Britains

As the UK braces for a 32C heatwave this weekend, many Brits will be flocking to the south coast – but the highest ever temperature recorded on the mainland is actually some 200 miles north

This peaceful town surrounded by rolling countryside has surprisingly been dubbed the hottest part of Britain. The UK may be infamous for its constant drizzle and grey-cloud-weather, but the summer months are getting increasingly warmer.

In fact, temperatures in London could end up exceeding those in typically sweltering parts of Europe, including Barcelona, this weekend – as Brits brace for an early summer heatwave.

As previously reported, the mercury is set to surge above 30C for the first time in 2025 this week – with forecasters predicting the UK could soar to 32C in the south by Saturday. But, if you’re looking for truly sizzling temperatures, the micro-climate hotspots that sprawl along England’s south coast might not actually be your best shot.

READ MORE: UK seaside town once snubbed now on verge of tourist boom after £18.4m splurge

Almost three years ago, on July 18, 2022, the UK experienced temperatures of a whopping 40.3C – surpassing records dating all the way back to 1884. However, the scorching figure wasn’t documented on the golden sandy beaches of Eastbourne – or the tropical Isle of Scilly.

In fact, the intense heat was actually recorded some 200 miles north of Britain’s south coast, in the sleepy town of Coningsby. Located in the East Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, the civil parish is mainly known for its RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) stations, which help protect UK airspace.

According to Lincolnshire Live, locals described the heat spell as ‘unbearable’ and like ‘living in the Sahara’. Shops were temporarily closed due to the scorching temperatures and people were encouraged to remain indoors.

While skeptics argued the thermometer’s reading was skewed by the nearby runway that regularly sees Typhoons taking off and ‘pumping considerable amounts of hot gas’ into the air – the Met Office confirmed the temperature had passed its quality control testing.

This includes physical inspections, as well as cross-checking of stations and sites. “These quality control measures are in accordance with the internationally-agreed World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) standards, which are required to be accepted as official records,” the Met Office added.

A spokesperson confirmed the scorching heat wasn’t just confined to RAF Coningsby, nor was it the only weather station that recorded temperatures exceeding 40C. On the day of recording, the Met Office states there were some ‘thin clouds’ around the county through the afternoon, with a south-south-westerly wind of around 16mph.

“Although Coningsby had the UK’s all-time record high temperature [in 2022], there’s no evidence to suggest it’s always the hottest place in Lincolnshire,” the Met Office added. “The meteorological conditions of a given day help determine where temperatures rise highest. Indeed, stations closer to more urban areas, such as Lincoln itself, will tend to see higher temperatures.

“Coningsby is, however, off the immediate coastline of Lincolnshire. This means it sees less influence from easterly and northeasterly sea breezes than some other stations in Lincolnshire.”

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June 16 (UPI) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the first woman head of the country’s secret intelligence service, MI6, since it was formed in 1909.

Blaise Metreweli will be promoted from her current role as “Q,” in which she is the agency’s lead on technology and innovation. She will take over from the current holder of the role of “C,” MI6 Chief Sir Richard Moore, when his term is up in the fall, No. 10 Downing Street said in a news release Sunday.

“The historic appointment of Blaise Metreweli comes at a time when the work of our intelligence services has never been more vital. The United Kingdom is facing threats on an unprecedented scale — be it aggressors who send their spy ships to our waters or hackers whose sophisticated cyber plots seek to disrupt our public services,” Starmer said.

As C, the 47-year-old will serve as the face of British intelligence in more ways than one, since she is the sole named operative. The identities of roughly all 3,600 agents of the organization a closely guarded state secret.

A career intelligence officer who has also held senior roles at the sister-domestic intelligence service MI5, Metreweli is a Middle East specialist with a lengthy track record as an operative in the region, as well as in Europe.

“I am proud and honored to be asked to lead my service. MI6 plays a vital role — with MI5 and Government Communications Headquarters — in keeping the British people safe and promoting U.K. interests overseas,” she said.

“I look forward to continuing that work alongside the brave officers and agents of MI6 and our many international partners.”

Outgoing chief Moore said in a post on X that Metreweli was the right person for the job, particularly with the current tensions in the Middle East and her out-of-the-box thinking in using technology.

“I am absolutely delighted by this historic appointment of my colleague, Blaise Metreweli, to succeed me as ‘C’. Blaise is a highly accomplished intelligence officer and leader, and one of our foremost thinkers on technology. I am excited to welcome her as the first female head of MI6,” said Moore.

MI6, which began life as the Secret Service Bureau, has never been led by a woman, in contrast with MI5 and the electronic surveillance agency GCHQ. MI5 has previously been headed by two women, while Anne Keast-Butler continues to head GCHQ after being appointed in April 2023 by the previous Conservative government.

The Guardian noted that the on-screen M, James Bond‘s handler in the film franchise was played by Judi Dench for almost two decades, starting alongside Pierce Brosnan in his first stint as 007.

SIX of the best-looking pubs have been revealed in the UK, including new modern wonders as well as historic beer houses.

The Pub Design Awards 2025, created by Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA), looks at hundreds of drinking establishments around the UK.

