huge

White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood will no longer front the Marks & Spencer Christmas advert despite being involved in the promotional clip in August

Aimee Lou Wood has been ‘dropped by M&S’, according to reports. The White Lotus star was set to be the face of the new Marks and Spencer Christmas advert, but appears to have been cut from the production.

The claim comes after the retail giants are said to have initially wooed the 31-year-old actress with a huge fee. Any appearance would have seen her follow the likes of Hannah Waddingham and Sophie Ellis-Bextor in featuring in the festive fun.

However, despite appearing in the promo clip in August, Aimee is thought to have been removed by the brand who have reportedly chosen to go in a different direction.

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A spokesperson for M&S told Mail Online: “We really enjoyed working with Aimee Lou Wood during the early stages of this year’s Christmas campaign – she brought great energy and creativity to the process.

“As the campaign evolved, we started to embed a new product-focused strategy under new leadership. So, rather than a single-hero advert, the campaign was reshaped around a series of festive films and influencer content-drops aligned to key seasonal shopping moments – from gifting and hosting to partywear – delivered through a social-first, multi-channel approach across social media, digital, out-of-home and print.”

It could be seen as a blow for the Stockport-born actress. However, after finding fame in Netflix’s comedy drama Sex Education, she has continued to go from strength to strength before the M&S dropping.

She also portrayed Chelsea in the third series of the Sky Atlantic drama last year. It’s thought she had signed a deal to lead the M&S ad in the summer. But with a change in direction, comes new faces.

It comes as the eagerly anticipated John Lewis advert received a mixed response. It was attempting to pull at the heartstrings with its latest offering that focuses on a father and son struggling to find the words to say how much they care about each other.

That all changes when Dad finds a present addressed to him while packing away the wrapping paper for another year on Christmas morning. This year the famous advert is soundtracked by 90s dance icon Alison Limerick’s hit Where Love Lives, with a newly reimagined version by globally acclaimed artist and producer Labrinth also featuring.

However, while some shed a tear, others blasted the production as “Depressing, boring and not very Christmassy!”

“Just seen the John Lewis Christmas advert,” one user wrote on Twitter/X. “Thought it was dull, depressing, boring and not very Christmassy,”

Another posted on the platform: “The John Lewis Christmas Advert is TERRIBLE!!! What a bunch of nonsense. Unimaginative, unfestive, rubbish. Bring back Moz the Monster or Edgar the Dragon!! #JohnLewisChristmasAdvert #JohnLewis #Rubbish.”

A third was left conflicted, writing: “John Lewis ad 2025 – I’m not sure, it’s underlying message of father son communication is great, but it’s portrayed in such a dark way, you don’t know what’s happening, it’s very vague, and not very festive at all, bordering on depressing even!”

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It’s one of the largest surviving examples from the Roman occupation of Britain, and —hiding in plain sight — it is completely free to visit all year round.

History buffs are in for a treat as a massive Roman amphitheatre is hiding in plain sight right here in the UK.

Nestled next to Cirencester — the largest town in the Cotswolds — lie the earthwork remains of a gigantic amphitheatre, which at its height, was one of the biggest Roman amphitheatres in Britain.

History of the amphitheatre

Constructed in the early 2nd century AD – when Cirencester was known as the Roman city of Corinium and was second only to London in size and population – this amphitheatre could accommodate up to 8,000 spectators. The Cirencester Amphitheatre began life as a simple quarry, with the majority of the stone used to build the town believed to have come from it.

By the time most of the town had been built, its layout already closely resembled that of an amphitheatre, complete with tiered seating.

In modern-day Britain, the Cirencester Amphitheatre is considered one of the largest surviving examples from the Roman occupation of the island. After the Roman army departed Britain in AD 408, life in Cirencester quickly declined without their pay, which was a key support for the local economy and helped maintain order.

With no central authority to take the reins, the town’s urban heart was left lifeless. Private benefactors who had promised to fund public games were conspicuously absent. This led to the amphitheatre being abandoned as a place of entertainment, and in a brave bid to keep their community alive, the town leaders transformed the renowned structure into a fortress.

A trench was carved along the southern side of the building, and its entrances were made narrower. However, these efforts seemed futile, as by AD 577, a stronghold thought to be Cirencester was reported to have succumbed to the advancing Saxons. The amphitheatre then lay deserted for several centuries.

Archaeologists have since unearthed remnants of timber buildings from the 5th century at the once-celebrated site. During the Middle Ages, it is said that the Abbot of Cirencester enclosed the area to use it as a rabbit warren. Its local moniker, ‘the Bull Ring’, suggests that it may have later been used for bull-baiting – a potential nod to its original Roman-era purpose.

Architecture and Structure

Unlike the circular designs of the amphitheatres at Silchester and Dorchester, the Cirencester Amphitheatre was oval-shaped, with an entrance at each end of the structure’s longer axis.

The vast earth banks, the only remnants of the once towering structure, held rows of wooden seats built on terraced drystone walls. It’s thought that there was also a standing area for spectators within the building, reports Gloucestershire Live. The amphitheatre’s seating area alone could accommodate around 8,000 people — a figure not far off from the entire population of Corinium at the time (approximately 10,000).

A wall separated the audience from the arena, which was covered with sand and fine gravel. During a later renovation, two small chambers were built on either side of the entrance’s inner end. Indications suggest that one of them was dedicated to Nemesis, the goddess often honoured in amphitheatres from the Roman Empire.

Getting there

Cirencester Amphitheatre is free to explore as it’s not a ticketed site. However, visitors should be aware that some parts of the site are uneven, making them unsuitable for wheelchair users. There’s also a small flight of stairs at the entrance of the structure which may pose an accessibility challenge.

Dog owners are welcome to bring their pets to Cirencester Amphitheatre, provided they are kept on leads. Free parking is available in the car park at the eastern end of Cotswold Avenue, and shops, toilets, and food outlets can be found in the nearby Cirencester town centre.

ROCK legend Jon Bon Jovi is the next big name star to join CBeebies Bedtime Story slot.

And he uses his stint to share a loving message about his new granddaughter.

