Professional dancer Jowita Przystal has been a part of Strictly since 2022 – and even won that year. But now fans have been left fearing she is set to walk away from the ballroom for good.
22:19, 22 Dec 2025Updated 22:19, 22 Dec 2025
Strictly Come Dancing professional Jowita Przystal has sparked fears she will quit the show(Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing professional Jowita Przystal has addressed her future on the show after hinting she has quit. The 31-year-old dancer joined the cast of the BBC show in 2022 – winning that year alongside wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin.
She then danced with cyclist Jody Cundy, 47, in 2023 – and caused a frenzy when she danced with notorious Lothario Pete Wicks, 37, during the 2024 competition. But fans are now fearing that the 2025 contest has been the last for Jowita – after she shared a cryptic message online.
For the latest season of the show – which concluded over the weekend – the Polish dance star was partnered with Scottish presenter Ross King, 63. However, the pair were the second couple to be booted off the show after failing to impress viewers and the judges.
Following Saturday night’s live final – in which footballer Karen Carney and dancer Carlos Gu won – Jowita took to Instagram to share a photograph of herself alongside Ross. Fans were left startled and alarmed when she added a caption stating: “Last dance partner on strictly floor x.”
Her comment provoked a flurry of speculation, with one fan fearfully commenting online: “Jowita just shared this! Is this her last year?” Another, fearing the worst, replied: “I wondered also. I hope not she is my fav female pro.” While a further fan remarked “it would be a weird way to announce something like that.”
Jowita later returned to Instagram Stories to share a photo of herself posing alongside other Strictly professionals. And in an accompanying caption, she clarified her prior comment. She wrote: “So grateful for being a part of the best show on tv. And just to clarify my last post it was about my last dance with ross, not me leaving the show. Hopefully far from my last dance on that dance floor.”
Fans of Strictly have been left devastated, however, by the fact that hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman won’t return to the show. The duo stunned fans in October when they abruptly announced that they would be quitting the show at the end of the year and won’t return to host the 2026 season.
And on Saturday night, the ladies bid farewell to the series. Tess, 56, who has hosted the show since it began back in 2004 shared an emotional message to fans on social media after working through the final.
She wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post: “So that’s a wrap. What an incredible Final – fitting for what, for me, has been an absolutely brilliant series. Strictly is a show that is made with love, where joy is the currency and the only agenda. That love is down to every single member of the brilliant team that makes it, because to none of them is it just a job. It is a gift, and it is truly treasured. I will be forever grateful for the unforgettable years I have spent sharing this magical show with you. I’ll miss the Strictly viewers, because they are the very best, the most loyal and supportive, and as passionate about the show as I have always been. It has been the most wonderful privilege to have shared it with you all for so many years.”
She concluded: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the memories of a lifetime.” Her post included a montage video from the final night, with the star dazzling in a sequin gown. While co-host Claudia looked sharp in a tailored suit, with the catchphrase “Keep dancing” emblazoned across her back.
In a post of her own, Claudia shared a backstage photo of herself with Tess as they walked hand in hand to the main stage. In a simple message, she wrote: “For the last time… I love you @tessdaly,” and added a red heart emoji.
And in a later post, she shared a photograph of Karen and Carlos accepting their trophy after winning the show. She wrote alongside the image: “Massive congratulations to our amazing winners @kazcarney and @gkx_carlos and also to the brilliant @amb_d @nikita__kuzmin and @georgeclarkeey and @alexis_warr – what a final, what a team.”
Timothee just dropped a rap music collabIt instantly debunked the rumour that Timothee is secretly rapper EsDeeKidHe also appeared to reference his girlfriend Kylie in the lyrics despite breakup rumours swirlingCredit: Getty
The wild theory is based off of supposed fan “evidence”, drawing similarities between the shape of the pair’s eyes an faces, hands, and fashion choices.
The young star has also been facing swathes of break-up rumours, after viewers noticed that him and girlfriend Kylie Jenner appeared to look “bored” together at a New York Yankees game.
Timothee has been accused of acting “cold” towards the Kylie Cosmetics founder during the holiday season.
He’s been doing lots of press in recent weeks following the release of new film Marty Supreme.
