breaks

Zilisch is widely considered to be a future star of the sport and is expected to secure a full-time drive in Nascar’s top tier, the Cup Series, in 2026.

He has dominated in his rookie year in Xfinity, and won at Watkins Glen, New York, after emerging unscathed from a dramatic 16-car crash in the closing stages.

Zilisch was forced to miss a race after injuring his back in a crash at Talladega in June but bounced back in style and his win on Saturday was his fifth victory in eight races.

No timeline has been put on his return by Zilisch or his JR Motorsports team, which is run by former driver Dale Earnhardt Jr, but the Xfinity Series championship play-offs begin at Portland on 31 August.

He was set to make his fourth top-tier Cup start of the season on Sunday at Watkins Glen but will miss that race as a result of the injury.

Aug. 8 (UPI) — A cruise passenger aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas was injured when a section of a water slide broke off.

The incident occurred Thursday, the cruise line said. The seven-day cruise departed from Miami on Saturday, and the incident happened while the ship was in the Eastern Caribbean between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Bahamas.

“Our team provided medical care to an adult guest when acrylic glass broke off a water slide as the guest passed through the slide,” a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson said in a statement to the Orlando Sentinel and ABC News.

“The guest is being treated for his injuries. The water slide is closed for the remainder of the sailing pending an investigation.”

He was listed in stable condition aboard the ship, the cruise line said.

The Frightening Bolt slide is among six on the ship’s Category 6 water park, which is the largest at sea.

The slide sends riders through a trap door with the translucent section on the top. Then, riders are dropped through a bomb door apparatus into the 46-foot-tall slide, which starts on the ship’s 15th deck and is the biggest one on a cruise ship.

The rider was hurt when passing through the broken section.

A video posted on X showed footage from after the incident and the reaction from onlookers. One person is heard saying: “Stop the slide.”

“These slides are probably much more frequently than land-based are continuously and constantly being inspected for any issues,” Stuart Chiron with the Cruise Guy told ABC News. “If cracks are determined, these slides and attractions are immediately taken out of service.”

The Icon of the Seas’ cruise stops were in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands; and the island’s private island at CocoCay, Bahamas.

The Icon of the Seas will sail through the Western Caribbean, starting in September.

On July 28, there was an altercation on the ship between two crew members from South Africa. While the vessel was off the coast of San Salvador Island in the Bahamas, a 35-year-old man allegedly stabbed a 28-year-old woman.

He fled, jumped overboard and died. The woman was in stable condition after being stabbed in her upper body.

In January 2024, the Icon of the Seas became the world’s largest cruise ship with a maximum capacity of 7,600 passengers and a crew of 2,350. It is 250,800 gross tons with 20 decks.

The Icon of the Seas is in the Icon class. The Star of the Seas is scheduled to include its first paying guests from its home at Port Canaveral in Florida in September. Two other ships are planned for the class.

In all, the Royal Caribbean has 28 ships.

Stevie Nicks has postponed several upcoming tour dates after fracturing her shoulder.

“Due to a recent injury resulting in a fractured shoulder that will require recovery time, Stevie Nicks’ scheduled concerts in August and September will be rescheduled,” the Fleetwood Mac singer announced over the weekend.

The affected shows include all her August and September shows, which include Detroit, Brooklyn and Florida dates. Those dates have been rescheduled for later in the fall and winter.

Nicks’ shows scheduled for October are still on as planned, including Portland, Sacramento and Las Vegas.

“Stevie looks forward to seeing everyone soon and apologizes to the fans for this inconvenience,” the statement continued.

Nicks recently delighted Fleetwood Mac fans by reaching enough of a detente with her on-and-off bandmate Lindsey Buckingham to reissue their beloved 1973 collaborative LP “Buckingham Nicks,” their only album together before joining Fleetwood Mac. That LP is out Sept. 19.

Passengers fled a smoke-filled carriage after a fire broke out beneath a train at Newport Station in Jersey City, US. Thirteen people were treated for smoke inhalation, nine of whom were sent to the hospital. The PATH commuter trains connect New Jersey with New York City.

Rebecca Loos candidly wiped away tears as she opened up on her infamous alleged affair with David Beckham as she made her debut on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins

Rebecca Loos candidly wiped away tears as she discussed her alleged affair with David Beckham on the first episode of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. The model, 48, infamously claimed that she and football legend David, 50, had an affair in the early 2000s.

It was one of the biggest showbiz scandals of the time, and came about just a few years after he tied the knot with Victoria Beckham. And on Sunday night, viewers watched as the then-PA of the former Manchester United star broke down in tears as she addressed the whole thing during a tense interrogation scene.

Asked if she would do things differently, she said: “If I went back in time, yes, of course.” She added: “I was unhappy with the way I had been treated so I didn’t want to go around anymore carrying this secret, rumours started spreading.” It comes after Cruz Beckham ‘steals’ his dad’s tiny white trunks and family have epic response.

READ MORE: Top Gear host admits he ‘never got along’ with Jeremy Clarkson as he makes bold statementREAD MORE: John Torode’s businesses collapsed after racking up eye-watering debts

She added: “I decided it would be better if it came from me, so I gave an interview thinking it would be something and it ended up being something else and I spent a few years seeing if I could get it back. I really put it really far behind me.”

Asked what she hoped to get out of the programme, Rebecca added : “I want to grow from this course as a person, I want to see how far I can push myself.” And then Rebecca seemed to have adopted a confident front, as she declared in a confessional: “I think I’ve definitely taken most of the blame for what happened, and rightly so. It was part of my life but we were two and he was all over me and he was my boss.”

