Castle

The Traitors is nearing its finale and recently murdered Jessie was gobsmacked to find out who was this season’s Traitors

Jessie Stride showed she had no idea of a secret in this year’s series of The Traitors. The popular contestant was savagely murdered as series four nears its end. But she couldn’t hide her shock as she discovered the truth about who were The Traitors. As she found out the game Stephen Libby is playing, Jessie shrieked and fell off her chair.

Speaking on Traitors Uncloaked, Jessie said: “Ellie, oh my God. I’m not just a daft lass who wears yellow and orange! He had the audacity to murder me!” Her reactions reached an all-time high however when she found out that Ellie and Ross are actually dating. “You’re going to have beautiful babies!” she said.

READ MORE: Traitors star Stephen’s ‘genius’ trick to distract the players and it’s working a treatREAD MORE: Traitors stars share their shame and torment as tears flow during dinner

Her stunned reaction came as two players left the show on Thursday. Ellie was banished after Jessie had earlier been murdered.

The latest episode was one of the most emotional to date. As the remaining hopefuls enjoyed a dinner together, they explained their reasons for being on the show and revealed how they would use the winnings if they were victorious.

There were tears as Jade revealed her tragic past. The Faithful wiped away the tears as she told the group that she had lost her mother and her half-sibling in very difficult circumstances eight years ago.

The other seven players gasped and looked horrified for her as Jade explained: “My parents got divorced when I was seven, my Mum moved back to Hong Kong, she had a kid and then in 2018 they were both found dead.”

She added: “I have had to really rebuild myself from that point onwards. So I’m really proud of myself for being here and getting this far.” As the others commended her bravery, Jade said that if she ended up winning the prize money, she’d spend it on getting her own pad. “I think I’d really like to buy a home,” she said. “Somewhere I can call my own.”

And speaking to the camera after the dinner party, Jade said: “In 2018 I lost my Mum. I was always very close with her so it was a shock to the system.

“Our parents form a big core of our own identity so I had to rebuild myself. It’s affected me a lot. It takes me a very long time to let people in just because it does take me a minute to get comfortable and I can come off as a bit standoffish at first.”

Personal trainer Jack Butler, 29, also told the group his plan was to propose to his girlfriend “in the next few months”, saying he’d like to spend any winnings on a deposit for a house.

“I’ve got a secret plan, the ring’s already sorted, it’s a massive surprise,” he said. And that’s exactly what he seems to have done since the show.

Pictures have already shown him proposing to partner Kim during a trip to Santorini in August. The holiday took place two months after filming on the show ended.

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

TODAY is Sunshine Saturday – traditionally the busiest day for Brits to book their 2026 holidays.

But where to go? Travel association Abta’s research shows nearly half of us want to visit a country we haven’t been to before.

And today, with the help of their expert members, they’ve come up with a top 10 list of places to visit in 2026 .

Abta’s Graeme Buck says: “With a focus on countries or areas that may not immediately spring to mind, offering alternatives to more well-known destinations, there should be something for everyone.”

Lisa Minot looks at Abta’s lust list for 2026.

BORNEO: This island in South East Asia is home to unspoilt rainforests, enormous cave systems, imposing Mount Kinabalu and endless wild animal encounters.

SUN HOLIDAYS

What are Hols from £9.50? Your guide to booking 2026 breaks with The Sun

Raily good deal

How to get discounted railcards & train tickets with Sun Club and Trip.com

Take a boat safari along the Kinabatangan River to spot crocodiles, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants.

Head to the Danum Valley in Sabah to search for orangutans and clouded leopards.

Book with: Intrepid Travel, G Adventures and Travelbag.

COLOMBIA: With the latest series of Celebrity Race Across The World culminating in Colombia’s Peninsula de la Guajira, we’ve all been entranced by the beauty of this South American gem.

With idyllic beaches, historic cities, rainforests and, of course, great coffee, a tour is a great way to get a snapshot of its highlights, from the colourful colonial city of Cartagena to the Caribbean beaches of Tayrona National Park.

Book with: Exodus, G Adventures and Intrepid Travel.

EGYPT: The much-anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo, makes Egypt a must-visit for 2026.

The museum houses more than 100,000 artefacts from Ancient Egypt, including the incredible treasures of Tutankhamun.

A river cruise along the Nile is a great way to take in all of the key sights, including the temples of Luxor and Aswan.

