Helen Flanagan almost spills out of plunging corset on boozy night out with pals
HELEN Flanagan almost spilled out of her plunging corset while enjoying a boozy night out with her pals.
The former Coronation Street star, 35, took to Instagram to share a sneak peek into her big night out with her friends.
She threatened to spill out of her top as she stunned in a teal blue animal-print corset top, which was held together with just one thin clasp.
The actress showed off plenty of cleavage as she went for a bouncy blow-dry and a glam make up look complete with eyelashes and a glossy lip.
She posed at a bar with a friend and took some mirror selfies in the bathroom as she took a break from mum duties for the night out.
Her followers rushed to the comments section to compliment her as one gushed: “Stunning!! Absolutely gorgeous…”
READ MORE ON HELEN FLANAGAN
Another social media user enthused: “Wow, such a beautiful face and stunning body.”
Somebody else commented: “Classy and stunning,” while a fourth added: “Looking hot there babe.”
Her evening out comes after she was axed from Celebrity Ex On The Beach after just four episodes.
She joined the likes of Towie’s Dani Imbert and Love Island’s Toby Aromolaran to shoot the new series of the Paramount+ reality show in Tenerife last year.
But a shock twist saw Helen and controversial star Rogan O’Connor sent packing just four episodes into the current run.
When it was revealed the boys had picked Helen to go home, while the others looked stunned, she wasn’t upset by the decision.
Smiling, she said: “Thank you so much!”
Speaking in a confessional, Dani, 28, said: “I’m so shocked the boys have picked Helen, I feel like they loved her so much.
“It’s going to feel so strange not having her here in the morning. Really sad to see her go.”
The Celebs Go Dating star said of her exit: “I do feel a sadness that I didn’t find a romantic spark, but I feel that the connection I have with the girls… I feel sad leaving them.”
How a pro-Trump mob stormed the D.C. Capitol
WASHINGTON — The electoral college vote certification was interrupted when supporters of President Trump stormed the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday, capturing the nation’s attention and threatening its democratic process.
The rioters, fueled by Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud, breached the building and ran freely through its historic halls before being forced out. The violence resulted in the death of one woman and an emergency district curfew that will last until Thursday morning. Here is how the situation unfolded:
Morning rally near the White House
(Swetha Kannan / Los Angeles Times)
10:53 a.m. Eastern Standard Time: Trump’s lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani incites the crowd at the “Save America Rally,” saying, “Over the next 10 days, we get to see the machines are crooked, the ballots are fraudulent. And if we’re wrong, we will be made fools of. But if we’re right, a lot of them will go to jail. So … let’s have trial by combat. I am willing to stake my reputation.”
Between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.: Trump supporters continue to gather to protest Congress’ formal counting and certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s electoral college win over President Trump.
1:00 p.m.: As Trump speaks at the rally outside the White House, his supporters advance on the Capitol building.
1:02 p.m.: Vice President Mike Pence issues a letter saying he can’t block election results.
1:13 p.m.: Trump ends his speech at the rally with a call to march down Pennsylvania Avenue.
Riots begin
Police in riot gear clear a hallway inside the Capitol.
(Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)
Around 1:20 p.m.: Mobs start to form outside the Capitol building, as Trump supporters try to break past police barriers.
2:13 p.m.: The Capitol is locked down, with no entry or exit.
(Swetha Kannan/Los Angeles Times)
2:16 p.m.: Rioters breach the Capitol building, while it is on lockdown.
Violence escalates
2:20 p.m.: Rioters bang on doors at the Capitol and break a window.
2:31 p.m.: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announces curfew for 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday.
2:47 p.m.: Guards draw their guns in the House chamber.
3:00 p.m.: Rioters storm in and cheer in the Capitol Rotunda.
3:03 p.m.: Rioters are on the Senate floor.
3:13 p.m.: Trump tweets asking for peace at the Capitol.
3:23 p.m.: A woman is shot in the Capitol.
Around 3:50 p.m.: An explosive device is reportedly found at the Republican National Committee building.
(Swetha Kannan/Los Angeles Times)
4:06 p.m.: President-elect Joe Biden makes a speech in Delaware, saying “our democracy is under unprecedented assault.”
President-elect Joe Biden called the violent protests on the U.S. Capitol “an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings: the doing of the people’s business.”
4:18 p.m.: Trump tweets a video repeating his false claims of election fraud and praising his supporters, although he encouraged them to go home. The tweet was later removed by Twitter.
5:34 p.m.: Capitol building is announced as secure.
5:49 p.m.: The woman who was shot is reported dead.
6:00 p.m.: Curfew starts in Washington. Former President George W. Bush issues a statement on the insurrection at the Capitol.
Around 7:00 p.m.: The process begins to resume for Congress to count and announce the electoral college results in favor of Biden.
Bayern Munich v PSG: are Harry Kane, Luis Diaz and Michael Olise the best front three?
Three-man forward lines have been a staple tactic throughout the history of football.
But they have arguably never been as popular as they have over the last 15 or so years.
It is a resurgence that is largely down to Barcelona’s success under Pep Guardiola between 2008 and 2012.
Guardiola helped Barcelona win two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles with a dominant possession-based style.
It was a revolutionary system that relied on both the midfield and front line – operating with a recognised number nine – to be fluid in and out of possession.
Nine‑time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi was usually the most central attacker, though he often dropped deep to either drag defenders out of position and create space for his team-mates, or to create a numerical advantage in midfield.
Either way, the end result was a fluid style of football that was practically impossible to stop and resulted in Barcelona claiming 14 trophies during Guardiola’s time at the helm.
Since then, three-man forward lines have become fairly prominent in Europe, with the likes of Real Madrid and PSG deploying similar tactics in the years that followed.
In the Premier League, however, the forward line that resembled Guardiola’s side most closely was Liverpool’s Champions League and Premier League-winning trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.
During their five seasons together at Anfield, Firmino was deployed as the Reds’ central attacker and, similar to Messi, was responsible for dropping between the lines, linking play with the midfielders and ultimately creating space for Mane and Salah to run in behind.
The trio is widely regarded as one of the greatest forward lines in the history of English football, having helped Jurgen Klopp’s side win a haul of major trophies.
US pauses plan to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz | US-Israel war on Iran
US president Donald Trump has said that the US military operation “Project Freedom” guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz will be paused for a short period. He cited a request from Pakistan and progress towards a final deal with Iran.
Published On 6 May 2026
Romania’s pro-EU government ousted after no-confidence vote | European Union
The pro-European Union coalition of Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan has collapsed after a 281-4 vote of no confidence. The Social Democrats, Bolojan’s allies, sided with far-right parties to oust the prime minister. The leu, Romania’s currency, fell to a record low against the euro before Tuesday’s vote.
