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Woman says it’s ‘absolutely chaos’ as plane was ‘full of dead people’

Chloe Smith explained why there were so many on her flight

Psychic says there is one place ghosts are always with you

A woman says all she could see were dead people when she looked down the aisle of her recent flight – describing it as ‘absolutely chaos’. A ghost whisperer has explained there is one place where your loved ones are always with you even after they are gone – every plane you board. Chloe Smith says she has been seeing spirits for over a decade – dedicating her life to exploring the unknown.

The 29-year-old psychic medium, author, and podcaster has now made her latest claim as she believes that the “dead” are “on planes”.

“Before boarding a plane, my loved ones will be by my side as well as spirits from other passengers,” said Chloe, from Ashbourne, Derbyshire. “Whispering, standing next to people, or surrounding them in white light for protection. Flying is the most anxiety-inducing thing for me, but instead of closing my eyes, I opened them and saw angels and loved ones surrounding people.

“Knowing that even in the times we feel most scared and worried, our loved ones are still by our side. Not because they choose to travel by plane but because they want to be by our side.”

Chloe made the revelation whilst boarding an easyJet flight. In the clip, she says: “There are so many dead people on this plane with me, and I’m not even exaggerating. You’re most likely thinking they can travel wherever they want to be – why would they want to travel on a plane?

“But when you’re feeling anxious and not yourself – that is when your loved ones are with you the most. So as I look down the aisle of the plane, it is full of spirits. I’m not even exaggerating, but I feel good for it. I feel healed, I feel protected, but it is absolutely chaos.”

The psychic medium believes that spirits of your loved ones help ‘change’ the outcome of the flight. She claims this is done by surrounding you to calm your nerves and flight anxieties.

Even on flights, her work is never done, as some spirits linked to other passengers are allegedly urging her to pass messages onto others on board, Chloe said: “I would say they change the outcome, but there have been many moments I myself have panicked at the thought of not being able to get off the plane, feeling claustrophobic and trapped; my loved ones have soothed that.

“So much love and calm surrounds you, allowing you to switch off from the anxiety of flying. Knowing your loved ones is truly by your side no matter what.

“But if they have something they want to say, they will make themselves known, for example. I look up; there is a man right there in my face telling me to tell the passenger four rows down that the hidden jewellery is in a box on top of the wardrobe.”

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Ben White: England defender says people don’t know ‘full story’ behind his self-inflicted exile from national team

Arsenal defender Ben White says people do not know the “full story” behind his decision to previously make himself unavailable for England selection – but says he would make the same decision again.

White, who has been named in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures, left the Three Lions’ camp at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to return home for personal reasons.

He then made himself unavailable for selection for the rest of Gareth Southgate’s reign, and was booed by some fans in March’s 1-1 draw with Ukraine after returning to the squad under Tuchel.

Asked by BBC Radio 5 live’s football correspondent John Murray what he would say to people who define his England career by what happened in Qatar, White said: “I think obviously people don’t know the full story, because I [have] never said anything and I won’t put anyone under the bus or share any of that.

“I think that is probably the best way.

“It’s been amazing [though], obviously a bit tricky and not straightforward, but it is amazing to be here now.”

White is now 29 and asked if he would have done anything differently in hindsight, he added: “No, I don’t think I would.

“Obviously, I was a bit younger, I am a bit older now.

“I think as a person I am quite real and I think I made the decision that I would probably continue to make.

“So, one that I am not happy about, but obviously it happened and [it is] time to move on.”

White came on for his first England appearance since 2022 in March’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay and was booed by some supporters before he scored but also gave away the penalty that led to the visitors’ equaliser.

After that, Chelsea midfielder Jordan Henderson said he and his fellow England players would always support White, while Tuchel said recently that the defender deserves “a new chapter” and “positive feedback from the crowd”.

Asked how he dealt with the emotions of that night at Wembley, White added: “Before the game I was thinking ‘don’t not stand out, but [take it] nice and easy’.

“Then I came on and obviously got booed, then I scored, then I gave away a penalty.

“So, it was obviously full of emotions that night, [but] it was a good night.”

England play Croatia at Wembley on Thursday, 12 November before taking on world champions Spain in Madrid three days later.

