breaks

MYLEENE Klass has finally spoken out on why she won’t be joining her fellow Hear’Say bandmates for their upcoming reunion tour.

The noughties band announced last week that they were returning for a tour to mark 25 years since their No.1 hit Pure & Simple.

However, fans quickly noticed that Myleene was missing from the line-up – as Kym Marsh, Suzanne Shaw, Noel Sullivan and Danny Foster were all promoting the reunion online while she remained silent.

Now, Myleene has revealed why she turned down the tour.

Talking on today’s Loose Women, the star explained: “They were really sweet and they did include me in the discussions but it’s not something I can commit to at the moment, I just really can’t.

“I know they are still figuring out a lot of the moving parts of it and until they do that, there’s nothing set in stone. For me, I’m just super busy.

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“I’m committed to you guys. I’ve got my work. I love the guys dearly, it was an incredibly important time in my life. It taught me so much, epic songs and moments like that.”

Myleene isn’t totally against the idea of ever joining her bandmates, she admitted.

When quizzed by her fellow Loose Women, Myleene said: “I would say never say never about anything.

“Because, I don’t really agree about revisiting the past but then people say to me, like, ‘you went back in the jungle’ and I went back and had another bob! So, I’m a walking contradiction in that sense!

“Like I said, until there are things set in stone it’s very difficult to commit to something that is so up in the air. I think they are figuring things out as well, but I really do appreciate that they included me in the initial discussions.”

Hear’Say formed on ITV reality television show Popstars and debuted in 2001, splitting the following year.

The band set tongues wagging last week as they reignited an Instagram page to tease their tour.

They posted a screen recording of a WhatsApp conversation between them, with Danny writing: “Wow . . . can you believe the response to that tour clip we posted?!”, referencing a video they had shared of an old performance. Suzanne replied: “I know right, amazing! Ahhh the memories . . . can you believe it was 25 years ago?!”

Noel said: “OK, so hear me out . . . ” Kym urged: “Go on,” before Noel added: “Fancy getting the band back together?”

The post came exactly 24 years after Hear’Say split, with the band disbanding on 1 October 2002.

AUTUMN is a fantastic season for a cheap UK staycation – you just have to know where to look.

Luckily, our team of travel experts have banded together to reveal their favourite UK holiday spots for the season… and each is paired with an amazingly cheap holiday deal.

From coastal holiday parks with plenty of Halloween action for kids, to underrated charming Cotswolds towns, we’ve selected breaks that are even better in autumn.

Here’s our pick of affordable autumn UK holidays starting from less than a tenner per person.

Heacham, Norfolk

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

North-west Norfolk might just be my favourite place to visit in autumn.

The royal estate of Sandringham is home to a 600-acre country park, where you’ll stroll down paths shaded by emerald evergreen trees and fiery red cypresses.

The blue and yellow walking trails are marked by giant sculptures of woodland animals. Make sure to also stop by the giant wooden playground with the kids, all for free.

In nearby Snettisham you can hand-feed deer on a Deer Safari at Snettisham Park (£13.50 per adult, £11.50 per kid) or settle down for a local pint by the fire in 14th century pub The Rose and Crown.

In the village of Heacham you’ll find Church Farm, where you can pick your own pumpkins to take back and carve (or simply pose for some family photos with their amazing hay bale displays). Drive a bit further to Brookhill Farm in Thursford and you’ll find a giant pumpkin house.

Base yourself at Parkdean Resorts Heacham Beach for a Halloween-themed October break with loads to do for kids, including rain-proof activities like indoor fancy dress contests, slime-making and a huge ‘Monster Ball’ party.

Plus here you’re only 15 minutes’ drive from Sandringham and Snettisham, and a short walk from Norfolk’s typical golden sands for a breezy beach walk.

You can book a three night weekend break from October 15 in a Bronze caravan sleeping six for £139 total. That works out to £7.72pp per night – plus the Halloween activities will already be up and running.

Witney, Oxfordshire

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

A hot chocolate, comfy walking boots and a stroll through the countryside to the pub is my idea of heaven in autumn.

And where is more beautiful that the Cotswolds? But skip the busier towns and head to Witney, often overlooked in favour of the nearby Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water.

The best coffees are found at Coffeesmiths, while a slice of cake from Hunter’s Cake Cafe is a must.

While it has a crazy amount of pubs (the Hollybush is my favourite), there is one that is worth the walk.

Then follow the river for an easy 2hr30 walk through the fields, ending at The Rose Revived Pub where you can warm up with a fantastic roast dinner.

Then hop in a taxi back to Witney and stay at The Blue Boar, a converted 16th century former coaching inn which recently underwent a huge makeover with rooms from around £64.

Salisbury, Wiltshire

Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Autumn is, in my opinion, the most magical season for glamping. Nature is at its finest: woodlands are carpeted in crunchy golden leaves and there’s a brisk chill in the air that makes golden hour feel even more cherishable.

And there’s no better place to take advantage of all this than Liba Vineyard in Salisbury, home to just three cosy wooden cabins, sleeping up to four.

Buried in rugged countryside on a working vineyard, each bolthole comes with floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular views of the scenery, while bedrooms come with sky lights for night time observing.

You’ll actually feel grateful for the brisk weather here as that means you can take advantage of the wood-fired hot tubs and roaring outdoor fire pits (don’t forget to pick up some marshmallows for toasting)

While you can’t yet drink the wine from the vines grown outside your door, it’s still the perfect spot for hunkering down with a glass of red and a board game.

Cabins cost from £34.75pp (or £139 in total) per night.

North York Moors

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

The North York Moors National Park is best explored in the autumn, with waterfall walking trails, miles of heather moorland and quaint coastal towns that are far quieter than in the summer.

The Falling Foss walk takes you on a peaceful loop through ancient forests to reach a 30-foot waterfall, while the Mallyan Spout in Goathland is a more challenging route, but this waterfall is the tallest (70 feet).

Whitby is also a must-visit, with the spooky Whitby Abbey ruins to explore as well as plenty of Dracula history. Dip into the UK’s best fish and chip shop Trenchers for an award-winning lunch.

One of the best ways to take in the views is aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which covers 24 miles of scenery, stopping at pretty villages such as Goathland and Pickering and ending in Whitby. Day Rover tickets start from £42.70pp with one child going free per adult.

There’s even a theatrical ghost train with a complimentary local G&T on select dates for Halloween (£40pp).

Book a cosy three-night cottage stay in Whitby for £17.94pp per night with this deal from cottages.com.

Peak District

Head of Travel, Lisa Minot

Discover the dark side to the Peak District’s stunning countryside on a new guided walk launching this autumn that brings stories of plague, murder and highwaymen to life.

Dark Tales of the Peaks is a new experience that brings to life the tragic history of the village of Eyam – where the entire village isolated itself during a devastating plague in 1665.

Hear tales of the doomed lovers separated by the outbreak and learn about notorious highwayman Black Harry at Carlswark Cavern.

You’ll also follow ancient roads to Stoney Middleton and discover its historic Roman Bath House before enjoying a hearty meal inspired by food of the period at The Cupola Kitchen including pottage with flatbreads and Bakewell pudding.

The four-hour experience is from £85pp.

And for a stunning stay nearby, Glenhurst in Holmesfield, Derbyshire is a five-bedroom modern country home sleeping up to ten.

The star of the show is the stunning view over the huge garden – and open countryside beyond – from the terrace that sits just outside the vast open-plan kitchen, living room and dining room.

Three nights’ self-catering this autumn is from £115pp, based on ten sharing.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

Not many cities in the UK are prettier than Edinburgh in autumn and for families, it is full of exciting spots to explore.

Wannabe wizards should visit Greyfriars Kirkyard – while yes, it is a graveyard, you’ll find headstones with lots of the most famous characters’ names including Potter, McGonagall and even Tom Riddell.

Much-loved Victoria Street has Harry Potter-themed shops too, as well as colourful architecture.

For history buffs, Edinburgh Castle is definitely worth exploring and if you want a bit of exercise, head up Arthur’s Seat and take in the spectacular view.

For a gentler walk, gander long the river to Dean Village – a neighbourhood full of stone house that look as if they have been ripped from the pages of a fairytale.

It’s also worth getting lost in the National Museum of Scotland for an entire day, exploring thousands of objects across several grand galleries – for free.

Meninger Hotel Haymarket has funky family rooms with a double bed and a bunk bed, ensuite bathroom and free WiFi from £125 per night.

Anglesey, Wales

Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

For crowd-free breaks filled with nature-watching and windy beach walks, I don’t think you can do better than Wales.

This year Anglesey has been named ‘unfashionable’ but ‘lovely’ by The Telegraph for the summer holidays, however I happen to think it’s pretty perfect for autumn.

My favourite beach on Anglesey is Traeth Lligwy which I discovered on a hike around the coast which is glorious in the summertime.

If you visit on the weekend, pop into the Lligwy Beach Cafe to pick up a hot chocolate to keep warm on the beach stroll and tuck into a pasty.

If you fancy a quaint village-stay, I’d suggest staying in Moelfre which is a short 20-minute drive to Beaumaris.

Don’t expect lots of entertainment or activities, but there’s a pub to to hunker down in called the Kinmel Arms, and my favourite spot is the cute little coffee shop called Ann’s Pantry.

I loved the cottage we stayed in called Bryn Awel and it sleeps up to six people.

With seven nights costing £567 (or £13.50ppn each), it’s snug with a cosy woodburner to fire up during the chillier months and views across the beach.

Being in Wales, take a rain mac and an umbrella to have on standby, because you never know when the weather will turn.

