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Mirror reporter Julia Banim enjoyed a winter spa break at A-list favourite and foodie haven Carden Park, and a little bit of drizzle did nothing to dampen her spirits

With Christmas fast approaching, I was fortunate enough to enjoy a winter spa break at a hotel beloved by celebs, and I’m happy to say it’s not down south.

Nestled in the Cheshire countryside, Carden Park is reportedly a favourite of A-lister couples such as Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, as well as Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury. And the spa garden, complete with jacuzzis, fire pits, and heated glass pods, may well leave you feeling like you’re on a very high-end version of Love Island.

Back when I’m A Celebrity was filmed in North Wales during the pandemic, Carden Park even served as a plush eviction hotel for booted off campmates. It must have felt like a true haven for contestants after their insect infested ordeal, but what does this glam retreat have to offer for an average Joe such as myself?

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Situated in complete seclusion amid lush green grounds, it’s no wonder that stars favour this haven of relaxation, which feels a world away from the bustle of city life. But, with pretty Chester and the bargain heaven that is Cheshire Oaks just around the corner, shopaholics won’t have much to complain about.

If you listen carefully during the sweeping drive through the grounds, you may well hear the gentle putt of a golf ball, but today, I’m in no mood for sport. It’s time to completely unwind and put all the stresses of the dark and gloomy season aside.

The spa building is separate from the hotel, an elegant, immaculate building which smells heavenly. The staff are warm and welcoming, and the bathrobes are soft and fluffy. I’m here on a girls’ weekend with my mum and my sister, and I can’t think of a better place to natter the day away over some celebratory fizz.

Now, stripping to your swimsuit on a drizzly November day isn’t for the faint-hearted, but I can assure you that once you slip your shoulders under the waters of the vitality pool, you’re absolutely away.

The sky is clear and blue, and I can barely tear myself away from my tranquil spot for my spa treatment, a wonderfully indulgent 50-minute Time-to-Pause ritual treatment, which left my sunlight-deprived skin glowing and petal soft.

Admittedly, I sometimes struggle to drift off during spa treatments and find myself anxiously making to-do lists in my head, but here I found myself almost completely disconnected from the world.

It certainly helps that, after you’re done with treatments, you have a choice of relaxation rooms to unwind in before entering reality. This includes a sensory room, complete with soothing screen, and, my personal favourite, the deep relaxation room, where the crackling fire offered a very seasonal feel.

Famished from all my ‘lady of leisure-ing’, I head for lunch at Elements, where we enjoy matching, and tasty, Tandoori Chicken Open Sandwiches overlooking the spa garden, washed down with some of the most delicious peach mimosas I’ve ever had. Any future visitors should make sure to grab a portion of the salt and pepper chips – a truly sensational side, and even better than your favourite chippy.

Even in what can feel like the greyest time of the year, the floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of light, and for a moment I feel as though we were back on holiday with a whole week of sunshine ahead of us.

The waiters also couldn’t be more lovely, even phoning down to the spa garden’s Bollinger champagne bar to ensure we had hot chocolate treats waiting for us when we returned. Very welcome when wearing flips in November.

Full from our hearty lunch, we head back down to the spa garden, to luxuriate in one of the glass pods with our hot chocs. Although we are already quite comfortable, a member of the bar staff came over with cuddly hot water bottles for us – a very sweet touch.

The bar is described as running in ‘all-weather’, and we certainly didn’t feel any less pampered for a bit of chill. That being said, we are Northern, and Southerners may well feel differently.

The afternoon soon melts away as we set about the very important task of trying out the spacious jacuzzis, plus the outdoor sauna, with its floor-to-ceiling window. It’s life I could very easily get used to. While we don’t mind a spot of drizzle, when it starts to rain, we head inside to the Indoor Thermal Suite.

While I would be more than happy with just the one sauna, Carden Park offers a relative gallery of thermal experiences, from a Finnish sauna to a Tepidarium, all encircling a sparkling ice fountain.

There are even two steam rooms to choose from – salt and aroma. I particularly enjoy the indoor vitality pool, which looks out over the garden and offers gorgeous therapeutic jets of bubbles.

I could happily float around gossiping in the vitality pool for hours, but it’s time to dry off and get glammed up for the next part of our dreamy day – dinner. We’re set to dine at Carden Park’s award-winning à la carte restaurant, The Vines, which has a swish yet welcoming feel.

Typically of me, I’ve forgotten my posh shoes and have to borrow some smart boots from my much more organised mum (this isn’t somewhere you stomp in with your muddy trainers!).

I am touched, however, by staff reassurances that they would have sorted me out with suitable shoes in a pinch, which definitely helps alleviate my embarrassment.

Carden Park Hotel is tastefully decorated, with a cosy feel perfect for blustery winter nights. But The Vines elevates this to a whole new level of elegance. Atmospheric, yet never daunting, we are made to feel at home, and there is a gently lively buzz to the room. The sort of sparkle you hope for any chatty girls’ night, albeit far posher than my usual Saturday.