Jon has gushed about his new family role since his son Jake Bongiovi and wife Millie Bobby Brown adopted a baby girl.

The Bon Jovi singer said: “Some of my favourite things in life are music and being a grandad – or as I like to say,‘papa’ – and going on adventures.

“When my grandchildren are a little older, I can’t wait to take them on amazing adventures.

“Music has played a part in all of my kids’ childhoods and I’m looking forward to watching my children become parents and seeing our grandchildren become part of our lives.

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 “It’s not about what I’m going to teach my grandchildren, but what they’re going to teach me!”

The TV storytelling gig has welcomed everyone from Harry Styles to Idris Elba to the bedtime armchair.

Jon has chosen to read his friend Paul McCartney’s book Hey Grandude! tomorrow night (Friday 7 November) at 6.50pm on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer.

He added: “I picked Hey Grandude! because it’s written by the great Paul McCartney, singer, songwriter, storyteller.

“He’s someone I’ve always admired and looked up to, not just for his music but for his parenting and grandparenting skills. He’s a dear friend and someone we all admire.”

Jon will also feature in an episode of the CBeebies Parenting Helpline podcast, out November 27 on the CBeebies Parenting website and BBC Sounds.

He will pose a question about when (and when not) to give parenting advice to your own children.

LIDOS are experiencing a resurgence of popularity across the UK and this one has been open since the 1800s.

For locals it’s been a peaceful spot for a morning swim, or a Full Moon dip, but now there’s talk of it becoming more like the busy resort town of Benidorm.

Havre des Pas Lido is open year-round for swimming and you’ll find it in Jersey, in the capital of St Helier.

The historic pool is tidal, meaning it fills with seawater at high tide and empties at low tide.

Currently, the lido also has a waterside beach kiosk and bar along with a rooftop bar, but it could all be about to change.

From 2026 First Point will take over as the lido’s operator, and one Constable Marcus Troy, senior partner at First Point, revealed he wants to make the bathing pool and surrounding area “a resort like Benidorm.”

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Talking to the BBC, he said: “So, we are going to be talking to all the catering and hospitality businesses in the area and creating our own map as if it’s a destination in its own right, like West Park and St Brelades. A resort like you would call Benidorm, for example.

“We aren’t the size of Benidorm, but we want more activity in general – whatever it is – volleyball, swimming competitions, galas, night time events, family amusements; we might like to put bouncy castles in the pool.”

First Point will take on the lease for nine years.

Plans to open the lido in St Helier began in 1860s when The Jersey Swimming Club was established and the group sought a safe swimming space on the British Isle.

Years later and the lido at Havre De Pas opened in May 1895 with a large pool and a circular tower, which had the changing rooms and club room.

It was very popular, especially between the 1920s and 30s which is why it saw lots more improvements and additions in the years that followed.

29 new cabins were built on the tower, and there was an extension to the club built called the Blue Terrace.

Now, inside the tower is a bar with an open kitchen, dance floor and stage as well as a balcony that overlooks the pool.

There’s a dining area too which has indoor tables or the choice to eat al fresco, plus there’s the rooftop which has live music and is an ideal location for a cocktail.

The venue at the lido can stay open until 1AM and has dubbed itself the ‘ultimate Private Party Island’.

Through the summer months, the Kiosk is open with lots of light bites, as well as pizzas, burgers, tacos, fish and chips and full English breakfast offerings.

The lido is just on the coast outside of the island’s capital of St Helier – and it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors too.

One visitor wrote in Tripadvisor: “What a fabulous place The Lido Havre de Pas is! Beautiful views over the bay and to watch the people swimming in the gorgeous Lido.

“Will definitely return when I go back on holiday there next year. Can’t recommend enough.”

Another simply branded it as a “good old fashioned historic Lido”.

Not everyone is happy after the announcement of the new operator.

After the news, LidoJersey took to social media to voice concerns about it and stated that the pool could and end up being a ‘bare shell‘

It said: “Unless this new entity wishes to negotiate with us, which hasn’t been done to date, the site will revert to a bare shell, just as it was when we took it over in 2015.”

It added that this would mean there would be no licence for alcohol, entertainment, marriage of infrastructure like the kiosk, commercial kitchen and bar area.

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Plus, check out the huge new Olympic-sized lido could open in UK city with sauna pods and ‘clubhouse’.

And here’s the UK’s biggest indoor tropical waterpark where it’s always 30C – and you can stay all day.

Britain’s oldest lido may never reopen despite £9.3million of repairs…

The UK’s oldest lido could never reopen despite years of renovation works, costing millions.

Cleveland Pools in Bath, which was built in 1815 and is the country’s oldest, may never reopen to the public again.

It was open for just four months in 2023 after receiving £9.3 million for a revamp. But it hasn’t reopened since, and it might never do so.

The trustees of the restored lido revealed in a report that it “might not be possible” to reopen the pool, according to the BBC.

The report stated: “The risk that the cost to repair the pools and the plantroom will be substantial and beyond the resources available to the trust.

“There is therefore a risk that the pools cannot be repaired and reopened.

“To mitigate against this risk the trust is exploring all potential avenues that would allow the pools to be repaired and reopened, including but not limited to legal recourse and external funding.”

Cleveland Pools is a Grade II listed lido, and is considered the oldest outdoor swimming pool in the UK.

It opened in the early 1800s and closed in 1984. It then took a huge campaign by the public, and almost £10million to reopen the lido in September 2023.

A LARGE conservation charity in one of the UK’s most popular holiday spots has gone into liquidation – putting several tourist attractions at risk.

Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust (TCCT) is responsible for more than 1,700 acres of green spaces in and around the Devon seaside towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

That amounts to 80 per cent of the green space along the English Riviera including 40 miles of footpaths and bridleways.

The trust is also responsible for managing the entire 22-mile stretch of the South West Coast Path (SWCP) – made world famous in the recent Salt Path movie – that runs through the Torbay area.

Now these destinations known as the “crown jewels” of Torbay, are at risk.

One spot, Occombe Farm, which is an all-weather family farm attraction with indoor and outdoor play areas, animals, paddocks and walking trails – will close for good.

