Brits

A UK travel company known for selling trips to Disneyland has shut down.

The UK travel company based in Glasgow, Simply Florida Travel Ltd, sold bucket list adventures to North America amongst other destinations.

Customers now face their dream holidays to destinations such as Universal Studios, New York City, Toronto, Niagara Falls and Miami being cancelled.

The company was dissolved on January 6 and ceased trading as an ATOL-protected provider on January 20.

This came after the travel agency filed to be removed from the register on October 13 last year, according to Companies House.

 The UK’s financial protection programme for British travellers, ATOL, Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing scheme confirmed that Simply Florida Travel operated under a franchise agreement with The Travel Trust Association (TTA).

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Holiday makers who have had their plans ruined by this news have been advised to contact TTA directly to organise any refunds they may be owed.’

Simply Florida Travel Ltd’s website no longer exists, although their social media channels are still active.

The company joins a growing list of UK travel companies collapsing.

Just last month Regen Central Ltd, founded in 2011 in Hertfordshire went bust too.

The package holiday company ran packages to Italy, Bali, and Thailand, as well as the Middle East, including Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

It is understood by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that Regen Central Ltd had no outstanding ATOL-protected bookings.

However, it did say that bookings sold as flight only, accommodation only and non-flight packages are not protected by the ATOL scheme.

Customers who booked invalid travel packages were asked to wait patiently until the agency provides information on how to submit refund claims.

MARK RONSON is going to be the man of the moment at the Brit Awards when he is honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Music prize.

And I have been told organisers are going all-out to make it a moment to remember for Mark — with Dua Lipa, Raye and Lily Allen in the mix to perform a medley of his hits.

All three women have teamed up with Mark on songs before, with Mark and Dua winning a Grammy for their 2018 hit Electricity.

Lily’s 2007 track Oh My God was produced by Mark, while he helped write and produce Raye’s song Suzanne last summer.

A music industry insider told me: “The Outstanding Contribution to Music gong is massive for Mark and the Brits want to celebrate his impact on the music industry.

“He has worked on so many incredible songs with some massive artists, and they’ve been reaching out to try to get something very special lined up.

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“Dua, Lily and Raye have all been approached about performing a medley of Mark’s songs, including their own tracks he worked on.

“The Brits love a big moment and want this tribute to be one of the most impactful moments of the night.

“It’s all still a massively moveable feast, with the finer details being ironed out.”

I revealed last week that Mark was getting the prestigious award, which has previously been handed to acts including Sir Elton John, The Beatles and Oasis.

Mark said: “This is the most meaningful honour of my career.

“I think of the times I’ve watched artists I revere accept this same award.

“The idea that I’m now standing in that lineage feels impossible.

“I left England as a kid, but this country runs through everything I’ve made.

“The UK artists I’ve worked with — their brilliance and refusal to compromise — shaped not just my work but how I understand what music should do.

“And, more than anything, it’s the crowds here who’ve sustained and showed up for me.

“The fans, the festival crowds, the record buyers and streamers, the love has always been overwhelming.

“I’m beyond grateful for all of it.”

The ceremony, at Manchester’s Co-op Live on February 28, is looking like it’s going to be a corker, with Harry Styles, Olivia Dean, Wolf Alice and Rosalia all confirmed to be performing, too.

I’ll keep my fingers crossed that the after parties are just as good.

Capaldi please Tay yes

LEWIS CAPALDI is hoping to hit the studio with Taylor Swift after starring in her Opalite music video.

He took to social media to reply to fans after making a surprise cameo in Taylor’s latest clip.

After one fan asked about the prospect of Taylor and him recording a duet together, the Wish You The Best singer replied: “I can but dream.”

Last night Official Charts UK revealed Opalite is on track to give Taylor her sixth No1 this Friday.

Meanwhile, Myles Smith and Niall Horan are eyeing up a Top 20 debut, with their new song Drive Safe in an No20.

Niall’s One Direction bandmate Zayn Malik is also back in the charts.

His single, Die For Me, the lead track on upcoming fifth album Konnakol, is currently at No39.

Cardi’s wet and wild

CARDI B appears to have ditched standard red carpet dresses for a trusty wetsuit.

The WAP rapper wore this funky red and yellow jumpsuit as she attended the 2026 Fanatics Super Bowl Party.

The VIP event at Pier 48 in San Francisco saw a host of stars take to the stage before last night’s Super Bowl halftime show by Bad Bunny at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

As well as Cardi, SZA and Nelly also took to the stage during the evening.

Keen to make the most of her time in the city, Cardi was also spotted backstage at Uber’s The One Party.

She sported a tight white jumpsuit as she hung out with British sensation Olivia Dean who, fresh from winning her first Grammy last weekend, performed at the bash.

Jason channels his inner Slater

JASON DERULO may have finished the UK leg of his tour last night, but we’ve clearly made a lasting impression.

The Whatcha Say singer, channelled his inner Kat Slater from EastEnders in this leopard print coat at his final show at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.

