These stunning destinations are exempt from the new system launching in April.
14:45, 31 Mar 2026Updated 14:45, 31 Mar 2026
These countries will not use the Entry/Exit system(Image: Getty)
Following months of preparation, the new Entry/Exit System (EES) will finally be implemented across the Schengen area from April 10.
The new EES will require all non-EU nationals travelling to 29 European countries to register their biometric data, such as a facial scan and fingerprints, rather than receiving a traditional passport stamp. Numerous popular holiday destinations including Portugal, Italy and Spain will be impacted by the new system.
However, there are 14 countries (15 including the UK) outside the Schengen Area and therefore not implementing the new travel system.
Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange, anticipates a surge in travellers heading to non-Schengen countries as a consequence, reports the Express.
She said: “The introduction of this new border control system may be off-putting to some people who want to book last-minute trips this Easter, especially those who like to keep travel as fuss-free as possible.
“I think we should expect to see an increase in Brits travelling to countries that are exempt from the legislation over the next few months – including the Easter and summer holidays.”
For those looking to sidestep the hassle and make their travels a little more straightforward, Laura has identified three fantastic holiday destinations that will be unaffected by the EES, meaning British tourists can explore freely without the need to provide biometric data.
Kotor, Montenegro
She explained: “Montenegro is quickly becoming one of the most popular up-and-coming destinations in Europe. A less crowded alternative to Croatia, it offers similar quaint towns, gorgeous beaches and a stunning coastline, but it is around 20-30% cheaper.”
For instance, accommodation in Montenegro begins at £23 per person per night, while a three-course meal will cost you £31.78.
Kotor sits on the coast, boasting stunning beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for unwinding. Laura remarked: “This is a great spot if you’re after a chilled, slow-paced holiday, without having to pay huge prices.”
Tirana, Albania
This vibrant capital city is brimming with culture and a food lover’s dream destination. Laura noted: “One of the best ways to explore is by taking a stroll through the streets, following the eccentric street art, graffiti and murals.
“Remember to order Albanian favourites, Fërgesë Gjize (baked cheese with peppers) and Trilece (a tasty pie made with sponge cake and three different kinds of milk) for dessert.”
Sarajevo, Bosnia
Laura said: “It is one of the only places where you can visit a Mosque, a Catholic church, an Eastern Orthodox church and a synagogue in one place.
“Tucked inside a long, thin valley and surrounded by forested mountains, the city has a picture-perfect backdrop. Its broad mix of cultural influences means its architecture is also absolutely beautiful, and its restaurant scene is an eclectic mix of Turkish and Bosnian-inspired offerings.
“And, with prices averaging just £30 per person for a three-course meal, your money really does go far here.”
I thought I had all the time in the world, but it turns out I needed even more.
We were lucky not to miss our flight home from Paris(Image: Vita Molyneux)
For over a year, I’ve been writing articles about the new Entry/Exit system introduced at European borders. This system, which mandates UK travellers to provide biometric data when entering or exiting the Schengen area, began its phased implementation in October 2025.
It’s expected to be fully operational across all airports by 10 April 2026. I’ve extensively covered the rollout and its potential to cause delays for travellers. However, when my partner and I flew back from Paris last month, it completely slipped my mind.
We were returning to London, and since we both prefer lounging in the airport rather than outside, we had some time to spare. We enjoyed a drink, a meal, and then decided it was time to meander towards our gate.
We had been awaiting the gate announcement, and as soon as it was made, we set off to locate it. Imagine my astonishment when we turned the corner to find a queue of people waiting for gate access.
I had entirely forgotten about the additional security checks. Even though I believed we had ample time, that time was now rapidly slipping away.
Only one kiosk was open, with a queue of at least 30 people, and the clock was ticking down to our flight’s departure. As we stood there, another 40 individuals joined the queue behind us, yet still, only one kiosk was operational.
Passengers were slowly allowed through, with groups permitted to approach the kiosk together to have their passports verified, fingers and faces scanned, before being sent on their way.
