Beach

HELEN Flanagan offered up some festive sizzle for her Instagram fans as she stripped to a plunging bra, thong and suspender stockings.

The former Coronation Street actress, 35, flashed a smile while modelling her racy black and red lace lingerie which clung to her curves.

She opted for high-waisted knickers with lace up detail and sexy semi-sheer tights from Ann Summers for her at-home photoshoot.

Ever the stylish star, mum of three Helen perfectly matched her red lippie to the shade of her garments and styled her platinum blonde hair into a bouncy blow dry.

For one snap she posed on a grey sofa positioned next to a Christmas wreath spiralled around a staircase.

The ITV actress then stood for a full-length snap before sprawling around under a pretty white tree.

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CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS

Helen Flanagan strips to plunging red lingerie and flashes bum in thong

Other images saw her perched on her staircase while her final saucy snap captured her from behind, giving a glimpse of her derriere as she walked up the stairs.

In her caption, the Rosie Webster actress joked: “On the naughty list.”

A fan then wrote: “Dream woman,” as another gushed: “Just fabulous.”

A third posted: “Wow Helen you look absolutely incredible.”

The beauty, who will soon be back on screen after The Sun exclusively revealed she had signed up for Ex On The Beach, 

The snaps came after she recently posed in a plunging black corset after her new telly role came to light.

Last week, she also stripped to further festive lingerie – and clapped back at trolls who slammed her saucy snaps.

SCREEN RETURN

The star recently took a swipe at her ex Scott Sinclair, a former footballer with whom she shares her children.

The TV star who split from the sports star in 2022, has continued to co-parent their brood, and took a dig at him in reference to their arrangement.

And she may well spill more secrets on their tricky relationship after signing up to wild MTV series, Ex On The Beach.

Coronation Street’s 2024 shock exits

Corrie has said goodbye to several cast members this year. Let’s break down who’s left the famous soap:

Eliza Woodrow (Savannah Kunyo) has said farewell to Corrie to start a new life in Germany.

The youngster moved to live with her dad Dom Everett, who went back on the £10,000 bribe Eliza’s grandfather Stu had offered to keep him out of her life.

Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) will bow out of the soap this summer when he loses his fight with motor neurone disease (MND) in tragic scenes.

After being diagnosed last year, the fan favourite was devastated to learn he only had months left to live.

Viewers know he is planning to take his own life to end his suffering.

Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) departed the cobbles after being offered the opportunity of a lifetime to study in America.

Though she struggled to decide with her stepdad Paul’s impending death from MND, she was convinced she had to live her life to the full.

Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) has struggled with the sudden departure of his father Peter from the cobbles.

The Weatherfield legend left his family and loved ones behind on Boxing Day, 2023, when his wife Carla Connor encouraged him to travel around the world with a friend.

Simon’s been on a downward spiral ever since and his exit could end in tragedy.

Alya Nazir is set to leave the cobbles as actress Sair Khan prepares to go on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her first child.

It looks likely she’ll be heading to Dublin after securing a lucrative new job, leaving her colleague and fling Adam Barlow behind.

Show stalwart Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, is taking a break to star in the Sister Act The Musical UK tour. She will be back filming in May once her dates on the tour come to an end.

Her character left the Street after her son Jason broke his back after falling off a moped in Asia.

Sources have told us she is planning on causing fireworks with her stint on the show.

She has been single since splitting with her boyfriend Robbie Talbot in May.

A source said: “Helen was so excited to take part on Celebrity Ex On The Beach.

“She is a massive signing for MTV and they know what she can bring to the table.

“Helen is sexy, feisty, and won’t hold back on the show and she wants to cause some fireworks.

“This is a big show for her because it’s opening her up to a whole new audience who might not be familiar with what she’s done before.

“Helen is going to give Ex On The Beach her all and is out there now filming for the show.”

The Sun previously revealed Towie star Ella Rae Wise and Love Islander Anton Danyluk were taking part.

Helen, who has also previously appeared on I’m A Celebrity and Celebrity Super Spa, was last on screen on Celebs Go Dating last year.

She exclusively told The Sun she was “ready” for a Corrie comeback too – but bosses haven’t called.

FOLK singer Jewel showed off her incredible figure in a brown and white zebra bikini in pics shared to Instagram. 

The singer, 51, captioned the carousel, “#Barbuda for a few days of sun before more winter snow.” 

Her shredded abs were on display in the string bikini in two photos of the carousel, which also included photos of spiny lobsters and the blue Caribbean sea.

Fans admired the star’s bikini bod and flowing beach blond hair, although she didn’t drop any details on her diet or workout. 