Published On 6 May 2026
Rolling Stones & Beatles go head-to-head as Sir Paul McCartney & Sir Mick Jagger drop new albums on separate continents
THE Beatles and the Rolling Stones both launched their latest albums yesterday – on separate continents.
It was a case of let’s attend the knights together in honour of British rock royalty, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Mick Jagger.
At London’s fabled Abbey Road Studios, where the Fab Four recorded nearly all their songs, Macca held a lunchtime listening party for his latest LP, The Boys Of Dungeon Lane (out May 29).
Then, in New York City hours later, Sixties chart rivals Jagger and Keith Richards as well as the later arrival to the ranks, Ronnie Wood, were seen strolling out of a Brooklyn theatre at the launch of their album, Foreign Tongues (out July 10).
In a neat twist, Sir Paul plays bass on new Stones track Covered In You, recorded at the same session as his contribution to Bite My Head Off from 2023’s Hackney Diamonds.
And BOTH albums were produced by American hotshot producer Andrew Watt, known for work with Ozzy Osbourne and Lady Gaga.
Before a select audience of fans and “my lovely son James” in Studio No2, McCartney, 83, introduced all fourteen tracks on his heartfelt 21st studio effort.
For nearly two hours, he filled the time with fascinating anecdotes, playing select chords on his acoustic guitar and even mouthing some of the lyrics.
Many songs have nostalgia-filled backstories, including As You Lie There about unrequited love for a girl called Jasmine.
The “trippy” Mountain Top recalls Glastonbury, where he headlined in 2022, while Down South is about hitchhiking trips to Wales with George Harrison.
Elsewhere, there’s a first-ever duet with fellow Beatle Ringo Starr on new single Home To Us, also featuring Chrissie Hynde and Sharleen Spiteri. Salesman Saint is a moving tribute to Macca’s parents, Jim and Mary.
Meanwhile, the Stones also heralded their album with the release of a single, In The Stars, the follow-up to Rough & Twisted, a limited edition vinyl single which appeared under a pseudonym, The Cockroaches.
Then Oscars host Conan O’Brien hosted a Q&A session with Mick and Keith, both 82, and Ronnie, 78.
Besides McCartney, other guests on Foreign Tongues (also 14 songs) include The Cure’s Robert Smith on three tracks and Steve Winwood.
Winners, losers of the CNN California gubernatorial debate
For the third time in as many weeks, the leading candidates for California governor met on the debate stage Tuesday night.
The latest installment was a two-hour session, hosted and carried live from Monterey Park by CNN. The debate marked the first time the candidates appeared before a national audience and came as mail ballots have begun arriving in homes throughout the state.
Columnists Gustavo Arellano, Mark Z. Barabak and Anita Chabria took in all 120 minutes, absorbed every zinger — scripted and otherwise — and dutifully observed each parry and thrust. Here’s what they took away:
Arellano: Antonio Villaraigosa finally rises above his gubernatorial rivals. Is it too late?
I wrote my thoughts about this debate while writing my next columna on … something, stopping to pay attention only when issues in my bailiwick like immigration and the failure of the Democratic Party were the subject of discussion. The rest of the time, what the candidates said came off as one giant shout-fest straight out of the studios of the late, great Wally George, with everyone playing true to form.
Chad Bianco raged, Steve Hilton tried to mask his MAGA-ness with his British accent. Katie Porter scolded, Tom Steyer channeled Bernie. Xavier Becerra did his best impression of the old Bunsen character from “The Muppet Show.” Matt Mahan was just … there.
You know who sounded the best? Antonio Villaraigosa.
Anyone who really knows the former L.A. mayor has always seen him as Chicano Prince Hal, someone who doesn’t take himself as seriously as he should. His infidelities effectively killed his political career after his mayoral years; his consulting for the nutritional supplement company Herbalife made Villaraigosa a walking joke among too many Latinos I know.
He has spent the last decade effectively embodying Marlon Brando’s famous quote in “On the Waterfront”: He coulda been a contender. Even his gubernatorial run, announced way before many of his opponents, has mostly had the air of a has-been — that’s one of the reasons why Villaraigosa has polled so low through most of the race to the point he was excluded from many of the early debates.
But that hangdog Villaraigosa was nowhere to be seen tonight.
His wisecracks were kept to a minimum. He stayed mostly within his time limits and didn’t interrupt much. He hammered Hilton over his refusal to admit that President Trump lost the 2020 presidential election and his dismissal of undocumented immigrants.
Villaraigosa especially went hard on his forever frenemy Xavier Becerra on everything from his time as President Biden’s health secretary to how former staffers have been charged with stealing millions of dollars from his campaign funds. (Becerra has not been accused of any wrongdoing.)
When CNN co-moderator Elex Michaelson asked Villaraigosa if he would cancel California’s much-maligned high-speed rail project, the candidate’s emphatic “No” thundered down like a Lebron James dunk. He called out the waste on the multibillion-dollar project, said he revived L.A.’s subway to the sea, and spoke with a passionate gravitas that Becerra could only dream of doing.
“When I make a mistake, I’m accountable,” Villaraigosa said at the end of the debate. This sounded like a candidate who can win — and now he has a month to make a comeback worthy of his political mentor, the late, great Gloria Molina.
Four weeks to prove them wrong, Antonio.
Barabak: It was a no-hitter.
No startling breakthrough. No game-changing moment. No candidate so irresistibly charming he or she knocked the race akimbo and stamped themselves as the far-and-away front-runner in the slowly consolidating contest.
By now, the candidates are plowing well-furrowed ground.
To anyone who has watched each of the debates — and there may not be a great many of those viewers out there — it was all quite familiar.
What is new, and what may have been the draw for those just tuning in, is a sense the race is finally taking a coherent shape, with Xavier Becerra unexpectedly emerging as the candidate to beat.
A month ago, Eric Swalwell was a leading contender in the dozy contest and Becerra was an afterthought, being urged to quit for the sake of his dignity and the good of the Democratic Party. (Fears of a Democratic shutout in the June 2 primary have greatly receded.)
When Swalwell left the race and vacated his congressional seat amid allegations of sexual assault and other potentially illegal misconduct, it was widely assumed much of his support would move to either Steyer or Porter, the two other leading Democratic contenders.
But Becerra has been the clear-cut beneficiary and his new status was evident Tuesday night as he faced repeated attacks. He didn’t particularly dazzle, but that’s not his appeal. It’s his steadiness and seeming unflappability in a time of great upheaval and stress, and that was again evident.
With less than four weeks to election day — and voting already underway — time is waning for another dramatic shake-up like the one that took place between Swalwell’s implosion in April and Becerra’s surge in May.
It seems, however, as though little to nothing will change, with Becerra steadily gaining ground, Hilton consolidating GOP support and the remainder of the field looking for something — or someone — to drastically shake up the race one more time.