After performing in Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham and London, Jason is now taking his The Last Dance World Tour across Europe.

Once he ties up the tour, Jason has promised it’s the start of a new era.

He told Bizarre’s Howell: “It is a retirement of one version of me and the start of a new one.”

PERRIE EDWARDS has moved the release of her new track, Woman In Love, to tomorrow at 5pm.

The move thrilled fans after she made the announcement on social media, after bringing it forward from Friday.

It also does Perrie’s ex Little Mix co-star Jesy Nelson a favour too.

Jesy’s new Prime Video TV series is expected to drop on February 13, and Perrie’s decision to move the release appears to allow Jesy to bask in the limelight without any talk of competition between the old bandmates.

After everything that went down between the Little Mixers, it’s good to see they’re finally starting to move on.

I’M hoping Madonna’s twin daughters Estere and Stella could be Tottenham’s next Lucky Pappe Sars.

Madge has revealed the pair have made it through to the Spurs’s Women’s Academy.

She was pitchside over the weekend to watch Estere and Stella smash another team 5-0, and joked she had been in an Uber for the second time in her life to make it to the game.

Madge has form when it comes to having kids with footballing prowess.

Her son David Banda joined Benfica’s youth academy in Portugal aged 11 and played with their youth squad for a number of seasons, with Madge relocating to Lisbon to support his career.

David ended up leaving the beautiful game to pursue a career in music like his famous mum.

I’ve got high hopes for Estere and Stella – and they picked the perfect team to join.

Let’s just not talk about our recent run of form, OK?

HEARTSTOPPER star Kit Connor looked completely unrecognisable when he posed for a photo with his new mate Elton John.

The British Netflix actor attended a dinner at the singer’s house alongside actor Russell Tovey and Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears among others, but I almost didn’t even realise it was him.

At only 21, he sported a full beard – a drastic change from his clean shaven look in the teen drama which made him famous.

If it’s for a role, no one will be recognising you, Kit.

PRINCESS SUPERSTAR had a handful of hits in the Noughties, including the 2007 dance classic Perfect (Exceeder), before falling out of the music business.

But almost two decades later, she is well and truly back, having just released her new single Yum-Me after the 2023 movie Saltburn featured her music and returned her to the charts.

In an exclusive chat, she explained: “It’s been wild. I lost my career and I got it back after Saltburn propelled Perfect back into the limelight.

“All of a sudden, after pretty much a ten-year hiatus, I found myself in recording studios all over again. It’s just been a really surreal experience.”

And the new tune is the first taste of a full length album.

She added: “I’m working on it as we speak and it’s about half done. I’ve recorded probably like 30 songs but only six are good enough for the album.”

During her time away from the charts, she became a mum, a mentor, and worked in social media.

But she also helped discover Lana Del Rey, when she was singing under her real name Lizzy Grant.

The singer and rapper explained: “Around 2008 I was producing artists, local people in New York, and my husband actually was like, ‘Oh you’ve got to meet this singer Lizzy Grant.’

“I was sort of dubious because my husband sometimes will bring home the worst people. But I was like, ‘Oh my god, she’s amazing’.

“We recorded songs in my apartment in New York.”

And after almost three decades in music, she’s ready to tell plenty more showbiz anecdotes.

She added: “I’m also about to potentially write a memoir. I’m really excited, it’s something I always wanted to do and so I’m talking to a UK publisher right now.”

Every year, Brits end up stranded at the airport due to issues with their passports but you can make sure you’re not one of them by making these 6 vital checks now

There’s nothing quite like that holiday excitement as you arrive at the airport, ready to jetset off somewhere sunny and get a well-deserved week or two off. However, every year thousands of Brits get caught out with documents that are invalid; and it means their trip gets cut short.

Not only can you be denied boarding on your flight, but your travel insurance is unlikely to cover the costs if you can’t travel because of invalid documents including your passport.

Luckily, we’re here to help as we’ve rounded up six vital passport checks to do now, so if there’s anything amiss you have plenty of time to get it fixed ahead of the summer (and avoid the pre-summer rush that the Passport Office always faces).

Check out our top tips below…

1. Validity duration

This one often catches holidaymakers out. When travelling to the EU, Brits need passports with at least three months validity, and the key thing to remember is this is based on your return date, not your departure. For example, if you’re on holiday from July 25 to August 1, your passport will need to be valid until at least November 1 2026.

Some countries such as Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore require six months of validity, so always check before you book your trip.

It’s also worth remembering that child passports only last for five years, not ten, so for those travelling with kids these checks are especially important.

2. The 10 year rule

The ’10 year rule’ often catches Brits out at the airport. Pre-Brexit, passports that were renewed before expiry could carry over a certain amount of validity. This meant some passports issued before September 2018 were valid for as long as ten years and nine months. Passports issued after this date are valid for ten years only.

However, since Britain has left the EU, UK passport holders are now classed as third-country nationals, meaning all passports must be issued less than 10 years before your departure date. This means some holidaymakers with older passports are being caught out, as while they may have enough validity on their passport, the document could be over ten years old.