One fan wrote, “You look incredible.”

”Truly a beautiful lady,” a second fan commented. 

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A third fan called the singer “Hot mama.”

Jewel is mom to Kase, 14, with her ex-husband, rodeo star Ty Murray.

She appears to be currently single, after a rumored fling with actor Kevin Costner in 2023.

She also gained notoriety after signing the American national anthem at San Diego’s Super Bowl XXXII. 

Fans and music reviewers criticized the singer for lip synching over a digitally-recorded track of her own voice.

The slip up was caught on camera when she missed a cue during the first words of the patriotic song.

The Sun reported on a similar situation that occurred at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. 

Holiday firm Jet2 is launching new flights from February 2027 to two Egyptian destinations with average winter temperatures of 24-27C

Let’s face it, the UK’s winter weather rarely delivers much sunshine, and we seldom experience those picturesque winter wonderland scenes found on postcards. So, it’s hardly surprising that thousands of Brits begin to crave sunnier climates – and the great news is that it just became easier to visit not one, but TWO destinations boasting year-round sunshine.

Egypt has long been a popular choice for sunseekers due to its warm temperatures averaging 24-27C during the winter months, providing perfect conditions for relaxing on its golden sandy beaches or by the pool at any of its numerous all-inclusive resorts.

Factor in an average flight time of around 5-6 hours, and while it’s not exactly next door, it’s considerably closer than other winter sun hotspots like the Caribbean islands or Mexico.

Numerous holiday giants from easyJet to TUI already offer flights and packages to Egypt, but now Jet2 is joining the party with a range of new flights and packages for UK holidaymakers.

The travel company is launching new flights to two Egyptian hotspots; Hurghada and Sharm-El-Sheikh, both with routes from six UK airports (Birmingham, East Midlands, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted and Manchester). The new flights take off from February 2027 (dates can vary depending on the airport you fly from), making it the perfect opportunity to grab some of that much-needed winter sun, reports the Express.

If you’re a fan of sun, sea and sand, then Sharm-El-Sheikh should be on your travel bucket list. This Egyptian paradise is home to stunning beaches with golden sands and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

There’s also an array of hotels and all-inclusive resorts to choose from, catering to all budgets.

From January to March, the average temperature ranges between 24-27C, making it ideal for beach days and balmy evenings sipping cocktails or dining al fresco. (Just remember to pack a few layers as it can get a bit nippy once the sun sets).

For those who like to mix relaxation with exploration, Hurghada could be just the ticket. Alongside its beautiful beaches and turquoise waters perfect for swimming, diving and boat trips, there are attractions such as the Makadi Water World water park packed with thrilling slides.

If you fancy a day trip, Luxor is only a four-hour drive away, where you can explore the ruins and tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the Karnak Temple. Opt for a tour guided by an Egyptologist if you’re keen to delve into the captivating history of Ancient Egypt!

If you’re on the hunt for more winter sun destinations, Egypt isn’t the only place boasting stunning beaches, balmy weather and a wealth of exploration opportunities. Cape Verde is another option that doesn’t require a lengthy long-haul flight, offering breathtaking beaches, thrilling watersports and a cosy 25C climate during the winter months.

For those not deterred by a longer flight, Sri Lanka is an underappreciated treasure. With its golden, palm-lined beaches and diverse wildlife, it’s been hailed as the ‘most magical place ever’ for a holiday.

While it’s certainly not a secret spot, recent research indicates a growing interest in this South Asian gem. A study from Travel Republic reported a whopping 72% increase in demand for holidays to Sri Lanka in November alone.

Got a travel tale to tell? Drop us a line at webtravel@reachplc. com.

TOKYO had held the title of world’s biggest city for decades – but it’s lost its title.

Now, another spot in Asia has claimed top spot and there’s plenty you can do there, from exploring traditional areas to staying in luxury hotels and taking a look around the enormous aquarium.

Until this year, Tokyo had held the title of the biggest city in the world from around 1955.

However, according to a UN report, Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, has overtaken it.

The city is now home to 42million people, Tokyo in comparison is home to 22million.

Shockingly, the amount of people living in Jakarta is more than the entire population of Australia, which is 27million.

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Jakarta is found on the Indonesian island of Java, and there you’ll find huge skyscrapers, but also enormous green spaces and very traditional buildings.

One of those is Kota Tua Jakarta is the original downtown area of the city, which has Dutch influence and even canals – it was the capital of the Dutch East Indies in the 17th century.

The city is home to the largest mosque in Southeast Asia called the Istiqlal Mosque.