However in his recently dropped rap collab 4 Raws – alongside masked singer EsDeeKid himself – Timothee sang some lyrics that seemed to highly praise his stunning significant other.
Collaborating with EsDeeKid in itself instantly debunked the rumour that the rapper could possibly be Timothee.
Meanwhile lyrics such as “My girl’s worth a billion,” stood out in the single, in possible reference to Kylie’s wealth and hard work.
It could also be Timothee’s way of describing Kylie, 28, as utterly irreplaceable.
Timothee and Kylie were first linked back in 2023.
Rumours about their romance began to fuel in January after they were spotted together during Paris Fashion Week.
But it wasn’t until September 2023 that they hardlaunched as a couple, kissing at a Beyonce concert.
In the years to follow the star-studded duo have attended many public events together including the Golden Globes and the Oscars.
They’re often seen looking loved-up on a red carpet, and have piled on the PDA lately to help combat split rumours.
Early this month Kylie attended the premiere of Marty Supreme with her beau and they posed up a storm for the cameras.
Timothee wrapped his arms around her waist as they both wore matching bright orange outfits and smiled for the cameras.
They smiled at one another, looking incredibly happy.
Timothee and Kylie attended the premiere of Timothee’s movie Marty Supreme earlier this monthCredit: GettyThey looked very loved upCredit: Getty
ROB Reiner’s daughter has broken her silence over her dad’s death – revealing she saw him just one day before the film director and his wife Michele were murdered.
Tracy Reiner, 61, said the brutal double killing left her devastated – before paying her respects to the “the greatest family ever”.
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Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found stabbed to death at their home in Los AngelesCredit: AFPRob’s adopted daughter Tracy has broken her silenceCredit: Getty
Tracy, who was adopted by Rob during his marriage to Penny Marshall, said she was left speechless.
The actress said: “I came from the greatest family ever.
“I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”
She added that she had seen her late dad at a family gathering just one day before horror knife attack.
The iconic director was married to Marshall from 1971 to 1981, during which time he adopted Tracy.
Rob, 78, and Michele, 68, were found dead by their other daughter Romy, 28, with their throats slit at their sprawling $13.5million Brentwood mansion on Sunday afternoon.
The Hollywood icon’s youngest son Nick has been charged with murder in connection with the grisly killing.
A source revealed to The U.S. Sun that Rob and Michele got into a heated public argument with Nick at a Hanukkah party on Saturday evening.
The party was hosted by Conan O’Brien, according to TMZ.
Nick, 32, was booked into a Los Angeles jail on Monday morning, according to online records viewed by The U.S. Sun.
He has since been charged with murder and is being held at Parker Center Jail on $4 million bail, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell announced during a press conference on Monday.
Nick, who reportedly lives in the Los Angeles area, is rarely seen in public since he opened up about his struggles with drug addiction in 2016.
He admitted to first going to rehab at the age of 25 and said his addiction issues even led him to being homeless at one point in his life, according to People.
“When I was out there, I could’ve died. It’s all luck. You roll the dice and you hope you make it,” Nick said.
In 2015, Nick and his father worked on the semi-autobiographical film, Hey Charlie, which centered around the entitled, drug-addicted son of a renowned actor turned political candidate in California.
Rob Reiner and his son Nick Reiner pictured together at AOL Studios In New York CityCredit: Getty(L-R) Rob Reiner, Michele Singer Reiner, Romy Reiner, Nick Reiner, daughter-in-law Maria Gilfillan and Jake Reiner, pictured together in Los AngelesCredit: Getty
Rob told the Los Angeles Times at the time that he had to push past trauma and tough memories during filming.
“It was very, very hard going through it the first time, with these painful and difficult highs and lows,” the beloved director told the outlet then.
“And then making the movie dredged it all up again.”
Fellow Hollywood stars paid tribute to both Rob and Michele.
Ex-Monty Python member Eric Idle said he had spoken to Rob the night before his death.
Paying his respects, he said: “Rob Reiner was a lovely man. I spoke to him last night for over an hour. I always enjoyed his company.
“I met him at his Dad’s in 1975. He was telling me about filming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future … I shall miss him.
“A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful.”
Ben Stiller said Rob was one of his favourite directors, and called him “a kind caring person who was really really funny”.
