Holidays

REALITY TV star Olivia Bowen has wowed the crowds in a striking outfit – just weeks after giving birth.

Mum-of-two Olivia looked sensational as she posed on the red carpet ahead of a screening for her and husband Alex’s new reality TV show.

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The former Love Island star dazzled in a short black dress and diamond-encrusted heels for the special occasion.

With her hair pinned up and sporting glamorous make-up, she accessorised with a black designer handbag and big smile as she posed alongside her husband.

She wrote on social media: “Not. Over. It. Our very special evening for our very special new show with @itv @itvxofficial.

“Thank you so so much to everyone who came & watched & supported our launch – we are so grateful & loved spending the evening with you all.

“And a huge thank you @angeleyemedia & our amazing sponsor @glade_uk.

“We had the most fabulous evening & are feeling so lucky – I just cannot wait for you guys to watch the first ep on Sunday.”

The mum shares three-year-old son Abel and daughter Siena, who was born in August, with husband Alex.

The ex islanders are set to star in their own ITV reality show called Olivia and Alex: Parenthood.

The series will offer intimate access to the couple’s real-life journey as they grow their young family from three to four, whilst dealing with the emotional aftermath of losing one of their twins during early pregnancy. 

Love Island 2016 star Alex told heatworld what to expect from the new series.

He said: “Before, being on Love Island, I was the serious one, and that’s really not me.

“Hopefully the new series will change people’s perception.”

He added: “When I’m on my Instagram, I’m quite serious when it comes to all my coaching and stuff and all that kind of jazz.

“I’m actually really immature and just daft. I’m quite a jokey person.”

In March, Olivia opened up to The Sun’s Fabulous magazine about finding out she was expecting twins, but then learning she had sadly lost one of the babies at eight weeks.

She revealed how she had miscarried after suffering from vanishing twin syndrome.

It occurs in the early stages, when one of the babies stops developing and is absorbed by the mother’s body, or the surviving twin.

Olivia and Alex first met on Love Island in 2016, coming second place to Cara De la Hoyde and Nathan Massey.

They married in 2018, and welcomed their baby boy Abel in June 2022.

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A TENNIS star fell off stage in agony after losing to his COUSIN in a historic final.

Arthur Rinderknech faced his relative Valentin Vacherot, the world No204, in a shock Shanghai Masters final line-up.

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Vacherot was an alternate for qualifying, getting in when others withdrew, then came through the entire field, beating Novak Djokovic in the semi-final.

And the emotional showdown was set when Frenchman Rinderknech won the second semi, leading to a lovely embrace on the court between the relatives.

Vacherot, 26, had only won one ATP Tour-level match before his extraordinary week, sealing the title with a comeback 4-6 6-3 6-3 victory in the final in front of Roger Federer.

That made him the lowest-ranked Masters 1000 champion in tennis history, 52 places lower than the previous record, and the first man from Monaco to win an ATP crown in the Open Era.

The cousins hugged at the net and Vacherot wrote on the TV camera lens: “Grandpa and Grandma would be proud.”

They both then paid tearful tributes to one another during the presentation speeches.

But as Vacherot – whose ranking will soar a whopping 164 places to 40th – spoke on the microphone, crouching Rinderknech, 30, took a tumble off the back of the stage.

He had been struggling physically during the match and there was a dramatic thud.

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Commentators thought he may have cramped up – but laughing Vacherot saw the funny side of his cousin’s discomfort.

He joked: “I think we need some help please!”

Tennis stars following in parents’ footsteps

TALK about pressure…

These rising stars are all making their way in tennis.

But they have got something in common – they’ve got a famous parent who also made their name in the sport.

So who are the players hoping to follow in the footsteps of their tennis mums and dads?

And a physio quickly arrived on the scene with a seat and started massaging Rinderknech’s leg.

A stunned Vacherot – cheered on by his girlfriend Emily Snyder in the crowd – said: “I mean, just all like crying, it’s just unreal.

“What just happened? I have no idea what’s happening right now.

“I’m not in a dream, it’s just crazy.

“I’m just so happy with my performance these last two weeks i just want to thank everyone that has put a brick in my career since the beginning.

“Sharing this final was really tough, there has to be one, but I think there’s just two winners today, one family that won and I think for the sport of tennis, this story is just unreal.

“I wish there could be two winners but unfortunately there’s only one and, for myself, I’m happy it could be me.”

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Snorkelling is an enjoyable underwater activity, but when you make a cool sighting, it’s even more exciting. One woman recently couldn’t believe her luck during a dive in the Maldives

A trip to the Maldives can be unforgettable but when you come across a rare sighting, it really can be the cherry on top of a fantastic holiday. There’s so much to do on the islands, from water sports to dolphin cruises and even luxury spa breaks.

Now one woman couldn’t believe her luck when a snorkelling trip turned into a truly memorable experience. Snorkelling is a great way to enjoy marine life and explore underwater world, while it’s suitable for most ages, you’ll need strong swimming skills for it.

The travel influencer, known as Tasha, was recently on a snorkelling trip in the Maldives when she came across a hammerhead shark. They can be quite rare to spot and are sometimes only seen on much further islands.

Tasha was just off Thulusdhoo when she made the sighting. On top of her video, she said: “Rich because I saw one of the most rare sightings in the Maldives with my own eyes.”

Her caption read: “Still not over that we saw a HAMMERHEAD SHARK on a snorkel trip off Thulusdhoo with @Say Yes! Adventures.

“These are super rare and only sometimes seen on much further islands!!!! And I didn’t even see them in the Galapagos!”

Since she posted the clip where she gasped at the sighting, her video scooped 169,100 likes and hundreds of comments.

One said: “I lived there for 2 years and snorkelled every day and never saw a hammerhead! This is insanely lucky.”

Another added: “Craziest moment ever, will never get over this.” A third chimed in: “I would cry for days on, that’s so beautiful.”