White is looking to add to his six England caps in this international break and said: It is obviously an amazing privilege to be called up.

“The feeling is the same every time you do get this chance to play for England. It’s one I am really looking forward to this week.”

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Full list of 8 dates Tube drivers are set to strike sparking travel chaos in Christmas run-up

A SERIES of tube strikes is set to take place in the coming months, expected to spark chaos for travellers over the festive period.

London Underground has confirmed a walkout will occur over eight dates between November and February, running from midday-to-midday.

London Underground train arriving at a station platform.
London Underground has announced that a walkout will occur on eight dates between November and February, affecting both the Christmas run-up and start of the New Year Source: Getty
An Underground station entrance blocked by a closed metal security gate during a strike.
Disruption was caused earlier this year when strikes took place between March and MaySource: Alamy

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) confirmed the strike action this week, with drivers set to walkout on eight dates between November and February.

Each strike will be in place for 24 hours, with the industrial action starting at noon on November 26.

Further strike dates will occur on December 17 and 19 sparking travel chaos for Brits in the run-up to Christmas.

Two more days of strikes will take place on January 4 and 6, with three further dates in February – 17, 23 and 25.

STRIKE OUT

Xmas chaos as Tube drivers announce 8 DAYS of strikes in misery for shoppers


POLAR EXPRESS

Festive celebrations featuring Thomas the Tank Engine begin in London

Festive shoppers are reminded that these dates mean that strikes will roll into both the morning of Black Friday and the last Saturday before Christmas.

Typically, walkouts affect the entire tube network, with all London Underground lines likely to be impacted.

This doesn’t include the Elizabeth line, DLR or Overground network.

Full list of 8 London tube strikes dates announced by the RMT union:

As the strikes will take place from midday-to-midday, the following dates are expected to be impacted by the walkout

  • Thursday, November 26 to Friday, November 27
  • Thursday, December 17 to Friday, December 18
  • Saturday, December 19 to Sunday, December 20
  • Monday, January 4 to Tuesday, January 5
  • Wednesday, January 6 to Thursday, January 7
  • Wednesday, February 17 to Thursday, February 18
  • Tuesday, February 23 to Wednesday, February 24
  • Thursday, February 25 to Friday, February 26

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “London Underground is attempting to dress up a wholesale attack on drivers’ working conditions as a voluntary four-day week.

“But there is nothing voluntary about a scheme that forces drivers to give up existing protections whether they would work four days or five, and threatens those who refuse with displacement from their depots.

“Our members are being asked to spend more time driving trains, accept longer and more unpredictable shifts and surrender agreements that have been negotiated and defended over many years.”

The industrial action announced by RMT follows long-running disputes over working arrangements for drivers.

Many believe that current plans to move to a four-day working week would result in increased time spent driving trains, longer duties, earlier starts and later finishes.

This next round of walkouts follows on from serious disruptions on the London Underground earlier this year, when strike action was announced through March and May.

Running the strikes from midday-to-midday is thought to maximise the level of disruption, with the delays hitting peak commuter times and morning and evening rush hours.

Finn Brennan, Aslef’s (the British trade union for train drivers) full-time organiser on London Underground, said: “We are surprised that the RMT has, once again, decided to take strike action to try to prevent Underground drivers moving to a four-day week on a voluntary basis.

“We are in discussions with Transport for London about how the final details of this will work in practice.”

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Lions’ Jack Campbell says he has full movement in lower body

Three days after being carted off the field with a neck injury, Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell provided a health update.

It was good news.

“I’m incredibly encouraged by the progress I’ve made in such a short period of time,” Campbell said in a statement released Wednesday by the Lions. “I have full movement in my lower body, and I’m continuing to make progress with movement in my upper body. I know there’s still work ahead, but I remain very optimistic. I’m taking things one day at a time, staying positive, and focusing on getting better.”

Speaking to reporters in a previously scheduled news conference, Lions coach Dan Campbell remarked on the injured player’s statement.

“Especially being able to hear it from him, that means a lot,” the coach said. “That’s powerful in itself, more than hearing it from me or anybody else. Those are his and his family’s words, so that’s powerful. And I know that always helps, to know that he’s improving, because at this point that’s all you’re looking for is just to know that he is improving.”

