quins have plenty of quality. Luke Northmore and Oscar Beard are a punchy, play-making midfield duo, Cadan Murley and Rodrigo Isgro offer pace and panache out wide while Tyrone Green and Nick David are consistent top-flight performers.

Up front, Harry Williams and Guido Petti arrived in the summer to add grunt and snarl to a pack that already contains Fin Baxter, Chandler Cunningham-South, Alex Dombrandt and Jack Kenningham as well as Will Evans’ ground game.

But it isn’t clicking.

THERE are plenty of iconic travel moments in Christmas movies from the romantic airport chases to snowy train journeys.

But there’s one that trumps them all, and that’s Kate McCallister’s mission to get from Paris to Chicago in the Christmas classic, Home Alone.

Kate’s commitment to reuniting with her son, sees her boarding planes from the French capital to Dallas and Scranton before hitching a memorable ride home in a van.

And mum’s epic dash to rescue Kevin has been declared the most iconic travel moment in a festive movie, according to research by Skyscanner.

The Home Alone sequel landed in second place with a poll of 2,000 adults enjoying the scene where Kevin sprints through the airport before accidentally boarding a plane to New York, alone.

And who can forget Love Actually where Sam charges through departures to stop Joanna flying to the US? Well, that came in third spot.

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Laura Lindsay, travel trends and destination expert for Skyscanner, which commissioned the research and has also created a map plotting some of these iconic routes, said: “What’s a Christmas film without a good airport scene?”

“Festive travel is a huge part of people’s lives during the holiday season, whether it’s travelling home to be reunited with family and friends or heading off for a festive break.”

Christmas movies are even inspiring travellers for their next break, with 23 per cent booking a trip to a destination after seeing it as a festive backdrop on the big screen.

The Big Apple, aka New York City, comes top of the list of destinations that people book after seeing it on TV.

This is quickly followed up by London and Paris.

Edinburgh and Vienna also ranked among the cities most associated with Christmas movies.

New York City also led the list of destinations people would feature in a festive flick if they were the writer and was the place they’d most like to spend the holiday season abroad.

Half of those who have seen a city in a movie claim the real-life sets look more appealing to visit when decked out for Christmas compared with other times of the year.

And 77 per cent said watching Christmas films helps them feel more festive, according to the OnePoll.com data.

Laura Lindsay, from Skyscanner, added: “It’s no surprise New York is the go-to destination when thinking about blockbusters set in December.”

She added that ‘set-jetting’ is becoming hugely popular with tourists wanting to ‘step into the settings and shoes of their beloved movie characters’.

For more on TV show, here are five filming locations in the UK you can visit with movie tours and quaint villages.

And here are five train journeys to make this Christmas to see filming locations from Love Actually to The Holiday.

Here are the top 10 most iconic travel moments in festive movies…

1.   Home Alone
Kate McCallister’s journey back from Paris to Chicago, via other airports.

2.   Home Alone 2
The dash through the airport where Kevin boards a flight to New York.

3.   Love Actually
Sam runs through Heathrow airport to catch Joanna before she flies off.

4.   Polar Express
The final journey dropping the kids home.

5.   Elf
Buddy’s whimsical journey from the North Pole to Manhattan.

6.   White Christmas
Nostalgic train ride to snowy Vermont.

7.   The Holiday
Amanda travelling from LA to Surrey and Iris going the other way.

8.   Die Hard 2
John McClane’s wife Holly finally touching down at Dulles Airport.

9.   The Flight Before Christmas
The flight is diverted due to a sudden snowstorm.

10.  A Castle for Christmas
Sophie’s journey from Edinburgh Airport to Dun Dunbar Castle.

Dec. 22 (UPI) — Beijing unveiled tariffs as high as 42.7% on imports of European Union dairy products on Monday, saying the subsidies Brussels provided to producers in the 27-country bloc were the cause of “substantial damage” to China’s dairy industry.