Someone else posted: “Omg at Thulusdhoo, that’s sooo lucky!” And a fifth wrote: “This would be the highlight of my year.”

Spotting a hammerhead shark can be quite exciting and these are not considered dangerous to humans.

While the large great hammerhead is a powerful exception and potentially dangerous, these encounters are rare.

Meanwhile, the few documented attacks are typically attributed to surprise or fear, and humans are not a natural prey for hammerheads, who have a diet which consists mainly of stingrays, crustaceans and bony fish.

Average flight prices to the Maldives from the UK vary greatly, but you can expect to pay around £500-£700 for a round-trip economy flight.

Also prices range from under £300 to over £1,800 depending on the season, airline and flexibility. The average flight time is around 10 hours and 18 minutes to 12 hours and 44 minutes, but this can be longer with layovers.

A MARRIED At First Sight honeymoon takes a disastrous turn tonight when a bride piles on the pressure days after her wedding.

Reiss and Leisha walked down the aisle on the E4 show last week.

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But the painter and decorator, and dental industry marketeer failed to click.

They got off to a bad start at the reception when Leisha pummelled him with questions about his life.

In a preview clip for tonight’s show, Leisha and Reiss fail to see eye-to-eye again as they discuss what the future holds for them.

During a boat trip, Leisha asks her husband: “Do you visualise me in your future?”

But her need for reassurance doesn’t go down well.

An annoyed Reiss throws an epic strop and responds: “I can’t cope! You’re too much.

“I don’t need pressure yet, it’s so early.

“I don’t like it. I know you’re saying you want to see the real me you aint going to find that out over night.

“You know I’m a closed book. If you’re constantly pressuring me you’re just going to keep me closed.”

Leisha replied: “It’s just the lack of questions, it makes me feel you don’t really care about me.

“I know you fancy me. Do you want to know are we going to have a future together.”

He replied: “You want to know do I want a wife, to have kids, to settle down. Yes, yes, yes.”

He then dealt the hammer blow, adding: “I don’t know if that’s what I want with you after knowing you three days.”

Speaking to the camera away from his wife, he later vented: “I can’t believe Leisha just ask me that, is she joking?! F hell.”

AWKWARD RECEPTION

After the pair exchanged their wedding rings and said their vows, the registrar declared: “Leisha and Reiss, it’s my huge pleasure to proudly announce you husband and wife.”

The new couple awkwardly leaned in for two kisses on the cheek before stepping back from one another.

Their guests looked on with confused looks on their faces as they clapped for the pair.

It wasn’t the only awkward moment on the E4 show, painter and decorator Reiss struggled as Leisha and her bridesmaid fired a series of questions at him.

During their wedding reception, Leisha asked her new husband: “What’s your exes been like?”

Reiss explained that his ex girlfriends have been “all different”, saying he focuses on a “connection”.

Leisha asked: “Do you get a lot of attention?,” to which he replied: “No, not really.”

Speaking to the camera away from her husband, Leisha said: “I’m so happy with how things are going with me and Reiss.

“It’s in my nature to ask these questions, so I’m just going to keep asking them and I truly want to get to know him to his core.”

Looking uncomfortable, Reiss was then quizzed by the bridesmaid, who asked: “So how many exes have you had?”

Reiss said he’s not one for dating apps and has been longing to be in a relationship.

He said: “Four exes, luckily I’ve never actually dated a psychos.”

They then asked if jealousy on his behalf had caused the relationships to end, which he insisted was not the case.

But the interrogation didn’t stop there. The bridesmaid then asked if he would like kids and Reiss replied: “100% yeah.”

This prompted Leisha to then press him on what he would call his child.

Reiss quickly replied: “Frankie,” which Leisha agreed was a good name.

Speaking in her confessional, Leisha said: “Him telling me he wants kids is a massive turn on for me, I’m ovulating.”

While Reiss felt very differently, saying the the camera: “It started off as a grilling, there’s a lot to take in.”

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MEXICO CITY — Jasmín Ordóñez looks out from a wooden boat at the water as she crosses a narrow channel that connects a labyrinth of chinampas, island farms that were built by the Aztecs thousands of years ago.

“Let’s close our eyes and ask our Mother Water for permission to sail in peace,” she said as the boat moves slowly, in contrast to the frenetic traffic of Mexico City just a few miles away.

Ordóñez owns one of these island farms, first created with mud from the bottom of the lakes that once covered this area. When the boat arrives at her island, she proudly shows the corn and leafy greens she grows. Her ancestors owned chinampas, but she had to buy this one because women traditionally haven’t inherited them.

“My grandmother didn’t get any land. Back then, most was left in the hands of men,” she said. At her side, Cassandra Garduño listens attentively. She also didn’t inherit the family chinampa.

Today both are part of a small but growing group of women who have bought chinampas to cultivate sustainably in an effort to preserve an ecosystem that is increasingly threatened by urban development, mass tourism and water pollution.

Making their way in an area still dominated by men hasn’t been easy. In the chinampas of the boroughs of Xochimilco and San Gregorio Atlapulco, hardly any women work the land.

“People believe that men are the [only] ones who have the physical abilities to work them,” said Garduño. The mud stains her pale pink shirt, matching her boots. She knows her outfit gets funny looks from longtime male chinampa workers, but instead of getting upset, she finds it amusing.

After years away, she returned to San Gregorio in 2021 to dedicate herself to chinampa farming. She had gone to college and then spent long periods in Ecuador working in conservation efforts to protect manta rays and sharks. Then one day she came back to San Gregorio and was struck by the degradation of her own land: the lower water levels of the canals, the increasing pollution, the abandoned chinampas.

“That’s where I started to realize: ‘You are part of this space. And part of your responsibility is to safeguard it,’” she said.

