Davina reshared a speech dedicated to her husband, Michael Douglas, from the NTAs in 2024Credit: GettyThe couple have known each other for decades but became an item in 2018Credit: Getty
Just days later, Davina took to Instagram to reshare an on-stage tribute she made to Michael back at the 2024 NTAs – declaring her love for the celebrity hairdresser.
At the time, Davina, who picked up the Special Recognition Award that evening, joked that when she meant Michael Douglas she meant “the younger one, not the older one” in a jab to his shared name with the Hollywood actor married to Catherine Zeta-Jones.
“I love being on this journey with you, you make me a better person and you make me so happy, thank you!,” she sweetly said.
Michael was seen watching on from the audience with tears in his eyes as she spoke about him.
Sources have shared how the couple had opted to keep their wedding on Friday “very low key” before attending a friend’s wedding the following day.
A friend added: “Their wedding was perfect, exactly what they wanted. They chose a small venue close to their home, and just invited about ten of their friends and relatives to be there with them.
“It was very intimate and everyone who attended is very special in their lives.”
They went on: “They’ve been through a huge amount in recent months, with Davina’s health, and it just felt right to formalise their marriage. They didn’t see the point in waiting.
“The next day they just carried on with life as normal, and as coincidence would have it they were guests at another friend’s wedding day.
“So they went as a married couple for the first time and happily showed off her wedding ring. It was the perfect weekend.”
Davina shared the news and revealed she had been reminded to check her breasts by a campaign on ITV’s Lorraine Kelly show, and had caught it early.
“It was very, very small, so I got it very, very early which is incredibly lucky,” she told fans.
“But I am so relieved to have had it removed and to know that it has not spread.
“I’m talking about this because I think it might help someone. And this is what I always do.”
She added she was due to have five days of radiation to ensure the cancer was gone. The diagnosis comes just a year after she had a six-hour brain op after a benign but very rare tumour was discovered by chance when she was offered a scan.
Davina heaped praise on Michael, saying he “made her a better person”Credit: GettyCelebrity hairstylist Michael confirmed their marriage on InstagramCredit: InstagramThe couple were motivated to get married after Davina’s latest health diagnosisCredit: GettyTV legend Davina has assured fans she’s fine after having her cancer removedCredit: Getty
SHARON Osbourne has revealed that her late husband Ozzy suffered some rather vivid dreams in the days leading up to his tragic death.
In an emotional interview with her friend Piers Morgan on his Uncensored show, which will drop onto YouTube on Wednesday, former X Factor judge Sharon spoke about Ozzy’s haunting dreams before he died.
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Piers Morgan interviewed Sharon Osbourne on his Uncensored showCredit: Piers Morgan UncensoredThe broadcaster spoke to the former X Factor judge who opened up on the death of her husband OzzyCredit: Piers Morgan UncensoredSharon and Ozzy were married for over 43 yearsCredit: Getty
She even revealed how the dreams he had in the run up to his passing predicted his tragic death.
Sitting down with Piers, Sharon emotionally opened up about her late husband almost five months on from his passing.
Ozzy, who had performed a final farewell gig at his home town of Birmingham‘s Villa Park stadium just days earlier, had been battling health issues for some time.
He was plagued by vivid dreams in his final days before his death in July.
Sharon, who had been married to the star since 1982 and has three children with the Black Sabbath frontman, admits her own regrets over his final weeks as he experienced the vivid dreams.
She told Piers in the new interview: “I felt fear, regret, I just couldn’t function.
“Like, he told me that he was having dreams the last week of his life.
“He was seeing people that he never knew, and they were I said, ‘Well, what kind of people?’
“He goes, ‘All different people. And I just keep walking and walking, and I’m seeing all these different people every night, and I go back there and I’m looking at these people, and they’re looking at me, and nobody’s talking’.
“And he knew. He was ready.”
She added: “Really, really vivid dreams.
“The night before he passed, he was up and down to the bathroom all night, and it was like 4:30 and he said, ‘Wake up’. I said, ‘I’m already bloody awake, you’ve woken me up’.
“And he said, ‘Kiss me’. And then he said, ‘Hug me tight?’
“I can’t help wondering if I should have, could I have?
