A row soon ensued when Jimmy accused Adam of being “abusive, aggressive and intimidating”. He then asked what hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly thought of what happened, but Jimmy wasn’t happy with Ant’s response.
“He wanted everyone to see the shocking unedited version of the fight. Adam swore at him multiple times and most bystanders were shocked by his actions so Jimmy felt it was the last chance for viewers to see the full extent of his behaviour,” a source said.
“He was hugely disappointed in Ant and Dec for appearing to take Adam’s side and feels like he has been made a scapegoat. “Jimmy isn’t an angry person but he will stand up for what’s right.”
Jimmy was also said to be disappointed that Gemma Collins appeared to back Adam during the show.
The source told The Sun: “He was also disappointed his show buddy Gemma sided with Adam despite not even being present during their row. He thinks it feels performative on her part.
“He is talking to lawyers and looking into his ITV contract to see what grounds there are to sue.”
A spokesman for ITV said: “We showed an accurate and fair representation of events.”
Gemma doubled down on her comments on Instagram this morning, where she praised Adam. She wrote: “THE WINNER @adamthomas21. What a show up !!! Absolutely disgusted with jimmy and David’s behaviour the biggest show up in tv history !!! What an EMBARRASSMENT !
“To all the took part in the show it was a discredit to the production crew cast Ant and Dec biggest disrespect ever !!! Last night was meant to be a celebration instead it was very upsetting !! X Let’s hope Adam will find some energy to absorb his victory ! X”
During last night’s episode, Jimmy said: “Listen, Adam and all of you can be upset with me and I absolutely threw him under the bus, I get it and I’ll wear that. But what I don’t stand on, is someone being abusive, aggressive and intimidating, I don’t stand on that.” He then asked Ant and Dec – who were hosting the show – to share their opinions.
“You [Ant and Dec] were there and you didn’t show any of that footage. You didn’t show any of the C-bombs, it’s a liberty,” Jimmy told them. Ant then argued back: “The reason we didn’t air the C-bomb is because that is unbroadcastable. I was there and I didn’t think it was intimidating. I was there Jim.”
Adam then said: “I take full responsibility for my actions and yes emotions were definitely running high in that moment. I have nothing but love for Jimmy in that moment. I have apologised to Jimmy on numerous occasions and I do take everything that he is saying into account and the only thing I can do is apologise.
“That is not how I want to show myself off and I have never shown myself off like that before or after that. I do apologise Jimmy.”
Visitors aren’t afraid to lark around as they snap photos of the blooms again and again and I did my best to capture all of the 130-plus varieties on show.
Luckily my friend has brought her dog Penny, so we have another ‘model’ willing to go barking mad for pet-al pictures.
It’s easily one of the most wholesome days out I’ve had all year.
One of the best things about the fest is that it’s a family business.
The Beares have shown their love of tulips for more than four generations.
It’s all part of Tulleys’ wider collection of UK festivals, which also includes events in Hertfordshire and Warwickshire, all at full bloom until May.
The tulip farms are in full bloom until the end of May, and visitors can stay over in a nearby hotelCredit:
I enhanced my experience by staying in a nearby hotel the night before the visit.
The five-star Alexander House & Utopia Spa in Turners Hill oozed luxury with delicious food and a giant bath in my room (there are plenty of spa treatments if you have time).
If you don’t have a car, a shuttle bus will get you from the village centre to the blooms in five minutes.
It’s easy to spend a good few hours at the festival and you can fuel up at the numerous food stalls, including one with delicious Dutch pancakes.
And if you want to add some colour to your home, there’s a flower-themed gift shop where I bagged some bulbs for my planter boxes.
Even better, I can return later this year for more fun at Tulleys’ pumpkin festival in October.
As I dusted off soil from my jeans and got ready to leave the floral feast, I caught a glimpse of a newly arrived visitor hitting the deck, twisting their body into a bizarre human pretzel just to get that perfect low-angle shot of a single red bloom.
I couldn’t help but grin.
This trip has reminded me that sometimes the best way to enjoy yourself is to tiptoe through the tulips, then roll around the flowers looking like an utter idiot.
GO: West Sussex
GETTING/STAYING THERE: trains to Three Bridges station (seven minutes by taxi to the fest) run regularly from London Bridge and Brighton.
Rooms at the Alexander House & Utopia Spa in Turners Hill start at £250 a night B&B. alexanderhotels.co.uk.
Tulleys Tulip Fest tickets from from £14.95pp. tulipfarm.co.uk.
IF you want a taste of Central America without the long-haul flight, then there is somewhere a bit closer to home that is compared to it.