Josh Gad, who voiced Olaf in Frozen, described Rob and his wife’s deaths as a “devastating” loss.
Actor John Cusack, who starred in Rob’s 1985 film The Sure Thing, said he “saw the soul in others”.
Timeline of the double murder
ROB Reiner and his wife of Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their Los Angeles home on December 14, 2025.
Timeline:
December 13, 2025: Reiner and his wife Michele attended a holiday party on the evening of December 13 with their son, Nick.
Sources conveyed to The U.S. Sun that the couple and their son were engaged in a heated public argument while at the event.
December 14, 2025: Reiner and Michele were found dead in their Brentwood home in Los Angeles at around 3:30 pm PST.
The couple’s daughter, Romy, reportedly discovered her parents bodies.
Online police records show Reiner and Michele’s 32-year-old son, Nick, was arrested at 9:15 pm PST on December 14.
December 15, 2025: Authorities in Los Angeles announce that Nick Reiner was arrested and charged with murder.
Nick was booked into a Los Angeles jail at 5:04 am and is being held on $4 million bail.
HOLLYWOOD HORROR
The gruesome homicides of Rob and his wife, Michele, 68, shocked the world of Hollywood after reports emerged that the couple were discovered with multiple lacerations.
The Misery director and his wife, who had been married for 36 years, had their throats slit by a family member following a heated argument, according to TMZ.
Romy, 28, told authorities that a family member “should be a suspect” because they’re “dangerous,” the outlet reported.
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the deaths as an apparent homicide.
Alan Hamilton, the deputy police chief of the LAPD, told reporters on Sunday evening that authorities would interview several family members of the Reiners as the investigation continued.
Hamilton said the property showed no signs of forced entry.
Rob’s daughter Romy discovered her dad’s bodyCredit: GettyRob Reiner on the set of the 1984 mockumentary This is Spinal TapCredit: Alamy
FILM ICON
Rob, who was raised in the Bronx by famed actors Carl and Estelle, was a huge presence in the film industry after more than five decades as one of Hollywood’s top directors and actors.
His career as an actor began in the early 1960s, but it was not until the 1970s that Rob gained recognition after portraying Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the TV comedy All in the Family.
Throughout the 70s, Rob continued to make guest appearances on several TV series, including The Partridge Family.
However, it was in the director’s chair where Rob flourished into a star in the world of film.
He helmed a string of hit movies, including, When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, and the Academy Award nominated film A Few Good Men, among others.
It was on the set of When Harry Met Sally that he met the photographer and his eventual wife, Michele Singer.
“I look over and I see this girl, and ‘Whoo!’ I was attracted immediately,” Rob told The New York Times in 1989.
The couple wed in 1989, the year the film was released.
After their marriage, Michele began helping her husband with producing films, including Shock and Awe and Albert Brooks: Defending My Life.
The legendary career of iconic director Rob Reiner
FAMED actor, director and producer Rob Reiner, 78, died on December 14 alongside his wife Michele Singer, 68, in an apparent homicide.
Here is a look at the prodigious list of achievements the Hollywood powerhouse earned before his tragic and sudden death.
Director’s Beginnings
Reiner was born in New York City on March 6, 1947, to legendary comedy writer Carl Reiner and singer Estelle Reiner
He studied at the University of California, Los Angeles film school before breaking into the entertainment industry
Hollywood Career
Reiner first found fame as an actor playing Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the iconic sitcom All in the Family from 1971 to 1979
In 1984, he directed his first film This Is Spinal Tap – a mockumentary following a fictional heavy metal band
Reiner went on to direct cult classic films like The Princess Bride in 1987 and When Harry Met Sally… in 1989
Other notable movies made by the director include Misery, The American President, and A Few Good Men, which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture
The production company he co-founded, Castle Rock Entertainment, has also produced hits like Seinfeld and The Shawshank Redemption
Reiner didn’t halt his acting career either, recently starring in The Wolf of Wall Street in 2013 and The Bear in 2025
Personal Life
Reiner married actress Penny Marshall in 1971 and adopted her daughter, Tracy, from a previous marriage. The couple divorced in 1981
He met photographer Michele Singer while shooting When Harry Met Sally
They married in 1989 and had three children: Jake, born 1991, Nick born 1993, and Romy born 1997)
Nick opened up about his struggle with drug addiction in 2016. The movie Becoming Charlie, directed by Reiner, was based on Nick’s story
Reiner was an outspoken Democratic activist and a fierce critic of Donald Trump
Rob and Michele are survived by their children, Romy, Jake, Nick, and Tracy, the director’s daughter, whom he adopted from his previous wife, Penny Marshall.
