KATIE Price put on an on eye-popping display in a tiny bikini as she stripped off in the heatwave.
Katie, 48, who used to go by her alter-ego name Jordan, looked like she was going back to her pin-up roots as she put all of her husband in jail drama behind her.
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Katie Price went back to her pin-up roots for her latest sexy selfieCredit: Backgrid / Katie Price / SnapchatThe star looked every inch her former alter-ego JordanCredit: Backgrid / Katie Price / Snapchat
It comes as Katie awaits for her husband Lee Andrews’ jail releaseCredit: mistraesthetics/InstagramAfter going ‘missing’, Lee was found at Dubai’s Al Awir jailCredit: Instagram
The next pic looked like she was about to burst out of the top, as she sunbathed in her garden.
Revealing that she was feeling happy that the sun was out, Katie told her fans: “The good thing about being here is it is just me, the swimming pool, the animals, no people, so I can walk around naked if I want, and I love it!”
The relaxing time in the sun comes after a VERY turbulent few weeks for the star due to ongoing speculation surrounding her relationship with her husband.
Next is offering this seasonal staple with fans singing its praises. The popular high street retailer is currently stocking the Blue Ecru Polka Dot Mini Dress for just £28, giving shoppers a stylish option for the summer ahead. It is available in sizes 6 through to 26. It also has selected taller fit options.
Whether you’re trying to stay cool at the office during a summer heatwave or dressing up for a holiday or city break across Europe, this versatile piece could be just the ticket. Its lightweight look and adaptable design mean it could easily take you from one occasion to the next throughout the sunny season.
The dress boasts a pretty light blue colour scheme with white polka dot detailing, lending it a timeless summery charm. Thin shoulder straps and a square neckline sit above a fitted bodice that flows effortlessly into a loose skirt falling above the knee.
The fabric looks lightweight and breathable, potentially making it ideal for soaring temperatures and trips abroad. Its unfussy design also means it could work just as well for a casual daytime look, a beach outing, or a relaxed evening out on the town.
Shoppers have shared glowing reviews on the products on the Next website. One customer wrote: “Beautiful colours, really good fit and so comfortable. It was perfect for an upcoming holiday.
“Can be dressed up with a pair of heels and a clutch or pair of flats or trainers for daytime. Will keep a look out for similar styles in Next as I would like another dress in other colour ways.”
Another added: “This dress is absolutely gorgeous – lovely quality material and has cute pockets. Knee-length on me (5 foot 3), it flows beautifully from the hips,” while a third continued: “Gorgeous little summer dress definitely recommend and can’t wait to wear it in the summer.”
Those keen to get their hands on the dress can opt for home delivery and find further details on the Next website. Click-and-collect is also on offer, with shoppers able to check whether their local branch has it in stock via the retailer’s online store finder.
Ministers in France are meeting to assess the country’s preparedness for heatwaves, while tennis number one Jannik Sinner bowed out of the French Open after suffering from the heat. Meanwhile,Italian authorities issued a red heatwave alert for the capital, Rome, where it topped out at 32C on Thursday.
Elsewhere, three-time former champion Novak Djokovic faced Frenchman Valentin Royer on Court Philippe Chatrier, which has a roof, and was on court for three hours and 44 minutes.
The 39-year-old Serb lost a tight third set on a tie-break but regrouped to win 6-3 6-2 6-7 (7-9) 6-3.
In his post-match press conference, Djokovic suggested scheduling matches at Grand Slams later in the evening could be “something to consider” as a potential alternative if extreme conditions are expected.
French Open organisers monitor the temperature through two wet bulb sensors – one on Chatrier and another on Court 14.
If the threshold is reached, a 10-minute break may be introduced after the second set of women’s matches and the third set of men’s matches.
If temperatures continue to rise, matches can be suspended until the heat drops.
No French Open match has ever been halted because of extreme heat.
Women’s 15th seed Marta Kostyuk said the conditions so far this week are not quite as bad as those she experienced when playing at the same venue for the Olympics in 2024, but added: “It’s still hot and it’s very dry. I always felt like I need to drink, I want to drink more and more. It was tough.”
