There were rows aplenty on ABC sitcom Modern Family, but there was an even bigger one behind the scenes and Jesse Tyler Ferguson says the rest of the cast just got used to it
14:13, 28 Sep 2026Updated 14:13, 28 Sep 2026
Jesse Tyler Ferguson says not everyone involved in Modern Family got on(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Jesse Tyler Ferguson says the Modern Family set could be an awkward place after admitting a show feud made things difficult.
The long-running hit show starred the likes of Ed O’Neil, Sofia Vergara, Eric Stonestreet, Ariel Winter and Nolan Gould, before ending in 2020 after 11 years. The much-loved programme featured three different but interconnected branches of the same large family living in suburban Los Angeles.
But it seems the feel-good ABC sitcom was hiding a secret – its two creators Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan didn’t get on at all following a huge fall-out, and it caused uncomfortableness behind the scenes.
Things became so strained that the writers’ room was divided in two, with duties alternating on an episode-by-episode basis between the two brains behind the comedy. Jesse, who played Mitchell Pritchett for more than a decade, says the stars learned to deal with the new direction.
“Basically, we had divorced parents leading the show,” the actor said in an interview with the Independent. “Our creators just decided to go separate ways. I thought it was a big secret that no one really knew about.
“It was like we had a week with this parent, and then a week with that parent. And we all just learnt that that’s how it works.
“It gave the show a really interesting balance that I think a lot of people didn’t even notice was happening – I still can’t believe after 11 seasons that the show was as successful as it was, with that sort of division of power, really.”
The comedy ran for an impressive 250 episodes, and many of its actors have gone on to enjoy a lot of success.
Jesse enjoyed a successful theatre career before joining the cast of Modern Family, where he earned several Emmy nominations alongside his on-screen husband Cameron Tucker.
Aside from the ABC show, he has appeared as a guest judge on So You Think You Can Dance from 2011 to 2013 and hosted Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in 2020. He has also landed roles in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and 2023 disaster film Cocaine Bear.
The star also won his first Tony for his performance in the Broadway revival of Take Me Out in 2022.
His on-screen love Cameron Tucker , played by Eric Stonestreet, tied the knot with fiancée Lindsay Schweitzer on his birthday last year.
The longtime couple announced the incredible news in a series of photos shared on Instagram.
Before the shoe Eric was known for his role as Ronnie Litre on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. He has also appeared in films like 2011’s Bad Teacher and 2013’s Identity Thief.
Since the show, Stonestreet has portrayed Magnus Antas on Disney+’s The Santa Clauses and also took up a hosting role on the Fox competition series Domino Masters.
No doubt your first thought on hearing the words “double-decker” is of a bus. But in the Swiss village of Stans, an old wooden funicular carriage ascends to the station, where a double-decker cable car awaits. Inside, a spiral staircase leads you to an open upper viewing deck. At the summit, the views back to Lucerne are superb, and there are alpine marmots to spot too. There was a wedding ceremony going on at the summit on our trip! Martin
Liechtenstein’s Route 66
Looking across the Three Sisters. Photograph: GanzTwins/Getty Images
Steinbock, marmot and elderflower jam are in abundance on Liechtenstein’s Route 66 track – a multi-day hike that is popular with locals, but little known to others. The route traverses the Drei Schwestern (the Three Sisters), where you’ll experience white knuckles and lush valley views. After an easy 5km hike, you land at the first mountain hut, where a succulent homemade three-course dinner awaits you. Befriend the other walkers over a game of cards, as golden hour lights up the mountains. Inez
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Picturesque French Pyrenees
Luz Saint Sauveur is surrounded by tall peaks. Photograph: Chris Craggs/Alamy
Luz Saint Sauveur in the French Pyrenees is the gateway to heaven. Whether it be by bike, car, motorbike or on foot, stunning surroundings, wildlife-a-plenty and quaint French shops await you at this picturesque market town. Eat the local saucisson, drink the jurançon white wine, marvel at the blue skies in the shadows of the legendary Tour de France Cols, jump in canyons and be merry with the surroundings. Simply beautiful and fun for all ages. Will
High on the hog in Donegal
Muckish is a flat-topped mountain to the north of Glenveagh national park. Photograph: Steven Granville/Getty Images
For mountain scenery without Alpine crowds, head to north-west Donegal. Errigal gets the attention, but don’t overlook flat-topped Muckish, whose name comes from the Irish for “pig’s back”. Drive the small roads around the Poisoned Glen and through Glenveagh national park, where each bend reveals another reason to stop. Allow far longer than the satnav suggests: our best moments came from pulling over for an unexpected view rather than racing between sights. Pack walking shoes and a picnic, then reward yourself afterwards in a cosy pub. Here, a mountain day can include Atlantic beaches and a well-earned pint. Niamh Kerr
The quiet side of Italy’s Dolomites
Alpine hut Rifugio Agostini was the highlight of Ben Bryant’s trip. Photograph: Johannes 86/Getty Images
The Brenta Dolomites seem to go strangely unnoticed, while the main Dolomites heave with Instagrammers. We based ourselves in Pinzolo, an alpine town an hour north of Lake Garda, then took the lift from Madonna di Campiglio for a three-day hut-to-hut trek, tackling two via ferrata routes across knife-edge ridges and limestone spires. Rifugio Agostini was the highlight: a warm welcome and hearty mountain food after a hard day’s climbing, with jagged peaks filling every window. We descended into the town of Molveno for a well-earned aperitivo by the lake. Ben Bryant
A spectacular climb in Kosovo
The Lumbardhi River in Prizren. Photograph: Engin Korkmaz/Alamy
After exploring Kosovo’s historic monasteries and wartime memorials, we escaped to the Sharr mountains national park, a 40-minute drive south of Prizren. The road winds through the spectacular Zhupa valley and follows the bubbling Lumbardhi river through its steep-sided gorge. At Prevallë, we left the car and began what turned out to be a strenuous climb over rocky paths and grassy slopes. We kept expecting the summit to appear, but every turn revealed another, until we finally reached our destination and were met with spectacular mountain views. Afterwards, we rewarded ourselves at Hotel Krojet with coffee and a reviving glass of raki. Roy Messenger
The Via dei Monti Lariani passes close to Mount Bregagno. Photograph: Mauritius/Alamy
This spring, my partner and I hiked the Via dei Monti Lariani, a 78-mile (125km) trail through the mountains on the western shore of Lake Como between Cernobbio and Sorico. Skirting the border between Italy and the Swiss canton of Ticino, the route passes through mountain pastures with views towards the Alps, and remote villages shaped by a history of cross-border smuggling. The accommodation is a highlight, ranging from Alpine rifugios to agriturismi, where we sampled regional specialities, including polenta uncia, polenta with local cheese and butter, and pizzoccheri, buckwheat pasta with cabbage and potatoes. Quiet trails, excellent food and complex history made it an especially rewarding route. Ross Cameron
Grand canyons of the Spanish Pyrenees
Santa Engràcia, high in the Pyrenees. Photograph: Chris Craggs/Alamy
This summer my family and I stayed at Fox House in the tiny village of Santa Engràcia in the Tremp valley, in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees. Perched on a cliff edge, the beautifully renovated guest house has panoramic views, eclectic art and a warm homely feel. Laura and Carl were excellent hosts, creating a relaxed atmosphere and serving delicious evening meals. Days were a mix of poolside downtime and outdoor adventure, including rafting, mountain biking, canyon kayaking and swimming in crystal blue lakes. Maria
Campsite with a view in Austria
Camping Grubhof is on the Saalach River. Photograph: APA/Alamy
Camping Grubhof, in the small town of Lofer between Salzburg and Zell am See, is simply beautiful. It’s an immaculate campsite, surrounded by mountains. Lofer (and the campsite) have direct access to a huge network of cycle trails as well as to the beautiful village swimming pool (free with the local access pass). Walking high in the mountains, surrounded by cows with bells is simply beautiful. Come the afternoon, there’s time for an apple strudel at a mountain hut and a glass of radler low alcohol beer. There is a camping meadow where you can pitch a tent and cabins to rent, as well as the best shower blocks I’ve come across. Mark
Winning tip: Stars, sunsets and glaciers in Italy
Rifugio Bertone has commanding views of surrounding peaks. Photograph: Universal Images Group/Getty Images
The views over Mont Blanc from Rifugio Bertone in Italy are incredible, but it’s the whole experience that makes it special – great food, proper mountain atmosphere, and the Balconata Val Ferret has some of the best walking in the area. It’s also near Courmayeur, which is a lovely town. Arrive for sunset, watch the light move across the glaciers, then look up at the stars as Mont Blanc disappears into the darkness. A brilliant place to eat, walk, breathe and simply take in the mountains. And it’s very affordable. Eddie Campbell
GETTING paid to travel the world is the ultimate dream job – and one Brit who gets to do just that has revealed her top bargain sun spots to escape to on a budget.