If your passport will be passing the ten year mark soon, make sure you get it renewed before you go.

3. Damage

Even minor damage to a passport can see you denied boarding. According to the Passport Office, a passport is considered damaged if:

• you cannot read any of your details
• any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing
• there are holes, cuts or rips in the cover
• the cover is coming away
• there are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)

You can replace a damaged passport online at a cost of £94.50 for adults. While this might sound pricey, it’s often cheaper than the expenses that come with being denied boarding. Keep your passport in a plastic wallet to protect it from damage.

4. Number of blank pages

With many countries moving away from manual stamps and onto more sophisticated processes such as the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), you might assume that you don’t need to check the number of pages left in your passport.

However, most countries still require a certain amount of blank space, and many EU countries are still making the switch to EES, so Brits may find they still need to get their passport stamped. EU destinations including Germany, Italy, and Belgium require two blank pages for stamps, some long haul destinations in Africa ask for four, while Nambia holds the record with visitors asked to present six blank pages.

A standard adult passport comes with 34 blank pages, but frequent travellers can opt for a 54-page passport which costs £107.50 instead of the standard £94.50 fee.

5. Signature

It’s something most of us forget to do when a new passport arrives, but make sure you sign it. An unsigned passport can be rejected as invalid, and it takes just a couple of seconds to do.

While it’s not a legal requirement, take some time to fill in your emergency contacts too. This is important in case of an accident, and could also be useful if your passport gets recovered after being lost or stolen.

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6. Correct passport

It may sound obvious, but it’s easy to accidentally pick up the wrong passport and not realise until your train is halfway to the airport. A quick check before you leave could save a lot of hassle.

When you renew your passport and the old one is returned, consider shredding and disposing of the expired document. Never store your old passport alongside the new one, otherwise this could lead to a costly mix-up when you head out to catch your flight.

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

Flights are fuller than ever with UK load factors reaching 85-90%, increasing the risk of passengers being ‘bumped’ from overbooked planes during the busy February half-term break

Within just a few weeks, thousands of British families will be jetting off during the February half-term break, with airports bracing themselves for exceptionally high passenger volumes. However, holidaymakers have been cautioned about possible travel chaos during this period, as flights are operating at peak capacity.

The aviation sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with more aircraft taking off each year to whisk passengers away to sought-after destinations. The industry has witnessed remarkable expansion in its scale, capabilities, and global connectivity, showing no indication of easing off.

Last summer proved particularly remarkable, with over 90 million travellers passing through UK airports between July and September alone – the busiest three-month stretch ever recorded, according to figures from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Furthermore, ACC Aviation reports that a staggering 3,593 new flight routes were introduced across various carriers throughout 2024 and 2025 to meet surging passenger demand.

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Despite February half-term being a considerably shorter holiday window, flights are still anticipated to be jam-packed as families escape abroad for a winter getaway. Yet lurking behind this travel boom could be an unseen hazard for passengers, as aircraft are being booked out more heavily than at any point previously.

Figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) published last week showed that the global passenger load factor – the proportion of available seats occupied by travellers – hit an all-time high of 83.6 per cent in 2025, marking a 5.3 per cent increase. Breaking down the statistics, European carriers recorded a load factor of 84.1 per cent, whilst UK airlines routinely surpassed 85-90 per cent, according to Air Advisor, reports the Express.

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Looking ahead, travel demand in 2026 is projected to climb further, meaning more than 83 out of every 100 seats could be taken, leaving minimal spare capacity. This not only complicates rebooking cancelled flights but may also see passengers denied boarding at airports altogether.

Carriers routinely overbook flights to offset no-shows, however when capacity runs high, this practice can trigger significant issues. Air Advisor highlighted that if a carrier anticipates 10 per cent of passengers won’t turn up and overbooks accordingly, but only 5 per cent actually miss their flight, it could end up with more passengers than available seats.

Furthermore, airlines may struggle to accommodate all confirmed passengers if they deploy a smaller aircraft than originally scheduled. With aircraft fuller than ever before, the likelihood of overbooking incidents has substantially increased.

This means certain passengers could find themselves being asked – or even compelled – to surrender their seat on the aircraft. According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website: “If this happens to you, it means you have been ‘bumped’ from your flight. It is also called ‘denied boarding’. Often, you can volunteer to be bumped, but sometimes airlines will bump you without your agreement.”

However, passengers who voluntarily agree to be ‘bumped’ will receive compensation from the airline, ranging anywhere from £110 to £520. Furthermore, travellers – whether they volunteered or were involuntarily ‘bumped’ – will be provided with either a refund or an alternative flight, though the wait time for the next available departure can differ based on flight availability.

The increased appetite for travel, resulting in fuller planes, also creates additional challenges. It becomes significantly more difficult to secure an upgrade, reduces the number of available empty seats, and can occasionally affect last-minute bargains.