La Palma is a great alternative for anyone who wants the experience of Costa Rica without the 15hour flight, according to TUI.
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La Palma in the Canary Islands has black sand beaches and colourful buildingsCredit: AlamyThere’s plenty of wildlife to spot too – like the short-finned pilot whalesCredit: Alamy
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In fact, heading to La Palma from the UK takes just four hours and 40minutes.
La Palma is nicknamed “La Isla Bonita”, which translates to ‘the beautiful island’ – and during peak summer months it experiences delightful highs of 31C.
Its capital isSanta Cruz de La Palma on the eastern coast, where streets are lined with colourful homes.
Heading further inland, the landscape of the island can be compared to Costa Rica with lush forests and even volcanoes.
Tajogaite Volcano on the Canary Island was formed just five years ago after the eruption of Cumbre Vieja.
One popular activity on the island is to take on the four-mile hike.
La Palma is littered with walking trails too – one of the top recommended is through the island’s natural park, Caldera Taburiente.
This is where you’ll see Cascada de Colores, a waterfall that’s rich in iron so it creates a rainbow effect.
Another popular spot for hiking is to the island’s highest point Roque de Los Muchachos which is 2,426 metres high – so it is quite the trek.
Around the coastline on La Palma are volcanic black sand beaches – some of the most popular include Playa Nogales which is described as being “remote” and “quiet”.
Another is Playa de Los Cancajos where one visitor went snorkelling and saw cucumberfish and octopus.
While Costa Rica tends to have ones with golden sand, it does have a number of black sand beaches too.
What Costa Rica has in abundance is National Parks filled with wildlife, but you can see lots in La Palma too.
There are plenty of lizards like the Canary Gecko, various bird species, and beautiful butterflies.
As for marine life, around the island are bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales.
TUI offers a ‘flipper whale watching‘ boat tour around the west coast of the island to Cueva Bonita which is a natural grotto carved into the cliff-face from £49.
Cascada de Los Colores is iron-rich and looks like a rainbowCredit: Alamy
For more TUI holidays, here are our favourites…
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Globales Montemar, Ibiza
This hotel sits on a quieter side of Ibiza, so you can soak up the island’s natural beauty away from the party crowds. This family-friendly option has a large pool that curves around the resort, surrounded by plenty of sunbeds, plus a kids zone. Here you’re just a 10-minute stroll from a horseshoe-shaped bay with clear waters.
This resort is set up like a small village, with low-rise buildings set among palm trees and six different swimming pools. Entertainment spans from DJ nights to bingo and live sports screenings, plus sports on offer include water polo, rifle shooting and shuffleboard.
This hotel sits on Majorca‘s Cala Gran Beach, a beautiful cove just a short drive away from the coastal town centre, with its trinket shops and relaxed bars. The hotel itself has all the activities and entertainment you’d expect, including bingo and live music – as well as some unique extras like mini golf and archery. Week-long breaks start from £478pp.
The Riu Baobab is the only TUI hotel in the country, sat on the Pointe Sarane coastline. There are the four huge pools overlooking the beach, swim up pool bars and a copious amount of sunloungers to choose from. The sushi at the Asian Dorayaki and the pasta dishes at Veneto are the highlight meals of this standout hotel. Week-long breaks start from £883pp.
You can stay at Palma Princess with TUICredit: TUI
One great thing about La Palma is that it’s affordable too – you can grab a beer from as little as €1.50 (£1.31).
Meanwhile, in Costa Rica, these cost on average £2.41, according to Wise.
You can stay on the island with TUI and seven- night all-inclusive holidays start from £567 per person.
TUI also seven-night holidays to Fuencaliente, La Palma staying at La Palma Princess on an all inclusive basis from £567per person.
It has six swimming pools, multiple restaurants and entertainment through the day and into the evening.
Price is based on two adults sharing a Twin Room with Balcony or Terrace flying direct with TUI Airways from London Gatwick on April 23, 2026 with 20kg hold luggage.
TUI offers seven-night holidays here at Los Cancajos on a self-catering basis from £545per person.
It has bright apartments with little kitchenettes, an outside pool, a separate one for kids, and gardens.
Price is based on two adults sharing a one Bedroom Apartment with balcony or terrace flying direct with TUI Airways from London Gatwick on June 11, 2026 with 20kg hold luggage.
THERE are English market towns that cling lovingly to the past — all Georgian facades, cobbled streets and the gentle chime of church bells.
And then there is Sherborne.