Having visited more than 20 TUI hotels and resorts, Lucy Langtry has travelled all over the world for the past four years for the company as a public relations manager.
Lucy has worked at TUI for four years and in that time travelled all over the worldCredit: Lucy Langtry
And as a result she knows the best sunny spots with cheap deals.
She said: “Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia have impressed me most for overall value.”
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Though, for a closer-to-home great value destination she recommends visiting the Albanian Alps, where “the scenery felt pristine and there were hardly any crowds”.
One particular spot she recommends is the village of Theth, where temperatures reach up to 20C in October.
She said: “There were hardly any crowds – it felt like discovering a part of Europe that not everyone had caught on to yet.”
The small mountain village in Northern Albania is surrounded by rugged and dramatic peaks.
In the village you will find traditional stone houses as well as amazing hiking routes that include waterfalls.
TUI has loads of accommodation options in the capital, Tirana, which makes a great base for exploring both the north and south of the country.
You could head to the Albanian Alps with small, quaint villagesCredit: AlamyOr Morocco, which is great value for money according to LucyCredit: Lucy Langtry
And packages could cost you as little as £173 per person for three nights in October, including flights and accommodation.
If you want to head slightly further afield, then Lucy recommends travelling to Morocco – where temperatures reach up to 20C in December.
She said: “Morocco is such a strong one for value, especially TUI BLUE Tikida Gardens [in Marrakech] which feels like a little oasis.
“It is so calm and relaxing, with that proper switch-off feel that makes you forget you are only a short flight from home, and you can spend your days exploring the colourful souks right on your doorstep.”
A three night stay at TUI BLUE Tikida Gardens costs from £335 per person in December including flights and accommodation.
But there are other packages available if you want to spend less, including three nights at the Moroccan House Marrakech in December from £216 per person.
Egypt is another top spotCredit: Lucy LangtryFor example, you could head to Hurghada which reaches temperatures of 35C in SeptemberCredit: Lucy Langtry
Or in Egypt, Lucy recommends visiting TUI BLUE Crystal Bay in Hurghada, Egypt, where temperatures reach 35C in September.
“Egypt has become the destination I recommend more than anywhere else, and TUI BLUE Crystal Bay captures everything I love about it.
“The hotel has a beautiful setting on the Red Sea, lovely pools, incredible service and a relaxed atmosphere that makes you feel like you are on holiday as soon as you arrive.
“It is the sort of hotel where you can spend the morning relaxing beside the water, have a long lunch and then head out into the desert for a completely different experience,” she said.
You could stay at the hotel in December for six nights including flights for £810 per person.
Or for a cheaper option you could head to Palm Inn Hotel also in Hurghada for seven nights in September, with flights and accommodation included, from £400 per person.
She added that while in Hurghada you can head on a TUI Musement excursion into the desert and watch the sunset from the top of a mountain.
She revealed: “It felt like another world. One moment you are enjoying a beautiful beach and a lovely hotel, then you are surrounded by this incredible desert landscape watching the whole sky change colour.”
You could head to Egypt for as little as £400pp in SeptemberCredit: Lucy LangtryAccording to Lucy there is also a island off Hurghada that feels like the MaldivesCredit: Lucy Langtry
Off Hurghada, you can also travel to Mahya Island, on a TUI Musement experience, where you will see clear water that “rivals photographs of the Maldives”.
For a hidden gem, she suggests heading to Jaz Elite Amara in Marsa Alam.
She said: “Marsa Alam is one of my favourite places in Egypt because it still feels less discovered than some of the better known resorts.
“The Red Sea is unbelievably clear and the marine life is incredible.”
Off the island you can head snorkelling with dugongs, also known as sea cows, as well as turtles.
She added: “It is perfect for anyone who wants a quieter side of the Red Sea, with incredible snorkelling right on their doorstep.”
Egypt also has great snorkellingCredit: Lucy LangtryTunisia has som great spots for family holidaysCredit: Alamy
Her final recommendation is Holiday Village AQI Skanes Resort in Tunisia costing from £436 for a six-night break in October, which Lucy commented is great for families.
She said: “The kids’ club was amazing. There was so much for children to do and the team brought such brilliant energy.
“You could see how excited the children were to go back each day, which I imagine is music to any parent’s ears.”
She added that the whole resort felt designed to make family holidays easy, with activities, entertainment and spaces where different ages could have fun.
She continued: “Tunisia itself really surprised me too.
“The beaches were beautiful, the people were incredibly friendly and the overall experience offered fantastic value.
“It is somewhere I would happily recommend to families who want plenty to do without spending a fortune.”