After saving up for a year, she bought a chinampa — and was shocked to find it in such a bad state. A cleanup found pieces of armchairs, televisions and beer bottles. She worked to reopen canals that had been crammed with garbage and began planting crops. The distrust among the neighbors was palpable.

“They said: ‘Let’s see, this girl has never been down to this place, nobody knows her. And she’s already doing what she wants,’” she recalled.

But she knew much more than they thought. Garduño had learned a lot as a little girl who ran around her grandfather’s chinampa — “a paradise” of flowers. She learned that the mud from the bottom of the canals is the best fertilizer because it contains the mineral-rich ashes from the volcanoes surrounding Mexico City. She learned that planting a variety of crops keeps frost from destroying one entire crop and that the flowers attract insects, so they don’t eat the cabbage or kale.

Sharing the knowledge

“Chinampas can have up to eight rotations per year, whereas in other systems you might have two or three,” Garduño explained.

That’s why the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations recognized chinampas as one of the most productive agricultural systems on the planet. Today, her field is a melting pot of colors: the pale green of broccoli to the vivid yellow of marigolds.

Since 2016, she has been collaborating with Mexico’s National Autonomous University, advising other farmers who want to stop using agricultural chemicals and recover these traditional practices which also help preserve the ecosystem. Kneeling next to a planting bed, Garduño suggests elevating it so it won’t flood when it rains. Ordóñez takes note.

She bought this chinampa three years ago and is now seeking to obtain the “Etiqueta Chinampera,” the sustainability tag granted by the university to producers who, among other things, use mud as fertilizer instead of chemicals. With this label, their products can fetch higher prices.

Sixteen farmers have obtained the label so far, four of them women, said Diana Laura Vázquez Mendoza, of the university’s Institute of Biology, adding that the project encourages women to “take back their chinampas and produce.”

Cleaning the canals

In the chinampas supported by the university, filters made from aquatic plants are installed to clean the water and prevent the passage of carp and tilapia. Introduced in Xochimilco in the 1980s, these invasive species became predators of the most distinguished inhabitants of this ecosystem: Mexico’s salamander-like axolotl. Today, this amphibian is on the verge of extinction because of these invasive species and a combination of factors polluting the canals: the discharge of sewage from urban growth, mass tourism and agricultural chemicals in many chinampas.

“Chinampas are an artificial agro-ecosystem that was created to supply food in pre-Hispanic times to the entire population. And that endures to this day,” Mendoza said. “So the way to conserve Xochimilco is to also conserve the chinampa.”

But a walk through the area on any given Sunday makes it clear that fewer chinampas are dedicated to agriculture. Every weekend, hundreds of people come here to play soccer on chinampas converted into fields or to drink aboard the brightly painted boats known as “trajineras.” The impact of this transformation to the wetland is evident: contaminants have been found there, from heavy metals such as iron, cadmium and lead to oils, detergents and pesticides, according to a study by biologist Luis Bojórquez Castro, of the Autonomous Metropolitan University.

Most come from the treatment plants that discharge their water in Xochimilco and from the chinampas that use agrochemicals, according to Castro’s study.

Preserving what’s left of the past

“Look at the clarity of the water,” said Ordóñez as she reaches into the canal where she has installed her biofilter. She knows that taking care of the water is essential to preserving this ecosystem. This wetland is the last remnant of what was once the great Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire built on the lakes that once filled the Valley of Mexico. Although today what remains of Xochimilco represents only 3% of the original extent of those lakes, it’s still key to the stability of the city. If it were to disappear, the average temperature of the capital could rise by up to 3.6 degrees, according to biologist Luis Zambrano.

Xochimilco and San Gregorio also reduce flooding during the rainy season, provide a natural carbon dioxide reservoir and are home to hundreds of species, such as herons and the Tlaloc frog. “Look at the red-headed birds in the lagoon!” exclaimed Garduño, driving home at dusk along a dirt road after a long day at her chinampa.

For her, this is still the paradise she roamed with her grandfather. She’s convinced that women are needed to preserve chinampas and hopes that within 10 years, many more will own and take care of them.

“From the shared labor of women and men, we can do what we all want, which is conserve what we have left for as long as possible,” she said.

De Miguel writes for the Associated Press. This article is a collaboration between AP and Mongabay.

WIMBLEDON legends are thrilled to see Thomas Tuchel go full Crazy Gang in England’s bid for World Cup glory.

The England boss is taking a leaf out of the Dons playbook by telling his Three Lions to use long throws and big goal-kicks to secure their first major trophy since 1966.

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Wimbledon were renowned for their direct and physical style of play both during the 1980s and 1990s.

As well as climbing from non-league to the top tier, they also pulled off one of football’s biggest shocks to beat Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final at Wembley.

Former Dons manager Dave Bassett told Sun Sport: “I think Tuchel’s on the right lines.

“The purists have been living in fantasy land. Even Manchester City use the long ball more. Our old ways are catching on.

“If you can get the ball forward — not aimlessly — and get players running in behind, it unsettles defences.

“People panic more with long throws than they ever do with corners — they become frightened to death.

“Going sideways and backwards doesn’t get you goals.

“We didn’t hang around. The ­players knew it was one-touch and going into the box. But we did not get the credit because people called it anti-football.”

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Bassett backs Tuchel’s decision to leave Jude Bellingham out of his latest squad — raising the ­possibility the Real Madrid superstar may not even feature in the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.

The 81-year-old added: “Tuchel needs to decide what formation he wants and which players best suit his system and share his vision.

“Bellingham is a very good player but if he’s not conducive to the team spirit, then tough luck on Bellingham. One person cannot hold the team to ransom.

“When you go away, Tuchel can’t have moody, selfish people who are not sold on his ideas.

“If players are suspect he won’t take them — even if they may be great players.”

Bobby Gould took the reins after Bassett fell out with Dons owner Sam Hammam — and led them to their most famous win.