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Sherborne in Dorset has all the features of a traditional English market townCredit: AlamyAmy and Sylvie at Oxford’s BakeryCredit: Supplied
A Dorset town that still manages to do all that, while at the same time establishing itself as one of the West Country’s most up-and-coming foodie destinations.
On its attractive high street, record stores and trendy coffee spots sit alongside chintzy tea rooms that seem preserved in time.
And slap bang in the middle of that action is Oxford’s Bakery, whose shelves are piled high with artisanal loaves, sticky doughnuts, chocolate-y treats and savoury pastries.
While the shop is in the heart of town, the real magic happens at the chain’s site in nearby Alweston where the Oxford family have been baking bread for over 200 years.
Led by head baker Dave Chapman, this flour-dusted kitchen pumps out between 250 and 800 loaves every day cooked in ovens that were first installed in 1921.
A 75-year-old antique dough mixer — a similar size to a hot tub — is also still used and is the last working one of its kind in the world.
Dave tells me: “Our ovens are our main feature and the main attraction — they are over 105 years old.
“I’m baking at nine tonight, and that’ll be billowing smoke,” he says.
Sherborne’s pretty abbey sits in the centre of townCredit: Alamy
“These ovens bake around seven days a week and they’re never cold.”
That inviting mix of old and new runs deep through Sherborne.
Sherborne Abbey stands grandly in the centre, its stunning fan-vaulted ceiling hailed as beautiful as any work of the Italian Renaissance.
The Abbey dates to 705 AD, and two Saxon kings are buried here. Another historical gem, Sherborne Old Castle, is 20 minutes’ walk away, and opens to visitors in summer.
And souvenir shoppers won’t be disappointed. Sherborne Antiques
Market has more than 40 dealers and is a cavern of curiosities. Of course, there’s plenty more to see of the local food scene and at its heart is The Clockspire.
Found in the village of Milborne Port, a short ten-minute taxi journey from Sherborne, the two AA Rosette restaurant resides in a former primary school. But you won’t find a turkey twizzler in sight.
With its wrought-iron chandeliers, low level lighting and a stylish mezzanine cocktail bar, it would make the perfect date spot, but my friend and I didn’t feel out of place with our two little ones either.
Having trained with Michael Caines at Lympstone Manor, chef Luke Bryant serves up first-class West Country produce — think crispy pork belly on a puddle of “bacon foam” or perfectly pink beef sirloin on top of an oozy onion sauce (£37).
There’s even a kids’ menu with hand-made fish goujons with chips and peas (£10), which my 22-month-old Sylive wolfed down.
Don’t leave without trying the stem ginger mousse with rhubarb and creme fraiche sorbet (£13), either. It was simply irresistible.
Sherborne Old Castle, is 20 minutes’ walk away, and opens to visitors in summerCredit: Alamy
We’d been staying at The Eastbury Hotel and Spa, a proud five-star joint in a listed Georgian townhouse.
Originally designed as an 18th century gentleman’s residence, our room felt suitably grand, with a free-standing bath, ornate Chinese screen and luxurious antique furniture.
There are 21 traditional rooms in the original buildings plus Potting Shed Suites set in the walled garden for those wanting extra privacy.
There’s a billiard room, a croquet lawn and garden spa, offering top quality treatments.
My hour-long full body massage (£80) was worth every penny. I could have easily drifted off into an afternoon snooze, dreaming of Oxford’s Bakery’s moreish loaves.
I wonder if there’s still time to stock up before the home leg. . .
GO: Sherborne
STAYING THERE: Rooms at The Eastbury start from £123.23 per night or £145 with breakfast.
That’s how he feels in the Augusta National clubhouse, at least, even though this week marks his 18th start in the historic golf tournament.
“I always felt like I knew the week of the tournament that the clubhouse is for participants and their families,” he said, “but I still felt like I had to earn the right to be there a little more often.”
A year ago, McIlroy beat Justin Rose in a sudden-death playoff to become the sixth man to complete a career grand slam, winning all four major championships.
In the last 12 months, McIlroy has discovered that was more of a memorable mile marker than a monumental, life-changing milestone.
“I think the story as it relates to me is what do I do from now onwards?” he said Tuesday. “What motivates me? What do I still want to achieve in the game? I think that’s the story.
“And there’s still a lot I want to do. You think every time you achieve something or have success that you’ll be happy, but then the goalposts move. And they just keep nudging a little bit further and further out of reach.”
It’s a reminder, McIlroy said, to find enjoyment in the journey rather than finally achieving a specific goal.
“Honestly, I felt like the career grand slam was my destination,” he said. “I got there and realized it wasn’t the destination.”
The 36-year-old from Holywood, Northern Ireland, had gone 11 years between major championships and joined Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only playerswith a career grand slam.