“If only I’d have told him I loved him more. If only I’d have held him tighter.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Sharon revealed Ozzy had asked her, in his final weeks, if she would ever remarry.
“Everything in my life now is like ish..,” she explained while wiping away tears. “It’s okay, all right. I’m okay. That’s it for now.
“For so, so many years, we were intertwined, and not it’s really grief has become my friend.
“It’s very weird to me. You know, when you love someone that much and you’re grieving for them, it’s what I have to live with, and I’ll get used to it. I will. I have to, you know, things move on.
“One night when he was hugging me tight, you know, he said ‘When I go, do you think you’ll ever get married?’
“I’m like, “fuck off, piss off”. Questions like that. You know.
“Oh, my God no, never, ever, ever, no.”
Watch the full interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored on YouTube.
Sharon and Piers’ emotional interview is on Piers Morgan Uncensored on YouTubeCredit: Instagram
Travel experts say it’s not too late to book a Christmas getaway and save money as you can cut costs by up to 24% on flights
Nicola Roy Spare Time writer and Mia O’Hare Senior Spare Time Reporter
15:33, 09 Dec 2025
Going on a trip at Christmas could be cheaper than you think(Image: onurdongel via Getty Images)
With Christmas on the horizon, families and solo travellers might fancy ditching the shopping and planning to jet off on a festive break instead. While the countdown is well and truly on and holiday costs are starting to climb, travel experts reckon there’s still an opportunity to snap up a bargain getaway whilst keeping costs down.
Stacey Hamilton, a travel expert at Private Tours England, reckons a brief window in early December presents the prime opportunity for securing an affordable Christmas escape. Even better news – that golden window is now open.
It’s a widespread rumour that December flights come with eye-watering price tags, but fresh research reveals a surprising price drop in the weeks leading up to the festive period, reports the Express.
According to Stacey, the most budget-friendly booking period for Christmas 2025 falls between December 2 and December 17 – a timeframe she claims most holidaymakers completely ignore.
She explained: “People tend to check prices very early or extremely last-minute, but they overlook this eight-to-23-day window where airlines often reduce fares to fill remaining seats. If you want Christmas savings, this is the period you need to keep your eye on.”
What’s the most cost-effective day to secure a Christmas holiday?
Within this sweet spot, Stacey highlighted two particular standout dates: Sunday, December 7 and 14, 2025. She revealed that Sundays consistently deliver below-average prices for both UK and overseas travel, with this pattern being particularly pronounced during the fortnight preceding Christmas.
She said: “Booking on a Sunday is one of the simplest ways to save. In many cases, travellers can cut costs by up to 24% without changing their destination or travel dates.”
Once you’ve secured your booking, Stacey suggests the next move is to pick the right day to jet off. For Christmas 2025, she recommends considering Friday December 12 and 19, two dates that consistently fall within a lower-demand period.
She said: “Flying on a Friday just before the peak Christmas travel week can cut your fare significantly. The 12th and 19th sit at that ideal point where demand hasn’t yet hit its highest level. They’re brilliant for keeping costs down without compromising on dates.”
However, she cautioned that the price rapidly shifts after December 17. She warned: “Once you get inside the final week before Christmas, most airlines increase fares in line with demand.
“Christmas 2025 falls on a Thursday, so that final weekend is going to be extremely busy. If you wait until then, you’ll almost certainly pay more.”
Californians have crossed the sixth-month threshold for the June 2 primary election for governor, with the numbers of candidates continuing to swell to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The Times politics desk, led by my colleagues Phil Willon and Seema Mehta, has constructed a list of current declared candidates.
Top job: U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services
Highlights: Becerra has said among the Biden administration’s top accomplishments was getting 700 million COVID-19 vaccination shots into the arms of Americans. He also touted the administration’s efforts, where he served as HHS director, to expand access to healthcare under the Affordable Care Act.
Setbacks: Becerra’s former chief deputy in the California attorney general’s office, Sean McCluskie, who, along with two high-profile Democratic political strategists, was indicted on allegations of conspiring to bill Becerra’s dormant campaign account for bogus consulting services. Becerra is not accused of wrongdoing.
