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BRITISH Airways has announced its line-up for summer 2027 including flights to a breathtaking destination with towering mountains.

The airline has announced that it will be launching flights to the ‘City of Seven Mountains’ – Bergen in Norway – as part of its summer 2027 schedule.

The flight – which takes just under two hours – will head off from London Heathrow five times a week to the destination, between April 15 and October 30, 2027.

Bergen earns its nickname from the seven mountains that frame the city and it is the ideal base for exploring coastal fjords such as the Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord.

While it is known as one of Europe’s rainiest cities, it means that lush greenery surrounds the city.

For example, there is Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken, which are reached via the Fløibanen Funicular or hiking trails with panoramic views of the city below.

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Also check out Bryggen Wharf – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – where there are brightly painted wooden Hanseatic buildings, lining the edges of the harbour.

British Airways offers a fly-drive holiday package to Bergen from £349 per person between May 1 and 31, 2027, including return flights.

The airline is also moving around a couple of its flights.

Flights to Perugia, Italy will be moved from London Heathrow Airport to London City Airport and will operate five times a week between May 1 and September 28, 2027.

Skiathos, Greece, flights will move from London City Airport to London Heathrow Terminal 5 and will operate three times a week between May 20 and September 11, 2027.

BA Cityflyer will also launch new weekly services from Glasgow to Nice, France and Edinburgh to Split, Croatia.

Flights between Glasgow and Nice will take off once a week between May 15 and October 3, 2027.

And flights from Edinburgh to Split in Croatia, will operate once a week between May 15 and June 19, 2027 and then again from September 4 to October 2, 2027.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: “We’re delighted to be expanding our European network with new routes and convenient airport moves, offering customers even more ways to explore some of Europe’s most exciting destinations.

“From Norway’s spectacular fjords and the beaches of Skiathos to the rolling countryside of Umbria, the glamour of the French Riviera and Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coast, these additions provide greater choice and connectivity for customers planning their next summer trip.”

Big Brother viewers have crowned Rochelle as their 2026 winner

A former Big Brother housemate has made their feelings about Rochelle’s historic win clear.

The latest series has been packed with unmissable drama as the housemates tried their best to get along for eight whole weeks. Housewife Rochelle, 57, found herself at the heart of several feuds with her co-stars and she has managed to get the last word.

She was crowned as the 2026 winner on Thursday night (November 5) after beating runner-up Twinks, who she clashed with throughout the show. But Rochelle’s win left many viewers and her fellow housemates unimpressed.

Former stars were seen in the crowd during the live finale and they didn’t appear especially happy for the champion. Fans even noticed their bland facial expressions and flooded social media with screenshots from the live show. Now, ex-housemate Millie has taken a direct swipe at Rochelle.

In an Instagram story shared on Friday morning (November 6), Millie reposted a fan’s post about the finale. The post reads: “The way the housemates are the only ones who know exactly what was said. Not one of them is happy for her, and THAT should tell you everything you need to know.”

The caption was shared alongside an image of the 2026 cast just moments after Rochelle was announced as this year’s winner, and they all appeared unimpressed. Millie was one of the housemates who clashed with Rochelle early in the series.

It came after the 19-year-old revealed she was considering undergoing weight-loss surgery, to which Rochelle replied: “You can’t just have it and think ‘Oh, I’m going to carry on eating s***’ because it doesn’t work like that.”

Millie went on to clarify that she knows understands the ins-and-outs of weight surgery. But Rochelle insisted that if Millie “put her mind to it” she could use alternative weight-loss methods. Millie then replied: “Rochelle, trust me. I have,” but Rochelle hit back with: “You’re saying you have but I see what you eat.”

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This interaction seemingly caused a rift between the co-stars but they didn’t have the opportunity to resolve it because Millie soon became the first housemate to be evicted from the show.

The duo will reunite in Big Brother’s reunion special set to air on ITV2 and ITVX this Friday (November 6) at 9pm.

Big Brother : The Reunion airs tonight (November 6) at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX

One housemate will be crowned Big Brother’s 2026 winner in just a few hours

Big Brother’s favourite to win has been revealed just hours before the live final.

It’s been eight weeks since the ITV2 experiment returned to our screens with a fresh batch of contestants. They have since faced brutal co-star feuds and tricky shopping tasks all in the battle for a huge £100,000 cash prize.

The remaining contestants are Twinks, Rochelle, Yasmin, Samuel, Lynx and Catrin. Fans are now voting for their 2026 champion, with the results set to be announced on Thursday (November 5) at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

Although many viewers are convinced Rochelle will take home this year’s crown, recent betting odds suggest she could miss out on the prize. Bookmaker Coral believes tonight’s final could be the closest in history, at least if its odds are accurate.

They have revealed that Twinks is the 4/6 favourite to be crowned the winner, but Rochelle is hot on her heels at 6/5 in the outright betting for this evening’s final.

“This looks set to be one of the closest Big Brother finals in history, as there is very little between Twinks and Rochelle in our outright betting,” said Coral’s John Hill.

Hill added: “Twinks just edges favouritism following what has been a rollercoaster ride in the Big Brother house since her arrival. We expect her to be in the final two with Rochelle, and the majority of our punters are backing the former to be crowned the winner.”

Both contestants have gained considerable support over the last few weeks, although Rochelle has attracted backlash at several points in her ITV journey.

Odds for the other finalists place Yasmin at 10/1, while Samuel sits at 20/1, Lynx is at 50/1 and Catrin sits at 66/1.

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The live final will be hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best and they will return for a special reunion episode on Friday night (November 6). All the housemates will re-enter the house for the reunion, where they will revisit major moments from the series.

Viewers have been told to expect “big revelations, unfinished business and plenty of drama as they look back on the moments that had the nation talking and reveal where they stand now”.

Big Brother’s live final airs tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX

We’ve reached the final hours for voting in California, but there’s still time to cast your ballot in the midterm election.

Here’s what you need to know on election day.

What time do polling centers close?