But when mingling with her fellow recruits, she was seen breaking down in tears. It was then that former footballer Adebayo “The Beast” Akinfenwa rushed to put her arms around her as he spotted her wiping away tears. “You good?” he asked her and the two shared a hug.

Back in her confessional, she added: “You can’t change the things that have happened is my attitude. I just roll my sleeves up and get on with it because everything that I have experienced has brought me to where I am today and it has made me a little bit stronger.”

Rebecca, who has sons Magnus and Liam with her husband Sven Christjar Skaiaa, decided to sign up for the programme following a long break from the spotlight, as she explained: “I said yes to this because I felt that it was a really good time in my life to do this.

“I’d had a break from reality TV for a few years, become a mother, moved to Norway, changed quite a bit, and when I was younger I loved doing extreme things. I was finalist in Spanish Survivor where I was surviving on an island for three months in Honduras, and I’ve done quite a few extreme things, and adventurous shows. So I just felt like it would be really interesting to do.”

The drama began in 2003 after Beckham had just completed a high-profile move from Manchester United to Real Madrid, a career-defining transfer that promised fresh footballing glory in Spain. With the move came a new entourage, including 26-year-old Rebecca Loos, who was hired as a personal assistant to help the Beckhams settle into Spanish life.

In September that year, Beckham and Loos were photographed leaving a Madrid nightclub together. Whispers of an affair quickly began circulating, although both parties remained silent.

But everything changed in April 2004 when Loos sold her story in an exclusive interview with News of the World. She claimed that the pair had been romantically involved for four months.

Explaining why she chose to embark on the alleged fling, she said: “We just connected. People noticed it.” Explaining that the idea of group drinks back at the hotel were floated after a night out, she claimed David told her: “Why don’t we just lose the rest and why don’t we just go back together?”

“I gave him a look I was very surprised, very taken aback. I said, ‘**** off’ in a joking manner. But there was a look and he was still looking at me and I was looking at him. I think one of the girls we were with came up and sat between us. I think the chemistry between David and I was so strong.

Admitting she knew he was a married man and that she was worried about jeopardising her job, she shared her reason for agreeing. “I think the chemistry between David and I was so strong and people were not happy because I was being very unprofessional and he’s a married man.

“Then it dawned on me what he had asked me and I decided I did want to go back with him so we gave each other a look and paid the bill and left.

“I couldn’t wait to be alone with him and I knew he felt the same. We dropped off the other two people in the car and starting kissing quite passionately all the way back to the hotel… It was like magnets, pretty amazing.”

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

Aug. 3 (UPI) — Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and prayed there over the weekend, breaking a longstanding agreement that allows Jews to visit the site, but not pray.

The site, located in occupied East Jerusalem, is known by Jews as the Temple Mount, and Ben–Gvir’s prayer prompted a statement from the Israeli prime minister’s office affirming that there has been no change in the decades-old agreement.

Jordan, the site’s custodian, called Ben-Gvir’s actions “an unacceptable provocation.” Hamas called it a “deepening of the ongoing aggressions against our Palestinian people.” A spokesman for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said the visit “crossed all red lines.”

During his visit, Ben-Gvir called for Israel to “conquer” Gaza and encouraged Palestinians to leave the embattled region.

Temple Mount is the most holy place for Jews as it is the site of two Biblical temples. It is the third most holy site for Muslims, who claim it is where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.

The Waqf, the Islamic endowment that runs this site, said Ben-Gvir was one of 1,250 Jews who visited the compound Sunday morning.

Ben-Gvir has been convicted of supporting terrorism and inciting anti-Arab racism in Israel in the past.

At least 16 people have died from heat-related illnesses in South Korea this year, according to health authorities.

South Korea has shattered a 117-year record for the number of sweltering nights in July amid a scorching heatwave.

Temperatures in Seoul did not dip below 29.3 degrees Celsius (84.7 degrees Fahrenheit) overnight, marking the 22nd “tropical night” so far this month, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said on Thursday.

The KMA defines a tropical night as occurring when temperatures stay above 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) from 6:01pm to 9am the following day.

The number of tropical nights in July is the highest since records began in 1908.

The previous record for July was 21 tropical nights, set in 1994.

South Korea has been grappling with blistering heat over the past week, with daily temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in some parts of the country.

At least 16 people have died from heat-related illnesses so far this year, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

The milestone continues a recent trend of scorching temperatures across Asia, as scientists warn that human-driven climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather.

On Wednesday, Japan said it experienced its hottest day in recorded history after the mercury hit 41.2 degrees Celsius (106.16 degrees Fahrenheit) in Tamba city, Hyogo prefecture.

Earlier this month, Japan and South Korea both reported that June this year was the hottest on record, while China’s National Climate Centre said the country had experienced a record number of days with temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) or above since mid-March.

In India, the National Disaster Management Authority last month issued a red alert for New Delhi after the heat index – which looks at temperature and humidity to measure perceived temperature – hit 51.9 degrees Celsius (125.4 degrees Fahrenheit).

In April, Myanmar’s weather agency said the country experienced the hottest day ever recorded for the month when the mercury hit 48.2 degrees Celsius (118.8 degrees Fahrenheit) in the central town of Chauk.

While climate change is a concern worldwide, Asia has been particularly susceptible to extreme temperatures, according to scientists.