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The awards also works with design and conservation experts alongside Historic England.

Andrew Davison, Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, said the awards “recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation.”

He added: “From inviting street corner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK, and the craftmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded.”

The best new build pub – meaning any that were built in 2024 – was bod Lichfield in Stratford.

The “industrial chic design” with “recycled wood, distressed paintwork,  quirky light fittings and exposed ceiling pipes,” were praised.

It comes after the bod Alsager in Cheshire was named one of the best by CAMRA last year.

However for a more authentic pub, the Historic England Conservation award (which preserves many of the features) was given to Swan in Suffolk.

Dating back to the 17th century, a new conservatory bar has been added, while many of the Grade-II listed timber frames have been restored.

One person wrote on Tripadvisor: “Love this place. The refurb has just added to just how wonderful this place is.”

When it comes to the best refurbished pub, the Druid Inn in Wales was given the top spot , after it was restored and reopened last year.

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Lots of previous guests called it a “gem” of a pub and praised the staff as well.

Sadly, one of the joint winning pubs has since had to close for good.

Two pubs were named the best when it comes to converted pubs, one being Borough Beer House in Surrey.

Once a Bailiffs Hall, dating back to the 1600s, has renovated it and turned it into a pub.

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However, the Python’s Arms in Herefordshire was praised for being a converted farm building.

The owners, who had run the pub for nine years, cited financial difficulties.

Sadly it has since had to close, with Gary Timmins Chair of CAMRA’s Awards Committee adding: “Within just a year from being converted into a beautiful pub, this rapid closure should be ringing alarm bells.

“Real action is needed to support the pub industry, otherwise we will lose many more locals in the near future.”  

The community local winner pub was Forester in West Ealing, London.

Here are the winning pubs last year.

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A market town in Worcestershire has been crowned as one of the top three happiest places to live thanks to its scenic beauty, accessibility and community charm

The happiest places to live in Britain have been ranked and a little-known gem has cracked the top three. The medieval market town beat out beloved cities like Lewes, Perth and Aberystwyth with its charming atmosphere and architectural feats.

Evesham is the second happiest place to live in Britain, according to the Guardian. The town in Worcestershire comes in just behind Berwick-upon-Tweed which snagged the first place spot and before Caernarfon in Wales in the third spot.

Evesham is known as the “asparagus capital of the UK” – an odd moniker to be sure, but one it holds proudly as the host of the annual British Asparagus festival. In fact for centuries, the Vale of Evesham has been considered the fruit and vegetable basket of England.

Visitors will have plenty of opportunity to sample the highest quality produce and can stop by a pick-your-own-fruit and vegetable field. One of the best-known farms in the area is Oaklands Fruit Farm.

READ MORE: Underrated UK seaside town is a hidden gem just 2.8-miles from famous neighbour

The farm was established over a decade ago and specialised in the production of high-quality strawberries. The production season starts in April and runs through to October so you’ll have ample time to try its daily-picked produce.

Sitting on the banks of the River Avon, Evesham is also renowned for its impressive landscape. According to Country Living the town is “full of charm and beautiful scenery” which explains why it’s such a great place to live.

Evesham is also home to the award-winning Abbey Park – the site where Evesham Abbey once stood as the third largest Abbey in England. From here, visitors will be within walking distance to the joint Almonry Museum and Tourist Information Centre.

The information centre is housed within a 14th century building and details the rich history of the town. The building was once home to the Almoner (chaplain or church officer), who was one of the monks of the Benedictine Abbey.

Today, the Almonry is a great place for families and friends to sit in the beautiful garden or take in one of the exciting children’s workshops or exhibitions that are hosted year-round. These family-friendly fixtures are a key factor that makes the area so distinctly enjoyable for residents.

If that’s not enough to convince you, Evesham is only a bus ride away from Stratford-upon-Avon. The town’s close proximity to Stratford means locals – and visitors – can enjoy many of the Shakespearean attractions and events that take place each year.

25 happiest places to live in Britain

• Berwick-upon-Tweed, England
• Evesham, England
• Caernarfon, Wales
• Durham, England
• York, England
• Padiham, England
• Devizes, England
• Lewes, England
• Newport, Isle of Wight, England
• Exeter, England
• Penzance, England
• Chichester, England
• Cirencester, England
• Aylesbury, England
• Chesterfield, England
• Shrewsbury, England
• Worcester, England
• Perth, Scotland
• Haddington, Scotland
• Aberystwyth, Wales
• The Ridgeway, Enfield, London
• Surbiton North, London
• Clapham Junction, London
• Bounds Green, London
• Bromley, London

Rumours have been swirling that the YouTube star may replace dancer Bruno after making a great impression on his first series

Guest judge KSI makes a return to tomorrow night’s Britain’s Got Talent amid rumours ITV are eyeing him up as a permanent fixture. He took a seat on the talent show panel for the first time this series, standing in for Bruno Tonioli when he was working in the US.

Not that Bruno feels threatened. He says he’s a huge fan of the YouTube star. “Well we’re both young, attractive, multi-talented stars, known the world over!” teased Bruno 69. “Joking aside, I think KSI is fantastic. I met him for the first time at the BGT auditions in Blackpool and he was such a delight.

