breaks

LOVE a holiday but hate a long flight? Bilbao should be your go-to destination. 

It’s the closest major Spanish city to the UK — flights take just an hour and 45 minutes — but is now even easier to visit thanks to Tui’s new city break packages. 

These include flights from Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester and Bristol. 

Tui Commercial Director Chris Logan said: “Bilbao offers a truly special city break. With incredible art, fantastic food and beautiful scenery all in one trip, it’s ideal for customers who want the authentic taste of Spain.” 

After a sunshine stay in the city this month, Kara Godfrey reveals everything you need to know about it . . .  

WHY SHOULD I GO? Spain is set to hit record tourism numbers this year, expecting to reach 100million for the first time. So trying to find a quieter destination to visit can be tricky.  

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But Bilbao gets just a fraction of the tourists — just 1.6 million visited last year compared to Barcelona’s 16 million. The city is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Bilbao BBK Live music festival.

This year’s event, from July 9 to 11, has headliners including Calvin Harris, Lily Allen and FKA Twigs.

ARE THESE STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? Most of the city’s top attractions can be walked between, taking no more than 30 minutes.  

There are extensive bus, tram and metro systems if you need to rest your feet. But with the beautiful estuary running through the city, you’d be mad not to want to explore by foot. Want to grab a taxi? Opt for the Spanish Cabify rather than Uber, as it is normally more affordable. 

ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKETLIST? The impact of the Guggenheim Bilbao museum since it opened in 1997 has been huge. So powerful, in fact, it created the phrase “the Guggenheim effect”, which is when a huge architectural project transforms a destination.  

Tickets to the museum come with a free audio guide (from £13, see guggenheim-bilbao.eus) which helps to understand the modern art pieces ranging from sculptures to paintings. 

One of the most popular — and my favourite — is installation The Matter Of Time, where mighty steel walls guide you throughout the space. 

Other current exhibits include work by Ruth Asawa, a Japanese-American artist known for her unique wire sculptures.  

Also on display at the museum are the 43ft floral sculpture Puppy, by Jeff Koons, and 30ft spider creation Maman. by Louise Bourgeois.

Afterwards, make sure to take a ride on the bright-red Artxanda funicular, which takes you to the top of Mount Artxanda for the best views of Bilbao. Tickets cost from £3,. Check out funicularartxanda.bilbao.eus.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT? Knowing where to start with Spanish tapas — known as pintxos in northern Spain — can be hard. 

But help is at hand. Tui Musement offers locally guided food tours to take you to gastronomic highlights off the beaten track. 

We gorged on everything from Spanish omelette to spicy mushrooms, while learning a bit about the history of them courtesy of our guide Cristina. 

Guided tours aside, if you just fancy hopping between tapas bars for snacks and drinks — a practice locals call txikiteo (pronounced chee-kee-tey-oh) — do try all of them at Plaza Nueva. 

My number one was Cafe Bar Bilbao for its tasty pork sliders, as well as Taberna Ona for freshly sliced Iberian ham. 

Just expect to have people waiting in the wings for your table — seats are much sought after. 

I FANCY A DRINK: The most famous Bilbao drink is txakoli, a Basque white wine which you can find pretty much anywhere. Squeeze into the family-run Taberna Basaras, a tiny bar with barrels for tables and bottles from floor to ceiling, for a hearty glass. 

You might also spot the locals ordering a mariano, a vermouth “daytime” cocktail that’s lighter than a negroni. 

But only order if you’re ready for an early night — it certainly packs a punch. 

WHERE SHOULD I STAY? For some of the best views, try 5H hotel The Artist where a rooftop bar overlooks the Guggenheim. 

Another stylish option is the adult-only Axel Hotel, which lays claim to having one of the city’s only rooftop swimming pools. The covered Skybar right next to it is a great place to dry off, over a cocktail or two. 

Even the basic rooms have views of the estuary and Old Town, each one snug but chic — think industrial interiors with extremely comfy beds. 

Also save some time for the wellness area, too, where you can book a massage or just relax in the sauna and hot tub. 

This package offers a family of four the chance to experience on of Gulliver’s four theme parks and includes tickets to the park, entertainment, and an overnight stay for less than £25-a-head

Keeping the kids entertained can be a costly undertaking, but this deal offers families not only a fun day at a theme park, but also a memorable overnight stay, all for less than £100.

Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts, who have four locations in Milton Keynes, Warrington, Matlock Bath, and Rotherham, are now offering a ‘1 Night Saver’ package on selected dates that comes in at £99 for a family of four. The package includes tickets to the park, so families get access to all the rides, attractions, and entertainment for the day.

The cost also includes an overnight stay in select themed family accommodation, with access to the resort’s facilities and activities for even more fun for all ages. Families can book these overnight packages on selected Friday dates throughout 2026, with park access on the Saturday after you check out.

The package can be booked at www.gulliversfun.co.uk, where families can also browse the fun accommodation options available to them. Depending on the park and availability, these can include family-sized double suites, western-themed dens, fairy hideouts, and dino dens, so no matter what the kids are into, there’s an accommodation option they’ll find thrilling.

If you’re looking for different dates, it’s also worth checking out Wowcher’s Gulliver’s deals, which include school holiday dates. Packages start from £159 for tickets and overnight accommodation, and options include stays in Jungle Cabins and dinosaur-themed Lost World dens.

Facilities and attractions also vary by resort, but as an example its Warrington park features rides such as a wooden rollercoaster, pirate ship, log flume, and lots of other fun themed attractions for all the family. Look out for themed events such as Princess and Pirates weekend where kids can meet characters that they love.

If you don’t have a Gulliver’s near you, many other theme parks across the UK also offer short break packages. Paultons Park, known for being the home of Peppa Pig world, is offering short breaks from £177 per family. This includes a second free day in the park for the family, free parking, and breakfast.

Alton Towers is also currently running a Spring Sale where those who stay overnight get a second day free. Alton Towers packages include free parking, 9-hole golf, and breakfast. Guests can also add a waterpark pass to their booking, allowing them to enjoy even more family fun during their stay. You can find out more on the Alton Towers short breaks website.

Other parks operated by Merlin are also offering a similar deal, including Chessington, Thorpe Park, and LEGOLAND. Many resorts also offer additional entertainment and perks to guests, making for the ultimate family sleepover.

Find out more about Gulliver’s deals, check availability and book short breaks at www.gulliversfun.co.uk.

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EASYJET is adding a host of new routes from six airports to beautiful cities and sun-filled islands.

Holiday goers can travel via nine new stops from autumn time from Luton, Belfast, Birmingham, Southampton and Easyjet’s new base in Newcastle.

Package holidays will be introduced on the services include:

• Birmingham to Agadir
• Belfast International to Rome
• Belfast International to Sharm El Sheikh
• Luton to Ljubljana
• Southend to Budapest
• Newcastle to Fuerteventura
• Newcastle to Reykjavik
• Newcastle to Krakow
• Southampton to Paris.

Flights going from Newcastle to Fuerteventura will start on October 25, and operate twice a week – on Thursdays and Sundays.

On the same day, new routes from Southampton to Paris Charles de Gaulle start twice a week.

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The following day, services to Krakow will begin with departures on Mondays and Fridays every week.

On October 25 and 26, travellers can go from Belfast International Airport to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on Wednesdays and Sundays, as well as to Rome on Mondays and Fridays.

Anyone wanting to visit Reykjavik, Iceland, can travel from Newcastle from October 27 twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Easyjet’s Luton-Ljubljana flights start on October 26 three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The same day, the Southend-Budapest route also starts twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.

In an exciting update for Birmingham, the route to coastal city Agadir, in Morocco, will start on October 27. They will depart twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The new flights, which include fares of £23.99, have significantly expanded the airline’s network from the north of England, and enabled more direct services to popular leisure and city destinations.

The airline’s UK country manager, Kevin Doyle, said: “Whether they’re looking for winter sun, or a weekend away in some of Europe’s most iconic capitals, this new batch of routes further expands the range of exciting destinations available for our customers to choose from at affordable prices.”

The Saturday soccer show, which looks ahead to the day’s games, is to end following a drop in ratings

Alex Scott has issued a statement after BBC bosses blew the final whistle on Football Focus after a run of 52 years. The presenter, 41, said: “I always knew this would be my last season on the show, which the BBC were aware of too. My intention was to move quietly into the next chapter, but sometimes things change.”

The show, hosted by Alex Scott, was first broadcast in 1974. The decision is said to be based on “changing audience behaviours”, with fans increasingly consuming football content in different ways.

She said: “To have been part of it has been incredibly special, and I’m so grateful and proud of the eight years I’ve been involved , including the five years I’ve had the honour of presenting it.

“It has been such an important part of my life, working with some of the very best people in the business, both on screen and behind the scenes. I’ve loved so much of it, the conversations, the laughter, and sharing so many big moments with you, the audience. Thank you for being part of it.”

It comes as the Corporation battles with its finances, with the BBC saying “it is appropriate to respond to this as difficult decisions are made around how the licence fee is spent”.

In an age of content creators and social media, many football fans are no longer tuning in to the BBC1 show.

But BBC Sport chiefs insisted the decision to end the show at the end of the current season was not a reflection on the performance of Scott, who took over in 2021 after Dan Walker’s 12-year stint.

Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport said: “Alex Scott is one of our finest presenters, is hugely popular across the men and women’s game and is a big part of our present and future.

“She will remain at the heart of our sports output across both the Men’s World Cup this year and the Women’s World Cup in 2027, as well as continuing her lead role on the Women’s Super League and BBC Sport Personality of the Year. We are also working on a very exciting new project with her – more to come on that soon.”

He added: “Football Focus has been a hugely important programme in the history of BBC Sport and has played a key role in telling the stories of the game for generations of viewers. This decision was made before last week’s wider BBC savings announcement, reflecting the continued shift in how audiences engage with football and our commitment to evolving how we deliver content to reach fans wherever they are.”

But Alex, who will be the last presenter of the long-running BBC stalwart, is said to have been left feeling “bruised” over the BBC’s inquests into its declining performance. The BBC has not published viewing figures but the audience had dropped off significantly from 849,000 in 2019 to 564,000 by 2023.

Walker predicted the end of the show back in 2023, when he said: “It’s hard to see Football Focus struggling… I hope it stays part of the TV landscape.”

This deal from Wowcher means you could be enjoying the magic of Disneyland Paris, with the cost of the ferry and a two-night stay at a hotel close to the park, at under £200 per person

Nothing beats the magic of a day at Disneyland, but it can be a costly choice just for the tickets alone. That’s why it often works out cheaper to book a deal that includes extras such as accommodation.

Wowcher has just launched a 4* Disneyland Paris Break which is now available to book that includes two-nights in a hotel, transport across the channel, and a one-day Disneyland Paris park entry for each guest, with prices that start at £189 per person.

You can check the availability calendar on Wowcher’s website to see the prices for each date. At the moment, the £189 deal is available in the first week of May with a 37% discount available. However, these dates are likely to sell out quickly, so you may need to snap them up soon.

Dates are available later in the year for November and December at around £249, and this can be an excellent time to visit the parks for the festive period. If you’re looking for summer holiday dates, then the last week in August is the cheapest, with dates from £309 per person.

OPINION

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The package includes a stay at the 4* Paxton Hotel Paris MLV, just 10-minutes from the gates of Disneyland by car, which also offers a bus connection to the parks. The price also includes a return ferry crossing for a vehicle, and the drive from Calais to the hotel is just over three hours, mostly on motorways.

The one-day entry pass includes access to all attractions, shows, Character Encounters, parades, and more, so you can pack a lot into your trip.

Since the package has two nights in a hotel, you may also want to enjoy the onsite indoor pool, spa, and hammam, or even head to nearby Bussy-Saint-Georges station to get a train into Paris for some sightseeing. The city centre is about half an hour away by train.

If you’d rather stay onsite at the parks, you can book Disneyland Paris breaks via its official website, which gives you the option to stay in official Disney hotels. Staying in an official Disney property gives you perks such as early access to the parks and a quicker journey home at night, but it is a pricier option.

One night at the Disney Newport Bay Club in early May, with a two-day park pass comes in at £372.45 per person, and considerably more during peak times.

Another way to save money is to look for the deals that Disney offers throughout the year. For example, Walt Disney World in Florida has just relaunched its popular Free Dining offer, as well as offering up to £400 off breaks. This deal can be found on disneypackages.co.uk, and is available during most school holidays. This site also offers packages that include flights, making it easier to plan your trip.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Beverley Callard cried in a new video posted this evening as she explained how I’m A Celebrity was the start of her struggles, which eventually led to her being diagnosed with breast cancer

Beverley Callard broke down in tears as she said her I’m A Celebrity exit was the start of her cancer battle.

The Coronation Street star was forced to quit I’m A Celebrity days before the final on medical grounds. She departed the show after falling ill, with bosses telling her she had to leave for her health.

However, now Beverley has spoken out and explained how she lost consciousness whilst on the show, admitting “I didn’t know then that I had cancer” as she reflected on her time on the show.

Speaking after her exit aired on the ITV show, she said: “I just watched my exit on I’m A Celeb and it made me cry all over again. Of course, I didn’t know then that I had cancer but I just knew that it was the last couple of days there that I hadn’t felt very well.

“What happened was, I went into the Bush Telegraph and apparently, I lost consciousness for a little while. I just wasn’t feeling myself. They took me to a medical hut and they were amazing; they really looked after me and they said you can’t go back.”

She added: “And I said ‘don’t say that, don’t send me home, I’ll be fine. I wanted to succeed and make it through to the end but that was the start of everything. It’s made me really emotional but I will beat this. I will beat it.”

Announcing her exit to her campmates tonight, Beverley explained how she was told she had to leave. She gathered them around and cried as she said: “Hi guys, I’ve just got something to tell you all.

“I didn’t feel very well this morning… and the medics have advised I can’t return to camp. I’ve got to go home. I don’t want to go. I’m absolutely gutted. I wanted to finish.”

She said she “had a funny turn and they’ve said I can’t come back in and I’ve got to go out. I don’t want to go. I’m gutted I wanted to finish. I wanted to prove older women could do it.”

Scarlett then told her: “Your health is more important,” with Adam adding: “Look how far you have come. I’m so proud of you.” Craig said of her exit: “She gave a really good account of herself and can leave with her head held high.”

Since announcing her diagnosis in February, Beverley has been keeping fans updated on her health and recovery.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

The humans were left far behind as smartphone maker Honor’s humanoid robot shattered the men’s world record in China.

A humanoid robot competing against flesh-and-blood runners has broken the world record at a Beijing half-marathon, showcasing the rapid technological advancements achieved by Chinese makers.

Spectators lined the roads in Yizhuang in the capital’s south on Sunday to watch the machines and their human rivals race, each group in a separate lane to avoid accidents or collisions.

Some of the robots were highly agile, moving like famous runners such as Usain Bolt, while others had more basic capabilities.

The winning humanoid, equipped with an autonomous navigation system and running for Chinese smartphone maker Honor, completed the roughly 21km (13-mile) course in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, at an average speed of about 25km/h (15.5mph), according to state broadcaster CCTV.

That was far faster than the top human in Sunday’s race, while also surpassing the current men’s world record of 57:20, held by Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo.

The result represented spectacular progress from last year, when robot-runners fell repeatedly, and the best took more than two hours and 40 minutes to finish.

The number of humanoid entries jumped from about 20 last year to more than 100, according to organisers, a sign of the sector’s growing popularity.

‘Pretty cool’

Han Chenyu, a 25-year-old student who watched the race from behind a safety barrier, barely had time to take out her phone and snap a picture of the leading robot as it whizzed past.

She told the AFP news agency she was enthusiastic about such leaps in technology and thought the event was “pretty cool”.

But, she added, “as someone who works for a living, I’m a little worried about it sometimes. I feel like technology is advancing so fast that it might start affecting people’s jobs”, particularly with artificial intelligence (AI) growing increasingly sophisticated.

Humanoid robots have become a common sight in China in recent years, in the media as well as in public spaces.

Xie Lei, 41, who watched Sunday’s race with his family, said robots could “become part of our daily lives” within several years, potentially used for “things like housework, elderly companionship or basic caregiving” or “dangerous jobs, even firefighting”.

The humanoid half-marathon aims to encourage innovation and popularise the technologies used in creating and operating such machines.

In a sign of the industry’s strength, investment in robotics and so-called embodied AI amounted to 73.5 billion yuan ($10.8bn) in China in 2025, according to a study by a government agency.

“For thousands of years, humans have been at the top on planet Earth. But now, look at robots. Just in terms of autonomous navigation, at least in this specific sport event, they’re already starting to surpass us,” Xie said.

“On one hand, it does make you feel a little bit sad for humanity. But at the same time, technology, especially in recent years, has given us so much imagination.”

There’s a couple somewhere in Los Angeles who unknowingly inspired the second season of “Beef.”

Lee Sung Jin, the creator of Netflix’s anthology drama that swirls in the consequences of class struggles, resentment and the absurdity of life’s curveballs, once again found himself inspired by a tense interaction playing out before him. A road rage incident at a stoplight in Hollywood a few years ago, triggered by Lee’s delayed response to a green light, became the catalyst for the first season. An early idea to write about a men’s doubles partnership gone awry lost its luster after “Challengers,” Luca Guadagnino’s drama about a love triangle between tennis pros, came out. But a heated argument coming from a house in Lee’s neighborhood became the next spark that lit a narrative fuse.

“I told the story to people — it caused a little stir in the neighborhood,” he says. “And what I found fascinating was the different reactions. When I told younger folks, I’d get, ‘Did you call the police? Should you go check on them again?’ Very concerned, having an ideological view on relationships. When I told the story to older friends and couples, they were just kind of like, ‘Who among us hasn’t?’ I thought the idea of juxtaposing these couples at different stages felt like ripe ground.”

The overheard in L.A. moment inspired the eight-episode season,

Carey Mulligan and Oscar Isaac square off with Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny in Season 2 of “Beef.”