Chabria: I don’t know about a winner, but the debate definitely had a biggest loser: Bianco. The Riverside County sheriff, to his credit I guess, didn’t try for a hot second to hide who he really is — a conspiracy-loving immigration hardliner with ties to an extremist group.
Bianco sort-of said he was a member of the Oath Keepers, a far-right organization best known for some of its members participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, storming of the Capitol. He threw out election fraud theories, even suggesting state Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta could be involved. He made it clear that undocumented folks are breaking the law by existing in the state.
Maybe some MAGA voters will stick by that shtick, but I’m guessing independents and more moderate Republicans will find Hilton, the Trump-endorsed Republican, even more appealing after Bianco’s ragey ramblings. Hilton may well be sending his opponent a thank-you note and a bottle of bubbly for that performance.
As for winners, a couple of the Democrats had their moments. Porter spoke with clarity and force on issues including single-payer healthcare (she supports it) and resisting Trump’s immigration policies in this state of immigrants.
But she also directly addressed the criticism of her having a bad temper in a way that I think may haunt her.
As her male opponents bickered back and forth, taking swipes at each other, Porter said that given all the “shouting” and “disrespect” onstage, she was shocked that “anyone wants to talk about my temperament.” It’s a pushback she tried out earlier in the week with a new advertisement that sought to make a punchline out of the criticism.
I get her point and I don’t think a male candidate would face the same scrutiny for yelling at a staffer as she has, but also — what’s more unappealing to voters than an angry woman? A complaining one. That moment of resistance against the narrative may not land the way she intends with voters.
I agree with Gustavo that Villaraigosa had a good night, and that Steyer had Bernie energy — which may be good.
Steyer was the most lively and direct he’s been in a debate, landing a few punches and making points with clarity (far less wonky than he’s been in the past). He’s owning his far-left politics, and labeling himself the “change-maker.”
Steyer has been trailing Becerra in the polls, but Becerra again had a steady if less-than-thrilling appearance. For fed-up Democrats, Steyer may be looking better all the time.
Leigh Halfpenny: The unassuming Welsh rugby great who has hung up his boots
Back in 2008, a Wales Under-20s side went deep into the Junior World Championship and hinted at what was coming. Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric, Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb, Jonathan Davies and Halfpenny were in that side.
Grand Slams, titles and World Cup semi-finals. For a time, the best team in the world.
One by one, they’ve gone. Halfpenny is the last.
The numbers are strong. Some 101 caps, 801 points – third behind Neil Jenkins and Stephen Jones – but they don’t quite explain him.
He was unassuming, almost bashful, and the last person looking for credit.
Yet the one everyone trusted.
Nobody has a bad word to say about him. In this game, that’s rare.
His former Wales coach Warren Gatland called him the best defensive full-back the game has seen. At his peak, especially with the British & Irish Lions in 2013, he was probably the best full-back. Full stop.
I ditched UK for Australia for enticing ‘quality of life’ – here’s 5 things nobody tells you
A British expat made a huge life decision and uprooted her life from the UK for a fresh start in Australia, yet there were a few things that caught her by suprise
Cat Scully moved to Australia in 2021(Image: Handout)
After making a mammoth move to Australia, a British expat has revealed the five things that no one tells you.
Cat Scully, 31, was searching for a better work-life balance and outdoor lifestyle, so she made the brave decision to uproot her life from Newcastle and move to Australia in 2021. After initially exploring Western Australia, Cat settled on Perth, thanks to its slower pace and diverse landscapes of white-sand beaches, rolling hills, and urban city life.
It’s been five years since the mega move, and Cat has settled into her new life and is even an official Australian after her citizenship was approved. She’s settled down with her husband, and the pair spend evenings at the beach and weekends exploring the surrounding areas.
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Yet moving to the other side of the world and uphauling her lifestyle hasn’t always been easy, with the project manager revealing what caught her off guard after taking the leap across the globe. Speaking to 1st Move International, the removals specialists to Australia, Cat said that anyone who makes the move will become a morning person, something she has adapted to.
“Most of my social plans are now built around early mornings, meeting for a walk, a beach dip or breakfast at 7:30 or 8 am. Everyone’s keen to get out and start their day early, generally before it gets too hot,” she said.
And when it comes to coffee for those early starts, there’s an extensive collection to choose from, which naturally turns expats into a renowned coffee snob without realising. “Even your standard coffee shop does an amazing coffee, and for a fraction of what you’d pay in the UK. You very quickly stop settling for anything less,” Cat revealed.
Thanks to Australia’s warm climate, there’s an abundance of avocados available, something Cat applauds as part of her new Australian life. “Avocados are everywhere here! It’s often 2 for $5 (£2.65) and they’re huge and really good quality. Even other groceries feel different; some things are more expensive, but avocados are definitely cheaper than in the UK and feature on loads of breakfast menus,” the 31-year-old said.
While the UK is dreary and dark during the winter months, Cat said that those who make the move will make the most of evenings and weekends. She said: “After work, it’s so normal to head straight to the beach for sunset, go for an alfresco dinner, run along the river, or even just jump in the car on a Friday and head into the bush for a weekend trip. You really make the most of your time in a different way.”
And it appears Cat has already forgotten what life was like back in the UK. “I can barely remember what it was like when it got dark at 4 pm in winter, or that really fast-paced UK lifestyle. Life just feels more outdoors, more stretched out, and a lot more balanced here,” she revealed.
Since making the move, Cat documents her life in Australia on her YouTube channel, sharing the realities of living on the other side of the world, alongside weekend adventures to places like Fremantle and Melbourne.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
US Army says ‘Project Freedom’ in blockaded Hormuz has ‘just begun’ | US-Israel war on Iran News
A military operation titled “Project Freedom” has been launched by the US Navy to secure a safe passage of commercial vessels through the blocked Strait of Hormuz, a spokesperson for the United States military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) told Al Jazeera on Tuesday.
The Strait of Hormuz has been at the centre of the US-Israeli war on Iran that began on February 28, triggering disruptions that have pushed up commodity prices around the world.
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Iran has effectively sealed off the strait by threatening to deploy mines, drones, missiles and fast-attack craft. The US has countered by blockading Iranian ports and mounting escorted transits for commercial vessels.
The US military spokesperson said that ship owners and insurance companies have responded positively to the operation, which has “just begun” and is aimed at ensuring commercial ships can pass through the strait safely to benefit global and regional economies.
Later on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at a news conference in Washington, DC, that 10 civilian sailors have died due to the ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the US Navy has destroyed seven Iranian fast boats in the waterway.
Rubio said the US will continue to clear a passageway through the strait to restore freedom of navigation.
Operation ‘defensive in nature’
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation has the goal of reopening the strait and allowing the passage of thousands of stranded commercial vessels.
