Benidorm

LIDOS are experiencing a resurgence of popularity across the UK and this one has been open since the 1800s.

For locals it’s been a peaceful spot for a morning swim, or a Full Moon dip, but now there’s talk of it becoming more like the busy resort town of Benidorm.

Havre des Pas Lido is open year-round for swimming and you’ll find it in Jersey, in the capital of St Helier.

The historic pool is tidal, meaning it fills with seawater at high tide and empties at low tide.

Currently, the lido also has a waterside beach kiosk and bar along with a rooftop bar, but it could all be about to change.

From 2026 First Point will take over as the lido’s operator, and one Constable Marcus Troy, senior partner at First Point, revealed he wants to make the bathing pool and surrounding area “a resort like Benidorm.”

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Talking to the BBC, he said: “So, we are going to be talking to all the catering and hospitality businesses in the area and creating our own map as if it’s a destination in its own right, like West Park and St Brelades. A resort like you would call Benidorm, for example.

“We aren’t the size of Benidorm, but we want more activity in general – whatever it is – volleyball, swimming competitions, galas, night time events, family amusements; we might like to put bouncy castles in the pool.”

First Point will take on the lease for nine years.

Plans to open the lido in St Helier began in 1860s when The Jersey Swimming Club was established and the group sought a safe swimming space on the British Isle.

Years later and the lido at Havre De Pas opened in May 1895 with a large pool and a circular tower, which had the changing rooms and club room.

It was very popular, especially between the 1920s and 30s which is why it saw lots more improvements and additions in the years that followed.

29 new cabins were built on the tower, and there was an extension to the club built called the Blue Terrace.

Now, inside the tower is a bar with an open kitchen, dance floor and stage as well as a balcony that overlooks the pool.

There’s a dining area too which has indoor tables or the choice to eat al fresco, plus there’s the rooftop which has live music and is an ideal location for a cocktail.

The venue at the lido can stay open until 1AM and has dubbed itself the ‘ultimate Private Party Island’.

Through the summer months, the Kiosk is open with lots of light bites, as well as pizzas, burgers, tacos, fish and chips and full English breakfast offerings.

The lido is just on the coast outside of the island’s capital of St Helier – and it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors too.

One visitor wrote in Tripadvisor: “What a fabulous place The Lido Havre de Pas is! Beautiful views over the bay and to watch the people swimming in the gorgeous Lido.

“Will definitely return when I go back on holiday there next year. Can’t recommend enough.”

Another simply branded it as a “good old fashioned historic Lido”.

Not everyone is happy after the announcement of the new operator.

After the news, LidoJersey took to social media to voice concerns about it and stated that the pool could and end up being a ‘bare shell‘

It said: “Unless this new entity wishes to negotiate with us, which hasn’t been done to date, the site will revert to a bare shell, just as it was when we took it over in 2015.”

It added that this would mean there would be no licence for alcohol, entertainment, marriage of infrastructure like the kiosk, commercial kitchen and bar area.

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Plus, check out the huge new Olympic-sized lido could open in UK city with sauna pods and ‘clubhouse’.

And here’s the UK’s biggest indoor tropical waterpark where it’s always 30C – and you can stay all day.

Britain’s oldest lido may never reopen despite £9.3million of repairs…

The UK’s oldest lido could never reopen despite years of renovation works, costing millions.

Cleveland Pools in Bath, which was built in 1815 and is the country’s oldest, may never reopen to the public again.

It was open for just four months in 2023 after receiving £9.3 million for a revamp. But it hasn’t reopened since, and it might never do so.

The trustees of the restored lido revealed in a report that it “might not be possible” to reopen the pool, according to the BBC.

The report stated: “The risk that the cost to repair the pools and the plantroom will be substantial and beyond the resources available to the trust.

“There is therefore a risk that the pools cannot be repaired and reopened.

“To mitigate against this risk the trust is exploring all potential avenues that would allow the pools to be repaired and reopened, including but not limited to legal recourse and external funding.”

Cleveland Pools is a Grade II listed lido, and is considered the oldest outdoor swimming pool in the UK.

It opened in the early 1800s and closed in 1984. It then took a huge campaign by the public, and almost £10million to reopen the lido in September 2023.

WHEN Brits think of Costa Blanca, the places that come to mind are probably rowdy Benidorm and busy Alicante.

But one woman revealed to Sun Travel that the “jewel” of that coastline is actually the small town of Moraira.

It has all the best bits of Spain like white-washed houses with terracotta tiles, sandy beaches with bright blue waters, and a little harbour filled with boats and yachts.

While lots of holidaymakers like to mix up the places they visit each year, the Sun’s Jade Dadalica and her family have been returning to the town of Moraira, several times a year since 2021.

Jade explained: “My family and I go one or twice a year for around two weeks. We went on holiday to Jávea which is a nearby town and went for a day trip to Moraira, which we actually preferred.

“We booked a villa there the following year and have been going back ever since. A lot of the Spanish go on their holidays there, and you only get a few Brits, it’s not rowdy at all.

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“We love it, if I won the lottery, the first thing I would do is buy a place there.”

While Moraira might not have everything that a busy city does, the laidback town still has plenty to offer.

Jade added: “It’s got loads of restaurants, bars, shops, ice cream parlours, and Ale-Hop of course. There’s a market once a week too, that sells everything from clothes and souvenirs to fruit and veg, a lot of locals go and it’s always really busy.

“One of my favourite places to eat is what my family call the ‘windy bar’, but it’s actually called El Cafeti de la Mar. From there you can see the sea and the castle and we love it. We go so much that the owners know who we are.

“It’s always popular with locals, especially in the mornings because they go for breakfast there. But lunch and dinner are amazing too.”

On its menu, El Cafeti de la Mar serves up simple breakfast croissants, bagels, crepes, and Huevos Benedict.

There’s plenty of tapas to choose from, as well as mains in the evenings from salads, to fish dishes, burgers, ribs and steak.

Another of Jade’s favourites is a spot literally called The Secret Bar where you can sip on classic cocktails like margaritas and blueberry daiquiris.

Other places that Jade recommended are La Malquerida, a Mexican restaurant and The Ribs Bar, which has speciality dishes of ribs, steaks and kebabs.

Once you’ve filled your stomach, why not stretch out on the beach for an afternoon siesta – and Moraira has a few playas to choose from.

The main beach in Moraira is Playa de l’Ampolla but when Jade is on holiday, she goes around the corner to Playa del Portet.

Jade said: “The main beach is sandy and is always quite busy because it’s the one the locals use. We go to one on the other side, Playa del Portet, it’s a little less known, so we go out there and hire paddleboards.”

If you want to venture out of the town, then it’s an easy vantage point to take daytrips too.

Jade told us: “From Moraira, you can get to a town called Calp, which isn’t far at all. There are also some waterfalls, called Fonts de l’Algar, which are under an hour’s drive away.

“You have to buy tickets, but these are €8 (£6.95) during the summer, and €6 (£5.21) during off peak, for the whole day. You can go swimming, or climb up the waterfalls, it’s a great place for pictures.

“Of course, Moraira is close to Benidorm, which is funny because it really doesn’t feel like it. We drive down that way to go to the waterpark called Aqualandia for a family day out.”

If you think that it’s too late in the year to take a break to the Moraira to get good weather, you’d be wrong.

In October, it still has highs of 19C and next week during half-term, you can get flights to Alicante, which is the closest airport, for as little as £14.