(Netflix)

The twist-filled, darkly comic thriller kicks off when a young couple, Ashley and Austin (Cailee Spaeny and Charles Melton), who work at a Montecito country club, witness the explosive altercation between their boss Josh (Oscar Isaac) and his wife, Lindsay (Carey Mulligan), an interior designer, the night before the club’s new Korean billionaire owner, Chairwoman Park (Youn Yuh-jung), takes over. She has her own mess to tend to involving her husband (Song Kang-ho), a doctor whose health is affecting his work on patients. The calamities each couple faces spin out into a web of favors and coercion in this tale of broken systems and characters going to great lengths to get what they want.

“The idea of cycles felt interesting,” he says. “A lot of shows and movies cover marriage through the lens of one couple, you don’t really see that multigenerational juxtaposition.”

Speaking from his office on the Raleigh Studios lot in Hollywood, Lee discussed the season’s Montecito setting, the financial anxiety that drives the story and the four-legged breakout star of the show. These are edited excerpts from the conversation, which includes many spoilers.

Why did you want to set this season in Montecito?

Just writing what I know. My goddaughters — their parents are my best friends. They live in Montecito. The dad is my oldest friend in LA. He has a membership to Montecito Club, which is where we shot the exterior of our show. I was house-sitting for him during the writing of all this. He let me use his membership. I remember when he told me about the membership, I was like, “You pay how much? That’s insane, dude.” But then you start using the membership. This idea of hedonic adaptation — how humans so quickly adapt to this new comfort, this new stimulus — it felt like an interesting thing. I was observing how all the members seemed to be mostly boomers and Silent Gen; then all the workers were Gen Z and millennial. I thought: What a perfect metaphor for society right now. No matter how hard the Gen Z and millennials work, they’re never going to get to be members of this club because, as Austin says, “everyone grabbed the bag before they could.” That’s what made me want to set it at a Montecito country club.

Oscar Isaac as Josh Martin and Carey Mulligan as Lindsay Crane-Martin. Cailee Spaeny as Ashley Miller and Charles Melton as Austin Davis. The second season of “Beef,” follows the two California couples from different socioeconomic backgrounds — though both are struggling — as they spiral into a high-stakes feud. (Netflix)

That feeling of survival and resentment and entitlement really looms over this season. There’s speeches about love, but also capitalism. The anxiety about finances is so prevalent right now.

We certainly didn’t set out to make a season about capitalism. But if you’re constantly trying to chase truth as writers, I don’t know how you say anything in the modern era, in 2026, and not have capitalism be a huge variable because it permeates every aspect of life. It’s like going to get gas. Gas is almost $7 right now. You have to fill your tank and there goes $140? That’s crazy. And relationships face so much stress — everyone is being hit by all these curveballs and trying to keep your head above water — how can you enjoy each other?

It became very obvious to us that if you’re going to write a season about marriage and love to these two couples, financial implications have to be a big factor. There’s a lot of talk about the disappearance of the American dream right now. Birth rates are declining. No one’s owning homes anymore. But then you also see headlines about everyone’s scamming. CVS has everything locked down. You’re like, “Yeah, no wonder.” Everything’s connected. We wanted to really show how that survival instinct, the desperation, is starting to come for everyone. I don’t think it’s going to get easier, especially with AI moving on the horizon, and with leaders who refuse to put checks and balances in place.

Part of Ashley’s story is using the video of the fight between Josh and Lindsay as blackmail to get health insurance so she can afford treatment for her endometriosis. And that moment where she’s waiting in the ER for hours and it’s not until she collapses that they realize she needs emergency surgery — her big concern is whether she has to pay the deductible.

I wrote that episode in a literal day because it was based on an experience I had in an ER with my daughter’s mother. She had this illness fall upon her. We spent 12 hours at the ER and, the whole time, I had my Notes app out and was just writing down everything I saw. Almost everything in that scene is stuff that happened in real life. Our healthcare system is absolutely insane. It’s, again, unhinged capitalism and … felt like it really unlocked so much of the season.

There’s a moment where Josh has to sell some of his prized possessions to pay a gambling debt. Have you been there, needing to sell things to cover your financial obligations?

I’ve been there multiple times. I obviously struggled to find my way for a long time, even after becoming a writer. If you’re in a writing partnership, in a staff job on a show — first of all, this is what the guild has been fighting, trying to get these longer-term employment windows because these jobs sometimes are only … maybe eight to 12 weeks. You’re splitting a staff salary in two [if you’re in a partnership], and you probably haven’t qualified for health insurance by the end of that run. Sure, you’re a working writer, but I remember [by the time I landed at] “Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” my first real writing job, I had amassed so much debt, half of which were from parking tickets. I just didn’t have the money to pay these tickets, and so I just let them run rampant. So, yeah, I’ve been there. There’s this one guitar that I loved; it was the first guitar I bought with my own money after college — it was a Fender Telecaster. I think I bought it for $1,200. I ended up selling it for $300. I’ve sold collectibles. I’ve sold anything that had gold in it. I’ve scrapped to just find anything because you’re desperate.

Song Kang-ho as Dr. Kim, Youn Yuh-jung as Chairwoman Park in “Beef.” Recalling the opportunity to direct the pair, Lee says: “It just makes me feel like a little kid again. It stops feeling like work and starts feeling like play.”

(Netflix)

You directed this season. Is there a moment that stands out with this cast?

A peak of my career that I think about daily is the moment in Korea where we were shooting at Amorepacific. It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in Seoul. I’m shooting the scene between the great Youn Yuh-jung and the great Song Kang-ho — two of not only my favorite Korean actors, but favorite actors period. They have never been in a scene together in any Korean film ever. They’ve been in a movie together, but never acted together. And here we are making Korean history by having them shoot that breakfast scene and, while I’m in the middle of shooting that scene, director Bong Joon Ho surprises us on set. He comes over laughing, pulls up to me, looks at my monitor, gives me stage fright, then elbows me and says, “You sure you want to frame it like that?” He was teasing. Then we started shooting the scene, it’s all in Korean, and I look back at video village and Bong’s just doubled over in laughter. He is just cracking up. Younger me, and present me, is looking around like: Here I am in Korea, in this building I’ve always wanted to shoot in, two of the greatest living actors and the greatest living director — what is happening? What a crazy sentence to say. It just makes me feel like a little kid again. It stops feeling like work and starts feeling like play.

How did you want race and identity to figure into this season, particularly through Austin?

Charles was the first piece of the whole thing. After Season 1, I got to go to Korea multiple times. I shot a music video for one of the members of BTS. I was experiencing Austin’s journey of being courted by this level of Korea that I’d never been exposed to before and feeling warm and allured by it — I’m having dinners with K-pop idols, like what is happening? So, I knew I wanted to have that element of elite Korea involved. The writers and I discussed a lot whether it should be a Korean American that’s being pulled. We had covered a lot of Korean American ground in Season 1, [but] one of the things we didn’t get to cover is the half-Korean experience. Several of the writers on staff are either half-Asian or half-Korean. We don’t want to repeat things, but let’s do explore a half-Korean character who is about to have a child suddenly get this pull toward Korea.

Carey Mulligan as Lindsay acting alongside Jones, the dog who plays Burberry, in “Beef.” “Jones is the best dog actor I’ve ever worked with,” Lee says. “A24 is making Burberry merch. There’s going to be a Burberry shirt.”

(Netflix)

There are some pretty gross, petty and violent acts of revenge. One is Ashley swirling her period blood in Josh and Lindsay’s pitcher of orange juice. The other takes place during a flight — Lindsay wiping gunk from the toilet seat and transferring it to the rim of the cup Ashley drinks from. Please explain how you arrived at these acts. Were there any left on the cutting room floor?

Episode 4 was pouring out of me. And I remember I got to the point where Ashley snooping through the house [where Lindsay and Josh live]. Initially, I had her scratching up the trophy. She opened Josh’s pomade and blew a snot booger into it. I was thinking of juvenile things. But I had the thought of her going to the kitchen and having the thing that happened to her being the expression of her revenge. I remember I was so nervous to show the [writers’] room. The way I wrote it, I had her crouching over the pitcher and Anna Moench, as the main female writer on the show, was like, “Sonny, I don’t think you know this works.” So, we revised it. That’s how the OJ one happened. With Episode 7 [and the toilet seat], we wanted to have a bodily episode on a plane, and there’s just such limited ways to get revenge on a plane. But given the OJ drink — there’s so many mirrors between the two couples, we thought it’d be fun to mirror that with a drink from Lindsay to Ashley. The only place to do that on a plane is bathroom. We shot it on stage with a fake toilet and Carey was almost vomiting. She came to me after that scene, and she goes, “Sonny, in all my years in this business, that is the most vile, disgusting thing I’ve ever had to do.”

The final moments of the finale jumps eight years. Did you always know you wanted a time jump? And did you always know Ashley and Austin were going to repeat the cycle?

The Ashley and Austin side, I knew the inverse graph for both characters would be very satisfying — to me, at least. I didn’t know whether that happened in a time jump or not. That’s something we discovered later. There was great debate in the room. I had a couple writers plead with me, “Why aren’t you ending with the kiss? It’s so sweet. It’s so good. I feel so good at the kiss. Can we just end it at the kiss?” I took it very seriously, but then it felt very similar to Season 1’s ending. Taking two people who start apart and they finally discover that connection but too late. I didn’t want to leave with the same feeling. How we can make it different is the “what happens next?” Life comes at you fast. He’s [Josh] still in prison. She’s [Lindsay] got to move on. Once I started heading down that thought experiment, I’m like, “Whoa, you could do a whole coda showing the literal theme of the show, the cycles, that’s where we can show Ashley and Austin becoming Josh and Lindsay.” That’s where we show, even though they found a connection, it’s lost between Josh and Lindsay — even if they’re still hanging on to the past a little bit. You show Troy and Ava still together [laughs] — they have it all figured out. Then you show the billionaire who, even with all the money in the world, is crying at the graveside of her first love, filled with regret.