Last August, the smoky aroma of grilled sardines drifting over the beach in Portimão woke me up from my sunbathing on the beach. Attracted by the aroma of barbecued fish, we found ourselves in the old port where, for €12, I was served two delicious sandwiches on rustic bread of sardines in garlic and olive oil, with a small cold beer. I sat down, ate and chatted with locals on benches at simple communal tables. The important thing seemed to be to enjoy food together. The next morning, a reenactment of the fishing boats arriving loaded with fish, as they once were, was a real spectacle – complete with guitar playing, drum-banging and excited seagulls whirling and wailing above in the hope of a feast. Later, concerts and dancing animated the town as the party for the sardine festival went on well into the night. Cooking demos and dishes including sardine-based soup and salads, added to the enjoyment. I never imagined such pleasure could be had from the simple sardine. Joe
My wife and I visited the Faroe Islands a few years ago, where we took part in heimablídni, a concept where traditional Faroese food is served in a home. We found it to be one of the best ways to experience the Faroes and a unique experience to share a meal with a local family. Homecooked dishes showcase ingredients from the surrounding sea and mountains. We were served smoked salmon from the host’s own smoker, lamb, potatoes and traditional specialities, all accompanied with great conversation about Faroese life and traditions. Sitting around a family table makes the experience feel personal and authentic. Mike
A vegan feast in Sicily
Chickpea fritters in Palermo. Photograph: Randolph Images/Alamy
As a vegan who loves trying local cuisine, the combination of warm hospitality and a high proportion of locals with a lactose intolerance makes Sicily the ideal foodie getaway. Having hiked to the top of Monte Pellegrino in 35C heat, we popped into a small nondescript street-food shop (the only place that was open) and were delighted to find panelle – delicious crispy chickpea-flour fritters served in sesame bread. We ate them overlooking Palermo harbour. That evening, we tried Haiku, a vegan restaurant with reimagined classics based on dishes such as carbonara and tiramisu. It was so good we kept ordering more and more courses until we could barely move. Esther
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Strong spirits and small plates in Greece
Tsipouro and meze in Volos. Photograph: Wirestock/Alamy
The city of Volos is famous for its Tsipouradika – tavernas that serve tsipouro, a strong spirit made from pomace, the stems, skins and seeds that are left over from wine making. It comes plain or infused with botanicals and anise, and is served with ice and water. Each glass you order arrives with a different small plate or meze. It could be grilled peppers, sundried octopus, a spicy cheese spread or smoked mackerel. You take pot luck as to what the patron fancies dishing up that day. Barbara
The perfect snack to pair with Lithuanian beer
Every bar in Vilnius has its own version of kepta duona. Photograph: Ana del Castillo/Getty Images
In Vilnius, we came across the ultimate food pairing for the fantastic beers available there in the form of kepta duona – deep-fried rye bread with garlic and cheese. Every bar has a slightly different version – raw, roast or confit garlic with cream, melted or simply grated cheese. A heavenly snack that could easily become your main meal. Natalie
Vegan delights in the patisseries of Paris
Land & Monkeys patisserie. Photograph: Hemis/Alamy
Being an unfortunate combination of a foodie and a vegan, I was prepared for a weekend of staring longingly into patisserie windows when heading to Paris earlier this summer. I was not prepared for the unbridled joy awaiting me at the Land & Monkeys boulangeries/patisseries scattered across the capital. It began with an outrageously creamy raspberry petit gateaux from its Montmartre branch, followed by the unbelievable fluff and flake of a croissant aux champignons in the Marais the next day. A parting madeleine for the Eurostar on our last day was the pièce de résistance. Elinor
Tortellini with gorgonzola cheese and caramelised pears. Photograph: Caitlin McGraw
It was in Bologna, Italy’s self-proclaimed food capital, where I sampled the city’s signature dish of tortellini. We stumbled across Rosarose Bistrot, enticed by tables with red-checked cloths set in the middle of a cobblestone road. I enjoyed shells stuffed with tangy gorgonzola cheese and chunks of caramelised pears, a fruit I would usually avoid, but I placed trust in the regional delicacy. The fruit’s sweetness blended harmoniously with the strong cheese flavour; crispy and soft fried bread known as crescentine, was used to soak up the remaining sauce. It was only right to mark this culinary experience with a small tortellini keyring from a nearby gift shop, filled with various merchandise emblazoned with the pasta shell. Caitlin
Catalonia’s ultimate slow-food festival
Catalan snails being cooked on a wood fire. Photograph: Nito 100/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Last year, I discovered the ultimate slow-food festival – the Snail Feast of Lleida (L’Aplec del Caragol), 100 miles west of Barcelona. Over a long weekend, there was music, dancing, cooking and feasting, all in celebration of the tiny mollusc. Entrance to the festival is free, and visitors can enjoy traditional snail dishes in tents, local restaurants or simply in the town squares. I had two helpings of snails a la gormanda, cooked in a sauce of spicy paprika and herbs. Since attending the festival, I have been treading carefully in my garden in case I harm what I discovered are delicate and delicious creatures. Helen
Heavenly cakes in Slovenia
Bled cake is like a custard slice, but much better. Photograph: Varvara Kurakina/Alamy
Having travelled by train from Bristol down through the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Italy, we reached our penultimate stop, Lake Bled. We’d been awed by the beautiful Swiss alpine scenery, but Bled took it up a notch. After a day of cycling from Bled to Lake Bohinj and back, we refuelled on the local delicacy, Bled cake, a sumptuously smooth set custard encased in the lightest of mille-feuille pastry and topped with whipped cream. Imagine an English custard slice, only a million times better. It was so welcome after a day in the Slovenian mountain air, we made it a holiday habit. A Bled cake a day until we had to come home! Sara
Winning tip: delicious seafood soup in Spain
Sopa de pescado y marisco. Photograph: Gary Conner/Getty Images
Few meals linger in the memory like a proper Asturian sopa de pescado y marisco(seafood soup). After kayaking 10 miles down the Sella River, my reward in the town of Arriondas wasn’t a humble bowl of soup – it was a whole pan! Every flavour shone through in a broth packed with white fish, prawns and sweet crab claws, so extraordinarily rich it almost brought me to tears. I devoured it all, skipping the rest of the courses without regret. Years later in Gijón, history repeated itself. Even my soup-sceptical husband declared it the best he had ever tasted. In Asturias, fish soup isn’t a starter. It’s an obsession in a pot. Oksana
Cheryl looks poised to replace Sir Tom Jones on The Voice following his explosive statement on his axing and the latest bookies odds which seem to be in her favour
Cheryl could be about to replace Sir Tom Jones on The Voice(Image: PA)
Cheryl looks poised to replace Sir Tom Jones on The Voice. The former Girls Aloud star, 42, has taken time out of the spotlight in recent years but, almost 20 years after she joined The X Factor, it’s thought that she could be about to become a TV talent show judge all over again.
It all comes just days after it emerged that music legend Tom, 86, who first appeared on The Voice in 2012, had been axed from his position and made it clear that he didn’t want to leave.
The insider went on to claim that the whole situation could’ve been dealt with better and alleged that Tom’s fans have been left “furious” by the whole thing.
It comes as bookmaker Coral has priced up the contenders to join the new coaching panel on The Voice UK, with former I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! star Aitch long odds-on at 1-8 and Cheryl even shorter at 1-10 to take one of the hot seats.
With ITV reportedly planning a major shake-up to the hit singing show, Coral makes Olly Murs 6-1 to be signed up, Rita Ora can be backed at 8-1 and Jess Glynne is 10-1.
“The odds suggest Aitch and Cheryl look very likely to join the new-look coaching panel on the next series of The Voice. Both have been popular in our betting, and it would be a big surprise if they did not appear on the red seats next year,” said Coral’s John Hill.