Ryanair offers one-way direct flights from London Stansted, Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham for under £15.

Although if you do book for half-term hoping to visit Aqualandia, it has closed for the season and will reopen in May 2026.

Jade told us: “I went to Moraira in late September and the weather was still really warm. You can still go on the beach, I even got sunburnt. We always go in September and June which are quieter because it’s out of school holiday time.

“It’s not like other places across Spain which close when the tourists leave either. My dad was speaking to owners of the local bars and they’re open all year round.”

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Plus, here’s a tiny Spanish town that’s actually in the middle of France that you can visit for the day.

And for anyone wanting to make a permanent move to Spain, here’s another coastline where you can still buy property for a bargain price.

A number of people holidaying in the Costa Blanca resort in Spain have been targeted in recent days by a common crime that could leave you seriously out of pocket

Brits jetting off to Benidorm to escape the autumn chill have been urged to keep their wits about them due to a common crime that could put a damper on their holiday and leave them out of pocket.

Michelle Baker, who has resided in the popular tourist destination for over four decades and once ran a local newspaper for 20 years, now keeps Brits up-to-date via her Facebook group, Benidormforever.

Her most recent post was a “serious” warning, beginning with the words “Look out… there’s a thief about!”

She went on to detail concerns that have cropped up recently, stating: “The happy holiday vibe coupled with the warm weather – and a couple of cocktails – can often make us less vigilant and I don’t want to be a party pooper but several people have contacted me in the last two days to tell me they’ve been pickpocketed…

“All were in the Old Town (generally considered the safest area of Benidrom) and none felt a thing.

“Benidorm is a statistically safe place but crowds anywhere in the world attract pickpockets, and sadly Benidorm is no different.”

In terms of advice, she wrapped up by saying: “You know the drill; Keep your valuables out of sight; don’t carry your passport with you (unless you’re going to change money), don’t leave phones on the table, and beware of strangers getting too close, asking questions or bumping into you…

“Spread the word; stay vigilant and stay together for a happy holiday folks.”

Responding to the post, one individual commented: “Always zips and keep everything in the front pockets. Benidorm gets bad reviews for this but go to London Oxford Street exactly the same.”

Another shared: “We were targeted not far from the royal last week. Hubby’s wallet taken from buttoned short pocket. Didn’t feel a thing, first time in 35 years visiting.”

One user remarked: “A young man on (scooter emoji) tried to steal my phone from my bag late at night, but fortunately although I had consumed plenty of gin I still had my sensible head on and stopped him. That was old town.”

A fourth person noted: “Visited in April, friends zipped up bag was dipped and her purse was taken. The pickpockets walked right in front of us, broad daylight, been visiting years, it is getting worse, a zip will not stop these low lifes.”

Another added: “Thank you am coming in November we’ll take what you said on board.”

Earlier in the summer, Michelle disclosed that she herself nearly fell prey after an “agitated young individual” approached to say he had lost his friends and couldn’t remember where he was staying.

The con involved the person suggesting that they vaguely knew where it was and that you could assist by opening Google Maps for them before they grabbed the device and legged it.

Michelle continued: “I was lucky; I didn’t get my phone out I simply told the chap who stopped me where his hotel was… but my friends weren’t so lucky and are absolutely gutted to have fallen for this.”

The Foreign Office has issued a warning to Brits, stating: “Be alert to the risk of street crime. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings, particularly when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire.

“Do not carry all your valuables in one place. Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport somewhere safe. Make sure your accommodation has adequate security. Keep all doors and windows locked. If you’re concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your travel operator or the property owner.”

Gogglebox star Stephen Webb has opened up after feeling “really conscious”

Stephen Webb has avoided cataracts after having vision correction surgery, revealing it has made him feel like a “new person”.

In August, the former Gogglebox star underwent Laser Lens Replacement/Refractive Lens Exchange – a common procedure that involves replacing the natural lens inside the eye with a synthetic implant, starting at £3,497 per eye.

Stephen, 54, felt “conscious” by how “bulgy” his eyes looked in glasses – of which the lenses kept “getting thicker” due to how bad his sight was getting.

The TV personality had a “15-minute per eye” treatment with Sheraz Daya at Centre for Sight’s hospital facility in Oxshott, Surrey, and the result of sharper vision has had a huge impact on Stephen.

Stephen, who appeared on the Channel 4 reality programme with his ex-partner Daniel Lustig until they quit in September 2023, exclusively told BANG Showbiz: “I’ve been wearing glasses since I was, like, 20.

“And every year, I’d go and get my eyes checked, and my prescription was just – the last sort of like 10 years, they’re just getting worse and worse and worse. So my prescription was going up, so that meant my glasses were getting thicker.

“So in the end, the last pair of glasses I bought just made my eyes look like the bottom of two bear glasses – really magnified.

“And I was really conscious about it – especially when people would look at you from side on, it would kind of make your eyes look really bulgy.

“So that was one of the reasons, pure vanity. I’m just sick of wearing [glasses]. They’re so expensive – every year I’d have to pay at least £6/700 for a pair of glasses.

“I’ve got really nice frames, they were always between 2 and 300 quid, the lenses are [£]400, and I was just finding that they just weren’t lasting, they were scratching a lot quickly.

“And I just thought, ‘I’m 54, I’m never going to get cataracts now.’ So I guess it was just preventative as well from stopping [my eyes] from getting even worse.”

Asked if he feels like a new person since his Laser Lens Replacement/Refractive Lens Exchange, Stephen continued: “Yeah, I do. Just because I’m really active, I do a lot of running, I horse ride, and wearing glasses is just a hindrance.

“When you’re running, they steam up; you can’t see through them. And it’s the same horse riding, I have to wear my helmet, and [glasses] just always got in the way.

“But glasses are always an issue. So, it’s just nice to be free of them.”

Now that he no longer wears glasses, Stephen revealed that people are not recognising him as much.

Speaking about his recent trip to Benidorm, Spain, the Celebs Go Dating star said: “People who tend to go to Benidorm are definitely my demographic – that’s my core fan base!

“And, yeah, it was just so lovely to go away for – I was only there four days to get some sun and not get recognised … it was just nice to have a break from that.”

However, Stephen’s distinctive voice is his “second” giveaway, as he quipped: “My big giveaway was my glasses. But my second giveaway is my voice.

“So if I speak too loudly, I’d see a few people look, they recognise – and people that approach me go, ‘I heard the voice.’ So I still had to [talk] quiet.”

Stephen was treated by Mr. Sheraz Daya at the Centre for Sight, the UK’s leading, trusted centre of excellence for advanced eye care, innovation and life-changing results. For more information, visit centreforsight.com.

Rhianna flocked to the popular Spanish resort but was rather baffled after going to the Star Wars Segway show. She shared a snippet of the performance in a now viral TikTok post

Whether you’re planning a stag or hen do, Benidorm is one of the most popular resorts for Brits abroad. There’s sun, sand and sangrias – the ultimate cocktail for a perfect night out with your pals.

Now tourists who fancy something different might book a show with their mates – and in some cases, the explicit kind. People travelling to the Spanish resort might want to go and see The Star Wars Segway show located in The Chaplin’s Bar which aims to promise quite the unique experience. It’s not like anything you might have seen before and one woman recently experienced it herself.

In a post on TikTok, user Rhianna couldn’t resist booking tickets for the highly anticipated sex show.

WARNING: Readers might find the video below inappropriate…

A video showing a snippet of the performance garnered 328,000 likes and thousands of comments since it was shared.