London city break

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

I love a trip to London in autumn, as the summer crowds have gone, but it is still warm enough that you don’t need a huge coat when walking around, that becomes a pain to carry each time you step inside.

And there are so many ways to do it on a budget.

After all, it is one of the world’s best museum capitals when it comes to them being free, meaning you could visit the British Museum, the V&A and the Natural History Museum without paying a penny.

And while there are loads of good restaurant deals, my hack to trying all those viral bakeries is getting a Too Good To Go bag which, if you’re quick, means you can try some of the capital’s top snacks while spending a fraction of the price.

When it comes to how to stay cheaply, I have stayed in my fair share of absolute bargain hotels. 

The ultimate budget stay is Zedwell Tottenham Court Road, where the underground rooms start from £71 (so around £35 each). But if you fancy a window, you can’t go wrong with a stay at The Drey, which has rooms under £100.

CSA T20 Challenge, Bloemfontein

Titans 267-3 (20 overs): Pretorius 188* (79); Boast 1-46

Knights 143 (17.2 overs): Cloete 39 (25); Ferreira 3-16

Titans won by 124 runs

Scorecard

Lhuan-dre Pretorius has broken Chris Gayle’s record for the highest score in a men’s T20 match with an unbeaten 188 in a domestic fixture in South Africa.

The 20-year-old South African’s knock off 79 deliveries, including 13 sixes and 15 fours, helped Titans post 267-3 against Knights in the CSA T20 Challenge.

It eclipsed the 175 made by Gayle for Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Bengaluru) against Pune Warriors in the 2013 Indian Premier League.

Pretorius, who has played 17 T20s, three one-dayers and two Tests for South Africa, finished with a strike rate of 237.97.

He made his half-century off 24 balls but only required 16 more balls to get to three figures and then got to 150 off just 58 deliveries.

Titans then bowled out Knights for 143 to wrap up an emphatic 124-run victory at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.

A woman who appeared on ITV’s Long Lost Family shared the heartbreak she recently endured following her sister’s death

Long Lost Family took an emotional turn as two adopted sisters met after spending decades apart.

The moving ITV show, presented by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell, returns to screens tonight with another tearjerking episode. In the show, Nicky meets Naomi, who is longing to find her biological twin sisters and mother.

Naomi has spent much of her life wondering about the family she never knew. Now living in Gloucestershire with her husband of 30 years, she is finally retracing the events surrounding her adoption and searching for answers about her birth family.

Adopted as a baby, Naomi grew up in a loving home with her adoptive parents in Plymouth. She always knew she had been adopted, but as she got older, questions about her biological family became increasingly difficult to ignore

When Naomi was a teenager, her parents showed her a letter they had kept since her adoption. What she discovered inside came as a major shock.

The letter revealed that Naomi’s birth mother had been just 19 when she gave birth. It also contained a revelation Naomi had never expected: her birth mother had given birth to twin girls, who had subsequently been adopted by other families.

Naomi recalled: “I was obviously very surprised when I found out that I had sisters. It was shocking.”

Both of Naomi’s adoptive parents died while she was in her 20s. In the years that followed, her desire to uncover more about her origins and find her birth family only grew stronger.

With Naomi’s birth mother now identified, the search turns to the two sisters she never knew she had. The team manages to uncover their names, Gail and Elaine, but the discovery brings both hope and heartbreak. They learn that Gail has sadly died, leaving Elaine as the only surviving twin.

Elaine tells presenter Nicky that she and Gail grew up together in a happy, loving home with their adoptive parents. Despite being separated from their birth mother as babies, the sisters shared a close childhood and had a positive upbringing.

But in the 1990s, Gail was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The illness gradually progressed over the following years, profoundly affecting her life before she sadly died in 2020.

Elaine also revealed that she recently lost her mum and her adoptive mother. Given her circumstances, she was elated to meet her sister.

Sobbing, Elaine said, “The fact that she’s gone to so much effort to find us, she must really want to meet us.”

When the sisters finally met, the pair couldn’t let each other go. Elaine said, “I’m so glad you found me. You’ve looked for so long, long, and I didn’t even know you existed.”

Naomi later said, “She was as warm and welcoming as her photo looked. Um, all I could have hoped for.”

Long Lost Family continues on Thursday 1st October at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.

FORGET the faff of going abroad – you can bag yourself an action-packed all inclusive holiday here in the UK.

Across the UK are 45 Parkdean Resorts sites that offer an all inclusive package, bundling in three sit-down hot meals a day, unlimited soft and hot drinks and more.

The offer is available across some of Parkdean’s most popular sites, such as Camber Sands, Highfield Grange (which has recently had a multi-million pound investment) and Trecco Bay, one of Europe’s largest holiday parks.

And with food and drink taken care of, there’s no need to do a big food shop for the caravan, or worry about how much you’ll spend on food and drink on-site.

Instead, you can sit down in a warm restaurant to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner delivered straight to your table – no fuss, no washing up.

For breakfast, kids and grown-ups alike can enjoy a proper cooked breakfast with eggs, toast, bacon, sausage and beans.

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As for lunch and dinner, adult mains include classics like spaghetti bolognese, fish and chips, chicken tikka masala and a bacon and cheese burger.

The kids menu also offers crowd-pleasers like chicken burgers, margherita pizzas and macaroni cheese. Plus you can wash it all down with some soft drinks, which are included too.

Alcohol isn’t included in the all-inclusive packages, but the all inclusive breaks do include unlimited Costa Coffee, so you can grab yourself a warming cappuccino or a cosy hot chocolate on your autumn or winter family break.

All inclusive add-ons start from £80 per adult and £30 per child under 12 which, for a four night break, works out to £20 a night for adults and £7.50 for kids.

When you’re not enjoying all the free food and drink, there’s plenty of activities for the family to get stuck into.

The Newquay holiday park has a high ropes course, hoverboards, and even a Bear Grylls Survival Academy where kids can learn to survive in the wild.

Over at Naze Marine holiday park, kids can bounce around on bungee trampolines or practice their aim at archery.

The holiday parks are also well-known for their amazing entertainment, with a huge variety of evening shows.

The Holiday Happy Gameshow is a hilarious showdown packed with challenges and prizes, while Talent Nation is an incredible talent show with a showstopper final at the end of the year judged by celebrities.

As for kids shows, Milkshake! Mornings are a hit with little ones for their singing, dancing and storytelling, while the Get Up & Glow has a classic ‘school disco’ type feel plus glow in the dark decorations.

The all inclusive offering is valid for four night breaks with Monday arrivals, excluding the school holidays.

However 14 of the parks are offering three-night weekend options, too. Click here to browse which ones.

There are plenty of deals on for family breaks across the resorts, with a current offer where you can save up to £120 off autumn breaks.

There are last-minute, midweek and dog-friendly break options all from £99.

You can bag a four-night stay in a Bronze caravan at Crantock Beach, Lizard Point, Holywell Bay and Sea Acres all from £99.

If you fill up a caravan sleeping six, that works out to £4.13pp per night!

And if you add on the all inclusive package, that works out to £24.13 per night for adults and £11.63 per night for kids for an all-inclusive UK holiday.

There are plenty of other holiday deals for families too, such as the Tots Break packages.

You can bag a four night Tots Break across a range of parks for £99, working out to £6.19pp per night if you’re a family of four.

And on a Tots Break, kids eat completely free as part of the package, saving you up to £70 extra.

Under-fives are completely spoiled for choice on these breaks with free soft play, messy play, and lively music sessions.

They can also tackle the Tots Adventure Playground, or test out new skills together with mini fencing, archery, and even ‘Mini Olympics‘.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

EMILY Atack broke down in tears at the altar as Laura Whitmore shared unseen pics from her boozy Spanish wedding. 

The TV star said ‘I do’ again in the hilltop town of Mojácar, just three weeks after she tied the knot at a local church in Bedfordshire.

And she had tonnes of celebs in attendance, including TV presenter Laura Whitmore and her husband Iain Stirling. 

Taking to social media, Laura has now shared a string of stunning snaps from the special day, including Emily welling up at the altar as she married her hubby, Alistair Garner.

Laura captioned her post: “Emily got married!” and they posed together for a fun shot with sunglasses in hand. 

The TV stars were also joined by Katherine Ryan for one of the photos, and Iain looked to be having the time of his life at the boozy event, as he clutched hold of two espresso martinis. 

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In another playful snap, Emily could be seen doing a peace sign as she walked through the picturesque streets in her wedding dress. 

Other snaps shared by mum-of-two Laura included her enjoying family time with her youngest child, as well as photos from behind-the-scenes of Emily’s wedding during morning glam, and at a peek at the beautiful blooms adorning the wedding. 

Following the ceremony, the party then made the short walk to Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square) where dinner was served under the giant umbrella-shaped canopy of a century old Weeping Fig tree.

The party was held in the Costa Almería, a sentimental spot where the actress spent childhood holidays at her musician dad Keith’s old summer pad.

Emily and her scientist hubby Alistair were joined by celebrity pals including David Tennant and Stanley Tucci.

Old friend Leigh Francis AKA Keith Lemon was also spotted in the crowd, along with comedian Katherine Ryan, who was seen enjoying some pre-ceremony oysters with her husband Bobby Kootstra.

The star-studded guest list also hosted Emily’s Rivals co-stars Alex Hassell, Victoria Smurfit and Rufus Jones, who plays her on-screen husband in the show.

Emily was walked down the aisle by her pop star father, Keith Atack and celebrated with her actress-comedian mother, Kate Robbins, as well as siblings Martha, George and other family members.

They originally wed at a romantic church service before a party in the garden of their mansion.