In his post, Tom said he was ‘not thrilled’ by what ITV have offered him. He wrote: “To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience. “ITV made this decision – obviously a while ago, and I was just told recently.
“The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance. They now say in the press they want to ‘refresh’ the show, and a new coaching line-up there wouldn’t be a chair for me.
“They are offering a much-reduced role where I would make an appearance but without being actually involved from the start, and I’m not thrilled about that. So the only thing I know right now is that there’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.”
A spokesperson for The Voice told the Mirror: “We have loved working with Sir Tom Jones over the past nine years on The Voice UK. While he will no longer be a full-time coach on series 15, we continue to talk to Sir Tom and his team about his involvement in the next series.”
24 Hours in Police Custody fans have been left gutted as fan favourite Tom Hamm revealed he’s left the show.
Detective Sergeant Tom Hammhas announced he’s officially retired after more than 22 years of police service and seven years on the show.
Detective Sergeant Tom Hamm has quit the Channel 4 showCredit: channel 4Detective Sergeant Tom Hamm has been on the show intermittently for seven yearsCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
He shared the news with his fans on social media this week, writing: “So tonight is likely to be my last appearance on #24hoursinpolicecustody.
“I hope that the episodes I have appeared in have somehow influenced people by showing the difficulties that police face when investigating crime. Thanks for the support.”
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Tom’s followers were devastated by the news.
One wrote: “Happy retirement Tom, I bet all the free time you get will be a breath of fresh air.”
Hamid was arrested but the four attackers have never been identifiedCredit: The Garden Productions
A second said: “Happy retirement Tom! Love the series, its great to see what goes on behind the scenes. Time to relax now.”
“The series won’t be the same without you working on the team. Well done to your team and everyone else who was involved,” this person posted.
The last episode featured a 17-year-old boy was left for dead under a railway bridge, suffering traumatic brain injuries.
Police originally thought he was a victim of a hit-and-run in Luton in June 2022.
They boy survived but had life-changing injuries.
Tom, who worked for Bedfordshire Police, said: “This case, for me was quite emotional because the victim was a twin and I have twin boys of similar ages to him and the parallel of how my children’s lives and the difficulties and circumstances of his life was something that played on my mind.”
“I could put myself in the position of his parents and how I would feel if I got that knock on the door from a police officer saying one of them had been hurt.
“This, by the grace of God, could be me.
“And I understand how it would affect the other twin.
“They do share a different bond than other siblings I think.
“Knowing how close mine are, if one of them is suddenly not there, it does affect them deeply.”
He had another reason to feel personally attached because of an enduring regret over the loss in quick succession of first his father and then his mother.
Tom’s personal feelings are evident in the two-part documentary,24 Hours in Police Custody, in which he and his team investigate the mystery of why a 17-year-old boy was left critically injured on the roadside after suffering catastrophic head injuries.
“Initially, we didn’t know who the victim was, and we were working hard to establish his identity,” says Tom, who has now retired from Luton CID after 22 years of service.
At first, it looked like a hit and run but as all the injuries were to his head, medics believed they were inconsistent with a car collision.
When the victim’s twin brother arrived at the police station, he told them that he believed his brother had come to Luton from London to meet a girl.
But then he learnt on social media that he had been involved in some sort of altercation,
With the victim lying in hospital in a life-threatening coma, Tom told his team their priority was to get his family by his bedside as soon as possible.
He discovered that the case was linked to a county line drugs trade, where drugs are moved between different part of the country.
Hamid was found guilty of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm and was sentenced to 10 years and nine months in jail.
Jasmine Aldrich was also charged with conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm but was found not guilty.
DESPITE being island-dwellers ourselves, there’s something much more exciting about a holiday abroad on one.
There’s the party islands of Ibiza or how about a trip to the Caribbean complete with pina coladas?
The Sun Travel team reveal their island favesCredit: GettyAnd offer top tips for finding a bargainCredit: Getty
The Sun Travel team have certainly racked up the air miles when it comes to travelling the world, and have found their ultimate island holidays along the way.
That’s not to say there aren’t a few closer to home that we love, including ones across Scotland and Wales.
So here are some of our faves – and our top tips for finding a bargain.
Sicily
Sicily is a great cheaper alternative to the Amalfi coastCredit: Alamy
Skip Tuscany or the Amalfi coast – if you want a cheap Italy experience, go to Sicily for £5 Aperol Spritzs instead of £15, or £4 takeaway pizzas.
I enjoyed an idyllic stay in Ad Astra, a villa right on the beach at Finale di Pollina, part of the hand-picked collection from Wish Sicily.
With four bedrooms, a gorgeous pool and wonderful outside eating areas, it would have been tempting to just laze around on the sunbeds, taking the occasional dip in the sea.
But there’s so much more to enjoy here with the nearby medieval hilltop village of Pollina, home to sleepy streets, ancient amphitheatres and £2 glasses of wine.
We escaped the crowds by taking a dip in the clear waters of the pebble bay of Spiaggia Torre Conca, tucked beneath the cliffs by Finale di Pollina.
Just minutes from the villa was the rustic Beach Club Costa Turchina, a family-run restaurant with £10 bowls of pasta, and massive dinner plate-sized steaks for £14.
For 2026, the owners are expanding and are offering yurt stays with private hot tubs in a field next to the restaurant, and you can hire bikes, scooters and boats from the club as well.
Sicily delivered great value, far less crowds and a slice of la dolce vita without the price tag! – Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Golden Isles, France
Porquerolles is part of the Golden Isles off the coast of FranceCredit: AlamyHead of Travel Lisa Minot is a fan of French islands
The Golden Isles off the coast of the South of France – and made up of three Caribbean-like, unspoilt islands – offer an incredibly peaceful antidote to the crowds of the Cote D’Azur.
Porquerolles is the largest despite being just 7km long and 3km wide and is car free, with 50kms of cycle paths instead (you can rent bicycles in the main village).
There is the pine-fringed beach of Plage Notre Dame, or Plage du Langoustier on the island’s western-most tip has a strip of sparkling white sand to the north, and a black sand beach to the south (save time for Restaurant Porquerollais for traditional Med fish specialities).
Smaller Port Cros is a rugged haven for hikers and snorkellers, also with no cars, but also no bikes and absolutely no smoking allowed anywhere outdoors to protect this piece of paradise, France’s first marine national park.
(For the freshest seafood and colourful cocktails, reserve a table at Restaurant Hostellerie Provencale right next to the harbour.)
And finally Ile De Levant has yet another surprise up its sleeve.
While most of the island is inaccessible for military testing, Heliopolis is one of Europe’s oldest naturist villages, founded in 1931 and clothes are entirely optional everywhere on the island, except in the harbour and village square.
Getting to the islands is easy too, with regular ferries to Porquerolles from Hyeres taking just 15 to 20 minutes and other regular boat transfers to Port Cros and Ile de Levant from nearby coastal towns like Le Lavandou. – Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Eilean Shona
One of Scotland’s most beautiful islands is Eilean ShonaCredit: AlamySome of the waters are just as clear as those in the MaldivesCredit: TripAdvisor
Did you know that Scotland has around 900 offshore islands and only between 94 and 97 of these are permanently inhabited? I would say that makes them more special to visit.