Sun-seekers will also appreciate the great value offered at Red Sea resorts, including Hurghada and Marsa Alam.

Book with: TUI River Cruises and Riviera Travel.

FRENCH POLYNESIA: With its palm-fringed beaches and dark blue lagoons, this vision of paradise is definitely worth travelling to the other side of the world for.

More than 100 islands make up this Pacific archipelago, so this is real bucket list territory.

Tick off as many sights as you can, from the busy markets of capital Papeete, on the island of Tahiti, to the honeymoon beaches of Bora Bora.

Book with: Scott Dunn, Kuoni and Trailfinders.

GERMANY’S BALTIC COAST: Miles of sandy beaches backed by chalk cliffs and beech forests make the German Riviera a favourite for locals – but few outsiders know it exists.

Easy to get to from Hambug or Berlin by train, head to Rugen, Germany’s largest island for fashionable Binz beach.

Hike or bike through the coastal countryside or discover Heiligendamm, known as the White Town by the Sea – the country’s oldest seaside resort with pretty neoclassical architecture and upmarket spas.

The area is also ideal for those looking for cooler summer temperatures.

Book with: Leger Travel, Riviera Travel.

GRENADA: A true taste of the Caribbean’s natural charms, Grenada is known as the Spice Island where its fertile soils produce nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, turmeric and vanilla as well as cacao for chocolate.

Summer is ‘Spicemas’ with parties and parades in the pretty capital, St George’s.

And get more nature in the Grand Etang National Park with its lake, lush vegetation and Mona monkeys.

Book with: TUI and Virgin Holidays.

ISLANDS OF THE GULF OF NAPLES: Just a short ferry ride from Naples, Capri is known as a celebrity magnet and prices can be dizzying in the chic shops and fancy restaurants.

But the neighbouring island of Ischia offers a very different experience — a green, wooded mountainous island with great hiking options as well as the chance to relax on pretty beaches or soak away your worries in the Poseidon Gardens thermal pools.

And little Procida, with its pastel-coloured fishermen’s houses and laid-back vibe, has provided the perfect backdrop for films including The Talented Mr Ripley.

Book with: Citalia and TUI.

LA RIOJA: Look north to Spain’s La Rioja wine region for a different taste of our favourite holiday destination.

The Basque country has been proving popular for Brits and with Rioja sitting the other side of the River Ebro, there’s even more to explore from the capital Logrono, with some of the best tapas in Spain to one of the many wineries like the Marques de Riscal and the cosy bodegas in the town of Haro.

Expect spectacular scenery in the Sierra de Cebollera with its mountains, forests and wildlife including boar and birds of prey.

Book with: Brittany Ferries for self-drive breaks and Travelsphere for tours.

LUXEMBOURG: The delightful European duchy of Luxembourg packs a great deal within its compact borders: historic towns, fairytale castles and beautiful countryside.

Visits have increased six per cent year on year.

Start your trip in Luxembourg City, on the banks of a dramatic river gorge, then hop on the free public transport to visit the old town of Vianden with its castles.

Nature lovers will adore exploring the Mullerthal woods with its stunning beech groves, streams, canyons and cave systems.

Book with: Just Go! for coach holidays and First Choice for packages.

SERBIA: From its hip and buzzy capital Belgrade to its spectacular national parks, Serbia is ripe for discovery by those seeking a lesser-known European destination.

Get a taste for the capital’s ancient past at the Kalemegdan Fortress and sip cocktails in the hip Dorcol quarter.

Further afield, cycle along the inspiring Iron Gates gorge, carved out over millenia by the mighty River Danube or go deep into nature in the Tara National Park with dense forests, deep canyons and two lakes popular with water sports.

Book with: Regent Holidays, Intrepid Travel.

Often considered one of the holiest sites in England, this mystical Northumberland island village is home to an ancient castle and you can spot seals from the shore

A secluded island village, cut off from the world twice daily, exists right here within the UK. Nestled off the Northumbrian coast, this island village is often hailed as England’s most sacred site.

Situated 13 miles south of Berwick-on-Tweed and 20 miles north of Alnwick, this enchanting village boasts an ancient priory, a grand castle perched on the brink of the stunning coastline, and a plethora of delightful cafes and pubs. To the joy of visitors, seals can often be spotted from the village shore. However, twice a day, this island village becomes unreachable as the fierce tide engulfs its causeway, severing it from the rest of Northern England’s mainland. This necessitates that those keen to visit must check the safe crossing times to the coastal hamlet.