The process was painfully slow. The queue barely seemed to budge, and more people continued to join behind us. From the snippets of conversations I caught, everyone appeared as taken aback — and stressed — as I was.
I heard more than one person mutter something along the lines of “surely they won’t let us miss our flight?” Another responded: “I wouldn’t put it past them to be honest.”
Fortunately, my partner and I had started relatively close to the front, so we managed to reach the gate just in time. As for the people behind us, I have no clue.
This wasn’t even peak season, and it more than doubled the time it took to board our plane. We were flying at the end of February — very much the off-peak period. I can only envisage the chaos as the rollout completes across all of Europe, and summer travel commences.
Travelling during peak season is already stressful, and if my experience is anything to go by, it’s about to become even more so. All I can suggest is even if you think you have enough time at the airport, add more.
Reports say that even police have been called in to deal with angry holidaymakers in TenerifeCredit: AlamyThere have been reports of further travel chaos at Tenerife South due to EESCredit: Alamy
EES is replacing the need for a passport stamp by automatically checking when a person enters and exits an EU country.
Non-EU nationals – which includes Brits – are required to register their details like fingerprints, facial images and scan passports on their first visit to a Schengen area country.
But at Tenerife South, passengers say that only a handful of these EES machines are working with some rejecting fingerprints.
Passengers are even saying they’ve missed flights due to delays in getting through controls.
Some Brits are warning to give as much as three hours before a flight just in case.
One Brit wrote on social media: “The key is to arrive three hours early so at least you are in the front of the queue when problems start.”
Another added: “Love Tenerife but HATE the airport.”
Police have reportedly been called in to the South Airport on several occasions to calm the crowds of angry passengers.
With bad weather and storms hitting the Canary Islands, those who miss flights are having to sleep inside the airport overnight before catching another plane home.
On one particular day, around 100 passengers were stranded there and many were unable to find overnight accommodation, so stayed in the terminal.
Passengers are blaming lack of staff and proper organisation for the chaos, with computers not working.
“Passport control is a disaster,” posted another Brit. “One person for thousands of travellers.”
Only 20 per cent of the biometric machines are working and officials admitted to the Spanish media that there were “computer failures.”
The chaos has been going on for months and tourism chiefs and hoteliers say the island’s reputation is being hit, compounded by the bad weather.
Since last week, the Canary Islands, including Tenerife, have also been struck with flash flooding and snow as a result of Storm Therese.
Even without bad weather, many airports have experienced delays caused by the new travel requirement of EES registration.
Due to their small size, airports on the Canary Islands have seen reports of long queues.
A UK tourist attraction may start charging visitors an entry fee for the first time.
The historic site has cited increasing financial pressures as the reason behind the potential move.
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Worcester Cathedral is currently considering the implementation of an entry fee for the first timeCredit: Alamy
Worcester Cathedral has launched a consultation period to explore whether its annual 250,000 visitors could help with running costs.
The 1,300-year-old building, which is the resting place of historic figures such as King John and Prince Arthur Tudor, is the most visited attraction in Worcestershire.
According to the Worcester Cathedral website, the site is currently free to visit but there is a suggested donation of £7 for adult entry to the site.
Guided tours are also available, priced at around £8 per person, offering visitors additional information on the site’s history and architecture, as well as access to the tower.
Despite these revenue streams and the site’s popularity, the cathedral confirmed that its “current financial position is not sustainable over time”.
Total expenditure for the cathedral was recorded as £4.06million for the 2024-2025 financial year, while the site’s gross income came to £3.08million, leaving a funding gap of roughly £1million.
To tackle this, the cathedral is currently considering a mandatory entry charge, which it said would contribute to costs such as energy bills and maintenance, as well as staffing.
Speaking on the potential fee, Dean Stephen Edwards emphasised the cathedral would always remain a place of worship first and foremost, reports the BBC.
He assured local church-goers that access for prayer, services, and pastoral support would not be affected under any potential changes.