Polling places and vote centers close at 8 p.m.

What happens if I’m still in line at 8 p.m.?

In California, any voter who is in line at 8 p.m. when the polls are scheduled to close is allowed to vote, according to the secretary of state.

If there is a line when the polls close, a poll worker stands at the back of the line to let people who arrive after 8 p.m. know that the polls have closed.

Where can I find the closest polling place to me?

The Los Angeles County registrar-recorder/county clerk’s website has a vote center locator online.

By entering your address, the locator will create a list of voting centers that are less than a mile away.

Included with the vote center address is how long the current wait time is at that specific location.

The wait times are color coded as follows:

• Dark green: 15 minutes or less
• Light green: 16 to 30 minutes
• Yellow: 31 to 45 minutes
• Orange: 46 to 60 minutes
• Red: More than 1 hour
• Blue: Wait time unavailable

I’m headed to my polling place now but don’t have my check-in code

Your unique “quick check-in code” — a number that verifies your voter registration — can be found on your mailed sample ballot and vote center postcard.

You can take either of those hard copies to the vote center.

If you forgot the hard copies, you can find the code online.

You retrieve it by verifying your voter registration here. You’ll need to input your last name, birth date, the house number of your residential address and your ZIP Code.

For assistance call, (800) 815-2666, Option 2.

Can I still drop off my ballot?

Similar to vote centers, ballot drop boxes close at 8 p.m.

The stunning lakeside town just under an hour from Geneva, making it an ideal autumn day trip whether you’re based in Switzerland or travelling from the UK

With its meandering canals, pastel-hued buildings and mountainous backdrop, Annecy resembles something plucked straight from a storybook. What makes it even more enticing is that this stunning French town is remarkably accessible from Geneva, where I was visiting for a city break.

While staying at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva, I decided to venture across the border into France to discover what makes Annecy such a sought-after destination.

Situated just under an hour away by road, it offers a completely contrasting atmosphere to the refined Swiss city, with cobblestone streets, waterfront promenades, and numerous spots to pause for a crêpe. If you’re organising a European city break and fancy cramming two countries into one journey, Annecy is definitely worth including on your itinerary.

One of the finest aspects of basing yourself in Geneva is how effortlessly you can venture beyond Switzerland itself. While the city possesses its own charm, from its picturesque location to its chocolate boutiques, an excursion to Annecy offers a change of pace without requiring an overnight stay.

Positioned in south-eastern France, Annecy is renowned for its waterways, historic Old Town and spectacular location beside Lake Annecy, with the French Alps offering a dramatic backdrop. It possesses a markedly different character from Geneva, with a more traditional, romantic ambience.

I travelled by FlixBus from Geneva to Annecy, which took approximately 45 minutes. While travel times vary with traffic, the trip was incredibly straightforward.

The Old Town is the ideal starting point for sightseeing, with cobbled streets brimming with independent shops, cafés and eateries. It’s easy to while away an entire afternoon strolling about, browsing for souvenirs and grabbing a bite along the way.

One of the most recognisable landmarks is the Palais de l’île, a historic stone building set on a small island in the Thiou canal. Its distinctive shape and remarkable position in the water make it one of Annecy’s most photographed landmarks.

The town is also pleasingly compact, meaning you can take in most of the key attractions on foot. Even with just a couple of hours to spare, there’s ample time to meander through the streets.

No trip to France would feel quite right without sampling some local cuisine, and Annecy boasts plenty of spots to stop for something to eat.

Crêpes are an obvious go-to for a swift treat, with numerous options readily available throughout the area. You’ll also discover hearty regional dishes inspired by the surrounding Alpine landscape, including tartiflette, a warming combination of potatoes, cheese, onions and bacon.

Beyond the canals and the historic centre, Lake Annecy is yet another reason this town is so extraordinary. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning Alpine backdrop, the lake offers a spectacular contrast to the narrow lanes of the Old Town.

If the sun is shining, head towards the waterfront to soak up the views across the water and towards the mountains. Boat trips and various other activities are also on offer throughout the warmer months.

For my visit, I was based at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva, which provided a comfortable and opulent starting point for discovering the local region.

Geneva itself offers enough to fill a weekend break, from wandering through the Old Town and seeing its renowned Flower Clock to perusing chocolate boutiques and sampling authentic Swiss fondue.

For those contemplating a comparable getaway, remaining in Geneva and making a day trip to Annecy is a delightful way to enjoy two locations without the inconvenience of switching accommodation.

THE evenings are drawing in and the mornings are getting chillier – so now is the perfect time to plan your winter sun getaway.

For the next two weeks, the temperature in Agadir, Morocco, sits between 26C and 29C – making it the perfect spot to escape the UK.

And the even better news is that return flights cost as little as £43 and take around four hours.

The city sits on southwestern coast of the country and is framed by the Anti-Atas mountains, which date back millions of years.

The city is home to three souks to explore, such as Souk El Had, which is the largest in the city with a staggering 13 entrance gates and and around 3,000 to 6,000 shops and stalls selling spices, leather goods, fresh fruit and crafted goods.

You could also visit La Medina d’Agadir, which is a craft village with workshops and smaller shops.

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For a bit of history, head on the cable car to Agadir Oufella Kasbah, which is home to 16th century hilltop ruins as well as panoramic views of the city and marina below.

And of course, Agadir is home to a brilliant six-mile Plage d’Agadir beach with golden sand and a promenade lined with shops, cafes and palm trees.

If you are a keen outdoor explorer, take a half or full-day trip into the Atlas Mountains, with limestone canyons and natural rock pools ideal for a cooling dip.

North of the city, Taghazout Bay is another great day trip – it’s a small fishing and surfing village with secluded spots serving up fresh seafood.

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey, who has visited the city, said: “The Moroccan city is home to the country’s largest market, Souk El Had, as well as a bustling harbour and modern marina.

“Rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1960, the sprawling city nestles against the Atlantic Ocean and its palm-lined wide roads feel more Miami than Morocco.