On Monday, former finalist Casper Ruud said he felt he was “walking around like a zombie” and feared he had heat stroke after struggling with cramping in 33C temperatures.
One player who escaped the worst of the conditions on Wednesday was men’s second seed Alexander Zverev, who played in the night session when temperatures had dropped to about 18C.
A runner-up at Roland Garros in 2024, Zverev continued his bid for a maiden Grand Slam with a dominant display to beat Czech player Tomas Machac 6-4 6-2 6-2 in one hour and 48 minutes.
Nestled along the picturesque UK shoreline is a stunning beach with azure waters and stretches of soft sand – but it’s left visitors a little taken aback for one reason
This UK beach is a little slice of paradise, but there’s one aspect that has caught visitors off guard(Image: Getty Images)
A beautiful UK beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters is often dubbed the ‘Bali of the UK’, but there’s more than meets the eye.
Nothing says heatwave like a day out at the beach, and the UK is brimming with stretches of golden coastline, dramatic chalk white cliffs, and azure waters that could easily be mistaken for those found in the Caribbean. That’s if you know where to look. And one stunning beach might just stand out from them all, for more reasons than one.
Nestled on the south coast of the Penwith Peninsula in Cornwall is Pedn Vounder Beach, tucked away in a secluded, tidal cove, which could arguably be one of the most beautiful UK shores. The beach is characterised by crystal-clear turquoise waters and unspoilt, soft, golden sand, framed by towering cliffs in a UK oasis.
During low tide, shallow, aquamarine pools are formed – perfect for a dip during the warmer months, although people should be aware of the currents and the steep terrain to access the beach. However, it’s well worth the walk down, as those looking for a little slice of paradise will be rewarded with picture-postcard vistas of the beach, often dubbed the ‘Bali of the UK’.
It remains untouched, with stretches of pristine sand to enjoy and the lapping of azure waters in a secluded location away from the busier seaside resorts. But those taking the rugged route down to the breathtakingly beautiful beach might be caught off guard, as it’s often been known as an unofficial naturist beach.
One traveller commented on Facebook: “Beautiful but absolutely had a shock as we weren’t aware of what type of beach it was!”
Another agreed: “My partner and I also didn’t know this was a clothing-optional beach until we got down to it and saw much more than we were expecting!”
A third added: “Same until we got there.”
On TripAdvisor, one visitor also revealed: “This is a nudist beach, and the climb down is not for the faint-hearted. However, there are clear signs warning you of both of these on the way down.”
They later added: “One of the most breathtaking beaches I have ever visited. The waters were crystal blue and the beach beautifully sandy.”
Commenting further, another traveller shared: “There are clothed and unclothed bodies. Most of the nude people are on the left end of the beach, and everyone is very respectful.”
Other explorers issued a warning to those looking to access the secluded beach due to its challenging walk down.
One shared on TripAdvisor: “This beach cove really is gorgeous, the water is crystal clear and a stunning turquoise colour, you wouldn’t believe it’s in the UK! Only about a mile from the nearest parking lot, but it definitely isn’t a trip for the faint-hearted. It is a very steep hike/climb down to get onto the beach, virtually rock climbing. Make sure you take all the essentials too, as there is nothing around once you get there.”
Another commented: “A stunning beach it is quite a climb down over the rocks so you do need to be prepared for this. The beach is definitely worth the climb, especially when the tide goes out. The best beach I have been to.”
One more shared: “Totally amazing – but mainly writing this review for some advice for others, we’ve been going for 30 years, but due to social media, lots of people are now trying. “You need to be pretty fit, mobile and able to descend down a cliff face to access – getting down with buggies or people with mobility difficulties will find it difficult.”
They added: “Also, it is a nudist beach, has been for years and years – if people have an issue with this, it’s probably not the beach for you.”