But while Rhianna nabbed seats for the show, it didn’t exactly turn out how she expected.

A clip shows Darth Vader on roller-skates with Princess Leia in a compromising position. And instead of recording more of the show, the TikTok user couldn’t help but snap up other people’s reactions.

One woman on a hen-do can be seen mouthing the words ‘I can’t’, while another female is evidently jaw-dropped at what she just saw.

It then pans back to the woman on the hen-do who is evidently shaking her head at the performance.

Others also appear shell-shocked, while some are giggling at the entire thing.

In the caption, Rhianna wrote: “First time watching the Star Wars Segway show, but watching the reactions was better than the show itself.”

People flooded the comments section as one asked: “Do they actually get it on for the show,” while many replied: “Yes.”

Meanwhile some TikTok users took it upon themselves to make appropriate jokes, like ‘May the force be with you’.

The Star Ways Segway show is a sex show in Benidorm which boasts a 4 out of 5 star rating review on Tripadvisor.

Many people who have bought tickets claimed the performance is great for a “good night out” with a “mix between funny and naughty”.

The bar itself has a main room with plenty of seating options with other cabaret and adult entertainment acts available to book.

Visitors can book a show any day of the week with it proving popular among stag or hen do groups.

Beth Alexandra recently visited Benidorm market with only €10 in her pocket, and she was floored by what she managed to buy. She thinks she got a lot for her money

A woman visited Benidorm market with only €10 in her pocket and can’t believe what she managed to buy – and it’s not the first time people have commented on the prices in Benidorm. Beth Alexandra recently posted a video of her journey, and she took people on a tour of the market.

The TikTok creator, from Scotland, recently opened up about her adventure in Spain, and she admitted she wanted to know what she could snap up for €10, which works out at about £8.66. Her story has left people a little stunned, as people couldn’t believe what she managed to bag whilst shopping.

In a recent clip shared online, she admitted she headed to Benidorm market to carry out the experiment. It seems as though she had a pretty good time, even though there are reports Spain has become “eerily quiet” this year.

Beth said: “This is what €10 can get you at Benidorm market. We’re just heading down to the Benidorm outdoor market, and I’m very excited to go.

“I don’t really know what I’m going to get, but I’ve got my €10, so let’s go and see what we can get.” After arriving at the location, she continued: “It’s just after 10 o’clock, but it’s absolutely roasting still.”

Beth admitted it was “very busy” when she was looking around, but she soon started to browse some of the stalls. She looked at various items – from bags to clothes to earrings.

She admitted she thought a few pairs were “cute”, including ones in the shape of cherries. As well as this, she took a liking to a pair of starfish earrings.

In the end, she settled on the starfish earrings, and she admitted she “loves” them. She also picked up some fruit earrings too, which were equally as pretty.

Beth didn’t clarify how much she spent, or if she had change, but she thought she landed a pretty good deal. She admitted she was “happy” with her purchases.

Over 30,000 people have liked the video since it was shared, and they were quick to comment too. Hundreds shared their views on her shopping trip.

One said: “You’re making me fancy a holiday.” Another wrote: “I love Benidorm – it’s so good.”

A third replied: “We were there today. Some cute finds. Hope you had a lovely holiday.” Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “We lasted 20 minutes on Sunday – it was too hot for the market.”

Someone else also chimed in with: “Omg, I’ve been there and I loved it. It was so hot when I went though.”

If you’ve never been before, Benidorm’s famous outdoor market is on every Wednesday and Sunday from 9am to 2pm. You will find a wide range of goods available at the stalls.

Tourists are warned that it’s always busy, so make sure you keep your purse placed away somewhere safe if you visit. There are also numerous nearby bars and cafés where you can relax and have a coffee if shopping is not your favourite activity.

A man who relocated to Benidorm from the UK has shared three ‘dangerous situations’ he has found himself in since the move, and issued some advice to those planning to visit

A man who has “lived in Benidorm for at least seven or eight years” has shared three hair-raising moments that made him question his decision to move, and whether he should hotfoot it back to the UK.

Harry, known as @harrytokky on TikTok, regularly posts about his life in Benidorm – and recently shared the “most dangerous slash scariest situations” he’s found himself in while living in the Spanish party hotspot. However, he did admit that these things could definitely happen in other places and he said he wasn’t trying to put anybody off visiting Benidorm, as he loves his life there.

Almost being hit by a bus

“Yes, you heard, ran over,” Harry elaborated. He went on: “It was one of these back roads here in Benidorm where people drive at mental speeds, and to be honest, they were so close to hitting me.

“I literally had to run out of the way of the road, it was awful,” he said.

Unexpected police search

Harry recounted how he’d been stopped by police, and they “literally said random search” to him. He alleged they were looking for “the naughty stuff,” which Harry insisted he “didn’t have.”

“They did a full-on search on the side of the road here in Benidorm. I honestly thought they were going to handcuff me, chuck me in the back of a car and throw away the key,” Harry claimed.

Nearly being robbed

“This is definitely number one by far,” Harry divulged, explaining: “I was walking down one of the back alleys […] from the beach to the main road and a guy came up to me, shook my hand, twisted my arm around my back and all of this”.

He described the incident as an attempt to “rob” him of his possessions, labelling it as the “worst experience,” that would leave anyone rattled.

However, he clarified that his intention wasn’t to “scare anyone off Benidorm,” but rather to arm people with the awareness that such incidents can occur, enabling them to take precautions.

“Stuff like this does happen everywhere in the world,” Harry emphasised. “But because I live here, it’s happened to me, and I wanted to speak about it.”

Responding to a comment suggesting he’d led a “crazy life” in Benidorm, Harry added: “I know right, super crazy”.

Despite the incident, Harry highlighted some of the benefits of living in Benidorm – including the cheap McDonald’s.

As he sat outside, he announced: “And just like that, the food has arrived. Now you will not believe how cheap this was. We’ve got two meals here. Guess how much this costs? €11 (£9.53)”.

Harry went on to detail the contents of the meal, which included two portions of fries, two burgers, two drinks, and a side of chicken nuggets.

He enthused: “I mean, €11? What do you think guys? I think that’s an absolute bargain, let’s be honest. €11? In the UK, that’d probably be at least £20.”

A large Big Mac meal in the UK typically costs around £7.69, depending on location, while six chicken nuggets are priced at approximately £3.49.

An easyJet flight to Spain “erupted” recently as a man proposed to his partner in an unexpected way. Passengers were left floored as the romantic incident played out

Over the years people have witnessed all sorts of weird and wonderful marriage proposals, and it’s not the first time one has taken place in the air. Recently a man was captured proposing to his partner while travelling to Spain on an easyJet flight, and it’s left people totally stunned.

A video of the romantic moment was recently shared on TikTok by Nicki Gunner, and it’s since gone viral, as people can’t believe how it played out on the flight. Over a clip of the video, Nicki wrote: “Nothing beats an easyJet proposal outside the toilets on a flight to Benidorm.”

The video has been viewed over 80,000 times since it was shared, and people were left in total disbelief that it happened. In the clip, the man is seen holding his partner’s hands, while standing outside the loo, and popping the question – and it’s not the first romantic tale to have unfolded on a plane.

After chatting, the man gets down on one knee, and takes a ring out of his pocket before popping the question. The plane then erupts into cheers after his partner says “yes”.

A flight attendant is heard congratulating the couple after the brilliant moment takes place. People had all sorts of thoughts and questions after the video was posted, with many questioning why he chose the plane journey to ask for her hand in marriage.