“At Taghazout Beach, hordes of eager surfers took to the sea before I’d even finished my morning coffee.

“As a novice surfer, I opted to watch those riding the waves, while my companion made friends with the stray dogs and hawkers selling Moroccan breads.”

Soon there will also be a new TUI Magic Life all-inclusive beachfront resort in Agadir as well, set to open summer next year.

The resort will have more than 400 rooms, three restaurants, four bars and three outdoor swimming pools.

Can’t head to Agadir in the next couple of weeks? Well the good news is that the city benefits from around 300 days of sunshine each year.

Previous episodes have been branded as some of the most “harrowing” on TV

Another chilling episode drops tonight as the ‘best’ series returns to TV.

A “relentless pursuit of justice” and a world of “secrecy, control and fear” is at the heart of a harrowing investigation tonight as one of Channel 5’s “best” documentaries returns.

The perfect watch for fans of 24 Hours in Police Custody, the third instalment of Murder Scene: The Incident Room returned to Channel 5 last month, giving viewers unprecedented access into criminal investigations across the UK.

Dubbed by viewers as one of the “best”, previous episodes have left fans “angered” as they are plunged into real-world crimes that have shocked a community and beyond. One person branded an episode as “one of the most harrowing pieces of television i’ve ever watched”.

Another brutal episode is set to air tonight (Wednesday, October 28) at its usual 8pm slot on Channel 5, marking the fifth episode of the season. But it will be a chilling watch as one young woman has been reported missing.

However, it is not an ordinary missing persons case as detectives soon discover that the 20-year-old had already warned police that her life was in danger.

An official synopsis reads: “When 20-year-old Banaz Mahmood disappears from South London, detectives launch an urgent search. But this is no ordinary ‘missing persons’ case.

“Banaz had already gone to police, warning that her life was in danger. She claimed members of her own family were threatening to kill her.

“Newly-promoted Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Goode leads a high-stakes investigation that quickly uncovers a world of secrecy, control, and fear.

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“Banaz had fled an abusive marriage and begun a new relationship – a move that, within her tightly-bound community, risked devastating consequences.”

As officers retraces her final weeks, they soon uncover “escalating tensions, violent threats and evidence that suggests this disappearance may have been planned”.

The synopsis adds: “With suspects denying involvement and crucial questions unanswered, the investigation gathers pace. But without clear proof, the case risks slipping away.

“What follows is a relentless pursuit of justice that spans years, continents, and complex political barriers. At its heart lies a young woman who repeatedly tried to make her voice heard – and a team of detectives determined not to let her be forgotten. This is a story of honour, betrayal and an investigation that refused to give up.”

Murder Scene: The Incident Room returns tonight at 8pm on Channel 5. Episodes can also be streamed online.

Polo Lam and his girlfriend Laura Matos say they only spent minutes on the phone to check Google Maps and the internet but were stunned at the final cost

A British traveller has warned holidaymakers about the risk of unexpected charges after spending just two hours in Monaco left him and his girlfriend with a £109 (€128.88) phone bill. Polo Lam, 30, from Whitby, North Yorkshire, was travelling across Europe with his girlfriend Laura Matos, 29, in September when the couple made a brief stop in Monaco.

Despite using just 18.66MB of mobile data between them, the pair were left picking up almost £85 (€99.79) in roaming charges, sending their monthly bill soaring to £109 (€128.88), compared with just £25 (€29.18) the previous month. Experts say 18.66MB is roughly the amount of data someone might use scrolling through Instagram for just three to 10 minutes, depending on the content being viewed.

The couple were enjoying a budget-friendly interrail holiday from Barcelona to Vienna, travelling through France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary. While staying in Nice, they decided to visit nearby Menton and make a short stop in Monaco, which hadn’t originally been part of their plans.

Laura, a psychologist and founder of La CoolMente, said: “It was actually my idea to visit Monaco. I’d heard so much about the luxury and the famous casino, and I wanted to see what it was like for myself.”

But it was only when they continued their journey into Italy that Polo checked their mobile account and discovered the their trip had cost more than they bargained for. Speaking to Nomad eSIM, Polo said: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the bill. We’d only been in Monaco for a few hours, and somehow our phone bill had jumped to £109 (€128.88).

“We’d barely used our phones. We only checked Google Maps and opened Instagram, but that was about it.

“What really scares me is thinking about what could have happened if we’d stayed overnight. If we’d spent a whole day or two there, we could potentially have been looking at a bill running into the hundreds, or even thousands of pounds.

“I’m pretty stingy when it comes to money, so you can imagine how I felt. We’d gone interrailing to have a relatively inexpensive holiday, and suddenly we had this huge phone bill.”

Laura added: “We were both confused about where the charges had come from. We’d only used our phones briefly to find our location, so we felt the bill was completely unreasonable. We kept talking about it for days afterwards because we’d been trying so hard to save money throughout the trip.”

Polo said the unexpected expense put a dampener on their holiday. “The worst part was thinking about what else we could have spent that money on. We were trying to keep costs down, and it would have paid for three or four meals out in some of the places we visited.”

Laura agreed that the money could have been put to much better use. She said: “We’d been avoiding expensive experiences to save money, so it was frustrating to see that money disappear on a phone bill without getting anything enjoyable in return.

“I’d much rather have spent it on a nice meal at a restaurant with a view, visiting a museum or even a more comfortable hotel. When you’re travelling around Europe by interrail, a bit of extra comfort can make a big difference.”

The experience left the couple more cautious about using their phones abroad, particularly when travelling between countries. Polo said: “I’d tell anyone travelling around Europe to check exactly which countries are covered by their mobile plan. Just because somewhere is in Europe doesn’t mean your normal roaming allowance applies. We found that out the expensive way.”

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Tim Page, Marketing Lead at Nomad eSIM, said: “One of the biggest misconceptions about mobile roaming is that travelling within Europe automatically means you’re covered by your usual mobile plan.