The import taxes of between 21.9% and 42.7%, which come into force Tuesday following a 16-month-long anti-subsidy probe by China’s Ministry of Commerce, will affect France’s famous Roquefort, other blue, fresh and processsed cheeses as well as whole and unsweetened milk and cream.

“The investigating authority has preliminarily determined that imported dairy products originating from the European Union were subsidized, causing substantial damage to the relevant dairy product industry in China, and that there is a causal relationship between the subsidies and the substantial damage,” the ministry said in a statement.

It said that the highest levy would be applied to the products of firms that had failed to cooperate with the investigation with firms that had been cooperative only subject to a rate of 28.6%.

Firms named in the ministry list hailed from across the bloc with France, the Netherlands and Belgium heavily represented. Italian and Spanish producers also feature. Most companies were hit with a rate of 28.6% or 29.7%.

The Netherlands’ Friesland Campina and its subsidiary in neighboring Belgium were both hit with the top 42.7% rate along with an “Other EU Companies” grouping, which is not specified. It is unclear if this group is all EU companies not named in the document that export to China.

The EU criticized the action, saying it was neither justified nor warranted.

The move came just over a year after the EU hit China’s massive EV sector with import tariffs of as high as 36.3%, alleging unfair competition due to subsidies provided to the industry by the Chinese government.

Among the big three EV makers — BYD, Geely and SAIC — BYD and Geely were slapped with duties of 17% and 19.3% respectively, along with a 21.3% tariff on other “cooperating companies.”

The top rate was applied to SAIC together with other EV makers deemed not to have cooperated with the EU’s investigation.

The EV tariffs also saw Beijing launch anti-competition probes into Europe’s brandy and pork products industries, leading to accusations the EU was dumping surplus pork production in the Chinese market.

In September, Beijing imposed short-lived tariffs of between 15.6% and 62.4% on EU pork and pig by-product imports, but revised them down to between 4.9% and 19.8% on Tuesday.

BRUMMIES will soon be able to step onto the historic Flying Scotsman train from their home town.

The famous train will launch five services a day from Birmingham Moor Street Station in February half term.

Famous for showing British engineering at its best, the Flying Scotsman first launched as a train route between Edinburgh and London in 1923 and ran until 1963.

And in 2026, Brits will have the chance to travel on the first train that reached speeds of up to 100mph on the British Railway.

Running during school half term, there will be five services a day on February 18, 19 and 20.

The first service will set off in the morning at 10:30am and other services will follow at 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm and 6:30pm.

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Each journey will last around an hour, with passengers able to see views of the West Midlands countryside.

The train will also head over the Ribblehead Viaduct in Yorkshire, which is a large Victorian railway bridge with 24 giant arches and views of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The experience costs from £48.76 per person, but for a more luxury experience there is a First Class offering costing from £80.56 per person on a table of four or £177.02 per person, for a table for two.

First Class passengers can experience the original 1960s First Class carriage and included in the ticket price they will also get a glass of prosecco (or soft drink, if they prefer) and a snack bag.

Can’t make the February half-term dates or don’t want to be surrounded by families? Well, there are special Valentine’s Day services as well.

There are three different Valentine’s Day services in total, each of which cost from £83.74 per person.

The first service is a Valentine’s Brunch, then in the afternoon there is an Afternoon Tea service and finally in the evening, you could board the train for a three-course dinner.

Prices for this experience start from £83.74, but a First Class table for two will set you back over £280.

The Flying Scotsman is often considered the world’s most famous steam train and operated for 40 years between 1923 and 1963 before British Rail decided to focus on diesel-engine trains.

The train was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and in total, measures over 21 metres long.

The name of the service came after passengers nicknamed the London to Edinburgh service the ‘Flying Scotsman’ due to its speed and limited stops.

And then the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) officially adopted the name in 1924.

Before this, it was only known by its route number ‘1472’.

Currently, the National Railway Museum is running a display on the Flying Scotsman, including an exhibition that “explores the stories of the owners, admirers, passengers and crew behind the icon”.