“Through this consultation we explore how we can invite appropriately those who visit primarily for heritage and tourism to contribute fairly towards the cost of maintaining the cathedral and its activities,” he said.
He went on to explain that Worcester Cathedral, like “many historic institutions”, is experiencing a rise in running and maintenance costs.
“While careful financial management and support from our endowment have enabled us to balance budgets in recent years, this has reduced our reserves and increased our reliance on investment income.”
The Dean added that diversifying income streams would help the cathedral to “remain resilient and financially sustainable”.
Worcester Cathedral is currently asking for the public’s views on the proposed entry fee via an online survey, which will remain open until Friday, April 10.
The survey stated that “no decisions have been taken” and did not include a potential price for the entry fee.
Other tourist attractions, including Rome’s Trevi Fountain, have recently brought in entry fees for the first time.
The cathedral explained that entry charges would contribute to everyday running costs of the site (stock image)Credit: Alamy
Most of the nation either loves or hates this year’s song, and these former winners know which side they fall on
If anyone knows what it takes to do well at Eurovision – Bucks Fizz do(Image: Getty Images)
The UK’s Eurovision Song Contest hopeful Look Mum No Computer has had the thumbs-up from ex-champions Bucks Fizz to do well in this year’s competition.
Our entrant – whose real name is Sam Battle – has divided fans with his new wave electro number called Eins Zwei Drei – which means one, two, three in German. Some have praised the performer and inventor, who once created a Furby organ, for his “bonkers but original feel good song”.
But some harsh critics have branded the act as “a millennial cos-player with no talent”, “a 1980s synth reject” and “another dud who’ll end up Look Mum No Points”.
Now former Eurovision winners Bucks Fizz – known these days as simply The Fizz – have backed Look Mum No Computer to do well in the 70 th annual contest being held in May in Vienna. Singer Cheryl Baker, 72, told The Mirror: “I think the 2026 UK entry is absolutely brilliant. I love it. I think we have a really good chance this year of being in the top five.”
Bucks Fizz triumphed at Eurovision in 1981 with their song Making Your Mind Up. Over the decades, the group has undergone some member changes. Following a legal wrangle in the 1990s, Bobby Gee now performs under the original name Bucks Fizz along with three other singers.
Cheryl and original members Jay Aston and Mike Nolan carried on performing as The Fizz. However Mike – who had a miracle recovery after suffering a brain haemorrhage following a tour bus crash in 1984 – left in 2024. The two female singers put out a nationwide call for two men to join them as The Fizz. They ended up hiring Nikk Mager from boyband Phixx and Matthew Pateman from Bad Boys Inc and Let Loose.
To mark the 45 th anniversary of the group winning Eurovision, The Fizz has been back in the studio to record a special new song. They have been working with the legendary pop hitmaker Mike Stock. He was part of the famous 1980s Stock, Aitken and Waterman team who produced chart toppers for Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Rick Astley, Sinitta, Donna Summer and Bananarama.
Mike told fans: “The Fizz were back in the studio recording a new track for the Bucks Fizz 45th anniversary. This is the first time recording with the new guys and they are all sounding great.”
A fatal shooting near TPC Sawgrass meant spectators were delayed entering the course before day three of the Players Championship.
St Johns County Sheriff’s Office said two people were shot and killed at 22:30 local time on Friday, less than a mile from the course in Florida.
The suspect, who has been named as Christian Barrios, fled on to the course before being arrested in Nassau County at about 08:00 on Saturday after a car chase, according to police.
Sheriff Robert Hardwick said Barrios “made contact” with employees at TPC Sawgrass during his attempted escape.
“He picked up – we believe it was a radio that belonged to the PGA Tour, not one of our radios and we know he dropped it after that. Our canines used it as a scent when they came in there,” Hardwick said.
Gates at Sawgrass were due to open for fans at 07:30 but entry was delayed until 09:00, with the PGA citing “operational considerations” as the reason for their decision.
Third-round play at the PGA Tour’s flagship event began on time.
Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg led the tournament after two rounds having shot a nine-under-par 63 on Friday.
A POPULAR seaside attraction will reopen later this month with two big changes – a new ride and free entry.
Adventure Coast Southport, which used to be known as Southport Pleasureland, will reopen on March 28 with a free-entry model.
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Adventure Coast Southport will reopen later this month with free entryCredit: Google maps
The new system will mean you can access the attraction – which is one of the UK’s oldest seaside amusement parks – for free and pay-as-you-go for each ride instead.
The park will also feature a new ride, and while little details about the attraction have been revealed, CEO Norman Wallis said that it is “something really big”.
The Adventure Coast Southport team added it will be a “spectacular new addition” that will be visible as part of Southport’s coastline.
Full details of the ride are expected in due course, but visitors can expect a “brand new BIG 50metre showstopper ride arriving from Easter”.
Wallis added: “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back for 2026 with a refreshed approach that puts flexibility for families first.
“By removing the entry fee, families can decide what works for them.
“They might come for a couple of rides, meet friends by the coast or make a full day of it.
“Guests often tell us they love coming back because every year it feels bigger and better.”
The park is split into four themed areas: Cartoon Boardwalk, Viking Landing, Steampunk Bay and Pirate Cove.
Across the different themed areas there are a number of different rides, starting from just £1 a ride.
For example, you can head on a ghost train, swing ride, flying chairs and dodgems.
There are also a number of arcades onsite to explore and gardens with waterfalls.
Visitors can grab food at the park, including new street food options like loaded fries – but you can also bring your own picnic.
Many locals have welcomed the news of free entry on social media with one person commenting: “So glad it’s gone back to free entry and just pay for what you want, better for people with only a certain amount to spend.
It also is launching a new 50metre rideCredit: Google maps
“Also grandparents can now join in and watch grandkids ride.”
The park is also dog-friendly, has onsite parking and will be open every weekend and daily during the school holidays, from 11am.
If you want to extend your stay and explore more of Southport, then there is a motorhome site that is part of the park where you can pitch your caravan or camper van for £24 a night.
Then, just across the road from Adventure Coast Southport is Splash World waterpark.
It costs £16.20 per person to visit and includes three slides and a lazy river.
You can also head for a stroll along Southport Beach and see the pier, which is the second longest in the UK but currently closed.
Though, the Victorian pier is due to undergo £20million repairs starting this year.
March 11 (UPI) — The United States resumed Global Entry, a program that allows trusted travelers to quickly get through U.S. customs, on Wednesday after a short break.
The service began again at 5 a.m. EDT Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security said.
“We are working hard to alleviate the disruptions to travelers caused by the Democrats’ shutdown,” a DHS spokesperson said in a statement.
The program was suspended to preserve staff and resources during the partial government shutdown that began Jan. 31. When it was announced, the department said it would also suspend TSA PreCheck, which allows low-risk travelers to speed through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints, but quickly reversed course on that decision.
Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, said the organization was pleased with the decision.
“Over the last two weeks, the travel industry has been clear about the role programs like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck play in both security and efficiency,” Freeman said in a statement. “Through outreach to members of Congress and administration officials, collaboration across the travel sector and strong public engagement, we highlighted a simple reality: Trusted Traveler Programs enhance security while keeping travel moving.”
Travelers at airports have seen long lines for TSA checkpoints, some lasting several hours with lines stretching out onto sidewalks.
The DHS, which includes TSA, is shut down because Congress couldn’t agree on a funding bill for the department. Democrats don’t want to fund it until guardrails are put on the agency, and Republicans haven’t agreed to Democrats’ demands.