To minimise the risk of being ‘bumped’, holidaymakers are encouraged to check in online as soon as it opens, choose their seat in advance and turn up at the boarding gate with time to spare.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

BRITS wanting sun, sea, sand have been swapping the UK for Spain for years – but its neighbour is fast gaining in popularity.

Portugal is increasingly becoming a more popular place for Brits to relocate to, thanks to its lower cost of living, great weather and beautiful beaches.

Portugal is a more popular place to move to than Spain according International moving company, 1st Move International.

It analysed UK Google search data to reveal which countries are seeing the biggest increases and declines in emigration-related interest – and Portugal is number six.

Historically, Spain has been one of the most popular destinations for Brits looking to relocate abroad – but Portugal has nabbed its spot.

Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International said: “Mass tourism and the decision to impose taxes on foreign property buyers have affected affordability, making it more complex for retirees and long-term residents to move to Spain.

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“Spain’s interest among Brits has begun to dip, and neighbour Portugal may take Spain’s crown in the coming years.

“Portugal’s already firmly among Brits’ top 10 expat hotspots, and it’s creeping up the ladder with emigration searches increasing by 18.90 per cent year on year.”  

This has been backed up by data from the National Institute of Statistics (NIE) which revealed that UK expats living in Spain fell by 2.2 per cent in 2024, as reported by Spanish media The Olive Press.

UK resident numbers came to 266,462, down from 272,402 a year earlier.

It continued to reveal that ‘British expats now account for 3.9 per cent of all foreign residents, compared to 4.2 per cent in 2023’.

When it comes to competition between the two, there are lots of similarities – mostly their glorious weather which is much better than the UK throughout the year.

According to some weather sites Portugal is actually sunnier than Spain – but both have around 300 days of sun every year.

Portugal is slightly more mild in places like Lisbon along the western coast thanks to its cool Atlantic breeze.

Just like Spain, Portugal is pleasant during the winter months sitting at around 10C.

Of course most Brits move abroad to spend time nearer the coast and Spain has always been popular thanks to having over 3,000 beaches across 4970 miles of coastline.

As of 2025, 638 of these have Blue Flag status.

Portugal has less beaches as the length of the coastline is much shorter – around 1,115 miles – however it still has around 404 Blue Flag beaches as of last year.

After moving abroad, you’ll probably want a quieter place to relax – but of course both countries remain popular especially the summer holidays.

Portugal gets fewer tourists than Spain – although it did reach record highs in 2024 with around 31.6million visitors.

Meanwhile, Spain saw 94 million international visitors in 2023.

Both are likely to remain busy in the summer months – unless you head to less touristy areas.

Portugal tends to be cheaper when it comes to cost of living (and holidaying) too.

In Portugal you can get a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant €40 (£34.63) and a local beer can cost as little as €2 (£1.73).

The average price of a cappuccino is as little as €1.81 (£1.57).

When it comes to getting around, a one-way ticket on local transport is around €2 (£1.73).

Renting an apartment in one of the country’s city centres is around €943 (£816.34) per month.

Meanwhile in Spain, a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is on average €50 (£43.29) and a local beer costs around €3 (£2.60), according to Wise.

The average price of a cappuccino is a bit more expensive too at €1.90 (£1.65).

Getting about in Spain is generally cheaper with a one-way ticket on local transport priced at €1.50 (£1.30).

Renting an apartment in one of Spain’s city centres is priced at an average of €950 (£822.40) per month.

In terms of logistics, Portugal is generally considered easier for British citizens to move to thanks to its D7 passive income visa for those who want to move there.

In Spain, expats will need a Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), which requires more proof of income, and it has stricter residency rules.

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“Socialising in Lisbon needn’t cost a fortune – in fact you can catch up with a friend over a glass of wine for the price of a coffee back home.

“A fruity ‘vinho verde’ from a quiosque or restaurant terrace, enjoyed in the sunshine, might set you back just a few euros.

“One of the reasons why the top-notch wine is so affordable – with a bottle of my favourite white costing around three euros in the supermarket – is because Portugal is covered in swathes of vineyards.

“Most of Lisbon is very walkable – at least, if you don’t mind a steep incline – and most places I need to get to are well within a 30-minute stroll.

“Throughout the month of June, the city erupts into a series of big, lively street parties at night to celebrate the Festas dos Santos Populares – with the 13th the most important date.

“Lisbon isn’t a beach-side city in the same way as Barcelona, however just a short train ride or drive away are some incredible coastal spots.

“This means that, if you finish work at 5pm, you could be taking a dip in the ocean by half past – although, be warned, it will be refreshing.”

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THERE’S a forgotten utopia among the 200+ Greek islands crying out for Brits to come and enjoy its untouched beaches, mouth-watering gyros and beers aplenty.

Karpathos may be the 15th largest Greek island but the population is only about 6,500, so it flies relatively under the radar — a paradise for off-grid explorers.

You’ll spot mainly Italian and Dutch tourists, although the majority of hotel and restaurant staff speak perfect English.

And they are thrilled to have us here, unlike some destinations where anti-tourist protests are in full force.