Also at the museum is an immersive, multi-sensory Flying Scotsman VR experience where visitors can get a taste of what it was like to travel on the train all those decades ago.

The experience also shows visitors some of the most significant moments in the train’s history.

Each year, there are a number of special events where members of the public can journey on the Flying Scotsman.

These events are often themed or on heritage lines across the UK.

Information about the different events running are posted on the National Railway Museum website.

In other rail news, a traditional English seaside town, named one of the best in the UK, is getting new direct London trains.

Plus, first look at the new Great British Railways trains being rolled out across the UK.

BRITS could soon be heading to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam with Virgin Trains – and now, there is a first glimpse at the trains that will be used.

Virgin Trains has revealed more details about services it hopes to run to Europe from 2030, with cheaper tickets and potential Manchester and Birmingham routes.

Back in October, Virgin Trains revealed that it had been granted permission by the Office of Rail and Road to access Temple Mills depot in East London.

The approval essentially means that the operator is a step closer to launching cross-channel services that will eventually rival Eurostar.

Though precise details of schedules and ticket prices have yet to be revealed, Virgin Trains has said it plans to initially use 12 trains for the European service, each of which will have seven carriages.

The operator has made an agreement with Alstom for these trains, which will be Avelia Stream trains – energy-efficient and modern, according to Virgin.

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And they will feature Virgin’s famous red and white colours.

Current planned routes include London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels Midi and Amsterdam Centraal.

And Virgin is planning for 20 services a day, with 13 to Paris, four to Brussels and three to Amsterdam.

Unlike Eurostar, Virgin is also looking at stopping at Ebbsfleet or Ashford in Kent, which are currently not used for international services.

And in the future, there could be services from Manchester or Birmingham and services to Switzerland and/or Germany.

What exactly Virgin Trains will look like at London St Pancras is yet to be revealed, but Virgin has said that it will “improve the experience” for passengers.

Richard Branson has previously said he wants a direct service from London to Charles de Gaulle Airport.

He also mentioned hopes to launch a route to Disneyland Paris, which Eurostar used to have a route to but axed it in 2023.

The main benefit for passengers, though, could be the potentially cheaper tickets as Virgin has expressed on a number of occasions how fares are likely to be competitive, or even cheaper, than current Eurostar tickets.

According to Eurostar, its lowest fare between London and Paris is £39.

However, looking at current prices, the cheapest fare in the next six weeks is £51.

Whilst the prices for Virgin Trains tickets are not clear yet, Branson said last month: “If you have competition, then fares will inevitably come down.

“If we’ve got seats that need selling, we will reduce the cost of them.”

Passengers on Virgin Trains may also be able to collect Virgin Red loyalty points when they book through Virgin, as they do with Virgin Atlantic flights.

Before services are able to launch, Virgin Trains needs to form a commercial agreement with Eurostar (the current operator of Temple Mills), secure finance, access to tracks and stations and gain safety approvals from the ORR and authorities in the EU.

The Channel Tunnel is currently only used by Eurostar and LeShuttle.

However, a report over the summer revealed there is capacity for more trains to access the Temple Mills depot, which is essential for cross-channel services.

At the time of the announcement in October, Martin Jones, deputy director, access and international at the Office of Rail and Road said: “With this decision we are backing customer choice and competition in international rail, unlocking up to £700million in private sector investment and stimulating growth.

“While there is still some way to go before the first new services can run, we stand ready to work with Virgin Trains as their plans develop.”

In other rail news, a traditional English seaside town named one of the best in the UK is getting new direct London trains.

Plus, the low-cost train launching more routes between two popular UK cities – and tickets are £33.

As shocking reports emerged concerning a dead woman allegedly being wheeled aboard an easyJet flight, the Mirror takes a look at some of the troubling testimonies for those who witnessed it first hand

Passengers aboard an easyJet flight have made shocking allegations about an elderly woman who died before take-off, with some claiming she was already dead when she was pushed onto the aircraft.