Guests were treated to a McDonald’s from a personalised van parked outside.

She wrote on Instagram after the first wedding: “Yesterday we officially got married among close family and friends. It was absolutely perfect.

“I can’t believe we get to do all that again in a few weeks time. Christ, we have fun don’t we.”

The loved-up couple welcomed baby Barney in June 2024 and got engaged in July 2025.

The Inbetweeners star said earlier this year that her second wedding would be a “fat, f***-off party”.

Josh Widdicombe took part in his first live show of Strictly Come Dancing last weekend, but the new hosts have since faced a wave of backlash. The presenting shake up seemed to leave viewers torn

A new host of Strictly Come Dancing is said to have “broken their silence” after fans of the show claimed the new format “doesn’t work”. Josh Widdicombe, 43, presented his first live show alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe on Saturday night, however viewers have been left torn about the show’s new set up.

Now it appears Josh has broken his silence following the backlash as he posted on his Instagram stories on Monday (September 28) following a lot of conversation about the future of Strictly Come Dancing. It seems his fellow cast members are supporting him, as he shared what could be deemed a very telling post.

It comes after the new hosts previously made a candid confession. Earlier this month, they admitted a “stressful” change had been announced.

More recently, Josh re-shared a post that was initially published by professional dancer Lauren Oakley. It said: “We couldn’t be in safer hands than with these beautiful people.

“Strictly is about family, uplifting others, and creating a safe space for celebrity contestants to be vulnerable and do something so outside of their comfort zone.

“This trio have been so warm and welcoming, and they felt like family from the minute they stepped into the studio, and we love having them with us.

“Professional, funny, kind and fantastic at what they do. I couldn’t feel more lucky to be sharing the screen and our Saturday nights with them.”

The heartfelt post was shared with a picture of Emma, Josh and Johannes and Josh re-posted it alongside three red hearts, clearly thankful for the support. It was a very touching moment.

It comes after Strictly fans were left concerned over the new hosting format, with some claiming it “doesn’t work”. The new hosts took over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, with bosses hoping they’d prove to be a power trio.

However, while fans have seemed impressed with Emma, some remain unsure about her co-hosts. The shake up has left viewers pretty divided.

One said: “Okay, I don’t want to be a hater, but three hosts is just not working. Not at all. “

Another added: “I normally enjoy Strictly, but not this year. The presenters just don’t gel.”

Meanwhile, there are some who think the format just needs to be tweaked a little. A different social media user wrote: “Josh Widdicombe could have easily taken over the Claudia Winkleman role.”

Someone else also replied: “Emma is brilliant. Josh should be upstairs.”

One more also chimed in with: “But surely it’s about the dancing? That’s great, give these presenters a chance for heaven’s sake.”

WITH ancient ruins like the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus, Athens has long been considered one of the oldest cities in the world – but it’s about to get much more modern.

A new billion-pound seafront regeneration project with a towering skyscraper and luxury shopping has resulted in the city being dubbed the ‘new Dubai‘.

Major changes are happening in Athens especially on the riviera where an enormous development is underway.

A regeneration project called The Ellinikon an estimated €8billion (£6billion) is set to completely transform the area to become its first ‘smart city’.

At its core is an enormous skyscraper called Riviera Tower – once transformed it will be the tallest building in Greece at over 650 feet high.

Inside will be around 170 luxury apartments including penthouses and each one will have panoramic views over the coastline.

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It will also have private infinity pools, spa and gym as well as shared wellness spaces and greenery and plant filled terraces around the building.

The skyscraper was formerly part of Ellinikon International Airport which served the city until 2001.

The Ellinikon will also have new additions including ‘Little Athens’, a new neighbourhood right next to the beach with apartments as well as small shops and cafés.

The Riviera Galleria will be a new complex for luxury shopping with 80 new shops covering 10,000 square metres.

At the galleria will also be upscale restaurants, artisan ice-cream parlours, beauty salons and organic markets.

The upscale and luxury aspect mirrors what visitors expect when heading to the seafront neighbourhoods of Dubai.

In order to entice expats into Greece, the country is also offering tax breaks – much like Dubai which is a playground for the wealthy.

Since its debt crisis in around 2009, Greece has made a ‘remarkable economic recovery’, according to the IMF.

Part of this is thanks to tax breaks aimed at families, young workers and expats.

Under new rules this year, investment professionals who relocate to Greece can pay five per cent on “carried interest” – this is a fraction of the rate in the UK. 

Talking to The Times, Henley & Partners, which organises residence and citizenship planning for the rich says interest in moving to Greece has surged.

It’s now the second-most popular destination after St Kitts & Nevis for relocation.

Mario Rafael, a managing director at the firm. said: “Greece is increasingly competing for the attention of the same internationally mobile families considering places such as Milan and Dubai.” 

If it does turn into a Dubai-alternative, for Brits it’ll be much easier to get to as the flight is around four hours less.

While it might not be the winter hotspot like the city in the UAE, Athens still has scorching summers too.

Forget about its comparison to Martha’s Vineyard. “Widow’s Bay” can now call itself the next Emmy-winning comedy series.

At Monday’s Emmys ceremony, the first-year series beat out former winners “The Bear” and “Hacks”; returning nominees “Abbott Elementary,” “Nobody Wants This,” “Only Murders in the Building” and “Shrinking”; and fellow newcomer “Margo’s Got Money Troubles.”

The show took home a record-breaking 14 Emmys, the most ever for a comedy series. The wins include lead and supporting actor, supporting actress, directing and writing. The total overcame the milestone set by “The Studio” with its 13 wins last year.

Apple TV’s horror-comedy series about a fictional cursed island off the coast of New England and its mayor, played by Matthew Rhys, who is trying to save it from economic depression, became a word-of-mouth hit that’s inspired memes and fan cosplay. Creator and showrunner Katie Dippold began writing the series more than 10 years ago, inspired by her trips as a youth to the Jersey Shore and quaint New England seaside towns.

“This was such a great collaboration of the best wonderful weirdos and artists,” Dippold said while accepting the award. “We’d also like to thank the evil entity on the island that trusted us with its story.”

“That is exciting and terrifying,” she added backstage. “One thing I meant to thank in the speech, there’s so many people that spread the word early on, all the people online talking about it with reviews, people tweeting about it … we’re so grateful for that.”

“They were predominately our parents,” Rhys joked.

“And some burner accounts,” Dippold added.

The series was a late entry into the Emmy race, premiering at the end of April. Hiro Murai, who directed five of the series’ 10 episodes and is an executive producer, told The Times he thought of it as a “spooky summer show.” Murai won for directing for a comedy.

“The show takes place during the summer, and so much of what makes it scary is that it doesn’t look like it should be scary. It’s all sunlight,” he said. “The atmosphere is very summery.”

The series stars Rhys as overcompensating mayor Tom Loftis, with a supporting cast that includes veteran actors Stephen Root, Dale Dickey and Kate O’Flynn.

“Widow’s Bay” earned 19 nominations, including lead actor for Rhys and acting nominations for Root and O’Flynn. All three won in their categories.

Rhys, who also won for lead actor in a limited or anthology series for “The Beast in Me,” told The Times he hopes the hit series demonstrates to studios that it’s worth taking a risk and challenging its audience.

“Everyone’s more than ready for it and thirsty for it in a real way,” he said. “I really hope this does something in the Hollywood psyche, where they go, ‘Let’s put away the remakes and let’s just get after new challenging, original material.’ ”

The win gives Apple TV its second consecutive comedy series victory after “The Studio” won last year, and its fourth (“Ted Lasso” in 2021 and 2022) in the category in the last six years.

Ri Song-gum wins North Korea’s first gold at the games while Chanu finally clinches elusive Asian Games medal in Japan.

North Korean weightlifter Ri Song Gum has broken three world records en route to winning gold in the women’s 49kg (108lbs) competition, which saw India’s Mirabai Chanu win an elusive Asian Games medal by finishing second.

Ri gave North Korea its first gold of the games in Nagoya, Japan, on Wednesday, joining an elite club of four weightlifters who have won three Asian Games gold medals.

The 28-year-old hauled 94kg above her head in the opening snatch discipline – the first official segment of the competition where athletes lift a barbell from the floor to an overhead position in a single motion. The lift was 1kg heavier than the previous world record of 93kg.

Ri followed it up by breaking the world record twice in the 115kg clean and jerk – a two-part movement where a barbell is lifted from the floor to the shoulders and then pushed overhead. The 4ft-7in (139.7cm) weightlifter hoisted 116kg and 121kg above her head.

Ri’s total lift of 215kg obliterated the old world record total by 7kg.

She is the fourth lifter, and first woman, to win three Asian Games weightlifting golds and joined Iran’s Mohammad Nassiri (1966-74), South Korea’s Kim Tae-hyun (1990-98) and Iran’s Behdad Salimi (2010-18), who all won three gold medals. No athlete has won four weightlifting gold medals.

In the same category, India’s Chanu finally won an Asian Games medal at the third time of asking. She won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

The 32-year-old is India’s most decorated weightlifter, with three Commonwealth gold medals and a silver to her name, along with multiple global titles.

She lifted a total of 198kg after a snatch of 87kg and a clean and jerk of 111kg, while Indonesia’s Diana Tri Wijayana took bronze with a total of 191kg, comprising 88kg and 103kg.

Chanu’s silver also ended India’s 28-year wait for a weightlifting medal at the games since Karnam Malleswari won silver in 1998.

October half-term has had a nasty habit in recent years of making holiday prices go even more silly than usual.