READ MORE: Simon Cowell’s fiancée reveals BGT star Bruno Tonioli ‘like a godfather’ to son Eric

“He’s a real charming man, full of energy. We attended the Brits together too which was a fabulous evening!”

Tomorrow night Bruno will take his seat alongside KSI for the first time, as well as judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon.

The former Strictly Come Dancing favourite says show boss Simon, 65, has been keeping him on his toes all series.

“Simon is a very mischievous man,” says Bruno. “He always has been. When he has that glint in his eye, you know he’s about to be very cheeky. I think it’s partly this quality that makes him so watchable.

“It’s particularly exciting when the show is live – no one know what’s going to happen next and Simon loves that unpredictability – we all do!

“I have it easy when it comes to being wound up by Simon as I sit on the other end of the judges’ desk, it’s Amanda (Holden) I feel sorry for as she bears the brunt of his naughtiness the most. But she’s been sat next to him for so many years and she knows exactly how to handle him. She’s a pro!”

Bruno says he’s in awe of his glamourous sidekicks. He also loves to compete with their risque outfits.

“That woman (Amanda) is a vision, as is Alesha,” Bruno enthuses. “Amanda and I share the same love of clothes and we both dare to bare. I’ll be baring it for as long as I’ve got it, darling. Well into my 70’s.

“The public always look forward to seeing what the girls are wearing, and they never disappoint. Sometimes I might look at Amanda’s outfit backstage and if her decolletage is deeper than mine, I’ll undo another button on my shirt!”

Watch the BGT final tonight on ITV from 7pm.

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BRITAIN’S top cop has criticised Labour plans to slash jail time — saying police will struggle to cope with the surge in crime.

Met Police boss Sir Mark Rowley warned putting more criminals back on the street risked overwhelming officers.

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He accused the Government of doing “no analysis whatsoever” on the impact of freeing thousands and risking the prospect of “generating a lot of work for police”.

He told the BBC: “Every time you put an offender into the community, a proportion of them will commit crime, a proportion of them will need chasing down by the police.”

But the Ministry of Justice hit back in the war of words, saying its top priority was to “keep people safe”.

Standing by its changes, it said: “That is why we are building prisons faster than at any time since the Victorian era and, through our sentencing reforms, we will make sure the public are never again put at risk of running out of prison places.”

Sources also insisted a full impact assessment on early release is under way.

The Sun revealed last week Sir Mark was among senior officers who wrote to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood questioning prison reforms.

Her plans include scrapping most short sentences, releasing lags after a third of time served and monitoring with tags to free up cells.

Sir Mark said: “If probation are going to spend more money on trying to reform offenders, reduce their repeat offending, that’s fantastic.

But a proportion will be committing further offences because probation can’t do a perfect job — it’s impossible.”

The Scotland Yard chief also said forces are still “carrying the scar tissue of years of austerity cuts”.

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Great Britain’s men produced a solid performance to win team gold at the European gymastics championship in Leipzig, Germany.

Olympic medallists Jake Jarman and Harry Hepworth, double European floor champion Luke Whitehouse plus Jonas Rushworth and Jamie Lewis – two newcomers to the senior squad – combined for a winning score of 247.528 points.

That total was enough to see off the challenges of Switzerland and Italy and earn Britain a first gold in the event since 2022.

Jarman, who was part of the quartet who won that title in Munich, told BBC Sport: “I’m incredibly proud of this team. It was a new team coming into this and I was a bit unsure how we’d get on together, but from day one it just seemed like the chemistry of the team came together so seamlessly.

“I was just trying to tell them to enjoy it. We do all the hard work back in the gym at home and when it comes to the day you don’t want to walk away from a competition wishing you’d enjoyed it more.”

Rushworth, 19, was making his senior debut for GB.

He told BBC Sport: “It’s a privilege, I feel blessed to be in this team.

“There’s no better group of lads to be here with. The experience was immense and I’m just excited for the future.”

The team event also served as qualification for the men’s all-around and apparatus finals, while the mixed team final takes place on Wednesday.

Italy won the women’s team event, external on Monday, with Great Britain finishing in sixth place.

London, United Kingdom — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has proudly described a new deal with the European Union spanning defence, security, and trade as a “win-win” pact that puts the nation “back on the world stage”.

But nine years after Britain narrowly voted in favour of leaving the EU, the deal announced on May 19 has prompted a sigh of relief for some and stinging criticism from others, underscoring just how divisive the legacy of Brexit remains in the country.

While many sections of British society have welcomed the agreement, Richard Tice, an MP for the anti-immigration party Reform UK, responded to the deal with a single-word post on social media: “Betrayal.”

The deal offers concessions on European visas for British citizens, shorter queues at European airports, and possibly cheaper food in the UK. But on the flip side, the UK has agreed to allow European fishing fleets access to British waters for an extra 12 years.

‘Best news in nine years’

Phil Rusted, who runs a firm called Practical Plants in Suffolk that imports plants from Europe, is among those who are delighted.

“My instinct is it is the best news we have got in nine years,” he said. “It almost gets us back to where were before Brexit. It helps me to take on more staff, to develop my business. The last few years have been very unpredictable; I will be more assured about what my costs are going to be.”