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The attraction opened nearly 20 years ago, and has been much loved by families since – including my own, as I grew up in the area and frequently visited as a child.

The attraction was the ideal spot for families to escape to, with something for all ages and interests.

Little kids could run around in the play areas, older kids could learn about the farm animals and even get up close to them, and families could gather over lunch in the cafe – it even hosted many events such as Halloween trails and beer festivals.

While Occombe Farm is the only attraction fully closing, the charity was responsible for many other spots and now locals are worried paths won’t be cleared, bins won’t be emptied and sites will become unmaintained.

This is because, Torbay Council (which owns the freehold for most of the land cared for by TCCT) has said that its “hands are completely tied” due to legal obstacles concerning the liquidation.

Essentially, this means that Torbay Council cannot enter and care for the sites TCCT cared for, until they speak to the appointed liquidator.

But this worry is part of a bigger fear.

If these sites aren’t cared for or maintained, they could be at risk of losing their prestigious titles.

This includes the UNESCO Global Geopark title, which destinations TCCT cared for helped to gain.

The English Riviera is one of just three UNESCO Global Geoparks in England and 10 in the UK.

TCCT said: “Many areas we manage form part of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, due to their unique natural heritage and we’ve worked alongside national, regional, and local associations to ensure Torbay’s green spaces receive the recognition and preservation they deserve.

“It is with great sadness that the incredible achievements of our passionate team, including our volunteers, is drawing to a close.

“Our priority now is to support them as we navigate this process.”

Berry Head National Nature Reserve – also run by the trust – is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) has the largest colony of guillemots on the South Coast and other threatened species like the Greater Horseshoe Bat.

Berry Head is also home to 400-million-year-old limestone, making it an internationally acclaimed geological site, as well as two well-preserved Napoleonic-era forts.

If all of these elements become uncared for, locals are worried that Berry Head won’t meet the requirements of the titles anymore, and consequently lose them.

Other destinations TCCT cared for include Anstey’s Cove, a small beach popular for kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkelling, and Elberry Cove – often compared to Mediterranean destination due to its crystal clear waters and romantic ruins.

Inland, Cockington Country Park is award-winning parkland that feels more like a hidden fairytale village spanning over 450 acres with pretty ornamental gardens, farmland and woodland – all within walking distance of Torquay seafront.

The park, which dates back to the Domesday Book, also forms part of the UNESCO Global Geopark and has been repeatedly awarded a Green Flag.

The liquidation means that events at this popular destination will be cancelled, such as the annual orchard apple picking.

The biggest jewel in the trust’s crown is the South West Coast Path though, which recently featured in Hollywood movie The Salt Path starring Gillian Anderson.

The trails are managed by TCCT, meaning over the years all the signage, walkways, handrails and so on, have been added by them.

Locals are concerned that the 22-mile stretch could become inaccessible without regular maintenance.

Whilst the future of each site isn’t clear, many have spoken out about the importance of saving English Riviera’s top places to visit.

Councillor David Thomas, leader of Torbay Council, said: “The closure of Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust will have a significant and deeply felt impact on the people who were employed at sites across the Bay.

“In the coming weeks, we will be taking time to understand the full implications of this news and what it means for the future of these important spaces and initiatives.”

MP Steve Darling said in a Facebook post: “This is a huge loss for our natural environment and for the dedicated staff who have worked so hard to protect it.

“Despite repeated calls for support, the Conservative administration has failed to help the Trust find a sustainable path.

“As its assets return to council ownership, we must ensure they are not sold off without public input.

One person then commented: “Please fight your hardest for these natural, public and beautiful spaces to be protected and kept in the best interest for the people of Torbay!

“These natural spaces should remain as they are, with additional funding if necessary — selling any single part of it off to foreign investment, developers or anybody other than local charities or Torbay Council would be absolutely devastating to the people of Torbay.”

A Torbay Council spokesperson told Sun Travel: “We understand that the closure of the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust (TCCT) will have a wide-reaching impact on our communities, and that many residents will have questions and concerns.

“However, at this time, due to the complex process for liquidation, we are unable to provide any further information on the individual spaces or services that are managed or provided by TCCT.

“We await confirmation of the liquidators’ appointment to determine its next steps, recognising how important these green spaces are to our community.

“We would like to reassure residents and visitors that we will continue to work closely with partners and stakeholders to assess the impact of the Trust’s closure.

“This includes considering what it means for our cherished green spaces, as well as the important environmental designations, community initiatives, and long-term stewardship of our natural assets.”

A spokesperson for the South West Coast Path said: “We are working with Torbay Council and SWISCo (a local service provider) to ensure that current works to improve accessibility along the South West Coast Path and King Charles III England Coast Path National Trails are not impacted by the recent news.”

Sun Travel has contacted TCCT for comment.

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Meanwhile, if you are considering visiting the English Riviera, The Sun’s head of travel Lisa Minot visited and found delicious seafood festivals and hidden beaches.

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FOR one city in the UK, Christmas has come early as it’s been transformed into a wintry delight for a Hollywood movie.

Stars of the screen have been spotted in one of the country’s most famous streets to film scenes for the upcoming blockbuster.

York, known for being one of UK’s oldest cities, was also named the top place in the country for the best quality of life according to the Good Growth for Cities Index.

And now it is being turned into a winter wonderland for an upcoming movie.

The film is called ‘Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint’ and is due for release in 2026.

Spotted filming was Richard E Grant, known for his roles in Withnail and I, and Star Wars.

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Game of Thrones star John Bradley, who plays the titular character Aubrey Flint, was spotted filming scenes, along with fellow actor Kiell Smith-Bynoe.

Actress and more recently The Celebrity Traitors star Celia Imrie is also in the film.

According to production company WestEnd Films, the movie tells the story of a reclusive model soldier painter with a lifelong hatred of Christmas who ends up assisting with a care home production of A Christmas Carol.

Shopkeepers and passers by watched on as the stars filmed on Colliergate, a street very near The Shambles. 

One of the shops used as a filming location was Barnitts, a department store that sells everything from Christmas decorations to homeware and DIY tools.

Totally Awesome Toy Shop, will also make an appearance in the film, and the owner, Jo Patton, told the BBC: “To have a film star stood literally on your doorstep, in some ways wasn’t too strange, because in York you expect the unexpected.”