“We love the Brits, we want the Brits,” one restaurant owner told us.

Perhaps the reason it remains so off-grid is the long journey there.

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Although Karpathos has an airport, there are no direct flights from the UK, which leaves only two options: flying in via Athens, or jetting into Rhodes and taking a ferry.

We opted for the latter, hopping on a smooth easyJet flight from Gatwick for our first leg before whizzing over by boat.

If the journey sounds too hellish to do in one, you can break it up into stages.

It was my first time visiting Greece and I wanted to see some of Rhodes, so we stayed one night in the main hub before moving on to Karpathos.

Rhodes is undeniably beautiful and has lots to offer but in my short time there I couldn’t help noticing how samey it felt.

Tourist-trap shops, restaurants that want to get you in and out fast and a bit too heavy on the drunken booze scene.

Karpathos is relaxed and uncrowded — and we were grateful for it

Karpathos, by comparison, is relaxed and uncrowded — and we were grateful for it.

The boat trip takes four hours with Blue Star Ferries, stopping at a couple of other islands on the way. But we didn’t mind soaking up the blue skies and seeing the sights as we went.

Karpathos’s main town centre, Pigadia, is where most of the action happens, with a number of family restaurants, bars and shops, all of which are easily walkable.

But to get the most out of the island you’ll want to hire a car. Just beware of the winding roads!

Karpathos may not boast a lively nightlife, but what it does have is a gobsmackingly gorgeous selection of beaches.

There are more than 110 to discover — some of the smaller ones don’t even have names.

We arrived at a tiny hidden one with the sort of crystal clear waters I’ve only ever seen in Hawaii

And you can quite easily stumble across a beach and have it completely to yourselves.

We arrived at a tiny hidden one with the sort of crystal clear waters I’ve only ever seen in Hawaii.

Another five-minute drive down the road and you’ll come across another, then another.

Some of the sandy beaches are flanked by restaurants and places to grab a beer, like Lefkos and Limniatis, while most of the pebble shores tend to be deserted.

Take your pick, the world is very much your oyster here.

It’s hard to choose a favourite among the dozen we visited but Achata Beach wins.

I love how it’s swallowed by mountains and has hardly anything surrounding it.

You can rent a lounger for 20 euros and there’s a bar serving food and drinks straight to loungers.

Away from the sunloungers, there is a range of coastal activities for all the family, dotted along the island.

We took a windsurfing lesson one day, guided by patient surfing pros. Another day we embarked on a bumpy motorboat trip, which took us to the uninhibited Saria Island, to the north of Karpathos.

Women in charge

As well as seeing the beautifully remote landscapes, we snorkelled through a cave soaking up the sight of colourful fish in the most breathtaking setting.

For those seeking more culture, the mountain village of Olympus is a must, with narrow paths and old houses built into slopes.

You’ll see women dressed in traditional embroidered clothing — and this is one of the rare places in the world where women are traditionally in charge.

Go to Olympus in the later part of the day to avoid the surge of visitors and you’ll get one of the best unobstructed views of the sunset ever.

And what goes perfectly with sunsets? Sundowners. I’ve never been more satisfied, in terms of choice, quality and price when it comes to drinks and dining.

Restaurants are largely family-run establishments bursting with genuinely friendly people desperate for you to try some traditional grub. And meals cost far less than in a chain eatery in the UK.

You can stick to the familiar burgers and pasta, but if you’re looking for a local speciality I highly recommend the saganaki, a slab of cheese pan-fried, giving it a golden-brown crispy crust.

My favourite came from the Maxim family restaurant.

Zucchini croquettes were another top pick; Orea restaurant does them best.

Oh, and did I mention the tiropitakia — feta cheese wrapped in a flaky pastry drizzled with honey? I could go on.

Best of all, everything is made with sharing in mind so you don’t have to miss out on anything.

As for drink, don’t be surprised if the owner comes to have a shot of Akai with you at your table.

But for something a bit softer there’s beer and Greek lager such as Mythos for only a few euros.

Maybe Karpathos has more of a party atmosphere than it first let on . . . 

TRIPLE Grammy nominee Yungblud has blasted the Brits for being “out of touch” after he was snubbed by his home country’s music awards.

The Doncaster rocker is up for Best Rock Performance category for his powerful rendition of Changes at the late Ozzy Osbourne’s Back To The Beginning concert last summer.

And he will wear the necklace given to him by his Black Sabbath idol, who died last year, at tonight’s ceremony in LA, where he is also up for two other Grammys.

Yet despite accolades Stateside, and two UK No1 albums last year, he says it feels “weird” to be a notable omission at this month’s Brits.

He told me: “I just think with the Brits, there’s something more corporate afoot. I feel like I’ve not kissed the babies in my own country that I should — I’ve done it my way.

“And I think someone’s pissed off at me for that. The beautiful thing about the Grammys is it’s voted for by your peers — musicians and artists.

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“The Brits, you can tell it’s been done in a boardroom by a committee that’s out of touch. That’s a lot of the British music industry.