The staff, are friendly and attentive, – an ongoing theme – while every single course on our taster menu is nothing short of superb. Even the freshly baked bread and butter is memorable.

There’s a real northern, comforting sense to the menu – the BBQ Cheshire Venison Loin is sublime – and there’s plenty of experimentation, with intriguing flavour inspirations from far and wide.

The roasted monkfish on the bones, served with bombay potatoes and a tasty coconut and kaffir lime sauce, is a real highlight. And I have to admit, even though I initially feel a little squeamish tucking into the chicken & rabbit galantine, this is dreamy.

Each dish is paired with a delicious drink, explained to us by the very knowledgable sommelier. I particularly love how creative these pairings were, with the sweet Hungarian Tokaji wine, which accompanies the caramelised apple pie, being my absolute favourite.

It’s always a surprise to me that this honeyed drink, which I can’t get enough of when in Budapest, hasn’t become fashionable among chic sorts in the UK yet.

In terms of my personal ranking, this is closely followed by the Brown Butter XO cocktail, served alongside the Banana & Popcorn Iced Parfait, which tastes like a desert in itself. There should be far more buttery cocktails in my opinion.

Although I try to pace myself, this is a table filled with temptation and I happily enjoy every drop. Really, is there a more blissful evening than sitting with two of your favourite people, enjoying a range of novel yet tasty treats? I think not.

When the time comes to leave the restaurant, I practically waddle to my room. I have a large appetite, and proud of it, but this hearty taster menu has defeated me. Thankfully, my room is clean, comfortable and with deep plush pillows. I’m soon enjoying the easy sleep of the truly rested.

Although I’ve enjoyed some lovely spa days in my time, I have to say nothing has ever come close to Carden Park. The setting is idyllic, the facilities are extensive, and every inch feels immaculate and well thought out.

Not to mention, the culinary experiences on offer are just as special as those found in the spa treatment rooms. Foodies, bring your appetites.

I will treasure my memories of Carden Park, and wholeheartedly recommend it as a winter bolthole, whether for a pre-Christmas getaway or January detox.

There are currrently plenty of packages on offer, including the Indulgent Spa Day pacakge for £299, and the A Little Winter Love Morning Spa Experience for £195. Find out more on the Carden Park website.

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

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The I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! Coming Out reunion will air on Saturday night and Alex Scott is not expected to be on the show

Alex Scott is expected to miss the official I’m a Celebrity Coming Out reunion due to her girlfriend’s family emergency. This news comes after the ex-Lioness avoided the final episode of the show and called out ITV chiefs for not showing her true personality.

Scott was the first person eliminated from the jungle and immediately headed back to the UK. The former Arsenal star reunited with popstar beau Jess Glynne under difficult circumstances, after her mum suffered a major stroke and needed brain surgery.

Sharing on social media after fans noticed her missing from the famous bridge walk, Glynne said: “Over the last few weeks, my mum suffered a major stroke and needed urgent brain surgery. It’s been a really life-altering time for my family, and I’ve had to stay close to home.

“Alex would always want me to be where I’m needed most. I can’t wait to have her back by my side.”

Scott was initially grateful for the I’m a Celeb experience, as she said: “It’s been such an incredible experience. I didn’t think that… mentally it is so tough, and I did struggle at times, missing home and everything.

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“But I’m so glad I got to do this series with such a great bunch of campmates. We really connected, and I never expected that coming into the jungle, to make the bonds that we all did.”

However, she is yet to reunite with any of her campmates after the show and also called out the broadcaster for not showing her true self. During an appearance on Lorraine, Scott said: “It’s me actually being out and learning what’s been aired and what’s been shown.

“I had so much fun, and that bit wasn’t shown. I had so much fun. I was called the Games Master in there, the stuff that I was doing with everyone.

“It’s only an hour show so only so much can go into the edit but when I reflect, I wish more of the fun stuff, people had seen that side of me. I wanted them to see the more fun Alex Scott that they didn’t see.”

She added: “Ginge and Aitch have had all the airtime and everyone has seen them, but my special bond with Shona, I don’t think the public have seen the real journey she’s been, she’s spoken so much about her anxiety and her fun side but I don’t think anyone has seen it.”

After missing the final episode and wrap party, Scott is likely not to appear on Saturday’s reunion show. Speaking to the Daily Mail, she added: “It’s been a hard couple of months, but Jess was like I want you to go on the show and do it for my mum.

“It’s been tough because I want to be here for the wrap party and I have to get home straight away. She’s my Jessica, and I’m going home to be her rock. My campmates knew what I was going through and I just want to thank everyone at ITV and my camp mates because they’ve all shown me so much support.”