Yet for those up for the challenge, who have checked the tide and planned a route, might just be met with some of the most stunning vistas that easily rival those found in the Caribbean or Bali.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
The lake boasts a sandy shoreline and designated wild swimming areas, making it a brilliant spot for a summer day out — just remember to arrive early as it gets very busy
The lake is perfect for a heatwave (Image: Surrey Live / Darren Pepe)
A stunning wild swimming spot nestled amid vibrant heathland offers the perfect escape for a refreshing dip.
Frensham Great Pond is a National Trust-managed lake boasting a genuine sandy beach, allowing visitors to relax on the shore after a bracing swim — all without being anywhere near the coast.
Located a few miles south of Farnham and roughly ten miles west of Godalming in Surrey, Frensham Great Pond features two designated swimming zones marked out by buoys, alongside an on-site café and toilet facilities, making it an ideal destination for a full day out.
The pond was first established in the 13th century to provide fish for the Bishop of Winchester and his entourage during visits to Farnham Castle. Nowadays, the pond and its surroundings serve as a haven for wildlife. Frensham holds international significance due to the array of rare and threatened species that flourish on the heath, earning it recognition as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation.
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The heathland encircling the pond presents a striking tapestry of purple heathers, vibrant yellow gorse and lush green bracken.
“Are you someone who delights in basking under the sun at the beach? It may come as a surprise that even in landlocked Surrey, a beach can be found. Frensham Great Pond boasts a sandy shoreline, offering a unique beach experience. While it may not offer the expansive ocean vistas typically associated with beaches, it does provide a splendid view across the lake,” writes Swim Guard.
There are a few things to bear in mind if you’re planning a visit to Frensham Great Pond. It draws enormous crowds during fine weather, with the car park typically full by 10am. Get there early to avoid disappointment, Waverley Borough Council warns, urging visitors to steer clear on scorching days as “the site will be too crowded.”
Dogs are prohibited on both the beach and barrow areas, and BBQs and bonfires are strictly banned.
If that’s given you second thoughts, don’t worry. Surrey has no shortage of other stunning spots offering fantastic wild swimming opportunities. Including:
Buckland Park Lake, managed by the Surrey Hills Adventure Company, is spring-fed and open year-round. Swimmers do a 400-metre loop around the lake with views of white cliffs and wildlife, with a max depth of 3 metres and a gradual entry point on one side.
Godstone Divers Cove is a picturesque 7.3-acre reservoir, once a sand extraction site, now a popular managed wild swimming venue. Post-swim, you can even get artisan pizzas on selected sessions.
The River Mole is a sleepy tributary of the Thames winds through the leafy Surrey countryside and is considered one of England’s most biodiverse rivers, home to barbel, trout, lamprey and eel.
If you’re planning a dip during the warm weather, it’s vital to take the proper precautions. During the recent mini-heatwave, six people have tragically lost their lives in UK waters. On Wednesday, police confirmed that a body discovered during the search for a 12-year-old boy who went missing while swimming in a river in Lancashire is that of the child.
Shocking images caught the hours long queues bank holiday travellers faced in Dover and Folkestone on the hottest days of the year so far
Huge lines at the Port of Dover, on Friday(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
Bank holiday travellers have been plunged into chaos as some drivers were forced to wait nearly five hours for ferries at Dover.
Brits looking to escape the UK for the long weekend and hot weather were dealt with a massive blow as thousands of cars were kept waiting in sweltering temperatures. Shocking images showed massive queues at the Port of Dover as people tried to catch ferries over to mainland Europe.
The port issued a warning to travellers and the new EU border checks were suspended to help ease the massive congestion on one of the hottest days of the year so far.
Motorists heading to the Eurotunnel for the LeShuttle railway reported delays of an hour or more to check-in in Folkestone.
Motorists, on Saturday morning, faced delays of up to two hours to reach the port then a wait of up to two and a half hours to complete immigration and processing before getting on their ferries.
The news entry/exit system (EES) involves people from third-party countries, like the UK, having their fingerprints registered and photograph taken to enter the Schengen Area.
The port, in a statement to holidaymakers amid the travel chaos, warned this bank holiday was the first major period it has faced with the new EES system in place.