“But I’m vibing, man — I’m at the Grammys!”

And Yungblud — real name Dominic Harrison — vows to the keep celebrations rock ’n’ roll — having VOMMED from partying so hard during a pre-Grammys night out with Sharon Osbourne and Lewis Capaldi.

He and Lewis “had a mad one”.

Yungblud said: “We had an accidentally brilliant night. I threw up!

“Everyone’s full of s***. Me and Lewis always find each other at a party, to talk about something half-normal.

“There’s so many parties  . . . you end up going for two minutes, and everyone looks shell-shocked.

“So we end up throwing our own. We had such a good night. Sharon came out. Lewis came out.”

Yungblud jokes he is “clearing room in my suitcase” for potential Grammy trophies, though any wins would be bittersweet without Ozzy.

He said: “It’s wild when you love someone. You idolise someone.

“And then you get to know them, then you perform this song to honour them and it gets Grammy-nominated.

“It’s weird to comprehend.”

YUNGBLUD is throwing his own “riot” of a Grammys afterparty at Sunset Strip’s Rainbow Bar and Grill – famed for hosting wild bashes with the likes of Led Zeppelin and Motley Crue.

He says: “It will be a f***ing free-for-all, with pizza and beer, doing bumps of caviar.”

The rocker, who stripped naked on a yacht in Sydney, Australia, while touring last year, insists: “I’m not really sick. I’m usually alright. I’ll probably end up naked – but I won’t be sick.”

STARS DRESSED TO FRILL

SOME of the biggest names in music gathered in LA to let their hair down for some pre-Grammys partying on Friday.

Singer Kesha bloomed in giant flowers at the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year gala, while Cara Delevingne showed off new brunette locks at the Warner soiree.

Addison Rae gave a raunchy performance in just her undies at Spotify’s 2026 Best New Artist Party, where she was joined by nominated Brit Olivia Dean in a checked blue floor-length gown.

Meanwhile, Swedish siren Zara Larsson wore hot pink for the Epic Records and Hennessy bash.

I’m glad it was warmer in Cali than it was on this side of the pond . . . 

NATHAN’S EYE ON BALL

NATHAN EVANS hopes to score Scotland’s official World Cup anthem – and will be joining the Tartan Army in the US.

The Wellerman singer and band Saint Phnx are also in discussions about cheering the lads on during training sessions, after Ed Sheeran performed for the England team during the 2024 Euros.

One of the ideas is to rework their track Home with lyrics cheering on the Scots squad, and Nathan would love it to become the official supporters’ tune this summer.

He said: “We’ve got something cooking that hopefully we can pull off. And if we do, it’ll be something massive.”

AITCH’S AMBER NIGHT

RAPPER Aitch wooed a stunning podcaster nearly 15 years his senior – just weeks before stealing the nation’s hearts on I’m A Celebrity.

I’m told the 26-year-old locked lips with Francesca Amber, 40, at the Pride of Britain Awards in London last October, after the pair hit it off at the free bar.

Aitch was seen cracking jokes with the blonde, who believes in “manifesting” the life you want.

An onlooker said: “Aitch is a bit younger, but didn’t lack confidence. They were having a right giggle and, by the end of the evening, they were kissing in front of everyone. They exchanged numbers.”

Single mum-of-three Francesca has told listeners she dreams of going on E4 dating show Celebs Go Dating. I hope this helps manifest it for her . . . 

TEDDY IS READY TO RAYA

VOCAL powerhouse Teddy Swims is looking for love online after sadly splitting from his baby momma.

The Bad Dreams singer broke up with singer Raiche Wright late last year.

But now Teddy – who last year released the final part of his album series I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy – is putting his best foot forward and getting himself out there with a profile on A-list dating app Raya.

The singer – born Jaten Dimsdale – posted a series of snaps showing off his tattoos and dapper style, advertising the fact he is based in Sherman Oaks, California.

He, fittingly, uses his own music to illustrate his profile.

Happy swiping . . . 

IT MUTT BE LOVE FOR DUA

THE City of Love is the only place for Dua Lipa and fiancé Callum Turner as they put on a smoochy display.

The smitten singer and actor were snapped holding hands while walking Callum’s beloved Labrador-Rottweiler mix Golo in Paris.

An onlooker said: “They were completely loved up and kept kissing, it was very sweet.

“Golo the pooch is like their child and travels with them everywhere.”

Speaking several years ago, Callum confessed that his beloved pet helped to keep him grounded.

He said: “I have a dog, yeah. He keeps me very humble.

“You know, picking up his poo every day keeps you humble.”

That’ll certainly do the trick . . . 

OZZY SINGS TO MY KID

I’M A Celebrity star Jack Osbourne has revealed his late dad Ozzy is singing lullabies from beyond the grave.

Jack’s three-year-old daughter Maple has told him that the Black Sabbath rocker visits her when she’s tucked up in bed and sings to her.