“Monaco is a perfect example. Despite being surrounded by France on three sides, it’s not part of the European Union and isn’t automatically covered by the EU’s Roam Like at Home rules. Introduced in June 2017, these rules generally allow customers of EU mobile operators to use their calls, texts and data across EU countries without paying additional roaming charges.

“This means travellers could be using their phones in Nice without additional roaming charges, then cross into Monaco and face significantly higher rates for exactly the same usage. Before travelling, always check which countries are included in your mobile plan, particularly destinations such as Monaco, Andorra and Switzerland.

“Even small amounts of data can result in surprisingly expensive bills, so consider switching off data roaming or using a travel eSIM that specifically covers your destination. If you do receive an unexpected roaming charge, contact your mobile provider as soon as possible. While there’s no guarantee, some providers may be willing to reduce or waive the charges as a goodwill gesture.”

CYCLISTS have been seen brazenly ignoring Sadiq Khan’s ‘pedestrian-only’ zone on Oxford Street just hours after the ban came into force.

As of today a one-kilometre stretch of the world-famous London street is now free from cars and buses prior to being fully pedestrianised.

The entire section between Selfridges near the Marble Arch end and Great Portland Street (including Oxford Circus) is the first to be impacted – with the festive period just around the corner.

Transport for London (TFL) has confirmed that e-bikes, pedal bikes, and e-scooters will no longer be allowed to go through the area but instead will be funnelled to surrounding routes.

However, cyclists were filmed whizzing through the green bollards installed just last night and designed to stop traffic.

A team of security guards was seen trying to wave down commuters, delivery drivers and e-bike renters and get them to dismount.

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One member of the public said it was “absolutely pandemonium” last night as buses kept coming up to the new obstructive bollards.

The road will be closed to all traffic between 7am and midnight every day of the week.

Exceptions have been made for deliveries, which can be made from midnight to 7am, and for emergency vehicles – which retain access at all times. 

But many Londoners have bemoaned the fact that the surrounding area will be gridlocked due to the changes.

As the busy festive period gets underway, others have voiced their concerns over how shoppers will carry their hauls in the lead up to Christmas.

One local councillor described the plan as a “disaster for local people” – and accused London Mayor Sadiq Khan of pushing it through to meet an “arbitrary deadline”.

Cllr Tim Barnes, Westminster City Council Deputy Leader, said: “We’re extremely disappointed that MHCLG have ignored legitimate concerns about the impact this scheme will have on central London.

“London deserves a world class shopping district but I’m worried we’re heading for an unmanaged mess.”

He added: “It’s going to be very difficult for people with accessibility issues to get to the street. There is no step free access from Oxford Circus Tube.”

It comes after it was revealed that Christmas shoppers heading down Britain’s busiest high street will now be scanned with facial recognition.

The technology is expected to be installed in December, just in time for the busy festive shopping period.

Today’s pedestrianisation of this stretch of road has repeatedly been described as the “first phase” – but it has faced criticism.

Sean Lane, 43, a cabbie for ten years driving down Oxford Street, said he was particularly concerned about disabled passengers and parents with prams.

He told The Times: “It’s gonna create gridlock. I just can’t understand it. You can see how wide the pavements are.

“There’s more than enough room for everybody. Even if you made it one lane, a one-way road, at least we can come along.”

Paul Fisher, a Conservative Westminster councillor, fears for the postcard view of the high street during the Christmas period but also on a year-round basis.

He said: “Why do people go to Oxford Street? They don’t just go to shop, they go for the experience, for the iconic buses and taxis.

“Many tourists shop on Oxford Street because of the iconic view you get … that vision will be lost forever.”

Traffic can still flow north and south along Regent Street at the Oxford Circus junction.

Pedestrians can cross at the junction and the plan is for traffic signals to be re-phased for the changes.

Traffic can also cross the pedestrianised zone on these four other routes: Duke Street (northbound), Davies Street/Stratford Place (both directions for local access), Vere Street/New Bond Street (southbound only) and Holles Street (northbound only).

Private cars have been barred for years but now all motorised traffic, including buses and black cabs, as well as bicycles, will be kept away.

London Mayor Khan has hailed the move as “a truly momentous occasion for the capital“.

The pedestrianisation of Oxford Street has been tried for years but remains controversial.

And although the traffic may have been stopped, the initial works scheme is not expected to be completed until spring next year.

The closure is part of a £150m phased plan to revive the area with “mini parks” and more than 50 trees, benches, lighting and public art.

It is hoped the plans will encourage bars and restaurants to move in alongside the shops to create a feel similar to the Rue de Rivoli in Paris or La Rambla in Barcelona.

Merab Dvalishvili says he has gained 19lb (1st 5lb) in just five hours after weighing in for his bantamweight title fight against Petr Yan at UFC 333 on Saturday.

The Georgian weighed 135lb (9st 9lb), which was the same as Russian champion Yan, before the pair’s co-main event fight in Abu Dhabi.

Dvalishvili later uploaded a video to Instagram showing the 35-year-old stepping on scales and weighing 154lb (11st 0lb).

“I’ve been drinking water and in only five hours I gain back 19 pounds, that’s what we do, let’s go,” he said.

“Now I’m back drinking and recovering. Now I’m going to start eating. Eat food first, then tomorrow you guys already know who I’m going to eat.”

Fighters typically cut weight by shedding water in the days before a bout, before rehydrating to regain weight – a process that can provide a physical advantage inside the octagon.

The UFC has taken a number of steps to make weight cuts safer over the years, including banning IV drips, which forces fighters to hydrate in a healthier way, and building the Performance Institute, which provides guidance for its athletes from professional health experts.

UFC fighters are recommended to lose no more than 8% of their body weight during fight week.

On fight night they are recommended to stay within 10% of their weight class.

Dvalishvili is aiming to win back the title he lost against two-time champion Yan last December.

During their face-off, the pair engaged in an intense but respectful stare-down.

In the main event, champion Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev both made weight before their featherweight world title contest.

