New rules have come into force for Brits this week across a number of European holiday hotspots, but there’s an app that could help you swerve potentially long queues
The app could make the EES process simpler – but it’s only available in certain locations(Image: Getty Images)
Brits heading to the likes of France, Spain, Portugal and Greece will face new entry requirements as Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) has come into force. Airports across the EU are braced for potential travel chaos as non-EU visitors, including Brits, will need to have biometric information such as facial images and fingerprints taken when they enter the EU.
Personal data from your passport will also be collected when you enter an EU border, and the system will record entry and exit dates to allow overstays to be easily flagged. EES is set to replace passport stamps in the long run.
However, getting to grips with the new technology has proven tricky at some airports, with many Brits reporting longer queues on arrival and when departing the EU. While EU passport holders have their own lanes, Brits must queue with other non-EU nationalities and go through the new system.
An official app could potentially speed up the process for Brits and other non-EU citizens, although many travellers are unaware of its existence.
The Travel to Europe app is available on Apple’s App Store or Google Play and claims it can “speed up your border check”. Holidaymakers heading to the EU first need to download the app and register. At the moment, the app is only available at selected border crossing points, including Sweden and Portugal, although the developers claim more will be added soon.
Families flying together can add co-travellers to the app so their details are in one place. You simply need to add details of your journey such as the date and time you’ll arrive and depart, and can scan your passport using your phone. You then take a selfie and answer some questions. This can be done up to 72-hours before your flight.
The app then generates a QR code for each passenger which can be scanned at a self-service kiosk or by passport control staff. Simply follow the signs or directions from airport staff to the pre-registration queue. Of course, there’s no guarantee of entry and staff may still carry out additional checks, but for many passengers this could speed up the process for them.
Travellers have been warned to “expect chaos” in the coming months in popular holiday hotspots such as Tenerife. Reports of hours long queues and confusion caused by the new system have surfaced. And while the EES implementation date has avoided the busy Easter weekend, May half-term is just a few weeks away, which could potentially put more strain on the system.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
It’s clear that “Forbidden Fruits” director and co-writer Meredith Alloway has marinated in plenty of ’90s teen movies and the kitschy pop-culture ephemera of that era. Her directorial debut, written with Lily Houghton and based on Houghton’s play “Of the woman came the beginning of sin and through her we all die,” is essentially a synthesis of “The Craft,” “Mean Girls” and “Clueless,” about a coven of catty witches who work at a boutique in a Texas mall.
But in “Forbidden Fruits,” it’s hard to shake the feeling that Alloway’s movie knowledge is just that — easily identifiable iconography without much innovation or depth.
Our clique comes storming down the mall food court in that classic slow-motion strut, letting us know right away what we’re in for. They’re known as the Fruits because they all happen to be named after them. The leader, Apple (Lili Reinhart), operates in the controlling mode of Regina George or Cher Horowitz; her lackeys are alt queen Fig (Alexandra Shipp) and blond bimbo Cherry (Victoria Pedretti). When they realize that a cute pretzel purveyor is named Pumpkin (Lola Tung), they quickly bring her into their circle as a fourth, seemingly only because her name fits the theme.
Apple runs her high-femme coven out of their store Free Eden with an emphasis on iconic women: The girls confess to their martyr Marilyn Monroe in a dressing room and practice dark magic with their panties and a silver cowboy boot. In the interest of helping each other “shine,” Apple also takes a page from Ann Lee and the Shakers — sex and boys are banned and communication is highly controlled.
It’s only when Pumpkin starts uncovering some of the coven’s secrets, including the existence of a former member named Pickle (Emma Chamberlain), that their controversial personal histories involving hexes, poison, fires and hidden boyfriends come to light, and the situation spirals out of control (literally — the climax happens during a tornado).
Alloway and cinematographer Karim Hussain craft a distinctive and unique aesthetic, a gauzy, highly artificial look that underlines the winky referential tone, but one that also lends “Forbidden Fruits” a strangely dreamlike quality that doesn’t always work for the genre.
While the actors, particularly Reinhart and Pedretti, are locked in with the tone and Reinhart delivers the fierceness required of such a role, the pace of “Forbidden Fruits” is at odds with the performers. The film is weirdly slow and sleepy and at least 20 minutes too long. The convoluted story, peppered with various twists, lacks momentum.
A stronger hand in the edit could have resulted in something more dynamic and engaging, but the plotting is mushy and then rushed. For a witchy horror thriller, it’s heavier on psychological violence than actual scares, and a third-act bloodbath and big reveal can’t save it when we finally get there.
The film’s theatrical provenance reveals itself in long monologues in the Marilyn confessional room and Pedretti delivers one that reveals the depth beyond Cherry’s ditzy exterior. We can see Houghton’s play in these moments, but then Alloway’s cheeky pop sensibility intervenes, the arch artificiality and ironic tone draining the emotional impact.