Jack said: “My youngest daughter has been having a lot of ‘interactions’, shall we say. She’s three – she keeps saying, ‘He sings to me at night.’ I’m like, ‘That’s awesome, what’s he singing to you?’

“I don’t make a big deal about it. I’m supportive of it, I’m instantly like, they’re kids, they have imaginations and stuff.

“But she’s saying things and I’m like, ‘How do you know that? We haven’t been saying things – where does that come from?’”

Speaking on the Howie Mandel podcast, Jack added: “For her, the more she brings it up, it’s becoming a thing and I think that it’s not just her imagination.”

Hopefully he’s not Paranoid . . . 

RUSH ON FOR PERFECT 10

BOYBAND mania is set to hit London today as December 10 arrive to meet their fans.

I’m told police are on standby amid fears the signing event could turn into a riot, after 6,000 fans of the group, above – assembled by Simon Cowell – put their names down to attend.

An insider said: “There are concerns that over-excited kids will still rock up – even though only a tiny fraction will actually be allowed to get inside.

“Organisers swear they’ve got it all under control and are working closely with the Old Bill, promising a safe and sensible do.”

It’s like the One Direction days all over again . . . 

New research shows people return to their favourite holiday destination an average of six times

More than a quarter of holidaymakers revisit the same destination every year, or every other year, with a feeling of safety, familiarity, and emotional connection driving the trend, new research reveals. A study of 2,000 adults found that people who enjoy repeat visits return to the same place an average of six times. Nearly one in five (18%) have visited their favourite spot between six and 20 times.

The findings come from the 2026 Trends Report by Neilson Beach Clubs, which has seen a clear rise in repeat bookings, with seven in 10 guests returning year on year to their resorts.

More than half of holidaymakers go back to the same destination because they love what it has to offer, 15% also prefer to stick to what they know.

Meanwhile, 29% feel confident in the location’s safety and another 29% return regularly after developing a strong emotional connection with the place.

David Taylor, CEO for the travel provider, commented on the trend: “We all look forward to our holiday escapes so much that when you’ve found something you love that delivers a great experience, it’s natural to return again with confidence that the holiday won’t disappoint.”

The research suggests the appeal of a familiar destination is even stronger for families. More than a quarter (26%) of all respondents said they often revisit the same place because it is easier to plan, and one in 20 parents admitted that visiting somewhere unfamiliar with children can be stressful.

The study also highlighted a significant shift in holiday habits, with a growing interest in active getaways.

Over half (52%) of those who currently exercise on holiday would consider booking a fitness-focused trip to improve their physical health—a rise from 33% last year.

While 67% still seek a more relaxing vacation, nearly one in four (24%) say a fitness element brings just as much enjoyment.

The desire to disconnect from daily life is a priority, with 67% of respondents saying taking a break from technology is important for them when they are away.

For many, exercise is seen as a way of reducing stress (42%) and helping to rejuvenate the body and mind (37%).

David Taylor added: “We feel that it’s easier to switch off by switching on, if your mind is busy getting your body to do something you love, you can truly switch off mentally.”

If you’re planning on a swim at one of France’s over 6,000 public pools this year, travel expert Simon Hood has a warning for you and advice about what to pack

A travel expert has warned holidaymakers to think twice before dipping in France.

If you’re planning on a swim at one of France’s over 6,000 public pools this year, travel expert Simon Hood has a warning for you. Our French cousins to the south are traditionally known for their superior wines, fashion, and romantic charm. So much in fact that over 9-13 million Brits are estimated to visit the country’s beloved cities like Paris, and the glamorous Riviera each year.

However, while the European Union’s second-largest economy remains the envy of many, one little-known health regulation could upend many British holidays in the country this year. Simon, who is the executive director of John Mason International, says the rule is something to adhere to, or risk seeing you denied the ability to swim on your break.

Thought to date back to 1903, most public pools in France’s network of over 6,000 pools and open-air basins enforce a strict hygiene-based regulation on men’s swimwear.

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Upheld by many levels of French local authorities règlement intérieur, or internal regulations, men must wear ‘tight-fitting swimwear’ like Speedos at public pools. Enforced by local municipalities or the ARS (French regional health authorities), disregarding the rule could see you packing from the local swimming pool.

So, while Speedos may certainly be out of fashion abroad, they’re integral for men’s attire in public pools in almost all major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille.

Simon explained: “It may seem odd but failure to comply with these hygiene regulations could see you marched out of the pool and leave you waving at your family or friends from the outside. While most pools will offer appropriate swimwear onsite, it could set you back somewhere between €10-€20, a bit of an unnecessary spend, so before I’d recommend checking whether you need more appropriate swimwear or not.”

Some may think this law to be outdated and not enforced by French public pool staff and authorities, but Simon explains it comes from a very well-intended place.

“When you bottle it down, the rule stems from a concern about hygiene in the pools. It was originally enforced as culturally French people tend to walk around in swimwear well before they attend the pool in the summer months. Thinking about this, it means people could track all manner of dirt in once they jump into the pool hours later. We don’t wander around outside in our trunks in the UK, which is why it may seem odd, but local authorities are just trying to keep the pool clean.”