The cast and crew also filmed scenes outside an empty shop on Colliergate.

It was transformed from being empty to a miniature model shop and outside table salt lined the edges of the windows to create the illusion of snow.

York was founded by the Romans in 71AD making it one of the oldest cities in the country.

It’s possibly most famous for its 233ft tall York Minster that dates back to the 7th century.

Visitors are welcome to explore the cathedral whether you fancy a guided tour, or a trip up the tower – tickets for general admission starts at £20pp.

The Shambles, which was used to film the Christmas movie, is full of independent shops selling everything from gifts to baked treats or toys,

Lots of visitors compare the street to Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley which has towering timber-framed shop fronts.

It’s not just all mooching about seeing the sights, visitors can settle in one of York’s 365 pubs.

One writer who visited suggested popping into House of Trembling Madness which serves a selection of local beers and huge sharing boards of meats and cheeses.

One travel expert even named the city the ‘best for families’ – Travel guide creator Peter Naldrett, who has visited all 76 cities in the UK, raved about York.

He said: “York is the best UK city for families because it has so many captivating activities and attractions.

“There’s enough in York to keep both junior and secondary school children entertained, from the Viking Museum to York Chocolate Story and Harry Potter-style streets and a cold war bunker.

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“The Viking Museum has interactive activities for children, the Castle Museum has recreated Victorian Streets and there’s also the Shambles, the inspiration behind JK Rowling‘s Diagon Alley.”

“There’s so much to keep kids busy in York, families will be spoilt for choice.”

Here’s the UK’s ‘most beautiful town’ set to star in huge new Christmas movie with Hollywood stars…

Earlier this year, Hollywood stars like Kiefer Sutherland, Rebel Wilson and EastEnders‘ Danny Dyer descended on Knaresborough for the upcoming movie, Tinsel Town.

Between January and February 2025, cast and crew were spotted in the Yorkshire town, in areas like Castlegate, Riverside, and Green Dragon Yard.

Filming of the Sky Original Christmas movie meant that the festive decorations were up for months longer than usual.

The film, set to be released on November 28, will see Kiefer Sutherland play Bradley Mack, a failed Hollywood action star ending up in a small, snow-dusted village to star in the town’s eccentric production of Cinderella.

It’s here that he encounters a number of oddball locals, one of whom is no-nonsense choreographer Jill, played by Rebel Wilson.

It’s no wonder Knaresborough was picked as a filming location, as The Sun’s Katrina Turrill, who hails from the town, reckons it’s the “most beautiful town in the country” and “picture perfect”.

Knaresborough has pretty waterfront cafes and the opportunity to canoe down the river, while watching steam trains travel over the viaduct.

Katrina said: “If you venture down by the river from either Bond End or walking down the steps at the castle you’ll stand at the foot of the iconic viaduct. 

“Amongst the cafes and houses are two boat hire places – Blenkhorn’s and Marigold Cafe & Boating.  Both are open daily, weather permitting, and are a great way to soak up the stunning scenery.

“No visit to Knaresborough is complete without heading to Knaresborough Castle for the best view of the viaduct. 

“You don’t need to pay to enter the castle grounds, and I recommend seeing the view during the day and at night time, with the viaduct all lit up.”

HER sixth album Brat topped the charts and won her five Brit Awards, but Charli XCX feared her label was going to drop her over it because it is so out there.

In a new interview, she explained: “I think when I was making it, I wasn’t thinking about the response at all.

“I actually made this record being like, ‘OK, I’m just going to do this one for me.

“And maybe I’m going to get dropped by my label and that’s fine’.

“That was kind of the headspace that I was in.

“There’s a lot of luck with timing and the way that culture is moving.

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“I think when I released this record, it’s like people were wanting something that felt very real and messy.

“And I think that’s just the way that culture was swinging.”

Charli previously suggested she was going to have a lengthy break from music following the success of the record, released in June last year, but she has now teased that she’s working on “inherently different” tracks.

The Guess singer continued: “I’m really interested to see what comes next in pop culture, especially in the music space, what people are ­craving.

“I really like to work in contrast. I think whatever I do next will just inherently be different to Brat because that’s what feels natural.

“I’m exploring a lot of stuff with strings at the moment, which I’m really enjoying and I haven’t really worked in that space before.”

And with a series of movies on the way — including Faces Of Death and I Want Your Sex, Charli said she is committed to becoming an actress.

Speaking to Gwyneth Paltrow on her Goop podcast, she said: “I’ve been making music since I was 14.

“And don’t get me wrong, I love making music, but I think there was just a point where I was kind of like, OK, I really need to exercise my creativity in a different way.

“I don’t actually really listen to that much music ever. I never really have.

“But what I am doing is I’m always watching films.”

And Charli also reflected on the prospect of starting a family, having mused on her indecision about ­becoming a mother on her song I Think About It All The Time, which was on the Brat album.

The Brit, who wed The 1975 drummer George Daniel in July, said: “There is, I think, still a bit of stigma perhaps around women who don’t really want to have ­children, you know, and I think for me it’s like I’m always swinging between the two.

“Right now, I’m on the side of, like, actually I’m not sure that that is for me, but that could go back.”

BENSON BACK

BENSON BOONE shook off illness and returned to the stage for a killer sold-out show at London’s O2 Arena.

The American singer had to cancel his gig in Birmingham on Saturday after struggling with his voice but he was on song on Monday when he sailed through tracks including Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else, Young American Heart and Mr Electric Blue along with a cover of Coldplay‘s Sparks.

Welcoming out his friend and photographer McLean Long to the stage armed with a T-shirt cannon, Benson said: “Every night I sing one song that is a cover song.

“I love this song very much, so we’re going to have a friend come out and help us figure out which song we’re singing.”

Another poignant moment in the evening came when Benson performed In The Stars, which he wrote as a tribute to his great-grandmother who died aged 96.

Benson said: “I think the loveliest thing about this song is this is a song about me, about my life.

“My experiences, somebody that I know, something I felt, something I went through, but when you listen to it it’s no longer about me, it’s about you.”