His first masterstroke after taking over the Crazy Gang was hiring ex-England coach Don Howe.

And Gould, 79, said: “England’s loss was Wimbledon’s gain with Don.

“We just added a bit more quality rather than ripping it up and starting again. It worked wonders.

“Don was Arsenal through and through and steeped in tradition — but even he got into the mind games.

“In the Wembley dressing room he told every player and staff member to put their watch back ten minutes.

“When the referee came to tell us to get into the tunnel, Don said, ‘no, not yet your watch must be wrong’. So off the ref went, we kept Kenny Dalglish & Co waiting — and that was our first ­victory of the day.”

Tuchel’s England exploits remind Gould of the Dons’ good old days.

He added: “England have scored a couple of goals under Tuchel right out of the Wimbledon playbook.

“But it showed our much-maligned tactics still work because the opposition don’t know what’s hit them when you get forward quickly and slaughter them with crosses or long throws.

“Mentally and physically you’ve got to be in it together and that gets the opposition thinking, ‘what have we got to do to stop them?’”

Wembley goal hero Lawrie Sanchez went on to use his Wimbledon experience as Northern Ireland manager.

And he masterminded a shock 1-0 victory over Sven-Goran Eriksson’s England at Windsor Park 20 years ago.

Sanchez, 65, said: “The thing the Crazy Gang had is we were greater than the sum of our parts.

“Whether you could get away with half the gamesmanship we got up to with 24 cameras focused on games is a different matter.

“But on the football side, the set-plays, strength of the characters, strong team ethic and belief in what we were doing would still stand us in good stead.

“We were stats-based well before stats came into play and our set-plays were the logical development from that stat-based stuff. We did set-plays in training ­boringly for hours on Thursdays and Fridays — but it paid off.

“Whether you can get that in an England team in a short space of time is a different matter.

“But they’ve been doing the same thing for the last 59 years and not won anything.”

Full-back Nigel Winterburn helped Wimbledon to a couple of promotions under Bassett but left for Arsenal a year before the cup glory.

He said: “No one liked us because of the way we played but we were often cast-offs with a determination to prove people wrong.

“Boy-oh-boy we intimidated a lot of teams.”

But the likes of John ­Fashanu and Vinny Jones met their match when they faced the British Army.

Winterburn, 61, said: “Dave Bassett liked to bond everyone in pre-season.

“We’d get a typed itinerary saying which five-star hotel awaited.

“But we would end up in the most basic places — usually with the army.

“Once we had to camp out overnight, attack a mock fort and rescue a so-called prisoner.

“It ended up in chaos with Fash and Vinny fighting soldiers.

“There were weird and wonderful times. It forged a togetherness that made sure we were always there to help team-mates.”

A massive, seven storey ship that was once used as a luxury hotel in a Thai resort was deserted after reports of a curse and the apparent death of one of its workers

It was supposed to be a luxurious and unique destination in one of Thailand’s most beautiful areas, but a catalogue of disasters led to the downfall of an infamous hotel that locals believed was cursed.

The Galaxy looked like a huge cruise liner that had come aground on the unspoilt banks of the shore, but it was actually a seven storey structure its owner hoped would attract thousands of tourists.

Following its demise, it became a hotspot for urban explorers desperate to get inside the eerie ship – to discover what remained of the once glamorous interior for themselves.

One of these was US social media influencer Joshua T Yozura. He visited the site which lies seven hours south of Bangkok on Thailand’s third largest island, Koh Chang.

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The blogger shared his findings with his followers on his YouTube series, Exploring with Josh, where he explained the dark and mysterious history behind the abandoned ship.

It started out as a US Navy vessel before it was converted to a traditional Thai ship. A resident billionaire then bought the boat because his dream was to own a floating hotel. It was originally supposed to be located in Phnom Pen, Cambodia, but after that didn’t work out it was placed on Koh Chang instead.

The resort, which is now abandoned, sits deep in the jungle on a beautiful lagoon known as Koh Chang Lagoona. Back in 1998 it was popular with tourists who could stay in the impressive bungalows dotted about or on the ship which dominated the area.

The hotel sat on land next to a long untouched beach and swimming pools in the area were designed to look like a ship’s deck.

Originally the seven storey hotel and its 70 guest rooms were said to be the height of luxury with plush carpets, chandeliers and highly trained staff. When Josh visited the site, he witnessed a dilapidated wreck, with the once gleaming white exterior marked with streaks of brown rust.

The structure remained in the original plot, surrounded by palm trees and lush vegetation but there was a spooky silence in the deserted area. He and his crew had hoped to get inside the hotel to see what remained of the accommodation but they were followed by a man who told them to leave.

He explained that a variety of factors led to the failure of the impressive hotel. Its bad luck began when a Banyan tree was knocked down so the ship could sit in its location in the lagoon. This angered the highly religious and spiritual locals who believed the tree was sacred to the land, as were the elephants who could no longer roam freely. This was the moment that the hotel’s reputation of being cursed was born.

Josh revealed that apparently when the hotel was active a lot of workers and guests became sick, had falls and even died. “There’s a lot of legends and rumours that say people used to jump from the top of the ship to the bottom,” he said. “I can’t prove that online, it’s always up in the air with stuff like this. There was an article I read that a Russian guy actually got hurt and fell and died on the ship – it’s hard to say [if it’s true].”

As well as the spiritual ‘curse’, the hotel was doomed by its tropical location. The area, which was surrounded by water, was infested with mosquitoes. This led to Dengue fever and malaria and meant guests were fearful of staying there. It was also extremely humid and the ship was difficult to keep cool, which made for a very uncomfortable holiday.

When it eventually closed to staying guests in 2012 it was possible for a time to buy tickets to explore the ‘haunted’ relic with its many decks. However after the pandemic, the resort itself closed down because of lack of finances and tourism.