It said: “We recognise that the border process is slower with the current EES system, and this May Half Term is the first peak period since its introduction.
“French border teams are doing their best within the parameters given and are working with the highest available resources. We are continuing to work hard with them and our other partners to reduce wait times and get you on your way as quickly as possible. It is extremely important to stick to main routes on your journey to the Port, as not doing so causes extra delays and access issues for our local community.”
‘Are you caught up in the Dover queues? Contact us at webnews@trinitymirror.com
In a desperate bid to ease congestion, the French authorities suspended extra EU border checks under the EES, the port announced. It also said anyone who has missed their ferry crossing because of queues can travel on the next available slot free of charge.
Holidaymakers also faced hours long waits at Dover on Friday, but the congestion has appeared to ease on Saturday afternoon. In an update around 1.15pm on Saturday, the port said the processing time for tourist traffic had dropped to 50 minutes.
Despite this, the port said there were “still queues in the check-in plaza for tourist traffic and approach lanes for all ferry operators”. More than 8,000 travellers are expected at the port on Saturday.
The travel nightmare comes on a long weekend where multiple temperature records could be broken – with parts of the UK possibly hotter than the Seychelles on Saturday. Records could be broken for the the hottest May day in the UK and England, currently 32.8C; the hottest May day in Wales, currently 30.6C ; as well as the UK and England’s hottest bank holiday, which sits for now at 33.3C, according to the Met Office.
Highs of 30C are likely to be seen in the south of England on Saturday after the UK saw the hottest day of the year so far when temperatures hit 28.4C in Heathrow, Cambridge and Cranwell in Lincolnshire on Friday afternoon. This would be hotter than the temperatures forecast for popular holiday spots like Split in Croatia and even Victoria in the Seychelles.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued amber heat health alerts on Friday morning for the East Midlands, West Midlands, the east of England, London and the South East. They will remain in place until 5pm on Wednesday and replace less severe yellow alerts which were previously issued.
The alerts mean there is likely to be “a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions” and increased demand on all health and social care services, according to the UKHSA website. Yellow alerts have been issued for the north-east and north-west of England, Yorkshire and Humber, and the South West.
The UK is a haven for seaside escapes and days out at the beach, but there’s one beautiful town, offering golden sand beaches and turquoise waters, that has been hailed as a ‘must-visit’
This beautiful UK coastline is an oasis during the warmer months(Image: Getty Images)
The UK is set for a scorcher, so what better time to make the most of the British sunshine than a trip to a coastal town offering unspoilt beaches and a traditional seaside charm?
Some regions across the UK are set for a balmy 30C on Saturday, 23 May and 32C on Sunday – just in time for the May bank holiday. The blistering temperatures are even set to surpass Ibiza’s Mediterranean climate, which will peak at 23C and 24C over the weekend, undoubtedly encouraging Brits to embrace the glorious British weather.
And what better way than a trip to the beach? One particular UK gem that has been hailed as a “must-visit” and an ideal “car-free staycation” is the beautiful town of Lyme Regis.
Dubbed the ‘Pearl of Dorset’, Lyme Regis is famed for its dramatic golden cliffs along the Jurassic Coast, sprawling beaches, its picturesque harbour and a colourful town brimming with independent businesses. There are plenty of attractions for the kids to enjoy by the sea, including a range of water activities, alongside fossil-hunting beaches, coastal walks, and inviting waters for a refreshing dip!
Ice cream shops are a given in this town, with parlours dotted down the promenade, along with various eateries offering the classic British dish of fish & chips to enjoy by the sea, or a refreshing drink from one of their cafés with seaside vistas. And what’s more, it’s very walkable, so once you’re there, you can really make the most of the British sunshine.
Sharing a local insight into the unsuspecting walkable town of Lyme Regis, owner of Dorset & Devon Holiday Cottages, Gemma Matthews, said: “Lyme Regis is a perfect example of a traditional seaside town, which has the benefit of being walkable, yet it’s often overlooked in favour of bigger destinations like Brighton or Bath, and that’s exactly what makes it special.”