What’s more, McIlroy was the first Masters winner to have four double bogeys over four rounds — two on Thursday, two on Sunday.
“I think panic is the wrong word, but I didn’t overreact on Thursday …” he said. “I didn’t overreact when I was only one-under through nine on Friday. I think not overreacting and not pressing too hard, I stayed patient or as patient as I could be, and I feel like that patience was rewarded.
Scottie Scheffler puts the green jacket on Master winner Rory McIlroy last year.
(David J. Phillip / Associated Press)
“I played a 14-hole stretch at 10-under par after that, and that was literally the stretch of golf that won me the tournament. So I think in years past I would have went for a pin I shouldn’t have went at, missed in the wrong spot, made another bogey, and then all of a sudden the round starts to get away from you, especially around here.
“Last year, I didn’t let that happen to me, and that was a big difference.”
As is tradition, he wore his green jacket as he spoke to reporters from the dais in the media auditorium. He has brought that sports coat around the world in the last year, but was too protective of it to have it dry cleaned or have a tailor change a stitch of it.
“I think for the past 17 years I could not wait for the tournament to start,” he said, adding with a laugh: “This year, I wouldn’t care if the tournament never started.”
AS Brits frantically try and choose their summer holiday destination this year amid the Middle East crisis, let me sell you a slightly different place to go.
Lima, the capital of Peru, almost feels European, and has much cheaper food, hotels… and booze.
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The city of Lima feels European but barely any Brits goCredit: GettyI visited last year and it became my new favourite destinationParque del Amor (Love Park) was inspired by BarcelonaCredit: Getty
The seaside city is the second largest desert city in the world (after Cairo) meaning barely any rain, and highs of 27C.
It is often overlooked as a travel destination, especially those heading straight over to Machu Picchu instead.
But despite just spending a few days in Lima myself, it became one of my favourite cities.
First up, safety – most of Peru is still safe to travel to, which includes Lima.
And as a young woman, I never felt unsafe while walking around early for a coffee or late at night for a drink.
Our guide told us this huge change in recent years – when it wasn’t so safe – is due to the number of community officers around, who are on hand to help tourists who visit.
When it comes to exploring the city, I was transported to the surf towns of Portugal by the huge surfing community in Lima.
It has some of the best waves in the world, and the sheer number of cyclists with boards on their bike and surf shacks offering lessons was huge.
Then there is the colourful Barranco neighbourhood, named one of the best in the world and known for its colourful street art that is everchanging.
Here is where you’ll feel its Latin American routes, with live music on the streets and bars selling the famous Pisco Sour cocktails.
Time Out said: “It’s long had a bohemian vibe, famously fantastical murals, world-class art galleries, boutique hotels and hopping bars.
“And while it’s lost none of its wild roots, the area is now incubating some of the best restaurants in the world”.
Maido was named the no.1 restaurant in the world last year, while I headed to Mayta which often makes the top 40.
I opted out of the tasting menu, but still managed to enjoy a delicious deconstrusted paella, a side and a glass of wine for under £50.
The ‘godfather of modern Peruvian cuisine’ Gastón Acurio told local media: “Lima is a gastronomic destination coveted by kitchen lovers.
“Not only because of its restaurants, which compete equally with Europe, but because behind this recognition there is something deeper — a city that has made its cuisine parallel to everyday life.
“From award-winning restaurants to carts, from ceviche shops to chifas, eating in Lima is one way to travel the entire country in a single day.”
Want to eat on a budget? You can easily get snacks and drinks for under £5 from food stalls.
I managed to find an Emoliente (a sugary hangover drink) as well as a famous pork sandwich and sweet doughnuts called ‘Picarones’ for under a fiver altogether.
Or some restaurants offer the “menú del día” or menu of thte day for not much either.
Usually including a drink, soup and main dish, this can be found for under £4.
Beers can also be found for around £1.50 in local bars as well.
Picarones, a typical Peruvian dessert cost a few poundsCredit: GettyBarranco was even named one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoodsCredit: Getty
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Belpoint Beach Hotel, Antalya, Turkey
This hotel is surrounded by the forests of the Toros Mountains, giving your outdoor swim a pretty impressive backdrop. With a pool decorated with colourful parasols and a waterslide, this pretty resort also has plenty to do indoors, including a sauna and a Turkish bath to unwind in.
The huge resort has 363 rooms, each with a balcony or terrace overlooking the sea or gardens. All-inclusive food includes three daily meals in the main buffet restaurant, as well as drinks and snacks such as pizza, hot dogs and burgers at the pizzeria snack bar. If you fancy getting out and exploring, the town centre is a 10 minute drive away.