RITA’S A PINK LADY

THERE was no missing Rita Ora in this pink dress at the Music Industry Trusts Awards, but it was Jessie J who stole the show with an amazing rendition of Whitney Houston‘s I Have Nothing.

Speaking at the ceremony on Monday night, Jessie referenced her breast cancer diagnosis and said: “This is one of my favourite songs to sing. There is no hiding in this song. It’s very exposing.

“This year has changed my whole world – my perspective, what battles I’m going to pick.

“You know, death comes knocking at your door and you kind of dance and f***ing kick it away.

“It just changes everything.

““I will say this, I don’t care how old you are or how long you have been doing this, enjoy your f***ing life.

“Be kind to each other.”

Ashley Tabor-King, founder of Global Media, whose radio stations include Heart and Capital, was honoured on the night, with video messages from Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift.

Rita flew in especially from Los Angeles to perform, and Olly Murs was there for a night out after becoming a dad for a second time.

“Albert is nine weeks old now,” Olly said.

“Another one next year? We are happy with two at the moment.

“Who knows, in a few years’ time we will see.

“I have got time next year to spend a bit more time with the family.

“It has been a busy few years.”

KATY HAS A POP AT BLOOM

KATY PERRY is returning with a new single tomorrow and it sounds as though it will hint heavily at her split from Orlando Bloom.

The Roar singer announced the track Bandaids last night, following a tricky year which saw her break-up with the English actor after almost a decade, and start dating ex-Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

Insiders have claimed she worked on it with top writer and producer Cirkut, who worked on her No1s Part Of Me and Roar, as well as Greg Kurstin, who co-wrote Adele’s heartbreak singles Hello and Easy On Me.

Last night, Katy played the latest show on her Lifetimes tour in Paris, ahead of the end of the 91-show jaunt next month.

I’M imploring the BBC to put cash behind another series of Daisy May Cooper‘s brilliant TV series This Country.

Daisy told Fearne Cotton on her Happy Place podcast: “It’s difficult and we get asked all the time.

“If we got paid enough to do another series, we’d f***ing do it but that’s all it comes down to.”

Tim Davie, sort it out.

OASIS GET ONE OVER TOUTS DOWN UNDER

OASIS have scored another victory over the vile ticket touts – this time in Australia.

Thanks to the Major Events law in Victoria, ­scalpers were shut out of their three sold-out shows there.

The rules in the Australian state means that anyone flogging tickets for more than ten per cent above face value at an event ­protected by the Major Events Act faces a fine of up to £270,000.

In a statement, Noel and Liam Gallagher‘s management team told me: “It’s great to see Victoria’s Major Events declaration doing exactly what it’s meant to – Viagogo can’t list our Melbourne shows – and that’s a huge win for real fans.

“When government and the live industry work together, we can stop large-scale scalping in its tracks.

“We’d love to see other states follow Victoria’s lead so fans everywhere get a fair go.”

The success of the law means that the 180,000 tickets sold for the shows in Victoria went to genuine fans for the right price.

The brothers will play two more shows in Australia this week, with back-to-back sold-out gigs in Sydney on Friday and Saturday, before they take their Oasis Live 25 tour to South America.

COLDPLAY OFF TO CHURCH

IF you missed out on Coldplay tickets earlier this summer then fear not.

The band’s Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland have announced a one-off, intimate show on Wednesday, December 3, in aid of War Child and Crisis.

But it will be even harder to get in than catching one of their ten nights at Wembley, as it will take place at Hackney Church in East London, with a public ballot for 150 pairs of tickets is now open online.

Last year Chris and Jonny’s Hackney Church performance raised £350,000 for charity.

I’m sure kind-hearted fans will dig deep again this year.

ED-ING WHERE IT BEGAN

ED SHEERAN headed back to Dublin for a special ­concert to celebrate his songs which had clocked up more than one billion streams.

And he had plenty to pick from, with the star performing hits including Thinking Out Loud, Castle On The Hill, I See Fire and Galway Girl.

The gig saw the 2,000 fans packed into Industries Hall at the Royal Society Dublin going wild – and I got to join them after my lovely friends at Spotify flew me out on Monday.

Speaking at his Billions Club Live set, Ed said: “The reason I wanted to do it in Dublin is this is the place where I decided I wanted to be a singer- songwriter when I was a kid.

“It’s a special place for me with my family but it’s also a ­special place for me musically.

“I feel like this is where it all began.”

Ed also used his time on stage to remind the crowd that he last headlined Glastonbury back in 2017, which makes me think he’s a sure-fire bet to return to Worthy Farm in 2027 to ­mark ten years.

Watch this space.

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ARIANA GRANDE was forced to miss the world premiere of Wicked: For Good in Brazil last night after a safety issue with her private jet.

She was on board her plane to fly to Sao Paulo yesterday but had to get off when a fault was found, leaving her “beyond devastated” because there was no other way to make the journey in time.

THERE was recently an awkward moment a huge popstar had her microphone the wrong way up.

She was even accused of lip-syncing in an embarrassing on-stage blunder, though some fans have defended her.

Canadian hitmaker Tate McRae, 22, was performing at a recent gig when she crooned into her microphone when it was the wrong way up.

Sparking major lip-syncing accusations, Tate has now been slammed for allegedly miming at her concerts.

Sharing a video of Tate “lip-syncing” on stage, an X account wrote: “Tate McRae caught lipsync during her show.

“Many fans are question if she ever sang live since the beginning of her career.”

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In the video, Tate could be seen dancing a high octane routine.

Flipping her hair backwards and forwards, the superstar rocked out on stage in some very tiny shorts.

Dancing around, Tate then moved her microphone up to her mouth.

Holding the microphone the wrong way up, Tate crooned into the bottom of the handle of the mic.

Tate quickly realised as her backing track played, and turned the mic so it was the right way up.

Ever the professional, the hitmaker then continued with her performance.

Fans have since reacted to the awkward on-stage blunder.

One person penned: “I don’t listen to Tate McRae but she literally started singing when she flipped the mic around, she’s singing over a track.”

Another said: “When she flips the mic around, you can hear her voice. It’s just that a backing track is there. Not lipsyncing.”