One person said: “Why not propose on the holiday?” Another added: “This is real romance.”

A third joked: “Engaged on the plane, married at baggage claim and honeymoon in Benidorm.” Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “Imagine walking out of the loo, and everyone clapping in your direction.”

Someone else also chimed in with: “Cute. They probably have been on holiday several times going on easyJet. They may have met on easyJet, It means something.

“Don’t mock people for having connections. I’ve seen way worse – a man proposing at his kebab shop; however, it still has meaning.”

Some also pointed out that you can’t fly directly to Benidorm, but you can travel to Alicante-Elche Airport, as this is the closest airport to the resort. From here, you can take a bus, taxi or shuttle transfer from Alicante Airport to Benidorm, as there is no airport directly in the town itself.

None the less, many understood what Nicki meant, and were keen to celebrate the couple’s happiness. Several offered kind words to the newly engaged couple.

One said: “Just let them enjoy life. We don’t know the backstory. [It] could be they met on a plane, could be this is when he knew that he loved her. People are so sad to put these people down for what they are doing.”

Another replied: “Maybe she works for easyJet and he surprised her by getting on the flight. Sounds like the crew knew about it. That’s cute.”

Someone else also added: “They might have met on this same route 10 years ago. This might be really sentimental. Congratulations to them.”

I Fought The Law has had viewers in tears and as Sheridan Smith’s triumphant return to the screen plays out, she is joined by a host of other familiar faces

I Fought The Law has had viewers in tears in recent days after the ITV drama first began to air. The four-part series follows the remarkable true story of the story of Ann Ming, a mother-of-three from Billingham, County Durham, who battled for 15 years to see her daughter Julie’s killer brought to justice after he was initially acquitted.

Julie Hogg, aged 22, was a mother to three-year-old son Kevin and wife to husband Andrew. She vanished after working a late shift at a local pizza parlour.

Heartbreakingly, Ann found Julie’s body hidden in the bathroom of her home in January 1990. 80 days earlier, the murderer had concealed Julie’s body behind the bath panel.

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Despite extensive searches by police forensics teams after Julie’s disappearance, they failed to locate Julie’s body.

The brand new drama features a stellar cast, headed up by none other than British TV legend Sheridan Smith, who has been a regular face on screens for decades. She started her career as Janet Smith on the BBC Three sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, which she appeared on alongside the likes of Ralf Little, Natalie Casey and Beverley Callard.

During the show’s lengthy run throughout the 2000s, she also appeared on Fat Friends opposite Emmerdale star Lisa Riley as well as sunny sitcom Benidorm and BBC favourite Gavin & Stacey. She then turned to musical theatre, winning an Olivier Award for her portrayal of Elle Woods, the character made famous by Reese Witherspoon, in the West End production of Legally Blonde.

Further stage credits in Funny Girl and, more recently, Shirley Valentine and Opening Night followed.

But it’s gritty dramas that Sheridan has really made her mark. In 2014, she starred as Cilla Black in Cilla, played a cleaner with a gambling addiction in Cleaning Up and also starred in a number of true crime dramas with her the mother of a young gay man killed by Stephen Port in Four Lives, and as Karen Matthews’ friend Julie Bushby in the BBC drama The Moorside.

But Sheridan is not the only famous face to be starring in the much-anticipated drama. She is joined by Enzo Cilenti as DS Mark Braithwaite. He previously starred in Jekyll & Hyde for ITV alongside Hollywood star Richard E. Grant and Strictly Come Dancing’s Natalie Gumede. He also had a main role as Aubrey Hackett in The Last Tycoon opposite Lily Collins, Matt Bomer and Kelsey Grammar and can also be seen alongside Olivia Colman and Dominic West in the 2019 BBC version of Les Miserables.

Esteemed actor Andrew Lancel makes an appearance as Guy Whitburn QC in I Fought The Law, but soap fans are likely to remember him as the villainous Frank Foster on Coronation Street. He appeared as the business associate of Underworld manager Carla Connor (Alison King), and subjected the factory boss to a horrific act of rape.

He was later found dead on the factory floor and it turned out that he had been murdered by his own mother Anne, who was played by Heartbeat favourite Gwen Taylor, after she discovered what he had done. Prior to his stint on the cobbles, he had appeared on Bad Girls and Queer as Folk and has also carved out an illustrious career in theatre having starred in tours of The Sound of Music and Cilla.

The cast is rounded out by Victoria Wyant, who plays the victim in question, as well as Rivals star as Rufus Jones. The actor recently starred as Paul Stratton in the hit Disney+ series and has also starred in The Casual Vacancy and appeared in the likes of Inside No. 9, Beyond Paradise and Black Ops over the years. Fans of Hollyoaks might also recognise Kent Riley, who played Zak Ramsey in the Channel 4 soap.

CBBC fans might also recognise Aimee Kelly, who plays Judith Morden in the drama series. The actress first found fame as a teenager when she played Maddy Smith in the hit supernatural series Wolfblood opposite Bobby Lockwood.

Since she quit the supernatural series more than a decade ago, she has appeared in episodes of Call The Midwife, Grantchester and Holby City. In 2024, she played Sasha in the psychological thriller Platform 7. Others set to appear in the programme, which finishes its run on September 8, are Jack James Riley, Bryony Corrigan, and Buddy Wignall-Ho.

Ann, unhappy with the Cleveland Constabulary’s investigation, took it upon herself to challenge senior officers in a bid to uncover the truth about her daughter Julie’s murder and bring the culprit to justice.

William Dunlop was twice put on trial for Julie’s murder, each time denying his guilt. On both occasions, the jury failed to reach a verdict, leading to his formal acquittal and release.

In 1999, while serving a seven-year sentence for violent offences, Dunlop confessed to a prison officer that he had murdered Julie. At the time, due to the double jeopardy rule, he could not be retried for the murder following his acquittal.

Ann, who also serves as a consultant on I Fought the Law, expressed her support for the ITV series and shared her delight that actress Sheridan would be portraying her, stating she was “overwhelmed”.

“I am very pleased that Hera Pictures will tell the story of my campaign to overturn the Double Jeopardy Law. My daughter’s killer was wrongfully acquitted, and a number of years later confessed to her murder, for which he could only be prosecuted for perjury due to the 800-year-old Double Jeopardy Law. I wasn’t going to let this stand in my way of getting justice for Julie.

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North Korea’s brand new luxury holiday resort has been opened – but the only tourists allowed to visit are Russian and one woman has shared her thoughts after staying at the complex

A woman has shared her thoughts on North Korea’s ‘luxury’ beach resort that has been modelled off Benidorm.

The whopping Wonsan Kalma resort has capacity to hold around 20,000 guests, but all tourists except those from Russia have been banned from visiting. The new complex features a giant artificial white sand beach – once a missile test site – on the Sea of Japan, and was opened by Kim Jong Un himself.

However Russian guests who have visited have claimed the were ‘followed’ everywhere and believe there was a possibility their phones were bugged while visiting.

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Russian blogger Daria Zubkova visited the resort as one of the first tourists and shared her thoughts on her visit to the secret holiday destination.

The veterinary assistant had travelled from Saint Petersburg to Vladivostok in Russia and then to Pyongyang and revealed how she wasn’t left alone during her trip: “Even on the beach, there was someone walking with us, but it didn’t look like some kind of convoy, it looked more like sweet concern, they’re walking, they’ll chat with you, they’ll just walk behind you, that is, they’ll argue somehow that we’re worried about you getting lost or something.’