With summer getting more and more expensive, you end up competing with thousands of other families for the same handful of dates, the same flights and the same hotels that properly cater for families and children.

So I went digging through our booking data to see where families were still getting decent value for the October school holidays.

And, as a dad of two young kids myself, I asked myself one more question: would I actually book it?

For me, a cheap family holiday isn’t much of a bargain if the flight times are horrendous, the hotel has nothing for the kids or you’ve got to spend half the holiday buying meals and snacks on top.

Every deal I found falls inside the school holidays, is all-inclusive for a family of four, still has availability for October half-term and comes with direct flights.

9. Melia Durres Albania, Albania – from £510pp

I’ll start with the most expensive hotel on the list, but probably one of the best examples of why I wouldn’t judge these deals purely on the number at the bottom.

Melia Durres is a proper five-star resort, and it feels much more expensive than the price I’ve found.

You’re getting that big, contemporary resort feel, a huge pool running through the heart of the hotel and a beachfront location rather than a basic base for exploring.

Albania is also one of the destinations I’d be watching closely for family holidays.

It doesn’t yet have the familiarity of Spain, Greece or Turkey for British families, and that can create some really interesting value when the obvious half-term destinations become expensive.

At £510pp all-inclusive during the school holidays, I think this is the one for parents who were already expecting to spend a little more but want something that genuinely feels like an upgrade.

The direct Stansted flights also work nicely: out on Sunday 25 October and back on Friday 30 October, so you’re getting the break firmly inside half-term without eating into school days.

Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Melia Durres Albania from 25 October, with direct return flights from London Stansted, for £510pp.

8. Duja Didim, Turkey – from £420pp

Turkey has become one of my go-to recommendations when families ask me how to make their budget work harder – and this is exactly why.

Duja Didim is a five-star ultra-all-inclusive resort with eight swimming pools, separate areas for children, a kids’ club for four to 12-year-olds and its own 250-metre private beach.

And even in October half-term, you can bag all of that for just £420pp.

This is the sort of hotel where, once you’ve checked in, you don’t really need a plan: pool, food, kids’ club, beach, another pool, repeat.

And that matters to me with young kids, because there’s a huge difference between a hotel that accepts families and one that’s been designed around keeping them occupied.

Didim also gives you another advantage at this time of year: you’re heading considerably further south than many of the other options on this list, which is worth bearing in mind when you’re chasing the last bit of proper heat before winter.

Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Duja Didim from 25 October, with direct return flights from London Stansted, for £420pp.

7. Marrakech Ryads Parc & Spa, Morocco – from £410pp

I love a wildcard holiday, and for this list, this is it.

When people think October half-term, I suspect plenty immediately start searching the Canaries, Spain, Portugal… but I wouldn’t ignore Marrakech.

For one thing, you’re buying yourself a much better chance of proper warmth without going long-haul.

And this hotel, Marrakech Ryads Parc, works particularly well if you like the idea of Morocco but aren’t quite ready to drag the kids around the medina from breakfast until bedtime.

It’s a resort-style property away from the busiest part of the city, with a big outdoor pool, kids’ club, daily activities, sports and all-inclusive food and drink.

So you can have the easy family resort holiday and still have Marrakech sitting there when you fancy actually going out and seeing something.

The other thing I like is the flight: direct from Manchester, with an 18:40 return flight, meaning you get a full extra day exploring Marrakech – a perfect pick for families with older kids.

At £410pp, I think this is a very strong half-term alternative to falling into the same trap of booking Spain again.

Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Marrakech Ryads Parc & Spa from 27 October, with direct return flights from Manchester, for £410pp.

6. Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort, Portugal – from £410pp

This one’s the same price as Morocco, but for a very different holiday.

Tivoli Alvor is the hotel I’d show someone who says: “Yes, we need somewhere brilliant for the children, but I’d quite like it to feel like a holiday for me as well.”

This is a five-star all-inclusive resort with six swimming pools, four restaurants, two bars, a junior club, wellness centre and a shuttle into Alvor.

Some brilliant family hotels are essentially enormous children’s entertainment centres with bedrooms attached, but Tivoli feels far more suited to adults too, without sacrificing the things that make a family holiday easy.

Alvor itself is another reason I’d choose it, because you’re not trapped in an isolated resort: you’ve got a lovely Algarve town nearby if you fancy getting out for a wander.

And at £410pp for a family of four for a five-star all-inclusive school-holiday break, I think the hotel quality you’re getting for the money is excellent.

Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort from 24 October, with direct return flights from London Stansted, for £410pp.

5. Canvas by Mitsis Messonghi, Corfu – from £368pp

This is probably my personal favourite pick on the list.

Beach, pools, slides, an all-inclusive wristband… very little thinking required.

Canvas by Mitsis Messonghi has four outdoor pools, three children’s pools, a mini aquapark with waterslides and a kids’ club for four to 12-year-olds, alongside its beachfront setting.

That’s exactly the kind of combination I look for when I’m comparing family hotels because it gives you options.

If the children are bored of the main pool, there’s the aquapark.

And if they’re bored of you, there’s the kids’ club.

Or if everybody’s had enough of chlorine, you’ve got the beach.

And £368pp is where this list starts getting particularly tempting.

In the deal I found, you’re flying direct from Gatwick on Tuesday 27 October and returning Sunday 1 November, staying at a four-star Greek all-inclusive hotel – all for under £400pp.

Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Canvas by Mitsis Messonghi from 27 October, with direct return flights from London Gatwick, for £368pp.

4. Puente Real, Torremolinos – from £330pp

This is one I’d call the safe pair of hands.

Torremolinos isn’t going to win any prizes for being an undiscovered holiday destination.

But sometimes, particularly when you’re travelling with kids, being a known quantity is a selling point.

Puente Real sits right by the beach and has the stuff families actually use: pools, children’s entertainment and a kids’ club for ages four to 12.

Its all-inclusive package also includes meals, local drinks and snacks between restaurant sittings.

And because you’re in Torremolinos rather than a purpose-built resort in the middle of nowhere, you’ve got plenty around you when you fancy getting out.

The price is the headline for me, though: £330pp in October half-term, all inclusive, with direct Bristol flights.

Once you start looking at what families can easily spend on a UK break during the same week – before you’ve bought three meals a day – this deal starts to look very, very sensible.

Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Puente Real from 27 October, with direct return flights from Bristol, for £330pp.

3. O7 Be Klub, Alcudia, Majorca – from £283pp

This is our first hotel to come under the £300pp mark, so it’s officially time to start taking notes.

You might recognise this hotel by its old name, Bellevue Club, but it’s now O7 Be Klub – and the sheer scale of this place is a big part of the appeal for families.

The resort covers around 250,000 square metres and has 11 swimming pools, including pools specifically designed for babies, plus two children’s waterpark areas with slides, fountains and playgrounds.

That’s worth knowing because a three-star rating can sometimes make people scroll straight past a hotel, but I wouldn’t here.

If your priority is having loads for the kids to do rather than marble reception desks and fancy toiletries, this is exactly the sort of place where the star rating tells you less than the facilities list.

You’re also based in Alcudia at this hotel, which remains one of my favourite easy recommendations for families in Majorca because of the huge sandy beach and very family-orientated resort.

For £283pp all-inclusive in the school holidays, this is seriously cheap.

Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at O7 Be Klub from 27 October, with direct return flights from Birmingham, for £283pp.

2. Magic Sports, Oropesa del Mar – from £268pp

This is the hotel I’d expect kids to pick themselves.

Magic Sports is Spain’s first sports-themed hotel, with rooms themed around sports including football, basketball, tennis and motorsport, plus a sports-themed waterpark with some properly substantial slides.

And Oropesa del Mar is an interesting resort to pick too.

It doesn’t have the same instant name recognition as Benidorm, Salou or Alcudia, which is probably part of why bargains can still appear here.

But for families, there’s a huge resort and a long beachfront – without you paying purely for the destination name.

I’ve previously flagged Magic Sports as one of those under-the-radar Spanish family hotels worth knowing about, and this price only reinforces it.

Because I found a deal for a family of four, all inclusive during October half term, for just £268pp.

That’s flights and hotel for less than plenty of families could spend on accommodation alone for a UK staycation during a school holiday week.

Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Magic Sports from 27 October, with direct return flights from London Gatwick, for £268pp.

1. Ohtels La Hacienda, La Pineda – from £263pp

I’ve been banging the La Pineda drum for a while now, and this hotel shows exactly why.

Ohtels La Hacienda is a four-star hotel in La Pineda, just 250 metres from the beach, with its own children’s waterpark, outdoor pools, spa, football and padel facilities.

And there’s another reason I really like the location for families: PortAventura World is less than three miles away.

So if you’ve got older children who need more than five straight days around the pool, you’ve got one of Europe’s biggest theme park resorts practically on your doorstep.

You don’t need to do it, obviously – the hotel has enough going on that this still works perfectly well as a straightforward all-inclusive break – but having the option is a massive plus.

A family of four can get away for £1,050 in total (£263pp), with direct Gatwick flights, during the school holidays.

That is the sort of half-term price I’d personally stop scrolling for.

Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Ohtels La Hacienda from 27 October, with direct return flights from London Gatwick, for £263pp.

India defeat Bangladesh by 114 runs to book women’s cricket final against Sri Lanka, who beat Pakistan by eight wickets.

Smriti Mandhana has become the highest run-scorer in women’s T20 international cricket, guiding India to a crushing win over Bangladesh in an Asian Games semifinal in Japan.

The recently crowned Asian champions defeated Bangladesh by 114 runs on Sunday as Mandhana’s fellow opener Shafali Verma hit her maiden T20 hundred at the Korogi Athletic Park ground in Nagoya.