Chad Bianco (58, Republican)
Top job: Riverside County Sheriff
Highlights: During the 2024 election, Bianco supported Proposition 36, the ballot measure approved by voters to reverse course on progressive criminal justice reform, cracking down on theft and the use of the deadly drug fentanyl.
Setbacks: Bianco faced scrutiny after a data leak revealed that in 2014 he was a member of the Oath Keepers, a far-right, anti-government group whose members took part in the pro-Trump insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
(Tanya Caycedo for Courtney Lindb)
Ian Calderon (40, Democrat)
Top job: Former Assembly majority leader
Highlights: Calderon created the Blockchain Working Group to oversee regulation of cryptocurrency and other technology, and authored legislation to prohibit full-service restaurants from handing out plastic straws to customers unless requested.
Setbacks: The family name was tarnished after two uncles, former state Sen. Ronald Calderon and former Assemblymember Tom Calderon, served prison time for crimes related to a bribery scheme. Ian Calderon was not accused of wrongdoing.
(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Steve Hilton (56, Republican)
Top job: Senior adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron
Highlights: Hilton was credited with modernizing the British conservative movement, remaining true to free-market ideals while also supporting liberal social policy, such as backing gay rights and fighting climate change.
Setbacks: Hilton had to part ways in 2018 with the nonpartisan political fundraising site he co-founded, Crowdpac, due to his support for Trump.
Katie Porter (51, Democrat)
Top job: Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Orange County
Highlights: Porter clashed with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) in 2021 over committee assignments, and Pelosi was initially cool to Porter’s support to ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks. Her resoluteness helped transform Porter into a standout national political figure.
Setbacks: Porter caught heat after she tangled with a television reporter during a contentious interview in October, an incident that rival candidates used to question her temperament.
(San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst N/San Francisco Chronicle via Gett)
Jon Slavet (58, Republican)
Top job: Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur
Highlights: He strongly opposed Proposition 50, a rare mid-decade redrawing of California’s congressional districts to boost the number of Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Passage of the initiative, he said, prompted him to enter the gubernatorial race.
Setbacks: The one-time Democrat, who registered as a Republican in recent years, has little name recognition to the average voter.
Tom Steyer (68, Democrat)
Top job: Billionaire hedge fund manager
Highlights: After flirting with runs for governor and U.S. Senate and then backing off, Steyer ran for president in 2020. He dropped out after spending nearly $342 million on his campaign, which gained little traction.
Setbacks: Steyer made his fortune as founder of Farallon Capital Management, one of the nation’s largest hedge funds. He was criticized for the firm’s investments in a giant coal mine in Australia and a company that ran migrant detention centers on the U.S.-Mexico border.
(Win McNamee / Getty Images)
Top job: Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
Highlights: After attending law school, he served on the Dublin planning commission in the Bay Area as the city grew its housing stock and improved schools and community services, in part by leveraging developers who sought to build there.
Setbacks: Since he became a frequent face on cable news shows criticizing Trump, he believes the administration forwarded a charge of mortgage fraud against him to the Department of Justice.
(Josh Edelson/For The Times)
Tony Thurmond (57, Democrat)
Top job: California Superintendent of Public Instruction
Highlights: As mayor, he brought the number of LAPD officers to more than 10,000, an effort he credited for a 48% drop in violent crime. Villaraigosa also helped fund the construction of mass transit rail lines through South Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley and the Westside.
Setbacks: Villaraigosa drew national attention for his high-profile missteps, including an extramarital affair with Telemundo reporter and anchor Mirthala Salinas that led to the breakup of his marriage of two decades.
(Josh Edelson/For The Times)
Betty Yee (68, Democrat)
Top job: California controller
Highlights: Her audits and investigations from the controller’s office, she said, found more than $4 billion in misused funds. She won reelection in 2018, and her second term ended in January 2023.
Setbacks:A 2022 Times report detailed how Yee gave behind-the-scenes advice to a politically-connected company seeking a $600-million no-bid government contract to provide COVID-19 masks and raised questions about her involvement.
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SIMON Cowell has revealed he was so devastated by Liam Payne’s death that he fled to a “private place” to be alone to grieve.