Yet apparently this is out of “concern” for guests rather than snooping and Daria said most people are afraid of “wiretapping everywhere”, but noted how she wasn’t afraid as she didn’t have anything to hide. However she managed to leave her room at 2am and walk along the beach alone and said there were “no problems”.

The huge resort also features over 40 hotels, guesthouses, and leisure facilities and as for the cuisine, Daria revealed there was a selection of places to eat at the retreat and she was served a range of different dishes that they “adapted to our interests” and “always wanted to surprise us” including a wide selection of meat available.

Daria also noted how there was “very cool infrastructure” surrounding the hotel, and said there were new houses and new buildings all around with “good decoration”.

The basic cost of this tour for Russians is £1,360 – once they have made their way to Vladivostok. All but £325 of this has to be paid in cash.

Other tourists have also claimed they were told sending emails cost £1.65 each and the tour company made clear that the secret police would have the opportunity to monitor their messages – and they would be sent from the hotel’s email box rather than their own.

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The coastline of Alicante has been placed under a red alert for hot temperatures from midday today (August 18) until the evening, while the region of Vega del Segura is also under a red alert

British holidaymakers in Alicante and Benidorm are facing a rare red weather warning, with scorching temperatures set to hit 42C today (Monday, August 18).

The Alicante coastline and Vega del Segura region, encompassing Murcia city, have been slapped with a red alert for extreme heat from midday through to evening.

Meanwhile, amber warnings are active across southern Spain with the mercury expected to soar to 40-42 °C. This covers Huelva in the south west and Seville. It comes after holidaymakers abandon Marbella as waiters left ‘with heads in their hands’.

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Yellow warnings have been issued for central and northeastern Spain, reports the Manchester Evening News. Whilst conditions won’t be quite as blistering here, temperatures are still forecast to climb into the high 30s.

Similar sweltering conditions are anticipated across the Balearic Islands. Ibiza, Formentera and northern Majorca are under amber heat warnings, with peaks of 39C predicted.

Menorca faces a yellow alert and could see the thermometer hit 36C. No warnings are currently in place for the country’s northwest. Looking ahead to Monday, August 18, Aemet forecasters said: “Significant drop in temperatures in the northwestern half of the Iberian Peninsula.

“They will remain significantly high in the southeastern half, as well as in parts of the Balearic and Canary Islands, reaching 40 degrees in the Guadalquivir and low-pressure areas in the southeast.”

Areas in the north east could experience downpours and thunderstorms, especially close to the Pyrenees. Majorca stays under a yellow heat alert, with temperatures reaching 36C predicted, whilst the Mediterranean coastline will continue to swelter.

Looking ahead to Tuesday, Aemet stated: “A significant drop in temperatures will occur in the southeastern and eastern parts of the Iberian Peninsula.

“However, temperatures will remain significantly high in parts of the Mediterranean peninsula, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands. Showers and thunderstorms will be locally heavy with very strong gusts in the Pyrenees, the eastern Iberian Peninsula, and areas in between.”

Do you have a story to share? Email me at [email protected]

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If you’re heading out to Benidorm soon, then you may want to heed the advice of a Brit abroad in the Spanish city, as he warned you may want to just get a transfer and not a hire car

A Brit abroad shared if you’re going to Benidorm in August, you should try to avoid renting a car. Harry, who posts on TikTok as @harrytokky, revealed the “warning” for anyone who may be considering driving around the city, because parking is such an issue.

Harry explained that “right now in Benidorm it’s absolutely rammed” because kids are on their school holidays and their parents have taken them away – plus the weather is glorious. But this does mean that parking has become a nightmare, and Harry’s pal said it’s better to get about on “little scooters” as an alternative.

“So, if you’re coming out to Benidorm, especially for the month of August, then I don’t recommend renting a car,” Harry shared.

Harry described the parking as “unreal,” saying it took him “one hour to get a space,” likening it to a “nightmare” situation.

It’s high tourist season, with peak occupancy in the city, and there are also limited spaces.

The city is rammed full of Spanish and international visitors during this time, leading to increased demand for parking spots. While free parking areas exist, they can be difficult to find and access due to the crowds.

Harry’s pal also revealed a “lot of entertainers are late for their shows” because they simply cannot find anywhere to park.

He also claimed they’re having to “park half an hour out of town,” which is causing chaos.

They also shared the prices of renting cars is “ridiculous,” so Harry said his “important message” is that “it’s just not worth it,” and you should “get a transfer”.

In the comments, someone wrote: “What Harry hasn’t told you, a lot of Spanish head to the coast in August, so it affects parking. It’s ‘tourist’ parking, but it’s Spanish people who have driven to the resorts.”

Harry replied: “Lots of Spanish, 100% lots of Europeans too, either way, there’s definitely no parking in Benidorm at the moment. Took me an hour to get parked.”

Another penned: “Free at the bus station or on that car park just before you come into town, or only €16 a day for one of the car parks. Rented a drop top for pride.”

Thankfully, not everything in Benidorm is expensive, however, as Harry shared in a previous video that McDonald’s meals are seriously cheap.

Sitting outside, he said: “And just like that, the food has arrived. Now you will not believe how cheap this was. We’ve got two meals here. Guess how much this costs? €11 (£9.53).”

Harry continued, explaining there are two fries, two burgers, two drinks, and some chicken nuggets on the side as well.

He gushed: “I mean, €11? What do you think, guys? I think that’s an absolute bargain, let’s be honest. €11? In the UK, that’d probably be at least £20.”

In the UK, a large Big Mac meal costs around £7.69, depending on location. Meanwhile, six chicken nuggets cost around £3.49, depending on location.

So Harry is right, it is significantly cheaper in Benidorm. The whole meal would cost roughly £18.87.

Brookside was the gritty soap that shocked the nation, smashed taboos, and made suburban cul-de-sacs the stage for explosive drama. But what happened to the cast?

Brookside, the groundbreaking soap that shocked the nation and turned ordinary suburban streets into a hotbed of drama, was a staple of British television for over two decades.

The show, which first aired on Channel 4 on 2 November 1982, followed the everyday lives of its characters, dealing with everything from heart-wrenching break-ups to shocking crimes that reflected real issues in the UK. The Liverpool-based soap ran for an impressive 21 years before its final episode aired on 4 November 2003.

Created by Phil Redmond, Brookside was never one to shy away from controversial topics – it was responsible for the UK’s first pre-watershed lesbian kiss and tackled subjects such as domestic abuse, incest, and even a body buried under a patio.

Now, the beloved soap is poised for a comeback – featuring in an unprecedented crossover with Hollyoaks.

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After Brookside concluded on November 4th 2003, Hollyoaks stepped up as Channel 4‘s premier continuing drama. The show began production on a portion of Brookside’s former set, which remains its filming location to this day.

As Hollyoaks gears up to celebrate its 30th anniversary this October, it plans to commemorate the occasion with a special episode that pays homage to both Brookside and their shared creator, Sir Phil Redmond.

The upcoming crossover episode will delight viewers with the reappearance of beloved, classic Brookside characters to celebrate this significant event.

But what became of the Brookside cast once the cameras stopped rolling? From heartbreaking losses to surprising career changes, here’s a look at where some of the show’s biggest stars ended up.

Dean Sullivan (Jimmy Corkhill)

Jimmy, a troubled drug addict turned teacher, was one of Brookside’s longest-serving characters. Portrayed by Dean Sullivan, he joined the series in 1986 and was involved in many major storylines.