The business sector, more broadly, has also largely responded positively to the agreement.

“In a world where higher US tariffs are threatening to throw globalisation into reverse, trade deals, even if relatively minor, are generally good news,” said Philip Shaw, chief economist at Investec Bank. “The obvious gainer is the food sector, which will benefit from a reduction in checks at the EU border, which could make a material difference to exporters’ and importers’ costs.”

The Federation of Small Businesses, a group that represents small- and medium-sized firms in the UK, described the EU deal as “genuine progress”, crediting it for “untangling the rules for small exporters of plant and animal products”.

“For too long, small businesses have shouldered the burden of unpredictable customs rules and red tape that sap confidence and ambition,” it said.

And popular opinion in the UK appears to be behind the agreement. Polling by YouGov shows that 66 percent want to have a closer relationship with the EU, compared with just 14 percent who do not.

To be sure, experts say the UK has to compromise too. “The devil in a trade deal is of course always in the detail,” said Paul Dales, chief economist at Capital Economics. In addition to accepting EU access to British waters for fishing, the UK has also agreed to pay an unspecified “appropriate financial contribution” to join the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, Dales pointed out.

‘Nothing of value in return’

But the deal has also faced strong pushback.

The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, in a statement on May 19, said the agreement “surrenders the best prospect that the fishing industry and coastal communities had for growth over the coming decade”.

Three days later, it issued a more biting statement, saying the deal “drags UK fishing back into a past we thought had been left behind”.

Shaw conceded that if the food industry had benefitted from the deal, the fishing sector stood “at the other end of the scale”.

And it is not just fishers. The deal has also revived a broader debate over whether the UK, in seeking to realign itself with elements of the EU’s rules and regulations, is violating the mandate of Brexit.

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, under whom Britain formally withdrew from the EU in 2020, described the deal as an “appalling sell out” in a post on X.

Tony Gabana, a web developer from London who was too young to vote in 2016, holds that view.

“Whether it’s a good deal or not, it does seem an attempt to reverse what a lot of people voted for,” Gabana said. “It doesn’t sit right with me. It feels like a step to further concessions, which, again, no one voted for.

“Are we a democracy or not?”

Newquay in Cornwall was once known as the go-to place for hen and stag parties, but is now unrecognisable since the council cracked down on the drunken antics including the wearing of makinis

The seaside resort once dubbed ‘Britain’s Magaluf‘ has transformed beyond recognition after ditching its raucous image – and outlawing mankinis, according to local residents.

Shopkeepers and residents of Newquay in Cornwall hardly know the town anymore since it made a determined effort to lose its ‘wild west’ tag. Famed for its unruly atmosphere due to stag dos, boys’ holidays, and boisterous teen celebrations, the coastal spot has seen dramatic change.

In response to growing concerns, the council imposed a “mankini ban” in 2009. As part of the lauded Newquay Safe initiative, this rule prohibited mankinis and other “inappropriate clothing” like fancy dress in public areas.

This action was spurred by the tragic deaths of two teens during night outs in the area. The initiative proved successful, with Devon and Cornwall Police reporting a reduction in crime by one-fifth when comparing 2012 to 2009 figures.

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Incidents of anti-social behaviour also plummeted from 685 to 286 during these specific years. Locals, long wearied by incessant partying, say that today’s Newquay is in stark contrast to its boisterous past. Where the notorious Bertie’s nightclub used to stand, now quaint independent coffee shops adorn the main thoroughfare – the club shuttered last year.

Nowadays, families enjoy peaceful strolls along the shore and engage in surfing lessons, while the elderly can be seen playing bowls with the scenic beach as their backdrop. Vintage boutiques, skate shops, and surf gear outlets now intersperse with charming pasty sellers.

The amusement arcades nestled in the town centre remain as the sole remnants of a bygone era. Arcade employee Maddie Grover, 25, has observed a shift in her hometown’s atmosphere, noting that while stag dos still exist, they’re “not as bad as they were at the time”.

She recalled how the nightlife quietened notably after the closure of Bertie’s. Now, according to Maddie, certain clubs bar entry to costumed stag groups. Maddie described the change: “The high street is a little bit rowdy in the central area. It’s better now, it’s more calm, there aren’t as many fights. We see lots of families because we work in an arcade but we see a lot more families in general.”

Local shop worker Andy, 40, is relieved that the town is shaking off its old notoriety. He believes the transformation has bred a new mutual respect and eliminated the dread locals used to feel: “Silly season, we expect, but it’s not something you’re dreading anymore. You’re not dodging vomit on the high street.”

His daily skateboard commute is more pleasant now, without having to navigate around hazardous remnants of nocturnal activities: “I skateboard from the top of the hill to the shop and there’s no longer passed-out people, people who have vomited everywhere and broken glass. It’s cleaned up quite a lot since then. I just see hungry happy high people wandering around in the mornings looking for a good breakfast.”

And it’s not just the early risers who have changed; the town’s allure for families has spiked: “There are families coming down, and the families that come down have that mentality of: ‘I’d love to live here because of how it is.'”.