Tributes have been paid to the actor and director and his wife following their deaths.
“Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love, with projects as wide-ranging as The Princess Bride to A Few Good Men,” California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X.
“His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others — and encouraging us to dream bigger.
“Rob will be remembered for his remarkable filmography and for his extraordinary contribution to humanity.”
Former US president Barack Obama spoke warmly about the couple.
Tracy and her biological mum Penny MarshallCredit: GettyTributes have poured in for the late starCredit: Splash
“Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen,” he said.
“But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.
“Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired.”
Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi described Rob as someone who was creative and funny.
She also hailed him as an actor who could make fans laugh and cry when they watched his films.
Pelosi described Rob’s wife as an “indispensible partner and intellectual resource.”
Strictly Come Dancing’s Amber Davies was the subject of brutal comments from social media trolls after defeating Lewis Cope in a dance off but is brushing off the abuse to focus on the positives
Amber Davies has spoken out after making it to the final(Image: instagram/@amb_d)
On Sunday night, TV fans watched as Strictly judges unanimously voted to save Amber and Nikita after they danced against EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal and her dance partner Julian Caillon – a week after they had saved the duo in a dance off against Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope and dancer Katya Jones.
The 23rd season of Strictly has been fraught for some of the contestants as they have faced abuse online, with Amber targeted after defeating Lewis, and for her West End stage career, which some have felt has given her an unfair advantage in the contest. And the star has seen comments reach beyond criticism to become nothing short of bullying.
On Sunday night, following the latest results show, Amber took to social media to tell her fans and lavish praise on her fellow contestants – and embrace all the positive experiences she has enjoyed over the past few months. Sharing a photo of herself with defeated semi-finalist Balvinder, the stage star wrote: “To do this experience next to you has been the biggest gift & life lesson, your strength and resilience has inspired me every single day. You are one of a kind, I will always be #TeamBal.”
In a video message to followers, Amber explained that she was supporting her fellow finalists, YouTube star George Clarke and footballer Karen Carney, as they all faced a final together. She said via Instagram: “I just wanna come on here and say in the close to a decade I’ve been in the public eye, I’ve never experienced an outpouring of love the way I have in the last 48 hours.”
She continued: “And to make the Strictly final is…I’m speechless. From how it started, I genuinely can’t believe I’ve made it to the end, but you know, I’ve just realised, I think I’ve needed to do Strictly to realise that there is so much kindness in this world.”
And she explained: “Like Nikita said, we’re stronger when we’re kinder and I’m going to literally enjoy every single second of this week. I’m rooting for George, I’m rooting for Kaz, and I’m just gonna be there to enjoy the ride.”
On Saturday night, Nikita took an opportunity during the live show to defend Amber, who has endured weeks of social media abuse. He told Amber in the Clauditorium: “You have had so much hate every single day from the moment you joined, you’ve had so much hate this week, and yet, you came every single day into the training room with a big smile, ignoring everybody.
“And just giving me love, giving me a ginger shot as well. But you gave so much love, you always were kind, so caring, you care more about me when I’m supposed to care about you. You care about me every single day, you are such a lovely kind person.
“And I think sometimes, and I speak to the audience at home, just please be kind because it costs nothing and you [Amber] don’t deserve none of it. You only deserve love because without you, I wouldn’t be here, and the show wouldn’t be as good as it is.”
Following Sunday’s results show, Amber shared photos of herself with Nikita on the dancefloor alongside an upbeat message about their final week on the show. She began by writing on Instagram: “Strictly 2025 finalists,” alongside an emotion-filled face emoji.