Tragically, Dean passed away in 2023 at the age of 68 after a battle with prostate cancer, a diagnosis he had bravely shared just months before his death. He had been diagnosed in 2018 and had been receiving treatment.

Following his passing, fans and former co-stars paid their respects.

Sue Jenkins (Jackie Corkhill)

Jackie Corkhill, played by Sue Jenkins, was the long-suffering wife of Jimmy Corkhill, enduring his emotional turmoil and schemes in many of the show’s most gripping storylines.

Since the end of the show, Sue has continued her acting career with roles in Coronation Street, Holby City, and Doctors, as well as theatre productions. Now 66, she is a vocal advocate for arts education and is married to David Fleeshman, with whom she has three children, Richard, Emily and Rosie.

Anna Friel (Beth Jordache)

Beth Jordache, portrayed by Anna Friel, became a cultural icon when she was involved in the first pre-watershed lesbian kiss on British television, a storyline that made international headlines. The episode aired in January 1994, also featuring Margaret Clemence, played by Nicola Stephenson.

Anna has since built a highly successful acting career on both sides of the Atlantic, starring in shows like Pushing Daisies, Marcella, and The Girlfriend Experience. Now 48, she is an award-winning actress and a regular on the red carpet.

She has been married twice and has one child.

Claire Sweeney (Lindsey Corkhill)

Claire Sweeney played Lindsey Corkhill, a member of the troubled Corkhill family, who found herself caught up in love triangles, dodgy dealings, and emotional confrontations. Lindsey started as a recurring character before being promoted to the regular cast in 1995.

Actress Claire shot to fame following Brookside, transitioning into musical theatre, releasing an album, and becoming a Loose Women panellist. She has recently made a comeback to the soap world with a stint on Coronation Street.

Earlier this year, Claire delighted Brookside enthusiasts as she returned to the West Derby houses where the programme was originally filmed. The 53-year-old shared numerous photographs and videos on Instagram from her impromptu nostalgic journey.

In her Instagram video, Claire revealed to followers that whilst she had visited the location the previous year, she had spotted a “beautiful little surprise” beneath the Brookside sign commemorating Dean Sullivan, who portrayed her on-screen father Jimmy.

Michael Starke (Sinbad Sweeney)

Sinbad Sweeney was a window cleaner with a heart of gold. He became a viewer favourite after joining the programme in 1984.

Actor Michael Starke subsequently featured in The Royal, Coronation Street, and even enjoyed a role in Benidorm. He has also established himself as a pantomime regular and serves as a dedicated ambassador for Liverpool’s cultural scene.

Now 67, his latest role saw him portray a taxi driver in Hollyoaks from 2021 to 2023.

Jennifer Ellison (Emily Shadwick)

Emily’s storyline concluded in devastating fashion, with her character’s tragic plunge from a window ranking among Brookside’s most shocking departures. Actress Jennifer switched gears to pop music, reality TV (Dancing on Ice, Hell’s Kitchen), and theatre, before launching her own dance academy in Liverpool.

She also starred in the West End and now leads a quieter life centred around family.

She is married to Rob Tickle and they have three children.

Louis Emerick (Mick Johnson)

Mick Johnson was the straight-talking single dad and mini-mart owner with a strong moral compass. He made his final appearance on 22 August 2001, having first appeared in 1989.

Actor Louis Emerick, 64, has continued his acting career in TV dramas and soaps, including Coronation Street and Doctors, and has performed in theatre tours across the UK.

Where are the others?

Several cast members left the industry altogether – some moved abroad, others stepped away from the limelight. A few, like Ray Quinn (who briefly appeared in the later years), reinvented themselves entirely.

Ray went on to become a singer and X Factor finalist, with a stage career.

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IT’S the showpiece beach resort at the heart of Kim Jong-un’s plans for a holiday empire – but the “North Korean Benidorm” hides a dark secret.

The Wonsan-Kalma resort reportedly got its nickname after dictator Kim sent a fact-finding mission to Spain’s Costa Blanca in 2017.

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But unlike its Mediterranean rival, Wonsan-Kalma has a history filled with forced labour, human rights abuses – and poo.

The horrors began right at the start of the project, when the regime press-ganged teenage schoolkids into “shock brigades” of builders.

Pyongyang propaganda bragged that these youths were building the resort’s hotels at the rate of a storey per day in a December 2019 report.

But by then two deadlines to finish the job had already passed, and with a third looming, builders were made to work almost round the clock in icy temperatures.

Party chiefs mobilised workers “in the bitter cold of January, February, and March, allowing them to sleep for only three hours a day,” a source told the Daily NK newspaper.

And though the regime called the youths “volunteers”, really they had no real choice.

People are forced into “shock brigades” with the threat of arrest and detention in labour camps, according to a UN report about forced labour in North Korea.

Recruits get a monthly wage that is “only enough to buy two packs of cigarettes”, the report added, and are fed so little that malnutrition is widespread.

Workers at Wonsan lived off “foul-smelling seaweed soup, salted radishes and yellow corn rice,” according to Daily NK.

Female workers faced an added peril.

One woman quoted by the UN recalled how shock brigade chiefs “harassed” them and said “many women were sexually abused”.

North Korea expert Michael Madden described the backbreaking toil faced by “volunteers” at Wonsan.

He said: “Youth Shock Brigades would be involved in digging foundations, framing, painting, paving, and moving materials and supplies.

“Pay for brigade members is minimal.

“In the past, the brigade members were not provided adequate food supplies and stole from local populations.”

Today the resort welcomes Russian visitors and members of the North Korean elite.

But guests may be surprised to learn that they’re not the first to stay in the brand-new hotels.

When the third deadline for finishing the resort passed in April 2020, the site lay almost abandoned for months as Covid-19 spread around the world.

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Soon reports emerged that homeless wanderers – known as kkotjebi in North Korea – had moved in to the skeletal hotels.

“The buildings are no different from toilets, with bowel movements left behind by the kkotjebi everywhere,” a source told Daily NK.

“Now they’re full of human waste and soot from fires.”

The same report also revealed that the resort’s planning chief and site manager had been sacked in 2019 amid mounting delays.

It’s a punishment with potentially fatal consequences.

Mr Madden, the founder of North Korea Leadership Watch, and a fellow of the Stimson Center in Washington DC, said nothing had been heard of either of them since.

If they were blamed for inefficiencies or incompetence, he said, they probably faced demotion, intensive indoctrination, and a manual labour assignment.

“On the other hand if there was malfeasance or some type of corruption, then both of these people have, at the least, faced a lengthy incarceration,” he continued.

“If these individuals had a habit of corrupt activities on Wonsan-Kalma and any previous projects, then one or both project managers faced the firing squad.”

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Before it was a holiday destination, Wonsan was a missile launch site.
Indeed the rockets continued blasting off even as the hotels took shape.

And ultimately, that’s how money spent by tourists will be used.

Greg Scarlatoiu, executive director of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, warned holidaymakers not to fund Kim’s “tools of death”.

He said: “The money coming from tourists, mostly Russians at the moment, will go to the areas that the regime regards as critical to its survival.

“These are: keeping the Kim family rich, and the key elites happy, as well as developing nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles, and other tools of death.”

The North Korean tourism push, which seeks to raise foreign currency, has also seen the regime open the Masikryong Ski Resort, and Yangdok hot springs resort.