“Project Freedom is defensive in nature, focused in scope, temporary in duration [and] with one mission: protecting innocent commercial shipping from Iranian aggression,” Hegseth said during a briefing on Tuesday at the Pentagon.
He said that as part of Project Freedom, US forces would not need to enter Iranian waters or airspace, adding that Iran can no longer be allowed to prevent international commerce.
“Iran … cannot be allowed to block innocent countries and their goods from an international waterway,” Hegseth said, and added that two US commercial vessels, along with the country’s warships, have already traversed the strait.
“They said they control the strait – they do not,” the secretary said.
Iran denied any crossings had taken place, though shipping company Maersk said the Alliance Fairfax, a US-flagged ship, exited the Gulf under a US military escort on Monday.
Several merchant ships in the Gulf reported explosions or fires on Monday, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) claimed to have come under an Iranian attack, with an oil port targeted on Monday. On Tuesday, Iran’s army denied any attack on the UAE in recent days.
Iran did confirm firing warning shots at a US warship approaching the strait, forcing it to turn back.
Alexandru Hudisteanu, a military and diplomatic analyst, has told Al Jazeera that the US operation to force open the Strait of Hormuz considerably increased the risk of miscalculation from both sides, especially Iran.
He said that by pushing two ships through the strait yesterday, the US “trapped Iran in an escalation situation”.
After issuing a new map of the Strait of Hormuz with an expanded Iranian area of control, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned vessels on Tuesday to stick to the corridors it had set or face a “decisive response”.
US President Donald Trump said Iran’s military had been reduced to firing “peashooters” and Tehran wanted peace, despite public sabre-rattling.
“They play games, but let me just tell you, they want to make a deal,” the US president told reporters in the Oval Office.
On Tuesday, Air Force General Dan Caine, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that there are more than 1,500 vessels with about 22,500 crew trapped inside the Gulf, but that Iranian attacks against US forces fell “below the threshold of restarting major combat operations at this point”.
Asked what Iran would need to do to violate the ceasefire, Trump said: “They know what not to do.”
Spain agrees to let hantavirus-hit cruise ship dock in Canary Islands | Health News
Spain has granted permission for a luxury cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak and anchored off the coast of Cape Verde to sail to the Canary Islands.
Spain’s Ministry of Health said in a statement late on Tuesday that the World Health Organization (WHO) had explained that Cape Verde in West Africa was unable to receive the 147 crew and passengers of the MV Hondius.
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“The Canary Islands are the closest location with the necessary capabilities,” it said. “Spain has a moral and legal obligation to assist these people, among whom are also several Spanish citizens.”
The ministry said it would receive a medical flight carrying the ship’s doctor, a Dutch national, who it said was gravely ill, following a formal request from the Dutch government.
A Dutch couple and a German national have died of the rare disease, which is usually spread from infected rodents through urine, droppings and saliva, on board the ship in early April. A British national, who was evacuated from the ship, is in intensive care in South Africa, officials said.
Two crew members require urgent medical care, according to the Dutch-flagged ship’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions. Another person on board with a suspected case has only reported a mild fever.
Medical evacuations
The Spanish Health Ministry said the MV Hondius will journey on to the Canary Islands once those who need evacuation are taken off the ship.
The Dutch government said earlier on Tuesday that it was preparing to receive the evacuated passengers. Oceanwide Expeditions said the journey to the Canary Islands will take three days of sailing and that the MV Hondius will dock in either Gran Canaria or Tenerife.
When the rest of the crew and passengers arrive in the Canary Islands, they will be examined, treated and repatriated to their respective countries, Spain’s Health Ministry said, in coordination with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the WHO.
All necessary safety measures would be taken, the ministry said, with medical care and transportation provided in special facilities and vehicles to avoid contact with the local population and protect health workers.
According to the WHO, the cruise ship, which set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 for Cape Verde, had 88 passengers and 59 crew members from 23 countries on board.
A WHO official said on Tuesday that she suspected some rare human-to-human transmission had occurred between close contacts on board the ship.
“We do believe that there may be some human-to-human transmission that’s happening among the really close contacts, the husband and wife, people who have shared cabins,” Maria Van Kerkhove, the director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention at the WHO, told reporters in Geneva.
Van Kerkhove also sent a direct message to the people on board.
“We just want you to know we are working with the ship’s operators,” she said. “We are working with the countries where you are from. We hear you. We know that you are scared.”
Andes strain
Human-to-human transmission is not common, and the WHO reiterated that the risk to the wider public was low, adding that it had been told that “there are no rats on board” the ship.
A limited spread among close contacts has been observed in some previous outbreaks of the Andes strain of the virus, which spreads in South America, including Argentina.
Van Kerkhove said the typical incubation period for hantavirus was between one and six weeks, leading the WHO to believe that the Dutch couple, who had been travelling in Argentina before boarding the cruise, “were infected off the ship”.
Other cases may also have been infected while on bird-watching trips to islands where birds and rodents live, the WHO said.
Such trips are part of the cruise.
The Hondius is carrying mostly British, American and Spanish passengers on the luxury cruise, which set off from the southern tip of Argentina in late March.
The cruise visited the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha, some of the remotest islands on the planet.
The voyage was marketed as an Antarctic nature expedition, with berth prices ranging from 14,000 to 22,000 euros ($16,000 to $25,000).
The first stricken passenger, the Dutch man, died on April 11. His body remained on board until April 24, when it “was disembarked on St Helena, with his wife accompanying the repatriation”, Oceanwide Expeditions said.
His wife had gastrointestinal symptoms when she was disembarked, and deteriorated during a flight to Johannesburg. She died upon arrival at the emergency department on April 26, the WHO said, adding that contact tracing was under way for passengers on the flight.
South African authorities have confirmed that the British patient, who is being treated in a Johannesburg hospital, tested positive for the hantavirus.
Bradley Walsh pleads ‘please God’ as he faces nerve-wracking challenge on ITV show
TV star Bradley Walsh faces one of his fears in the latest episode of ITV’s Breaking Dad
Bradley Walsh tackles different challenges with son Barney in Breaking Dad(Image: ITV screengrab)
Bradley Walsh pleads “I don’t want to” as he confronts his well-known fear of heights in the latest instalment of Breaking Dad.
The ITV programme follows The Chase presenter and his son Barney as they journey to various destinations, taking on a series of daunting challenges. Now in its seventh series, the pair have ventured Down Under to discover Australia, and in the forthcoming episode Bradley tackles a zipline high above the Blue Mountains while Barney urges him on.
In a preview clip, Bradley appears visibly terrified, gripping his rope tightly and breathing heavily, reports the Express.
“I really, really tell you, guys, I really don’t want to do this,” muttered the star, who has a well documented fear of heights.