Mandhana scored 37 off 19 balls with five fours and two sixes in her side’s 195-4 in 20 overs and, in the process, went past New Zealand all-rounder Suzie Bates’s 4,758 runs at the top of the all-time list to stand on 4,788 runs from 171 innings.

Earlier this month, Mandhana reached the top of overall run-scoring charts in women’s international cricket after smashing a record-breaking 124 off 64 balls in the Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai.

Mandhana overtook former India captain Mithali Raj, who had been the top international scorer with 10,868 international runs, during her match-winning innings against Hong Kong on Thursday.

Verma was the star on the day for India in the Asian Games semifinal, scoring 100 not out off 49 balls with three fours and nine sixes. She reached her hundred off the final ball of the 20-over innings and was clearly emotional as she took off her helmet and raised her bat in celebration towards her applauding teammates on the boundary.

India then restricted Bangladesh to 81 in 15.4 overs.

The 50-over world champions will meet Sri Lanka on Tuesday in the gold medal match, which will be a replay of the Asia Cup final from last Sunday, when India won a record-extending eighth title.

Sri Lanka advanced to the final after their captain Chamari Athapaththu led them to an easy eight-wicket win over Pakistan with more than two overs to spare.

The island nation hunted down the 178-run target with 13 balls to spare as Athapaththu led the scoring with 83 not out.

Earlier, Pakistan were asked to bat first and, with half-centuries from Ayesha Zafar and Shawaal Zulfiqar, they posted a total of 177-4 in 20 overs.

Zafar, who hit the joint third-fastest fifty for Pakistan in WT20Is off 27 balls, shared a record stand of 115 with Zulfiqar, which is the second-highest in the format for Pakistan and the highest for the third wicket.

Pakistan were able to score 27 runs off the last three overs as their all-rounder captain Fatima Sana hit two fours and one six in her 12-ball 20.

In reply, Sana broke Sri Lanka’s 36-run opening stand in the fifth over, bowling out Imesha Dulani for 27. Athapaththu, who hit seven fours and six sixes in her 50-ball knock, joined forces with Hasini Perera (42) to form a match-winning 95-run partnership off 56 balls.

Nashra Sundhu provided Pakistan the breakthrough in the 14th over, with Sri Lanka requiring another 47 runs off the last six overs, but Athapaththu’s quickfire stand of 47 off 23 balls with Harshitha Samrawickrama (17 not out) took their team over the line with 13 balls to spare.

Pakistan will play Bangladesh for the bronze medal, also on Tuesday.

ED Sheeran has broken down in tears onstage as he bowed to pressure and apologised over a Palestine row.

The singer broke his silence onstage last night after Macklemore was pulled from his tour and his own band quit in protest.

Protesters mounted a demo outside his Philadelphia gig at the Lincoln Financial Field.

Sheeran said he had questioned whether he “wanted to be an artist at all” after the huge row.

The singer-songwriter said onstage last night: “I’ve had to take, and make, difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes and I’m so, so sorry for them.

“I don’t want to disappoint fans, and I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet.”

ED TELL ALL

Ed Sheeran plots TV chat to have his say after backlash from axing Macklemore

JEREMY CLARKSON

Poor Ed Sheeran got cancelled for saying nothing. Is Cliff Richard next?

He said he had tried not to be a “political commentator” because he wanted his music to be about “unity”.

But after days of increased pressure threatening the future of his US tour Loop, the singer admitted onstage: “I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore.”

“What happened in Israel and at the Nova music festival on October 7 was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain.

“What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate.

“My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians’ lives, children’s lives.

“And the systemic injustice we are seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked.”

The controversy started when US rapper Macklemore was banned by Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft from performing at the venue at a gig planned for later this month.

Kraft said he would not “provide a platform for hate speech” after the rapper spoke out about Palestine onstage.

But when Macklemore was pulled from the tour, several other support acts quit in solidarity – including Sheeran’s own band.

Other acts who dropped out included Grammy award-winning musician Finneas, Irish singer Aaron Rowe and Danish singer Lukas Graham.

Thousands then cancelled tickets and the musician was unsure if he’d be able to carry on with performances at all.

Emotional Sheeran last night thanked fans for still coming out to his gig, saying: “This concert is still a place where everyone is welcome and everyone here can stand beside people that have opposing views, and everyone can stand beside people that they don’t agree with on everything, but they can all agree on singing these songs.”

He ended the gig by saying: “The world is a scary place right now. America is a scary place right now. This gives hope.”

After losing his warm-up acts, Sheeran’s concert start time was pushed back from 5.30pm local time to 8pm.

The tour began in Auckland, New Zealand, in January and is set to finish in Mexico City in December after 16 more dates across America.

Big Brother star Millie has addressed her time in the ITV show after becoming the first evicted housemate of the 2026 series

Axed Big Brother star Millie has shared her true feelings about one housemate after being voted out of the ITV show.

This series got off to a dramatic start earlier this week as Big Brother planted a fake housemate, Tays, amongst the cast. His mission was to cause mayhem in the house throughout the week, aided by his hand-picked deputy Philip. The pair were also handed the power to put three housemates up for the first eviction.

They selected bartender Millie, carer Pauline and housewife Rochelle for nomination, leaving the public to decide who would be shown the door. After the votes were counted, Millie was axed and ordered to leave the Big Brother house immediately.

Speaking to hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best upon her exit, Millie confessed that she was “shocked” because she heard fans cheering for her outside the house.

The 19-year-old also addressed her run-in with fellow housemate Rochelle earlier this week, during which Millie shared her plans to undergo weight loss surgery. Rochelle chimed in, saying: “You can’t just have it and think ‘Oh, I’m going to carry on eating s***’ because it doesn’t work like that.”

She went on to advise Millie to try other methods but Millie insisted she has already tried other weight loss strategies. To which Rochelle replied: “You’re saying you have but I see what you eat.”

Bartender Millie was left upset by the interaction and later vented her feelings to Big Brother. Now, she has spoken about the situation revealing that she doesn’t think Rochelle fully grasps that she hurt her feelings, reports OK!.

“I think she just thinks I was being too sensitive, to be honest. Like, she’s from a different time and I think she didn’t even realise she was upsetting me. I think she’s just stuck in her ways, to be honest with you,” Millie said during the live eviction.

She went on to admit that there were times they “got along,” before adding: “But I just think after that my respect was on the floor for her because I didn’t appreciate it at all.”

Despite the spat, the axed housemate reflects on her time on the show fondly. “I had the best time and I love absolutely everyone in there. So do you know what? A win is a win! A win is a win! It broke my heart seeing them [housemates] all start crying that actually broke my heart,” she said.

Before Millie was evicted, content creator Tays was finally unmasked as the original mole, before being instructed to leave the house straight away. The remaining housemates had actually sussed out that Tays was the secret spy just hours before the eviction, after noticing he only had a handful of outfits in his wardrobe.

Following his departure, the fake contestant admitted: “That was stressful”. He also disclosed that Lynx immediately recognised him from his social media content on the opening night, which could have easily blown his mission to remain undetected. But he managed to fly under the radar for some time.

The 23-year-old further confessed he wasn’t convinced by his nominations. “I wouldn’t have picked any of them. At the start I didn’t know them,” he said, before admitting they were “clutching at straws” when selecting the three nominees.

Big Brother is available to stream on ITVX

ITV’s Long Lost Family is back for another emotional episode on Thursday night

A Long Lost Family guest breaks down in tears as he receives news about his sister.

The emotional ITV series, hosted by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell, sees the hosts strive to reunite family members who have never met, including twins separated at birth and young mothers who had to give up their babies.

On Thursday’s episode, the show hears from Jake, 36, who lives in Australia but was born and grew up in the UK in a single parent family. Jake always knew that he was the result of an extra marital affair. His mother had been a nurse and had met his married father when he was a doctor at the same hospital.

Jake recalled that when he was a newborn, his father occasionally visited, bringing his two children Katie and Tom, who were aged five and three at the time. One of Jake’s most precious keepsakes are two photographs of his brother and sister holding him as a baby.

However, sadly, his mother’s relationship with their father did not last, and Jake never saw his siblings again. When he was 14, Jake and his mum emigrated to Australia.

Despite not seeing his siblings since he was a child, Jake has been desperate to find them and contacted Long Lost Family for help, emotionally saying: “I feel like I always missed out. I missed out on something, that, you know, was really a connection that I craved really. I’ve always somewhat felt a little bit alone. And I just need that connection.”

Sadly, Jake was unable to successfully meet his father after attempting to track him down and therefore unable to learn any more about his siblings. Jake had also tried multiple other avenues to find his siblings, but Katie and Tom appeared to have vanished off the face of the earth.

Even Long Lost Family struggled locating the siblings through their conventional searches. However, the team soon discovered in the series’ files something surprising after receiving thousands of applications.

Months before Jake had applied to the show, Long Lost Family received an application from a woman in Canada called Katie, who was looking for a birth father – with the same surname as Jake’s father. Following a DNA test, it confirmed that Katie was Jake’s half-sister, in an incredible discovery.

Katie is a lawyer who now lives in Toronto and she had no idea that she even had a younger brother. The duo’s brother, Tom, supports Katie’s decision but has chosen not to be involved in any filming at this time.

In an exclusive clip obtained by the Mirror of Thursday’s episode, it sees host Davina share the news with Jake, who breaks down in tears over the discovery.

Asking where his siblings live, Davina explains: “So… Katie, her mum met her stepdad. They moved to… Australia!” Jake is left floored by this discovery as he too moved from the UK to Australia. The guest exclaims: “No way, you’re kidding! No way!” before wiping away tears.