“Forbidden Fruits” can’t reconcile all of its influences and just ends up as a collection of references and high style without much staying power — it’s essentially the fast fashion of girly pop horror.
Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.
‘Forbidden Fruits’
Rated: R, for strong violent content/gore, sexual content, nudity, language and brief drug use
Some people prefer a laid back comedy, while others look for a psychological thriller that keeps them on the edge of their seats – but these 10 shows are tried and tested
Abigail Nicholson Content Editor
10:59, 27 Mar 2026
The Good Place(Image: Daily Mirror)
When it comes to watching TV, everyone has different opinions on what they like to watch. Some people prefer a laid back comedy, while others look for a psychological thriller that keeps them on the edge of their seats.
But there are some cult classics that hundreds of thousands of people watch, and rewatch, that bring joy, excitement and nostalgia. One Reddit user posed in the R/AskReddit community to ask members what their favourite TV show of all time was.
The post said: “What’s a TV series you’ll never get tired of recommending to someone?” Hundereds of people were quick to hail their 10 favourite TV shows, with some being aired for the first time in 2002.
1. The Wire, 2002
The Wire was aired on HBO between 2002 and 2008 and looks at the narcotics scene in Baltimore through the eyes of police, as well as the drug dealers and users.
The show was created by former police reporter David Simon, who also wrote many of the episodes, and has a huge 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
One person commented: “I was advocating for someone I know to watch it about four hours ago. I had to share, to someone who works in a bureaucracy, the line ‘There you go Jimmy…Givin’ a f***, when it ain’t your turn to give a f***’. Masterpiece of a show.”
A second said: “So I just watched this cause everyone raves about it. And I liked it, but it felt really forced in season 5.”
The Wire can be watched on HBO Max.
2. The Good Place, 2016
The Good Place was first aired on NBC in 2016 and follows four people who enter the afterlife after dying on earth. Eleanor Shellstrop [Kristen Bell] is both relieved and surprised that she’s made it into the Good Place.
But it doesn’t take long for her to realize she’s there by mistake, and is forced to hide in plain sight. The show has a huge 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is a firm favourite by TV fans.
One person said: “One of the most perfect shows ever made, imo. From start to finish.”
A second said: “I recommend this show to my mom and I regret it LOL. she watches it everyday. AND I mean everyday. She will just keep watching it and not get tired of it.”
Dark was first aired on Netflix in 2017 and follows two families searching for answers when their children go missing in a small German town. A sinful past is exposed along with the double lives and fractured relationships that exist among four families as they search for the kids.
The mystery-drama series introduces an intricate puzzle filled with twists that includes a web of curious characters, all of whom have a connection to the town’s troubled history.
The series has a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and can be watched in Netflix.
One person said: “Dark was incredibly fine-tuned. I had found a chart online to help with family connections and time jumps.”
A second said: “Truly a 10/10 show. Still sad 1899 didn’t get the full run it deserved.”
4. Arrested Development, 2003
Arrested Development was first aired on Fox in 2003, and follows the Bluth family. Michael Bluth finds himself forced to stay in Orange County and run the family real estate business after his father, George Bluth Sr, is sent to prison for committing white-collar crime.
He tries to juggle the wants and needs of his spoiled and eccentric family while being a good role model for his teenage son, George Michael.
The series, which has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 75%, is known for having a reboot after season three, which did not go down as well as the first three seasons of the programme.
One person said: “Arrested Development (Seasons 1-3 too afraid to watch reboot so never did).”
A second person said: “Arrested Development is mine for sure. I don’t think there has ever been a funnier show on television.”
You can watch Arrested Development on Netflix and Disney+.
5. The Expanse, 2015
The Expanse was first aired on Syfy channel in 2015, and takes viewers hundreds of years into the future. Things are much different than what humanity is used to after humans have colonized the solar system and Mars has become an independent military power.
She show follows rising tensions between Earth and Mars that have put them on the brink of war. The show has a massive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many people singing its praises.
One person said: “Such a great show. One of the only good things Bezos has done in his life is paying to finish that show.”
A second said: “Excellent show! You gotta check out.”
The Expanse can be watched on Prime Video.
6. Parks and Recreation, 2009
The comedy was first aired on NBC in 2009 and follows the Indiana Parks and Recreation Department as they deal with oafish bureaucrats, selfish neighbours, governmental red tape and a myriad of other challenges.
The show is known as an easy to watch cult classic, and has a massive 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
One person said: “The first show my wife and I binged when we first started dating. We ended up finishing our wedding vowels with “I love you and I like you” and engraving it on our wedding rings.”
A second said: “Way better than the office in my opinion.”
Parks and Recreation on Sky.