She wrote: “To those who have supported and voted for us from day one, you are the reason we are here and have made it!! 12 live shows, 3 dance-offs, 3 40s!!!! It’s not about winning for me, it never EVER has been, it’s always been about making the most of this incredible opportunity that was gifted to me so last minute. And now I will wholeheartedly cherish every single second of this last week with my partner in crime, one last week of pushing, laughing, learning, growing & of course knowing me lots of crying.”
She added: “I feel an overwhelming emotion of gratitude to you @bbcstrictly the greatest team in the world. Let’s go DANCE OUR HEARTS OUT FOR US @nikita__kuzmin TEAM BLOMMING CHAOS MADE IT TO THE END.”
Before they went into their appointment, Stuart asked Davina how she was doing since her diagnosis earlier in the year.
The TV presenter broke down in tears as she thanked Stuart for asking if she was okay: “Can I just say, thank you for asking me that after everything you’ve been through? I’m really good, thank you.”
It came after Davina opened the programme by recalling the moment she discovered a lump in her breast and her sister’s death.
She told viewers: “Earlier this year, I found a lump in my breast. It quickly led to tests and scans and then the word that no one ever wants to hear, cancer.
“It was found early and surgeons were able to remove it. But not everyone gets that chance. I took my sister Caroline to A&E, she fainted and she couldn’t get up.
“They gave her a brain scan but then they scanned her chest and I couldn’t understand why. It turned out it was late stage lung cancer.
“She died seven weeks later. I was holding her hand. And that’s why early diagnosis matters to me.”
In November, Davina revealed on her Instagram account she was “very angry” to discover she had cancer.
The presenter said the lump “came and went” but after seeing a poster urging women to check their breasts she went to the doctors.
“It [the lump] was still there, and then one morning I saw myself in the mirror and thought “I’m going to get that looked at”. I had a biopsy. I found out it was indeed breast cancer,” she shared.
“I think my message is: get checked if you’re worried. Check yourself regularly. If you are due a mammogram, then get it done.”
She shared: “A cancer diagnosis changes you forever… I’ve been put into menopause… I don’t know if I’ll ever have the honour of becoming a mum which I desperately want to… Five weeks ago I have another mastectomy.
“I’m so grateful for another shot of live, to be able get back on the dance floor… I’m so grateful for my medical team, the doctors and nurses who have kept me alive. A cancer diagnosis changes you forever, I’m no longer the person I was and that’s not by choice.”
Timothee Chalamet has addressed rumours he is Brit rapper EsDeeKid for the first timeCredit: Radio 1Fans have speculated the Hollywood star is the masked rapper from LiverpoolCredit: Instagram/esdeekidGreg James grilled him on BBC Radio OneCredit: Radio 1
EsDeeKid has never revealed his identity or anything connected to his personal life and keeps his face covered by masks at all time.
However, social media became awash with theories that the rap star was actually New Yorker Timothee thanks to a series of coincidences.
Now, the Wonka star has addressed the rumours for the first time in an interview on BBCRadio One with Greg James ahead of the release of his next movie, Marty Supreme.
Greg simply started by saying the name EsDeeKid to Timothee to which he quickly said: “No comment.”
The actor then coyly added with a smirk upon his face: “All will be revealed in due time.”
Greg then went on to explain the theory and showed Timothee images of EsDeeKid in which his piercing blue eyes, which bear a striking resemblance to the Dune actor’s, could be seen through gaps in his masks.
The radio host asked Timothee if he agreed that they were “beautiful eyes”, with the actor simply replying: “Yes.”
Greg then asked once again if the star was him leaving Timothee to repeat: “All… will be revealed in due time.”
Little is known about EsDeeKid but he began to emerge in 2023 and achieved recognition for his 2024 song Bally.
He previously revealed he still lived in the council house he grew up in.
His debut album, Rebel, released this June has become one of the most popular hip-hop albums of the year after reaching the top ten in the UK as well as charting in America and Australia.
Speculation that Timothee is behind the mask gained traction online last month.
“Their eyes are extremely similar, I haven’t seen anything like it,” wrote one user on Reddit earlier this month.
While another user was convinced they have the same hands: “Guys i did a huge analysis looking at pics of Timothy’s hands VS Esdee kids hands. Same exact hands. Same vein placement and everything. I should make a video about it because it’s literally proof.”