We didn’t see where Eunice (Seoyeon Jang) ends up.

I wanted to leave it open. I’m very curious what people think. She really put her neck out there. Austin burned her bad. I don’t know where Eunice is at but it’s probably not good.

Charles Melton as Austin Davis in “Beef.”

(Netflix)

We can’t talk about “Beef” without discussing the needle drops. When you have Austin listening to Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” it was over for me.

The needle drops are usually pre-picked even before we shoot. The source music that’s playing diegetically, usually we discover in the edit. Before, as scripted, it had him scrolling Instagram and it was [the song playing on] his Instagram feed — you know how those Reels have music overlayed on a POV? It just wasn’t that funny to me in the edit. He’s so down and out and I wanted to find different source music in there. One day, I told my editor, “Can you rip ‘What Was I Made For?’ And can you just temporarily do it where, as she opens the door, he’s like, pressing the volume up, being like ‘sh— … sh— …’ [intending to make the volume go down]?” Our AE [assistant editor] did the ADR temporarily of the “sh—, sh—,” filmed it on my phone and I texted it to Finneas [O’Connell, the show’s composer, who is Eilish’s brother and collaborator] being like, “Hey, is it cool if we do this?” And he was dying laughing. [O’Connell also makes a cameo in the season.]

Ahead of Season 1, you gifted the writers “The Sopranos Sessions” and also assembled a Letterboxd list of films that served as reference points. What guidance did you provide for Season 2?

I sent another Letterboxd playlist. For inspo, we got “Handmaiden,” “Phantom Thread,” “Force Majeure,” “Eyes Wide Shut,” “The Informant.” For some reason, I have “Margaret” on there, the [Kenneth] Lonergan film. I also had “Michael Clayton,” “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” “Burn After Reading,” and lastly, it’s a deep cut, there’s this movie called “Like Crazy,” starring Felicity Jones and Anton Yelchin.

Also, can we take a moment for Burberry’s acting?

Oh my god, Jones! Jones is the best dog actor I’ve ever worked with. He would hit his mark. He would listen. He would look at people when he’s supposed to be looking. It was his first time acting. Crushed it. A24 is making Burberry merch. There’s going to be a Burberry shirt.

Paralympic champion William Ellard set a new world record time to take gold in the S14 mixed class 100m freestyle final at the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships in London.

Ellard finished in 50.41 seconds to shave 0.49 seconds off the previous record held by Brazil’s Arthur Xavier Ribeiro.

The 20-year-old, who won gold in the S14 200m freestyle and mixed 4x100m freestyle relay at the 2024 Paralympics, has subsequently booked his place at the European Championships in Paris this summer.

“It was the aim,” Ellard said when asked if he was targeting the world record.

“It would be nice to go 49 [seconds] one day but it hurt for the last 15 metres, I just had to put my head down.”

Earlier, Angharad Evans broke the British 200m breaststroke record, finishing in a time of 2:19.70.

BBC Ambulance took an emotional turn as one paramedic was brought to tears

A BBC Ambulance paramedic was left sobbing as he made a heartbreaking admission.

Healthcare professional Jeff tackled an emergency call that he said “hit close to home” as his dad passed away from a similar issue he had to take on.

Fans of the BBC hit show see real-life emergencies and high-pressure environments as frontline workers give everything they have to save lives in the most critical of circumstances.

During tonight’s (April 15) instalment, which is the final episode of the season, Castleford crew paramedic Jeff and associate ambulance practitioner Eddie receive a call to attend to a 51-year-old man, who has been having trouble getting his dialysis most of the week.

The duo rushed to the scene and after arriving it was clear Dale was uncomfortable as they found him lying in his bed struggling to move.

Dale’s mum explained to Jeff and Eddie that he has been feeling drowsy, has been suffering with pain in his chest and was being sick all morning.

After running some checks, Jeff quickly informed his mum that if they had left it any longer he would have gone into cardiac arrest. Acting quick, Jeff and Eddie rushed Dale to hospital and made sure he got treated immediately.

While sitting in the ambulance, things took an emotional turn as Jeff broke down in tears and revealed: “Quite close to home for me because my dad passed away from renal failure. So it’s quite close to home for me.”

Jeff struggled to control his emotions as he stepped out of the car to have a moment to himself.

Stepping back into the vehicle, he explained to colleague Eddie: “My dad went into renal failure. British National in South Africa, during COVID as well so I couldn’t go and see him and he passed away before he really knew what was happening.”

Visibly moved, he continued: “I think as a bloke sometimes emotionally we don’t deal with what’s going on in the background. The baggage becomes quite heavy until you get to the point where it’s overflowing and your whole world comes crumbling down.”

Jeff added: “I think half the problem is that I don’t do good talking about emotions. People deal with grief in different ways. It’s the little things that can trigger it and it can come out of the blue. My dad dying has definitely been life changing for me.”

At the end of the show it was revealed that after a long illness and multiple hospital admissions Dale died 6 months later

You can catch up on Ambulance on BBC iPlayer

The first UCLA player off the WNBA draft board Monday night was Lauren Betts, who went No. 4 overall to the Washington Mystics.

Betts’ selection touched off a lengthy Bruins celebration in New York, with UCLA forward Gabriela Jaquez selected No. 5 by the Chicago Sky and UCLA guard Kiki Rice selected No. 6 by expansion team Toronto Tempo.

After a brief break, UCLA forward Angela Dugalic was next in line. She was selected with the No. 9 pick by the Washington Mystics, where she will join Betts.

It is the second time the same college had four players selected in the first round. The last time was in 2002 when UConn had four first-round draft picks.

Betts averaged 17.1 points per game, 8.8 rebounds and shot 58.2% from the field as a senior in the Bruins’ national championship run. She was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player, was an AP All-American First Team and Big Ten Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

“I play with joy,” Betts said on ESPN after she was drafted. “This season has been so joyful. … You can see all the positivity that I play with.”

UCLA center Lauren Betts poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected No. 4 by the Washington Mystics Monday.

(Pamela Smith / Associated Press)

She also joined her former Stanford teammate and USC rival Kiki Iriafen, who was a first-round pick last year.

“It’s been amazing, I’ve grown so much, my confidence, I’ve owned who I am as a player and a person,” Betts said.

Jaquez spent all four seasons with UCLA and was one of the most improved players in the nation en route to helping the Bruins win a national title. She averaged 13.5 points per game, 5.5 rebounds and shot 53.9% from the field and 39% from three-point range.

“I’m so excited to be here, I think having these dreams of going to UCLA and going to the WNBA and to achieve them not only by myself, but with my teammates means everything,” she told ESPN.

UCLA guard Gabriela Jaquez poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected No. 5 by the Chicago Sky on Monday.

(Pamela Smith / Associated Press)

She was named to the NCAA All-Tournament team and was an All-Big Ten second team selection.

“Going into every game and doing what the team needs,” she said about how she wanted to contribute to Chicago. “I’m going into training camp ready to learn, being a sponge and being myself and working hard.”

Rice played four seasons for the Bruins and scored 14.9 points per game with 5.9 rebounds last season while picking up 4.3 assists and averaging a 49% from the field. She was named an AP third-team All-American, was named to the NCAA All-Tournament team and was on the Big Ten First Team and all-Defensive team.

“I take a ton of pride in being the best teammate and figuring out how to make everyone better around me,” she told ESPN. “Really excited to get to work and meet everyone. It’s going to be really important to have great leadership.”

UCLA guard Kiki Rice poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected No. 6 by the Toronto Tempo on Monday.

(Pamela Smith / Associated Press)

Rice was grateful so many UCLA players got a chance to celebrate getting selected.

“This is so special,” she said. “Every one of us here deserves it so much.”

Dugalic came off the bench last season as the Bruins’ sixth player after starting the previous two seasons. In her role, she was one of the most steady veteran players in the country.

“That’s gonna be great,” Dugalic said to ESPN of playing with Betts. “I’m super excited for that. That will be a smooth transition, playing with her.”

UCLA forward Angela Dugalic poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected No. 9 by the Washington Mystics on Monday.

(Pamela Smith / Associated Press)

The Big Ten Sixth Player of the year averaged 9.0 points per game, 5.6 rebounds and shot 50.2% from the field. She can shoot from range at 32.6% and is a tough perimeter defender and can bang in the post at 6-foot-4.

Earlier in the draft, UConn guard Azzi Fudd was selected by Dallas Wings with the No. 1 overall pick. Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles was selected by the Minnesota Lynx with the No. 2 pick. Awa Fam Thiam, who played in Spain, was selected by the Seattle Storm with the No. 3 pick.

In between UCLA picks, Iyana Martín Carrión, of Spain, was selected No. 7 overall by the Portland Fire. LSU star Flau’jae Johnson was selected No. 8 by the Golden State Valkyries.