“Dad, you can do it!” exclaims Barney, but the TV star insisted: “No, I can’t. I don’t want to do it Barns. Please don’t. Please don’t do none of that for me.”
“Well, you can do it, you can,” urged Barney, who is known for hosting TV hit Gladiators alongside his famous dad.
But Bradley said: “What did I just tell him? Didn’t I just tell him?”
“I really don’t want to, though,” he went on. “I really don’t want to do it.”
Nevertheless, he pressed ahead, beginning to edge his hands along the ropes while murmuring: “Please, God.”
With Barney shouting encouragement, yelling “you got it”, Bradley gradually made his way along the rope before reaching solid ground on the opposite side.
Yet when questioned about how he felt after completing the challenge, he appeared to let slip a swear word, confessing: “Awful.”
“You smashed it, you smashed it,” Barney insisted as an exhausted-looking Bradley caught his breath.
Breaking Dad first launched in 2019 and it is now in its seventh series.
The show’s latest run kicked off earlier in May, with the opening episode following the father and son duo as they touched down in Sydney. The pair took in iconic landmarks including Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, before braving a thrilling aerobatic flight and a nerve-shredding ride on an extreme, high-altitude cable car.
Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad airs on Friday May 8 at 7.30pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
Thunder pull away in second half to defeat Lakers in Game 1
OKLAHOMA CITY — Lakers coach JJ Redick was succinct about what it was like for his group to face the defending NBA champions Oklahoma City Thunder during the regular season.
“We sucked against this team,” he said pregame.
The Lakers lost all four regular-season games against the Thunder by double figures, making L.A.’s 108-90 defeat to Oklahoma City in Game 1 of the second round of the playoffs just another big loss to the talented Thunder.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 27 points and six assists while Rui Hachimura had 18 points, but Austin Reaves had only eight points, shooting three for 16 from the field.
The Lakers doubled teamed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander frequently, limiting him to 18 points and forcing him into seven turnovers.
But the Thunder just turned to Chet Holmgren, who had a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, driving to the basket against Lakers guard Austin Reaves, finished with 18 points on eight-of-12 shooting from the field and six assists in Game 1.
(Kyle Phillips / Associated Press)
Game 2 is here Thursday night.
The Lakers didn’t help themselves at the beginning of the fourth quarter, turning the ball over on two of their first three possessions. When Marcus Smart turned the ball over and Alex Caruso waltzed in for a layup, the Lakers went down by 15 points and had to call a timeout with 10 minutes and 41 seconds left to regroup.
The Lakers never did.
They fell into a 19-point hole in the final 12 minutes of play and never fully recovered.
The Lakers lost by almost 30 points per game in their four-game series against the Thunder during the regular season, and one of the games was a 43-point shallacking.
But the Lakers found their groove in the first round against the Houston Rockets and that has fueled their belief in this series against the Thunder.
“We’ve been able to execute, even just going back to the last three games of the regular season,” Redick said. “Again, we kind of had to reset with not a lot of time and build something a little bit new on the fly. I think our guys were able to find their way and find their way from an execution standpoint, and for the most part, did a good job of that on both ends in the Houston series.
Lakers guard Austin Reaves makes one of his three baskets on a layup against Thunder center Chet Holmgren, but Reaves finished with only eight points on three-of-16 shooting from the field in Game 1.
(Kyle Phillips / Associated Press)
“This is a different team and the best team, and it’s going to require more. I think every round that you advance in the playoffs, you need to elevate all of the stuff even more. …That’s our attention to detail, that’s our belief, that’s our poise. We got to be great in all those areas.”
The Lakers talked every practice about the runs the Thunder go on and how they had to limit them.
Well, it happened at the end of the first quarter, when Oklahoma City scored the last five points of the frame, and it happened at the outset of the second quarter, when the Thunder scored the first five points of the frame to open a 10-point lead.
Redick leaped off the bench to call a timeout with 10:36 left in the second to get things back in order for the Lakers.
The Lakers recovered, but they then went down 56-43 in the second quarter and had to recover again.
They did, pulling to within 61-53 at the half.
Note: Lakers reserve forward Jarred Vanderbilt injured his right finger in the second quarter and didn’t return. Vanderbilt tried to block a dunk by Chet Helmgren, but instead hit hand on the backboard and went down in pain.
Little-known Greek island is ‘world’s most relaxing destination’ with pristine beaches and 25C in June
The Greek island is known for its tranquil atmosphere, exceptionally clear waters, and the chance to explore Europe’s largest marine protected area
The island is beautiful and chilled out(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A beautiful island with crystal clear waters and impeccable vibes has been named the most relaxed place for a holiday.
It’s a mad old world out there at the moment. And during mad old times, heading to a hectic, vibrant, crowd-filled holiday destination may not be at the top of everyone’s list.
If you’re looking for somewhere where the pace is slow and the atmosphere is calm, then Alonissos is the place.
The Greek island is known for its tranquil atmosphere, exceptionally clear waters, and the chance to explore Europe’s largest marine protected area. As the most remote of the Northern Sporades islands, it offers an authentic, laid-back experience far from the bustling crowds of nearby Skiathos.
The travel experts at Solmar Villas analysed over 160 global destinations to crown Alonissos as the most relaxing places for a chilled-out summer holiday in 2026, noting its lack of crowds, beautiful nature, the slow pace of life and its lovely climate.
Melissa, a travel blogger, recently visited the island and fell in love with it. She wrote: “Alonissos is one of those places you feel. It ended up being my favourite of the three islands I visited. It’s quiet, a little wild, totally underrated. Out of all the Sporades islands, it’s the furthest out, which probably explains why it’s still kind of a hidden gem. It’s way less touristic and definitely more laid back than islands like Mykonos. No cruise ship crowds, no overpriced cocktails. I paid on average 9€ for my Aperol Spritz, where in Mykonos, that’s gonna cost double.”
What to do in Alonissos?
First and foremost, time spent in Alonissos is best spent relaxing, kicking back on the beach and dreamily gazing into the middle distance. But if you do feel the need to do something, there is plenty to choose from. Including:
- National Marine Park: A 2,200 km/sq haven for biodiversity, home to the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).
- You can take boat tours to uninhabited islets like Kyra Panagia, which features a 12th-century monastery.
- World-class diving and snorkelling: Alonissos is home to the “Parthenon of Shipwrecks” at Peristera, Greece’s first underwater museum, where divers can view thousands of ancient amphorae at 30m depth. The water is so clear that visibility can reach up to 50 metres.
- The charming old town of Chora: Perched on a hilltop with 360° views, the postcard-perfect Old Town was painstakingly restored after a 1965 earthquake and is filled with cobbled alleys and flowering balconies.
- Its pristine beaches: Agios Dimitrios, striking “horn-shaped” pebble beach with vivid turquoise water, Kokkinokastro, known for its dramatic red cliffs and deep blue sea, and Chrisi Milia: The island’s only golden sandy beach, featuring shallow waters ideal for families.