“In Lyme, we’re spoilt by our picturesque beaches, fascinating museums, such as the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, and local tourist attractions like The Town Mill, all located within a five-minute walk of each other. You can easily spend a day exploring on foot, whilst stopping to browse the independent boutiques or grabbing a bite to eat on Broad Street, one of the town’s central roads.”
Offering further recommendations for a day or weekend escape to the charming town, Gemma said: “If you’re happy to stroll a little further, the Marine Parade links the bottom of the town to The Cobb, a harbour wall which is a great spot for taking in the seaside views, especially at sunset.
“But one of Lyme Regis’ must-see attractions can only be accessed on foot – and only at certain times of day. The Ammonite pavement is a one-of-a-kind collection of fossils embedded in a limestone rock ledge, which can only be visited during low tide when you can walk towards it from Monmouth beach. It’s experiences like this that make walkable destinations so special, which you’d completely miss if you were driving.”
For those looking to book an escape along the picture-postcard seaside shores, Dorset & Devon Holiday Cottages offers a variety of accommodation options, where you’ll feel right at home. There are also the likes of Sykes Holiday Cottages and Holidaycottages.co.uk, which offer a range of stays in the region.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
Families heading to France from Dover are enduring a two hour wait, while train services out of London have been hit by cancellations ahead of weekend of route closures
11:15, 22 May 2026Updated 11:35, 22 May 2026
Drivers were stuck in sweltering temperatures to get through passport control at the Port of Dover on Friday morning(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
Drivers arriving at the port of Dover have been warned of two hour waits as millions of others elsewhere face bank holiday travel chaos.
Authorities at Dover have alerted customers to a “120 minute processing time for tourist traffic in the buffer zone” before reaching French border control on this side of the Channel. It added: “Please note there is external congestion on the port approach roads.”
Writing on social media, the Port of Dover said: “Thank you for your patience. Our teams are working hard to get everyone through border control and check-in as quickly as possible.” The go-slow comes as Brits flying to Europe also fear lengthy waits to get through border control after the implementation of new passport checks.
Doug Bannister, Port of Dover chief executive, warned Saturday would be even busier: “We’re looking at about 8,000 cars on Saturday, so that is going to be the busiest of the three days. Our busy time for cars tends to be about 5am till until 1pm. If you’re arriving for a sailing during that period of time, we ask people not to arrive more than two hours before their sailing so that we can keep everybody flowing through.”
National Rail warned the hot weather can “cause overhead lines to expand and sag”, rails to buckle and pose a risk of track-side fires. “Speed restrictions may be imposed,” it added.
Tens of thousands or rail passengers suffered cancellations even before a weekend of disruption due to engineering work and strikes.
Operator LNER said northbound services between London King’s Cross and Peterborough were disrupted due to a fault with the overhead power lines in the New Barnet area. Delays of up to 50 minutes were expected. And southbound, services between York and Doncaster were disrupted due to a fault with the signalling system.
The East Coast Main Line is expected to be one of the worst routes affected in the coming days because of a closure for works in North Yorkshire. A rail replacement bus service will operate but, as a result, will add more than more than an hour and a half to a normal three hour journey.
The closure has impact thousands Middlesborough fans travelling to London for the Championship play-off final against Hull City at Wembley.
Industrial action is also planned on London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway on Friday and Saturday, with passengers advised to “only travel if necessary” as trains will only run on a small number of routes.
Elsewhere, the Transpennine route will also be impacted, including a rail replacement service between Manchester Piccadilly and Huddersfield over the whole weekend, and between Huddersfield and Leeds, Dewsbury and Wakefield Kirkgate on Sunday.
Buses will replace trains on the Great Western main line between Newport and Bristol Parkway, while one train an hour will operate between south Wales and London via Gloucester from Saturday right through to Monday June 8.
Passengers using part of the Thameslink line in London and South Western Railway between Havant, Fareham and Portsmouth Harbour will also be disrupted.
Anit Chandarana, from Network Rail, said: “Bank holidays are still among the least busy times for us in terms of passengers, so it makes sense to plan these major improvements for those days.