Eurocamp, a large holiday park chain with a number of sites in France, warns on its website: “If you’re headed for the beach, don’t worry: you can wear what you like. But it’s true that many swimming pools prohibit the majority of baggy or loose-fitting shorts. Why? Simply because of hygiene concerns.

“Of course, rules can – and do – vary from parc to parc. If in any doubt just ask. We’re only too happy to help and save you from any poolside blushes!”

The website adds information for those concerned by the policy. “Wearing tighter swimwear wastes less water. Their material usually dries quicker, staving off any potential buildup of bacteria,” Eurocamp’s blurb continues.

“But don’t panic: if you’re not keen on slipping on a pair of conventional Speedos, you can still opt for swimming shorts. Just make sure they’re more fitted, and above the knee, and opt for fabrics that are designed for the water. Have a look for a style called ‘jammers’ online, to get an idea of what’s usually allowed.”

There’s no sign these rules are due to be eased anytime soon. In May 2022, the French municipal authority in Grenoble attempted to wind down these restrictions, only to have the central government in Paris block any changes.

Simon added: “Like with any holiday, all I’d recommend is researching in advance since these rules exist for a reason. If Speedos aren’t your thing, either don’t swim or use a pool where these regulations don’t apply. At the end of the day, Speedos might be out of style, but missing out on a day at the pool due to your fashion choices could be worse.”

SPAIN has always been a top holiday destination for Brits – but is quickly being taken over by a number of other destinations.

According to Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy, Spain has lost its appeal to holidaymakers with other destinations coming for its crown thanks to rising costs.

In an interview with Hosteltur, Mr Heapy predicted that Brits are ditching Spain for other destinations, all in North Africa.

The reason being? Money.

Mr Heapy explained: “Price is critical; inflation has affected Spain more than other emerging markets, making the destination more expensive.

“Tourist taxes don’t help either; paying an additional five euros per person per night on top of the trip cost represents a significant expense.”

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In places like Barcelona, the surcharge for overnight stays is rising to €5 £4.34) per night.

In the Balearic Islands like Majorca and Ibiza, there’s an eco-tax added to accommodation which ranges between €1 (87p) to €4 (£3.47)pppn.

It will soon also be more expensive to fly to Spain, as previously reported, Aena, which operates the majority of airports in Spain, is increasing its airport charges by 6.44 per cent in 2026.

With the increase in cost, Mr Heapy said that Brits are heading to other locations instead – which are still just a few hours away from the UK.

He said: “North Africa is performing well, with Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt standing out.”

Morocco is a great option for Brits, especially those seeking winter sun – and some destinations are less than an hour from the UK.

A flight from the UK to the vibrant city of Marrakesh takes just three hours and 40 minutes.

In February there are highs of 21C – much warmer than being in the UK at that time of year.

It’s cheap too, according to Skyscanner you can fly with Ryanair from London Stansted from just £15 on February 23, 2026.

On that same day, it’s more expensive to fly to Madrid which is £17 – and the journey is one hour less.

Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot recently visited the Moroccan city where she discovered desert landscapes, colourful streets and new bars, restaurants and hotels.

Other popular destinations in Morocco include Agadir which has beautiful golden beaches, the country’s capital Rabat, Essaouira on the southern coast, Fez and Tangier.

Tunisia is also back in the game according to Jet2’s Mr Heapy.

The number of Brits heading on holiday there has risen significantly with around 350,000 British visiting in 2024 – 65 per cent more than the previous year.

And numbers are rising thanks to its great weather, short flights and beautiful beaches.

And according to TravelSupermarket, Tunisia offers some of the very cheapest 5-star holidays on the market, averaging at £614pp.

Egypt has plenty of beautiful beachside resorts that will appeal to Brits seeking a fly and flop holiday.

You’ve got beach resorts like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, or if you want more of the city life, head to Cairo of Luxor & Aswan.

With loveholidays, breaks to Sharm El Sheikh including breakfast and flights start from as little as £219pp.

There were other Mediterranean destinations that Mr Heapy said are keeping a good level of tourism – like Greece.

There you get the best of both worlds from ancient cities to beautiful islands.

It’s also home to the world’s best island for 2025 – Paros, where travellers will find secret beach clubs and incredible restaurants where holidaymakers dance on tables.

Spain’s neighbour, Portugal, is also continuing to be popular especially in places like Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve region.

One writer who relocated from London to Lisbon still can’t believe how cheap it is.

You can pick up booze for less than £5 – from local beer to wine, she said “you can still purchase a top-quality house white or red for just a few euros.”

Coffee can be bought up for around 80p if you like an espresso – or coffee with milk – called a ‘galão’ – will usually come in at under two euros.

For more on Portugal, here’s the secret side of the country crowned one of the best places in Europe to visit.

And hear from one Greece expert who names four better value islands where locals go on holiday with Santorini-like houses and secluded beaches.