- Eco-tourism and nature: The island is a magnet for hikers, with over 40 km of signposted trails that lead through dense pine forests and olive groves to secluded bays. Alonissos is also a pioneer in sustainability, being one of the first Greek islands to go plastic-bag-free.
The findings revealed that Greece stands out as the best country to visit for relaxation in 2026, with destinations across the Greek islands and mainland dominating the rankings. In fact, 70% of the top 10 destinations are located in Greece, highlighting the country’s strong appeal for travellers seeking a more peaceful summer holiday this year.
There is no airport on Alonissos. To get there you need to travel by ferry from the nearest airports, which are on Skiathos (2.5 hrs by ferry) or at mainland Volos (3-4.5 hours by ferry). You can also fly to Athens or Thessaloniki and continue via internal flight or ferry.
Trump pauses US operation in Strait of Hormuz in push for deal with Iran | US-Israel war on Iran News
United States President Donald Trump has said that the US military operation to move stranded ships out of the Strait of Hormuz has been paused temporarily.
Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday.
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He said the decision was made “based on the request” of Pakistan and other countries and the “fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement” with representatives of Iran.
“We have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed,” he wrote.
There was no immediate comment from Iran.
Trump’s announcement came as tensions escalated in the Gulf, with the US military saying it destroyed several Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as cruise missiles and drones. The United Arab Emirates said its air defences dealt with missile and drone attacks from Iran for a second day, while another commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz reported being hit by an “unknown projectile”.
For its part, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a new map of the strait, with an expanded area of Iranian control, and warned vessels on Tuesday to stick to the corridors it has set or face a “decisive response”.
In Washington, DC, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that the US has completed its offensive operations against Iran, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury”, and “there’s no shooting unless we’re shot at first”.
But Iran must “pay a price” for its efforts to control the strait, he said.
“The Straits of Hormuz do not belong to Iran. They don’t have a right to shut it down and blow up ships and lay mines,” Rubio said.
“Under no circumstances can we live in a world where we accept, ‘OK, this is normal – you have to coordinate with Iran. You have to pay them a toll in order to go through the Straits of Hormuz’. Not only is that unacceptable in the straits, you’re creating a precedent that could be repeated in multiple other places around the world.”
The maritime chokepoint, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s energy supplies normally pass, has been effectively sealed by Iran since the US and Israel launched their war on the country on February 28.
Following a ceasefire in April, the US imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports in a bid to compel Tehran to agree to Washington’s terms in peace talks mediated by Pakistan, including reopening the key waterway and halting all nuclear enrichment.
The closure of the strait has disrupted global trade, causing oil and fertiliser prices to soar and prompting fears of a global recession and a food emergency.
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump told reporters at the White House that the US’s military and economic action was forcing Tehran to the negotiating table despite its defiant public stance.
“Iran wants to make a deal. What I don’t like about Iran is they’ll talk to me with such great respect, and then they’ll go on television. They’ll say, ‘We did not speak to the president’,” he said. “So they play games. But let me just tell you, they want to make a deal. And who wouldn’t? When your military is totally gone, we could do anything we want to them.”
Trump, who is facing mounting pressure at home as petrol prices rise ahead of crucial midterm elections, went on to say that Iran’s military had been reduced to firing “peashooters”.
When asked what Iran would need to do to violate the ceasefire, Trump said: “They know what not to do.”
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, meanwhile, said that the renewed violence in the Strait of Hormuz does not constitute a breach of the four-week-old truce.
“American forces won’t need to enter Iranian waters. It’s not necessary. We’re not looking for a fight. But Iran cannot be allowed to block innocent countries and their goods from international waterways,” he said at the Pentagon.
“Right now, the ceasefire certainly holds, but we’re going to be watching very, very closely,” he added.
Protesters rally in Louisiana and Tennessee against redistricting | Elections
Demonstrators rallied in Louisiana and Tennessee against a US Supreme Court ruling that weakened key protections in the Voting Rights Act, opening the door for Republicans to redraw congressional maps ahead of pivotal November’s midterm elections.
Published On 6 May 2026
New granddad Jeff Brazier gushes over son’s ‘perfect’ little girl as he praises her parents
JEFF Brazier has shared a sweet tribute to his granddaughter and heaped praise on youngest son Freddy after he became a first time dad.
Freddy, 21, and girlfriend Holly Swinburn welcomed their daughter in March and, despite the on/off nature of their relationship, it seems proud pops Jeff, 46, isn’t losing out on quality time with the tot.
The presenter took to Instagram to post a photo of little Isla Jade, whose name is a sweet nod to Freddy’s mum the late Jade Goody, taking a nap on his chest.
Jeff wrote: “I don’t know that I could love her more.
“A weekend to celebrate our special girl and her Mum and Dad who are doing a great job. She’s perfect.”
Hunky Jeff was keen to prove he’s still got it after becoming a grandad in his forties, stripping off to his pants and poking fun at the new title recently.
He joked: “Get dressed with Grandad??!!”
And his words of praise for Freddy and Holly come after The Sun revealed Freddy and Holly are in a “solid place” after the new dad “stepped up”.
An insider said: “Freddy and Holly are in a really solid place right now, they’ve taken the time to work through things properly rather than rush it.
“They’ve had their ups and downs, but that’s actually brought them closer, they understand each other a lot better now.
“There’s a real sense they’re stronger as a couple this time around, more grounded and more focused on what matters.”
They continued: “They’ve both made an effort to communicate better and not let small issues spiral into bigger problems.
“Freddy has really stepped up recently, and Holly has seen that change in him which has helped rebuild trust.”
Our source added: “Those around them feel like they’re more united now, especially with everything going on in their lives.
“It’s less about proving anything to anyone and more about quietly making it work this time.”
Olympic Games bid: UK government discusses hosting Olympics in 2040s
The UK government says it is in “discussions about supporting potential bids” for the Olympics and Paralympics in the 2040s.
It added that “initial work examining whether the UK could host the Games for the first time since London 2012 will assess key factors such as potential cost, socio-economic benefit and [the] chance of success”.
Ministers say they are also considering whether to support bids to stage golf’s Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup in the 2030s.
The last time the two team competitions were staged in the UK was in 2014 and 2019 respectively, both at Gleneagles in Scotland.
In recent months there has been growing momentum behind a possible attempt to bring the Olympics back to the UK for a fourth time.
Last year London mayor Sadiq Khan said he wanted the city to bid for the 2040 Games.
With Los Angeles in the US and Brisbane, Australia hosting the 2028 and 2032 Games respectively, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is yet to choose cities to stage the events in 2036 and beyond.