Terramar Calella puts you right in the thick of the action, with the sea on one side and the buzzing promenade on the other. Here, days start with sea swims and end with sunset drinks. Platja Gran Calella is the area’s largest beach, and here it’s right on your doorstep.
This Corfu resort was built for families, buzzing with entertainment and activities. With four adult pools, three kids pools, a mini waterpark and a beach on your doorstep, there’s plenty of spots for you to stretch out on a sun lounger and for the kids to splash around. And as the day winds down to a close, the party starts with mini discos, Greek dancing, lively quiz nights and karaoke.
Otherwise make sure to try fantastic chocolate and coffee shops, with Lima being one of the top exporters to the rest of the world for both.
Free activities include the Spanish-style Love Park, inspired by Park Güell in Barcelona or the Museum of Art (MALI) on Tuesdays.
And the Historic Centre of Lima has elements of European architecture too, dating between the 16th and 19th centuries.
If you don’t mind sharing a room, you can find hostel beds for as little a £13 a night.
But if not, even hotels can be found for around £33 a night, such as Ibis – so £16.50 each a night when sharing.
The only thing getting in the way of Lima becoming a popular destination with Brits is the getting there.
LATAM previously had direct flights from London Heathrow to Lima but these were suspended back in 2023, with no current plans on when they will return.
Instead, Brits have to fly via Europe so with changes in Madrid, Amsterdam or Paris.
This takes the trip from around 12 hours to 16 hours, and costing around £500 return.
But there is some good news – the new Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima opened last summer, which is likely to encourage airlines to launch flights.
And airline LEVEL is launching direct flights from Barcelona to Lima from June.
So if you want to visit a unique city with surfing vibes, colourful neighbourhoods and insanely cheap food and drink? Add Lima to your 2026 list.
Being a seaside city, expect lots of surfers tooCredit: Imágenes del PerúThe best way to get to the city is via Madrid, Paris or AmsterdamCredit: Getty
THIS valley might look like your average spot in Switzerland with towering mountains and pretty chalet adorned villages – but it has a whopping 72 waterfalls.
It’s called Lauterbrunnen which literally translates to ‘loud springs’ after the crashing sound of falling water.
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The little-known valley in Switzerland has 72 waterfallsCredit: AlamyThe Staubbachfall Waterfall is almost as tall as the Shard in LondonCredit: Alamy
It’s known for its car-free mountain villages filled with pretty chalets and shops – but what draws visitors to it is the sheer amount of cascading waterfalls, of which there are over 70.
One of the largest and most well-known is the Staubbachfall Waterfall, which sits in the village of Lauterbrunnen – named after the valley.
It’s 297metres tall and is the highest free-falling waterfall in Switzerland.
In perspective, this is almost as high as London’s Shard, which stands at 309metres tall.
There are lots of viewpoints to see the Staubbachfall Waterfall, and those who want to get up close and personal can take the small path to the foot of the falls.
During the summertime, the falls are illuminated in the evenings.
Another waterfall is called Mürrenbachfall, which is even taller, and the water falls from a height of 417 metres.
There’s also the Trümmelbach Falls which a series of 10 unique underground waterfalls – and the largest of their kind Europe.
These impressive waterfalls have made their way through a mountain valley over thousands of years.
Visitors can see them on man-made paths, which are ticketed and cost around £15.
Thanks to its position at the base of the Swiss Alps, Lauterbrunnen is also a sought out ski destination.
As part of the Jungfrau Ski Region, it’s a great place to hit the slopes with 275km of runs and 40 ski lifts.
The best time to visit depends on whether you want to see the waterfalls in all their spring glory, or explore the village in time for ski season.
For those who want to take advantage of hiking, visit between June and September.
Or for a winter wonderland experience, go between January and February.
The Lauterbrunnen Valley sits at the bottom of the Swiss AlpsCredit: Alamy
Unsurprisingly, visitors have described it as “breathtaking” and like “stepping into a storybook”.
The valley has also been compared to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth.
And it could have been the inspiration for the author, who visited in 1911.
Not only can you explore the village of Lauterbrunnen by foot, you can also see it and its neighbouring villages by cableway.
Just opposite the main train station is a 100 person cableway that runs from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren.
In just four minutes it climbs 686 metres and has been said to have “breathtaking views.”
Other nearby mountain villages are Wengen, Mürren, Gimmelwald and Stechelberg.
