charming

Finding Prince Charming contestant Jasen Kaplan dies aged 46 as Kelly Osbourne leads tributes to celeb makeup artist

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Headshot of a man with a bald head and a goatee, against a colorful mosaic, Image 2 shows Kelly Osbourne with a shaved head and purple hair in a bun, next to Jasen Kaplan, who is bald and has a beard

CELEBRITY make-up artist and reality TV star Jasen Kaplan has died, as Kelly Osbourne grieves the loss of her “dear friend”.

The beloved entertainment industry heavyweight sadly passed away on Wednesday in a New York City hospital.

Celebrity makeup artist Jasen Kaplan has died
Kelly Osbourne shares a touching tribute
Kaplan doing Osbourne’s makeup

NYPD said they were investigating the death of a man at Kaplan’s apartment building.

The chief medical examiner is still yet to determine the cause of death.

Kaplan, 46, has been remembered by his long-time friend Kelly Osbourne.

“I’m devastated. I love you so much,” Osbourne, 41, wrote on Instagram.

“Thank you for all the love, laughter and joy you brought [to] my life. I hope you are at peace now.

“Life will never be the same without you! RIP my dear friend.”

Osbourne recalled her friend to be the funniest person she knew.

“You were the best wing man a girl could ask for. 25 years of friendship and every second was worth it,” she wrote.

Kaplan made a name for himself when he started working with Brittny and Lisa Gastineau on their 2005 show “Gastineau Girls.”

He went on to become the go-to makeup artist for many celebrities, including Cyndi Lauper, Eva Longoria and Lynda Carter.

He did The Real Housewives of New York City alum Tinsley Mortimer’s makeup for her wedding to Robert Bovard in 2023.

More recently, Kaplan had the chance to work with Bethenny Frankel on numerous campaigns with brands like MCoBeauty and Terez clothing.

He had a strong social media presence, with over 95.4K followers on Instagram, sharing makeup tips and his work wit celebrity clients and brands.

He was the “father” to his beloved dog Coco, understood to be the “love of his life” and featured heavily on his social media.

Kaplan was a contestant on “Finding Prince Charming” , a gay bachelor-style dating show which aired in 2016.

His bio for the show read: “He has a great sense of humor but isn’t afraid to say what’s on his mind. He’s bright, exuberant and completely comfortable with himself.

“Although he is a total flirt and loves dating apps, he’ll only take a relationship to the next level if he really feels like he’s in love.”

He was eliminated in episode two.

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Charming European city with £52 UK flights is 24C in December

A charming city with ancient walls and fairytale architecture is known for being the sunniest capital in Europe, and temperatures can reach up to 24C in December

With the UK in the depths of winter, many of us our turning our attention to that well-needed dose of vitamin D, and where better than a European destination that offers more than 3,300 hours of sunshine every year. And with flights from as little as £52 in December, it could be the sun-soaked break you’re after.

The capital of Nicosia in Cyprus is stunning, pedestrian-friendly and, as expected, bathed in sunshine, with all key tourist sites within comfortable walking distance of one another. Ledra Street serves as the primary shopping area, and adjacent to this street stands Shacolas Tower, where visitors can ascend to discover a compact museum dedicated to the city’s history while enjoying panoramic city vistas.

The city also boasts ancient walls and gates that delineate the historic quarters, creating a perfectly circular fortification. Constructed by the Venetians during the 1500s, these walls remain remarkably well-preserved, while the former moat encircling them has been transformed into a running track, gardens, and a sculpture park.

If that’s not enough to entice you to the city, then it’s worth noting that it boasts an impressive 3,388 hours of sunlight every year, making it the sunniest European city, according to travel booking site Omio. Nicosia enjoys a whopping 358 more hours of sunshine each year than its closest competitor, Valletta in Malta.

The top five were also rounded off by Lisbon in Portugal with 2,838 hours, Athens in Greece with 2,773 hours, and Madrid in Spain with 2,712 hours of annual sunshine. The ranking, compiled by Omio using data from Weather and Climate, unsurprisingly does not feature London in the top 20, with the British capital averaging 1,675 hours of sunshine annually.

Interestingly, Nicosia is a tale of two cities. It serves as the capital of the Republic of Cyprus, an internationally recognised EU member, and also of Northern Cyprus, a state acknowledged only by Turkey. This division stems from a Turkish invasion in 1974, triggered by a Greek Cypriot nationalist coup.

Greek Cypriots sought unification with Greece after gaining independence from Britain in 1960, but Turkey established Northern Cyprus as a separate state for Turkish Cypriots in 1983, sparking widespread international criticism. Yet, the capital has become a popular destination for travellers, with many noting its outstanding beauty.