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If you’re planning a trip to Spain, one travel influencer has shared a must-see attraction in the country that looks like it belongs in a fairytale – and it’s located just 20 minutes from Malaga

With destinations like Benidorm, Mallorca and the Canary Islands, Spain continues to be amongst the top holiday spots for Brits seeking sunshine, as the nation offers something for every traveller. In 2023, Brits made over 17.8 million visits to Spain, making it the most popular holiday spots that year.

Whether you’re after a peaceful seaside break or somewhere to party until dawn every evening, this varied country boasts destinations to match all preferences. Yet what numerous holidaymakers frequently overlook is discovering the nation’s more obscure cities that are equally stunning as the well-known attractions. However, one travel enthusiast Kristina Cors, who regularly uses social media to reveal her travel tips, has now unveiled a ‘secret treasure’ in Spain that’s located 20 minutes from Malaga and looks to be straight from a fairytale.

Posting on TikTok, where she boasts more than 751,300 followers, she highlighted one destination she believed every tourist in Spain should experience.

“When people go to Malaga, Spain and miss places like this 20 minutes away,” she wrote on top of the video.

She proceeded to show footage from her trip to Colomares Castle, situated in the town of Benalmádena in southern Spain. Whilst the fortress appears ancient, it was constructed between 1987 to 1994, and was devoted to the life and expeditions of Christopher Columbus.

Spanning 1,500 metres, it stands as the world’s largest tribute to the explorer, whilst also housing the globe’s tiniest church, occupying merely 1.96 square metres. In her video, Kristina provides glimpses of the castles from various angles, with blooming flowers enhancing the picturesque scenes.

She’s also seen strolling around the castle grounds and standing on a balcony, soaking in views straight out of a fairytale.

“Don’t go to Spain without visiting THIS incredible castle,” she write again in the video caption.

The comment section quickly filled up, with many likening the castle to ‘The Spring Court’ from Sarah J Maas’ fantasy book series A Court of Thorns and Roses.

“Wow,” one person simply commented, while another added: ” Been there once, really worth a visit!”.

“I live 5 minutes away from this castle and it’s stunning,” shared another viewer.

“Omg… I feel like I’m in a fairytale,” a fourth person exclaimed.

For those visiting Malaga who don’t fancy the 20-minute drive to Colomares Castle, one person suggested: “[Take] the train from Malaga to Arroyo de la Miel, then bus to the village of Benalmadena pueblo. Its a 2€ entrance fee, go early morning and explore the church grounds nearby too.”

However, not everyone was as enchanted, with one viewer branding it a ‘tourist trap’ due to its relatively recent construction in the 1980s.

Graham White, 48, is a fan of the budget airline and regularly jets off to Benidorm – but was left disappointed after his most recent flight to Alicante as he expected more

Numerous Brits are devoted followers of Ryanair journeys as they’re budget-friendly and reliable, plus transport you from point A to point B, typically arriving precisely on schedule. However, when one bloke, who frequently travels to Benidorm, took a Ryanair flight, was left “livid” because the remarkably inexpensive £16.99 journey didn’t feature one particular service.

Graham White posted clips of his adventures at the beloved Spanish coastal destination with his 75,000 TikTok supporters. Yet the 48-year-old felt disappointed when stepping aboard his latest flight to Alicante. On July 25, he travelled on his extraordinarily affordable ticket, but he and his mate were left seething that the £16.99 fare didn’t feature WiFi connectivity.

He revealed: “My mate thought WiFi was included. My mate couldn’t believe [that it wasn’t]. I even asked [the flight attendant] if the pilot would let him use his hotspot.”

In a video, which accumulated 1,800 views thus far, Graham personally questioned the flight attendant about why the internet wasn’t functioning – but passengers on the aircraft were left puzzled as to why he even posed the enquiry.

The cabin crew member clarified they “don’t have it at all,” and somebody in the background remarked: “You’re lucky you have a seatbelt; you’re on Ryanair.

“No WiFi, but their card machines work to sell you things,” someone raged in the comments area.

However, others were speechless and left weeping with laughter emojis, questioning why anyone would anticipate WiFi on Ryanair flights, when it’s not typical on short haul. Ryanair’s website clearly states: “No. Currently, we do not offer Wi-Fi on our flights. Sorry.”

Graham has previously gained online attention for his escapades in Benidorm, including pointing out a spot where a pint is cheaper than a cuppa.

He’s not the only one sharing content from Benidorm, alerting Brits to its potential pitfalls.

Harry, who posts under the handle @harrytokky, revealed that building a simple sandcastle could result in a hefty fine. Yes, you read that correctly – you could be fined for creating a humble sandcastle.

Constructing a sandcastle could set you back a staggering £87 (€100), so you might want to reconsider engaging in this innocent childhood pastime.

In a recent video, Harry Poulton shared the holiday destination is practically deserted as tourists are being “priced out” of the resort.

He described it as the “weirdest thing you can get fined for in Spain,” adding you “probably didn’t even know you could get penalised for it” because it’s so odd.

His mate, Louis Grier, assumed he was referring to public indecency, but it was merely building sandcastles, which he described as “mad”.

“Supposedly, you could be obstructing walkways,” he ranted, concluding the video by calling it “a bit bizarre”.

A British man living in Benidorm has claimed the party city may be ‘finished’ after witnessing its surprising ’emptiness’ this summer, and people claim it’s all down to cost

A British expat living in Benidorm has claimed the renowned party city is “finished” as tourists are being “priced out,” with some claiming they are instead flocking to a more affordable destination. Harry Poulton, a TikTok influencer known for sharing his travel advice on the Spanish resort, suggested in a recent video that Benidorm might be “finished” after noting the streets this summer appeared more empty than usual.

In a clip which has racked up over 125,000 views, hints at the city’s rising costs as a potential reason for its decline. “[Is] Benidorm finished? Where is everybody? It’s the middle of July, and it’s absolutely dead,” he noted.

The 24-year-old, originally from Brighton, remarked: “Normally at this time of year, Benidorm’s mentality – it’s busy, there are people absolutely everywhere,” according to Luxury Travel Daily. Harry added that he’d just been down to the beach, and there was simply nobody around.

“I’ve been down the Benidorm strip; hardly anyone there. Bars [aren’t] even that busy – what’s going on? Is everyone going to Tenerife now? I’ve only been away a week.”

Harry also expressed his astonishment at the lack of crowds, noting that even during usual peak hours around 7pm, the streets remain deserted.

His observations have sparked a flurry of theories among TikTok viewers, one of whom commented: “Have to say hotels are getting more and more expensive. Crazy prices.”

Meanwhile, a different user suggested where all the missing tourists might be. “Everyone is going to Salou, Spain,” they said. A third person agreed: “It’s got too expensive.”

A fourth individual lamented: “People are fed up with being robbed, mate [sic].”

Meanwhile a fifth TikTok user expressed: “Getting too expensive. Used to be my go-to holiday. However, I cannot afford Benidorm this year. Other Spanish places half the price.”

In a separate video, meanwhile, Harry reiterated his frustration with the rising costs in the city. The content creator asserted: “Benidorm is getting expensive. Everything this year has gone so much more than last year. I’m not the only one that feels this way.”

Reacting to a follower who had spent nearly £1,000 for a week’s stay in a single room, Harry sympathised: “Ouch, that’s got to hurt. Don’t get me wrong – eating out, drinking, all those sorts of things are still very reasonable, especially price-wise compared to the UK.