People are raving about a Wetherspoons pub which they say feels like being in a fancy hotelCredit: JD WetherspoonsHamilton Hall is found in London Liverpool Street StationCredit: JD WetherspoonsMany of the original features have been restoredCredit: JD Wetherspoons
Named after Great Eastern Railway Company Lord Claud Hamilton, it became a Wetherspoons in 1991.
It was both the first central London Wetherspoons and the first in a train station.
While the hotel itself is still open – you can stay at what is now the Andaz London Liverpool Street for £260 a night – many of the original features remain in the pub.
This includes the ornate mouldings and frescos, as well as the celling decorations, and artwork.
It is popular with train travellers and football fansCredit: AlamyIt was the first central London Wetherspoons to open more than 20 years agoCredit: JD Wetherspoons
DESPITE winning dream roles, Anya Taylor-Joy admits her real wish is to retreat from Hollywood and live on a farm.
The 29-year-old is one of the world’s best-known actresses but has spent years feeling nervous on the red carpet, struggled to watch her award-winning performances and now wants calm.
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Anya Taylor-Joy in jewels at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party earlier this monthCredit: SplashAnya and her musician husband Malcolm McRaeCredit: Getty
She voices love interest Princess Peach in the new Super Mario Galaxy movie, which is released on April 1.
Princess Peach is the main female character and head of state of the Mushroom Kingdom.
Anya said: “I was so touched by how strong she is and how cool. The fact that’s going to be a role model kids can have nowadays is unbelievable. I left feeling very inspired by her.”
Anya knows all too well that life can be difficult as a child.
She was born in Florida, then lived in Argentina for five years where she rode horses in the idyllic countryside.
Her African-Spanish mum, a psychologist, and Scottish-Argentine dad, who raced powerboats, then moved the family to London when she was six — and things became dramatically different.
Anya was bullied, “locked in lockers, barred from classrooms, not invited to things” and did not speak English.
Watching films helped her navigate through the traumas.
She told the Happy Sad Confused podcast: “I’ve never been good at being cool, this is why I didn’t get along well with people in school.
“If I like something, I love it and it just pours out of me.
“But if I was sad, like if my hamster died, my parents could put me in front of a movie and I would feel better at the end of it.
“I could get lost in something like that.”
It was her love of movies that eventually helped her learn English.
Anya voices Mario’s love interest Princess Peach in the Super Mario GalaxyCredit: AP
She says: “I learned English when I was eight. I stuck it out for two years in London, refusing to speak English because I wanted to go home. Then eventually I was like, ‘I have no friends, this is going to be a needed skill’.”
Anya told her parents she was going to be an actress.
But first, after being “picked up” outside Harrods, she became a model at 16.
She was recruited by Sarah Doukas, boss of Storm model agency, who had discovered Kate Moss.
But at first Anya thought she was a stalker.
She said: “It was absurd. A black car comes up, starts chasing me. I pick up my dog, start running and a head comes out of the window and they say, ‘If you stop, you won’t regret it,’ and I stop.
“It was the head of a modelling agency. I don’t encourage other people to do this.
“I had no idea what I was doing, but luckily it worked out and my parents came with me the next day to the modelling agency.”
Her parents always supported her. Anya said: “They’d had six kids, so were like, ‘Oh, just do whatever you’re going to do’.
“I’m so grateful for the approach my parents have had because I did some pretty ballsy things in my teenage years and luckily they paid off, but they were always supportive.”
She did many auditions before getting her breakthrough role at 19 in film The Witch.
Anya said: “I thought that audition went so badly. I truly thought I had messed that up massively because I had a huge panic attack before I went into it, and luckily that really worked for the scene.”
It was then that Anya found where she truly belonged.
She said: “Going into work every single day felt like such a joy.
“I could breathe because I’d found a place where I was doing something I loved, with people who didn’t think I was a psychopath. And I could have fun with it. I loved every second of making that movie.”
She found it “mind blowing” that The Witch was a hit and forced herself to watch the performance.
Anya said: “It’s like getting hit by a bus. I personally don’t agree with not watching your films, it’s not all about you. It’s a whole bunch of other people who have done a lot of work and different departments that you have to go and support, because they deserve it and you love them. So I have to watch it.
“But the first time, I always feel I’ve let people down and I’m always like, ‘Oh, I messed it up’.
“Then I process it and the second time I watch it, it’s slightly more palatable and I’m able to lose myself a bit more.
“By the third time I’m just like, ‘OK, whatever’. You just have to get over yourself and applaud the people you care about that worked with you.”
She went on to roles in horror film Last Night In Soho, black comedy The Menu and the apocalyptic film Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Anya said she works “very hard, very gratefully hard” because she feels lucky to do a job she feels passionate about.