In its latest climate report released last month, the World Meteorological Organization said Asia was warming nearly twice as fast as the global average.

The average temperature of Asia’s landmass last year was about 1.04 degrees Celsius (33.87 degrees Fahrenheit) above the 1991-2020 trend, according to the WMO, making 2024 either the warmest or second warmest year on record, depending on the dataset used.

NEED a holiday this summer but outrageous prices putting you off? We’ve crunched the numbers to find the cheapest locations for family holidays across Europe.

All-inclusive family package holidays from the UK have jumped in price for some of the most popular destinations among Brits, including Spain, Cyprus and Greece.

5

However, some holiday hotspots in these countries still have some great deals, if you know where to look.

TUI, Jet2, Travel Supermarket and Love Holidays all gave us the inside knowledge on their most affordable destinations still on sale for summer 2025.

Because where you go in Europe can make a big difference to how much you spend.

These are the cheapest destinations in Europe for a holiday this summer 2025 (All package prices are for two adults and two children and include return flights from the UK).

Sozopol, Bulgaria

Sozopol is a top pick for budget-conscious Brits who want a break in the sun without a big price tag. 

As well as a beautiful old town dotted with cute and cheap cafes and shops, Sozopol has one of the most beautiful beaches in Bulgaria. 

Our Bulgaria expert, Pavlena Todorova, recommends Central Beach in Sozopol over the more famous Sunny Beach in Bulgaria.

This sweeping bay is rich in golden sand and has beautiful, calm blue water that is perfect for swimming. 

Central Beach, as well as Sozopol itself, is also less busy than the capital Sofia and its popular beaches.

Plus, the beach bars and cafes along the sand are slightly cheaper and you’ll find it easier to get a table overlooking the sea. 

Beach Bar, Sparrow, has a shady terrace on the sand and you can get a beer for £2.50 and chicken and chips for £6.

Book with: travelsupermarket.com for seven nights bed and breakfast, staying at the 3-star Flagman Hotel, with flights on Jet2 from Birmingham, £399 per person.

Kos, Greece

5

Kos has always had a quiet reputation for being one of the lesser crowded, more affordable of the Greek islands. 

You are spoiled for choice here with brilliant blue waters, sandy beaches and quiet coves, where if you go at the right time of day, you could be the only person on the beach.

Rent a small speedboat for £50 a day and explore the harder to reach beaches, or just take it a mile off the shore and spend the day sunbathing or and jumping off the boat into the crystal clear sea to get cool.

For dinner, one of the many local restaurants in Kos Town will have you filling your boots with gyros wraps, hummus and chips for only £5.

A cold glass of wine to wash it all down is around £4 at most places. 

Sunsets are free and stunning, especially when viewed from a table on the beach.

Book with: jet2holidays.com for seven nights at Anastasia Apartments self catering, with return flights from East Midlands Airport, including 22kg checked luggage per passenger, for £438pp.

Paphos, Cyprus

5

Paphos is a top budget destination if you want a mix of sunbathing and sightseeing. 

The coastline is packed with stunning Blue Flag beaches, and spacious sandy stretches all along the coast.

There is a range of hotels in every price range, from 2* self-catering apartments where you can get terrific deals, to luxury villas and 5* star hotels. 

If you want to spend time exploring, many of Paphos’ main attractions are within walking distance of the harbour.

Ask if your hotel has a shuttle to get you there, the rest can be explored on foot.

This includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, which has some of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved mosaics and Paphos Old Town, which mixes ancient buildings and streets with modern additions better than most classic cities. 

You have to go to Pinguino on the harbour for breakfast. A full English or a huge pile of pancakes is only £5 and we guarantee you won’t need lunch that day.

Book with: travelsupermarket.com seven nights at the Hilltop Gardens Hotel Apartments self catering, with return flights from London Stansted on Jet2, including 22kg checked baggage per passenger, for £282pp. This deal lands back in the UK on the 4th September, so if you have a few extra inset days at the end of the school holidays, take full advantage!

For a similar, mid-holiday package, departing on 25th July and staying at the Marion Apartments, in Paphos, it’s £339 with loveholidays.com.

Heraklion, Greece

5

Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands. In the Heraklion area, you have a choice of different resorts, including Malia, Rethymnon and upmarket Elounda. 

Heraklion is the largest city in Crete and has an interesting history, including the 16th century Koules fortress on the old Venetian port and the striking fortification walls. 

The best deals for beach holidays in this area are just outside the city on the north coast.

There are a lot of resorts along the coastline, most look out onto the brilliant blue Aegean Sea.

The beaches close to Analipsi are the longest and sandiest. The rocky coastline here also makes this a great area for snorkelling. 

You will find there are lots of boat trips and guides offering tours at affordable prices.

Book with: loveholidays.com for seven nights self catering at the 3-star Kasapakis Hotel & Apartments and return flights from London Stansted, £339 per person.

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

5

Lanzarote is one the best islands in the Canaries for families.

You are spoiled for choice with more than 100 beaches, many of which are Blue Flag standard with crystal clear water. 

Everything is on offer here, from paddleboarding to boat hire, paragliding and of course, paddling and swimming in the calm waters, which are ideal for younger children.

Plus, the weather here is almost guaranteed to be sunny and hot almost all year, so those who can travel outside of term time can get an even better deal.  

The beaches are framed by green hillsides that have hotels and residential homes nestled in cliffs. 

Deals on hotels from all the major holiday companies are very competitive with packages for as little as £200 per person for a week if you can travel outside of the school holidays. 