“Everything has got really expensive; not just in Benidorm, but in general.”

And he concluded, reflecting: “Is Benidorm falling off? Or is it just the world in general? Mad, really – what are holidays? What’s a cheap holiday now?”

Brits abroad have been warned to brace for more summer holiday protests from anti-tourists, meanwhile.

The Southern European Network Against Touristification (SET) group, already revelling in the widespread disruptions caused on a Europe-wide day of action on June 15, is threatening there is more disruption to come. In a strong statement they said: “Common sense is changing.

“The myth of tourism as economic salvation is over. Touristification is no longer a problem perceived by a few. It has become a widespread concern across generations, social classes, cities and regions. And this is just the beginning.”

The group added: “Given the situations we are witnessing everywhere, there is no doubt that more actions and mobilizations will take place here and there this summer, much like there might be more anti-touristification actions on 27th September for World Tourism Day. The struggle against touristification is growing, expanding, and is being organized. Because our lives are worth more than their profits.”

The anti-tourism movement is quickly gathering pace across Europe with protest groups causing widespread disruption today – and threatening there is more chaos to come

Just when Brits thought it was safe to get back in the sunshine – an anti-tourism group is threatening more summer protests.

The Southern European Network Against Touristification (SET) group, already revelling in the widespread disruptions caused on a Europe-wide day of action on June 15, is threatening there is more disruption to come. In a strong statement they said: “Common sense is changing.

“The myth of tourism as economic salvation is over. Touristification is no longer a problem perceived by a few. It has become a widespread concern across generations, social classes, cities and regions. And this is just the beginning.

“Given the situations we are witnessing everywhere, there is no doubt that more actions and mobilizations will take place here and there this summer, much like there might be more anti-touristification actions on 27th September for World Tourism Day. The struggle against touristification is growing, expanding, and is being organized. Because our lives are worth more than their profits.”

Tourists across Europe had to endure mass protests last month when thousands of people in Spain, Portugal and Italy took to the streets in at least a dozen tourist hotspots to protest against “touristification”.

It was the most widespread joint action to date against what they see as the steady reshaping of their cities to meet the needs of tourists rather than people who live and work there. Tourists enjoying meals in places like Palma and Barcelona were met with baying mobs and some were even sprayed with water pistols.

In Spain, there were instances of protestors holding signs saying “tourists go home”. Earlier this year The Mirror spoke to one of the ringleaders of the massive tourist protests who spoke to us on condition of anonymity.

He said: “The general mood is one of growing frustration, indignation, and despair. People feel they are being expelled from their own land and that their fundamental rights are not being protected. People have had enough.”

The protestors accuse foreigners of inflating property prices and driving up the cost of living for locals who have reached breaking point. Tensions have been building since the protest movement formed last summer and earlier this year a shocking sign threatening to ‘kill a tourist’ appeared in Tenerife.

Footage of the graffiti being painted on the was posted online by a group called Islas de Resistencia, which describes itself as “a project to recover the memory of social movements in the Canary Islands.” Spanish party isle Ibiza has also seen signs of hostility when access to a popular viewing point was blocked with boulders.

Activists have also reportedly torched and smashed hire cars in Tenerife. Shocking video footage posted online appeared to show vandals pouring flammable liquid on the ground, then setting fire to around 20 rental vehicles in the southern Tenerife resort of Costa Adeje.

And the protests have now spread to Portugal and Italy who both have huge influxes of tourists each summer. The bulk of last month’s protests on June 15 were in Spain, where tourist arrivals surged last year to record levels.

But cities in Italy like Venice and Lisbon in Portugal also took part. The statement from SET added: “The streets of Barcelona, Cantabria, Cordoba, Donostia-San Sebastian, Ibiza, Granada, Genoa, Lisbon, Menorca, Naples, Palma, and Venice were filled with large demonstrations, symbolic actions, statements, and debates.

“Simultaneous and coordinated mobilizations have allowed us not only to join, but also to multiply our voices in a powerful chorus of struggle. And we are not alone. Growing numbers of people understand that this tourism model does not bring progress, but causes evictions, precariousness, and devastation.”

Although it is not all doom and gloom for Brits looking to soak up some sun as some industry experts claim one resort’s loss is another’s gain. Miguel Perez-Marsa, president of Majorca’s ABONE nightclub and entertainment association, said business is booming in the German party resort of Playa de Palma instead.

He also said the biggest winner of the drop in British revellers picking Magaluf for their holidays following the party resort “clean-up”. And he has claimed young Brits are turning their backs on Magaluf – where holidaymakers from other European countries were once a rare sight in the summer season – because they have been “demonised.”

Mr Perez-Marsa said the gap was being filled by French and Italian tourists who tend to drink less than UK party animals and don’t spend as much going out at night. And claiming British youngsters who have traditionally packed out the noisy nightspots of Magaluf’s brash Punta Ballena party strip had been “steam-rollered”, he went on to put Benidorm at the top of the list of other “more welcoming” resorts they were flocking to instead.

Mr Perez-Marsa also told Diario de Mallorca more British families were visiting Magaluf, but complained they were opting for all-inclusive deals that meant they spent less outside their hotels. British tourists make up the vast bulk of Benidorm’s foreign holidaymakers.

A British expat proved just how far a fiver can get you in Benidorm after finding a ‘hidden gem’ in the Old Town where you can fill up on beer and tapas without breaking the bank

A British woman who has lived in Benidorm for 40 years found a “hidden gem” bar – and the price of beer and tapas was “outstanding”.

Michelle Baker used to run a newspaper in the holiday hotspot for two decades and she now shares valuable information on her Benidormforever Facebook page. And it was here that the mum, who has raised her children in Spain, revealed her latest find. After strolling through the Old Town, Michelle discovered Rumbo Bar, which she said has been there since 1968, and was recently taken over by Juani and Nico.

Writing on her page, she said: “Regular followers know I’m a HUGE supporter of the small bars, and in the Old Town yesterday I stumbled across this little gem; Bar Rumbo.”

She added: “Realising their location is just off the busy square that overlooks the little Mal Pas beach is slightly hidden, the couple have put their heart and soul into making their pet friendly pub as welcoming as possible, with quirky decoration, a selection of board games and they’ve some outstanding offers too.”

And as for the incredible prices, Michelle explained how a beer and two tapas cost just €4.90 (approx £4). A glass of wine meanwhile is just €2.20 while a coffee is priced at €1.50. For something fancier, the owners also sell two cocktails for €10.

Michelle pointed out that the air conditioned space provided a “peaceful escape” from the raucous part of Benidorm.

Explaining why she was keen on highlighting it, she said: “I love to point out the hidden places in the hope more of you will support them before they are all swallowed up by the big boys; your choice to pop in for a round or two of drinks makes all the difference to their day and it shows in their eagerness to please their customers.”

Speaking to Michelle during her pleasant visit, Juani joked that he had no music playing in the bar, but being a musician, he sometimes sings to customers.

He added: “What we really want is for people to feel welcome and meet new friends and they do. Once they find us they come back night after night.”

After posting on her page, one person replied: “In all the years visiting Benidorm I have never seen this bar and we always stay and eat, drink in the old town. I will certainly be looking for it next time we visit.”

Another said: “We used to live above the Rumbo bar it’s a lovely little bar I know the original owner and his son who took over. Miss living in the old town such good memories.”

A third went with: “I don’t want to be in a bar full of English people I know that sounds bad but it’s how I like to spend my time when over in old town.”