Eilean Shona is a tiny tidal island in the Inner Hebrides, about an hour from Fort William.
To reach the island – where only nine people live – you need to take a small ferry and once there you won’t find cars or roads.
Instead, you’ll find a green haven with abundant wildlife and cosy cottages to stay in.
To visit the island, you must be booked to stay in one of the various accommodations on the island – which cost from £1,100 per week for two people (so £78.58 per person per night).
There’s not much to do on the island itself – but for those who want a peaceful retreat or love hiking it is the ideal spot.
And make sure to visit Shoe Bay at one end of the island – it boasts a white sand beach with crystal clear waters that looks like the Maldives. – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Spinalonga
Spinalonga is tiny but makes for a great day trip from CreteCredit: AlamyOne of the tourist highlights are the ancient Venetian fortressesCredit: Alamy
Spinalonga is a small island off the northeast coast of Crete known for its huge 16th century Venetian fortress that later became one of Europe’s last active leper colonies between 1903 and 1957.
The fortress itself dates back to 1579 and when you visit the island, you can see some of the ruined buildings as well as others that are more intact.
There are information points across the island as well, where you can learn about the history of Spinalonga.
The island is great for a half-day trip, the ferry only takes about 10 minutes to reach Spinalonga from Plaka – a pretty Cretian town with a few shops and tavernas overhanging the water.
A round-trip boat transfer from Plaka to Spinalonga costs €12 (£10.28) for adults and €6 (£5.14) for children.
The boats run every 30 minutes. – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Puerto Rico
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill fell in love with Puerto RicoIf you love Bad Bunny and pina coladas, the island is one for youCredit: Alamy
Sun, sand, sea and some of the best food I’ve ever eaten – Puerto Rico is an island that I cannot fault.
Firstly off, even if you’re heading elsewhere on the island, its capital, San Juan, is not to be missed.
The colourful streets are ripe for exploring during the day filled with cafes and jewellery shops, then as night falls, the bars come alive enticing you in with loud music and cheap drinks.
Nearby is the trendy neighbourhood of Santurce which is known to be one of Bad Bunny’s favourites thanks to its huge street murals
My favourite part though was exploring the western region of the island to find its incredible beaches like Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla.
The popular family spot has soft sand perfect for sunbathing, and it’s Caribbean Sea so it’s warm to swim in too (the north coast of the island borders the Atlantic Ocean).
It’s tradition here to jump off the fishing pier too. Another is Jobos Beach in Isabela which is a prime surfing spot for both advanced and beginners.
Food in Puerto Rico is delicious, but don’t expect to be healthy – from mofongo (fried balls of mashed plantain) or tasty empanadillas… you’ll definitely be feeling the extra pounds on your way back. Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
Anglesey
A favourite staycation destination is Anglesey in WalesCredit: AlamyGrab a coffee, go for a paddle and then go to Puffin Island for the perfect dayCredit: Alamy
Anglesey has all the ingredients for a Great British break – beautiful beaches, plenty of attractions and when it comes to nature, quite often you’ll see dolphins, grey seals and puffins off the coast.
During my visit, I set up camp in the little village of Moelfre which was incredibly quiet even during the height of summer.
It’s not the place for huge entertainment, but what you’ll find instead are gorgeous pubs, a cute little coffee shop called Ann’s Pantry and beach of its own called Taeth Moelfre.
If you’re after a longer stretch of sand to go out and paddle or sunbathe, then head to Traeth Lligwy for golden shores and a sandbank when the tide goes out so the kids can carry on playing without going too far.
To see more of the island, definitely take or hire a car so you can drive to Beaumaris to see its castle and pier.
If it’s not too windy then make sure to hop on the ferry to see Puffin Island – a small wildlife sanctuary for the birds on the eastern side of Angelesey.
I loved our cottage we stayed in called Bryn Awel and sleeps up to six people.
With seven nights costing £577 (or £13.74ppn each), it’s snug with a cosy woodburner to fire up in the winter months and a large suntrap patio for the summertime. Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
Ibiza
Ibiza is well known for its party trips but there is more to itCredit: AlamyAssistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski goes nearly every yearCredit: Alamy
My deep-rooted love for Spain’s White Isle is shared among many Brits. It’s cheap and easy to reach from the UK, with plenty of flights, and is now littered with some of the hottest restaurants and chicest hotels in Europe.
While many come here to party (the island is home to UNVRS, the largest nightclub in the world, and Hï, frequently voted one of the best in the world) those in the know appreciate its quieter side and rustic beauty.
A holiday in Ibiza, for me, is rarely complete without a boat trip around the coast, stopping off at secluded coves where you’ll find nothing other than a few locals playing chess above the craggy rocks.
You don’t have to spend hundreds. SamBoat has some very affordable deals.
Beach clubs and bars are, of course, in abundance, but they come with a hefty price tag these days.
So if you’re strapped for cash, just lay a towel down and enjoy the vibes. Afterall, every beach in Ibiza is publicly owned, so no one can stop you enjoying the sands.
If you are willing to splurge a little, Beach House in Playa d’en Bossa is one of my all-time favourites.
The food is outstanding – think grilled king crab and sizzling rice dishes – while the atmosphere is mellow and rather unpretentious compared to some other spots. Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Sri Lanka
Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski fell in love with Sri Lanka last yearBA is even about to launch new flights to Sri Lanka this yearCredit: Alamy
I still lust over the meals I ate during my trip to Sri Lanka. Choose local and you won’t regret it – just make sure to alert the staff if you’re not good with spice.
Authentic restaurants will also charge you a much more reasonable price than the plush holiday resorts.
Keep your eyes peeled for hoppers, a traditional street food that’s essentially a spongy bowl-shaped pancake, often served with a soft egg at its centre and used to scoop up all manner of curries and saucy dishes.
The east coast is where to head for a more laidback and quieter scene, away from the crowded tourist areas in the south.
The sands here are so white and the waters so blue, it felt as close to paradise as I’ll ever get.
Don’t be surprised to spot cows strolling along the sands while you kip on your sunlounger or monkeys poised in the trees above, waiting to pinch your chips.
The wildlife is so spectacular here and another reason why I love this island so much.
In the more suburban areas you may even spot elephants casually crossing the road, bringing traffic to a halt. Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Phuket
For the ultimate cheap winter sun, Phuket in Thailand is tough to beatCredit: AlamyWhere else can you find fantastic street food and beers for just a few quid?Credit: Alamy
It’s no surprise to me that Thailand’s second largest island attracts up to 14 million visitors annually.
Phuket is home to beaches that look like those in the movies: fringed by swaying palm trees and overlooking a clear ocean that is teeming with colourful fish.
Ao Sane Beach and Kata Noi Beach are two popular spots where you can snorkel without needing to shell out for a boat trip.
It may cost you a wad of cash to fly here but once you’re on the island, basics are really budget-friendly.
Find your nearest night market and get fully stuck in, exploring the food stalls serving sizzling fish, meat and potatoes on a skewer or dancing to live music.