Those aboard the Malaga to Gatwick flight claim to have looked on in horror as the 89-year-old was wheeled down the aisle, neck supported by a brace and neck pillow as she slumped over in her seat. Some said they saw relatives attending to the deceased woman as if she was still alive, before showing “not one ounce of emotion” when paramedics dashed to attend to her.

EasyJet have since insisted that these allegations are unfounded, stating that the woman was still alive when she boarded the plane. However, the flight’s co-pilot advised passengers that he would write a report on this incident using their testimonies. So what really happened? Here the Mirror takes a look at some of the witness testimonies.

READ MORE: ‘I was on EasyJet plane with dead Brit woman, they held head up as she sat in seat’

‘It’s okay, we are doctors’

The grandmother was taken onboard aircraft in a wheelchair by five relatives, who reportedly assured ground staff that the elderly woman was simply unwell, and had fallen asleep. According to Mail Online, some witnesses claimed to have heard the relatives saying: “It’s okay, she’s just tired,” adding: “It’s okay, we are doctors”.

While the group managed to get the woman seated at the back of the plane, just before the 11am take off, cabin crew members realised she had passed away, cutting the journey short before the plane had even left the runway.

Family ‘acting as if she was still alive’

Speaking with the Mail, 19-year-old passenger Elizabeth Rowland told of how she had been seated in front of the woman and two of relatives while at the gate. When they boarded, she was just three rows in front of them. Marbella-based Elizabeth, who had been flying to England to visit family, alongside her partner, says she knew from the very first time she laid eyes on the woman that she “wasn’t with us”.

Recalling the scenes that unfolded before boarding, Elizabeth shared: “Her family were trying to wake her up and saying, ‘Can you hear me? We’re going to get on the flight now, we’re going to board now’, and trying to give her something to drink… They were talking to her and acting as if she was alive.”

According to Elizabeth, once the plane turned back to the terminal, with emergency services rushing to the scene: “None of the family seemed upset or like they were panicking, they weren’t crying or shocked – they were completely calm and talking to the paramedics.”

Elizabeth continued: “They showed not one ounce of emotion. They seemed like they were trying to make everything seem normal.” She says she believes the woman had already died after paramedics took her to the back of the plane, plugging her into an unspecified medical machine which “did not make any sound”.

‘What were you thinking, EasyJet?’

Passenger Petra Boddington had been seated close to the “fragile, old lady”, and says fellow travellers had become concerned for her welfare. In an interview with The Sun, Petra explained that the woman had been pushed along the aisle of the plane by a member of ground staff, with those already in their seats looking on in shock.

Petra said: “People turned in their seats and went, ‘Oh my god, she looks dead’. She was a fragile, old lady who was curled up and doubled over in a chair in a not very comfortable position. Anybody with eyes could see that she was not fit to fly and it wasn’t just me that thought it, it was everybody else that she went past. People sat in front of me even said they’d seen the people that were with her holding her head up. We all thought that she looked dead.”

The British expat recalled: “As soon as the plane turned around and the captain announced there had been a medical emergency, everybody turned to each other and said, ‘Well we know why?’ Then we were all taken off the plane and back at the gates. That’s when everyone started complaining and asked how she was allowed on.” She added: “I honestly feel sorry for the woman. She should have never have been allowed on that plane. I think it’s disgusting that she was allowed on but ultimately, the poor woman has lost her life.”

Taking to Facebook with a video taken at the airport, Petra commented: “Easyjet! What were your ground staff thinking today? They asked the family five times if this woman was ok… she was clearly not ok! To the naked eye she looked like she was already dead, slumped unconscious in a wheelchair, so why would she be allowed on to the flight and then disrupt everyone’s plans… purely to save the family repatriation?!? If I was drunk they wouldn’t let me on.. but apparently dead is ok?! EasyJet what’s going on? Disgusting and prepare yourselves for the refunds and complaints coming! Flight now rescheduled from 11:15 to 21:30? How does that work for everyone involved?”