The former X Factor boss, 66, helped make Liam famous when he put One Direction together on the ITV show back in 2010 and was extremely close with the star.
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Simon Cowell has revealed he fled to be alone to grieve after Liam Payne’s deathCredit: GettyLiam died aged 31 last October after falling from a balcony in ArgentinaCredit: PAThe former X Factor boss, 66, helped make Liam famous when he put One Direction togetherCredit: PA:Press AssociationA devastated Simon is seen here at Liam’s funeralCredit: Splash
Liam died aged 31 in October last year after falling from a balcony in Argentina.
Now Simon has recalled how he felt when he heard this tragic news for the first time.
The music mogul revealed he was at a Britain’s Got Talent audition when he was told the life-changing news.
Describing the impact, Simon told the Daily Mail: “Nothing has affected me like that since I lost my mum and dad. I remember how that felt and this was not far off.”
He then revealed how he needed time alone to grieve and process what had happened.
He said he told his partner Lauren Silverman: “I’ve got to just go away somewhere on my own for a few days.”
Asked where he went, the star replied: “A private place. Like a retreat, where I was able to switch off. I just sort of meditated and thought about things, because I was so upset. Then you have to come back to your life again.”
Simon added: “I was so close to him. Obviously you drift apart over the years, but it’s true: you don’t know how you feel about someone until you lose them. People pass away, but when they’re so talented and young it’s hard.”
Speaking on The Interview podcast from The New York Times, Simon said:“It’s very difficult to put into words how you feel. It’s just shock.
“At that point, you’re not really thinking clearly. I just remember saying: ‘I really need to speak to his mum and dad. Can you get them on the phone as soon as possible please?’
“God, as a parent, what that must have felt like.
“I knew his mum and dad, and I wanted to reach out, just to say how I felt. “It was just awful, awful.”
Recalling the last time he was with Liam, Simon added: “I’d seen him like a year before in this room and I was talking to him about there’s more to life than just music.
“You’ve got to a point in your life where you’ve got choice now.
“We just hung out as friends. That’s why I was so shocked and surprised when I heard the news.”
Simon recently opened up about his final conversation with LiamCredit: Alamy
FINAL CONVERSATION
Heartbroken Simon also recently opened up about his final conversation with Liam before the singer’s tragic death.
Simon worked with the group right from the start – putting them together on The X Factor in 2010 with the help of Nicole Scherzinger.
Now the music mogul has shared details of the last time he saw Liam, revealing they spoke about his son Bear, seven, whose mum is Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy.
Speaking to Rolling Stone, he said: “When I heard the news, it really hit me. I saw him a year before this happened. He came over to my house. We talked about his son and being a dad.”
Simon also shared the advice he gave Liam, continuing: “I remember saying, ‘Music is not everything. Don’t let it run your life anymore. Find something else that you are passionate about’.”
And Simon insisted he doesn’t feel responsible for the way Liam’s life played out – revealing he’s been in touch with the late musician’s family.
He said: “You ask yourself that question, ‘Could I have done anything more? What would’ve happened to Liam if he hadn’t been in the band?’
“Having spoken to his mum and dad recently, all they kept telling me was he was so proud of what he had achieved. I wish I could turn back the clock, of course.
“When I spoke to him that day, I felt really good about him. I thought, ‘Wow, you seem in a really good place’.
“The idea that you are essentially responsible for somebody’s life, 10 years after you’ve signed someone? You can’t do that.”
FILE PHOTO: Singer Liam Payne poses for photographers at the world premiere of the film “I am Bolt” in London/File PhotoCredit: Reuters
WITH the alpine breeze whipping at my cheeks, I make my way to the bottom of the slope.
After clicking off my skis, I barely take two steps before I am greeted by the warming scent of fondue.
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Club Med in Serre Chevalier is an eco-friendly resort is located at the foot of a stunning ski area featuring 250km of runsCredit: Supplied
I am staying at Club Med Serre-Chevalier in the heart of the French Alps.
This eco-friendly resort is located at the foot of a stunning ski area featuring 250km of runs, 80 per cent of which are above 2,000 metres.
And Club Med’s ski-in, ski-out access feels like a little slice of luxury after working up an appetite on the slopes.