South Carolina’s Raven Johnson was selected No. 10 by the Indiana Fever. Ole Miss’ Cotie McMahon was selected No. 11 by the Washington Mystics. Nell Angloma, of France, was selected No. 12 by the Connecticut Sun. South Carolina’s Madina Okot was selected No. 13 by the Atlanta Dream. Duke’s Taina Mair was selected No. 14 by the Seattle Storm.

The Sparks are idle in the first round and will make picks in the second and third rounds.

Check back for more updates throughout the draft.

Britain has publicly distanced itself from Washington’s escalating strategy against Iran, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer making clear that the UK will not support any blockade in the Gulf.

Speaking after the United States announced sweeping restrictions on Iranian shipping, Starmer emphasized that Britain’s priority is not enforcement but de-escalation. He stressed the importance of keeping vital trade routes open rather than contributing to further disruption.

What Starmer Said

Starmer’s message was direct. The UK will not be drawn into the conflict and will not support a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Instead, Britain is focused on ensuring the strait remains open. While confirming the presence of British minesweepers in the region, he made clear their role is defensive and aimed at maintaining safe passage, not enforcing restrictions.

Contrast with Washington

The stance puts London at odds with the approach taken by Donald Trump.

The U.S., through United States Central Command, has announced a broad blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic. Trump has gone further, warning that vessels linked to Iranian payments could be intercepted and threatening force against any resistance.

While Washington frames the move as pressure on Tehran, Britain is signaling concern about the wider consequences.

Why the Strait Matters

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical energy routes in the world. A significant share of global oil supply passes through it, meaning even partial disruption can send shockwaves through markets.

For the UK, keeping this route open is not just a regional issue but a global economic priority.

Implications: Cracks in Western Unity

Britain’s refusal highlights a growing divide among Western allies on how to handle the Iran crisis.

The U.S. is pursuing a strategy of maximum pressure, while the UK is prioritizing stability and the prevention of further escalation. This divergence could complicate coordinated action and weaken the overall Western response.

Analysis: A Strategic Balancing Act

Starmer’s position reflects a careful calculation. Supporting the blockade risks entangling Britain in a wider conflict and worsening global economic strain. Opposing it, however, creates visible distance from a key ally.

By focusing on keeping the strait open, the UK is attempting to balance security concerns with economic stability, while avoiding direct confrontation.

Britain’s stance sends a clear signal. Even close allies are not fully aligned on how far to go against Iran.

As tensions rise, that lack of unity could shape the next phase of the crisis just as much as the actions taken in the Gulf itself.

With information from Reuters.

This family-friendly park is perfect for a weekend break, and it’s right on the beach too, so there’s plenty to do right on your doorstep and it’s right by some brilliant days out too

A holiday park that has won multiple awards and has been listed among the best in the UK has short breaks for families from just £49.

The park, which has features such as direct beach access and a huge pool with waterslides, is often listed among the UK’s best parks and its location on the Devon coast means it’s close to plenty of family-friendly days out too.

This sprawling park on the outskirts of Exmouth has 1,641 caravans and lodges, making it one of Haven’s biggest locations, and it’s packed with activities to enjoy both day and night.

Devon Cliffs Holiday Park can be found in Sandy Bay, known for its distinctive red cliffs that shelter its soft sand shores. The beach can be reached via a ramp from the holiday park, and there’s a beachfront café and bar where you can enjoy the views.

At the heart of the park is a vast complex where you’ll find the indoor and outdoor pools, with the latter open during the sunny school holiday seasons. The indoor pool has a shallow water area for kids, waterslides, plus plenty of space to swim, while the outdoor pools include areas for the little ones to splash around.

Next to the complex you’ll find The Jump, a sheer drop where brave kids or adults can take a leap and land on a big soft cushion. There’s also the Aerial Adventure, where you can climb through the treetops, and outdoor play areas, so there’s lots of adventure to be had.

In the evenings, you can enjoy dinner at one of the park’s restaurants, or its very own branch of J D Wetherspoon which opened recently. The Red Rock serves all your Spoons favourites right on the park. There’s also evening entertainment from the Seaside Squad, including a new Tiger Club Show which promises a “nostalgic 90s twist”.

The park is close to Exmouth where the River Exe meets the English Channel. You can follow the path from the town to the sea enjoying the traditional seaside vibes of the promenade. There’s also the long sandy stretch of Exmouth Beach which has rockpools that are uncovered when the tide is out.

From Exmouth’s marina, you can also take boat tours along the Jurassic Coast, enjoying the sights of this stunning and historic part of the UK. During the summer months, there are also daily cruises along the River Exe, where you’ll see miles of rolling Devon hills and the area’s unique wildlife including thousands of geese, and on occasion, adorable grey seals that relax by the edge of the water.

Find out more about Devon Cliffs Holiday Park and book your break here from just £49 per family.

Of course if you’re thinking about a family holiday to Devon, there are heaps of other brilliant options to choose from too. For example, Parkdean Resorts and Hoseasons both offer a range of stays near some of the region’s prettiest beaches, while Pitchup.com can be a useful source for finding budget-friendly camping options too.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

EXCLUSIVE: I’m A Celebrity… South Africa fans were left fuming when former professional boxer David Haye pushed for Corrie icon Beverley Callard to be sent to Savannah Scrub

Beverley Callard has opened up about her ongoing “feud” with I’m A Celebrity campmate David Haye.

Fans were left gobsmacked when the former professional boxer, 45, pushed for the Coronation Street legend, 69, to be sent to Savannah Scrub in the first episode of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa.

Savannah Scrub was the more basic of the two camps and ITV viewers were not impressed by his behaviour.

However, Beverley ended up having the last laugh as David’s shock move helped her grow a closer bond with her fellow Savannah Scrub campmates Gemma Collins, Seann Walsh and Adam Thomas.

Speaking on behalf of WhichBingo, Beverley explained: “We had a great mix of people aside from one.

“When David sent me to Savannah Scrub he ended up doing me a favour but I really minded at first because we didn’t know each other and he judged me.

“He didn’t give a thought to anything apart from winning but the four of us in Savannah Scrub had great camaraderie which I enjoyed.”

The actress continued: “I also really resented when he said ‘she’s got to prove herself’.

“I don’t have to prove myself to him, that just was so smug and I don’t care what he thinks of me.

“I do not want to impress him and I think it was ageist, I thought it was sexist and at that time I thought he had no consideration for anybody else’s feelings whatsoever.

“He was a meanie and all he wanted to do was win and he didn’t seem to have any endearing qualities to me whatsoever.”

I’m A Celebrity… South Africa was filmed back in September last year and now watching back the series, Beverley feels she let off David too lightly when the two camps eventually reunited after days apart.

She said: “I actually thought I was too easy on him. I did say a lot more than that, it was edited out, but I think I was too easy on him when we met again.

“I was a fan of his. My dad used to box for the army, my son has boxed and there were so many questions I wanted to ask him. I was thrown completely.

As for whether the feud is truly behind them seven months later, Beverley stated: “It’s not over, let me say that.”

A representative for David Haye has been approached for a comment.

I’m A Celebrity… South Africa airs Monday to Friday on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm

A NEW “holiday tax” will add £500million a year to the cost of UK breaks, business leaders warn.  

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been urged not to allow mayors the power to raise funds by slapping a levy on overnight stays at hotels, campsites and B&Bs.

The Confederation of British Industry said it will drive up inflation, hamper investment and mean more red tape. 

Two hundred bosses from firms such as Butlin’s and Haven have written to Ms Reeves hitting out at the plans.

A consultation closed in February.

CBI head of tax policy Alice Jeffries said: “The Government should be sending a clear message that Britain is open for business and tourist visitors alike — not making it harder for people to spend their time and money here.” 

TAXING TIMES

Holiday tax will ‘wipe billions from economy & threaten jobs for young people’

JOBS CULL

Iconic UK holiday chain to axe 250 jobs as boss issues warning over ‘tourist tax’

She said the policy could apply a handbrake to investment, jeopardise jobs and squeeze margins for a sector facing one of the country’s heaviest tax burdens. 

UK Hospitality say it could add £100 to a two-week family stay based on £2 per person per night.  

Its boss, Allen Simpson said: “The Government should keep holidays relaxing, not taxing.”  

A Government spokesman said: “The final design of the visitor levy has not been decided.  

“We are clear it will ensure hugely popular areas benefit even more from tourism and mayors will have more money to invest in local priorities.” 

THE UK is home to some of the world’s most stunning coastlines, but a stay at a “big name” resort can end up costing you more than a week in the Med.

Not to worry, we’ve unearthed the seaside spots which offer an unforgettable staycation without spending a fortune.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration

Whether you’re after a classic bucket-and-spade stay with a nostalgic promenade, or looking for those off the beaten path hiking spots, we’ve got you covered.

Best of all, we’ve found 2026 staycation deals starting from as little as £49 – meaning your next seaside escape could cost less than going out for dinner.

Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire

Often overshadowed by Skegness, Cleethorpes is an underrated seaside town on the east Lincolnshire coast.

This family-friendly resort town boasts miles of unspoilt soft sands, with a traditional pier and promenade.

In the central promenade area you’ll find an abundance of activities such as bowling, crazy golf and seaside amusements.