 And there are so many beachfront bars and restaurants, if you don’t get food with your hotel package, there is no end of offers to get you in.

Bottles of beer are £4 on the seafront but only £2 if you pick up a pack in the supermarket.

Book with: travelsupermarket.com for seven nights in the 4-star Sands Beach Resort and flights on Thomas Cook from Bournemouth, for £339pp.

Tips for booking bargain breaks in summer 2025

Budget-conscious ways to save money booking a holiday this summer

Go somewhere different.

You may have set your sights on the Costa del Sol but you may find much better deals for lesser-known beach places like Bulgaria and Poland. These destinations have beautiful beaches and low lifestyle costs, with beer as low as £2 a pint. 

Money talks.

To be really clever, choose destinations where the value of the pound is strong. This means more bang for your buck whether you are buying a beer and a sandwich or indulging in a serious shopping spree. This year, the weakest currencies against the GBP include Turkey, Bulgaria and Portugal. 

Staycation in the UK 

Staying on British soil means you don’t have to navigate the airport or pay extra for baggage, transfers or currency exchange. There are still some excellent deals going on UK holiday parks that have water slides, kids clubs and beaches on the doorstep. These can often work out less than overseas flights alone. See our round up of what holiday parks to book this summer here. 

Is all-inclusive always best?

If you are not a big drinker or eater or have fussy kids in the family, booking an all-inclusive might not be the best option for your group. So many resorts have self-catering packages too. You will get all the perks of the resort facilities, like kids clubs, evening entertainment and pools, but with a small kitchenette to make your own lunch and dinner and save big. 

Book very early… 

Some packages, such as with Jet2hoidays and TUI can be booked a year in advance and those willing to commit early can sometimes get some unbelievable discounts.

If you know when you want to travel, keep an eye out for prices on the destinations and resorts you want to book. They may go up and down in price throughout the year, depending on whether airlines and companies have a sale on. 

…or, last minute.

Alternatively, booking last minute can mean some fantastic final dash prices. See our list below for the cheapest places to holiday in Europe this summer. 

If you’re happy to stay in the UK and show your loved ones the beauty of the Isles, hostelling is a great way to do so on a budget. Here are our pick of the bunch from across the UK

Parents looking for cheap places to take their kids this summer holiday need to search no further.

As the school holidays begin, the big questions are where to go and how much it’ll cost. If you’re happy to stay in the UK and show your loved ones the beauty of the Isles, hostelling is a great way to do so on a budget.

As I wrote earlier this year, there are many misconceptions about hostelling – chiefly that it’s for youth only, but also that you have to sleep in a dorm. There are loads of beautiful hostels that are really family friendly and provide cheap private rooms.

The Mirror has worked with Independent Hostels to find some of the prettiest and cheapest hostels that have free beds over the coming summer holidays.

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

Snowdonia

Perched above Cardigan Bay with stunning views of Cader Idris, Bunkorama offers self-catering accommodation ideal for walkers, cyclists, climbers, and families. This converted stone stable sleeps up to 10 and is perfectly located near top routes like the Wales Coast Path, Cambrian Way, and Cycle Route 8.

Barmouth’s beach, shops, and pubs are just a mile away, and outdoor adventures like climbing, mountain biking, and paddleboarding are right on your doorstep. From solo travellers to group getaways, Bunkorama offers great value – just £92 per night for a family room or £184 for exclusive use. A separate camping pod adds extra flexibility. Dogs welcome with group bookings.

Best price: £92 per dorm

Lake District

Elterwater Hostel is located in the peaceful village of Elterwater, in the Langdale valley, 15 minutes drive from Ambleside. The area has many walks for people of all abilities, from gentle riverside meanders to the challenge presented by the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell and Scafell.

Pubs, shops and other amenities are available nearby. The area is also a favourite for both on and off-road cycling, rock climbing and many other outdoor activities. An established overnight stop on the Cumbria way. The hostel is also ideal for individuals, families, outdoor groups, schools and college trips.

Best price: £25 per person

Scotland

Located in the heart of the coastal village of Findhorn in northeast Scotland, this self-catering hostel sits near the Moray Firth, offering easy access to the beach, Findhorn Bay, and Culbin Forest, all rich in wildlife like ospreys, seals, and dolphins.

Just a short drive from the Speyside whisky region and the Cairngorm Mountains, it’s an ideal base for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Housed in a converted village school, the hostel welcomes both groups and individuals, featuring a well-equipped kitchen, lounge with Netflix, Freeview TV, WiFi, central heating, and optional conference rooms.

Accommodation includes two 10-bed dormitories, a private double room (“The Mates Cabin”), a four-person family room with en suite (“The Captains Suite”), and a modern studio flat sleeping up to six.

Best prices: Dorms from £25pp, mates’ cabin £50. Discount for groups.

West Wales

Escape to the wild and beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast National Park with a stay at the Old School Hostel in Trefin, a charming village just quarter of a mile from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The area offers circular walks to beaches and harbour villages, and it’s just a 20-minute drive to St Davids and Whitesands Bay.

This 4-star hostel is full of character and offers private double, twin, and rare single rooms and family/friends rooms with en suite showers. A light breakfast is also included, and it’s dog-friendly.

Best price: Single occupancy from £45.

Yorkshire

Wharfeside House is a self-catering group hostel in the heart of the unspoilt village of Kettlewell, within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Ideal for youth groups, families, and adult groups, it sleeps 10 to 32 people and is popular with walkers, cyclists, bird watchers, climbers, artists, and team-building retreats.