One holidaymaker shared on Expedia: “A busy bustling town with some great designer shops and quaint touristy souvenir shops too.” Another shared: “A unique divided city, with a Green Wall separating the south (Greek) from the north (Turkish). Easy to cross and a striking contrast. Lots of history to explore on both sides. City feels safe and welcoming, and small enough to be walkable.”

Crossing the Green Line that divides the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus, where the city is located, is typically straightforward unless you’ve entered Cyprus via Turkey. In such instances, there’s a chance you might be denied passage.

To visit Nicosia, you’ll need to fly into Ercan International Airport, which is just a short drive away from the capital. Flights on Skyscanner start from £52 for travel in December, making it an ideal winter break.

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

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Man vs Baby’s opening scenes were filmed in a quintessentially charming village

Netflix’s Man vs Baby has been a hit with viewers and they can’t get enough of the picturesque village at the beginning of the series.

Man vs Baby, featuring Rowan Atkinson reprising his role as Trevor Bingley, has become a massive hit on Netflix. The festive comedy is a four-part sequel to Man vs Bee, and it sees Trevor taking up a new position as a school caretaker. Following his separation from his wife, Trevor leads a simple, somewhat solitary life in a quaint rural cottage that still relies on a coin meter for electricity. He was looking forward to his daughter’s Christmas visit, but a change of plans left him alone.

After a string of unexpected events, Trevor ends up house-sitting a luxury penthouse in London, where most of the story unfolds. However, viewers have been captivated by the idyllic village featured at the start of the series, which is currently topping the Netflix charts, and are eager to know its location.

The opening scenes of this Christmas comedy were shot in the charming village of Aldbury in Dacorum, Hertfordshire. Dacorum Borough Council proudly shared a snapshot of the film crew on their Facebook page, delighted to see their picturesque locale gaining recognition.

They explained: “The production, which includes Rowan Atkinson among its cast, brought a festive transformation to Aldbury last winter, complete with snow-covered streets, Christmas trees, and seasonal decorations. Working under the production code name St James, Aldbury Parish Council supported the Netflix team throughout the process, with local residents and businesses helping to ensure smooth filming.”

“Hertfordshire Film Office also assisted with traffic management. Many community members had the opportunity to observe filming, with several external scenes shot around the village. Thank you to everyone involved in supporting another production in Dacorum.”

The picturesque village of Aldbury, home to fewer than a thousand residents, centres around Aldbury Village Store. Viewers are also treated to glimpses of the village pond, the historic manor cottage, and the Greyhound Inn’s exterior, the beloved local pub.

The scenes depicting St Aldwyn’s Church of England Primary School were actually filmed at Longfield Hall, a Victorian community venue dating back to 1904 in Camberwell, South London. For the railway station sequence, whilst Tring Station was nearest, its contemporary appearance meant producers opted for Ongar railway station in Essex instead.

Enjoy Dacorum portrays Aldbury as a “pretty, traditional English village with a church, village pond, ancient whipping post and stocks and two pubs”. Thanks to its quintessentially charming character, the village has become a sought-after filming destination for major productions including Midsomer Murders and the second Bridget Jones film.

The 2023 film Lord of Misrule also featured scenes shot in Aldbury, with the Parish Council publishing a touching note from the production crew on their website. They said: “It has been an enormous privilege for us to shoot our movie in such a beautiful, characterful setting and I think we’ll all take a little piece of Hertfordshire away in our hearts as we leave.”

Actor Atkinson reflected on how the concept of a solitary Christmas formed the foundation of the series, explaining: “I certainly like Christmas, like most people. I was quite drawn to the idea of, without wishing to spoil the plot of Man Versus Baby, a lonely Christmas.

“Other than having the baby for company, Trevor’s alone because his daughter has booked a last-minute holiday to Barbados. He’s flat-sitting at Christmas without any of his family around him, and that can be hard.

“When we first see him, he’s got all these presents wrapped by a tiny tree decorated with Heroes wrappers, and he’s looking forward to it, and then he gets abandoned by his family, which is quite sad.”

The series has garnered glowing reviews from both viewers and critics, who have praised it as ideal family viewing. The Mr Bean star explained: “As long as people enjoy what I’ve put a lot of effort into producing, I’m happy. I’ve worked on this show every day of my life for the last year and a quarter, at the very least. I definitely put in the hours.

“I’m someone who does that. I don’t just turn up to act the role: I’m part of the writing and very much part of the post-production, so I’m in every sound mix and visual effects meeting. I’m there from the bitter beginning to the bitter end and so it’s a big commitment. If all of that effort ends up in something good that people like, that’s all you can hope for.”

Man vs Baby is available to stream on Netflix.