A third person added: “As someone who saw her recently in concert, she lip syncs like 80% of the concert because she’s more focused on dancing and theatrics and doesn’t try to hide it.

“The only time she actually sings is when she’s stationary for small periods but there’s always a backtrack no matter.”

While a fourth wrote: “I went to a show. There IS a lot of backing tracks since she dances so much, but she definitely sings live a ton as well. And you can tell when she does.”

And a fifth said: “That’s called a backing track you can clearly hear her singing.”

Tate is known for her hits such a Greedy, You Broke Me First, Sports Car and Revolving Door.

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She often storms stages at music festivals and her own concerts and puts on high energy shows.

Tate is famous for her dance routines and sexy image.

Eva Price has burst back onto Coronation Street and much-loved actress Catherine Tyldesley says the future couldn’t be more exciting for the soap as she opened up on her anxiety

Soap favourite Catherine Tyldesley feared her chances of ever returning to Coronation Street were in danger after she kept saying no to bosses – but now she thinks the show going in an ‘old school’ direction will keep the critics at bay.

Catherine is back on the Cobbles as feisty Eva Price following a seven-year absence, and admits she was incredibly nervous about reprising her role. The actress finally told producers yes after hearing their plans for the future and telling them she didn’t want her character involved in any cheating scandals.

Eva left Weatherfield behind in 2018, but now she’s back with some new faces. Joined by husband Ben Driscoll, played by Aaron McCusker, mother-in-law “from hell” Maggie [Pauline McLynn] and their blended family she is also the queen of the Rovers Return – and said the pressure of following in the footsteps of legendary landladies also added to her anxiety.

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She said it was the perfect time to come back to the ITV soap and was sold as soon as producer Katie Brooks explained where the programme was heading. Catherine spoke to the Mirror as she juggles being a working mum and missing important family moments.

The 42-year-old said: “It’s been incredible to be back. You are like a family when you work at Corrie. We’ve all really make the effort to stay in touch, cast and crew, so it’s I just feel incredibly lucky and I’ve been made to feel super welcome. I needed that because I was really nervous. I was genuinely, really nervous because it’s been a long time.

“I’ve had to say no a few times. I was worried they’d just stop asking! That’s why I emailed them after having to reject the chance those times. I just said ‘I love the show and said I loved playing Eva, so please, please always ask me… and at some point, further down the line, hopefully the time will be right’.

“Kate [Brooks] is passionate about bringing a new golden era and kind of looking to the old school Corrie days for inspiration, which is what people seem to love – and what Kate is brilliant at, alongside our writing team. The route she envisioned Corrie going in is everything that I’m about, as soon as we spoke I was inspired and motivated.

“They really know how to do that, and that’s how she worded things to me. I want to bring Corrie into this brilliant new era. It’s a very exciting time, and I felt excited by everything that she was saying to me and how passionate the character and really exploring strong women.”

The show has faced criticism, with Charlie Lawson, who played Jim McDonald for decades, hitting out over ‘woke’ plots before claiming viewers are switching off. It was revealed that Corrie didn’t make it into the ten most-watched TV shows on Christmas Day last year but Catherine says things are looking up.

“They’re putting everything into it,” she said. “I think, if there has been criticism over the show, everything is peaks and troughs in life, you can’t be perfection day in, day out. It is important for shows like this to experiment with things and look at relevant topics that are things that are happening around us, and sometimes the audience like that, sometimes they maybe don’t.

“The only way you can learn is if you take risks, mixing things up and different producers have different ideas. It just so happened for me that I felt very, very aligned with Kate, and everything that she was saying, and her new vision for the show in terms of finding that old school era.”

But while her return has been a pleasure, it’s also been painful. The star added: “Obviously Eva is older and wiser, I wanted Eva and Ben to be tight, to be loyal, to be this power couple at the forefront at the pub. We were very passionate about the fact we wanted her to retain that childlike quality that she has, that really fun side. “I’ve been super happy to have Pauline and Aaron to bounce off. They are such wonderful human beings in real life. So we’re having the best time. The other day, I came up to my dressing room and I remember thinking, gosh, my face is hurting from smiling! Pauline is hysterical. I could just put her in a room and watch her and she just got comedy bones. Yeah, they’re both brilliant.”Mum-of-two Catherine has linked up with O2 to help launch an incredible 5G book that connects families for bedtime, even when they have to be apart. The unique book transforms a traditional children’s story into a shared, interactive experience and she says it’s a must for parents.

“I wanted to get involved in this campaign because, for me, a bedtime story is a ritual – it was always my favourite part and still is. That opportunity to kind of talk about their day with them and then to you, delve into a story is just so special.“O2 told me that through their research, I think it was more than half as parents also agreed with that statement that that was their favourite time of the day. So, for me to have the opportunity to do this connected storybook with Iris, who is three, was just amazing.“Whilst nothing can replicate being snuggled up in bed reading with your little one, seeing technology used in this way to make that special moment of connection still possible is just amazing. The book is beautiful and to see the look on Iris’ face when I popped up in the story was a very special moment. She loved being able to see me and read through the story together even though we were apart.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

DOWNLOAD festival has landed a Hollywood A-lister to perform at the rock and metal event next summer.

The 2026 line-up was announced this evening and features the surprising actor, as well as three American bands topping the bill.

Download will return to Leicestershire’s Donington Park from June 10 to 14, with The Matrix and John Wick star Keanu Reeves set to play.

The band Dogstar, for which he plays bass, are among a series of acts which have been officially unveiled.

Limp Bizkit will headline the Friday night, followed by Guns N’ Roses on the Saturday.

Linkin Park will close the festival on the Sunday night, marking their first performance at the festival since frontwoman Emily Armstrong was brought in.

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They previously headlined four times between 2004 and 2014 with their original line-up.

And it comes after Linkin Park played a sold out concert at Wembley Stadium in June.

Tickets are already on sale for the 23rd annual festival, which will also feature performances from Pendulum, Trivium, The All-American Rejects, Mastodon and Bush.

Other acts on the line-up include Feeder, Ash, Tom Morello, The Pretty Reckless and Those Damn Crows.