The Lollipop Land Train is a big hit with kids, taking you on a scenic ride along the seafront for just £2 each way – plus kids come away with a lollipop!

You’ll also find the 19th-century Ross Castle, as well as the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, which offers two-mile trips along the coast in a steam or diesel locomotive, costing £5.75 per adult or £5.25 per child for a return.

That’s not all – a full day can easily be spent at the Light Railway as the site also hosts a tearoom, crazy golf course and toy shop.

Plus halfway along the line you’ll find Lakeside, where a vintage railway building has been transformed into a miniature pub called The Signal Box Inn, often hailed as the smallest pub on the planet.

When you want to explore a little further, a 10-minute drive takes you to Grimsby, home to the award-winning attraction the Fishing Heritage Centre. Here you’ll be transported back to a 1950’s fishing port, and visit the famous trawler Ross Tiger.

Haven Cleethorpes Beach is a mega holiday park with its own on-site Wetherspoons, as well as a massive, action-packed Adventure Village.

You can book a four-night stay at Cleethorpes Beach in a four-bed saver caravan from just £49 with a Haven Hideaway deal.

Mersea Island, Essex

Mersea Island is a seaside gem accessible via a causeway that disappears under the tide twice a day, with stunning landscapes and a laid-back vibe that feels worlds away from the flashy piers of Southend.

The island is known for its unique beaches, marshland wildlife and delicious oysters.

West Mersea Beach is an old-fashioned spot backed by pastel-coloured beach huts, whilst Monkey Beach is a lesser-known spot likely named after the monkey steps leading down to its shores.

You can spend a free afternoon crabbing off the West Mersea pontoon, or exploring the Cudmore Grove Country Park, a Green Flag spot with a wooden play area and pretty meadows made for dog walks.

A 20-minute drive (at low tide) takes you to Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town, where you can visit its impressive castle or take a Roman and Medieval walking tour (£9 per adult and kids go free).

Coopers Beach Holiday Park offers direct beach access, plenty of sports courts and outdoor activities, and family restaurants with sea views.

Parkdean Resorts offer a four-night stay in a Bronze caravan which sleeps six from £99.

Pwllheli, North Wales

While the holiday crowds flocks to nearby Abersoch, savvy travellers head to the bustling market town of Pwllheli to enjoy the same stunning shores for a fraction of the cost.

The town’s two massive beaches are perfect for bucket-and-spade days as a family, plus the nearby Plas Heli sailing centre offer sailing, kayaking and stand up paddle-boarding lessons.

It’s also a brilliant base for exploring the rest of the Llŷn Peninsula. For a historical afternoon out, an 18-minute drive leads to Criccieth Castle, where 13th-century ruins overlook Cardigan Bay.

Or to soak up the sights by foot, you can walk the coastal path to reach the art galleries and sheltered bay of Llanbedrog.

Plus if you’re really up for a hiking challenge, Snowdonia is only a 30-minute drive away.

With an indoor pool and water park, lazy river, four-lane waterslide and its own lake for pedalo hire, Hafan y Mor is the place to stay in Pwllheli.

You can book a four-night stay in a two-bed apartment at Hafan y Mor from just £79.

Filey, North Yorkshire

Sat between Scarborough and Bridlington, Filey is a charming seaside town where visiting feels like stepping back in time.

There’s a five-mile stretch of golden sands, perfect for setting up a spot to play beach games and build sandcastles.

You can spend a totally free afternoon exploring the dramatic Filey Brigg – a mile-long rocky peninsula built for birdwatching and spectacular sea views.

Or wander through the peaceful Glen Gardens, where you can visit the open air boating lake, burn off energy in the play park or set up a picnic on its scenic grounds.

When you fancy a change of pace, an 18-minute drive takes you to Scarborough, where you can enjoy a classic day out of spending loose change in the arcades or tackling the rides of Luna Park.

If you travel 22 minutes in the opposite direction it will take you to Bridlington, where Brid Spa hosts fantastic, family-friendly theatre productions. Head up further along the coast to Bempton Cliffs to spot adorable puffins.

Plus, Filey is significantly easier on the pocket than its busier neighbours, with top-tier holiday parks for affordable prices.

Hoseasons offer a 7-night stay in a two-bedroom saver caravan for just £125 at Blue Dolphin holiday park.

Bembridge, Isle of Wight

If you want an Isle of Wight trip that feels more like a relaxing private getaway than a tourist trap, Bembridge is the place.

Skip the business of Sandown and head to this sprawling coastal gem. As one of England‘s largest villages, everything here is spaced out and relaxed, with plenty of room to wander without pushing through crowds.

You can spend a free morning visiting the historic Bembridge Windmill -the only windmill left on the island, dating back to 1700.

Or wander the dramatic 200-metre seaside pier, where the Lifeboat Station sits perched at the end overlooking the water.

When you want to explore further, less than 30 minutes’ drive south lands you in the trendy, hilly streets of Ventnor.

Charles Dickens once described the town as “The prettiest place I ever saw in my life, at home or abroad”, and it’s clear to see why. This artsy town has colourful buildings, beautiful botanical gardens and pebbled shores that zig-zag down to the seafront.

Or you could drive 10 minutes to Culver Down, for impressive chalk cliffs that offer a panoramic view of the English Channel.

Hoseasons offer a four-night stay in a two-bedroom chalet at the perfectly-positioned Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park from £84.

Morecambe, Lancashire

With the bustle of Blackpool nearby, Morecambe offers a more relaxed, retro feel with five miles of promenade to stroll.

Kids will love Happy Mount Park, home to a soft play, adventure golf, a massive splash park, tennis courts and more – perfect for a family day out no matter the weather.

For something more unique, head to the Stone Jetty to find the Tern Project: an interactive art trail with bird-themed pavement games, mazes, and puzzles along the way.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can join a guided group (from £15) to trek across the famous sands of the Cross Bay Walks at low tide – just don’t try it alone!

Lancaster is a 15-minute drive away, where you can explore its hilltop medieval castle, while you can reach Blackpool for an exciting day out in 45 minutes.

Whether you explore the thrills of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, or explore Madame Tussauds or the Blackpool Dungeons within the tower, you’re sure to have an action-packed day out – with a quieter change of scenery to return home to.

Parkdean Resorts offer a two-night stay in a two-bedroom silver caravan at Morecambe’s Ocean Edge from £99.

Wemyss Bay, Scotland

While most tourists charge straight past to the inner isles, the charming village of Wemyss Bay is the perfect place to enjoy the dramatic Firth of Clyde landscapes.

To soak up the best of the local scenery, wander the coastal paths that look out over the isle of Bute. Walk down to the rocky shoreline at low tide to go beachcombing for sea glass – Wemyss Bay is a prime spot.

Or head to Kelly Burn to see the pretty woodland stream that marks the border between Renfrewshire and Ayrshire, leading you through lush greenery to hidden waterfalls.

Wemyss Bay Woods is also fantastic for nature walks, with a network of forest trails with mountain views.

Train enthusiasts will love visiting the award-winning Wemyss Bay Station, regularly hailed as one of the most beautiful railway stations in the UK thanks to its stunning glass canopy.

To explore further afield, you can hop on a ferry over to Rothesay to visit its castle and explore the isle (£8.70 adult return, kids £4.40).

And for the ideal indoor family attraction, 15 minutes by car or bus will take you to the traditional seaside town of Largs to visit the Vikingar! museum.

This interactive centre has a replica 8th century Viking house, character storytelling, an indoor swimming pool and more. Tickets cost £9.20 per adult and £6.30 per child.

The clifftop Wemyss Bay Holiday Park offers an affordable place to stay with striking views of the mountains across the water.

Hoseasons offer a four-night stay in a two-bedroom Bronze caravan from £99.

Flamborough, East Yorkshire

Flamborough is one of East Yorkshire’s most picturesque seaside spots, with some of the UK’s most spectacular coastal walks and views.

Head to this rugged peninsula to explore North Landing – a sheltered cove dotted with traditional fishing boats, where you can explore its caves for free.

Flamborough is also home to the Living Seas Centre, which puts on family-friendly events such as fossil hunts, boat trips and rockpool safaris.

You can also drive just six minutes to Sewerby Hall and Gardens, with woodland walks and beautiful walled and rose gardens. Entering the hall to see its stately rooms costs £4.50 per adult and £3.50 per child.

Head up to Thornwick Bay to find crystal clear waters protected by chalk cliffs, which open up dozens of fascinating rockpools at low tide.

But don’t just stick to the main beaches – head to Selwicks Bay at low tide to see the “Drinking Dinosaur” rock formation – a massive natural arch that’s the perfect backdrop for a family photo to remember your holiday.

Thornwick Bay Holiday Village is an unbeatable budget base, with activities ranging from water sports at the Boathouse to indoor arts and crafts at the Activity Barn.

Hoseasons offer a four-night stay in a two-bedroom saver caravan from £69.

Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk

If you want the golden sands of the Norfolk coast without the price tag of the posh towns like Burnham Market or Holkham, Hopton-on-Sea is your best bet.

Perched on the border between Norfolk and Suffolk, this quiet village has a pristine beach that’s far less crowded than its noisy neighbours.

Here you’re perfectly placed between two major seaside resorts: Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth.