Opened in 1969 by the Huddersfield Wharfeside Youth Trust, it offers warm, comfortable accommodation with a fully equipped kitchen, communal lounge with open fire, dining/conference room, conservatory, and a drying/boot room. Outdoors, there’s a large garden with stunning views and parking for four vehicles. The village shop is nearby, and several pubs serve home-cooked food.

Best price: The whole hostel can be rented out for £220, with a 300% reduction for midweek bookings.

Cornwall

Located in the centre of St Ives, Cohort is stylish and comfortable. Specialising in educational trips, Cohort offers catering for groups and support with all aspects of trip planning, including assistance with developing enriching itineraries. It is open to the general public at Easter and during the Summer holidays.

Fantastic facilities include a hot, outdoor shower, laundry and dry room, big guest kitchen, super fast WiFi, a TV room & pod beds – all with USB ports, lights, curtains & under-bed storage. afés, bars, galleries, Tate St Ives, and four spectacular beaches are within a 10-minute walk.

Best price: From £26 per person

Norfolk

Deepdale Rooms offers comfortable private self-catering accommodation in the scenic village of Burnham Deepdale on the North Norfolk Coast, within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Guests can choose from a variety of room types—double, twin, triple, quad, family, and group rooms—most with en suite bathrooms, underfloor heating, and access to shared facilities including a well-equipped kitchen, dining area, lounge with TV, and free WiFi.

Bedding is provided; guests just need to bring towels. The Deepdale Visitor Information Centre serves as reception and offers local guidance. Passionate staff celebrate the area’s seasonal beauty—coastal walks, birdwatching, and starry skies—and invite visitors to discover it for themselves. Large groups are welcome by arrangement, and there’s an adjoining campsite for those who prefer to stay outdoors.

Best price: From £42 for a private room

Lochness

A multi-award-winning hostel with a range of rooms to meet all needs and budgets in the bustling village of Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. The perfect base to explore the Loch Ness area and an ideal stop off on the Great Glen Way.

Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and set in wooded grounds, this is the perfect budget accommodation option in the Hub of the Highlands! A variety of room types include dorms, doubles, twins and family rooms; 24 hour self-catering facilitates, excellent home-made meal options, a rustic bar stocked with a great selection of local beers and malts, a beer garden, free WiFi, activity booking service, ample car parking, an awesome team to look after you, plus a whole lot more. 4 Star VisitScotland. GOLD Green Tourism Award.

Best prices: From £27pp in dorm beds, doubles/twins from £33pp and family rooms from £86.

As the kids break up from school, many people will be jetting off on a long-awaited summer vacay – here’s the lowdown on what the weather will have in store for you in the holiday hotspots

You could be wondering if booking that summer holiday was such a good idea since we seem to be having a blisteringly-hot season here in Blighty. But there’s nothing quite like the excitement of flying off to a foreign country to spend a week or two lounging around by the pool with a cocktail in hand or making sandcastles with the kids on the beach without a care in the world.

If you’re one of the lucky ones who have already booked your trip or are considering a last-minute getaway to recharge the batteries, it’s vitally important to know if you’ll need to pack a rain coat or a face fan. Here’s what the weather has in store in the top holiday destinations over the coming weeks.

Spain

Spain has long been the No.1 destination for Brits who adore its vast coastline with its beautiful beaches, rich culture and delicious cuisine. It’s generally cheaper than the UK and is also relatively close to us, meaning getting there isn’t too much of a trek.

If you’ve booked a trip there this summer you can expect it to stay true to its moniker of Sunny Spain. It’s wall to wall sun until the end of July, with highs of 40C – so make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen and a hat!

On a serious note, over the last couple of months the country has experienced a period of intense heatwaves with a massive rise in the number of heat-related deaths, so it’s important to follow local advice on staying safe.

France

Even closer to the UK than the Spanish top spot, you can hop on a ferry from the UK and be on French soil in an hour and a half, making it popular for those with young children and the elderly who don’t want to be travelling for hours.

The country’s rich history and landmarks make it a sight-seeing must while the Mediterranean beaches offer peaceful relaxation. Because of its location, the weather in France can be a little more unsettled.

For the next couple of weeks the north of the country and inland towards Paris can expect a mixture of sunshine, showers and the occasional thundery storm.

Temperatures will range from lows of 16C to highs of 32C. In the warmer south on the French Riviera, the weather will typically be more settled with a mixture of sunshine and occasional cloud. Temperatures range from highs of 30C to lows of 19C.

Portugal

What Spain’s little neighbour lacks in size it makes up for in its vibrant culture and delicious food and wine.

Visitors flock to the stunning beaches on the Algarve and can also soak up the country’s rich history in the cities of Lisbon and Porto.

Much like Spain, the weather forecast for Albufeira, Faro is expected to be intense sunshine until the end of July. There will be highs of 33C and lows of 18C.

Italy

Home of the Colosseum and countless other ancient sites of historical importance, Italy is brimming over with architecture, art and museums that display its rich cultural heritage.

It’s also famed for its exceptional cuisine of pizza, pasta and gelato. There are a varied range of beautiful beaches from miles of sandy shores to dramatic cliffs and secluded coves, not to mention the wonders and romance on the canals of Venice.

Be prepared for scorching weather if you’re heading to Italy this summer. There’s nothing but sunshine forecast until the end of July and extremely hot temperatures with highs of 37C not expected to drop lower than 22C at any time.