Then in December 2024 the ship mysteriously caught fire and was destroyed. It was left to smoulder before workers set about dismantling the top sections and removing materials for scrap. All that remains of the bizarre, ‘supernatural’ hotel is the charred hull and a wealth of folklore and legends.

Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage, off the Isle of Skye

Guests at this lighthouse keeper’s cottage have not only the property but the whole 1.6-hectare (four-acre) island to themselves. Eilean Sionnach is an islet off Skye that is accessible by boat or on foot at low tide. Like the lighthouse, the cottage was built in 1857 and has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a kitchen and a lounge with a wood burner, and incredible sea views.

As well as a patio and garden, which has a fire circle, the cottage has its own private beach. It is possible to time a lunchtime walk to the nearest pubs and restaurants over on Skye. Or, for the true castaway experience, stock up at the village shop by the pier before embarking on your island adventure.
From £650 a night (two night-minimum), sleeps eight, coolstays.com

Borradill house and cottage, Scottish Highlands

There’s a perfect destination for Brits looking to escape the dreary weather this October – whether you’re looking for family fun in a vibrant resort, or peace and quiet in a truly unique landscape

With the temperatures dropping in the UK, many of us are looking for a last-minute break to soak up some final sunshine. And there is a destination just a short flight away that promises warm weather, beautiful beaches, delicious food and a host of fun activities – perfect for half term!

Lanzarote forms part of the Canary Islands; a Spanish island group located off the coast of Africa. It’s a popular tourist destination, and with good reason. Located just a four-hour flight away, its all-inclusive resorts are particularly popular with holidaymakers on a budget, and there are also more high-end options if you feel like treating yourself.

Whether you are looking for lively tourist resorts or inland villages with peace and quiet there’s something for everyone, with large hotels of the coastal towns coexisting with rural houses, villas and boutique hotels.

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October is also the perfect time to visit Lanzarote if you’re after sunshine, with an average of 7 hours daily, and a comfortable peak temperature averaging 26.8C, and 19C at its coolest during the night.

Rain during this month is at most moderate with an average of 11mm, and in comparison to the summer months, the wind speed also drops during October to around 11.1mph.

Then there’s the landscape. Lanzarote has it all; mountains, lunar-style craters, black sand beaches, red terrain, white sands, beautiful azure seas, and even a live volcano – Mount Timanfaya – complete with centuries-old lava fields.

One of Lanzarote’s biggest draws are its beaches, including Playa Blanca, Arrecife and Puerto del Carmen. And there’s plenty on offer for waterbabies, too, with surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing and scuba diving available.

READ MORE: Beautiful Canary Islands destination took my breath away – it’s only 4 hours from the UK

Many of the island’s beaches are perfect for the smaller family members, as they are protected from waves and currents, as are the natural pools that have formed in the shelter of lava flows after eruptions.

There are also beaches for those who like waves and long walks by the sea, or alternatively lively beaches and marinas with all leisure services, restaurants and shops.

If seafood is your thing, then you’re in luck. Fresh produce, from squid and tuna, to prawns and octopus, you can tuck into some delicious dishes. Or, of course, you can opt for some typical Spanish specialities, like paella.

READ MORE: Where is hot in October? Best European destinations for autumn breaks with £13 flights

Lanzarote is also home to almost 20 commercial vineyards and many more private growers.

White has been the main wine from the native Malvasia, Moscatel and Diego grape varieties. In addition Lanzarote has some lovely reds from the Listan Negro and increasingly Syrah varieties. Book in for a tasting session or a vineyard tour to see what’s on offer.

Many of us love a morning coffee boost, and investing in a coffee machine can make the at-home experience a lot nicer.

The Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine has been reduced from £175 to £116.10 on Amazon right now.

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Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine
£116.10 (was £175)

Buying coffee out has become very expensive, but sometimes instant coffee just can’t compete.

It may not be a household essential, but a coffee machine is nice little luxury to own, especially for those slow weekend mornings when you have time to sip at a frothy coffee.

The Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine is compact, so it won’t take up too much precious counter space.

With black and silver details, it’s a super-sleek design, and very simple to use too.

To make your coffee, you just have to pop a pod into the top, and then choose from two buttons – lungo for a longer, weaker drink or espresso for a more intense shot that you can drink straight away.

Seven coffee pods are included so you can get brewing straight away, but it also uses the size of coffee pods that are very readily available at supermarkets, so when you need a top-up you can get cheaper own brand versions too.

If you’ve got a thermal flask, you can easily take a coffee out and about with you, especially if you’re hoping the investment will save you money buying takeaway drinks.

The coffee machine has made its way into Amazon’s bestsellers list, so it’s proving popular online.

Shoppers are leaving their feedback on the Nespresso device, with one saying: ‘’Such a game-changer for morning coffees.

‘’Couldn’t live without it after I’d experienced having this.

‘’Easy to use, easy to clean, small and compact but still stylish on the kitchen side.’’

Another shopper commented: ‘’Great coffee machine!

‘’Love the style and colour, also fits cheaper brand coffee pods such as the Amazon range and Lidl.

‘’Makes lovely coffee, I’m so glad I invested in this machine!‘’

A third shopper added: ‘’A replacement for our old coffee machine which went well.

‘’We’re very pleased with it so far as it’s not too big and sits on our worktop nicely, plus it makes lovely coffee.’’

Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine
£116.10 (was £175)

If you’re still unsure which is the perfect machine for you, take a look at our pick of the best coffee machines.

Geneva is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but it’s also one of the most walkable – and the city centre is just a six minute journey from the airport

Geneva is a stunning destination, not just for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures but also for its pedestrian-friendly layout.

Despite being one of the priciest places to visit in Europe, footloose tourists are spoilt for choice in this Swiss city. The city centre is a mere six-minute journey from the airport, making it an ideal spot for those on brief trips who don’t fancy a lengthy transfer.