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Charming UK market town with gorgeous streets that feels like stepping back in time

This gorgeous market town has Tudor buildings, and royal polo heritage.

If you’re dreaming of a getaway to a quintessentially British market town, complete with cobbled streets and Tudor architecture, then Midhurst in West Sussex is the place for you. Often hailed as a gem in West Sussex’s crown, it’s no wonder Midhurst has been voted one of the best places to live in the UK.

This charming, friendly town centres around a market square and boasts an abundance of historic architecture, giving it a traditional feel. It’s a magnet for the rich, famous, and even royalty, thanks to its status as the home of British polo – making it the perfect spot to try your hand at a new skill.

Notable figures such as King Charles, Prince Harry, and Prince William have all competed here, with Lady Diana Spencer making an appearance in July 1981, just days before her wedding to the then Prince of Wales.

Just a mile away from the town centre is the world-famous Cowdray Park Polo Club, host of the Gold Cup, considered one of the most significant events on the British social calendar, reports the Express.

Situated within the South Downs National Park, life in Midhurst unfolds against a backdrop of stunning landscapes, offering a tranquil atmosphere.

No visit would be complete without exploring the national park, which boasts beautiful walking trails, making it the ideal base to take in more of Midhurst’s picturesque surroundings.

Located on the River Rother, Midhurst is 20 miles inland from the English Channel and 12 miles north of Chichester.

Why not pop into The Spread Eagle? It’s one of England’s oldest coaching inns, dating back to 1430, and it’s brimming with character and charm at every turn.

A “wealth” of independent shops awaits you on West Street, Red Lion Street, Church Hill, Knockhundred Row and North Street.

Midhurst truly embodies the enchantment of Christmas, as the town is transformed into a festive wonderland adorned with twinkling lights.

Each year, the season begins with a Christmas street party, where the town’s tree and stunning lights are ceremoniously switched on. To celebrate the occasion, its numerous boutiques extend their opening hours, offering the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts.

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‘Charming and lively’ high street is best in UK where houses sell for £720,850 – not in London

A well-known estate agent has listed the best high street across the entire UK, and the lesser-known spot came out on top for its restaurants, shops and houses.

This picture-perfect market town has been crowned as home to the UK’s best high street by estate agents Knight Frank.

The property experts took a look at some of the streets that offer the most charm – and it turns out they found a true gem.

Situated in Buckinghamshire, along the banks of the River Thames, the town of Marlow is bursting with character that draws plenty of people into the area, keen to witness its thriving high street.

Matt Davies, partner at Knight Frank, explained to TimeOut: “We tend to see a slightly younger buyer base in Marlow, driven in large part by its outstanding educational institutions, including grammar schools such as Sir William Borlase’s.

“This often draws buyers towards the west side of town, to be within easy reach of these highly sought-after schools.”

It was described to be both “charming and lively” by the estate agents, two characteristics which have garnered it plenty of attention from home-hunters in an area commutable to the capital.

Over the years, its prettiness has attracted all kinds of famous faces, having had residents such as English novelist Thomas Love Peacock and poet T.S. Eliot, and even author Mary Shelley, who finished writing the masterpiece Frankenstein while living locally.

To buy in the area, according to Rightmove, people can expect to pay roughly £720,850, which was the overall average last year. Although, in that same year, buyers could expect to be paying around £929,115 for detached properties.

Alongside its impressive portfolio of properties, the area is proud to house a number of Michelin-starred restaurants and cosy pubs. One of these eateries even belongs to celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, who is the proud owner of the pub, The Hand of Flowers – the UK’s only public house with two Michelin stars.

The Coach is one of those Michelin star spots that is much-loved by locals and visitors alike. A recent review on TripAdvisor states: “Our first visit to The Coach, Marlow; will hopefully not be our last. The food was delicious, and the service and staff were extraordinary.”

It continued to read: “Helpful to the extreme. Professional, certainly. I would highly recommend this restaurant/pub. If you are near or in the Marlow area, be sure to pay a visit. You will not be disappointed.”

Meanwhile, The Hand & Flowers offers a more “relaxed” pub environment, with five-star delicious dishes. One pleased customer shared: “How refreshing to be able to enjoy this standard of food and service in such a congenial setting without having to put on fancy clothes!

“This was our first visit and, from the outset, the staff were not only super pleasant and helpful, but they also seem to perform as a well-oiled machine. The total makes an experience which feels more relaxed than other Michelin-star places.”

Marlow, being a town that sits along the Thames, also offers tranquil river walks. The town is sandwiched between Reading and Windsor, so there’s plenty to explore nearby and is completely surrounded by the sweeping countryside of the Chiltern Hills.

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