Andy also doesn’t miss the once-common sight of scantily clad tourists: “Compared to before when you would walk down the high street and see six dudes in mankinis and none of them have seen a gym before and you’re like: ‘Great’. Everyone likes to see a bollock at 11 in the morning.

“You still get stag and hen dos but they’ve been reined in. There are certain rules and regulations, like the mankini ban. You’re not allowed fancy dress in certain bars over a certain time in the evenings. In the day, if you want to come out and have a stag do and everyone dresses up and has fun, that’s absolutely fine, but once it gets past a certain time of night, it tends to knock that on the head.”

Andy, who enjoys donning spandex and cowboy boots, lamented that the stringent rules had resulted in him being denied entry to venues. “There’s a difference between fancy dress and dressing fancy”, he remarked. Overall, he conceded that Newquay has “cleaned up its act”.

“Fights are fights, it’s always going to happen. It’s the nature of mixing alcohol with idiots. You might not get it to such a grand scale now but it’s still going to happen. People will smash bottles on the beach,” Andy added.

“I don’t care what you do but my mates walk down here barefoot, my friend’s kids play on the beach. The beach is for everyone, not just for you to have fun. There is a bit of that and locals will bark at people. We want you to have a good time but also we want to have a good time, so don’t knock the bins over at 3am and wake everybody up. It’s just goofy stuff and not stuff the police can be running round and dealing with.”

But he mentioned concerns regarding second homes – an issue rife across Cornwall. Residents lament over being unable to afford homes in their scenic towns due to outsiders snapping up properties and driving up prices.

Peron Wills, a climbing instructor from nearby St Dennis, reflected on how nightlife has changed since his younger days. At 38, he remarked: “It’s not as good a night out as it used to be.

“I have been on stag dos here and they were pretty crazy. They have New Year’s and Christmas parties still but I think it used to be crazier. I don’t go out anymore so I just assume nobody does.

“There were always moans in the local papers that Newquay needs cleaning up. I don’t think it’s just Newquay; every town has the old versus young. Everyone moves away to go and find money. You grow up here and can’t afford to live here for a while so you go away and come back when you retire. There’s a big age gap. There are still clubs around but not as many as there used to be.”

DO you know someone who should be crowned Britain’s best dad?

To celebrate Father’s Day on June 15, we are launching a search for the bravest, kindest or most devoted dad out there.

Perhaps you know a real-life superhero who is always helping others, or maybe a superstar who has raised a fortune for charity.

The one lucky winner will be showered with nearly £7,000 worth of fantastic prizes, including four tickets worth £1,000 in total to the star-studded Butlin’s Big Weekender music festival this summer, where the headline acts include Chesney Hawkes, Blue and Billy Ocean.

Safari tent

On top of that, Britain’s top pop will be spoiled rotten with a £500 relaxing trip to Celtic Manor hotel in Newport — with dinner, bed and breakfast for two and a round of golf all thrown in for good measure.

We are also giving away a £700 stay in a luxury safari Tent at Lovat Parks in Cornwall or the New Forest.

Also up for grabs are four tickets to the spooktacular Shocktober Fest, Europe’s largest Scream Park held in Sussex this Halloween — worth £150 each.

And there is a family set of four Micro Scooters to be won, worth £1,000, along with a £1,200 home technology upgrade from Netgear, £400 of fabulous Rock Face men’s grooming products, a £149.99 top-of-the-range Instant Pot Grind and Brew coffee machine, family-sized multi-cooker worth £250, a brand new Char-Broil gas barbecue worth £665 and the Vax SpotWash Home pet and car cleaning kit, worth £220.

To win the lot, tell us why your dad, or someone you love just like a father, deserves all these prizes!

How to enter

Email s[email protected] with “Dad Idol” in the subject line telling us why you believe he is a super dad.

Include your name, address and contact number together with a photo.

Or fill in the form at thesun.co.uk/dad-idol-competition.

The nominated dad must be based in the UK or Ireland.

Competition closes at 6pm on Friday June 6. T&Cs apply.

THE FULL list of finalists on Britain’s Got Talent has finally been revealed after a tense semi-final.

The last live show before the forthcoming ITV grand finale of the talent variety competition was filled with controversies.

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Ten acts have made it through to the highly-anticipated final show of Britain’s Got Talent.

For the first time, all of the performers will face the public vote after a number of Golden Buzzers sent contestants straight through.

The Blackouts, Olly Pearson, Jasmine Rice, Joseph Charm, and magician Harry Moulding were the acts to receive the five golden buzzers.

The acts who won each of the semi-final shows were Vinnie McKee, Stacey Leadbeatter, Ping Pong Pang and Hear Our Voice.

Eight-year-old singer Binita Chetry was the last artist announced to win the public vote.

This comes as the long-running variety competition was engulfed with controversy over the ‘biggest set up ever.‘

Harry Moulding claimed that he was “going to create a special moment of real magic for one person” at the start of his act.

The performance was full of incredible tricks which involved pop star references and predictions before the live show.

One contributor – who was also named Harry – appeared in a pre-recorded VT that was filmed in Paris.