According to geneva.info, Geneva airport is situated four kilometres from the city. A train ride between the Geneva Airport and the central railway station in the city (Gare Cornavin) takes six minutes, while a bus journey lasts about 20 minutes.

READ MORE: Gen Z more willing to splash out on ‘dream honeymoon’ than save for house depositREAD MORE: ‘I’m a travel expert – there’s an easy way for students to boost their gap year budget’

Visitors can utilise public transport around the city without shelling out a single penny and can freely hop on and off its comprehensive transport network. Anyone lodging in approved accommodation, be that a hotel, youth hostel, or campsite, is entitled to the city’s Transport Card for free travel throughout their stay, reports the Express.

Walkable city

The city centre of Geneva is relatively compact, meaning most of its top attractions are located within a short distance of each other. Whether you’re staying near the lake or in the Old Town, many of the city’s highlights are reachable on foot.

You can stroll from the famous Jet d’Eau, the large fountain, to the charming Parc des Bastions, a renowned park, without needing to catch a bus or tram. Geneva’s streets, particularly around the Old Town, are pedestrian-friendly with wide pavements, abundant green spaces and clearly marked crossings.

One of Europe’s largest lakes, Lake Geneva, is a major attraction in the city. The lakefront paths are perfect for leisurely strolls or brisk walks, offering stunning views of the water, distant Alps and the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain.

The city boasts numerous parks that offer tranquil walking routes. Parc La Grange and Parc des Eaux-Vives, both situated along the lake, are perfect for an afternoon amble. Another favourite is Jardin Anglais, conveniently located near the city centre and offering picturesque lakeside vistas.

For those seeking more adventurous treks, Geneva’s position at the foot of the Alps provides easy access to hiking trails just outside the city.

READ MORE: Beautiful seaside town named ‘best for Brits’ with no tourists and amazing views

Public transport

While Geneva is easily navigable on foot, its public transport system offers a welcome respite for weary feet. The city has trams, buses, and even water taxis (known as Mouettes) that can swiftly transport you to any part of the city.

Moreover, if you’re staying at a hotel in Geneva, you’ll typically receive a Geneva Transport Card for complimentary public transport during your stay. In line with its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, Geneva encourages walking and aims to reduce car traffic. Several areas in the city have limited or no car access.

Adam and Steph, from Boston, have visited the UK several times and said they love the countryside and walking routes in the Cotswolds, but there is one thing that has left them ‘baffled’

American tourists have revealed what puzzles them most about Britain – our obsession with toast.

Adam and Steph, from Boston, Massachusetts, spoke their UK adventure whilst exploring the Cotswolds. When questioned about what caught them off guard during their visit, Steph quipped: “We have been to Britain quite a few times. I have been pondering the toast. Why is there so much toast everywhere?”.

The pair journeyed across the Cotswolds this summer and expressed their adoration for the rural landscape and hiking trails. Chatting in Chipping Campden, Adam remarked: “It is lovely here, and excellent mud! We love the rain!

READ MORE: ‘Ghost’ village where everyone forced to leave in 1943 as time stopped and gates lockedREAD MORE: The fabulous village with stunning river views crowned one of UK’s best places to live

“For us the walking is great, and the towns are quite beautiful. We both enjoy getting out in the countryside and dodging the sheep poop.”

The Cotswolds have witnessed a tourist surge in recent years, attracting growing numbers of both British and overseas visitors, reports the Express.

However, certain residents in the Cotswolds have bemoaned the rising visitor numbers owing to traffic jams and the proliferation of Airbnbs and holiday homes. Adam acknowledges he grasps locals’ worries, yet maintains that holidaymakers can benefit these areas.

He went on: “Tourism makes it a bit more of a varied economy, we support the shops and the restaurants here. It is a complex topic, but I think tourism plays a role in keeping these communities more vibrant.”

Steph concluded: “One of the reasons we like to walk in the countryside is because we don’t like tourist intense areas.”

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A LUCKY viewer of a brand new ITV game show has walked away with an eye-watering £1million.

Sienna McSwiggan, 20, secured the top prize last night on Win Win with People’s Postcode Lottery on Saturday night.

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The hotel manager from The Black Country took home the £1million cash prize, as well as two cars, two luxury holidays, a trip to Australia to see The Ashes and Take That tickets.

After answering the winning question correctly, Sienna questioned if it was real and said the money would be life-changing for herself and family.

She said: “I don’t even know what to say. I am in shock.

“I’ve literally got a penny in my account.

“I’m over the moon. It feel like a dream and someone’s gonna wake me up any minute.”

Hosted by Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, the quiz show sees contestants battling it out in the studio.

At home viewers can also get involved and play for prizes.

However, the show’s format also allows these viewers to become contestants in the studio.

Once they have bagged a prize, players have to face the ultimate decision.

They must choose between keeping their original prize or risk it all and trade it in to join Millionaire’s row.

Sienna took the gamble and traded a trip to the Maldives for a chance to win big.

The risk saw her take home one of the UK’s biggest telly prizes.

Last month, The Sun reported that another contestant took home a huge £20,000 jackpot.

After answering the final question correctly, Shayanne took home the winning prize.

Previously discussing the format, Mel Giedroyc said: “This quiz is so extra!

“Imagine winning something like a car just by playing along with a gameshow you’re watching on a Saturday night in your pyjamas?

“I can’t wait!”

Sue Perkins added: “If I wasn’t hosting this, I’d be playing it at home; sat in my leopard print onesie, cuddling the dog whilst trying to figure out The Nation’s favourite chocolate bar. Bring it on!”

Speaking to The Mirror ahead of yesterday’s finale, Sue added:  “Saturday’s show really is going to be a night like no other. 