Food tends to be cheap and properly authentic and you can pick up local beers for around 60 baht (£1.34) or affordable, hand-made clothing – just be warned, Thai people tend to be tiny in comparison to Brits, so you’ll likely need to up-size.
For a bit of culture, make your way to the peak of the Nakkerd Hills to observe the Big Buddha, a 45-metre-high statue made from tiny marbles. Phuket Old Town is great to potter around, too.
Some of the trendy coffee shops wouldn’t look out of place in a sweet market town right here in the UK. Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Ria Formusa
Go to Portugal if you want Caribbean like sands, according to Deputy Travel Editor Kara GodfreyIlha Deserta looks like it is thousands of miles awayCredit: Alamy
Just off the coast of Faro is the Ria Formosa, a protected lagoon area with a number of tiny islands.
They’re easy to get to, with boats just a few euros and being no more than 45 minutes.
My favourite was Ilha Deserta, also known as Baretta.
We had the white sandy beaches all to ourselves, with the only thing on the island being the standalone restaurant Restaurante Estaminé (come for the panoramic views, stay for the succulent fresh fish).
Or there is the slightly, but barely more built up Ilha Culatra, with a few more beach shacks and cafes but just as stunning stretches of water.
You’re best staying on the mainland as most of these places are both car and hotel free, with hotels from around £65 a night.
Or splash the cash on 3HB Faro, the only five star hotel in town complete with rooftop bar and trendy, mod-conned rooms. Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Isla del Cano
You won’t have heard of Isla del Cano – as it strictly limits touristsYou can’t stay the night but it is is worth a day trip to feel like you are on a desert island
Some of my favourite islands around the world are the ones that make you feel like you’re the only person on the planet.
It’s a wildlife reserve, so you can’t stay on the island, but you can explore the waters by boat before hopping onto land for a drink and beach shower.
Having the place almost to ourselves, we saw everything from turtles and humpback whales to bright corals.
For the best views, climb the wooden lookout platform to overlook the waters, where you can see the multicoloured waters mixing together.
They even limit the amount of daily visitors to just 200, to try and protect the ecosystem, and guides must have an official permit.
Robinson Crusoe, eat your heart out.
Stay at Drake Bay, as this is where the boats leave for the island. You can find home stays and cheap hotels from around £30 a night. Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
BOURNEMOUTH is one of the most popular seaside towns in the UK, pulling in millions of visitors every year to its pretty beaches.
But there’s so much more to it than just its coastline, as Michael Regenhard, who manages the Bournemouth Highcliff Hotel, reveals.
Michael Regenhardt is the Multi Property General Manager of the Bournemouth HighcliffCredit: SuppliedThere’s lots more to do in Bournemouth as well as enjoy its beautiful beachesCredit: Alamy
Michael Regenhardt left Germany for Bournemouth 20 years ago and he’s lived there ever since – what did he make of it when he first arrived?
He told us: “I’m German, so you look at the English and think they do all these weird and wonderful things. Then when you live here – I eat my lamb with mint sauce now – my mother will never forgive me for that.”
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Michael continued: “I wear brown suede shoes now too. And when I came to Bournemouth – it was the first time I went to an amusement arcade I was given a bundle of coins and I thought ‘what do I do with this?’
“But now, when I have friends come to visit, I take them on the lift down to the beach – then we go there and their eyes light up.
“I see it with Brits too because it’s nostalgic – it takes them back to their childhood. It’s a lovely experience – then we go for fish and chips afterwards.
“You can’t get more English than that.”
Here are his top Bournemouth recommendations.
Hotels
Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel sits high above the beachCredit: Supplied
Being the Multi Property General Manager of the beautiful Bournemouth Highcliff (and the Portsmouth Marriott) – Michael has to recommend it to visitors.
“The Highcliff is 150-years-old and was initially just four townhouses then it was converted into a hotel. Next to us we have the original coastguard cottages that Bournemouth had when the smugglers still came across the sea.
“They go back to around 1830 – and they’re part of the hotel as well. Now they’re rooms, with a little garden in front of them.”
The coastal cottages are now beautiful rooms that guests can stay inCredit: Mike Caldwell
“Winston Churchill stayed here at the beginning of World War Two – he was actually declared wartime leader at the hotel.”
Michael continued: “We have 160 bedrooms and the hotel sits on top of the cliff, so we get the best views out of most of the hotels I would say.
“We have Brasserie Blanc, it’s our restaurant partner, and we have an outdoor swimmingpool.”
Restaurants
“I have one in the summer which is called El Murrino – it’s right on the beach. But it’s only open from April until September.
“It has good vibes, it has good food – it’s very simple, pizzas, burgers, salads, cocktails and beers. But it’s one of the only restaurants right on the beach.
“We have a place for Tiien Thai, which I have to say, is in my hotel. It’s not part of the hotel, but it is inside. It’s been around for almost 12 years and I think it’s the best Thai restaurant in the south.
El Murrino is a seasonal beach bar right on the sandCredit: UnknownAruba has a tropical feel and an outdoor terrace looking over the pierCredit: TripAdvisor
“I’m a Panang man – it’s what I have every time I go. And they have the best crispy squid, or calamari.”
Bars
When it comes to beach bars, he said there aren’t many, but praises Aruba which overlooks the pier, saying there is “always a good vibe in there during the evening”.
He added: “We have a place called The Botanist now in the square in the old Debenhams building – it’s very beautiful and it’s on the rooftop.
“You take an old staircase up, and it is a restaurant too but they have a lovely outside bar – you overlook the square and the Lower Gardens.
“Our hotel has a bar as well, it’s part of Brasserie Blanc, they have a fantastic terrace – but that would be biased from me!”
Pubs
“One in the town centre is called The Sun which has recently been refurbished, it used to be called 60 Million Postcards.
“It has a good look to it with a big terrace.
“Then there’s a couple up in The Triangle, they’re a bit older; The Branksome is one of those.
“There’s two pubs in the main square too – like the Wetherspoons. It depends what you want.”
Date night spots
“Go back to the Urban Garden as a restaurant because you can go on a romantic walk there too through the gardens, take the staircase, it’s half in the jungle.
“Afterwards, if you’re a bit younger, I’d say go down to 1812 which is next to the BIC.
“It’s a huge building and there’s a cocktail bar inside there – it gets busy on Fridays and Saturdays.
“But it’s a nice setting, especially if you sit outside.”
Best beaches
Sandbanks has pretty sandy beaches and is much quieter during the weekCredit: AlamyBournemouth has miles and miles of coastlineCredit: Getty
“One really nice beach is if you go towards Sandbanks, the beach is beautiful, there aren’t any stones – but it is busy.
“During the week, it’s much quieter.
“Branksome is a lovely beach with two lovely restaurants there and it’s a nice, family-friendly spot. It’s not too busy – and you can only park in the Chines.
“I don’t think there’s a bad spot in Bournemouth though.”
Hidden gems
“One of those is Sobo Beach, which is in Southbourne. It’s very much a neighbourhood beach and is usually quiet, but busy enough that it has a good vibe.
“SOBO Beach Bar and Restaurant is great too – it’s very quirky, a bit Miami, very colourful with good music on the weekend.