When it comes to staying in the city, it has a number of award-winning hotels like The Langham.

Rooms have cityscape views which you can see through the floor-to-ceiling windows, multiple dining options and even a rooftop bar on the 65th floor.

It received two MICHELIN Keys and recognition from the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

However while it’s a five-star award-winning hotels, room rates aren’t as high as you’d expect – a one-night stay in a Deluxe King Room in January costs £96pp.

Other award-winning hotels include the Mandarin Oriental, ATANA Midplaza Jakarta and The Ritz-Carlton.

Travelling slightly further afield, one of Java’s neighbouring islands is one that Brits will be familiar with, Bali.

Known for its very relaxed vibe, beautiful beaches and temples, the island is under two hours away.

There are flight offerings between the two destinations which take under two hours, or you can get there by train which takes travellers across Java.

Other popular islands close to Jakarta is Thousand Islands of which there are hundreds with resorts and activities – it’s popular to take a boat trip around them, snorkel and dive.

One very popular attraction in the city is the Jakarta Aquarium & Safari which is called ‘the largest indoor Living Planet in Indonesia’.

Inside are 3,500 species across the aquarium, and there are non-aquatic animals too.

In terms of creatures there’s everything from penguins to sharks, sea lions, plenty of tropical fish, jellyfish and rays.

On land, there are capybaras, binturongs, meerkats, and exotic reptiles and insects.

Other top-rated activities on Tripadvisor include popping into the Grand Indonesia Mall which is the biggest in the city.

Sadly, from the UK, Brits can’t fly directly to Jakarta. However there are options from London that require just one layover in the likes of Dubai.

Flying from other UK airports will require a stopover in Amsterdam and Malaysia.

For more on cities, these are the world’s best and seven on the UK have made the list.

Plus, these are the 39 best European city break destinations – and the no.1 is VERY cheap.

This quaint National Trust fishing village has been called ‘small but perfectly formed’ thanks to its whitewashed cottages, popular microbrewery and stunning beach

Under the stewardship of the National Trust, this charming fishing hamlet along Northumberland’s coastline provides an abundance of opportunities for those seeking a nature-immersed retreat.

Low Newton boasts a breathtaking shoreline that sweeps around the settlement’s perimeter, punctuated by delightful cream-coloured cottages. Beyond the busy tourist months, visitors can anticipate finding the shoreline relatively deserted, and even throughout summer, it remains a lesser-known destination, providing tranquillity.

For enthusiasts eager to engage in water-based activities, the coastline serves as a perfect location for dedicated windsurfers and an excellent vantage point for spectators. Additionally, there are countless rock pools perfect for crab hunting and shallow-water splashing with youngsters.

Positioned serenely in the backdrop stand the magnificent crumbling remains of Dunstanburgh Castle. Though the 14th-century fortress is located in Alnwick, it gazes across the shoreline and sits ideally positioned along the extensive sandy stretch that sweeps around Embleton Bay.

One TripAdvisor reviewer reflected on their coastal visit, stating: “Stunning beach and usually very quiet. It’s the perfect place to walk your pooch and let them off the lead to run for miles and swim if they brave the cold water.” While clearly a compact settlement in scale, it offers substantial attractions, particularly regarding locally-sourced goods.

Most remarkably, Low Newton features a well-regarded microbrewery situated in the village centre, known as The Ship Inn, where guests can enjoy a drink whilst gazing out at the undulating surf. Situated at the centre of the village, this watering hole is renowned throughout the region for its seaside location and generous servings at “reasonable” rates.

Boasting classic furnishings and a welcoming, intimate atmosphere, it draws both residents and holidaymakers seeking a brief respite during their countryside adventures. One guest said: “Small but perfectly formed! This is a great place. Small menu but all freshly prepared. Good choice of beers from their own microbrewery. The perfect stop before a walk along the beach.”

Another added: “We walked here twice to enjoy the crab sandwiches, cheese and crab ploughman’s, and home-brewed beer. The pub is set in a lovely location and is ideal to walk to along the beautiful Northumberland coast.”

Another attraction luring visitors to the picturesque fishing settlement is its abundance of avian life. Newton Pool Nature Reserve, tucked within the expansive sand dunes and adjacent to the shoreline, offers enthusiastic birdwatchers the chance to observe numerous seabirds, coastal species and waterfowl.

Describing the spot as offering “wildlife galore”, one nature enthusiast noted: “This is a lovely little bird reserve overlooking Newton Pool, a peaceful place to sit awhile and watch the birds and other wildlife and take a moment away from the bustle and noise of the rest of the world.”