“The thrilling thing, of course, is that all of this is going to be won by one person, and that person might even be a viewer turned contestant, who simply signed up, joined in from their sofa and got the surprise of their life.”

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If you’re looking to change your body shape, we’ve got you covered.

Here, Laura Hoggins, a personal trainer and author, takes you through your new workout plan.

Your New Workout 

Include a few compound movements in each workout, which work multiple muscles and joints at once. Do eight to 12 reps in each set.

“Women should lift heavy enough that the last two to three reps of a set are challenging but doable with good form,” says Laura.

You can use dumbbells or a barbell for these exercises:

SQUATS 

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• Hold a dumbbell in each hand, letting them hang at your sides. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, chest up, and core tight.
• Initiate the squat by pushing your hips back, as if you are reaching for a chair behind you.
• Bend your knees and lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the floor (or as low as you can comfortably go while keeping your back straight and chest up). Keep the dumbbells close to your sides.
• Push through your heels and the middle of your feet to powerfully drive back up to the starting position.
• At the top, fully straighten your legs and squeeze your glutes for a complete repetition.

Try a goblet squat with one, heavier dumbbell held at the chest, or with a barbell on your upper back/neck.

DEADLIFTS

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• Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Bend over and grip the bar with your hands just outside your shins.
• With the bar still on the floor, bend your knees until your shins touch the bar. The bar should be going across the mid-foot. Keep your hips low, chest up, and back straight. Take a big breath and brace your core.
• Drive through your heels, pushing the floor away. Stand up by extending your knees and hips simultaneously. Keep the bar in contact with your body (dragging it up your shins).
• Finish the lift by standing tall. Squeeze your glutes together and lock your hips and knees.
• To lower the bar again, hinge at your hips first, keeping your back straight, and allow the bar to descend down your thighs. Once the bar passes your knees, bend your knees to lower it to the floor with control.

BENCH PRESS

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• In the gym, set up a barbell on a rack with a flat bench underneath it. Lie on the bench and, planting your feet firmly on the floor, grab the bar with an overhand grip slightly wider than shoulder-width.
• Squeeze your shoulder blades back and down (like you’re pinching a pencil between them). Arch your upper back slightly and drive your feet into the floor to lock in your entire body.
• Take a deep breath and push the bar straight up and off the rack. Move it forward until it is balanced directly over your shoulders. This is your starting position (see illustration above).
• Slowly lower the bar to your mid-chest, just below your collarbone. Keep your elbows tucked to a 45-to-70-degree angle from your body (avoid flaring them out wide).
• When the bar lightly touches your chest, press it forcefully up and slightly back (not straight up) until your arms are fully extended over your shoulders. Exhale, and then repeat the movement for the next rep.

Try with dumbbells if you are at home or are new to the exercise and want more flexibility or range of motion, for example.

BENT OVER ROWS

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• Stand with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing each other (neutral grip). Bend your knees slightly, then hinge at your hips so your torso is close to a 45-degree angle to the floor.
• Keep your back straight, chest up, and core tight. Let the dumbbells hang straight down, just below your knees.
• Lead the movement by pulling your elbows up and back towards the ceiling, drawing the dumbbells toward the sides of your chest/lower rib cage.
• At the top of the movement, squeeze your back muscles together (imagine pinching a pencil between your shoulder blades).
• Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position with your arms fully extended, maintaining the bent-over posture for all repetitions.

Try with a barbell too.

OVERHEAD PRESS WITH SQUAT

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• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand by your sides (palms facing inward). Keep your chest up and core tight.
• Initiate the squat by pushing your hips back, as if you are sitting down into a chair.
• Bend your knees, keeping your back straight and the dumbbells hanging close to your body. Go down until your thighs are parallel to the floor, or as low as comfortable.
• Push through your heels and the middle of your feet to drive your body back up to the starting position. Fully straighten your legs and squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement.

Add on a couple of accessory lifts, which target specific areas and work only one side of the body at a time.

Think biceps curls or single-leg glute bridges.

Short on time?

“I suggest pairing exercises together from opposite muscle groups (such as quads and hamstrings), or an upper and a lower exercise to get the biggest bang for your time spent in the gym,” says Laura. 

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last March but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you this week.

Sign up for the Mystic Meg newsletter.

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LEO

JULY 23 – AUG 23

🔵 Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

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You’re ready to break long-standing bonds and make some fresh new ones – at home, at work and in love.

This can mean a total overhaul of feelings, to make more space for your own needs.

Pluto’s positive power is strong to support you in this.

A super-sensitive moon makes this a week of flashes of insight – do tune in to these.

Your learning style is updating, too.

AUTUMN LOVE FORECAST

What does Venus have in store for Leo over the next three months?

OCTOBER

Talk, talk – then talk some more.

This is your month to eliminate guesswork from love, set up clear new boundaries for both partners.

If you’re single, a voice that instantly intrigues you, even on a recording, can be your passion hot pick.

NOVEMBER

Staying in, and cuddling up, may be a million miles from the social scene you adore, but it’s so worthwhile in November.

Two people can reconnect, and realise both want more from the future.

DECEMBER

Now the fun can start – surprise gifts and celebration gestures are just one aspect of this pro-active passion month.

For single Leos, saying yes to every invite is the key to meeting someone special – so is a hand-made card, or display of creative work.

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

BRITAIN’S smallest castle, a charming 19th century Gothic turret in the heart of Hertfordshire, has gone up for sale.

The Gazebo Tower is a glorious Grade II listed landmark which dates back to 1833 and is packed with royal-looking features inside its 645sqft of living space.

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Described as a “local icon”, this three-storey tower in Ross-on-Wye looks out over the River Wye and the Hertfordshire countryside.

Inside, each of its circular rooms – roughly 16ft across – has been transformed into a kitchen, a bedroom and a living room.