7. Psych, 2006
The Comedy, Crime and Mystery & Thriller was first aired on USA network in 2006, and follows Shawn Spencer as he happens to possess some uncanny powers of observation thanks to his father, Henry, a former police officer who taught his son to remember even the smallest details of his surroundings.
When Shawn is accused of committing a crime that he actually solved, he convinces the cops that he’s a psychic. The show has an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and ran for 8 seasons.
One person said: “Psych was an incredible mix of humor, intrigue, creative writing and stupidity. I loved every second of it.”
A second said: “Episodic shows have so much rewatchability. Need to sit for 40 minutes? Watch an episode. Doesn’t matter which, they’re all self contained. Serial shows you can’t watch a random episode because you may not remember what’s going on.”
Psych can be bought on Prime and Apple TV.
8. Ted Lasso, 2020
Ted Lasso was first released on Apple TV in 2020 and follows an American football coach who is hired to manage a British soccer team.
What he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for in optimism, determination and biscuits. This comedy/drama is an easy watch, and features some big stars such as Hannah Waddingham, Jason Sudeikis and Nick Mohammed.
The show has a 90% rating on Rotton Tomatoes, and you don’t need to enjoy football to watch the show.
One person said: “I’m not even a fan of Soccer or most sports, but this show may be the most Wholesome, Down to Earth show I’ve ever seen. For anyone who hasn’t seen it, Soccer & sports is only about 5% of the show. The other 95% is behind the scenes, character development, comedy, and straight up genuine wholesomeness.”
A second said: “Idk if I’d even say it’s 5%, the soccer thing is all just backdrop really for some incredible character development.”
Ted Lasso can be watched on Apple TV.
9. Fleabag, 2016
Fleabag was first aired on BBC Tree in 2016 and follows a dry-witted woman, known only as Fleabag, as she navigates life and love in London while trying to cope with tragedy. The angry, grief-riddled woman tries to heal while rejecting anyone who tries to help her.
The show has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is known for its depth and dark comedy.
One person said: “Kind of dark to be fair. More raunchy than dark to me really. But it’s amazing, so I agree on the brilliance. Olivia Coleman may be my favourite British actresses of all time, even if she has been around the station a few times.”
A second said: “Season 2 is as close to perfection as any show will ever get.”
Fleabag can be watched on Prime Video, Sky and BBC iPlayer.
10. Brooklyn Nine-Nine, 2013
Brooklyn Nine-Nine was first aired on Fox in 2013 before moving to NBC for the final three seasons. The show follows the team of detectives at Brooklyn’s 99th Precinct – made up a loveable and offbeat squad that must get its act together when the office gets a new captain.
The show has a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many describing the show as “hilarious”.
One person said: “My wife made me watch it and I was hooked from the first episode.”
A second said: “I have to admit, this was recommended many times and when I saw bits and pieces I really hated it. Then I gave it a chance, now I’m at season 5, so many hilarious bits.”
Despite the show’s approach to make their actors unrecognisable you might remember some from big series
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A Prime Video series that was dubbed ‘best show ever’ is finally returning with a whole new cast and approach, although there are still some faces that you might recognise.
According to its synopsis, Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat is a comedy series that captures a corporate offsite event at a family-owned hot sauce company from the perspective of Anthony, a recently hired temporary worker.
Unbeknownst to Anthony, the entire experience is staged. Every colleague around him is performing a role and each moment whether in conference rooms or during downtime has been meticulously orchestrated. As the founder prepares to step down, the getaway transforms into a clash between big corproate ambitions and small business values, with control of the company hanging in the balance.
While the premise of the show means that all the actors involved have to be unrecognisable to the one non-actor, there are actually a few faces you may have seen before. But who are they and what have they starred in that you may remember them from? Here’s all you need to know.
Jerry Hauck plays Doug, the CEO of Rockin Grandma’s Hot Sauce. He’s described as “a lovable papa bear with Big Dad Energy who cares deeply about the company he’s built and the people that work for it.” Hauck has had memorable small roles on huge shows including ER, Seinfeld, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Paradise.
Alex Bonifer stars as Doug’s son and heir apparent to the business, Dougie Jr. He is “well-meaning but directionless” who is suddenly handed huge responsibilities. Eagle-eyed viewers will recognise Bonifer from Kevin Can F*** Himself where he played the role of Neil.
Amy, of customer relations is played by Emily Pendergast who has a lot of experience in comedy TV. She starred in multiple episodes of Veep and Netflix sitcom Leanne. Meanwhile the eventually nicknamed Other Anthony, who is he company’s Assistant Sourcing Manager, is played by Rob Lathan who previously appeared in Inside Amy Schumer and has served as a writer on other sketch shows.
Comedian Rachel Kaly plays remote worker and web designer Claire. While her character might be obsessed with the series Bones, she herself has appeared on animated comedy Digman! and High Maintenance.