In December, the chair of funding agency UK Sport told BBC Sport a bid “has to be an aspiration”, suggesting Liverpool and Manchester could be co-hosts.
In February, a group of political leaders urged the government to ensure any future bid would be based in the north of England, saying there was a “compelling” case for it to host the event.
The Ryder Cup takes place every two years with 24 of the best players from Europe and the USA going head-to-head over three days in matchplay competition. The two continents take it in turns to host the event.
In March, it was revealed that Bolton is bidding to host the Ryder Cup in 2035. If successful it would be the first time in more than 30 years that the event is staged in England.
Last year England Golf urged the government to underwrite its bid to stage the Solheim Cup – a contest between the leading female golfers of Europe and the US – in the country for the first time.
As part of a new ‘sporting events framework’, the government says it will look to make it a criminal offence to resell tickets for specific major sporting events without authorisation such as Euro 2028, claiming it “will make it easier to bid for, secure and deliver major sporting events”.
England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland are hosting Euro 2028, while the UK is the sole bidder to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
In November, the government announced legislation to outlaw the sale of tickets to sports events at inflated prices – but it did not apply to football.
Fairy tale UK city packed with independent bookshops and traditional tearooms
A UK ‘city of stories’ where independent bookshops stacked to the ceiling with novels sitting alongside traditional tearooms, makes the perfect weekend escape for book lovers
This UK city is brimming with charm and character(Image: Getty Images)
A delightful UK city bursting with independent bookshops and cafés makes for an ideal retreat for bibliophiles or those keen to discover the ‘city of stories’.
Strolling through Norwich in Norfolk on a weekend break is enough to whisk you away to another world, courtesy of its medieval and timber-framed buildings. Narrow lanes and cobbled streets are lined with more than 500 independent shops, offering homeware treasures, gifts and vintage clothing, alongside traditional tearooms, cafés, restaurants and bars.
Yet it’s the collection of independent bookshops, stacked floor to ceiling with novels and snug reading nooks, that truly steals the show. It comes as little surprise to stumble upon such a treasure trove of bookshops in the ‘city of stories’ – England’s first UNESCO City of Literature.
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Highlights include The Book Hive, boasting a charming green façade, tables piled high with your next great read, and window seats perfect for a spot of people-watching between chapters. Nearby, the independent children’s bookshop Bookbugs and Dragon Tales is a firm favourite – famously visited by Jacqueline Wilson, who has signed their dedicated author wall – and a wonderland where little ones can spend hours browsing its vibrant shelves.
Dormouse Bookshop, its shelves laden with rare and antiquarian books, is yet another hidden gem, and its setting on Elm Hill will have you feeling as though you’ve wandered straight into a fairy tale. And that’s just the beginning.
Stroll through the streets, and you’ll stumble upon second-hand books at virtually every turn. From Undercover Books to City Bookshop and Tombland Bookshop, there’s even a comic book store, Abstract Sprocket, catering to avid collectors and anime enthusiasts, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Whatever your preferred genre, Norwich has something for everyone, with each independent bookshop boasting its own unique character, whether through vibrant wall art or tucked-away nooks perfect for a peaceful read free from distractions. Beyond its wealth of bookshops, Norwich lays claim to some remarkable literary achievements.
The city is celebrated for opening the first English civic provincial library in 1608 and for being the home of one of the earliest known female writers in England, Julian of Norwich. It also boasts the only National Centre for Writing, hosts its annual City of Literature weekend, and the University of East Anglia (UEA) pioneered the first Creative Writing MA.
The city has also been a home to celebrated authors such as Kazuo Ishiguro, Ian McEwan, Eimear McBride and Sarah Perry. It’s also thought that around 108 different languages and dialects are spoken throughout the charming streets of Norwich, only adding to its storybook reputation.
For those who enjoy a good read accompanied by a warming cuppa, you’ll be thoroughly spoilt for choice when it comes to cafés. There are traditional tearooms, such as Biddy’s Tea Room and Harriet’s Cafe Tearooms, alongside cosy spots like The Yard Coffee, Flock, and Kofra, as well as the Refectory café nestled within the Cathedral.
After browsing the array of bookshops and coffee houses, there’s the 900-year-old outdoor market packed with independent food vendors and shops spanning around 200 lively stalls. For a glimpse of its heritage, there’s the 12th-century Norman castle and Norwich’s two impressive cathedrals, set against its winding alleyways and vibrant street art in a city brimming with character and stories to share.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
Police: One dead after lake party shooting in Oklahoma City suburb
May 5 (UPI) — One of 23 people injured in a weekend shooting at a lake party in an Oklahoma City suburb has died, authorities said Tuesday as they continue to search for a suspect.
The shooting occurred at around 9 p.m. CDT Sunday at Lake Arcadia where a group of young people were having an unauthorized party near a campground that had been advertised across social media.
Police initially said 10 people were taken to area hospitals but warned the number would rise as individuals were transported by private vehicles.
The deceased victim was identified by the Edmond Police Department as “an 18-year-old young woman.”
“Our thoughts are with her loved ones, as well as all those affected by this tragic incident,” the Edmond Police Department said in a statement.
“We thank our community and media partners for their patience and understanding as we work to confirm details and release appropriate information. This investigation is being handled with the utmost care and seriousness.”
The announcement came a day after local police announced the casualty toll had increased to 23, with injuries ranging in severity. Some suffered gunshot wounds, authorities said.
Police said they were not releasing suspect information at this time but asked members of the public with information about the shooting to contact authorities.
Edmond Mayor Mark Nash issued a statement Monday explaining that shootings such as the one on Sunday are rare for the city and “will not define us.”
“We are a strong, engaged community. We support one another, we face challenges directly and we move forward together,” he said.
“That is what makes Edmond special, and that is exactly what we will continue to protect.”
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Published On 5 May 2026
Simon Cowell reveals he may reboot X Factor 8 years after show ended following success of latest Netflix talent contest
SIMON Cowell has revealed he is thinking of bringing back The X Factor, nearly eight years after the ITV talent contest was axed.
Over its 14-year run the show discovered huge acts including One Direction, Little Mix, Leona Lewis and Olly Murs.
And now the music mogul is considering a revival for the Gen Z years, following the success of his Netflix show The Next Act, which spawned rising pop stars December 10.
Simon told TV presenter Jamie East on his new podcast Tales From The Celebrity Trenches: “Do you bring it back as X Factor or do you bring it back as the Z Factor? We talk about it a lot.
“There’s still no question — the power of TV in terms of getting people to know an artist.
“It is so important if you are not writing your own material.
“There is something about being on a big screen.
“You do hear about these artists who break online, but so rarely.
“We could have made [The Next Act] online.
“I just don’t think it would have had the same effect.
“The truth is, thank God, people like being on TV.”
Running such a huge talent show is not always plain sailing, but Simon had a distinctly New Age solution when the stresses got just too much while filming The Next Act.