A 15-minute drive north takes you to Yarmouth for some old-school pier fun and theme park Pleasure Beach, whilst the same time driving south lands you in Lowestoft, with its award-winning Blue Flag beaches.

Plus Hopton itself is a beautiful village worth exploring. Take a walk along its scenic grass-topped cliffs, or wander down to the water for a quiet spot to sunbathe.

Hopton Holiday Village is a bargain holiday park with direct beach access, and you can have a four-night break for less than the cost of one night in a seaside hotel.

Haven offer a four-night stay in a bronze caravan sleeping up to six at Hopton Holiday Village from £89.

A five-star Haven holiday park is packed with family-friendly activities, and best of all it has direct beach access with a long stretch of sand to enjoy

The UK has loads of great holiday parks to choose from, and they’re a practical option for families who’d like cost-effective accommodation, plenty of activities, and a lively atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a staycation for May half-term or the summer holidays, then this may be the perfect option for families with school aged kids. Set on a beautiful sandy beach, this holiday park has a 5-star rating from the AA, who called it “a very popular park with many guests returning every year”.

Perran Sands Holiday Park in Cornwall sits on 500-acres of grassland and sand dunes, and if you walk through the grassy paths you’ll reach the vast sandy beach that stretches over three-miles. The sand is soft and fine, and when the tide is out rockpools full of tiny sea creatures are uncovered. The park even offers surfing lessons for those who’ve always wanted to try catching a wave.

The sea can be quite choppy at Perran Sands, and although there is a lifeguard on duty at peak times, you may prefer to take a dip in the pool instead. On chilly days holidaymakers can enjoy the indoor pool with its own flume ride, while in the summer months, the outdoor pool is a great place to cool off. There’s also an outdoor lazy river where swimmers can float around and enjoy the sunshine.

Back on dry land, guests can book a round of crazy golf, enjoy the NERF Training Camp, hire go-karts, or take part in fun outdoor activities such as den building. In the evenings, entertainment includes appearances from Haven’s seaside squad. There are also lots of options for dinner, including the Surf Bay Café which has a Cornwall-style interior including its own campervan, and a brand new branch of popular US-chain Slim Chickens.

Like most Haven parks, Perran Sands has a number of accommodation options. You can book a 4-night break in a saver caravan from £49, and other budget-friendly options include yurts and geo-domes, some of which are right on the seafront. The park also has lodges, chalets, and three-bedroom beach houses which offer sea views and sun decks.

Walk along the seafront for about half and hour and you can visit nearby Perranporth. This charming seaside town is full of souvenir and surf shops, relaxed pubs, fish and chip shops, and tearooms. About a 20-minute drive away is Newquay, famous for its beautiful beaches and for being a surfers paradise.

Visit Newquay Zoo, a compact but fun zoo in the gardens of Trenance Park, or explore the 16th-century Trerice manor house. The Blue Reef Aquarium is also popular with families thanks to its wide range of colourful sea creatures on display, while the Oasis Fun Pools offer indoor and outdoor slides, rapids, and more.

Find out more about Perran Sands and book your break here. Of course it’s not the only tempting offering in Cornwall; there are a wealth of different sites where families can find bargain breaks too. Away Resorts for example has a St Ives Bay site with private access to a three-mile-long sandy beach, while Parkdean Resorts has budget-friendly midweek breaks as well as new all-inclusive packages for families wanting to stretch their holiday budget that little bit further.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

MEL B has shut down rumours the Spice Girls will reunite to mark the 30th anniversary of Wannabe.

The singer has quashed speculation the band will get back together to celebrate three decades since their debut hit.

Wannabe was released in June 1996, with debut album Spice following that September.

Mel has now confirmed a reunion is not on the cards, disappointing millions fans who had hoped the milestone would bring the group back together.

She reunited with Geri Horner, Emma Bunton and Melanie Chisholm for a string of stadium shows in 2019, although  Victoria Beckham did not take part.

Speaking to HELLO!, Mel said: “I can tell you it’s not happening. If it does, it’ll be a shock to me, let’s put it that way.”

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Reflecting on the last tour, she added: “When I look at that and at the feeling it gave me, I was in my element, but there comes a time… I’m 50.

“You can’t be nagging everyone to go on tour if they don’t want to. I laid that to rest when I turned 50.”

Asked if she would return to the stage if the others signed up, Mel admitted she is unsure.

The 50-year-old said, “I honestly don’t know. I’ve got a lot of respect and love for those girls. I wouldn’t be sitting here if it wasn’t for me being part of the Spice Girls.

“They’ve done a lot for me as a person and in my life. I’ve got fond memories, but I don’t know if I would want to go back up on stage.”

She added: “I can’t even begin to tell you what our bond is – it’s just something that will always be there.

“We’re like family; our umbilical cords are all tied together.”

For now, fans may have to settle for a potential Netflix documentary, in the style of recent Beckham projects.

Mel said: “I think we’ve all been asked and we’re all thinking about it at some point.

“But it has to be done in the right way, and it has to be honest – and not everybody wants to be honest.”

A planned Netflix drama based on the group was shelved last month amid tensions in the group.

Reports in 2024 claimed Geri had concerns about the deal, which is said would have netted the girls a cool £1 million each.  

Sources also alleged tensions between Geri and Mel are making any Spice Girls comeback nearly impossible.

The infamous rift exploded in 2019, after Mel sensationally claimed that she had a secret fling with Geri during the band’s early years in an interview on Piers Morgan’s show.

Geri denied the claim, saying that Mel ‘dreamed it up’ to sell more copies of her Brutally Honest biography.

The Sun told last April how Geri, 53, was back in touch with the band’s former manager Simon Fuller and had flown out to Miami to try and agree on a deal.

As recently as January, Mel C had insisted they were still in active discussions about celebrating the milestone.

And even Victoria, 51, had prompted hopes she could return to the group, saying she “loves” the idea of a residency at Las Vegas venue Sphere.

The Spice Girls have not performed together as a five-piece since the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony.

BLAKE Lively has broken her silence after a judge threw out most of her claims against Justin Baldoni.

Ten of the 13 claims Lively, 38, filed against Baldoni, 42, were thrown out on Thursday, April 2, by a judge.

The claims relating to harassment, defamation and conspiracy follow conflict while the pair filmed the 2024 Colleen Hoover adaptation It Ends With Us.

The remaining claims against Baldoni’s company Wayfarer Studios, which include breach of contract and retaliation, will move forward to trial.

“This case has always been and will remain focused on the devasting [sic] retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively’s reputation because she stood up for safety on the set and that is the case that is going to trial,” said Sigrid McCawley, member of Lively’s legal team, told PEOPLE.

“For Blake Lively, the greatest measure of justice is that the people and the playbook behind these coordinated digital attacks have been exposed and are already being held accountable by other women they’ve targeted.

“She looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation so that it becomes easier to detect and fight.”

District Judge Lewis Liman said Lively sued under California law but the alleged wrongful conduct took place elsewhere.

He also cited other issues in the cases, such as the fact that Lively had not signed an agreement that would have governed sexual harassment on set.

The judge said the actress could pursue her retaliation claims, among others, against Baldoni’s studio.

“Sexual harassment isn’t going forward not because the defendants did nothing wrong but because the court determined Blake Lively was an independent contractor, not an employee, said McCawley.

Justin Baldoni responds to judge throwing out case

“We’re very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants: Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, Steve Sarowitz, Melissa Nathan, and Jennifer Abel,” said Baldoni’s attorneys, Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach to The Daily Mail.

“These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence that was provided.

“What’s left is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court.”

Lively claimed that Baldoni kissed her during a scene where the script didn’t call for it and said he entered her trailer while she breastfed.

The actress also claimed that Baldoni tried to harm her reputation after she asserted he had created a problematic work environment.

Baldoni claimed Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, tried to tarnish his reputation, engaged in extortion, and hijacked creative control of the romance film.

Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake was dismissed by a judge in November.

The pair will now appear in court on May 18 in New York.

Legal representatives for both have said Baldoni and Lively both plan to testify.

THE Easter weekend is nearly here and whether or not you have kids, you are probably wanting to make the most of the four-day weekend.

Whether you want to escape crowds of families or just discover something new away from your hometown, the Sun Travel team has recommendations for every generation and every type of person.

Gen Z

Gen Z Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens is used to jet-setting off around Europe and further afield, but when it comes to doing things in the UK for Easter, her first recommendation is to head to Norwich.

She said: “The artsy city of Norwich in Norfolk was just voted the best place to live in the UK, and in my opinion, it’s one of the best spots for a city break, too.

“This city moves at a slower pace, split up by the River Wensum’s scenic canals, gardens, Tudor buildings and bookshops that give it a quaint feel.

“Norwich is full of easy-going creatives and young people who prefer a chill pint by a waterside pub than a groggy night out clubbing.

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“My top spots are the Red Lion Bishopgate, which juts out over the water, and the Playhouse Bar with a colourful beer garden and affordable pints.”

And instead of just heading shopping, Jenna recommends strolling the city’s cobbled streets to “dip into vintage shops and grab a new jacket or pair of shoes”.

She added: “Visiting during Easter means flowers at the Plantation Garden will be in full bloom, plus it’s the perfect time for literature and history walks (yes – that’s what Gen-Z are into nowadays).”