Their similar fashion sense has also been used as a way of comparison between the two.
Timothee is currently in the UK ahead of the release of his new movie, Marty Supreme.
He was seen getting cosy with girlfriend Kylie Jenner at the launch of the film earlier this week where they coordinated in matching orange Chrome Hearts outfits.
The couple have been dating for almost three years having first been linked in April 2023 but have often kept their romance private and under wraps.
Timothee remained coy on the radio showCredit: Radio 1He is currently loved-up with Kylie JennerCredit: Getty
PERRIE Edwards’ fiance Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has broken his silence on their devastating miscarriage and ‘difficult’ loss.
The couple have been together since 2017 and became engaged in June 2022, almost a year after they welcomed son Axel.
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Perrie Edwards’ fiance Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has broken his silence on their devastating miscarriage and ‘difficult’ lossCredit: GettyThe couple share son Axel after first getting together in 2017Credit: Instagram/perrieedwardsPerrie suffered a miscarriage before having Axel and another devastating one at 24 weeks in 2022Credit: Instagram
Now footballer Alex, also 32, has broken his silence on their devastating losses.
He said: “When you start a family, that’s when you start to learn it’s not easy to have a child, that things can go wrong.
“It’s so difficult — especially for women when they are literally growing another human being inside them, the connection they feel to that, and then can things go wrong and they can lose the baby.
Speaking on the We Need To Talk podcast with Paul C Brunson, she said: “It’s weird, because the first time it happened, I think because it was so early, I was like, ‘Oh, that’s hard’.
“But I think when you’re 24 weeks and you’ve planned out that room and all these things, it’s really hard. And nobody knows other than immediate friends and family.
“I remember shortly after, friends would message and be like, ‘How’s the bump?’ And I’d be like, ‘There is no bump’.”
The couple became engaged in 2022Credit: InstagramPerrie revealed she is pregnant with her second child in AugustCredit: instagram/perrieedwards
Perrie was also full of praise for Alex during the interview, saying: “He’s very mature. He’s very laid back. He’s very level-headed.
“He’s not the type to get mad or get angry or get funny about things. It might sound boring to some, but it’s so unproblematic.”
The couple are excited to expand their family after their previous heartacheCredit: instagram/perrieedwards
WHEN it comes to January you can either embrace the chill, or escape it.
Sun Travel has got seven destinations all over the globe from African Islands to UK staycations and a beautiful city under four hours away with return flights from just £35.
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When it comes to January, head to the likes of Cape Verde for winter sun
Cape Verde
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey can’t abide cold weather during January so has a suggestion for anyone wanting winter warmth.
She said: “If you want guaranteed sun without having to spend too much post-Christmas money, then Cape Verde is a great option.
“Expect much warmer temperatures – think 26C in January – without having to hop on a long flight. Taking just six hours, there’s just one hour’s time difference, so no jet lag either.
“Both TUI and easyJet offer flights there, with Boa Vista and Sal the two most popular islands. TUI’s package holidays start from £515pp, or easyJet’ flights are around £92 each way.
“There’s activities from boat trips to dune bashing, but I wouldn’t blame you if you ended up on the sun lounger more often than not for some winter warmth.”
Cruises
Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot recommends hopping on a cruise next month. She said: “Getting your Vitamin D fix couldn’t be easier when you choose a holiday at sea.
“Ocean cruising in the warm waters of the Caribbean, the Canary Islands or even the Gulf is the perfect January pick-me-up and you can sit back and relax on deck soaking up the sunshine while a new port of call will deliver the chance to explore ashore.
“For Brits, Marella Cruises offers great all-inclusive packages including flights, all your food and alcoholic drinks plus tips.
“Or how about adding some Mexican flavour to your Caribbean escape? Iglu has a cruise-only deal for seven nights’ full-board on MSC Seashore from just £401pp, you’ll just need to book flights to Orlando to join the cruise. Seeiglucruise.com.”
Sophie says opt for staycation to the likes of North Wales – she took her pooch for a walk around Lake TegidCredit: Sophie Swietochowski
Wales
Meanwhile Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski suggests sticking to the UK.
She said: “Generally speaking, I’ll pick a sunny holiday over a wintry escape every time. Except at this time of year, that is. January, for me, is about embracing winter – and I’m not quite ready to chuck on a bikini after all those mince pies.