Australia’s Volkanovski is looking to earn a record ninth win in UFC featherweight title fights against Russia’s Evloev, who is undefeated in 20 bouts.

On the undercard, British flyweight Lone’er Kavanagh takes on Uzbekistan’s Ramazan Temirov.

The 27-year-old Kavanagh is aiming to bounce back from defeat by American Brandon Royval in July.

IN the last six months of her short life, there was one person Amy Jade Winehouse could turn to unreservedly.

Dale Davis, her band leader and confidante, provided her with a shoulder to cry on and a reason for her to break into the infectious laughter that came with her wicked sense of humour.

He was there to give Amy “a cuddle” during her final public outing, and three days later — on the night before she died aged 27 in 2011 — he spent 15 minutes on the phone to her, telling her she was “the best”.

“We were always chatting in those final months,” he says today to mark the 20th anniversary of Amy’s stellar Back To Black album.

“I remember her saying to me, ‘Dale, I’ve just realised that I’ve spent my whole adult life with you’.

“I was with her from when she was 19 to 27. The things I miss about her most are her big grin and that glint in her eyes.”

Dale joined Amy’s band in 2003 as bassist because the original choice was “too expensive” and, as he self-deprecatingly admits, he was “the uglier, cheaper” alternative.

A year later, he became her musical director and remains the keeper of her flame by leading The Amy Winehouse Band on its regular tours of the UK and abroad.

Though he was 17 years her senior, they bonded over a shared love of “hip-hop, soul and Nineties R&B”.

He adds: “We were also the only members of the band who drank Jack Daniel’s — so there was a lot of affinity there. If Amy loved you, no matter who it was, she loved you hard. She always had my back and I always had hers.”

Reaching the 20th anniversary of Back To Black, released on October 27, 2006, is a milestone Dale finds “surreal”.

Amy’s second album, the follow-up to her debut Frank, catapulted the vivacious, naturally talented singer on to the world stage and has sold more than 20million copies (and counting).

It contained raw, personal songs loaded with pathos and humour, such as Rehab, Me & Mr Jones, Tears Dry On Their Own and Love Is A Losing Game, all delivered in deliciously smoky, jazzy tones.

It charted in graphic detail Amy’s turbulent relationship with the love of her life, Blake Fielder-Civil, as well as her battles with drug and alcohol addiction.

“I believe she was the first star of this millennium, of the broadband generation,” maintains Dale.

“She was a most courageous performer and human being. Amy had a massive heart, but it left her open to the highs and the lows.”

To give an example of her inner conflict, Dale vividly recalls being with her on February 10, 2008, when she scooped five Grammy awards in the wake of Back To Black.

“Life was never dull and that night I saw an indication of what she was going through,” he says.

Amy could not attend the ceremony in Los Angeles because she’d been denied a visa amid drug and legal issues, but she was hooked up remotely to perform from London’s Riverside Studios.

“When she won her third Grammy, it was just me and her on stage,” continues Dale.

“Everyone else had walked off. I said, ‘Well done, Amy’. And she just said, ‘No, this is s*** because Blake’s not here’.

“While she was winning all those awards, her heart was going through the extreme pain of not being with him. There was no middle ground with Amy, and things like that are so destabilising to your mental health.”

When he considers the Back To Black songs, he says Wake Up Alone was Amy’s favourite, but he singles out a sad track, Love Is A Losing Game, and a funny one, Me & Mr Jones.

There’s an exquisite demo rendition of Love Is A Losing Game on the new, expanded anniversary editions, just Amy’s sublime, soulful voice and the strums of an acoustic guitar.

Dale says: “She was equally comfortable with an orchestra or on her own.

“The great thing about that version is that she delivers the most beautiful performance and then, at the end, she goes, ‘Is that all right?’. That really sums her up.

“Amy was so bright and so intelligent, but because she spoke so normally, it fooled people.”

Of Me & Mr Jones, with its old-school jazz vibe and jaw-dropping line, ‘What kind of f***ery is this?’, Dale says: “That’s my favourite song on the album. It’s right up my street. It’s got doo-wop. It’s got swing.

“I can imagine the mischievous grin as she’s thinking, ‘Right, I’m going to turn this into a funny old song’.

Also, you can’t play it on the radio. That’s the great thing about Amy — she knew no boundaries.”

Yet Dale senses that the star who burned bright for a fleeting moment “sold herself short in the end”.

“Amy was the most rebellious person I’ve ever come across,” he decides.

In 2004, the year Frank came out, Dale remembers “having breakfast with Nick (Shymansky, her first manager), who said, ‘We’ve got some issues with Amy’. I said, ‘Just leave her be, she’s a punk’.

“She had that spirit which could be destructive. However, the only harm she ever did was to herself.

“At the same time, she was so funny — her observational humour was ridiculous.

“I could always tell something funny was coming when I saw that glint in her eyes.

“Had she lived, Amy would have been like Barbra Streisand or Bette Midler — an all-round entertainer.

“I can imagine her having her own TV programme or being a great actress. She even talked about wanting to do some acting.”

When I caught up with Dale this week, he was preparing for last night’s Back To Black 20 show, directed by the album’s producers, Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, at The Roundhouse in Amy’s London stomping ground of Camden.

Among the singers due to step into her ballet flats at the gig were Baby Rose, Corinne Bailey Rae, FLO, Jessie Reyez, Jorja Smith and Lianne La Havas.

Mention of the venue prompts Dale to cast his mind back to Amy’s final public outing, which took place there on July 20, 2011 — three days before she left us too soon.

Dale was by her side for a showcase by her goddaughter, the singer Dionne Bromfield.

Amy bravely appeared on stage — “dancing and being a good sport” — to support Dionne, but declined to take the mic.

“She was wearing a vest and jacket and looking as well as when I first met her,” says Dale.

“After the show, Amy said, ‘Let’s hang out’. So I spent two hours with her and we chatted so much. Before we left, we went outside and she said, ‘Cuddle me because I’m cold’.