Jake adds: “So they weren’t even that far away. I can’t believe it!” Davina then adds that Katie is a lawyer and she has since moved to Toronto.

The guest then asks: “Did they enjoy Australia? Were they happy?” with Davina responding: “They’ve had good lives, I think the family situation, it’s been difficult for all of you, I think, in different ways.

“I think it’ll be really nice for you to be able to speak together about it. Weirdly, we found her because… she applied to Long Lost Family to find your dad.” This piece of information leaves Jake in tears as he exclaims: “Wow!”

Viewers will have to tune into Thursday’s episode to see the two siblings have an emotional reunion.

Long Lost Family continues on Thursday 17th September at 9pm on ITV and ITVX

TORONTO — An actor from last year’s Toronto International Film Festival has been turning heads around town this week: Inde Navarrette, whose “Obsession” went from a modest 2025 Midnight Madness slot to a box office behemoth.

But if you had to pick this year’s Navarrette, who would it be? Among the breakout names of TIFF 2026 is unquestionably Rosalind Eleazar, the London-born 38-year-old star of “Misty Green,” the first film written and directed by Chris Rock since 2014’s “Top Five” and among the most notable world premieres at this year’s festival.

Misty is a Hollywood survivor who was never able to make the most of her own success, winning an Emmy a few years back but now losing the apartment she has been living in because the widow of the man she was cheating with wants it back. With her bad attitude and personal problems, Misty has burned many bridges along the way. There’s a chance she could be cast in a remake of “Dreamgirls” that would turn everything around for her, but Misty’s brother, Jay (Daniel Kaluuya, in his first major screen role since 2022’s “Nope”), was recently released from a mental facility and needs monitoring.

Though there are comedic moments along the way, “Misty Green” is very much a character study, as well as an unsparring examination of the systemic pressures on Black women in Hollywood — one executive interrupts Misty’s audition to ask if she is “mixed.” She does herself no favors, frequently self-sabotaging and getting in her own way.

“Being an actor is hard,” Eleazar said in an interview at The Times’ photo and video studio in Toronto on Sunday with a sense of well-earned candor. “I could totally relate to Misty’s journey and the setbacks and the constant picking yourself back up after multiple rejections and just going again. And trying not to have armor because as an actor you want to keep yourself open and you don’t want to harden too much. But it can be easy to harden yourself to an industry that can be unforgiving.”

Though “Misty Green” is Eleazar’s first lead in a film, she has had a steadily building career. She is probably most familiar to American audiences from her role as an MI5 agent on the Apple TV series “Slow Horses.” But soon she will likely be known for the explosive announcement that is “Misty Green.” The film will go on to play at the New York Film Festival and the London Film Festival and be released by distributor A24 on Oct. 9.

“It can be easy to harden yourself to an industry that can be unforgiving,” Eleazar says.

(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

After her movie’s TIFF world premiere in a coveted Saturday night slot at Roy Thompson Hall, Eleazar was included among those celebrated at the annual TIFF Tribute Awards, a fundraising gala put on by the festival. She was recognized alongside such actors as Helen Mirren, Penélope Cruz and Isabelle Huppert, whom she called “extraordinary company.”

“I grew up watching them and admired their work,” Eleazar says earlier in the day. “It’s just such an honor to be considered amongst heavyweights like that. Dame Helen Mirren. Crikey.”

With a warm smile she adds, “Just went very British.”

In accepting the prize, Eleazar recalled how when she came to Toronto for the premiere of her first feature film, 2019’s “The Personal History of David Copperfield,” she stepped away from a party to call her mother at 4 a.m. London time. Not wanting to make that same mistake again, she made sure her mother was there with her in Toronto for this year’s Sunday gala, sitting at a table with Eleazar’s husband, the actor and producer Gabriele Lo Giudice.

Eleazar performs two songs in the film, a heartbreakingly vulnerable cabaret version of Radiohead’s “Creep” and a stripped-down, tender reading of “One Night Only” from “Dreamgirls.” (Eleazar does not consider herself a singer and took vocal lessons before shooting.) Then, in a scene in which Misty demands she be allowed to finish an audition, she flashes into someone else in a bit of pure craft that leaves those in the room astonished.

It was important that Misty be seen as someone who is in fact immensely talented, who may even be worth all the bother and strife that she brings along with her.

“I think we’ve seen movies before where the character isn’t talented and it’s about the hustle and the dream of making it in Hollywood,” says Eleazar. “But I think it’s really interesting seeing someone that cannot get out of their own way — someone that is railing against the industry and is fighting Hollywood, fighting herself, fighting the people around her. It becomes quite a universal subject. It is about our industry but it’s also just about someone who is trying to escape herself.”

Despite Misty’s obvious talents, acting simply may not be the best career for her anymore; it strains her emotional and mental health and enables her substance abuse. Over the course of her own career, Eleazar has at times had to check in with herself to make sure she was heading down the right path.

“There are definitely times that I’ve questioned it,” she says. “For me it does really feed my soul and therefore, at my low points, I’ve managed better. But it can be really heavy. And maybe I shouldn’t but I feel like I’m pretty happy being an actor.”

Chris Rock and Rosalind Eleazar in the movie “Misty Green.”

(A24)

To land the role, after a few meetings with Rock over Zoom, Eleazar flew herself from London to Los Angeles so she could read in the room. As it happened, it made for an intense few days: First she had a chemistry read with Ralph Fiennes in the U.K. for a stage role (she would appear opposite Fiennes in “Small Hotel” in 2025) and then immediately flew to L.A. to read with Rock.

“What a mad, amazing three days,” she recalls. Similarly, Eleazar would be ending her whirlwind few days in Toronto by heading to Los Angeles to be with the “Slow Horses” team for the Emmys on Monday.

In introducing her tribute on Sunday night, Rock recalled when Eleazar auditioned for the part.

“The room just changed,” he said. “She was funny, she was dangerous, she was moving and completely in command. Misty Green is a woman whose life is coming apart. Rosalind never played her as a victim. She made you see the intelligence, the appetite and the fight underneath all the chaos. The audition was supposed to help me decide who to play Misty, but halfway through, the decision had already been made.”

“It becomes quite a universal subject,” Eleazar says of Chris Rock’s latest movie. “It is about our industry but it’s also just about someone who is trying to escape herself.”

(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

There is something poetic about the fact that playing a mid-career actress struggling to land her next job may be the very thing that brings Eleazar wider recognition.

“It’s kind of meta, isn’t it?” she says with a laugh. “Look, I’m so happy that people are responding to the film and my performance. That really is the cherry on top because for me — I know it sounds rather cheesy — but I literally felt like I won once I did that film. I had such a great time exploring who she was and working with Chris and Daniel and Adam [Driver] and that cast. So everything else is just so lovely.”

In accepting her own tribute award on Sunday, Helen Mirren went off-script from her prepared remarks to say how moved she had been by Eleazar’s earlier speech, adding, “It’s exciting to see the generations coming up, especially women.”

As Rock succinctly added in his speech, “Misty Green wishes she could be Rosalind Eleazar.”

Regardless of what happens with “Misty Green” commercially or throughout awards season, Eleazar will continue tending her steady climb. Production will begin soon on season 7 of “Slow Horses” and Eleazar is currently shooting a film role that she isn’t yet allowed to talk about.

But Misty and the experience of bringing her to life on the screen will remain transformative.

“It almost reminded me of like a Shakespearean character in a way,” Eleazar says. “She’s so self-destructive and flawed and contradictory and at times it’s hard to get onside with her. We see it a lot of the time with male roles and I’d love to see it more with female roles — these really complex and messy characters.”

ITV will air some dramatic scenes on Big Brother just a couple of days into the series

The emotions are already too much for some housemates.

One Big Brother star broke down in tears as they spoke about the real reason they have joined up for the ITV reality series. Chaos is also set to erupt in dramatic scenes airing tonight (September 15).

Fans have been teased about what to expect in the upcoming episode. It comes as more than a dozen new housemates moved into the famous residence to spend up to eight weeks as part of the unique social experiment.

However, despite being in there for less than 48 hours, it is clearly proving too much for some. The first morning in the house has already seen one star break down in tears.

Viewers tuning in will see Frankie, Johanne and Pauline are in the bathroom during a cryptic conversation. Frankie said: “I ain’t slept one bit. I feel like I went from a really big high to a really big low last night. Quick and all, the turnaround was weird. I went from high to straight low…”

Pauline asked: “But what caused that though?” Frankie hinted: “Oh, to be fair, like, I’ve come on here for various reasons. I know why, I need to get that sorted. Once that’s sorted…”

Johanne responded: “You’re so top secret with that. Everybody when you ask them like why did you come on it’s just like simple answer.”

Frankie explained: “Do you know what it is, I don’t want to… like I’ll be honest, I come on cause I was like… I don’t want to get upset though man.”

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Johanne said: “Your answer, it must be very complicated… You okay?” Frankie then struggled to hold back tears and puts his hand to his face, as he wiped his eyes.

Looking on, Pauline said: “Oh gosh.” They both asked if he is ok as Pauline reassuringly told him: “Frankie don’t. If you don’t want to disclose it, you don’t have to, you know.”

While Johanne offered: “Or if you need to disclose it and you need someone to talk to, you can.” It’s not yet known if Frankie does reveal the truth behind his motives but he confessed: “I knew it was gonna hit me but I didn’t think it’d hit me early. It’s hit me straight away…”

He also stated: “It has to be done, I have to face myself. I can’t run forever, do you know what I mean?” Meanwhile, later in the house there is a heated exchange between Johanne and Rochelle.