Jack Campbell was lying face down and motionless on the field after tackling Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson early in the fourth quarter of Detroit’s 19-15 victory Sunday at Ford Field. Medical staff tended to the 2025 Pro Bowl selection for almost 10 minutes, then strapped him to a backboard and carted him off the field. Campbell was breathing and alert when he was taken to the hospital.

“I especially want to thank the athletic trainers and medical personnel who responded and cared for me on the field,” Campbell said. “I know those were difficult moments, and I’m incredibly grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care you showed me. The way you handled everything and looked after me when I needed it most is something I’ll never forget. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

“I also can’t say enough about the incredible care I’ve received from the medical team at Henry Ford Hospital and the Detroit Lions medical staff. They’ve been amazing to me and my family throughout this process, and I’m truly grateful for everything they’ve done.”

The fourth-year player also expressed his appreciation for the support he has received from the Lions organization and the fans.

“My faith in God has never been stronger. I know He has a plan for me, and I trust in that plan,” Campbell said. “I know there may be challenges ahead, but with my faith, my family, and so many people in my corner, I know we’ll get through this.”

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Jingle Bell Ball 2026 line-up in full, how to get tickets and when the Capital festive event is happening

CAPITAL’S Jingle Bell Ball returns for yet another year, after first taking place in 2008.

Here’s all you need to know about who will be performing and how you can secure your place at this year’s event.

Capital Jingle Bell Ball with Barclaycard promotional poster featuring icy blue text, large crystal snowflakes, and a glowing blue and purple background.
The Jingle Bell Ball has taken place at London’s O2 Arena since it launched in 2008 Source: Unknown

The Jingle Bell Ball 2026 will take place between December 5-6 2026 at The O2 Arena in London.

The event will see a huge line-up of amazing acts performing at what Capital describe as “the UK’s biggest Christmas party.”

This year’s line-up includes British rap icon Tinie Tempah, as well as BRIT Award winners Lewis Capaldi, Aitch, Becky Hill and Jorja Smith.

Simon Cowell’s boyband December 10 will also be performing at The O2 during the ball.

Fans can also look forward to a special surprise performance on the night from a yet to be announced performer.

Jingle Bell Ball 2026 line-up

How to get tickets to the Jingle Bell Ball?

This year, Capital have changed the way in which people can get their hands on tickets.

Subscribers will be able to enter a ticket pre-sale through Capital Plus.

Capital Plus subscribers will have early access to Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball tickets when the pre-sale opens at 9am on Thursday, November 5.

You can sign up for the Capital Plus subscription service by heading to Global Player.

Once subscribed, you will receive an email with your code and link which will help secure your tickets.

If you are already a subscriber you will receive an email from Capital before the pre-sale opens, containing the link and code.

Barclaycard and Barclays Premier Debit Cardholders will have access to a separate pre-sale at 9am on November 5, which gives you 10% off pre-sale tickets.

New subscribers can try Capital Plus for free through the Global Player mobile app.

General sale tickets for people who haven’t subscribed are available on Friday, November 6 at 9am on Global Player.

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Billy Evans discusses full frontal nudity in ‘You Can See Everything’

Audiences who saw Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim’s hit documentary “You Can See Everything” may have left the theater with a few questions about Elizabeth Holmes and her longtime partner Billy Evans. While the former Theranos CEO is serving time in a Texas federal prison, Evans is active on X and fielding burning questions inspired by the documentary.

If you’ve haven’t yet seen the film, spoilers ahead.

Evans, 34, comes from a wealthy family who owns a luxury resort in San Diego. He and Holmes have two children, a 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter, and while Holmes serves an 11-year prison sentence, Evans is raising their kids, pursuing a new biotech venture and running the couple’s X accounts.

In “You Can See Everything,” Evans bares it all for the cameras, revealing everything from his nude body in the shower to his intense personality, among other questionable traits that have been widely discussed since the film hit theaters last month.

On Monday afternoon, he participated in an “AMA” (Ask Me Anything), and fans of the film flooded the comments.

Holmes’ parents, Christian Rasmus Holmes IV (a former vice president at Enron’s Clean Energy Solutions Group) and Noel Anne Holmes (née Daoust), both appear in the film, but as Fielder attempts to interview Holmes’ father, Evans becomes increasingly agitated.