“I spent the last ten minutes holding her. When I look back on that moment, I’m thinking it wasn’t like her because she was never cold.”

Dale believes Amy’s “eating disorder got her in the end”, a subject of great sadness to him.

He says: “She was never ever big — curvy at most. But I know a comment was made one year and then suddenly all the weight came off. I felt sorry for her.

“It has taken me a long time to realise what eating disorders are.

“I wish I’d had more knowledge so I could have helped.

“Towards the end, her nervous system was getting more and more shocked with the lack of eating.

“And when Blake went to prison, she also stopped sleeping. That had a massive impact on her physical state.”

This brings us to Dale’s phone call with Amy, which started at 11.15pm on July 22, 2011, hours before she died.

He says: “Purely by chance, I had the longest conversation with her that night.

“Even at her funeral service, I ended up right next to the coffin because there was no room for me elsewhere. All those weird things draw me in to make sure that I protect her legacy.”

Dale describes their final conversation: “Amy said, ‘Dale, I’ve had a little bit to drink’. And I said, ‘Well, you don’t sound at all drunk’.

“Then she said, ‘I’ve been watching some old clips of me on YouTube. I CAN sing, can’t I?’. And I just said, ‘Of course you can. You’re the best’.

“I’m so glad that, on her last evening, she could turn round and say that because she was the least arrogant person about her abilities.”

In the wake of Amy’s tragic death, there have been blame games involving various parties — Blake, management, the music industry, the media, her parents.

Mention of this prompts Dale to launch a staunch defence of Amy’s divorced mum and dad, Janis and Mitch.

He says: “I feel so sorry for Janis because when Amy started to get famous, Janis had her own health problems.

“Amy always said her mother was so serene — and then she had to go through her struggles and watch the demise of her daughter.”

Turning to her London cabbie dad, who left the family home when Amy was about ten but became more involved in her life as her career took off, Dale says: “People point the finger at Mitch.

“Me and my dad don’t really get on, but we love each other and are there for each other.

“It was very difficult for someone like Mitch coming back into Amy’s life when she’d become a self-made multimillionaire. It must have been quite hard to try to direct someone when they’ve made it themselves.”

On a more general note, Dale adds: “The industry and everyone else can take steps to do everything they can — but there’s always going to be someone who slips through the net.”

Next up for him is a UK tour with his Amy Winehouse Band, a chance to hear some of that beautiful, rebellious spirit.

“They tried to make me go to rehab but I said no, no, no.”

• UK tour details at theamywinehouseband.com. The Back To Black 20 ­Concert is on BBC Two on Saturday, 9.35pm, and Radio 2, Monday, 7pm. Expanded editions of Back To Black, with unheard demos and a 2007 live show, are out on Friday.

FORGET Santa in Lapland or skiing in France – when winter rolls around you’ll find me sunning myself abroad, trying to find some last-minute warmth to break up the UK’s long, grey months.

Having visited 58 countries as the Deputy Travel Editor, I’ve found some fantastic places that tick all the boxes of a winter sun break, without costing a fortune.

By that, I mean warm weather, direct flights (keeping them under seven hours, for any long-haul flight haters) and some very big bargains when it comes to hotels and beers.

So here are my favourite winter sun spots, some of which aren’t that far – and with hotels from £35 a night.

Marrakech

One of my favourite spots for winter sun that doesn’t break the bank is Morocco.

I’ve explored the Hassan II Mosque of Casablanca, and visited the beaches of Agadir.

But I think the best bargain is found in Marrakech.

Not only is it perfect for some pre-Christmas shopping – I found fantastic dupes of expensive branded candles and curtains in the souks – but you can still get temperatures just above 20C in winter.

Food is cheap too, as you’ll pay just a few pounds for a freshly-made tagine meal.

For an affordable hotel stay, skip the big name chains and go for a local riad – small traditional Moroccan hotels – which you can find for as little as £35 on websites such as Booking.com and Airbnb.

These are usually fantastic locations, and usually with some free mint tea or breakfast thrown in.

Flights are cheap too – Ryanair fly there from £14.99.

We found a deal for a seven-night stay at Aqua Mirage Club from November 26, with return flights from Manchester, for £379pp on Loveholidays.com.

Cape Verde

African island, no jet lag and flights under seven hours – enter Cape Verde.

Where else can you get all-inclusive holidays from £586pp, where you’ll be basking in 27C heat?

While lots of people head to the island of Sal, I much prefer Boa Vista.

Most of the TUI hotels are right on the beach, with swim-up bars and waterparks.

But leaving the resort is worth it too.

I found white sand beaches like Santa Monica with barely anyone on them, making me feel like I was on a Maldives private island instead.

My favourite was Praia Carlota, where you can lose the days in the hippy Morabeza beach hut with fried fish and local Strela beer.

Sand-boarding, kite-surfing, boat trips; visit in February and you can go whale-watching during humpback mating season too.

We found a deal for a seven-night stay at Hotel Pontao from November 30, with return flights from London Gatwick, for £430pp at On The Beach.

El Gouna

When it comes to Egypt, one of my favourite destinations for winter sun is El Gouna.

Flights there are around 5hr30 which go to Hurghada, with a short transfer.

The gated community means it is extremely safe as only people staying at the hotels can enter, and its still around 25C in December.

Hop on a boat to explore the man-made lagoons, or go on Sunset Desert Safaris, with hiking and stargazing with El Gouna Mountain Goats.

If you don’t mind going further afield, you can even book day trips to Luxor (just expect a very early start).

When it comes to choosing a place to stay, I highly recommend Cook’s Club.

The four-star resort has it all – fantastic restaurant, lagoon-front pool, live DJs, and rooms are super chic.

And seven night stays are as little as £509 each with your flights and breakfast with loveholidays.

We found a deal for a seven-night stay at Doubletree By Hilton Mangroovy El Gouna Resort from December 9, with return flights from London Gatwick, for £379pp at Loveholidays.