“During the week it’s part of the neighbourhood where people go for coffees in the morning and so on. That’s a great beach and it’s not busy.
“If I give one tip – if you ever go to the beach, avoid the piers. Go 200 metres one way or the other, it’s just too packed.
“There are miles and miles of beach.”
Local experiences
These are some of England’s most expensive beach hutsCredit: AlamyWestbourne is the place to visit for unique shopsCredit: Alamy
“Past Southbourne is a little place called Tuckton, and when you speak to all the English tourists they talk about Tuckton Tea Garden – but that’s not the experience I’m talking about.
“They have a mini marina there and from there you take boat trips up to Mudeford Spit. It’s like little boats for eight or nine people, then you drive up the river a bit, go part Christchurch and come out on Christchurch Bay.
“It’s a beautiful little trip. Then when you get there you have England’s most expensive beach huts, which go for around £250,000 and over.
“They are the only beach huts where you can stay overnight and some of them have dual aspect so you can see the Isle of Wight and Christchurch Bay.
“It’s a beautiful trip. There’s a little train as well which goes to Hengistbury Head and from there you can take a bus or a cab back.
“Not many people know about that.”
Family attractions
“There’s the Oceanarium – it’s something for the whole family. It’s right on the pier, they have penguins there.
“It’s nicely done with lots of activities, quite educational – it’s a nice thing to do as a family.
“The pier has a zipwire, and a climbing centre now too. Overall, the pier has lots of little activities for families.
“As for attractions – it’s really all about the beach.”
Shopping
“I’d say Westbourne which from the hotel is a five-minute drive away.
“It’s a very nice, older kind of neighbourhood; it has an arcade with shops inside and the high street isn’t one long road, it’s more of a loop.
“They’re all very individual shops, with nice cafes, lovely restaurants – it’s all a bit quirky.
“It takes you away from the classic shopping centre – which we do have.”
Cheap food spots
At the Pier View Kitchen you can pick up breakfast for £5Credit: TripAdvisor The Russell Cotes Museum sits on Eastcliff and is full of art workCredit: Alamy
“Where the pier is, there’s the Pier View Kitchen and it’s got a huge terrace, it’s half self-service and half service.
“But they have everything you need and you can pick up a bacon butty and a coffee for £5.
“It does what it says on the tin and you can look over the whole pier approach.”
Sweet treats and coffee
“There are two places that aren’t far from each other – there’s a place called Fika on Westover Road.
“It’s where the Pavilion is, and they’re really individual coffee shop, it’s a lovely place to eat, they do ice creams too – it’s very cute.
“Then there’s another coffee spot I recommend called BigWigs – it’s a family bakery that have a few places dotted through Bournemouth.
“Great pastries, cakes and great coffee – they serve Bad Hand coffee which is a local coffee roastery.
“Then you have Bad Hands itself which is up towards the Triangle, that’s where their roastery is, and they have a coffee shop now too.”
Cheap activities
“We had a group recently that hired some bikes and went all along the promenade from one end to the other. And the best time to do that? 8 o’clock in the morning – it’s stunning.
“That’s a nice way of doing some sightseeing while in Bournemouth. If you’re looking for something free to do, head to the beach.”
Cultural activities
“There’s the Russell Cotes Museum on Eastcliff in a beautiful old building which goes back over 100 years.
“It used to be family owned and the people in there loved collecting art and sculptures and it was slowly turned into a museum.
“It’s very beautiful and inside, it’s fantastic and it’s Bournemouth-centric.
“That’s from the pier, five minutes up the hill – there are also some art galleries on Westover Road if that takes your fancy.”
Best views
Explore nearby Swanage on a Breezer BusCredit: AlamyMudeford Spit is a place most tourists heading to Bournemouth won’t visitCredit: Alamy
“So if you go over to Mudeford Spit, that is attached to Hengistbury Head – and you want to go to the oppositesidee of Sandbanks.
“It’s not a mountain, it’s a hill and it’s beautiful to walk, you can go along the beach and around it – or up and over.
“Once you’re on top of it, you see the Isle of Wight and The Needles, Swanage and Christchurch – it’s absolutely beautiful.
“When the regatta is on over on the Isle of Wight you can see all the ships too.
“The best time to do it in the early morning when it’s clearer – you can see for miles.”
Michael has some final tips as a local…
“I just say prepare for the weather! It’s one of the main things that people do wrong.
“It could be sunny and then it gets cold – which it always does in the evenings.
“As I said before there’s never the wrong weather, just the wrong clothes – and I’d say Bournemouth is just as lovely in the autumn and winter.
“It’s lovely in the summer months but it can be a bit too much – if you come out of season, October, November – it doesn’t matter, it’s still lovely. Just put your jacket on.”
Ferrara in Emilia-Romagnawon me over precisely because it feels like Italy with the volume turned down. I stayed in a small family-run hotel near Via delle Volte, where mornings began with quiet cobbled streets and the smell of fresh pastries. The Palazzo dei Diamanti was almost empty when I visited, giving me space to enjoy its Renaissance art without crowds. Evenings meant cycling past terracotta walls to tiny trattorias serving pumpkin cappellacci, a traditional pasta dish. It’s a city that lets you slow down, breathe and enjoy its beauty. John
One of Germany’s greenest cities
The Great Garden at Herrenhausen. Photograph: DPA/AFP/Getty Images
Next to flashy Munich or cool Berlin, Hanover in northern Germany has a reputation of being boring. It is totally undeserved: there are world-class museums, such as the modern art gallery Sprengel, one of the best-preserved baroque gardens in Europe – the Great Garden at Herrenhausen – impressive Victorian era architecture, 640 hectares (1,680 acres) of city forest (the Eilenriede, nearly double the size of New York’s Central Park) and a large artificial lake just south of the centre that you can travel on with a bus ticket (or hire a boat). Explore the city and its surroundings on more than 600 miles of cycle paths, find independent shops in the well-heeled art nouveau district of List or the multicultural Linden, and relax in a deck chair on Ballhofplatz with tea and cake at the Teestübchen. Ulrike
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The Algarve’s city of crafts
The market in Loulé was designed in a neogothic style. Photograph: Cristina Arias/Getty Images
Bursting with Portuguese charm, Loulé is 10 miles inland from Faro, capital of the Algarve. The small city has a rich history of preserving traditional crafts, supported by Loulé Criativo, a network of community-driven artisans that keeps alive and celebrates the identity of Loulé and the Algarve. It includes the House of Weaving (Casa da Empreita) and the Watchmakers (Oficina do Relojoeiro) and Stringed Instrument Workshop (Oficina de Cordofones). In these vibrant spaces – where visitors can interact with artisans – the city’s heritage is preserved and passed down through generations. Sue
Unesco sites in northern France
The belfry of the Hotel de Ville at Place des Heros in Arras is a Unesco world heritage site. Photograph: Aliaksandr Antanovich/Getty Images
Arras, 35 minutes on the train from Lille, has two Unesco world heritage sites: the belfry of the Hotel de Ville and the Vauban Citadel. Exploring the Boves, a 10th-century network of tunnels which played roles in the first and second world wars, is an amazing experience. Above are two magnificent large squares in the Flemish style with a wide variety of alfresco cafes, restaurants and indie shops. Arras also holds one of the biggest Christmas markets north of Paris, noted for its amazing range of international gourmet foods. Bryan Boese