Each guest has their own locker in the ski room, which is decked out with a snowboard or skis, poles, helmets and boots, to make for a seamless transition from the breakfast bar to the snow.
But in this all-inclusive resort — where even your lift pass and lessons are included — the food is the jewel in the crown.
Unlike many all-inclusive hotels that serve up beige buffets and cold platters, Club Med has perfected alpine dining.
The hotel boasts two restaurants, Le Vauban and Le Meije, which are guaranteed to satisfy the tastebuds.
Le Meije prides itself on traditional dishes — and its wild garlic fondue is a Club Med staple.
Our host Nicholas guides us through the rules of fondue as it bubbles away under the stove on the table.
We are told that white wine is the best pairing and that any bread lost in the cheese will earn a forfeit.
Fortunately, all the bite-sized pieces of bread made it into my mouth — perfectly accompanied by the salty charcuterie board and a crisp, dressed lettuce salad.
Meanwhile, Le Vauban offers all-day dining with dishes to suit every palate and desire.
It is not unusual to see whole swordfish being freshly sliced or melting raclette cheese being poured on to steaming hot potatoes at lunch.
Given we are in France, the dessert station certainly lived up to my expectations.
The chocolate fountain was jewelled with bright red strawberries and the miniature mille-feuille looked almost too good to eat.
After learning to ski as a child, I was banking on the fact that skiing was like riding a bike.
But I eased myself in gently with a beginner lesson run by the French Ski School (ESF).
Emily Webber rediscovered her passion for skiing after just a few days at Club MedCredit: Supplied
I was greeted at the ski room by my English-speaking instructor Carolina, who took a small group of us on to the nursery slope.
Luckily, my muscle memory kicked in and the plentiful snow gave me the perfect conditions to get my confidence back.
By day three, I headed up the mountain with the intermediate group to put the lessons to the test.
Carving my way through the snow, I definitely caught the bug again and ended the day by skiing down to Club Med — weaving through the forests under a bright blue sky.
With tired ski legs, I was ready for my treatment at the Club Med Spa by Payot.
Nadia Payot is the woman behind facial gymnastics — 42 movements that are designed to sculpt and lift every muscle.
Fortunately, it does not require any more cardio.
I checked into the spa and headed straight to the steam room to open my pores and relieve my muscles after a day on the slope.
Following a herbal tea in the relaxation room, I was greeted by my therapist, who sources sensitive skin products to tackle the dryness caused by the crisp alpine air.
The rooms at Club Med come with a view – but guests have plenty to enjoy around the resortCredit: Supplied
The 30-minute treatment included layers of oils, creams and balms which left my face suitably revived for my journey home.
But Club Med is truly the resort that never sleeps.
After all, the Alps’ microclimate means it boasts 300 days of sunshine a year.
Following a dinner of cheese and meats, we headed outside for what Club Med describes as just one of its “magic moments”.
The sky illuminated with fireworks as Champagne towers were covered with the gold liquid of Laurent- Perrier.
Toasting a week of snow, cheese and good company, we headed back into the warmth of Club Med — and swapped our skis for our dancing shoes to party into the early hours.
GO: Serre-Chevalier
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at Club Med Serre-Chevalier is from £2,528pp, including return flights from Gatwick on January 11, 2026 and transfers.
Includes premium food and drink, lift pass and lessons plus entertainment.
There’s just three days to go until the King or Queen of the Jungle for 2025 is finally announced – but will any camp chores get done in the meantime?
22:58, 04 Dec 2025Updated 22:58, 04 Dec 2025
Shona was one of the camp leaders but quit after being caught with contraband(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
TV bosses have announced a major rule change to I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! after Ruby Wax was eliminated from camp. The 72-year-old was appointed camp leader after EastEnders star Shona McGarty was forced to step down after being found with contraband – which was butter.
Shona denied bringing it into camp and said: “I’m not responsible for it, but I used it. I don’t know where it came from, but I saw it and my eyes lit up and I used it.” After ‘buttergate’ came to light, Shona was given the choice to lose two stars the other celebs had won in that day’s Bushtucker Trials – which meant losing food – or quit as team leader. It was then Ruby was pretty much unanimously voted in to be leader.