While some housemates attempted to play a game, it went too far. As part of it, Charlotte asked Johanne: “Who annoys you the most?”

Johanne replied: “Rochelle. It’s gonna be the same thing. She asked me who annoys me the most and I said Rochelle. I mean every answer, who do I like least, who annoys me the most. It’s gonna be her.”

Rochelle quipped: “Ditto… You’ve got a real f****** problem. You’ve only been here one day.” To which Johanne retorted and repeated the phrase: “You’re my f****** problem.” The argument continued and resulted in some of their fellow housemates stepping in to try and calm the situation.

Big Brother continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and streaming on ITVX.

SACRAMENTO — President Trump and the Republican Congress have unintentionally provided California state government with the financial means to subsidize — help save — endangered local news reporting.

Now it’s up to Gov. Gavin Newsom to capitalize on the unanticipated gift.

He can sign or veto legislation to end state tax breaks for large corporations paying top executives $1 million-plus salaries and, instead, provide tax breaks for struggling California news outlets employing local reporters.

The state legislation would conform California law to a little-known provision of Trump’s “Big Beautiful” tax bill that eliminated corporate deductions for execs’ compensation exceeding $1 million.

California newsrooms — print, broadcast, digital — would receive an estimated $43 million in tax credits for employees’ wages. There’d still be a net $15 million left over for a small state revenue boost.

I’ll admit to feeling a bit squeamish about this.

First, it’s a conflict of interest, arguing that a governor — whom my colleagues and I write about often — should shovel public dollars into our profession.

Second, why should state government and taxpayers be asked to subsidize a private enterprise that’s flailing in the marketplace? Especially one that prides itself in being an impartial watchdog over government actions and politicians’ behavior. The dog shouldn’t be begging for food from the critters it watches.

Well, one answer is that state government provides tax breaks for lots of interests, including Hollywood movie studios. We’re allotting $750 million annually in tax credits for films produced in California.

And there’s a bill on the governor’s desk to offer $100 million annually in tax credits for post-production work, such as editing, sound mixing and visual effects.

That’s all fine. What would California have become without a healthy Hollywood? I don’t want to imagine.

Newsom also recently provided $3,500 rebates to first-time electric vehicle buyers, benefiting Tesla and other EV makers. It was “investing in our future,” the governor explained.

OK, but subsidizing local news reporting is investing in democracy. Robust coverage of city halls, school boards, Sacramento politicians and the like is essential for self-government.

And that journalism is in free fall all across America as exploding technology and social media opportunism have altered news consumption, mostly bypassing local communities and often spewing misinformation.

So this legislation, AB 2222 by Assemblyman Christopher Ward (D-San Diego), reaches far beyond just helping the troubled news industry. It’s about more than providing media outlets with financial incentives to retain and hire local reporters. It’s bolstering democracy.

Independent journalism is a pillar of democracy, providing citizens with reliable, fact-based information about how their elected representatives are performing their duties, fulfilling their campaign promises and cozying up to special interests.

You’re not going to glean that information from the politicians. You’re going to get mostly self-serving spin — government propaganda — whether it emanates from the White House, the state Capitol or the local mosquito abatement district.

That’s why the nation’s Founders protected press freedom in the Constitution’s 1st Amendment.

Thomas Jefferson famously wrote: “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”

Of course, that was early in Jefferson’s political career, before he became vice president and later president. He ultimately turned into a harsh press critic. For example: “Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle.”

Jefferson, like countless politicians ever since, apparently carried a huge chip on his shoulder because of reporting on his job performance that ticked him off.

Newsom is a master at attracting friendly national news coverage, especially on cable TV. But he naturally shudders at more critical coverage by Sacramento beat reporters.

As of this writing, the governor hadn’t publicly disclosed how he feels about the local reporter tax credit bill.

His finance department, which crafts the state budget, opposed the measure when legislators were considering it. The state would “not [be] receiving any incremental economic benefit to justify the expenditure,” its analysis read.

Again, even if that were true, citizens and democracy would benefit.

Also, the analysis contended, the tax credit would likely “provide windfall benefits” for news media owners “rather than encourage new hiring activity.”

That’s not quite accurate. Anyway, it could discourage layoffs and save reporters’ jobs.

Late last week, the McClatchy newspaper chain — owner of the Sacramento Bee and several medium-sized California papers, plus dozens across America — announced massive newsroom layoffs.

Since 2002, more than 12,000 local journalism jobs have been lost in California, according to the bill’s sponsor, the advocacy group Rebuild Local News. More than 3,500 newspapers have closed nationwide.

Many communities have become “news deserts.”

When that happens, fewer citizens turn out to vote, tax money gets spent more carelessly and political corruption increases.

Under the legislation, California media outlets — big and small — would be granted modest tax credits for each employee covering state and local news. There’d be $20,000 for up to five full-time positions and $15,000 for each of the rest. On top of that, there’d be an additional $15,000 for every new full-time job that’s created. Part-timers would be entitled to $7,500.

“National news outlets would be excluded. So would partisan ‘pink slime’ sites controlled by political action committees,” says Matt Pearce, policy director for Rebuild Local News, a former Los Angeles Times reporter and newspaper guild leader.

It would be the most ambitious program of its kind in the country. New York, Illinois and New Mexico currently offer local news subsidies.

“It’s about civic infrastructure and the foundation of democracy. We’re teetering toward autocracy,” says former state Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Orinda), an ex-mayor who has long pushed for stronger local news coverage.

This bill won’t save local newsrooms. But it may give them breathing room while the big thinkers try to concoct a more profitable business model for democracy’s watchdog.

What else you should be reading

The must-read: Architect of billionaire tax tried to ‘extort’ support for the measure and targeted women, union reports find
Money (That’s what I want): Becerra backers with business in Sacramento spend tens of millions boosting his gubernatorial bid
The L.A. Times Special: Will ‘Coxon Day’ save us from AI destruction?

Until next week,
George Skelton

—
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‘Can honestly say it was the absolute best hotel we’ve ever stayed in. Beautiful hotel in a stunning location. Every room was very grand and oozing history’

As non-stop summer gives way to the quiet days of autumn, there’s no better time to get away for a relaxing mini-break if you’re already mourning holiday season. And for those in need of a pamper, luxury hotels across the UK are offering seasonal spa packages to help guests unwind.

Hand Picked Hotels has launched special autumn stays at picturesque locations throughout the country, including an Amber Hours Autumn Spa Break for Two at selected mainland spa hotels up to November 30. This two-night escape includes breakfast, an Autumn Champagne Afternoon Tea with seasonal treats, and a 50-minute Tranquillity Pro Sleep Ritual for two, as well as use of the spa facilities.

Guests who book this break will also get a complimentary 200ml Tranquillity Pro Sleep Bath and Body Oil by Comfort Zone to take home. The Tranquillity Pro Sleep Ritual is a massage treatment designed for optimal sleep, meaning this could make the perfect gift for stressed-out loved ones in need of a pamper, or a romantic getaway for couples.

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One of the top-rated choices of hotel where the Amber Hours Spa Break is available to book, according to reviews on Tripadvisor, is Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa in Cheshire. This award-winning stay set in 38 acres of gardens, pasture and parkland boasts a 4 AA Red Star status, the AA’s top accolade given to hotels in the UK and Ireland.

The AA writes of this 19th century Nantwich mansion: “Bedrooms are spacious and appointed to a high standard with wide-screen TVs; many rooms have separate walk-in showers as well as deep tubs. Public areas are delightful and retain many original features. There is an extensive, state-of-the art spa and leisure complex.”

Book an Amber Hours Spa Break

Available on stays up to November 30

Hand Picked Hotels

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This getaway for two is available at selected Hand Picked Hotels locations and includes breakfast, afternoon tea, a massage, and use of the spa facilities

The AA also singled out the hotel’s fine dining experience as one of the highlights of a stay at Rookery Hall, with the restaurant taking inspiration from the surrounding Cheshire countryside for a menu of classic British dishes with a “contemporary twist”. And there’s plenty of choice when it comes to accommodation, from suites with views over the gardens to unique feature rooms, with prices starting from £172 per night this autumn.

Guests here or at any other Hand Picked Hotels stays can also book an Amber Hours Retreat, which will see those staying for one night treated to an Autumn Champagne Afternoon Tea and a complimentary room upgrade up until November 30. Stays of two nights or more will also include a specially created three-course autumn dinner with this package.

Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa is also the top-rated spa hotel stay in Cheshire on Booking.com, with a ‘Superb’ rating of 9.3 out of 10 based on more than 600 reviews. Coming in second place is Manor House in Alsager which has a spa garden with hanging beds and a herb garden, followed by Grosvenor Hotel & Spa in Pulford, home to 75 bedrooms and two restaurants offering AA Rosette-awarded dining.

Back at Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, the hotel has earned an average rating of 4.5 out of five stars on Tripadvisor based on more than 2,500 reviews, with one guest writing: “We would go as far as saying Rookery Hall is the best hotel and spa experience we have ever had in the UK (and we have been to many). Everything was perfect, from the moment we arrived to the moment we left. The room was wonderful and the food in the restaurant was exceptional.”

Another reviewer echoed: “Can honestly say it was the absolute best hotel we’ve ever stayed in. Beautiful hotel in a stunning location. Every room was very grand and oozing history, absolutely stunning. The service and every single member of staff were outstanding.”

And a third person fed back: “This was our fourth stay and once again we were blown away by our experience. From the warm welcome upon our arrival our stay was exceptional and this is because the hotel in our opinion has the best staff, they are simply incredible. The hotel provides the peace and relaxation we were after with a touch of luxury.”