“I know it can be frustrating to have to check before you travel, but this investment is about making everyday journeys better – improving reliability, reducing future disruption and helping the railway work better for passengers.”
So much rail disruption will inevitably mean even more people take to roads already predicted to be busy due to the weather and the start of the half term school break.
Adding to the risk of jams is the fact it is the final weekend of the Premier League season, with hundreds of thousands of fans travelling to cheer on their teams.
Motoring group the AA is forecasting Friday will be the busiest day, with around 23.4 million journeys taken, then 2.8 million on Saturday, and 22.4 million on both Sunday and bank holiday Monday.
If you have been disrupted by the travel disruption, email graham.hiscott@mirror.co.uk
As the promise of better weather gets us all anticipating some sunshine, it’s a great time to plan a trip to the beach. Here are five stunning sandy spots in the UK that’ll make you feel like you’re abroad
You can find white sand beaches right here in the UK(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Nothing beats a day at the beach when the weather is warm, and with 27C temperatures potentially hitting the UK at the end of May, many of us will be planning a jaunt to the seaside.
The UK has many beautiful beaches, some of which wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean or the Med. And if you want to avoid the hassle of finding a parking space on a busy bank holiday, there are lots of beaches that are easy to reach by train, so you can enjoy a more relaxed day out.
Here are five beaches that could make for the perfect staycation trip once the weather gets warmer.
1. Nairn Beach
Set in the Scottish Highlands, Nairn Beach gets more sunshine than any other beach in the area thanks to its microclimate. While the west side of the beach has more traditional seaside vibes with fish and chip shops and ice cream stalls, head east and there are soft sand dunes, light sands, and turquoise seas.
To add to the Caribbean vibes, you can sometimes spot a colony of Bottlenose Dolphins just off the coast, so be sure to bring binoculars. Nairn Beach is about a 15-minute walk from Nairn’s train station, which connects with Inverness, so despite its unspoilt coast, it’s easy to reach.
2. Herne Bay
Herne Bay in Kent is a classic seaside town with Victorian landmarks, and along the coast you’ll find the ruins of Reculver Towers offering stunning views across the water. The beach has calm, shallow waters, ideal for taking a dip, and you may spot some mussel beds under the surface.
The beach is sand and shingle, giving it a rugged, unspoiled vibe, and at the heart of it all is the Victorian pier, where you’ll find amusements, fish and chip shops, and funfair rides. You can reach Herne Bay by train from London Victoria, with the journey taking just over 90-minutes and the station less than a mile from the beach.
3. Bridlington South beach
If you like your beaches a little more secluded, head to Bridlington South Beach in Yorkshire. Overlooking Bridlington Bay, it has warm, calm waters, dog-friendly sections, and areas for kids to paddle. Walk along the promenade or jump on the land train to enjoy the clifftop views while you chug along.
You can find both bustling and quiet stretches along this long, golden sand beach, and Bridlington’s train station is just a short walk from the northern tip. Services run regularly from York and enjoy views across the countryside as you head towards this coastal retreat.
4. Porthmeor Beach
Porthmeor Beach in St. Ives in Cornwall brings a little bit of the Caribbean to the West Country, offering light golden sands and Atlantic surf protected by rocky headlands. It’s incredibly popular in the summer months, thanks to its surf school and general family-friendly vibes. If the sun gets too hot, you can even head into the cool atmosphere of Tate St Ives, a gallery just steps from the beach. Visit later in the day and enjoy the west-facing unobstructed views of the Atlantic that make this a popular spot for watching the sunset.
You’ll find the beach just a 15-minute walk from St Ives train station, where the railway line runs along the coast, connecting with St Erth, where you’ll find direct trains to London.
Troon Beach in Scotland is set around a crescent-shaped bay, making the waters shallow, calm, and perfect for paddling. You can even see the Isle of Arran just across the water on clear days, and if you wait until sunset, you’ll see the sun disappear behind the island. While the beach has golden sands and soft green sand dunes, it also has a rugged feel, and incredible views of the Firth of Clyde.