His girlfriend Jess was sat in the audience and she was ‘randomly’ chosen by the magician to come onto the stage.

At the end of the clip, Harry miraculously appeared in front of Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli, Amanda Holden and KSI.

He got down on one knee and popped the question to his partner, who tearfully accepted.

After KSI chose to send the act straight through to the final with his Golden Buzzer, droves of viewers took to social media as they claimed the show was ‘rigged’.

Writing on X – formerly known as Twitter – one fan fumed: “Cowell said this boring idiot is the frontrunner – so if he wins (despite everyone watching losing the will to live) you’ll know that this trashy, s***** programme is fixed.”

A second claimed: “That was either an amazing magic trick or there was some absolute collusion going on there. Decent act but had to have been set up somehow.”

“What the f*** do they expect him to do for the final now?? Biggest fix ever, magic my bloody a***,” furiously wrote someone else.

As a fourth added: “Utterly rigged and the trick itself was too grand and ridiculous it shouldn’t even be called magic. I know exactly how he did it, it was rigged.”

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The final of Britain’s Got Talent will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday, May 31.

May 23 (UPI) — The American RedBird Capital Partners private investment firm announced a deal Friday to purchase the British Telegraph Media Group.

RedBird will pay $675 million to become the sole owner of the group, which owns The Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph newspapers.

“This transaction marks the start of a new era for The Telegraph as we look to grow the brand in the U.K. and internationally, invest in its technology and expand its subscriber base,” RedBird Founder and Managing Partner Gerry Cardinale said.

RedBird said it aims to expand TMG’s presence in the United States and add new verticals such as events and travel to “maximize the commercial opportunities from a growing international and mass affluent subscriber base.”

“Telegraph Media Group is an award-winning news media organization, with exceptional journalism at its heart, supported by leading commercial expertise, a commitment to innovation and a laser focus on data to drive strategy,” TMG CEO Anna Jones said. “RedBird Capital Partners have exciting growth plans that build on our success — and will unlock our full potential across the breadth of our business.

RedBird’s deal to purchase TMG must still undergo regulatory approval after a previous bid by United Arab Emirates Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan was rejected by Britain’s last government.

RedBird previously joined with Mansour’s IMI Media Group to purchase the newspapers after they were seized for outstanding debts, seekign to curtail an auction of the assets by the Barclay family.

The government, however, rejected the deal that would have seen IMI take majority ownership of the papers and passed a law barring foreign governments from owning British print media.

If approved, TMG would join other acquisitions of Redbird, which include Skydance Media, which is expected to merge with Paramount, as well as sports-focused broadcasters such as Fenway Sports Group and the YES Network, plus Formula One’s Alpine Racing team. It also owns the Italian professional football club AC Milan.

A PUB dubbed the “cheapest” in Britain has suddenly shut up shop after 500 years.

Locals have been left shocked after the owners revealed a bizarre reason with a notice on the door.

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The Abbey, Derby, posted the handwritten note on the door saying they were unhappy about photos of it being shared online.

The 22-word notice reads: “Closed!!

“Due to someone posting pictures of the Abbey on social media.

Sam Smith has taken the alcohol and closed these premises.”

Samuel Smith’s Brewery owns the pub and it has been suggested the current landlords had broken policies and were dismissed as a result.

The brewery operates 200 pubs across the UK and is known for it’s strict rules from owner Humphrey Smith.

Such rules include a no-swearing policy, no televisions or jukeboxes and a ban on the use of mobile phones or laptops in its public houses.

Just days prior to the closure, a Facebook account with more than 125,000 followers posted 18 pictures of the pub, inside and out.

The Great British Pub Crawl account, a page run by Dale Harvey and his wife, Holly, follows the couple as they attempt to visit every boozer in the UK.

They posted the photos on Saturday, May 17 alongside the caption: “Not every day you are asked to grab photos or a video in a Sam Smith’s pub.”

It’s not clear whether the post was the reason behind the closure.

The pub is one of the last surviving buildings from an extensive monastery, dating back to the 15th century.

The sudden closure has left locals stunned, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment and confusion.

While the brewery has offered no official explanation, insiders suggest the landlords were dismissed for allowing, or failing to prevent, photos of the pub being shared online, a clear breach of company policy.

The closure marks yet another abrupt ending for a Samuel Smith’s venue, following similar shutdowns in Bradford and London, and raises fresh questions about the brewery’s management style and the long-term viability of its rule-heavy model in the digital age.

The Abbey is far from the only British boozer pulling its last pint.

A string of beloved pubs are closing their doors, with punters and landlords alike left heartbroken as pressures in the hospitality industry hit boiling point.

In East London, the historic Gun pub in Homerton has shut down after 160 years of service.

Once a bustling local favourite, the venue was brought back to life in 2014 following a major revamp by landlords Nick Stephens and his partner Hanna-Sinclair Stephens.

Despite surviving the Covid crunch thanks to a heroic crowdfunding campaign that raised over £30,000 in a single day, the couple say the pub has now become “unsustainable”.

“It was hugely popular, but we just couldn’t keep going,” Nick said.

“The capacity was only 90 — the numbers just didn’t add up anymore.”