Limp Bizkit’s booking comes just a fortnight after it was revealed that bassist and founding member Sam Rivers had died aged 48.

They paid tribute to him last month when they described him as not “just our bass player” but “the soul in the sound.”

The band said: “From the first note we ever played together, Sam brought a light and a rhythm that could never be replaced.

“His talent was effortless, his presence unforgettable, his heart enormous.”

The full rundown of artists was revealed at a launch event at the Barbican in central London, where guests were entertained by fortune tellers and a string quartet.

EVERY year an enormous – and free – parade takes place in London with floats and live bands – and something new is launching this year.

The Lord or Lady Mayor’s Show dates back to the 13^th century and is full of of celebratory entertainment, and this year is a very special one.

Dame Susan Langley DBE will be appointed as the Lady Mayor, which makes her only the third woman to hold the post in over 800 years, and the 697th Mayor of the City of London.

She will also be the first ever to be titled the ‘Lady Mayor of London‘.

To celebrate her inauguration, there will be a traditional parade of bands and 50 floats throughout the city.

Over 7,000 people take part in the event from all over the world – and the procession is over three miles long, which is longer than the actual route.

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The event is completely free and you’ll get to see marching bands, a huge Cinderella carriage, dancers, even a resorted Bluebird K7 (a hydroplane) will make an appearance.

There are representatives of all three armed forces there too, Taiko drummers and mounted knights.

This year, the Lady Mayor’s Show will be held on November Saturday 8, 2025 between 11AM and 2.30PM.

Roads will be closed as people line up in the streets to see the event underway – so don’t travel by car as you’ll meet lots of no entry signs.

In the morning, the Lady Mayor’s Show will begin at Mansion House and go towards the Royal Courts through St Paul’s.

In the afternoon, the parade will come back through Embankment and Victoria Street.

The official website suggests for a ‘full experience’, to watch the outward procession between 11AM and 12PM between Bank and St Paul’s.

For a quieter experience with fewer crowds, watch the parade on its return to Mansion House between 1.15PM and 2.30PM around Embankment.

Historically, the Lord Mayor’s Show is the oldest and longest civic procession in the world.

It started as early as the 13th century when King John granted that the City of London could appoint its own Mayor.

The condition being that each new Mayor would have to pledge loyalty to the Crown.

The journey then became a huge event that has been held for around 800 years and was eventually named the Lord Mayor’s Show.

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For more free events in London, check out the full list of London’s best Christmas lights and when they will be switched on this year.

Plus, is this England’s most beautiful Christmas market? The 100-stall festive event in the middle of a palace courtyard.

SOME places in the UK are especially memorable thanks to television series that have been filmed there, particularly in the south of England.

The pretty village of Looe is famous for being the backdrop of Beyond Paradis and Port Isaac was used for years in Martin Clunes‘ series Doc Martin – now the Lizard peninsula is set to be big thanks to the HBO Harry Potter series.

Earlier in autumn, the coastal peninsula of Lizard became a magical backdrop as actor John Lithgow who plays Albus Dumbledore, was spotted filming there.

Thanks to its location, the area is expected to soar in popularity next year, following in the footsteps of many other television series.

The Lizard peninsula is the southernmost point of the British mainland and is mostly recognisable thanks to its incredible coastline.

One of the spots where Harry Potter has been filming is in Cadgwith Cove, a small fishing village.

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The beach on the cove is split in two, one part is where you’ll find the fishing boats, and the other is where visitors and locals will go swimming, snorkelling and rock pooling.

Further around Cadgwith Cove is a 200-foot blowhole called the ‘Devil’s Frying Pan’.

The village itself is full of chocolate-box looking cottages, and anyone wanting to stay in Cadgwith Cove can do so at the local inn.

Harry Potter is also expected to film in Kynance Cove, a tidal beach famous for its white sand, turquoise sea and rock stacks.

Anyone can visit Kynance Cove, but there is a small fee for parking – unless you’re a National Trust member.

It’s worth the trip though with some visitors even describing it as “the best beach, give you Portugal vibes”.

Others describe it as a “Cornish gem”, however, there are warnings of strong waves and fast-rising tides.

Kynance Cove was even voted as being one of the World’s 50 Best Beaches in 2024.

While there aren’t many facilities, there is a cafe on the beach that serves sandwiches, salads, jacket potatoes, pasties and hot drinks.

For more budget-friendly holiday stay option on the peninsula, Brits can head to Lizard Point Holiday Park run by Parkdean Resorts.

The site is closed for the winter season, but reopens in March next year.

A five-night stay in May on a Trelan Caravan with a flatscreen TV, comfy sofas and sleeps up to six starts from £219, which is £7.30pppn.

The Compass Bungalow is the same price but sleeps up to four people; however, it is more spacious and has a brand new kitchen and bathroom.

Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, kart and bike hire, children’s shows from PAW Patrol to Milkshake Mornings.

Kids can also check out the soft play, amusement arcade, bungee trampoline, adventure golf, high ropes, table tennis, football as well as art and craft sessions.

There are on-site bars and restaurants, an ice cream parlour, drinks van and Street Eats for takeaways.

Port Isaac further north became so well-known after being used as the filming location for the BBC Doc Martin series that ran for 18 years.

It became the fictional village of Portwenn, showing off its clusters of stone cottages and narrow streets.

Beyond Paradise, starring Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton, is filmed in the beautiful town of Looe, also in Cornwall.

The spin-off to Death in Paradise started in 2023 and is set in the fictional town of Shipton Abbott. The beaches of Looe and Fore Street are popular locations and the Guildhall is what they use for the Shipton Abbott Police Station.

Martha’s restaurant, The Ten Miles Kitchen, is filmed in The Stables, Port Eliot House & Gardens a cafe 20 minutes inland from Looe in the parish of St Germans.

It’s a great place to pop in for a coffee or brunch and a look over the garden estate.

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Here are five locations from popular TV shows that are free to visit…

Gavin and Stacey

Gavin and Stacey came to an end with the finale episode over Christmas, but you can still keep the show’s spirit alive with a trip to Barry, Wales.

Trinity Street in Barry is home to the homes of Gwen, Uncle Bryn, and Doris – now belonging to Gavin and Stacey.