The I’m a Celebrity Coming Out show will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Saturday, December 13 at 9:05pm.

SEX PISTOLS frontman John Lydon has slammed singer Chrissie Hynde in a furious rant after accusing her of ‘doing a very nasty thing’.

The former I’m A Celeb star, 69, had a lot to say about The Pretenders band member, even admitting that she was jealous of his late wife Nora Forester.

John, who’s stage name is Johnny Rotten, first crossed paths with music star Chrissie in the 1970’s becoming close friends, amidst London’s punk scene.

But years later, Lydon has revealed he has a very different view of his longtime pal, launching into a furious rant about the singer. 

Speaking to comedian Paul Whitehouse and his wife Dr Mine Conkbayir, on the latest episode of their podcast I’m ADHD! No You’re Not, John unveiled the shocking revelation.

Paul opened up the line of fire, saying: “Anyone would think you were in the Sex Pistols? 

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“Talking of which, by the way, Chrissie Hynde sends her love,” he chimed.

John replied: “F*** her. No, no. She did a very, very nasty thing. I met her before Nora died and on all of that. And she never told me what they were doing behind my back. 

“Oh, sorry,” Paul quipped.

John continued: “And she knew, and she was involved with all that, that film and like and these are my friends. Yeah. And you’re not telling me, you know.”

 “It was hurtful,” he added.

Mine went on to further question the music star: “And you never had it out for her?”

To which he replied: “She was always jealous of Nora as you know. Right. I don’t date horse hair blankets. Hello, Chrissie. How you doing?”

The punk icon became the primary carer of his beloved wife Nora following her battle with Alzheimer’s – she sadly passed in 2023.

Chrissie herself opened up about her own experiences with Lydon this week. 

Speaking to The Guardian about a wild night with the star, she said: “The one thing I remember about that Nashville Rooms show was that I had drunk a lot of tequila beforehand and I never drank before a show again because it impaired my abilities.”

“That night, I pierced Johnny Rotten’s ear in the toilet, by pushing an earring through it into a bar of soap.”

The American born singer had even proposed to Johnny Rotten and his Sex Pistols bandmate Sid Vicious in 1976, but not for romantic reasons. 

Chrissie proposed the idea of marriage after needing a visa so she could stay in the UK.

When asked what she thought her life would be like if she had married either star, she said: “That was just so I could stay in the country, but life with either of them would have been chaos.”

‘I’m ADHD! No You’re Not’ is available every Thursday on all podcast platforms.

Angry Ginge, whose real name is Morgan Burtwistle, won I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here 2025 and was crowned King of the Jungle after beating fellow finalists Tom Read Wilson and Shona McGarty

ITV were reported to be making unprecedented changes after Angry Ginge’s I’m A Celebrity win. Bosses were said to have grown increasingly concerned for the YouTuber’s safety as eager fans tried to snap a picture with the star.

On Sunday (7 December), Angry Ginge, whose real name is Morgan Burtwistle, was crowned King of the Jungle. After his win, fans crowded the hotel where all the campmates and their families were staying after the final.

ITV bosses were said to be growing concerned for the 24-year-old’s safety, and that of all their contestants, leading to a last-minute change of venue for the champion’s post-show interviews, moving them to his hotel room.

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Speaking to The Sun, a source said: “Security was overwhelmed by the situation and ITV had to take action to protect Ginge and his family. He couldn’t wait to get out of the jungle after three weeks in camp. Ginge hasn’t seen anything like it, he can’t quite believe the impact he’s had.”

However, while ITV have said they did change the venue of Ginge’s press interviews, they have stressed that they have not brought in extra security, nor confined him to his room. A spokesperson told The Mirror: “All our finalists have security every year – we take the security and welfare of all our campmates seriously.

“[Ginge has] been filming Coming Out in and around the hotel, he’s not been stuck in his room. We did his press interview in his room, because otherwise all the I’m A Celeb fans would have interrupted his interview.”

Ginge broke down in tears as he was crowned King of the Jungle. He was comforted by the runner-up, Tom Read Wilson, whilst the other campmates looked on, including fellow finalist, Shona McGarty.

Following his win, Ginge sat down with The Mirror to discuss his win and everything that came with his time on the show – including his status as a sex symbol. Talking of of the new female attention: “It’s not something I would have anticipated, I must admit. But yeah, maybe me in jungle attire is quite sexy.”

He added that there was a point when he considered quitting the show. Viewers watched as the star broke down in the Bush Telegraph after being hit by a wave of homesickness. Ginge said: “I came out the Bush Telegraph, and then I went and sat by the pond by myself there.

“I asked myself ‘Do I want to go the extra two weeks. I was debating it, but then I just powered through it.’” He said he wanted to make his mum proud.

“I will never forget where I came from, and I think because I started literally from the bottom and watched everyone around me from my mates to their parents, my mum, everyone had to graft their way to get wherever it was.”

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