Meanwhile, in Nottingham, The Emerald, a vibrant Indian pub and sports bar, has also called time, just two years after opening.

Dubbed a “labour of love” by its owners, The Emerald quickly became a community favourite for curry lovers and cricket fans alike.

But behind the scenes, soaring costs and the departure of a key business partner created what they described as “emotional, financial and operational strain”.

In a heartfelt post, they thanked loyal customers:

“The Emerald was always more than just a pub—it was a cultural space… Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.”

Social media lit up with tributes from heartbroken regulars. One wrote: “It was more like home to us.

Watching India win the World Cup there was unforgettable.”

And even award-winners haven’t been spared, a Midlands pub, hailed as the region’s best and a finalist for Desi Grill of the Year 2024, has also gone under, despite its short-lived success.

The wave of closures paints a grim picture for the UK pub scene, already battered by the pandemic and now facing soaring prices for rent, business rates and barrels.

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May 22 (UPI) — A signing ceremony ceding the British Indian Ocean Territory of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius on Thursday was called off at the last moment after Britain’s High Court granted an injunction in the middle of the night to islanders opposing the deal.

“On-call” judge, Justice Goose, granted the temporary stay at 2:25 a.m. local time to two Chagos petitioners, ruling that the defendant, the Home Office, must “maintain the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom over the British Indian Ocean Territory until further order,” pending a further hearing during working hours Thursday.

The 11th-hour legal action forced the ceremony with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mauritian government representatives to be put on hold.

Stuart Lake, legal counsel for Beatrice Pompe, one of the claimants, told the Financial Times that his client was “deeply concerned that the government has chosen to give up sovereignty of the Chagos Islands without any consultation or protections for those that are indigenous to the islands.”

A British government spokesman declined to comment but insisted the deal with its former colony was “the right thing to protect the British people and our national security.”

Under the agreement, Britain will transfer sovereignty to Mauritius of the archipelago, home to a giant U.K.-U.S. military base on the island of Diego Garcia, but retain control of Diego Garcia by leasing it back on a 99-year, multi-billion dollar deal.

The United States pays Britain for use of the base, but the figure has never been made public.

Diego Garcia inhabitants have been engaged in a decades-long legal battle against their forcible displacement during the construction of the base throughout the late 1960s, mainly to Mauritius, the Seychelles and Britain, with the Chagos Islands split off from Mauritius when it became independent in 1968.

Joining a protest by Chagos people outside Parliament, the opposition Conservative Party’s shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel called Thursday’s legal intervention “a humiliation” for Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

“Their rights, views and voices over the future of Chagos have been ignored by Labour which continues to cause distress and uncertainty for this wonderful community,” she wrote in a post on X.

“Labour’s Chagos Surrender Deal is bad for our defence and security interests, bad for British taxpayers and bad for British Chagossians,” said Patel.

The deal has also been condemned by Human Rights Watch, which has demanded Britain and the United States pay reparations after a 2023 report alleged the “forced displacement of the Chagossians and ongoing abuses amount to crimes against humanity committed by a colonial power against an Indigenous people.”

The United States initially welcomed the deal when it was struck in October and will see the other 57 currently uninhabited islands in the archipelago opened up for settlement. Diego Garcia, however, will remain out of bounds to its former residents and their descendants on “security grounds.”

U.S. President Joe Biden called the deal “a clear demonstration that through diplomacy and partnership, countries can overcome long-standing historical challenges to reach peaceful and mutually beneficial outcomes.”

But the deal was delayed after Donald Trump won back the presidency in November, pending his approval, and after the elections days later in Mauritius over the value of the lease.

Trump gave his backing in February during a visit to Washington by Starmer, despite warnings from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior Republicans who said Mauritius’ links to China posed a “serious security threat” to U.S. national security.

The BBC can help tackle a “crisis of trust” in UK society, the broadcaster’s director general has said.

Tim Davie has set out measures he says will allow the broadcaster to play a leading role in reversing a breakdown in trust in information and institutions, as well as combating division and disconnection between people.

They include expanding fact-checking service BBC Verify, giving children lessons about disinformation, and doing more to scrutinise local politicians.

“The BBC is ready to play its full part – not simply defending tradition, but shaping the future,” he said in a speech on Wednesday.

“A future where trusted information strengthens democracy, where every child has a fair start, where creativity fuels growth and social capital, and where no-one is left behind in the digital age.”

Mr Davie added: “The future of our civilised, cohesive, democratic society is, for the first time in my life, at risk.”

The speech to civic and community leaders in Salford set out Mr Davie’s vision for the corporation’s future.

The BBC’s current royal charter, which sets out the terms and purposes of its existence, expires in 2027, and negotiations with the government about its renewal are ramping up.

“We believe that we must reform faster and get more support to avoid decline,” he said.

He said he was not asking for the “status quo” in funding, and said he would “keep an open mind” about the future of the licence fee or what could replace it.

“We want modernisation and reform,” he said. But any future method of funding must ensure the BBC remains a universal service, he stressed.

“All the funding models that have been floated in the debate have their merits and drawbacks. But some such as advertising or subscription don’t pass the test of building a universal trusted public service.