Comedian and TV legend Ruby then went on to tell her fellow celebs: “Things are about to change. No more Mrs Nice Guy!” As part of her demands, she said that social media star Angry Ginge would be her dancer, Manchester rapper Aitch would be her entertainer and that Shona would be her footstool.
This led to Jack Osbourne, son of late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, to say: “Ruby as leader is pure insanity. The craziest dictatorship I think the world will ever know.” He then planned a ‘revolution’ along with Aitch and Ginge.
Despite being a favourite to win this year’s series, Ruby became the fifth celeb to be voted out the jungle on Wednesday night so was gone anyway.
But following Ruby’s elimination, TV bosses announced there would no longer be a camp leader. So instead, campmates will be forced to assign their own chores in camp.
Exactly how much will get done remains to be seen as there are just three days of camp left until the winner of the 2025 is finally announced. On Thursday night Spandau Ballet and EastEnders star Martin Kemp, 64, became the sixth famous face to leave the camp.
This means the remaining contestants are Jack, 40, Shona, 34, Aitch, 25, Angry Ginge, 24, Emmerdale legend Lisa Riley, 49, and Celebs Go Dating star Tom Read Wilson, 39. Who will win?
The King or Queen of the Jungle will be announced when the final airs on Sunday, December 7 and will be broadcast on both ITV1 and ITVX. As it stands, Aitch is current favourite to win, with Angry Ginge set to be runner up. But it could all change depending on the votes so you’ll have to tune in on Sunday night to see!
WASHINGTON — President Biden asked Congress on Thursday for another $33 billion to support Ukraine in its defense from Russia’s invasion and for the authority to make it easier to seize and sell the assets of Russian oligarchs, vowing anew that the U.S. was committed to ensuring Ukraine’s victory in a war likely to drag on for months.
The funding request — which earmarks $20 billion for military assistance, $8.5 billion in economic assistance to help Ukraine’s government continue to function and $3 billion in humanitarian aid — is what the U.S. believes will be necessary over the next five months as the war becomes a protracted conflict.
“We need this bill to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom,” Biden said during a speech from the White House. “The cost of this fight is not cheap, but caving to aggression is more costly.”
Biden also wants lawmakers to make it a crime for a person to “knowingly or intentionally possess proceeds directly obtained from corrupt dealings with the Russian government,” double the statute of limitations for foreign money laundering offenses to 10 years, and expand the definition of racketeering under U.S. law to include efforts to evade sanctions.
“These are bad guys,” Biden said.
The president asked Congress to allow the federal government to use the proceeds from selling the seized assets of sanctioned Russian oligarchs to help the people of Ukraine. That proposal was already gaining bipartisan support in Congress, with Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) introducing legislation last month that would allow the Justice Department to liquidate confiscated assets and direct the funding toward a new State Department relief fund for Ukraine.
The U.S. has already spent $14 billion to bolster Ukraine.
The increasing willingness of the U.S. and other NATO allies to heavily arm Ukraine marks a clear strategic shift away from the war’s initial phase, when allies had been more hesitant to send weapons and munitions that Russian President Vladimir Putin might view as an escalation.
In recent days, Moscow has reiterated threats that it may resort to more direct attacks against the West if it continues its support of Ukraine but those threats have not deterred the U.S. and other allies.
Biden, however, scoffed at claims by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, that Western support for Ukraine amounted to aggression against Moscow.
“We’re not attacking Russia. We’re helping Ukraine defend itself,” Biden said. “Russia is the aggressor. No if, ands or buts about it.”
He said Putin’s recent bluster was, in his view, “a reflection of [Russia’s] failure” on the battlefield.
Ryanair has just added two new routes from Cardiff and Aberdeen to a stunning Spanish city with gorgeous beaches and year-round sunshine
The city enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year(Image: arcady_31 via Getty Images)
Ryanair has introduced two new UK routes to a vibrant Spanish city boasting balmy weather in December.
The budget-friendly airline has revealed its updated Alicante schedule, now offering a whopping 79 routes from the Spanish hotspot. Ten fresh destinations have been added to the roster, including Bratislava, Linz, Salzburg, Bydgoszcz, Rzeszow, Stockholm Västerås, Småland and Lanzarote.