On X, @kalmiavtuber asks, “My biggest question is, Billy, why did you stop Nathan from speaking to Liz’s father? Both Nathan and the audience saw it as integral to the documentary to truly ‘see everything.’ It felt like a missed opportunity that could have continued to give Liz more light.”

Evans replied, “She was going to prison. We had 3 days [together] at the time. I wanted to spend that time together. He interviewed her parents after she went in. They chose not to include that in the film. I didn’t control the edit. If there was something the directors wanted from them they had multiple opportunities to get it.”

One question popped up again and again, in various iterations: “Why did you keep sniffing throughout the documentary?”

And according to Evans, it wasn’t drug-induced sinus issues but, rather, germ- and Texas-induced. He said being a single dad to two toddlers makes him sick “approx 75% of days.” And, “Allergies in Austin TX are no joke. I take Claritin daily. Much less sniffling.”

And as for the blood testing device that Holmes spread out onto the kitchen table — the one that Theranos whistleblower Tyler Shultz said was not the same device that sent Holmes to prison but, rather, a future version of the Theranos product that was never used and never completed — @insistent_dw asked, “If the Theranos machine really worked as Liz said it did, why did it have to be dug out of storage containers in multiple pieces? I’d expect something like that to be locked in a safe and protected if it’s the prized machine behind a once billion dollar company.”

Evans replied, “Fair question. Theranos had been shut down for years, so naturally the hardware was in storage. We deliberately showed a disassembled device to show its internal components, not because that was all that remained. To my knowledge, 16 complete, functioning devices still exist. And Liz wasn’t reading a script. She was reading directly from the trial transcript. The litigation was still ongoing when we filmed.”

Farther down into the thread, one X user asks, “Have you ever told a lie?” To which Evans replies, “Yes.”

And @alexandraandnyc asked Evans to dispel one misconception from the film: “That I somehow control Liz,” Evans replied. “Anyone who actually knows her would find that idea hilarious.”

“She’s fiercely independent, strongwilled, and my best friend. We are partners in every sense. We challenge each other, disagree, and face the world together. Her closest friends are also some of my closest friends. If I ever mistreated her, they’d have my head.”

While it may have surprised audiences, “You Can See Everything,” landed an R-rating for its graphic nudity. One scene in particular features a full-frontal of Evans, and the dad of two has since said that he wasn’t thrilled with the shower scene making it into the film. When X users pressed him on allowing the cameras into the room, he pointed to a People article that featured anonymous sources saying Evans felt exploited and thought the scene would be kept PG.

“Trust the sources,” he said, alongside a link to the story.

Oppenheim, however, told Vulture last month that Evans seemed to initiate the scene: “It seems like he really had something he wanted to show to us and to the world.”

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I’m A Celebrity fans make same remark as ‘full line-up unveiled’ for ITV show

I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! is soon back on our screens and many fans of the ITV show all had the same remark after claims that the ‘full 2026 line-up has been revealed’

Fans of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! will be delighted to learn the show returns to ITV on Monday, 16 November 2026, with Ant & Dec reprising their roles as presenters. The I’m A Celebrity line-up is typically kept tightly under wraps until launch, but according to The Sun, this year’s cast has now been disclosed.

The publication claims the 12 celebrities taking part this year are Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu, former footballer and pundit Wayne Rooney, model Leomie Anderson, actress Claire Sweeney, comedian Leigh Francis, Love Island star Chloe Burrows, Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, Gavin and Stacey’s Joanna Page, TV presenter Ade Adepitan, YouTuber Sharky, journalist Mariella Frostrop and comedian Jack Skipper.

Despite The Sun’s claims, show bosses say the line-up is “just speculation” and that the official announcement about this year’s I’m A Celebrity campmates will come closer to the show’s launch.

As the line-up claims circulated on X, numerous fans of the show has the same remark – suggesting that producers had ‘blown the budget’ on Rooney, 41, as they were unfamiliar with many of the other celebrities.

One wrote: “Just say it, they blew the budget on Rooney.”

While another added: “So in other words they’ve spent the full budget on Wayne Rooney and had to skimp out on the rest.”

A third chimed in: “Couldn’t name a single person other than Rooney.”

While another added: “Wayne Rooney and a bunch of Z-listers.”