The young and elderly will be particularly affected so take necessary precautions such as staying out of the sun during peak hours and staying hydrated.

Greece

With a huge array of stunning islands and the mainland to choose from, tourists are spoilt for choice in this beautiful country. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday on white sands with crystal clear waters, to visit ancient temples and UNESCO sites such as the Acropolis or dance the nights away in clubs, there’s something for everyone.

The Greeks are also well-known for their unique Mediterranean cuisine and warm hospitality.

You’re going to need cool clothes and lots of sunscreen if you’re heading off there this summer.

Apart from the chance of some (probably very welcomed) patchy rain on Tuesday July 22, it’s sunshine all the way until the end of the month. Temperatures will reach highs of 37C and potential lows of 16C.

Turkey

A vast country, most tourist destinations are located in the west and south. The Turkish Riviera on the Mediterranean coast and the Aegean coast offer some breathtaking beaches while there are plenty of ancient ruins from the Ottoman and other ancient eras for history buffs to visit.

Vibrant Istanbul is becoming more popular with those wanting a city break. The weather in Turkey is generally going to be very warm and sunny until the end of the month, with hot days and warm nights.

There will be highs of 40C and lows of 13C. The country has already experienced wildfires from the extreme heat and dry conditions so it’s always best to adhere to advice from your tour rep on staying safe.

Owen Cooper has made history with his Primetime Emmy Award nomination, as Netflix’s surprise hit of 2025 has been smashing records again

Netflix’s unexpected smash hit of 2025 continues to shatter records, a full four months after its initial release on the streaming giant.

The buzz is palpable as the complete roster of Primetime Emmy Award nominations was unveiled this Tuesday (15th July).

Set for this September, television’s most prestigious night will witness titans like Severance, The Last of Us, and The Bear vie for top honours.

In a historic moment, Adolescence’s young sensation Owen Cooper has become the youngest nominee ever in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series category, surpassing a record that stood for over half a century, previously held by Scott Jacoby who was nominated at 16 for the 1972 TV movie That Certain Summer.

In the gripping Netflix series, Cooper delivers a compelling performance as Jamie Miller, a 13 year old boy detained under suspicion of murdering a female classmate, reports the Express.

Stephen Graham, Cooper’s co-star, hailed him as a “rare talent” on The One Show, comparing the prodigious actor to the legendary Robert De Niro.

Graham himself has been acknowledged with a nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Limited Series and received accolades for his role in penning the acclaimed drama alongside Jack Thorne.

Ashley Walters, another cast member, earned recognition in the supporting actor category for his portrayal of DI Luke Bascombe.

Speaking to Deadline, Cooper confessed “it’s crazy” upon receiving one of his first significant awards nominations.

“It’s been the best year of my life,” he continued. “Now it’s over a little bit, I’m going back to a bit of normality. School has been perfectly fine.”

Having caught the eye of Hollywood bigwigs, Cooper is lined up to appear alongside Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie in the forthcoming Wuthering Heights adaptation by Saltburn director Emerald Fennell.

Watch Squid Game season 3 – Free Netflix subscription

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

from £15

Sky

Get deal here

Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.

This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like The Last of Us and Black Mirror.

During filming, Cooper disclosed that Adolescence was gaining such traction on Netflix that his fellow actors couldn’t ignore it.

“They were all saying how big the show’s gone,” he shared with a grin.

“And they were sick of seeing me on TV and stuff. That’s what Jacob said. Margot said that she was dying to watch it.”

Both audiences and critics have unanimously hailed Adolescence as a “masterpiece” making it an essential addition to your watchlist if you’ve yet to discover this gem.

Adolescence is available to stream on Netflix.

Gregg Wallace has today been axed from TV following an investigation into misconduct claims as the former MasterChef star hit out at the allegations in a lengthy statement

The BBC has issued a statement after former MasterChef host Gregg Wallace hit out over his axing. The presenter, 60, was accused of making inappropriate sexual comments and jokes over a 13-year period last year.

He stepped away from his role on the hit BBC cooking contest while an investigation took place. Today, he has been axed following a nearly year-long probe into misconduct claims. Wallace has said he has been exonerated of the most serious allegations levelled against him, after reportedly being informed of his dismissal from the BBC by production company, Banijay.

In a statement on Instagram, he wrote: “I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report – a decision I do not take lightly. But after 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others.

“I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me. The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures, which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation.”

Wallace went on to accuse the BBC of “peddling sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories”. He added: “To be clear, the Silkin’s Report exonerates me of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year and finds me primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018.

“I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks.”

He said: “I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as the cheeky greengrocer. A real person with warmth, character, rough edges and all. For over two decades, that authenticity was part of the brand. Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem.

“My neurodiversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of Master Chef.

“Yet nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over twenty years. That failure is now being quietly buried.”

Following Wallace’s statement, the BBC issued their own. A BBC spokesperson said: “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.”

A series of complaints were made about Wallace last year, including ‘inappropriate behaviour’ and allegations of touching an assistant’s bottom on the BBC show.

Wallace stepped down from MasterChef after denying the allegations, with his lawyers strongly denying he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature. He insisted via his legal team: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”

READ MORE: ‘Biggest ever’ teeth whitening sale beats Amazon Prime Day with 50% off

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

Germany shattered the world record for largest string orchestra as 1,353 musicians performed Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” The intergenerational event brought together players of all ages, beating the previous record set in Hong Kong in 2018.