One person felt that the food menu had room for improvement, however, feeding back: “The place is lovely and the staff are incredible but they really need to upgrade their vegetarian options.”

A member of staff from the hotel responded to this review: “We do offer a separate plant-based menu alongside the vegetarian dishes on our main menu, and had we been made aware at the time that you were vegetarian, we would have been more than happy to provide this and guide you through the additional options available. If this was something we were aware of and did not offer, then I can only apologise.”

A different guest remarked: “My only negative comment would not really be too specific to Rookery Hall as such, but during our one night stay, there was a large wedding party staying at the hotel who took up most of the bar during the course of the afternoon.”

Meanwhile, someone else praised: “Had a super overnight stay and dinner. What a lovely experience that we all enjoyed. The staff without exception were so charming helpful and exactly how a great hotel should operate. Dinner was delicious in a lovely dining room and our suite had a beautiful bathroom and very comfortable bed.”

DUBAI: American singer Pink used a long Instagram statement this week to explain why she shared a message attacking rapper Macklemore over his support for Palestinians at an Ed Sheeran concert, after a week of criticism online.

Macklemore opened for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sept. 4 and 5. He appeared in a keffiyeh, said Gaza and the West Bank were not forgotten, and performed “Hind’s Hall,” his 2024 song about the war, while footage from Gaza ran across the stadium screens.

Addressing Jewish members of the audience, he said criticism of Israel “in no way is a criticism of you.”

The message Pink shared, from the group StopAntisemitism, called the set “anti-Israel propaganda” and said ticket holders were owed apologies and refunds. She posted a run of sarcastic memes as the criticism built, and was accused of prejudice.

“A repost isn’t a statement, and a meme isn’t a spine,” Pink wrote, adding that the post she shared used language she would not have picked herself. She said she was born Jewish, does not speak for Israel or any government, and repeated a position she took in October 2023 that Hamas is a terrorist organization.

Her objection, she wrote, was to Macklemore deciding on Jewish fans’ behalf that his remarks were not aimed at them. She described the week as a lonely one.

THERE’S a travel club you can join that instantly unlocks some of the best holiday deals out there – and Sun readers can sign up for just £1.

Sun readers can sign up to Travelzoo today for £1 and get a 30-day trial where you can instantly unlock hundreds of holiday bargains.

Sign up to Travelzoo for £1 (30 day trial)

Travelzoo is a money-saving club where members can bag super cheap holiday deals both abroad and in the UK.

We’ve found UK breaks from £89pp, Portugal holidays from £127pp, and even an incredible 11-night River Nile cruise and hotel package for £549pp.

Plus there’s extra benefits for members like free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed, so you can enjoy free food and drink and have somewhere comfy to sit.

Here’s some of the best bargains members can grab, which include a luxurious Italian island stay and an all inclusive break to the Canaries.

QUIDS IN

£1 hack to save HUNDREDS on UK breaks with superyachts & forest lodges from £89

£1 CHEAT CODE

The £1 travel hack for VIP airport lounges, FREE food & drinks plus £59 trips

Sign up to Travelzoo for £1 (30 day trial)

Amsterdam – £137pp

Tick off an Amsterdam city break with this two night stay in the Dutch capital.

The deal includes return flights plus a stay at the Chasse Boutique Hotel, which puts you within walking distance of the sprawling Vondelpark, Amsterdam‘s largest park.

You’re also close to Foodhallen, where you can grab lunch from 20 different street food stalls including gourmet hot dogs and tasty dim sum.

A 10-minute bike ride will take you to Jordaan, a pretty, narrow street neighbourhood packed with boutique shops and canalside cafes.

Sign up to Travelzoo for £1 (30 day trial)

11 Night Nile cruise & beach stay – £549pp

If you tot up your flights, cruise, hotel, plus food and drink for this stay, it works out to less than £50pp per night – which is incredible value for a River Nile break.

This package combines an all inclusive four night stay at the Royal Lagoons Resort with a seven night MS Royal Adventure Cruise, with all of your transfers and meals included.

The Royal Lagoons Resort & Aqua Park is a spectacular hotel in Hurghada with four pools, its own waterpark, a spa and a private beach.

And the scenic Nile cruise itself has stops at places like Luxor, home to the Avenue of Sphinxes, and Edfu, a collection of temples covered in hieroglyphics.

Sign up to Travelzoo for £1 (30 day trial)

Porto – £127pp

Enjoy three nights in a swanky hotel plus return flights to Porto for £127pp with this bargain city break deal.

Swap the grey UK weather for Porto‘s sun-drenched cobbled streets, where riverside wine bars offer glasses of Vino Verde for as little as €3.

The package includes a stay at the HF Tuela Porto, which is close to the pretty Palacio de Cristal gardens, where you’ll find manicured gardens, fountains and wandering peacocks.

Plus the flexibility of Travelzoo deals means you can travel as soon as next weekend, or book ahead for next year.

Sign up to Travelzoo for £1 (30 day trial)

Italian island escape – £499pp

If you fancy visiting an Italian island with postcard-perfect, colourful towns, lush landscaped and even bubbling hot springs, look no further than Ischia.

This deal includes flights. transfers, and a five night, half board stay at the Hotel La Pergola & Villa Flavio Thermal Resort.

You’ll receive a cheeky welcome drink on arrival, before checking into the traditional, coral-coloured hotel and taking a dip in its hot spring baths.

You even get a half-day tour in Lacco Amen, an elegant coastal town, plus a Limoncello tasting session.

Sign up to Travelzoo for £1 (30 day trial)

Scandinavian tour – £499pp

Visit Sweden, Norway and Denmark on this combined Scandinavian sightseeing trip.

You’ll start by flying to Copenhagen, where you’ll spend two nights at the stylish Copenhagen Island hotel, where you can head out to explore the pastel-coloured houses that line the waterfront.

Next you’ll hop on an overnight cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo, before spending two nights at the Scandic Helsfyr hotel.

Spend your days here taking in the views of the city from the rooftop of the striking Oslo Opera House, or tour the medieval Akershus Fortress for a dose of history.

Then you’ll hop on a short flight from Oslo to Stockholm, where you’ll stay at the boujee Hotel Gio, BW Signature Collection hotel, a 10-minute walk from the royal Haga Park and the massive Brunnsviken Lake.

After enjoying a Stockholm archipelago cruise tour with a hot drink, you’ll be headed back to the UK having ticked off three countries.

Sign up to Travelzoo for £1 (30 day trial)

Tenerife – £499pp

This deal bags you flights plus an all inclusive seven night stay in Puerto de la Cruz, with airport transfers included.

Stay in the four-star Fergus Puerto de la Cruz, a hotel surrounded by suptropical gardens that feels like an island oasis.

The hotel sits on a hilltop overlooking the coastal town, plus there’s three outdoor pools to pick from with fantastic volcanic views.

Your all inclusive break includes a huge buffest restaurant with live show cooking stations, plus plenty of bars to grab a drink, including the lounge bar which comes alive in the evenings with live entertainment.

Sign up to Travelzoo for £1 (30 day trial)

Prices correct at the time of publication.

A man from London was determined to find his sister, following the death of their mother

A brother and sister have finally been reunited after they both applied to appear on the ITV show.

The latest episode of Long Lost Family, which aired on Thursday (September 10), followed Michael, 56, who was trying to find his older sister, whom he had never met. The retail worker from South East London was determined to fulfill his mother’s dying wish to track down his sister, who had been given up for adoption as a baby.

Mary had been in a Catholic mother and baby home when she took care of her daughter, Angela, for three months before she was placed for adoption. But Michael explained that his mother didn’t think she had a choice.

Their mother, Mary, died of cancer eight years ago at the age of 74, and she had asked Michael to find his sister, Angela, for her. “She said, could you please try and find Angela for me please?” Michael shared. Ever since then, he has been desperate to find her.

Two years ago, in an attempt to find his sister, Michael took a DNA test and got a match with a woman named Gemma. The DNA report suggested that she was his half-sister. He assumed that Gemma was Angela’s new adoptive name and messaged her, however, he never received a reply.

“It’s made me happy, but in another way, it’s made me sad because obviously she’s been looking. It makes me think, why is she not on here, she’s given up. I’m so close now,” he said.

Michael went on: “I’m so close. And it’s like just a brick wall is just there. But I want to knock this brick wall down, but it’s very difficult.” In a twist, the Long Lost Family team discovered that Gemma, who had been named Angela at birth, had also contacted the show in the past to find her biological family.

Gemma was told about her mother’s death off-screen before host Nicky Campbell informed her that she had a brother, and passed on an emotional message. “Your brother, Michael, wanted to tell you that she didn’t want to give you up for adoption. She thought about you every day. She always, always loved you, and she wanted to tell you that. She wanted to see you and tell you that”, Nicky told Gemma.

Later in the episode, Davina McCall informed Michael of the wonderful news that Gemma had been found. This left him feeling incredibly emotional to hear that his sister wanted to have contact with him.

Davina explained: “She has been looking for 30 years. She was really sad to hear that your mum had died, but she was so grateful that someone was looking for her. She applied for Long Lost Family, so it’s incredible.”

Michael couldn’t wait to meet her but wistfully said, “I just wish my mum was here. 30 years? Oh god, if only I had knew.” Gemma traveled from Manchester to London to meet her brother, and when they came face-to-face, they could not stop crying. “This has been the best day of my life. It’s like a dream come true, I finally met my sister,” Michael added.

Long Lost Family is available to stream on ITVX