Despite such remarks, AJ Odudu, Claire Sweeney, Leigh Francis, Ricky Wilson and Joanna Page are all familiar faces who have worked in the entertainment sector for years and have featured on some of Britain’s leading TV programmes.

Many fans said that they were backing Rooney to claim victory following his wife Coleen’s near-miss in 2024, when the 40-year-old finished as runner-up to McFly’s Danny Jones.

This year, Ade Adepitan will make history as the first campmate to use a wheelchair. Producers have adapted the jungle layout and camp walkways to ensure accessibility while maintaining the core rustic environment.

After gaming YouTuber Angry Ginge’s triumph in 2025, producers have recruited Beta Squad creator Sharky and stand-up comedian Jack Skipper to maintain appeal with digitally-native viewers.

The initial 12-strong lineup leaves space for the show’s traditional mid-series surprise arrivals. Speculation has already linked names including retired cricketer Ben Stokes and Mis-Teeq singer Su-Elise Nash.

Who has won I’m A Celebrity in the past?

  • Series 1 (2002) – Tony Blackburn
  • Series 2 (2003) – Phil Tufnell
  • Series 3 (2004 – early) – Kerry Katona
  • Series 4 (2004 – late) – Joe Pasquale
  • Series 5 (2005) – Carol Thatcher
  • Series 6 (2006) – Matt Willis
  • Series 7 (2007) – Christopher Biggins
  • Series 8 (2008) – Joe Swash
  • Series 9 (2009) – Gino D’Acampo
  • Series 10 (2010) – Stacey Solomon
  • Series 11 (2011) – Dougie Poynter
  • Series 12 (2012) – Charlie Brooks
  • Series 13 (2013) – Kian Egan
  • Series 14 (2014) – Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty
  • Series 15 (2015) – Vicky Pattison
  • Series 16 (2016) – Scarlett Moffatt
  • Series 17 (2017) – Georgia ‘Toff’ Toffolo
  • Series 18 (2018) – Harry Redknapp
  • Series 19 (2019) – Jacqueline Jossa
  • Series 20 (2020) – Giovanna Fletcher
  • Series 21 (2021) – Danny Miller
  • Series 22 (2022) – Jill Scott MBE
  • Series 23 (2023) – Sam Thompson
  • Series 24 (2024) – Danny Jones
  • Series 25 (2025) – Angry Ginge (Morgan Burtwistle)

I’m A Celebrity will begin on Monday 16th November at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

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BBC £180 TV Licence rules to get refund – full list of those entitled

TV Licensing guidance offers details on how people could be entitled to a refund on their £180 TV Licence

Paying for a TV Licence is one of those things in life few people enjoy but must accept as just a rule you have to follow. A standard TV Licence will set you back £180.

But what not everyone realises that there are circumstances where that sum you’ve forked out can be refunded. If that happens, there is a process to go through, TV Licensing explains – and how much you might get in a repayment depends on certain factors.

Why would you be able to claim a refund, you might wonder. Well, if you do not need a licence any more before the one you have runs out, you can make a request for a refund – as long as there is at least 1 full month left on it.

Furthermore, if you meet the criteria for an over-75 concession, or for a blind concession, you can make a claim for a refund. And in those circumstances, you can do so at any point, regardless if how long you have left on your licence.

The TV Licensing website says: “Working out precise refund amounts can be complicated. But we will do it for you. We’ll look carefully at the information you give us and let you know if we can offer you a refund, and how much it will be.”

If you do not any longer need your licence, and it is found that you are eligible for a refund payment, the TV Licensing officials will make a calculation based on when the licence you have was issued, and when it expires.

Refunds are calculated in unused months. The rules say you could get a refund for anywhere between one and 11 months, depending on your situation.

If you want to sit down and look into when your licence expiry date is, it’s pretty simple to do so. Just sign to the TV Licensing website with your licence number, name and postcode.

If they decide that your claim is valid, and a refund payment is agreed, your licence ends at once.