It also comes with a picturesque roof-top terrace, described as offering 360-degree views of the Black Mountains of Southeast Wales, the spire of Saint Mary’s Church, Chase Wood and Ross-on-Wye’s vibrant architecture.

It’s currently available to buy for £330,000.

Estate agents Hamilton Stiller described it “an opportunity to own a landmark and one of Ross-on-Wye’s most striking features.”

One of the most whimsical touches to the property is how the double bed hides a bath underneath – making the most of the space.

The top floor also includes an en-suite wet room and a spiral staircase leading to a battery-operated roof hatch.

Athletes from the Ross Rowing Club can even often be seen sailing down the River Wye from the windows.

The quintessential market town of Ledbury is only 13 miles away, while trains to London Paddington take two hours.

This tower, once owned by Herefordshire Council, was sold in 2001 when its only floor was accessible by ladder.

Tony Billingham, who won the bid by post, lovingly restored the tower into a cozy, functional home and later opened it to visitors, donating proceeds to local charities.

This isn’t the only house that has caught widespread attention recently.

A seemingly ordinary home has gone up for sale at £400,000, but there’s one very unexpected twist that’s caught people’s attention.

Photos of the property reveal that one of its two bathrooms has been transformed into a home office – giving workers the chance to “do their business” without ever leaving the room.

A three-bedroom home in Walton, Chesterfield, has hit the market for £150,000, appearing perfectly normal from the street – but step inside, and things take a decidedly unexpected turn.

Baffled house hunters have branded the interior “bonkers”, with photos revealing a quirky layout and eccentric design choices that are anything but ordinary.

A charming seaside property with a fascinating backstory has caught the attention of locals and house hunters alike.

Listed for £235,000 in February, the home was purchased by a couple in July after making several visits over the summer.

Nicknamed “the Dolls House” by locals, the petite property is cleverly built in an alleyway between two neighbouring homes and offers breathtaking views of the coast.

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STRICTLY viewers have spotted a last minute wardrobe change as George Clarke danced his first Couple’s Choice – but did you see it?

Podcaster and social media personality George, 25, is competing on the show alongside new pro partner, Alexis Warr, 25.

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George and Alexis took the floor tonight with their couple’s choice accompanied by Soda Pop from K-Pop Demon Hunters.

The lively hip-hop dance thrilled the audience but viewers spotted a last minute costume change.

Taking to social media one wrote: “Thank GOD the wig changed.”

Another added: “WHYD THEY GET RID OF THE WIG.”

While a third exclaimed: “Not George taking that ugly blue wig off.”

“The fact he said NO WIG for the show,” added another.

Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo praised the dancers and declared: “I am so proud of you because earlier I felt you were not taking yourself as seriously as you could.”

Shirley Ballas agreed and said: “You were flying like an angel.”

However, Anton Du Beke stated: “You came alive…but I thought it lacked a bit of edge.”

Craig Revel Horwood echoed this and said: “It needed to be sharper.”

But Oti Mabuse added: “You’re doing a beautiful job and keep going.”

When the scores came in George and Alexis received 6 points from Criag, 8 from Oti, 9 from Shirley and 8 from Anton giving them a respectable total of 31 points.

Cheers rose from the audience and the adorable pair looked very happy with their scores.

Meanwhile, viewers have branded the show’s latest judge shake-up awkward after a baffling decision.

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 lineup

Strictly Come Dancing news and the latest line up

Cynthia has spent the week working with the celebrities and their partners to help them with their performance and offering up her advice during their training.

However, when the live show kicked off, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman confirmed that despite the huge hype surrounding Cynthia being on the panel, the actress was barred from scoring the couples.

As she wasn’t allowed a paddle to mark the pairs, Cynthia found herself sitting awkwardly among the judging panel as the other four judges offered up their scores.

It left fans at home begging the BBC to let Cynthia have a paddle last-minute after branding her inclusion on the panel “awkward”.

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LIAM Gallagher has become a grandfather for the first time after his daughter Molly Moorish gave birth to a baby boy.

The Oasis frontman, 53, had Molly, 27, in 1998 following a short-lived romance with her mum Lisa.

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The pair were estranged for 19 years but have become close and now Molly has given the rocker his first grandchild.

Molly shared the news of her son Rudi’s arrival on Instagram on Saturday, although it appears she gave birth a few weeks ago in September.

One picture featured her long term partner – footballer Nathaniel ‘Nat’ Phillips – holding their son while he wore a little red jumper with a big R initial on the back.

Another snap showed Rudi in his Moses basket facing the window with the sun coming in in front of him.

She also showed off some of the monogrammed items she had around the house for her baby boy.

She captioned the images: “a message to you, rudy.”

DIEGO COSTA may be retired, but he hasn’t lost any of the fire he showed in his playing days, KICKING OUT at ex-Liverpool right-back Martin Kelly in the Chelsea vs Liverpool legends match.

The ex-Brazil and Spain forward, 37, was running onto a through ball from Eden Hazard, when Kelly came through from behind to win the ball from the physical striker, leaving him furious.

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Costa, still on the floor, decided to lash out at Kelly with his studs, planting a foot into the right-back’s upper leg.

Kelly – who only officially retired from football YESTERDAY – was left furious, and we saw a familiar scene as Costa got to his feet and squared up to the 35-year-old.

Things looked to be diffused, only for Costa to carry on playing before choosing Martin Skrtel as his next target.

The Slovakian defender challenged Costa just minutes later, with the striker still clearly unhappy, and then getting booked for squaring up to Skrtel.

And fans were left less-than-shocked on social media.

Taking to X, one wrote: “Diego Costa being aggressive in a Legends match is the most Diego Costa thing ever.”

Another said: “People don’t really change, and Diego Costa reminding us why.”

A third added: “Diego Costa will always be Diego Costa.”

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Even Eden Hazard weighed in at half-time, saying: “”This guy is still the same, you know. We just saw it.”

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

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