Tenerife

If you’re keen not to go much further than Spain for your winter holiday, your best bet is to head to Tenerife which is often considered the warmest of the island (due to its location off the African coastline).

Temperatures are around 22C – not hot but warmer than the UK highs of 9C.

Holidays are a bargain – loveholidays has December seven-night stays for under £200 – but I highly recommend The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife.

The dusty pink building looks like something from a fairytale, complete with beautiful suites and a hidden beach you can get to by funicular.

Seven night holidays here can be found for £797pp with flights and breakfast thrown in.

If you can drag yourself away from the hotel, there are some fantastic outdoor adventures on the island such as whale watching and hiking.

Otherwise get ready for a night out on the town of Playa de las Américas, where you will find the best bars and restaurants.

Try Spain’s cheap chain 100 Montaditos, called the Wetherspoons of Spain where sandwiches are €1 (80p) and beers are €1.50 (£1.29).

We found a deal for a six-night stay at BLUESEA Interpalace from November 15, with return flights from London Stansted, from £349pp at Lastminute.com.

Dubai

Forget the idea Dubai has to be expensive – I have the best tips on how to do it affordably (while still having fun and soaking up sun).

The United Arab Emirates is currently on the safe to travel list, with Emirates still offering daily flights from the UK.

First, the hotels – I was blown away by the Premier Inns here, which are just as cheap as the UK at around £30, but some come with rooftop swimming pools. Yes, really.

Beach clubs can also be done on a budget.

Some, like DRIFT, can cost a little as £30 midweek, which can be used against your food and drink (with Ladies Days costing just £20 instead) while others like Lucky Fish are currently free to visit Monday to Thursday.

And lunch deals let you visit some of the famous restaurants without the price, like Ce La Vie offering a three-course meal for £28 rather than their dinner menu which has £30 dishes alone.

But my favourite place to go was the Grand Souk, where you’ll find breads stuffed with cheese or Nutella for £1.22, or Iranian falooda — a sorbet-like dessert made of thin rice noodles and syrup — for £1.

Return flights from the UK can currently be found for around £500.

We found a deal for a six-night stay at Ibis Styles Dubai Jumeira from November 11, with return flights from London Gatwick, from £867pp with TUI.

Doha

Similar to Dubai yet often overlooked, Doha makes for a great winter sun destination without too long of a flight.

Flights from the UK are with Qatar Airways – often being named one of the world’s best airlines – and take around 6hr40 (and around £530 return).

It is a great ‘luxury on a budget’ for some royalty without the riyal.

My favourite hotel to go for is The Ned; while not ‘cheap’ it is much cheaper than the one in the UK and feels much fancier than it costs.

As little as £102 a night (compared to London’s £330), it’s retro glamour with gorgeous interiors and an outdoor swimming pool.

If you just want a base, there are also Premier Inn hotels for around £28 a night.

Taxies are cheap, it feels very safe as a woman travelling around and one of the best attractions is affordable – go to the National Museum of Qatar (currently around £5 entry).

Otherwise head straight to the beach clubs – for example, Doha Beach Club is around £12 each (or ladies visit on Tuesday for free). What more could you want?

We found a deal for a seven-night stay at Steigenberger Hotel Doha from January 17, with return flights from London Stansted, from £705pp with On The Beach.

IT IS two years to the day since Liam Payne’s family – and his millions of fans – had their hearts broken when the pop star plunged to his death from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires.

Now, a bombshell update has ripped through the investigation. Argentinian businessman Rogelio ‘Roger’ Nores, 38, once facing the terrifying prospect of prison for negligent homicide, has been officially cleared of all criminal liability. Two hotel workers have also walked free.

Meanwhile, two defendants charged with selling cocaine to Liam await their fate, but case sources now think a full trial over his death will never take place.

For Liam’s grieving family and millions of devoted fans, Roger being cleared does not bring closure.

It simply shines a spotlight on the agonising black holes still in the official narrative as a UK inquest into Liam’s death is still ongoing, despite a series of setbacks. 

Here are the chilling questions that still demand answers:

Who really delivered the fatal dose?

While Nores and two hotel workers, Gilda Martin and Esteban Grassi, have had manslaughter charges dropped, the drug trail hasn’t gone cold. Toxicology reports confirmed a lethal cocktail of “alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant” in Liam’s system.

Two men, Ezequiel Pereya, 22, and Braian Paiz, 26, are currently languishing in an Argentine jail awaiting trial, accused of selling Liam the narcotics. 

Braian Paiz was working at a high end restaurant in Buenos Aires when he first met the One Direction singer on October 2, 2024. 

He has claimed as Liam was leaving he asked the starstruck waiter if he had any cocaine and the pair exchanged Instagram handles. 

Over a week later Liam, who was still in the Argentine capital, contacted him to ask for drugs. 

Braian admitted in his witness statement: “He ended up convincing me to get [drugs] for him. And, in all honesty, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to see him again. That’s why I agreed to do it.”

In a later newspaper interview, he said: “I’ve suffered so much psychological damage due to all this and the social condemnation, and of course I’m worried now I might be in prison for many years. But I don’t regret meeting Liam. I was a fan.”

But it has become clear Liam was getting drugs from many sources, so the question remains: how did a global superstar, supposedly in a secure VIP suite, become a target for local dealers? Was there a wider network exploiting vulnerable guests at the Casa Sur?

When will the trial of the two accused take place? 

The two defendants charged with selling cocaine to Liam in the lead up to his death are still awaiting trial. 

Restaurant waiter Braian Nahuel Paiz, 26, and hotel worker Ezequiel David Pereyra, 22, served over one year in police precincts and in a federal prison until they were released in March.

The Sun understands that there have been negotiations for a plea deal for the two young men. 

That could mean that a full trial over Liam’s death never takes place.

The pair are accused of selling drugs to Liam but if the plea deal goes ahead that charge could be reduced to supply of drugs for free, which carries a maximum sentence of six months.  