Here is the full list of people who may be entitled to a refund on their TV Licence:

  • The address is covered by another licence
  • refunds for those who qualify for a blind concession
  • TV receiving equipment is no longer in use
  • Refunds in consequence of a free TV Licence application – payments are made for each complete month remaining on the current licence.
  • TV Licence is bought in error
  • refunds for those who do not need it before it runs out and there is at least one month left on it
  • Refunds due to the death of the licence holder
  • A replacement TV Licence has been bought
  • refunds for those who qualify for over-75 concession

For more on refund rules on TV Licences and for information on who might qualify, go to the relevant section of the TV Licensing website here.

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I visited an underrated city 1 hour from UK full of cobbled streets and independent shops

The European destination might be best known for its luxury watches and expensive reputation, but this city break has far more to offer than meets the eye

Geneva may be most famous for its high-end timepieces, global standing and eye-wateringly costly way of life, but there’s far more to this Swiss city than first appears. Nestled on the banks of Lake Geneva, with the Alps forming a stunning backdrop, it offers a blend of historic streets, independent chocolatiers, and picturesque lakeside strolls.

In contrast to Zurich, Geneva has a calmer and more unhurried feel, making it an attractive option for a city escape without the crowds of a larger destination. It’s also easy to explore over a weekend, with many of its sights within easy reach of each other.

I travelled there to uncover what makes Geneva worthy of a visit and discovered a quiet, historic city, while staying at one of the most legendary hotels. The journey also took just over an hour from London to Geneva, making it incredibly convenient and swift to reach.

Following a trip to Zurich last year and becoming enchanted with Switzerland overall, I set myself the goal of discovering some of the less-visited destinations.

This led me to Geneva, which proved to be unlike what I’d anticipated. While it has a rich history, it didn’t feel overly crowded, and there’s a more relaxed rhythm to wandering its streets and along its waterside walkways.

The city is positioned where the Rhône River flows out of Lake Geneva, with the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain shooting spectacularly from the water. It’s one of the most instantly recognisable sights in the city, propelling a towering column of water skyward and creating a stunning backdrop for photos.

Strolling along the waterfront is perhaps the simplest way to soak up the scenery, with boats gliding across the lake and views stretching out towards the mountains on a clear day.

What makes this city particularly attractive is that you don’t need a jam-packed schedule to make the most of it. You can happily spend time meandering around the lake, popping into a café, browsing the shops and admiring the architecture without feeling the need to dash between sights.

Old town

No trip to Geneva would feel truly complete without a wander through its Old Town, known locally as La Vieille Ville. Perched on a hill above the city centre, this historic quarter is brimming with cobbled streets, charming squares, independent boutiques and cafés nestled within older buildings.

It’s a delightful area to explore on foot, especially if you enjoy uncovering hidden alleyways and one-of-a-kind shops.

The standout landmark here is St Pierre Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and towers prominently over the Old Town. Visitors are welcome to explore inside and, where access permits, scale the towers for sweeping panoramic views across the rooftops and out towards the lake.

It’s also home to the world’s longest wooden bench, measuring 120 metres. Constructed in 1767, it’s certainly worth seeing.

Another attraction worth discovering is Geneva’s celebrated Flower Clock, located at the entrance to the Jardin Anglais alongside the lake. Established in 1955 as a homage to the city’s distinguished watchmaking heritage, the clock merges Swiss precision with botanical craftsmanship, featuring thousands of plants and flowers to form its vibrant face.

Chocolate shops

Switzerland and chocolate are inseparable, so naturally, sampling some local chocolate was a priority during my visit to Geneva. The city boasts a rich chocolate-making heritage, with established chocolatiers and independent boutiques offering everything from bars to truffles to pralines.

Some notable names include Favanger, as well as other specialist chocolate shops scattered throughout the city. Each provides a slightly different experience, whether you’re after traditional Swiss chocolate, more intricate handcrafted delights or something special to bring back.

The Lindt shop located in the city centre is also worth popping into.

Cheese fondue

Chocolate aside, fondue is another Swiss staple worth carving out time for. Traditionally prepared with melted cheese served in a communal pot, it’s a comforting dish that feels wonderfully warming after a chilly day of sightseeing.

I chose to eat at Restaurant Les Armures in the heart of the Old Town and savoured a traditional fondue accompanied by crunchy bread and potatoes. Menus and recipes differ, but the dish is typically prepared with a blend of cheeses, white wine, and seasonings.