Words fall short in capturing the allure of the mystical Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne. As you approach the island village, the awe-inspiring views and dramatic entrance give the sensation of stepping into a hidden world, encapsulating the unique charm of this village.

England’s most sacred site

Boasting a rich history that stretches back to the 6th century AD, Holy Island was a pivotal centre of Celtic Christianity, under the stewardship of Saints Aidan, Cuthbert, Eadfrith, and Eadberht of Lindisfarne. Originally, the island housed a monastery, which fell during the Viking invasions but was later reborn as a priory following the Norman Conquest of England.

Often dubbed the holiest site in Anglo-Saxon England, Lindisfarne was founded by St. Aidan, an Irish monk from Iona, the epicentre of Scottish Christianity. Invited by King Oswald, St. Aidan brought Christianity to Northumbria. In 635, he established Lindisfarne Monastery on Holy Island, becoming its first Abbot and Bishop. The Lindisfarne Gospels, a 7th-century illuminated Latin manuscript created here, now resides in the British Museum. The 12th-century Lindisfarne Priory is situated at the other end, across the causeway, and was seen as the birthplace of Christianity during the Anglo Saxon era.

It also served as the former dwelling of St Oswald. Immersed in breathtaking beauty, this peaceful haven was once the home of the famed St Cuthbert. With its profound historical ties, castle and priory ruins, Lindisfarne remains a sacred site and pilgrimage destination for countless Christians to this day.

Why you should visit

Holy Island is a vibrant community, home to a bustling harbour dotted with shops, hotels and pubs. The island and the mainland offer plenty to discover, with bird watching, fishing, golf, painting and photography being some of the most popular pastimes. Nestled atop a rocky volcanic mound known as Beblowe Craig, the majestic Lindisfarne Castle commands views over the island. Perched precariously on the coastline, the castle was found in 1901 in remarkable condition, leading many to surmise that its military history was largely peaceful. Today, the National Trust oversees the castle, allowing visitors to marvel at its stunning architecture and breathtaking sea vistas, reports Chronicle Live.

In addition to its rich history, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is also home to an impressive variety of wildlife. Its island status protects tidal mudflats, salt marshes and dunes, which together makeup the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. Bird enthusiasts should keep an eye out for wildfowl in autumn and wading birds in winter on the reserve. Pale-bellied brent geese migrating from Svalbard (Spitsbergen) often spend their winters on Holy Island, and grey seals are frequently seen playing in the waters around the island village and sunning themselves on the sands. Visitors to Lindisfarne can drop into one of the island village’s quaint cafes or try one of the numerous pubs and restaurants for a meal.

Village in Northumberland has a rich and complex history of conflict and war, but visitors can still explore its 12th Century castle ruins for free

Nestled on the southern bank of the River Tweed, the quaint village of Northam may seem tranquil now, but it was once a hotbed of conflict in Northumberland.

Situated on the border between England and Scotland, Northam has a complex history marked by centuries of wars. Central to this is its 12th-century castle, which has endured through time and played a crucial role in numerous skirmishes.

Northam Castle was at the forefront of cross-border conflicts for an impressive five centuries and has since been repurposed into a new existence. Amidst the turmoil, it gained recognition as it was depicted in several paintings by the renowned artist JMW Turner.

Moreover, it became the focus of a popular novel penned by Sir Walter Scott, wherein the protagonist journeys to Norham as it was then considered ‘the most dangerous place in England‘. Nowadays, visitors from far and wide flock to see the historic castle ruins and discover its resilient past.

Perched atop a grassy knoll, the castle maintains a commanding presence over the Tweed and continues to radiate grandeur, providing splendid photo opportunities. It’s no surprise that it was the most frequently attacked building by the Scots, believed to have been besieged around 13 times, due to its imposing facade.

Despite the imposing walls being unable to withstand much longer and crumbling in 1513, they were extensively reconstructed during the 16th century before being restored once more. Visitors can explore what’s left of this fascinating heritage without charge, as it remains accessible to the public.

A recent guest raved about their visit in a TripAdvisor review, stating: “This is one of the best ruins we have ever explored. It is a hidden gem, off the tourist track, and after battling the crowds at Lindisfarne in the morning, it was great to have the place to ourselves.”

Another reviewer commented: “It’s free to enter – which may be why I hadn’t visited previously, as I probably thought it was a minor castle. Not a bit of it! It has a fantastic location high above the river, which it guarded.