Straight talking Helen, from accounting who has been at the business from the very beginning alongside Doug, is played by Stephanie Hodge. She is one of the most experienced cast members with past credits including NCIS, Young Sheldon and Scandal. She also had starring roles in the 90s on Nurses and Unhappily Ever After.
Jackie, who works in distribution and logistics when not taking charge of her kids at home, is played by LaNisa Renee Frederick. She’s previously appeared in smaller roles on Brooklyn Nine Nine, The Goldbergs and Mom.
Jim Woods, who was a writer on The Last O.G. starring Tracy Morgan, and starred on Reno 911!. takes on the role of warehouse manager Jimmy. He may have once been the non P.C. employee but he’s working maybe a bit too hard to be a better version of himself.
Erica Hernandez plays Kate from sales and marketing, who often gives the impression she should have a leadership role herself. Hernandez previously starred in the drama series True Lies, based on the 1994 Arnold Schwarzenegger film as well as New Amsterdam.
The other half of Team Skate (Steve & Kate), Steve is a “confident salesman that plays the calmer yin to Kate’s high-strung yang.” He is played by Warren Burke who has appeared in 13 episodes of Family Reunion and eight episodes of Bigger.
Snack obsessed receptionist PJ, is played by Marc-Sully Saint-Fleur who you may have seen before in Steve Carrell starring Netflix comedy Space Force or his brief appearances in Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Good Place. There’s also HR manager Kevin who is the one who seemingly hires Anthony to be his assistant.
He is played by Ryan Perez. Perez is actually a seasoned comedy actor, writer and director. He has written for Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon while he has also directed Funny or Die shorts with Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart.
Ranch manager Marjorie who is looking after the company workers while on retreat is played by Blair Beeken. She most recently appeared in Apple’s hit sci-fi series Pluribus.
Jury Duty Presents Company Retreat is streaming on Prime Video.
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Brand new modern Western drama The Madison is poised to become a sensation on Paramount+, but who is in the cast?
The Madison cast and where you’ve seen them before(Image: PARAMOUNT)
The Madison is the latest streaming sensation from Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan and it’s not to be missed now the first three episodes are available to stream on Paramount+.
Featuring an all-star cast led by two Hollywood heavyweights, the series follows a wealthy family based in New York who are forced to move to Montana following a devastating tragedy.
While they struggle to adapt to rural life, their stunning surroundings and friendly neighbours slowly but surely encourage them to open up to new possibilities.
Fans who have already tuned into the first half of this epic six-part drama are in luck, as three more episodes are arriving next Saturday and the series has already been renewed for a second season.
But who stars in The Madison and where will viewers have seen them before? Let’s take a closer look at the show’s stellar cast.
Who is in the cast of The Madison?
The Madison features a stellar cast of recognisable names, led by cinema icons Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell.
Pfeiffer and Russell star as husband-and-wife partnership Stacy and Preston Clyburn, nearly 40 years after they starred together in the 1988 hit film Tequila Sunrise. Pfeiffer is also known for classic films such as Scarface, Batman Returns and Hairspray and portrays Janet Van Dyne aka the Wasp in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Meanwhile, Russell has led several cult horror movies by director John Carpenter, including The Thing and Big Trouble in Little China, and has also appeared in the MCU film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. He is currently starring in Apple TV’s Godzilla spin-off series, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, which recently returned for its second season.
Other familiar faces joining the series include Suits star Patrick J. Adams as Russell McIntosh, the husband of Stacy and Preston’s daughter Paige, portrayed by Elle Chapman. Chapman is a relative newcomer, whose most prominent credit so far has been the Tom Hanks film A Man Called Otto.
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The supporting cast includes:
Matthew Fox (Lost) as Paul Clyburn, Preston’s brother and Stacy’s brother in-law
Beau Garrett (Firefly Lane) as Abigail Reese, Stacy and Preston’s older daughter
Amiah Miller (War for the Planet of the Apes) as Bridgette Reese, Abigail’s older daughter
Ben Schnetzer (Y: The Last Man) as Van Davis
Kevin Zegers (The Rookie: Feds) as Cade Harris, Stacy and Preston’s neighbor
Rebecca Spence (Power Book IV: Force) as Liliana Weeks, Stacy’s friend
Alaina Pollack (On Call) as Macy, Abigail’s younger daughter
Danielle Vasinova (1923) as Kestrel Harris
Finally, the series will also include guest appearances from Will Arnett as Dr. Phil Yorn, who did not appear in the first three episodes.
Arnett is known for comedic roles in sitcoms such as Arrested Development and 30 Rock, voicing Bojack Horseman in the hit Netflix animated series of the same name, and most recently starred in Bradley Cooper’s new film Is This Thing On?
The Madison episodes 4-6 will be released Saturday, 21 March on Paramount+.
For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.