Hotels

Geneva boasts plenty of luxury hotels, but the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues stands as one of the city’s most iconic addresses. Established in 1834, it possesses a rich heritage overlooking Lake Geneva and combines the splendour of a historic hotel with the amenities and service expected of a modern five-star establishment.

The hotel sits in a prime city centre location, making it an ideal base for discovering Geneva on foot. The lakefront lies just beyond its doors, while the Old Town and upmarket shopping districts are easily accessible.

It’s the kind of spot that lets you spend the day touring before retreating to somewhere that feels detached from the city’s rhythm.

The hotel ranked among the most remarkable I’ve experienced, from its refined surroundings to the complete package. It brought another layer to my journey and afforded me the opportunity to witness Geneva’s most opulent side directly.

Rather than seeming like somewhere to merely rest between excursions, it felt like a destination in itself. The interiors strike a balance between timeless elegance and modern elements, fostering an ambience that feels sophisticated while preserving the building’s historic charm.

Its guest rooms and suites showcase unique design features and overlook the city, courtyard, and lake. The hotel also boasts an indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and Spa Mont Blanc, providing numerous opportunities to relax after a day of sightseeing.

While the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are celebrated for their opulence, it’s not actually the priciest hotel in Geneva.

The most expensive hotel in Geneva is the Hotel President Wilson, a Luxury Collection Hotel, renowned for housing the world’s most expensive hotel suite. It’s a well-known luxury destination for diplomats, heads of state and international travellers.

Restaurants

Unlike expansive culinary centres such as Paris, London or Tokyo, Geneva is comparatively compact, which can make it challenging to locate restaurants. Fortunately, the Four Seasons houses several restaurants and bars, offering guests choices without needing to leave the hotel each evening.

It’s also incredibly popular with passers-by, too.

Amongst its dining venues are II Lago, which specialises in Italian cuisine, and Izumi, which serves Japanese-inspired cuisine. The hotel’s selection of restaurants and bars enhances its appeal to travellers who want their accommodation to be part of the complete experience, rather than merely a place to sleep at night.

Naturally, the Four Seasons is positioned at the premium end of the spectrum, so it won’t be within everyone’s price range. However, for a memorable occasion like my visit, or a getaway where the accommodation is meant to be a centrepiece in itself, it’s a remarkable choice to bear in mind.

Nearby destinations

One of the highlights of my journey was a day excursion to Annecy, a charming town just over the French frontier. I got there by FlixBus from Geneva, which proved a convenient way to discover somewhere new without needing to rent a vehicle.

Renowned for its meandering waterways, vibrant historic structures, and a stunning lake encircled by peaks, Annecy felt like entering a storybook.

With delightful lanes to explore, independent boutiques to peruse and numerous spots to pause for a crêpe or coffee, it provided a wonderful alternative to Geneva and was certainly worth dedicating a day to.

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Foreign Office updates travel warnings for 13 countries – see the full list

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for 13 countries, including Turkey and Egypt, amid ‘regional tensions’ in the Middle East

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for 13 countries, including Turkey and Egypt, due to ‘regional tensions’ across the Middle East. ‘Do not travel’ warnings remain in force for various areas as the situation ‘remains deeply unpredictable’.

In the update issued on Tuesday, 27 October, under ‘regional tensions’, the FCDO warned: “The context in the Middle East remains deeply unpredictable, and the risk of sudden escalation is high. Since conflict began in early 2026, Iran has stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including, but not limited to, organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. There have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran and others across the region against civilian and US military infrastructure.”

The Foreign Office went on to caution that British nationals planning to travel through the Middle East or who are currently in the region “should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions”. They advised doing the following:

  • Read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad – GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
  • Sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
  • Follow advice from the local authorities
  • Monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace, which could close at short notice
  • Stay away from areas around security or military facilities
  • Keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
  • If advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Do not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects.

While the most recent travel guidance for the 13 nations concerned ‘regional tensions’, it’s crucial to consult the FCDO directly for any additional warnings or advice for your chosen destination, as there may be additional or differing advice, and updates can be issued at extremely short notice. There are also critical ‘do not travel’ warnings in effect for various locations, alongside guidance ‘against all but essential travel’ to other areas, reports the Daily Star.