According to legal experts, given the pair have no prior criminal convictions, the sentence would already be covered by time served. 

Pereyra’s defense attorney, Augusto Maria Cassiau, told The New York Post: “We would be inclined to accept the offer.”

What part will Cheryl play in the ongoing investigation? 

Another heartbreaking chapter involves Cheryl, who shares 9-year-old son, Bear, with Liam.

Since Liam tragically passed away without leaving a will, his entire £25.7 million estate will eventually pass to his young son.

In May 2025, Cheryl was officially named as a co-administrator of his massive estate alongside attorney Richard Mark Bray. 

However, her power is strictly administrative. She and Bray can “manage the money” but cannot distribute it without further legal authority. 

Shortly after Liam’s passing, Cheryl issued a searing statement condemning the “abhorrent reports and media exploitation” surrounding his death, begging for Liam to be given “the little dignity he has left”. 

Cheryl is a plaintiff, on behalf of their son Bear, in the case against the waiter and the hotel worker, who are charged with supplying Liam drugs.

The Sun understands that she could ultimately have the last say over any plea deal agreed with the Argentine authorities – but she, or her lawyers, have so far not objected to the rulings in Roger’s favour. 

Now as the inquest stalls, how much longer will Cheryl and Bear have to wait for the final legal chapter to close?

What happened on the balcony? 

The most haunting mystery of all. We know Liam fell from the third floor of the hotel, where he was staying in Room 10. 

But the moments leading up to that fatal plunge are still shrouded in silence. The UK coroner, Crispin Butler, has been desperately chasing “eyewitness statements” from Argentina since late 2025. 

Following his death, it was reported that Liam jumped off his balcony, perhaps trying to reach the swimming pool below that it was claimed he had been denied access to because of his intoxicated state. 

But it later became clear he had fallen backwards, possibly after falling unconscious, causing unsurvivable injuries to his head and dying instantly.

The toxicology report read: “Due to the position in which the body was found and the injuries from the fall, it is presumed that Payne did not adopt a reflexive posture to protect himself and may have fallen in a state of semi or total unconsciousness.”

After forensic experts studied the singer’s hands, they did not find any defensive injuries, which led them to believe that “the injuries on the body were vital and produced at the same time, and that no injuries were observed that could suggest the intervention of third parties”.

Are there witnesses who saw the build-up? Were there warning signs ignored by hotel management before he stepped onto the balcony? And why did they let him back into his room? 

Why are the Argentine authorities not working more closely with their UK counterparts? 

For Liam’s family, the wait for justice is becoming a cruel joke. 

The UK inquest has been delayed repeatedly, first pushed to May 2026, and now stalled again because British coroners are still waiting on fully translated case files and evidence disclosures from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Coroner Crispin Butler told a pre-inquest hearing there had been no updates since a last review in January 2025, when he said he would seek full reports and eyewitness statements before a final inquest.

He added: “We have had no further disclosure of evidence from Argentina via the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.”

It has been 24 months. Why are the Argentine authorities dragging their heels in handing over the final, unredacted timeline?

IT’S easy to get into the festive spirit at a Christmas market and they’re even better on the cheap.

In one city that Brits can reach in three hours for less than £30, hotels are £15 per night, and mulled wine at festive stalls is as little as 82p.

Sibiu in Romania is the ideal city for a festive break and it was even named as the 18th most underrated destination by Time Out last year.

Not to mention it’s cheap, eurochange has compared the prices of mulled wine across 55 Christmas markets across Europe, and Sibiu came out on top.

A warm cup of infused red wine can be bought from 82p which is hugely cheaper than in the UK, where it can more than £7 a cup.

And you’ll be able to buy it soon too, as its Sibiu Christmas Market is set to open on November 13 all the way through until January 3, 2027.

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Held in the Grand Square, the Christmas Market is completely free to enter.

There’s plenty to do, from hopping on the Ferris Wheel, to visiting Santa in his workshop, ice skating, and relaxing at the Chalet where festive drinks (including mulled wine) are served.

On certain evenings, the Chalet will even turn into a party spot with a live DJ.

One visitor described is as ‘magical’ and a ‘photographer’s playground’.

Outside of the Christmas market, there’s lots to see like The Bridge of Lies which has lots of legends and myths behind it – and when lit up at night, can make for a great picture spot too.

Another must-see spot in Sibiu is Muzeul Astra, the largest open-air museum in Europe.

Talking to Sun Travel, one Wizz Air flight attendant explained why Sibiu is a must-visit destination.

Niko said: “I’ve been to Sibiu in Romania several times already.

“You have the mountains, so there’s lots of nature, the food is amazing, everything is cheap and the people are so friendly.

“And you should try Papanasi. It’s a Romanian dessert that’s like a doughnut. It tastes amazing, but not good if you’re on a diet.”

It’s not just mulled wine in Sibiu that’s affordable – the price of a local pint of beer is less than £2 on average, according to Wise.

The price of a meal can be bought for less than £5 and coffee on average is also less than £2.

Brits can fly directly from London Luton to Sibiu three times a week with Wizz Air and one-way fares start from £26.99.

On Booking.com, one-night stays during November in Sibiu can cost less than £30 per night – or £15 each.

Here are the cheapest place for mulled wine in 2026…

Here are eurochange’s cheapest places for mulled once – and the average price of a cup…

1. Sibiu, Romania – 82p
2. Brașov, Romania – £1.63
3. Craiova, Romania – £1.63
4. Sofia, Bulgaria – £1.76
5. Olomouc, Czechia – £1.77
6. Brno, Czechia – £1.77
7. Gothenburg (Christmas at Liseberg), Sweden – £1.89
8. Bucharest, Romania – £1.96
9. Plzeň, Czechia – £2.12
10. Strasbourg, France – £2.57
11. Mulhouse, France – £2.57
12. Vilnius, Lithuania – £2.57
13. Liège, Belgium – £2.57
14. Warsaw, Poland – £2.59
15. Graz, Austria – £3