The tennis match was the BBC’s third-highest ratings for any non-final contest in the last three years, with over five million people watching the Wimbledon match

A record number of viewers tuned in to watch Emma Raducanu’s match with Aryna Sabalenka on BBC One on Friday. The tennis match was the BBC’s third-highest ratings for any non-final contest in the last three years, with over five million people watching the Wimbledon match.

The 22-year-old had the ultimate challenge in the third round of the Grand Slam as she came up against world No. 1 Sabalenka on Friday. Despite a spirited display where she broke the serve of the Belarusian powerhouse on more than one occasion, she ultimately came up short and lost 7-6 (6) 6-4 in just under two hours 7-6 (6) 6-4.

READ MORE: Oasis have released new tickets for UK tour – how to buy yours if you missed out

The intense match was watched by 5.32million people, and her third round received over 1.2million streaming requests on iPlayer.

In comparison, the most-watched non-final match from the last four years at Wimbledon Championships was Raducanu’s fourth round with Lulu Sun in 2024 – which had 5.47 million viewers.

Andy Murray’s tennis match with John Isner in 2022 came in second, with 5.34 million viewers.

Over the five days of the sporting event, the Been got over 31 million online streaming requests from eager tennis fans, which was over a 50% increase from 2024.

Meanwhile, Cameron Norrie was recently left shocked when a bold reporter asked him whether he was dating Raducanu.

The 29-year-old progressed into the round of 16 by beating Mattia Bellucci 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, 6-3. Jack Draper’s shock exit to Marin Cillic means Norrie is the only Brit left in the men’s singles.

In his post-match press conference, he was questioned on his love life, which baffled the tennis star. The reporter first praised Norrie, telling him: “Congratulations again on your win.

“Apart from everyone here loving tennis, some of the gossip has been about who Emma Raducanu is dating. Can I ask if you’re dating her? Can we get to the bottom of this, please?”

A slouching Norrie quickly straightened up and widened his eyes befire asking: “Sorry?” Repeating his question, he said: “We’re trying to find out who is dating Emma Raducanu. It seems to be going round all the men’s singles. I was just wondering if you are dating her, please?”

With a confused look on his face, Norrie replied: “I’m not, no. You can ask her, though. You can ask her. I don’t know,” before he swiftly turned away.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: Kickers’ ‘durable’ Back to School shoe range that ‘last all year’

With 269 runs, captain Shubman Gill breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most scored outside the Indian subcontinent on day two of second Test.

England have stumbled to 77-3 to trail India by 510 runs on day two of their second Test after skipper Shubman Gill scored a record-breaking 269 and their seamers struck early to put the tourists in a commanding position at Edgbaston.

India were charged up on Thursday when Akash Deep picked up two wickets in two balls before Mohammed Siraj also got in on the act to clean up England’s top order and leave them tottering at 25-3 on what had been a good batting wicket.

Ben Duckett nicked a ball to third slip, where Gill took a smart diving catch before Ollie Pope fell the very next delivery for a duck when Deep drew an edge and the ball flew to KL Rahul in the slips.

Dropped catches had cost India the first Test at Headingley, but this time, they stuck as Siraj drew an edge from Zak Crawley to find Karun Nair at first slip.

“Fielding was definitely one of those things we spoke about as a team, and it’s great to see that come off so far,” Gill told the broadcaster Sky Sports.

“This game was all about confidence. We spoke about if we scored 400 again, batting first or batting second, we would be right in the game.”

Harry Brook (30) survived a review for LBW thanks to the umpire’s call, but he and Joe Root (18) absorbed the pressure to see out the day with an unbeaten 52-run partnership.

Record-breaking Gill

Earlier, Gill became the first Indian to score more than 250 outside the Indian subcontinent, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 241, while he also recorded the highest score by an India captain when he went past Virat Kohli’s 254.

Gill had hardly put a foot wrong over the first two days of the Test, but he briefly lost his concentration after tea when he tried to dispatch a short ball from Josh Tongue, only to find Pope at square leg.

But the Edgbaston crowd rose to their feet to salute the captain’s knock as he walked back to the pavilion, his job done after India found themselves reeling at 211-5 on day one.

“I worked on a few things before the series that I thought might be important for me going into Test cricket,” said Gill, who has scored 424 runs in the series.

“Looking at the results, they are working for me.”

Having resumed on an overnight score of 310-5, Jadeja and Gill built a 203-run stand before the all-rounder fell to a Tongue bouncer, but Gill looked completely at ease on a flat track that offered precious little assistance.

As England’s bowlers toiled under the summer sun, Gill hardly broke a sweat and put a price on his wicket as he showcased his array of elegant drives and well-timed flicks to pile on the runs.

Take a bow, Shubman

Gill made his trademark bow once again after becoming the first India skipper to score a double-hundred in England and soon broke Sunil Gavaskar’s 46-year-old record for the highest score by an Indian in England (221 in 1979).

He was soon toying with the attack and the placement of fielders, coolly switching between sublime and unorthodox shots as he dispatched the ball to all corners of the ground.

With Washington Sundar playing patiently at the other end, Gill was in Twenty20 mode as they cruised past the 500-mark and a rare outside edge went for a boundary to take the captain to 250.

Root finally broke the seventh-wicket partnership of 144 when a delivery broke through the defence of Sundar as he departed for a well-made 42.

India’s tail added only 13 runs after Gill’s dismissal, but that gave their bowlers 20 overs to take a crack at England’s batters on a fruitful day as they look to level the series.