Currently, the Foreign Office has advised ‘against all travel to parts’ of the following nations: Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the FCDO has advised ‘against all travel’ to Iran, Yemen and Syria. It’s worth noting that some of these warnings were in place before the events in the Middle East and are unrelated to the tensions.

For example in Yemen, the FCDO states: “Since July 2026, the Houthis have launched air strikes against Saudi territory and Saudi shipping vessels in the Red Sea. There is an ongoing risk of further military escalation, including in Yemen and the Red Sea, which could occur at short notice.”

Full list of 13 countries with updated travel advice

  1. Egypt
  2. Turkey
  3. Qatar
  4. Iran
  5. Israel
  6. Kuwait
  7. Palestine
  8. Bahrain
  9. Jordan
  10. Yemen
  11. Syria
  12. Pakistan
  13. Saudi Arabia

For more information, or to check travel advice for a specific country, visit the Foreign Office website.

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

  • This article was updated to reflect that the Foreign Office’s advice ‘against all travel to parts’ of certain countries are not all linked to the events in the Middle East.

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Full lockdown of occupied West Bank begins | Israel-Palestine conflict

The Israeli army begins its lockdown and military operations across the West Bank. Around 200 Palestinian families have been forced out of their homes in Hebron. All checkpoints and crossings in the West Bank closed for Palestinians. Al Jazeera’s Mohammad Saleh brings you the latest.

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Theranos whistleblower says ‘You Can See Everything’ is full of lies

A former research engineer who worked closely with Elizabeth Holmes at Theranos says “You Can See Everything” doesn’t show, well, everything.

You may remember Tyler Shultz from HBO’s “The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley,” or even the fictionalized series “The Dropout” starring Amanda Seyfried as the disgraced Theranos CEO. He was one of the whistleblowers who raised the alarm when Holmes’ blood-testing technology was not the revolutionary medical device she claimed it to be. Shultz met Holmes through his grandfather, former Secretary of State George Shultz, who sat on the Theranos board of directors and scored Shultz an internship at the medical diagnostic startup, which quickly evolved into a full-time position as a research engineer. During his eight months on the job, he realized something was terribly wrong.

“You Can See Everything” directors Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim may have fallen into Holmes’ carefully curated trap, Shultz warns in a new essay.

“I’ve had the displeasure of watching disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes at work not just over a three-hour film, but over the entirety of my adult life. I was an employee turned whistleblower at Theranos, my grandfather sat on her board, she came to my family holidays and birthday parties. I met her when I was 20, she went to prison when I was 32,” he wrote in a Stat News op-ed published Monday.

“I wish I could have told director Nathan Fielder what I told [New York Times reporter] John Carreyrou when he started investigating her: Do not underestimate Elizabeth Holmes.”

Los Angeles Times columnist Glenn Whipp wrote that the film leaves viewers with many questions: “about Holmes, about the slippery nature of truth and about the objectivity of documentary filmmaking itself.” The film, labeled a documentary, grossed $15 million this weekend, making it the second-highest-grossing opening for the genre.

But Shultz says that while “You Can See Everything” is an entertaining piece of art, it’s certainly not a documentary, and “it’s dangerous to pretend that it is.”

Shultz calls out what he says are misleading components of the film, including the blood-testing device that Holmes shows Fielder.

“Back to the Theranos device itself. During that scene, my wife had to squeeze my arm to prevent me from jumping out of my seat in the theater and screaming, ‘THAT IS NOT THE DEVICE,’” Shultz writes. “That was not the device I worked with 12 hours a day, not the device we hid from regulators, not the device that constantly failed quality controls, not the device we used to knowingly give patients inaccurate medical results. The device she showed Fielder on the kitchen table was not the reason she went to prison. Elizabeth showed him a future version of the Theranos product that was never completed and never used in order to lead Fielder down this BS semantic rabbit hole and to trick him into litigating the entirely wrong thing.”

The research engineer-turned-whistleblower also called out the quaint two-bedroom condo in which the film was shot, pointing out that Holmes had just recently lived with partner Billy Evans, whose family owns a luxury resort in San Diego, in an estate listed at $125 million.

He also raises questions about the abuse Holmes suffered at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, convicted fraudster and Theranos COO Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani. Shultz claims Holmes spotted Balwani’s abusive tendencies and clocked him as the perfect fall guy if things went south.

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