But it is not always easy. Despite her modelling background, Anya struggles with the limelight.
She said: “When I first started doing red carpets, I couldn’t handle the notion of being pretty.
Anya as chess champ Beth Harmon in The Queen’s GambitCredit: AlamyAnya loved films from a young ageCredit: Instagram/@anyataylorjoy
“I was like, ‘I don’t do that’. I am a scummy, mud-caked ferret and striving for anything different felt disingenuous and scary.”
She has even been known to dress up “like an East Berlin spy” at times so nobody recognises her.
Now she is trying to make time for some balance in her life.
She said: “I’ve been living on film sets for five years and, occasionally, I think it would be nice to find out what Anya would do with three months if she wasn’t playing another person.
“So I’m trying to be more careful with my time there.
“You spend 18 hours a day thinking, behaving and breathing as another human being. That doesn’t leave a lot of time to figure out what it is that you like.”
And the person she wants to spend it with is her husband, US musician Malcolm McRae, who she married in 2021.
The couple split their time between homes in the Hollywood Hills and London.
She said: “I’ve finally found someone who will happily sit in silence with me, reading. We’re basically 80 years old and seven at the same time, and it works really well.
“When you are together, you are really valuing the time you have. Everyday, mundane activities are so full of joy.
“I love going to the petrol station with him and filling up the car and going to get breakfast.”
But right now, her focus is all on Princess Peach.
Anya told US Today: “She wants to find out where she comes from and is on a quest for adventure and prioritising herself a little bit more.”
Princess Peach sounds very much like the actress playing her.
IN 2000 film Chocolat, starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp, the fairytale tone is set straight away by the sleepy medieval French village of the opening scenes.
And especially the beautiful, cobbled street leading up from the river.
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Castle over the river in Beynac-et-CazenacCredit: GettyEnjoy a market day in MonpazierCredit: GettyThe choice of child and teen-friendly activities seems endless. Castles, caves and canoeing all got the nod from our 12 and 15-year-oldsCredit: Alamy
Now my family and I are walking the same road in Beynac-et-Cazenac, in the dreamy Dordogne region, amazed by the views of the water below and the 13th- century chateau perched proudly on the hill above.
The Dordogne might sound fancy — all turreted castles, foie gras and ancient villages — but it’s actually a great-value family holiday spot.
The choice of child and teen-friendly activities seems endless. Castles, caves and canoeing all got the nod from our 12 and 15-year-olds.
First up we got our bearings with a trip on a gabare — a flat-bottomed river boat which is used to carry timber, wine and other goods.
Now, they carry tourists up and down the Dordogne river (adults £8.50, children £4.50, gabarre-beynac.com). On the glassy-still water, we passed churches and castles, and waved to swimmers taking a dip.
Next stop was Bergerac. The big-nosed, swashbuckling hero Cyrano de Bergerac, played by Gerard Depardieu in the 1990 film based on the real-life novelist, wasn’t from here . . . but the town has embraced him nonetheless.
Check out the Cyrano de Bergerac immersive experience. There, a virtual actor took us backstage of a pretend production, where we tried on a fake nose and had a go on various interactive exhibits (adults £8.50, kids £3, quai-cyrano.com).
Weather isn’t guaranteed in the Dordogne, but on drizzly days you can head for the Maxange Caves, which date back 60million years but were only discovered by accident by a quarry worker in 2000.
He uncovered an incredible cave complex, which is now open to the public (adults £10, kids £8, maxange.com).
Our guide pointed out huge stalactites and stalagmites as well as crystallizations in weird and wonderful shapes, marvellously called “eccentrics”.
Many of the activities and experiences are good value. Driving through pretty villages, we would stumble across markets, free evening concerts and chateau visits that were all good value for money.
The tiny medieval village of Cadouin is centred around its 12th-century abbey, where Richard the Lionheart is said to have once called by.
Pop your head in to check out the fancy Gothic cloisters. We timed our visit to coincide with the Wednesday market in the main square, surrounded by honey-coloured cottages, art galleries, cafes and bars.
Bigger and buzzier is Monpazier, which might be the cutest and best- preserved French village you have never heard of.
Founded by England’s King Edward I, it’s a medieval time capsule. Where knights once walked, tourists now shop, sip beer and create Insta-stories round every corner — no filter needed.
By now, the kids were desperate for some more adrenalin-based adventure so we decided to check out the canoeing.
Gliding down the Vezere River is like floating past a live-action postcard — of ancient cliffs, prehistoric caves and stunning stone villages.