Alternatively, Jenna recommends heading to Cornwall for a dip in the sea.

She said: “Cornwall really is a crowd-pleaser UK destination for all ages.

“My dad loves a coastal walk and a pint of local ale in a pub steeped in history, whilst I seek out cider and beer festivals and the best beaches for watersports.

“One of my top Easter holiday activities would be to have a go at surfing.

“April is the prime time to shake off the cold and make use of the increasingly sunny days to grab a wetsuit and head out into the water.

“Newquay is the surf capital of the UK, so there’s no better place to try it – whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth.

“Fistral beach has prime waves that reach 6-8ft, but don’t worry if you’re a beginner like me; there’s plenty of classes for first-timers.

“Escape Surf School have been teaching beginner classes for over 20 years, and they start at £43pp for a group lesson.

“There’s also Hibiscus Surf School, which was Europe’s first women-only school, where sessions start at £35pp.”

Millennial

Having travelled to more than 50 countries, Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has had her fair share of memorable travel experiences.

But when it comes to Easter, the UK holds some real gems for her.

She said: “Living in Kent, I love the trail along the White Cliffs of Dover, which if you can brave the blustering winds, has some of the most beautiful views in the UK.

“The circular National Trust route is just over three miles, so you can easily do it in less than two hours.

“Then end with a cuppa and cake at Mrs Knotts Tearoom or grab a pint at The Coastguard Pub which has a great pub garden at the front.”

But coastal country walks aren’t for everyone, so if you prefer something a bit more bustling, Kara suggests to head to Manchester.

She said: “Manchester is one of my favourite cities – and one you will always have a good time at.

“And by this, I mean embracing your inner child with a day of games and experiences.

“Start at Chaos Karts, an indoor race track (£30pp) where you can pretend you are in Mario Kart, before grabbing some Barbie-esque skates to whizz around Archie’s Atomic (£8.50).

“End the evening at NQ64, a gaming bar with all the old classic machines and some very fun themed cocktails, before a stint at K2, a karaoke bar open until 4am (£10pp).

“Followed by some chips and gravy of course…”

Families

Having a seven-year-old son, Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire knows exactly what makes a good family day out.

Having tried and tested tons of spots across the UK, Caroline recommends dropping by The Outernet in central London.

She said: “When it comes to free attractions, few are as popular in my house as The Outernet next to London’s Tottenham Court Road station.

“Now, my son and I will make a 25-minute detour to spend even 20
minutes there, whenever we’re in central London.

“The huge, multi-screened space screens artist-made short films
throughout the day, and you can walk in from the street and spend as
little or as much time there as you want.

“With screens covering the sides and ceiling, you really do feel like
you are inside the films.

“Yes, you wouldn’t spend the whole day there, but the British Museum is
a short walk away, as is the walled playground Coram’s Fields.”

But if you are looking for a getaway and don’t want to head into the city, Caroline suggests booking into Haven Hopton Holiday Park in Norfolk.

She said: “[It] is routinely named the best Haven site in the country by visitors, with 4/5 star rating on TripAdvisor.

“It was the first holiday park I ever went to, and it still ranks as my No.1.

“The park has direct access to a lovely sandy beach, which is one of its more best-loved features, but it also has stacks of indoor activities in case the weather forgets to play ball.

“There are two indoor pools, arcades, a climbing wall and a good-sized soft play, as well as some excellent evening entertainment.

“If you fancy going off-site, then it is a short drive away from Pettitts Animal Adventure Park, Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park and the Norfolk Broads.”

Or if you are just looking for a day full of fun, head to Paultons Theme Park in Hampshire.

Caroline said: “With a child under eight, Paultons Theme Park is easily my favourite theme park in the UK.

“Specifically because nearly all of the rides have been designed for younger children – so he can go on everything.

“It is best-known for Peppa Pig World, but there is so much more to the park than that.

“With several different lands, including a £12million new Viking land opening in May this year.

“At last year’s UK Theme Park awards, Paultons bagged ten gongs
including the coveted Theme Park Of The Year.

“I’d have to agree with that gong, thanks to many key factors.

“Incredibly short queues for rides, incredible customer service (employees all cheerful), the cleanliness (bathrooms spotless), and the attention to detail.

“For example, the fact that they don’t charge for parking, unlike
several other big theme parks, and that they have leaflets at the
entrance telling you all of the events that are on that day.

“It’s a family-run business and that really shows.”

Empty Nest

Head of Travel at The Sun, Lisa Minot, is an expert in all things travel having been travelling both the UK and the world for decades.

And when it comes to spend Easter in the UK, she recommends “enjoying the mellow sounds of jazz from a floating platform in London’s St Katharine’s Dock while sipping a free glass of English sparkling wine“.

She said: “Sessions on Saturday evening of the Easter weekend (April 4) catch the golden hour when the yacht lights twinkle across the Marina and Sunday afternoon will be a relaxed affair with performances Olivia Swann, Jamie Safir and Flo Moore.

“Tickets are from £27.50 and include a glass of fizz and light bites, as well as blankets to snuggle under if the weather turns.”

Alternatively, Lisa suggests “making the most of the spring delights of Herefordshire with their new Roasts and Rambles guide that teams up great walks with excellent country pubs along the route”.

She added: “There are more than 60 curated trails to choose from that can see you discover everything from wild mountain ponies to romantic castle ruins, ancient caves and tranquil rivers – all with cosy country pubs along the way for a well-earned pint and classic pub grub.”

For more ideas on what to do this Easter, here are the best UK family days out from £10 to completely free this the Easter holidays.

Plus, 10 of the most affordable English seaside towns for Easter holidays with £1 rides, £2 pints and mega cheap hotels.

SCOTT Mills’ “work wife” Tina Daheley has revealed the “real reason” she was missing from Radio 2 this week.

It was revealed this week that fan-favourite host Scott had been fired from his Radio 2 Breakfast Show over allegations surrounding his “personal conduct.”

The Sun understands that his contract was terminated within five days of the complaint being made.

It then came to light how Scott’s sacking was linked to a complaint about a 2016 police probe into historic “serious sexual offences” against a teenage boy, with the timeline of proceedings showing the BBC took seven years to act.

Scott’s co-presenter Tina took to social media on Wednesday to admit that it’s been an “awful week” after she went “missing”.

She shared a photo of herself in bed with a cup of tea and wrote: “Good morning! Just about recovered from this awful cold/flu.

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“I’ve had for the past week (being parent to a primary school aged child is like having a subscription service to viruses!).”

Tina then revealed when she would be returning to her hosting duties.

“Good news is I’m over the worst of it and looking forward to spending two weeks with my family over the Easter hols from tomorrow after what’s been an incredibly difficult past week,” she said.

“I’ll be back on the radio Tuesday 21st April.”

It comes after Scott’s podcast was pulled by the BBC.

His Mercedes-Benz Vans Under the Bonnet: On the Road podcast has also been taken off Spotify.

The four part series created in 2025 with the Under the Bonnet report, shone the spotlight on varying issues for van drivers including everything from road conditions to mental health.

Scott has previously opened up on his own mental health battles and the podcast saw him reveal how 65 per cent of drivers had also struggled.

Yet when users search for it on Spotify, from a Google link that previously worked, a caption now states: “Couldn’t find that podcast.

“Search for something else?”

The BBC have also removed him from a Race Across The World podcast and pulled scenes he filmed for EastEnders.

Yesterday, we exclusively reported how charity Neuroblastoma UK dropped him as a patron.

Recently, we reported how Scott had been wiped from the BBC’s social media.

It comes after it was confirmed the Scott Mills Bridge at the M3 service station was now set to be re-named.

Additionally, The Sun was first to report how his Eurovision replacement is his fellow BBC Radio 2 DJ, Sara Cox.

Since 2011, he has commentated on the semi-finals, which air on BBC One on Tuesday and Thursday in the week leading up to the grand final.

• Scott Mills has been sensationally sacked by the BBC in a “tense” meeting with bosses
• The sudden axing is understood to be linked to a 2016 police probe into historical sex offences involving a teen boy
• Mills was questioned by police under caution in 2018 but the case was dropped in full due to a lack of evidence it is understood
• The race is now on to find a replacement for Mills, with fellow BBC DJ Gary Davies standing in
• And uncertainty now surrounds his future projects

In recent years, he has been joined by Rylan Clark to commentate on the shows, as well as the final live on Radio 2.

It comes after it transpired the broadcaster was questioned by police under caution in 2018 – when he was in his 40s, the Mirror reports.

The interview was related to alleged offences which took place between 1997 and 2000.

The case was dropped in full due to a lack of evidence.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson told The Mirror: “In December 2016, the Met began an investigation following a referral from another police force.

“The investigation related to allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy.”

The spokesperson said a man, who was in his 40s at the time of the interview, was questioned by police under caution in July 2018.

“A full file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, who determined the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges,” the Met said.

“Following this advice, the investigation was closed in May 2019.”

The allegations, which did not result in any charges, were reported to have taken place between 1997 and 2000.

Scott began at Radio 1 in 1998 presenting the early morning slot before earning his own breakfast show The Scott Mills Show.

Scott’s pals have also claimed they “can’t reach him” amid the “teen boy sex probe”.

A BBC spokesperson told The Sun: “While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC.”