Artistry and cake in Sweden’s beautiful south
Points of View, the 2017 sculptures by Tony Craig, outside the free Malmö Konsthall arts centre. Photograph: Danita Delimont/Alamy
Malmö is easily accessible (being connected by bridge to Copenhagen) and very walkable. We enjoyed the free Malmö Konsthall arts centre with contemporary exhibitions and also the skateboard artistry in the square outside. The Western Harbour contains architectural gems, such as the twisted skyscraper Turning Turso, restaurants and swimming piers in a former industrial area. The cafe Hollandia offered classic Swedish cakes and a lovely atmosphere. The Disgusting Food Museum next door was an interesting cultural experience showing food considered to be delicacies in some countries, not so much in others. A sign shows the number of people who have thrown up (visit Hollandia first)! Elisabeth
Brilliant beach and seafood in Sardinia
The beautiful sandy beach of Poetto. Photograph: S Parente/Best of Travel/RM/Alamy
If you can tear yourself away from Poetto – surely one of the prettiest city beaches in Europe – you’ll find a lot more to love in Cagliari, capital of Sardinia. The huge indoor produce market is a riot of glistening seafood, local pecorino and sweet, nutty Sardinian treats. The town centre strides uphill from the port, with the elegant bulwark of Bastione St Remy delineating the ancient Castello district and serving up epic rooftop and coastal views. We missed the renowned archaeological museum, but that just gives us the perfect excuse to go back. Cagliari’s affordable seafood was a definite highlight, and Trattoria Lillicu’s chargrilled bream and calamari is another tempting reason to hurry back. Martha
The windows of the cathedral in the city of León are simply breathtaking. Photograph: Around the Corner Pics/Alamy
In León, colours grab your attention and take away words. León cathedral completely wrongfooted me. This city seems to be under the British tourist radar. I thought I’d already seen stained glass that was worthy of heaven – this was another level. Coupled with this was how visitors were reacting. Everyone was using the free audio guide. No one was just marching round and ticking off the sights. People were learning and savouring the experience. The humble ninth-century San Isidoro church, one of the most important romanesque buildings in Spain, is a refreshing contrast. Deborah
Norway’s art nouveau gem
The art nouveau waterfront of Ålesund. Photograph: Rudi1976/Alamy
Ålesund is one of Norway’s most beautiful stops on an already spectacular western coast, despite having been devastated by fire in 1904. We reached the small, rebuilt art nouveau city via the breathtaking winding roads of the Trollstigen (the “Troll’s Path”) and had our first sighting from the top of the panoramic Aksla mountain viewpoint. Exactly 418 steps lead down to the historic centre where museums, cafes, restaurants and shops cluster around the Brosundet Canal in renovated warehouses and ornate buildings. Kayaking, a rib boat ride or a trip to the stunning Geirangerfjord? We couldn’t choose so did them all! Teresa Stansby
The French city with a bit of everything
Saint-Malo’s tidal bathing pool. Photograph: Sasha Samardzija/Getty Images
I spent five days in Saint-Malo this August. It has everything: a beautiful walled city with lots of history, a variety of beaches offering shifts in light and character throughout the day, a modernist tidal pool with a high diving platform. The city has so much pride, and the art inspired by its famous landmarks make for great souvenirs. My favourite thing, though? The wonderful cider at La Passage (on Instagram) with my sister. And despite the heat everywhere else, the temperature never got above 25C. Sophie Amos
Winning tip: a watery Dutch master of a city
Leiden in the Netherlands is full of canals, squares and cafes. Photograph: Peter Conner/Alamy
Leiden starts badly. The walk from the station is grim. Scruffy bars and vape shops. And then, suddenly, this watery Dutch gem reveals itself. Canals shoot off from a boat-filled basin, each one lined with grand brick mansions tapering to elegant finials under the sort of blue lowland skies that typify every good (and bad) Flemish painting. Dig deeper into its narrow traffic-free courtyards and squares with cafes spilling out light and chatter, much as they did when Rembrandt trudged to the school that still stands here, just round the corner from his first tutor’s studio. He’d find it mostly unchanged if he walked back. At Christmas, an ice rink spreads across the main canal, and the smell of warm wine, cloves and crepes hovers over the market stalls. Bill Jones
Master woodworker Norman Wilkinson is set to make a surprise return to television today after a lengthy break from the programme.
Sarah Moore revealed that her former co-star Norman will be back on screen when the new series returns on Monday (August 31) afternoon.
Speaking alongside fellow co-star Jacqui Joseph, Sarah was asked about her standout moments from the upcoming series, during which she revealed that Norman’s comeback was one of the things she was most excited about.
She explained that he had been away from the programme for “like eight, nine series”, despite being a firm favourite with viewers.
She said: “I think the standout item was Norman, who was off our screens for like eight, nine series. And he was absolutely the favourite of so many people who watched the series, and we couldn’t really comment on why he wasn’t on it anymore or anything like that.”
Now, however, Norman has returned to the show for a very different kind of project. According to Sarah, he was brought back to carry out an impressive transformation involving an old organ.
“But he came back to do an amazing transformation of an organ, a sort of small church organ,” she explained. Sarah admitted she was delighted to see him back and praised the work he had done on the unusual piece.
“I think it’s just so lovely that he’s back on, he made a great job of it. So I think people would be really pleased to see him.” She went on to describe the finished creation as one of the standout pieces from the new series. Sarah said: “The standout moment was Norman; he did such a solid job.”
The restoration involved transforming a smashed-up 1920s organ into a bespoke writing desk, with Sarah particularly impressed by how timeless the finished item looked.
“It just looks like the kind of furniture that you know in 200 years’ time people will be using it,” she said. “And it was a beautiful desk made out of an organ, and people won’t even know that it was ever anything else. It’s just such a great makeover.”
Norman’s return is set to be one of the talking points of the new series, particularly after such a long absence from the programme. He will appear in the first episode of the 19th series.
Money for Nothing broadcasts Monday – Thursday at 2pm on BBC One and is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Kylie later playfully roasted Kim’s dance movesCredit: GettyThe Kardashian-Jenner family are well-known from the show Keeping Up With The Kardashians on TVCredit: Getty
She shared: “Probably your auntie Kiki [Kim’s nickname]. I think she’d be okay with me saying that.”
“I do want them bigger,” she confessed on her best pal Stassie’s Better Half podcast.
She went on to add: “I say it every day. I’m like, ‘They need to be bigger and more out there. I want my tits to walk in before I do’.”
Kylie previously opened up about getting a breast augmentation at age 19 and expressed deep regret.
Speaking on Hulu’s The Kardashians in 2023, Kylie said: “You know I got my breasts done before Stormi, within six months of having Stormi, not thinking I would have a child when I was 20.
“They were still healing,” she explained, adding: “I had beautiful breasts. Just gorgeous, perfect size.
“I just wish I never got them done, to begin with.”