Because of this, TSA workers got a partial paycheck on Feb. 28 and will miss their first full check Saturday. There have been more work absences while staff are not getting paid, which slows the TSA lines at major airports.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., speaks to the press outside the U.S. Capitol on Thursday. Earlier today, President Donald Trump announced Mullin would replace Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
A CONCACAF source with knowledge of the issue not authorized to discuss it publicly said the organization was aware of the problem and working with the team to appeal the decision. The Champions Cup is the most prestigious club tournament in CONCACAF, the 41-nation FIFA confederation that governs soccer in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
Mount Pleasant FA, champion of last year’s CONCACAF Caribbean Cup and runner-up in the last two Jamaican Premier League tournaments, is playing in the Champions Cup for the first time. The team has six Haitian players on its roster, and Haiti is one of 19 countries whose citizens have been banned from entering the U.S by the Trump administration. Citizens from an additional 20 countries faced partial restrictions.
“This decision raises serious concern about the administration’s willingness to abide by its own agreement and statements regarding the issuance of visas for the World Cup,” said David J. Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute. “The President’s proclamation clearly exempts athletes and necessary support personnel for ‘major sporting events.’ But apparently, this exception is not being applied in all cases.”
The State Department has the ability, under the Presidential Proclamation exception, to grant entry to “athletes, coaches and essential support staff” from any country traveling to the U.S. for “the World Cup, Olympics or other major sporting event as determined by the secretary of state.”
Despite that, eight members of Cuba’s delegation to the World Baseball Classic — among them federation president Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo and pitching coach Pedro Luis Lazo — had their visa requests denied. Under the Trump administration’s rules, Cuban citizens are subject to the same travel restrictions as Haitians.
However, Haiti and Jamaica were able to play in last summer’s Gold Cup soccer tournament in the U.S. without issue. The State Department did not respond to requests for comment.
The CONCACAF source said the confederation hopes to reach an agreement with the State Department but added that Mount Pleasant’s game with the Galaxy will go forward either way. The club, which is scheduled to depart Sunday, told a Jamaican newspaper that up to 10 players have been denied visas and coming to Los Angeles without them would require it to rely on seven or eight players from the team’s youth academy to fill out the roster.
“We don’t want to just show up for the game, we want to be able to compete, but we are not being given the opportunity to be at our best,” Paul Christie, the team’s sporting director, told the Jamaica Observer.
The teams will meet in the second and deciding leg of the two-game playoff March 19 at National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. Mount Pleasant is expected to be at full strength for that game.
The State Department’s approach to the visa requests for the Cuban baseball delegation and Jamaican soccer team raise questions about how the Trump administration will handle visa requests ahead of this summer’s World Cup. Four tournament qualifiers are impacted by the administration’s travel restrictions, with citizens of Iran — a country with which the U.S. is at war — and Haiti facing a total ban, and those from Senegal and Ivory Coast subject to severe restrictions.
Members of Iran’s delegation were refused entry to the U.S. for December’s World Cup draw in Washington, during which FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented President Trump with the FIFA Peace Prize. And last summer, Senegal’s women’s basketball team was forced to cancel a 10-day training camp in the U.S. when visa requests for five players, six staff members and a ministerial delegation were rejected.
BBC bosses have taken inspiration from Britpop legends Blur for the UK’s 2026 Eurovision entry.
The Sun can reveal Look Mum No Computer’s song Eins, Zwei, Drei has been inspired by the British music legends.
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It features random lyrics and almost spoken word verses.
Controversially, the chorus is all in German.
Sam Battle is representing the UK as Look Mum No ComputerCredit: PA
Sam Battle, the man behind Look Mum No Computer, says on the track: “If only there was a language that I could count in, that would make me feel better.”
He then launches into a bizarre counting session in German.
The Eurovision track opens with Sam saying: “So sick of doing the whole 9 to 5.
“I pay my dues I’m just staying alive… and I’m so bored, I’m so bored of it. Oh what’s the point of it.”
A source said; “The song is about as far away from last year’s entry as posisble but maybe that’s what the UK needed to do?
“On one hand it’s very Blur inspired.
“On the other there are whole waves of the song that are in German.
“That being said if you had been played it and told it was from another European country you’d think it’s the perfect Eurovision track.”
The song will get its official first play on BBC Radio 2 Breakfast with Scott Mills on Friday morning.
The music video is also set to drop on Friday as well.