“It must have been awe-inspiring in its heyday. It’s pretty fantastic now. Lots to wander around and see. Well worth a visit — and we will come back to look round the pretty village next time.”

Nearby, additional historical treasures await discovery, as you can take a pleasant walk to witness the magnificent Duddo Five Stones. A brief ramble will lead you to this 4,000-year-old Bronze Age stone circle site, strategically positioned atop a hill, with stones reaching approximately five to ten feet in height.

Upon experiencing this incredible attraction, one visitor commented: “A beautiful revisit to this stunning stone circle. A lovely atmosphere, worth a visit if you are in the area. It is signposted as you approach; parking is available along the roadside, and then it is a short walk, but on a path cut through the side of a couple of fields. The views are breathtaking, and the tranquillity is fantastic.”

Today, it’s believed that fewer than 600 residents live in Northam, experiencing much less turmoil; rather, it serves as a resting point for many journeying to and from Scotland.

STROLLING the empty grounds of the “UK’s most beautiful castle”, I imagine myself as former resident Catherine of Aragon – minus the impractical clothing and messy divorce.

It was an autumnal Sunday morning after I had booked my family into one of the new Knights’ Retreat Lodges at Leeds Castle, near Maidstone in Kent, for the night.

The wooden lodges, named after mythical creatures such as Basilisk, Gryphon and Hippogriff, are built at the far end of the grounds, next to the children’s playground and falconry — an important detail for families when the grounds span 500 acres.

Our lodge slept five people, with a double bed in one room and three single beds decorated with cute shield pillows (available in the gift shop for a reasonable £14), plus a lounge area with a kitchenette and a bathroom. The lodges are a masterclass in small space management.

This allowed the adults to spend an enjoyable couple of hours chatting over a bottle of wine in the lounge, while the two boys battled it out in the bedroom with their shields.

Huge sandpit

But we weren’t there for chilling. Because a stay in the lodges gets you two-day access to Leeds Castle and its grounds, so we had to use our daylight hours wisely.

NO LAGGING BEHIND

Five long-haul holiday destinations to book for 2026 with no jet lag

BETTER ‘BAI

I visited a Dubai-alternative four hours from UK with 24-hour champagne bars

First stop, the Knights’ Stronghold Playground, an enormous medieval-themed play area that is potentially the best “climbing frame” in the country. The four-storey castle has enough bridges, turrets, walkways, ziplines and slides to keep your child entertained for hours.

But we gave ourselves a strict two-hour time limit so we didn’t miss out on the rest of the action.

In the kids’ corner of the grounds, there is a huge sandpit almost as big as a small beach, an obstacle course and the birds-of-prey centre, which holds falconry shows featuring the resident hawks, falcons and owls.

The impressive show saw the handlers weaving through the crowd so that the birds were encouraged to whizz among us. They were so close that I had to duck on more than one occasion.

But the attraction that has been discussed most since our return to the commoner life is the maze, which was built in 1988 from 2,400 yew trees.

We were so bad in there that we had to ask for help to reach the middle. At that point, we were rewarded (for our cheating) with entrance to the magical underground grotto.

Thanks to back-to-back activities we’d worked up quite the appetite, so we took the woodland path over to the Castle View Restaurant for dinner.

We dined on classic dishes including ham hock terrine, rib-eye steak, chargrilled cauliflower and glazed pork chops, with a fantastic view of the castle all lit up at night.

Another brilliant thing about a stay in the Knights’ Retreat Lodges is you get access to the castle grounds before they open to the public. We took advantage of that with a magical hour’s stroll.

For the price of a night’s stay in a lodge that works out from £69 per person, it was quite something to have such a famous location to ourselves.

On the whole walk, we bumped into just two members of staff and got plenty of fantastic crowd-free pictures of ourselves outside the castle.

It also meant we were among the first inside the castle itself, so the four and six-year-olds in our company were able to exclaim loudly at obscure details in the lavish property, last decorated by Lady Baillie in the early 20th century.

As a rule, heritage properties don’t hold much interest for young boys, but Leeds Castle allows you to walk in among the items in many of the rooms instead of being roped off. You’re even encouraged to play a game of chess in the games room.

And at Christmas, they decorate the entire place, making it the perfect time to visit.

If you’re looking for some extra festive magic, they also have a Christmas Lights Trail, which runs until December 31, and features a small food market and fairground.

Even the great Catherine of Aragon would have been impressed.