He turned to crystals.
Simon recalled: “We were running out of money so I did have a little mini meltdown.
“And then I just sat with my crystals and they just comforted me.
“I can feel the energy.
“I thought it was kind of comforting having the crystals rather than everyone in my ear driving me crazy.”
He added: “I definitely believe in the powers of the universe.
“I feel that if you can harness the power of the universe to try and make your mind just calm down for a moment . . . ”
I don’t think I’ll be swapping a medicinal glass of rosé for rose quartz any time soon, but each to their own . . .
Kylie in Michael tribute
Kylie Minogue will pay tribute to late boyfriend Michael Hutchence in her new self-titled Netflix documentary.
She confirmed yesterday that the Inxs frontman will be included.
In a first-look trailer, Kylie shared photographs of them together while they dated between 1989 and 1991.
Despite splitting, Kylie stayed close to fellow Aussie Michael until his death aged 37 in 1997,
She said previously: “He was a dark bad boy and I was the pure good girl.
“He opened up a whole new world for me.”
The three-parter will also feature Kylie’s friends and family talking about highs and lows she has faced, including her breast cancer diagnosis in 2005.
Kylie is heard saying off camera: “I felt removed from my body.
“I was so scared of what was ahead.”
Her sister Dannii can then be seen welling up as she says: “We didn’t know if she was ever going to well again.
“I just wanted to be with my sister.
“Music kept us going.”
Fans will have to wait until May 20 to watch the series in full.
Hol lotta Caity
Caity Baser was hostess with the mostess as she opened a beach club in the back garden of her seaside home.
She squeezed into a tight blue dress and posed with bunting and flowers at the party to mark the release of new single Holiday Song this Friday.
The singer’s pal Joel Corry was drafted in as DJ for the bash in Brighton.
She ordered a tonne of sand to turn her garden into a beach – but revealed to TikTok followers that she ordered builders’ sand by mistake.
She referred to her makeshift club as Ibiza Crops – a reference to Ibiza Rocks on the White Isle – but was dreading the prospect of clearing it all up afterwards.
If the release of the single goes as well as her party, she’ll have a very fun summer.
Jack Cullen began his first headline European solo tour in Bristol last night, and has a long slog in front of him.
The musician, who released single Face To Face on Friday, will play across the UK in the next few days then head to Brussels, Cologne, Amsterdam and Berlin.
He’ll then Run 22 marathons in 22 days – back from the German capital to London for the tour’s final night, headlining Oslo in Hackney on June 12.
Live gigs in Dolldrums
Pussycat Dolls, Post Malone and Zayn Malik have all cancelled North American tours in the past week – and it’s the clearest sign yet the live music economy is about to turn.
Last summer was one of the best-ever for gigs, with Oasis, Dua Lipa and Coldplay selling out stadiums, while Radiohead, Lewis Capaldi and Tate McRae played to packed arenas.
But ticket prices have only continued to rise since live shows returned after Covid, and now it’s clear punters have had enough of greedy artists taking advantage.
Shows are already hugely expensive in the UK, but over in the US, the prices are even higher.
Suki Waterhouse, Ella Mai and Logic and G-Eazy’s tours there later this year are also struggling to shift tickets, with fears they could be axed too. It’s only a matter of time before we see a similar knock-on effect in the UK.
Even some major tours here this summer are yet to sell out, after insatiable promoters added strings of dates and pushed artists into bigger and bigger venues.
As you know from this column, I love a good concert.
But at a time when everyone is strapped for cash, paying through the nose for a couple of hours of singing is just not an option for many.
So if the music industry keeps moving like it is at the moment, it’s only going to turn people off altogether.
It’s a three-horse race to the No1 album spot this Friday, with Mel C, Michael Jackson and Kneecap all battling it out for the prime position.
Just under 3,000 chart units separate third place from the top spot, so it’s all to play for.
Kneecap are currently at No1 with Fenian, closely followed by Mel’s Sweat and MJ’s 2005 compilation album The Essential, which is back in demand after the Michael biopic.
Pete aims for Kyle collab
Pete Doherty is recruiting The View’s frontman Kyle Falconer to collaborate on songs for his next solo album.
They previously worked together on Pete’s track Midas Touch, on Kyle’s recent LP Lovely Night Of Terror.
Now Kyle has revealed he visited Pete’s home in the South of France and will return soon to work with the Libertines rocker, right, again.
He said: “I was just over in France to see him, we’re talking about loads of stuff.
“It was all very arty. We were painting together, and talking about films.”
Pete’s last solo effort was 2025 album Felt Better Alive, while the last Libertines record was 2024’s All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade.
Two years ago Kyle moved to Alicante in Spain with his wife Laura and their four kids.
He now runs songwriting camps from his La Sierra Casa studio, and said: “The camp is getting bigger and better every year, and we’ve just moved to a new place.”
Celebrity treasures on sale
War Child is back with its Spring Clean auction – packed with some of the most random and brilliant celebrity treasures going.
Fans can get their hands on Alan Carr’s Isabell Kristensen blazer from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and even a signed Devil Wears Prada 2 script donated by Stanley Tucci.
There’s a Fantastic Four script signed by Vanessa Kirby, plus one of the strangest items on offer – the infamous radish prop from Netflix’s Beef, signed by the cast.
You can also win a private film screening and lunch with Simon Pegg.
Meanwhile, sci-fi lovers can snap up a personalised photo signed by X-Files co-stars Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny.
Music lovers are also in for a treat, with signed setlists and memorabilia from Robbie Williams, The 1975 and Coldplay all among items up for grabs.
It runs until May 27, and will raise money to support children in war zones. See springclean.charitystars.com to get involved. Prize draw entries start at £10.
Liz up to sun-thing
Lizzo is lapping up as much sun as she can before she kicks off the promo for her new album, Bitch.
The Truth Hurts singer shared this snap with her 11million Instagram followers with the caption: “Best Birthday Ever”.
Lizzo turned 38 last week and used her special day to announce the record, which is the follow-up to her 2022 album, Special.
Teasing what Bitch has in store, Lizzo said: “I think it’s always going to be the Lizzo sound.
“I posted a snippet of one of my new songs that’s coming out very, very soon and somebody was like, ‘The Nineties are back’.
“I love constructing and producing and creating just well-crafted music and songs.
“I hope everyone likes it.”
As a massive Lizzo fan myself, I am sure I’m going to love it.
They are one of the most in-demand couples in Hollywood, so what do Gen Z heartthrobs Zendaya and Tom Holland do in their spare time?
The British actor, above with his other half, said: “So we have been crocheting at home. I absolutely love it.”
“I just find it turns my brain off. I can’t do anything else and do it. I have to be lasered in.”
I’m sure he still has Zendaya in stitches . . .