The Sun previously revealed how BBC bosses were forced to go back to the drawing board after one of their shortlisted acts was exposed for inappropriate comments online.
Bosses hauled the act – who is a solo artist – into a meeting where they were dramatically told they would no longer be representing the UK.
As well as the performer, the song was also ready to go – with the track being played to a number of industry high-flyers to gauge the reaction.
It meant that during January staff had been desperately trying to find a replacement act in time for the impending submission deadline.
A source previously said: “The BBC can’t take any chances with Eurovision being such a pressure cooker this year.
“Routine checks brought up past behaviour that just didn’t line up.
“It was brutal but they were dragged into a meeting and told they could no longer represent the UK.
“Naturally the person was mortified and devastated.
“It’s been a mess ever since the start of the year trying to find a new act.”
Delta Goodrem will represent Australia with her epic song EclipseCredit: SuppliedThe UK’s song will no doubt divide fansCredit: PA
IT was in this very column that Delta Goodrem first revealed it was her dream to represent Australia at Eurovision.
Now, nine months later, she has been officially unveiled as the contest’s Aussie entry, with the Lost Without You singer firmly crediting Bizarre with making it happen.
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It was in this very column that Delta Goodrem first revealed it was her dream to represent Australia at EurovisionDelta has been officially unveiled as the contest’s Aussie entry, with the Lost Without You singer firmly crediting Bizarre with making it happenCredit: Supplied
Speaking to our Jack, Delta said: “This is, literally verbatim, all your fault. It is all on you — you and Bizarre started this.
“Your article went back to the Aussies who were like, ‘Do you want to do this?’ So thank you. I have a big job to do.”
Delta will head to Vienna this May to compete with her song Eclipse and it ticks every box, with an infectiously camp chorus and a complex piano bridge.
A beaming Delta explained: “From your article, people started reaching out.
“Then one of the songwriters, Jonas Myrin, who I wrote the song with, took a screengrab of the article and sent it to me saying, ‘Delta, if you ever go to Eurovision, I want to write the song with you’.
“He’s in Sweden. Sure enough he flew to Australia when I said I was doing it. Even the first question I got asked when doing my first Australian interview was, ‘We heard it all started from an article from the UK,’ and yes, it did.”
It’s been three years since Australia last qualified for the live final, which adds to the pressure on Delta, who has sold eight million records worldwide.
“Of course I am nervous, but it’s so joyous and I am so excited to be a part of it,” she said.
“I can’t control what will happen. All I know is that I am honoured to represent Aus.
“I will fly the flag and give my heart and soul.
“Two of my greatest idols, who are part of the reason I am in music, Olivia Newton-John and Celine Dion, did Eurovision.
“I am grateful to be able to step into that.
“What an honour it is to be able to perform anywhere, let alone on the biggest stage in the world. I am excited.”
We Brits can’t vote for our own act, Look Mum No Computer (aka Sam Battle), whose entry Eins Zwei Drei is out on Friday, so Delta is hoping the British jury will give her our 12 points.
Explaining how it all fell into place, she said: “I had always said, ‘Oh, you know, when the time is right’. I always have an open heart to new things and being a coach on The Voice I celebrate all types of music. Then it all came into focus.”
Sam Battle, whose entry Eins Zwei Drei is out on FridayCredit: BBC/PADelta said: ‘Two of my greatest idols, who are part of the reason I am in music, Olivia Newton-John and Celine Dion, did Eurovision’Credit: Getty
Speaking about what people should expect when she competes at the second semi-final on May 14, Delta explained: “The staging is important, but you will have to wait and see.
“There is a high bar out there but I am enjoying the creativity of it. I love the out-of-the-box moments, but I also love past winners Loreen, Alexander Rybak and Mans Zelmerlow.”
This year’s competition has already been rocked by controversy with Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain all pulling out due to Israel being allowed to take part in the contest, amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
But Delta is keen to use the platform to help bring people together and celebrate our common ground.