“Beyond that, we keep an open mind. And we continue to actively explore all options that can make our funding model fairer, more modern, and more sustainable.”

He also called for “more help” from the government to fund the World Service, calling it a “priceless national asset”, and saying “the government should invest for significant growth, not survival”.

However, there have been recent reports that ministers are drawing up plans for cuts to World Service funding.

Mr Davie argued that the BBC could play a key part in making the UK a “global leader in trusted information”, support democracy, boost education and economic growth, and improve digital access.

The BBC’s future would involve “doubling down on impartiality, championing free, fair reporting alongside landmark investigative journalism, investing in BBC Verify and InDepth as well as increasing transparency and holding our nerve amidst culture wars”, he said.

The BBC can “help turn the tide” and improve trust by “dramatically increasing” the amound of news coverage on platforms like YouTube and Tik Tok have a stronger presence amid the online noise.

It will combine AI agent technology with BBC journalism to create “a new gold standard fact checking tool”, he said, but without relinquishing editorial oversight.

“Our aim is to work globally with other public service broadcasters to ensure a healthy core of fact-based news.”

The BBC will also:

• Expand its expand Local Democracy Reporting Service from focusing on local councils to scrutinise health authorities, police and crime commissioners, and regional mayors
• Create specialist BBC Insight teams across the UK to do more investigative reporting, and expand local BBC Verify and InDepth work
• Launch new political debate radio shows for different areas, modelled on Radio 4’s Any Questions
• Give every child “proper training on disinformation” and potentially develop qualifications in disinformation studies
• Offer offer a new BBC family account for every parent of a young child, offering support at key milestones from birth to leaving school
• Move more executive roles outside London

The BBC says it is the most trusted news provider in the UK, with 45% of the population naming it as the source they trusted the most in 2024. That is down from 57% a decade ago.

Mr Davie also called for a national plan to switch off traditional broadcast transmissions in the 2030s, and ensure a “smooth” transition to internet-only delivery of programmes.

The BBC could launch its own device aimed at people who haven’t switched to streaming, based on the existing Freely online service, Mr Davie said.

“We want to double down on Freely as a universal free service to deliver live TV over broadband.

“And we want to consider developing and launching a streaming media device with Freely capabilities built in, with a radically simplified user interface specifically designed to help those yet to benefit from IP services.”

This seaside town in Suffolk has one of the UK’s most impressive beaches, dotted with traditional fishing huts selling freshly-caught seafood and iconic art installations

For all the galleries, parks and restaurants London has to offer, there is one thing locals still yearn for: the sea. While the UK has no shortage of charming seaside villages and coastal towns, only one has earned the moniker “London-on-Sea”.

Aldeburgh in Suffolk has claimed the impressive title. The picturesque seaside town has everything you could want from a classic UK staycation, including a sandy beach and some of the best fish and chips this side of Britain.

Less than a two-hour train ride from London Liverpool Street, it’s no surprise it has become a frequent favourite for Londoners. As reported by MyLondon, Aldeburgh’s title of ‘London-on-Sea’ isn’t just a colloquial nickname, the village was featured in a guidebook with that exact title.

Situated between the River Alde and a stretch of English coastline overlooking the North Sea, this Suffolk town offers a distinct vantage point. The main attraction for travellers will certainly be the pebble beach, home to colourful 19th-century holiday villas and a historic watchtower.

READ MORE: ‘I ditched London to live in underrated UK seaside town just one hour away’

Aldeburgh Beach is a shingle and sand beach and consistently ranks among the top spots in Suffolk and East Anglia. It has been recognised as one of the top five shingle beaches in the country, winning several national awards including a prestigious Blue Flag.

In addition to the fine shore and surf, Aldeburgh Beach is home to many historic and artistic treasures. One such feature is the Quatrefoil Martello Tower, a relic from the Napoleonic Wars era. There’s also a Norman church and a converted windmill known as Green Fort nearby.

But the most well-known fixture of the beach is the Aldeburgh Scallop. This four-meter high steel shell sculpture was installed on the beach to honour Benjamin Britten, the esteemed 20th-century composer who enjoyed regular walks between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness.

There are no kiosks on the beach, but there are traditional fisherman’s huts dotted across the sand where visitors can buy some freshly-caught seafood directly from the locals. Barring that, visitors can head into town for some battered fish.

The Aldeburgh Fish and Chip Shop has previously been honoured with the title of Britain’s best fish and chip spot, and Tripadvisor reviews attest to its quality. One visitor commented: “I love fish and chips, and this was the best I’ve ever had from a takeaway. The fish had beautiful light batter, and was translucent, flaky and delicious. Great chips too. Excellent.”

From grand hotels to cosy rental properties, Aldeburgh offers plenty of accommodation options for travellers. The Wentworth Hotel is one of the most luxurious in the seaside town – just 20 yards from the beach and home to an award-winning restaurant.

Those looking for a more laid-back option can stay at The Cross Keys. This beachfront inn exudes old-world charm and the rooms and in-house restaurant have modern, clean furnishings.

Again, the train from London to Aldeburgh is quick and frequent, but you can also get there easily by car. The drive from the capital to Aldeburgh via the A12 takes less than three hours.