At one end of the beach, you’ll find the famous Royal Troon Golf Club, and as you wander along the coast, you’ll spot a wide variety of wildlife, including seabirds, waders, and even seals swimming close to shore. The sands are less than 10-minutes from the train station, which has regular services to Glasgow Central, making it a well-connected seaside escape.
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As he reaches 100, broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough has spoken of the changes he has seen in his lifetime – and the horrifying consequences of climate change in the years to come
Sir David has issued a dire warning about humanity’s future(Image: Dave Benett, Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Legendary broadcaster Sir David Attenborough made a worrying prediction for 2030 – and predicted the state of the planet is likely to get worse after that. The iconic naturalist celebrates his 100th birthday on Friday (May 8) and he has long been heralded as the natural world’s biggest champion.
He has also been vocal about the threats facing the Earth. In 2020, as the world was in lockdown as a precaution against Covid-19, Sir David made what he called a “personal witness statement” about the threat of climate change. Many of the dire predictions he made about the world are beginning to come true.
Back in 2020 he warned that 10 years from that date, with much of the Amazon rainforest becoming a dry desert and the polar icecaps shrinking, the effects of climate change will become truly irreversible – and threaten the extinction of humanity.
As he released his Netflix documentary, A Life on Our Planet, Sir David made a personal appeal to world leaders. He said: “There are short-term problems and long-term problems. Politicians are tempted to deal with short-term problems all the time and neglect long-term problems.
“{Climate change] is not only a long-term problem, it is the biggest problem humanity has ever faced. Please examine it, and please respond.”
The prognosis for the rest of the century looks pretty bleak if Sir David’s predictions are to be believed. He said that if he had been born in 2020, instead of 1926, he would be witness to the full range of climate collapse: “In the 2030s, The Amazon Rainforest, cut down until it can no longer produce enough moisture, degrades into a dry savannah, bringing catastrophic species loss… and altering the global water cycle.
“At the same time, the Arctic becomes ice-free in the summer. Without the white ice cap, less of the sun’s energy is reflected back out to space. And the speed of global warming increases.”
By the 2040s, just 14 years from today, Sir David predicts: “Throughout the north, frozen soils thaw, releasing methane, a greenhouse gas many times more potent than carbon dioxide, accelerating the rate of climate change dramatically.”
Through the 2050s, as today’s schoolchildren reach middle age, the world’s seas will become a sterile desert: “As the ocean continues to heat and becomes more acidic, coral reefs around the world die. Fish populations crash.”
Into the 2080s, mankind truly becomes an endangered species: “Global food production enters a crisis as soils become exhausted by overuse. Pollinating insects disappear… and the weather is more and more unpredictable.”
The stable climate that has endured longer than human civilisation will be lost forever by 2100, Sir David says.
“Our planet becomes four degrees Celsius warmer,” he adds, “Large parts of the earth are uninhabitable. Millions of people rendered homeless. A sixth mass extinction event… is well underway.”
He describes these various tipping-points as “a series of one-way doors,” with each bringing irreversible change.”
As he muses on his long life, Sir David warren that someone born today who lives as long as he has will see almost unimaginable change: “Within the span of the next lifetime, the security and stability of the Holocene, our Garden of Eden… will be lost.”
Average global temperatures have risen by more than 1C since the 1850s. Since 2015, every successive year has brought record high temperatures – causing heatwaves, floods, droughts, and fires as well as irrevocable habitat loss for many species.
Sir David thinks that humanity is the species most under threat. He said: “I used to think this was about saving the planet, and now I realise it’s not …nature will always look after itself. It’s about saving us.”
He was one of the first to sound the alarm about humanity’s impact on the environment. In 1937, the total human population was around 2.3billion. Carbon in the atmosphere was measured at 280 parts per million, and 66% of the planet remained unspoiled wilderness: “Everywhere you’d go, there was wilderness. Sparkling coastal seas. Vast forests. Immense grasslands. You could fly for hours over the untouched wilderness,” Sir David said.