We chose a gentle three-hour route from Thonac to Tursac, in a couple of two-person canoes. It is downstream so the paddling didn’t take much effort — just enough to feel adventurous without breaking into a sweat.
Once we got the hang of it, we even pulled into little river beaches and went swimming. You can stand up most of the way, and the river was sparkling-clean.
Treat yourself to laid back dining in BergeracCredit: GettySunny times for Jonathan and familyCredit: Supplied
Energy fully exerted, we checked in to the converted 17th-century Chateau Les Merles, which has its own tennis court, swimming pools and a great view of the Dordogne valley.
It is also a great base from which to explore.
On the riverbank in the nearby village of Creysse, we then ate like locals in the great-value restaurant D’Aujourd’hui.
It is run by a husband-and-wife team, and the name of the fisherman, who caught the fish we ate that day, was written on a sign on the wall. What a lovely touch.
The vintage plates come from local flea markets, adding to the authentic vibe.
A perfect corner of France — and a bon voyage that won’t break the bank.
GO: DORDOGNE
GETTING THERE: Ryanair flies from Stansted to Bergerac from £16.99 each way. See ryanair.com.
STAYING THERE: Double rooms at the Chateau Les Merles cost from around £110 per night on a room-only basis. See lesmerles.com/en.
Located an hour from London, this National Trust village features half-timbered Tudor buildings and a grand castle with world treasures
06:00, 11 Mar 2026Updated 08:26, 11 Mar 2026
You’ll feel like a time traveller strolling its cobbled streets(Image: Tim Graham/Getty Images)
Venture just an hour from London to discover this fairytale village, transporting you backwards through time as its period buildings recreate a world from centuries past that has largely vanished today.
Chiddingstone stands as one of Britain’s finest preserved Tudor villages, making it an exceptional discovery for heritage enthusiasts and anyone seeking respite from life’s relentless pace.
The settlement is largely owned and maintained by the National Trust, helping safeguard its centuries-old structures and character which consistently attract inquisitive travellers.
This Kent village is cherished for its unmistakably English charm and period architecture, featuring half-timbered properties with stone-hung gables and red-tiled roofs. What’s more, it boasts an impressive castle and a bustling high street, perfect for leisurely wandering.
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The castle
Whilst the castle’s exterior presents stunning architecture, typical of what you’d anticipate seeing across England, its interior offers quite the juxtaposition.
What renders the structure so distinctive is its museum, which houses collections from across the globe spanning different eras and civilisations – Japanese, Egyptian, Stuart and Jacobite and Buddhist. Everything is accessible to visitors between March and October, allowing them to experience an entire world under one roof.
Beyond its impressive collections, the venue itself is steeped in history and magnificence, as guests explore the corridors of a 16th-century residence. Within, they can admire the Great Hall, discover a Victorian kitchen, library, and servant’s hall, and delve into its fascinating past in the Streatfeild room.
Henry Streatfeild was the figure who dramatically transformed the property during the 1800s, moving away from its Tudor design to mirror that of a mediaeval fortress.
Though, it was collector Denys Eyre Bower whose stewardship of the castle witnessed it evolve into a cultural landmark, sharing his passion with visitors worldwide.
One guest commented on TripAdvisor: “What a lovely property, from the massive holdings on display throughout the home to the acres of relaxing grounds. The reception gal was quite informative upon our arrival as to the layout for our self-guided tour as well as answering our questions post-tour. Don’t miss this gem.”
This year, guests can purchase a day ticket and enjoy complimentary returns for an entire year. Current door prices are £15.25 for an adult and £10.50 for a child, with reduced rates available for those who book online beforehand.
High street and village
With its genuine half-timber Tudor structures and cobbled walkways, wandering along the high street of Chiddingstone Road feels like stepping back through the centuries. Notable highlights include a café, shop and the 15th-century pub.
The historic Chiddingstone Stores and post office, which dates back to 1453, is situated within a traditional Tudor building and continues to function as such today.
Similarly unchanged is the village pub, known as the Castle Inn, boasting a welcoming atmosphere and superb beer garden.
It retains its Grade II*-listed status with numerous original features intact, including delightful fireplaces, tiled floors, oak panelling and bars. One visitor described their experience at the Castle Inn as ‘atmospheric’.
They commented: “If you’re looking for a traditional, friendly, country pub, this is it. Clean and friendly, with everything you need on your doorstep that goes with a village pub. Highly recommend.”
The village name, Chiddingstone, is believed to originate from the enormous sandstone located outside the settlement. Whilst unconfirmed, the ‘Chidding Stone’ is thought to mark where it all started, with several folklore tales surrounding its origins.