“Instead, I’ll stay in cosy mode, with a cottage staycation where I can spend the week holed up in a typically British pub with a roaring fireplace and generously sized glass of red wine to warm me through.
“I visited North Wales in January last year and it was the perfect spot to reset myself after the festive period.
“Our Sykes Cottages property, Cefn Nannau cottage was set on a working farm and the area had just been caught in a flurry of snow.
“Mornings consisted of frosty dog walks around Lake Tegid, the largest natural lake in the country, followed by a soak in the outdoor hot tub with a cup of tea, watching the sheep huddle in the snow in the field opposite.
“A three nights’ self-catering break at Cefn Nannau cottage costs from £114pp, based on 12 sharing.”
Helen has been travelling to Tenerife with her two kids for yearsCredit: Helen Wright
Tenerife
Travel Writer Helen Wright has one island she goes back to year on year.
She said: “In my opinion, you can’t beat the Canary Islands in January. We go every year, usually to Tenerife, but if we get a good deal, we’ll sometimes choose Gran Canaria instead.
“It’s the perfect way to wind down after the Christmas chaos as the Canary Islands are always so chilled out.
“The weather is perfect for us as a family. It’s not as hot as some winter sun destinations, but very pleasantly warm. We’ll be wearing shorts and t-shirts during the day and then a hoodie or jacket with jeans in the evening.
“We spend our days on the beach or by the pool at our hotel – when booking, always remember to check the pool is heated and preferably not by solar panels because if it’s cloudy, the water can be cold.
“Often, we’ll book all-inclusive or half-board with Jet2, which means food and drink are hassle-free. Even when we eat out, the Canary Islands are never too expensive.
“It’s the perfect little January getaway and if you look around for some great last-minute deals, it can be super affordable too.”
You can explore Dar El Bacha Marrakesh in pleasant temperatures during JanuaryCredit: Alice Penwill
Marrakesh
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill is also seeking out heat in January and there’s somewhere you can be in under four hours.
She said: “I really don’t mind the cold up until Christmas. But post December 31 and I’m ready for spring.
“Sadly living in the UK means it won’t be warm for months so if I can, I’ll head off somewhere not too far for some sun – like Marrakesh.
“In January the weather can be as high as 19C, if you’re lucky. But it’s still pleasant enough to stroll about without packing on the layers and thermals.
“There’s lots of exploring you can do too in the mild weather – which I find more pleasant than their scorching summers. Some of my favourite spots are the Dar El Bacha – a huge palace with beautiful mosaics, and of course the medina full of spices, leathers and great souvenirs.
“You can get return flights to Marrakesh from £35 with easyJet flying out on January 27 and returning on January 31, 2026.”
Seville
One places close to home that Kara loves is over in Spain, she said: “The city of Seville is perfect to visit for your first 2026 trip. Just two hours by flight, it’s one of Spain‘s hottest cities.
“Not only that, but it’s not one you want to visit in summer, with huge crowds and temperatures hitting an unbearable 40C.
“It’s an easy place for a weekend break, with fantastic food, live flamenco and beautiful architecture. I recommend staying at Only YOU – a boutique hotel that opened last year and is as little as £96 a night.
“And top tip – try and nab the free tickets for the Royal Alcázar of Seville palace, which are found in the last hour of opening.”
Just a few hours away is Paris with lots to do indoors like visit the Musée d’OrsayCredit: Alice Penwil
Paris
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill believes sometimes you have to compromise on heat for a shorter travel time – and head to somewhere like lovely Paris.
She said: “While you might not get the heat of places further afield, sometimes you can’t beat a short trip to somewhere like Paris where you can do so much in just a few days.
“When I went across on the Eurostar it was for an extreme daytrip and took just a few hours – but of course you can stay longer if you like.
“See incredible sites like Notre Dame, the Musée d’Orsay and you can even go on a food tour which will take you through beautiful neighbourhoods.
“When it’s not raining, walking along the River Seine during the winter with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate is delightful.
“If you fancy a short trip, you can get a return journey on the Eurostar from £83 departing on January 27 and returning a day later.”