She said: “I am in music for unity and the healing spirit,” adding that she loves the sense of “togetherness” generated by music and song.
Delta added: “Eurovision has been going for 70 years and there is a reason everyone comes back, united in song.
“I am really looking forward to being united together. At my shows, that is what you want, too.
“My song is about one love and connection.”
You’ve got our votes, Delta.
DECEMBER 10 are playing a free O2 Presents . . . gig at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on April 8.
There will be 767 pairs of tickets available to O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers via a ballot, which will be open from March 9- 23 on the Priority app.
COMPASS TO GO THE COLE MILE
I TIPPED big things for Belfast pair Broken Compass after they released their debut single Storm in October.
Now the duo, Ben Dadidson and Allen Gordon have landed roles in Anything Goes at Belfast’s Grand Opera House.
Belfast pair Broken Compass Ben Dadidson and Allen GordonCredit: Supplied
Running from April 14-18, the show features songs from Cole Porter including I Get A Kick Out Of You.
While Allen has graced the stage at the venue before, it will be the first time for Ben, who previously toured with Westlife in boyband Most Wanted.
Ben told Bizarre: “This has been such a whirlwind, moving to Belfast and joining St Agnes Choral Society.
“Opening myself up to theatre as well as pop has been a dream come true.”
OASIS will feature on the new Help(2) War Child album with a standalone 7in single of Acquiesce, recorded live at Wembley last September, being included in the vinyl edition.
It will be a hidden track on the double CD version, and on streaming, when the charity record is out on Friday.
Arctic Monkeys, Olivia Rodrigo, Damon Albarn and Pulp will also feature.
RAYE SETS LIFE BOAT AFLOAT
RAYE will return to dance music on her upcoming album with a belting electro track called Life Boat.
The singer debuted the song at London’s O2 Arena on Sunday night and it features emotional lyrics against a euphoric chorus.
Raye will return to dance music on her upcoming album with a belting electro track called Life BoatCredit: Getty
In the verse, she sang: “Cry yourself an ocean, trying not to drown in it. Lord send me a lifeboat, something I can cling to.”
Then in the chorus she repeated: “I’m not giving up yet.”
Earlier in her career Raye had a string of dance hits including Bed, Prada, You Don’t Know Me and Secrets, so she knows a thing or two about releasing a banger.
And with her album, This Music May Contain Hope, out on March 27, there isn’t long to wait.
OH BUCKET! AL’S FOR HIGH JUMP
IF you thought it was funny watching Alan Carr take part in the challenges on Celebrity Traitors, his next show will see him jumping out of a plane.
He is shooting a travelogue called The F**k It List for Prime Video, which will see him and other comics taking on bucket list experiences, but it sounds like he’s drawn the short straw.
Alan Carr is shooting a travelogue called The F**k It List for Prime VideoCredit: Getty
Alan said: “I was sold this show about a bucket list. I thought I would be on the Orient Express and swimming with dolphins.”
Instead, he admitted on his Bottoms Up podcast: “I’m skydiving, bungee jumping and stroking a tarantula. I hate spiders.”
Thera’s so much promise
SHE’S the vocal powerhouse from Prague who, aged just 18, is already turning heads across Europe.
And as rising star Thera wraps up supporting Jason Derulo on his The Last Dance world tour, she opened up backstage about juggling school with breaking into the industry.
Thera opened up backstage about juggling school with breaking into the industry
The Czech singer, who first toured with Loreen, said: “I’ve gone through a lot that made me mature faster, which is why people are shocked I’m 18. “It doesn’t feel strange to me. Those experiences shaped who I am today and how I handle things and what I do.
“School has really helped me, even though it’s very stressful and chaotic at times.
“It’s almost forced me to be organised and have a system, which I feel has helped me in the music world.”
On tour it was the Les Twins, who also went on the road with Jason, who acted as her “big brothers”.
She added: “They’re role models, but also feel like family.”
Her biggest night yet was Prague’s O2 Arena on Sunday, where her whole family watched alongside 20,000 fans.