Of particular note for UK holidaymakers is Ryanair’s launch of direct flights from Cardiff and Aberdeen to Alicante. The latter will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with fares starting from just £22 in December. The Cardiff to Alicante route will run almost daily in December, with tickets currently available for a mere £20.
There are countless reasons why a quick winter getaway to Alicante might be appealing. One major draw is the climate. The Costa Blanca city boasts December highs of 18C, occasionally reaching 23C on the warmest days. That makes for a perfect afternoon lounging on its golden beaches, providing a welcome escape from the dreary UK weather.
Alicante’s 300 days of annual sunshine, coupled with its stunning landscape, has made it a favourite amongst European golf enthusiasts. The city is home to championship courses such as Las Colinas and Lo Romero, as well as resort courses like La Finca and Melia Villaitana.
The Alicante Golf course, designed by Severiano Ballesteros, is a popular spot for those keen to hit the greens. But fear not if golf isn’t your cup of tea. The city has plenty more to offer.
“Like Porto, it’s relatively small, so there’s plenty to see without it feeling daunting. It’s the perfect place if you’re planning a day trip, and the proximity of the city centre to the airport also makes it a great city break destination,” writes Clare Bolger in her travel blog.
“Many of Alicante’s buildings were damaged or destroyed during the civil war, so the post-war period saw a mix of restoration and new construction. Some buildings were restored to their former glory, while others were demolished and replaced with new ones. This has led to an interesting blend of old and new architectural styles which can be found throughout the city centre.”
The Castle of Santa Bárbara is perhaps the most iconic and striking building in the city. It towers above the old quarter, which is the stage for the annual Festival of Moors and the Night of San Juan.
“Walking around the winding streets of the Old Town is amazing, with an awesome amount of pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants,” raves Neil Kelly, from Liverpool. “The architecture is absolutely fantastic. There are so many great-looking buildings to enjoy. I love walking down from Castillo de Santa Bárbara. The views from the castle are fabulous.”
A must-see is La Explanada de España, a mosaic promenade composed of over 6.5 million marble tiles arranged in a wave-like pattern. It’s flanked by palm trees, with stunning historic buildings on one side and a charming marina on the other.
A standout characteristic of Alicante is its excellent public transport network. The city boasts a tram service connecting the centre directly to the seafront, ensuring all major sights remain within easy reach.
Most first-time visitors find themselves at Playa del Postiguet, which boasts restaurants, pristine white sand and ample opportunities for water-based activities. Just across the street from the shoreline, there’s a lift that whisks you up to the historic fortress. The city’s other notable stretch of coast, Playa de San Juan, lies several kilometres distant.
Food plays a crucial role in any getaway. Fortunately, Alicante offers numerous excellent establishments dishing up affordably priced regional cuisine.
Santa Gloria, Bar Cento and Café Tres Texturas represent just a handful of the dining spots deserving attention. One much-talked-about destination for morning meals is Brunch It, which focuses on fresh, wholesome fare and bills itself as Europe’s most renowned brunch establishment.
Should things begin to feel overly Continental and you find yourself yearning for familiar flavours, Browns delivers proper British-style cooking. “Another fabulous Sunday lunch the best Sunday lunch around. This carvery is amazing, nothing I can say, only FABULOUS,” writes Jackie M on Tripadvisor.
AN ABANDONED village which is closed to the public for 310 days a year is set to reopen this month.
Imber Village in Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, dates back to the Domesday Book, and has also operated as a military training site.
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Eerie Imber has been uninhabited for yearsCredit: AlamyAh ambandoned tank in a fieldCredit: Alamy
The intriguing area will welcome in curious tourists between December 29 and January 1, 2026.
While much of the village is no longer in tact, there are still a number of empty houses and cottages that can be explored.
A pub called The Bell Inn still stands.
Other buildings still standing include the manor house, Imber Court, a farmhouse, farm cottages, a small schoolhouse, and four housing blocks built in 1938.
Visitors are also reminded about the risk of ‘unexploded military debris’Credit: Alamy Live NewsA number of signs warn visitors not to enter an abandoned pubCredit: PA