Sir David was one of the first to sound the alarm about humanity’s impact on the environment. In 1937, the total human population was around 2.3billion. Carbon in the atmosphere was measured at 280 parts per million, and 66% of the planet remained unspoiled wilderness: “Everywhere you’d go, there was wilderness. Sparkling coastal seas. Vast forests. Immense grasslands. You could fly for hours over the untouched wilderness,” Sir David said.
By 1960, less than 30 years later, the change was already measurable. The global population was now three billion, atmospheric carbon was measured at 315 parts per million, and the remaining wilderness had shrunk to 62%.
Fast forward to 1997, the population had more than doubled to almost six billion, carbon in the atmosphere had increased to 360 parts per million, and much more wilderness had been lost – now down to 46%.
“The global air temperature had been relatively stable till the ’90s,” Sir David said. “But it now appeared this was only because the ocean was absorbing much of the excess heat, masking our impact. It was the first indication to me that the earth was beginning to lose its balance.”
Unsustainable logging, overfishing, and above all the reckless use of fossil fuels was pushing the planet to a tipping point, he warned: “The average global temperature today is one degree Celsius warmer than it was when I was born,” he said in A Life on Our Planet,” speed of change that exceeds any in the last 10,000 years. Summer sea ice in the Arctic has reduced by 40% in 40 years.”
The wildlife that has been Sir David’s lifelong interest has been pushed to the margins: “Half of the fertile land on earth is now farmland. 70% of the mass of birds on this planet are domestic birds. The vast majority, chickens.
“We account for over one-third of the weight of mammals on earth. A further 60% are the animals we raise to eat. The rest, from mice to whales, make up just 4%.”
Despite the bleak outlook, Sir David says all hope is not lost. One is to stabilise population growth and another is to switch to renewable energy.
Carol Kirkwood’s career away from the cameras took her BBC co-star by surprise, following her recent exit from the corporation after 28 years
Carol Kirkwood has expanded her talents into writing in recent years(Image: BBC)
Carol Kirkwood has left her BBC co-star stunned by her career away from television. The former BBC Breakfast weather presenter bid farewell to the programme in April after 28 years at the corporation.
In a lengthy on-air statement at the time, the 63-year-old said: “Thank you for trusting me, be it telling you about heatwaves or snow, to the everyday question of, ‘Do I need to take a brolly?’. To my colleagues past and present, both in front and behind the camera, I owe you all so much. You’ve been my team, my safety net, and, very often, my family.
“We’ve shared breaking news, long shifts, plenty of laughter, bad hair days, and the occasional moment of pure chaos. And do you know what? I wouldn’t change a second of it.”
While she is best known for presenting the weather, Carol has also turned her hand to writing in recent years – much to the surprise of Carol Klein.
The Gardeners’ World host appeared taken aback when learning about Carol’s other career during an appearance on the Pottering with Tom Allen podcast.
After discussing the changing weather during the recording, she said: “That Carol Kirkwood, she’s lovely isn’t she, she’s a keen gardener.”
“She’s a great writer as well,” Tom chimed in, to which she appeared stun and questioned: “Is she?”. Tom went on to say: “She’s got a lot of novels out.”
“I haven’t read anything, I’ll have to,” the BBC star replied. Praising the books, Tom insisted they are a good read and “always set in lovely places”.
Recently speaking about her future after leaving the show, the weather presenter said she is looking forward to more freedom with her husband Steve Randall, who she married in 2023.
“The freedom of being able to get in the car, drive and go anywhere we want for as long as we want is really appealing,” she told the BBC.
She also revealed there was a more personal reason behind her decision. “I’m not getting any younger, I’m newly married and we’ve had some losses in our lives recently,” Carol added.
She went on to say those experiences had helped her realise that she needed to “get on with my retirement and that’s what I’m going to do”.
However, retirement doesn’t mean she’s stopped working altogether. Her sixth romance novel is set to be published in October, and she has reportedly already committed to writing at least two more books afterwards.
The television star has also said she would love to learn the guitar and adopt a couple of cats.
BBC Breakfast airs daily from around 6am on BBC One and the BBC News channel.