Passenger’s fury

Another passenger by the name of Tracy-Ann Kitching says she saw the woman in question being wheeled onto the plane, with someone “holding her head” as they went by to take their seats. Outraged, Tracy-Ann took to social media, writing: “EasyJet – you are unbelievable! Why did you let a dead person on our flight?!” She also took aim at the airport’s Special Assistance team, arguing that they “should have raised the issue” before boarding.

In a Facebook post, Tracy-Ann claimed : “An actual doctor on board [confirmed] she was already dead when they put her in her seat”. She also empathised with the “poor person who died and the family as well as your cabin and ground crew”, adding: “What a terrible situation for them. I must also praise the First Officer [co-pilot] who came out and patiently answered our questions. He was professional and personable – thank you.”

‘Misinformation’

However, not all passengers have given the same story. In response to Petra’s post, a man by the name of Tony Coatesworth commented: “She was not dead when they sat her in the seat next to me, and she was put in the by not five members of her family as there was only two other people with her a man and a younger lady helped by Spanish special assistance staff, there is a lot of misinformation going on social media about this incident. We all got home she didn’t

“I totally disagree with your reply and saying it on video and laughing is totally unacceptable you show no compassion at all, yes the lady was clearly ill but she could have been a lot different 2hrs before being put on the plane, nobody would have been able to foresee what could possibly have happened while on the plane as I said she was not deceased when put in her seat as I saw her breathing. Could you just for a minute think about her family, what would you be thinking about if you were reading and watching videos of so many things being said and put on social media that are totally incorrect.”

READ MORE: Family ‘wheel dead gran onto easyJet flight after telling crew she’s tired’

Prosecutors accuse the official, named as Fahad A, of torturing dozens of prisoners in jail run by Syrian intelligence.

German prosecutors have charged a former Syrian security official with crimes against humanity, accusing him of torturing dozens of prisoners at a Damascus jail while ex-President Bashar al-Assad was in power.

Germany’s Federal Public Prosecutor General’s office announced the indictment on Monday, alleging the ex-prison guard, named only as Fahad A, took part in more than 100 interrogations between 2011 and 2012 in which prisoners were “subjected to severe physical abuse”.

The abuse included electric shocks, cable beatings, forced stress positions and suspensions from the ceiling, according to a statement by the prosecutor’s office.

“As ‌a result of such mistreatment and the catastrophic prison conditions, at least ‌70 prisoners died,” said the statement, noting the former guard is also charged with murder.

The official was arrested on May 27 and formally indicted on December 10.

He is being held in pre-trial detention, the German prosecutor’s office added.

Syrians have demanded justice for crimes committed under the decades-long rule of al-Assad, who was removed from power in December 2024 after a rapid rebel offensive.

The Assad regime, which was accused of mass human rights abuses, including the torture of detainees and enforced disappearances, fell after nearly 14 years of civil war.

Universal jurisdiction

In Germany, prosecutors have ⁠used universal jurisdiction laws to seek trials for suspects in crimes against humanity committed anywhere in the world.

Based on ‌these laws, several people suspected of war crimes during the Syrian conflict have been arrested in the last ‍few years in Germany, which is home to about one million Syrians.

In June, a court in Frankfurt handed a life sentence to a Syrian doctor convicted of carrying out acts of torture as part of al-Assad’s crackdown on dissent.

The doctor, Alaa Mousa, was accused of torturing patients at military hospitals in Damascus and Homs, where political prisoners were regularly brought for supposed treatment.

Witnesses described Mousa pouring flammable liquid on a prisoner’s wounds before setting them alight and kicking the man in the face, shattering his teeth. In another incident, the doctor was accused of injecting a detainee with a fatal substance for refusing to be beaten.

One former prisoner described the Damascus hospital where he was held as a “slaughterhouse”.

Presiding judge, Christoph Koller, said the verdict underscored the “brutality of Assad’s dictatorial, unjust regime”.