Love Island’s Alima Gagigo has broken her silence after she was brutally dumped from the villa in a shock twist that no one saw coming – leaving fans fuming

Alima Gagigo has broken her silence after her shock dumping during tonight’s Love Island. Fans were left furious when the 23-year-old was dumped from the villa along with new bombshell Ryan.

The shock exit came as Alima’s partner Conor chose to recouple with Billykiss, leaving Alima single. New bombshell Ryan, who had only entered the villa yesterday, was also dumped from the villa, after none of the girls chose to recouple with him.

During her time in the villa, Alima formed a connection with Remell, however it came crashing down when she learnt he had shared a number of kisses with Poppy in the sleepover. Upon her exit, Alima has spoken out about where she stands with Remell on the outside, and all things villa life.

“Remell and I were getting stronger and stronger by the day,” she said of their relationship. When he got the text about the sleepover, I was with him, and as soon as he started smiling.

“I knew this guy, he wasn’t going to be up to any good. When I saw the clip, from that moment on, I knew it would take a lot for us to go back to how we were before. I wasn’t surprised by his behaviour at all.”

When asked whether she’d be open to have a conversation with Remell after leaving the villa, Alima said: “I don’t hate him and I’m more than happy to be civil, he was part of my experience after all! But in terms of anything romantic, I’ll keep myself away from that.”

After Remell’s departure, Alima found a connection with Ben, but her time was cut short before they could really give it a go. However, Alima’s departure doesn’t mean the end of the road for the couple.

“I want to see how he acts now that I’m not there and if he finds a connection. If he comes back single, I would be interested in seeing if there’s something we could continue…” she teased.

Now she’s been dumped, Alima says she’s rooting for Dejon and Meg to take it home. The pair have been through a number of challenges since coupling up on Day 1, and it looks like Billykiss could cause yet another hurdle in their relationship.

However, Alima doesn’t think she’ll stand in the way. “I think at the start he was acting up a bit, but as the weeks go by, you can really tell he cares when he says ‘my Meg’,” she said when asked who she was rooting for.

“Also Emily and Tommy, because Tommy is the nicest man I’ve ever met in my life. Every time I walk by him in the garden or kitchen I say Tommy they don’t make men like you any more! He’s been crafted out of the sixties. You can tell he’s been raised very well, so praise to his parents!”

Love Island 2025 airs every night at 9PM on ITV2 and ITVX.

* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat ,Instagram ,Twitter ,Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Portugal, France and Spain all suffered through temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, but for many Brits looking to abroad, that feels preferable to staying put

Brits are ignoring ‘red alert’ health warnings and heading to the Continent en masse.

Thousands of Brits have booked holidays in the past 48 hours, with many boarding flights in the next seven days as part of last-minute deals, swapping the uncomfortable British heat for Europe’s scorching sun.

In arguably classic British fashion, a huge number of holidaymakers are ditching the mere 34C temperatures of the UK for something a little more sizzling on the Continent. According to On the Beach, in the past 48 hours, bookings to Europe increased 23% and there was a whopping 47% increase in bookings leaving in the next week.

Portugal, France and Spain all suffered through temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, but for many Brits looking to be abroad, that feels preferable to staying put.

Have you been affected by the intense heat? Email [email protected]

This is despite the serious danger to life that is posed by the temperatures in parts of Europe right now. A record number of heat alerts are in place across France as the country and other parts of southern and eastern Europe remain in the grip of soaring temperatures.

Sixteen French regions, including Paris, have been placed on red alert for Tuesday, the country’s highest, while 68 others are on orange alert. Heat warnings are also in place for parts of Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, and Balkan countries, including Croatia.

In Barcelona, a woman has lost her life, allegedly after spending a gruelling shift cleaning the streets of the Spanish city. According to the newspaper El País, the cleaner was working in the Raval neighborhood of Ciutat Vella during the heat of the day. She spent eight hours outside, enduring temperatures above 30°C, according to Aemet.

So far this year, 2,168 people have died from causes attributable to the heat in Spain alone. Last year, 3,521 deaths were linked to extreme temperatures in the country, CLM24 reports.

Despite the clear risk of heatwaves as intense as the one scorching Europe right now, clearly many Brits feel things could be a little hotter. Bookings to Amsterdam and Paris reached record highs this Monday, with On the Beach recording a 178% increase in bookings to Paris year on year.

Perhaps they are attracted to the quality of heat, as opposed to the quantity of Celsius. The UK heat is famously muggy, sticky, and airless, with little breeze and minimal chance of proper cooling off at night. Homes aren’t designed for heat, and air conditioning is rare, leaving people tossing and turning through humid, sleepless nights.

In contrast, much of southern Europe is built for the heat. Even at 35 or 40 degrees, there’s often dry, baking sunshine rather than the suffocating humidity Brits face at home.

Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach, said: “It’s official, Europe is roasting and Brits can’t get enough of it. Let’s be honest, 35 degrees in Spain feels like a glorious bake in the sun, while 28 in the UK feels like trying to sleep in a damp greenhouse. As soon as Brits see Europe heating up, they book their almost immediate escape, because roasting under a Spanish sun is paradise compared to stewing in the UK’s clammy heat.”

“City break bookings have jumped by 32% in the past 24 hours as Brits rush to make the most of Europe’s scorching heatwave. It’s not just the beaches calling this time, urban getaways are booming too. After all, cities offer shady streets for exploring, cool museums and cafes to duck into, and air conditioning in abundance, making even the hottest days easy to enjoy.”