On Barry Island itself, there’s the famous Marco’s Cafe and the Arcade where Nessa worked the slots.

Just up the road is The Colcot Arms aka Smithy’s local Essex hangout and of course the Tadross Hotel which doubles as The Dolphin – where pints cost £4, according to reviews left by guests.

Midsomer Murders

In rural Oxfordshire there is one of the deadliest villages around, Midsomer. ITV’s Midsomer Murders is filmed mostly in the quaint and historic town of Wallingford.

Wallingford isn’t the only location used. Just 30 minutes up the road is the village of Thame which also doubles as Causton village.

In Thame, the Spread Eagle, a red-brick hotel that serves up four roast mains on a Sunday, has been used for filming. They’ve also used The Black Horse, which has monthly offers from Happy Hour to deals on main courses.

Rumsey’s Chocolaterie has also appeared on-screen, and it’s worth a trip there just for the hot chocolates alone. They also offer workshops where you can make truffles and chocolate figurines.

At the Thame Museum, they offer a free Midsomer Walking Tour leaflet and there’s an opportunity to have a photo taken next to the ‘Causton Town Hall’ sign.

All Creatures Great & Small

The Yorkshire Dales is the home to beloved series All Creatures Great and Small.

Grassington becomes the fictional market town of Darrowby and there are lots of familiar sights, as most of the village is used for filming.

The production team dress up shop fronts, with The Stripey Badger Bookshop becoming G F Engleby Grocers and The Devonshire transforming into the Drovers Arms.

The traditional family pub is very highly rated and offers everything from hearty breakfasts to Sunday lunch. It even offers ‘Dining for Dogs’ with ‘Diced Chuck Steak Doggy Dinner’ or ‘Sausage Stew’ on the menu.

For the chance to spot some filming, plan a trip in late Spring, early Summer as the cast begin with the Christmas special around that time.

Call the Midwife

Call the Midwife has returned for series fourteen and there are plenty of locations from over the years to visit for free.

In the latest series, the ladies of Nonnatus house took a trip to the seaside which was filmed on West Wittering beach, in Sussex.

The cast were unlucky though, and filmed during Storm Agnes which resulted in Cliff Parisi developing hypothermia.

Another recognisable location is the lighthouse from the 2019 Christmas Special, where Nurse Val and Nurse Lucille go to Scotland.

It’s actually the Eilean Glas Lighthouse on the east coast of the island of Scalpay. To get there, park in the village of Kennavay and take the 30-minute trail. The building also operates as a small museum and serves tea and coffee during open hours.

Shetland

Talking of Scotland, Shetland is the filming location for Shetland, obviously. The TV series starring Ashley Jensen is filmed in the main town and port, Lerwick.

The most recognisable spot of Lodberries House, which was the home of former lead DI Jimmy Perez (Douglas Henshall).

Another popular location for the show is Commercial Street, which has featured in almost every single series of Shetland ever.

There are also lots of other iconic locations in Lerwick, including Lerwick Town Hall, Bain’s Beach and Lerwick Harbour.

You can get to Shetland by flying to a Scottish terminal, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Kirkwall all have direct flights to Lerwick.

For more on Harry Potter, here’s the quaint suburb 30 minutes from central London that’s Harry Potter’s new childhood home.

Plus, the tiny pretty village in ‘trending’ English county that has its own castle and beach and is a great stop for Potterheads.

EXCLUSIVE: Twinne-Lee Moore played Porsche McQueen in Hollyoaks over a decade ago and the actress turned singer has hinted at a potential return for a reunion with her on-screen family

Hollyoaks could set to welcome back a familar face to the fictional village.

Twinnie-Lee Moore played Porsche McQueen from Novemebr 2014 until December 2015.

The character highlighted the issues of sexual abuse in children and other storylines included a failed marriage when her husband had various affairs.

During her time on the Channel 4 soap, Twinnie-Lee was nominated for the British Soap Award for Best Newcomer and an Inside Soap Award in 2015 for her powerful portrayal.

Since leaving Hollyoaks, Twinnie-Lee has swapped Yorkshire for Nashville to embark a career as a country pop singer-songwriter.

However, the TV star has hinted that a return to Hollyoaks could be on the cards after catching up with her on-screen family at the soap’s 30th anniversary celebration last month.

Speaking to Reach PLC, Twinnie-Lee said: “It’s been a whole decade and it’s so lovely to see everybody.

“The McQueens are obviously my favourite family and I was very honoured to be part of it and it brings back a lot of memories.”

When asked about a potential Porsche McQueen comeback, she added: “You’ll have to ask the writers about that.

“I’m currently in Nashville doing my music. I did pitch to them if they did want to come and do a Nashville series. She [Porsche] did leave on a cruise so you never know.”

Porsche was last seen on screen on Christmas Eve 2015 and Twinnie-Lee revealed that fans still message her a decade later about her character.

She explained: “It’s so wild because people even now still message me about Porsche. I posted something and everyone was like ‘omg come back’, ‘when you coming back’.

“She was such a great character to play, made a real impact and very relatable.”

Last year, Twinnie-Lee returned to the small screen in Emmerdale as Jade Garrick, an illegal gambling and underground fighting manager who Ross Barton (Michael Parr) and Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) worked for for a small number of episodes.

Speaking about her new role at the time, the soap star said: “My life has been a bit crazy recently juggling music and acting with lots of back and forth between Nashville and Yorkshire but I’ve been loving it!!

“I’ve loved being back on screen, especially as the show is shot in Yorkshire, being able to be home with family and go to work on such an iconic show has been nothing short of amazing! The whole team has been so welcoming and really supportive.”

Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am

Emmerdale star Lewis Cope has scored the first 40 of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing after impressing all four judges with his Couple’s choice set to a Radiohead classic

Emmerdale star Lewis Cope has scored the first 40 of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. The actor, 30, took to the stage with professional partner Katya Jones in the latest round of the BBC Saturday night favourite to perform their Couple’s choice to Creep by Radiohead, and it all started with an emotional VT focusing on Lewis’ family.

The soap actor left his hometown of Hartlepool in the North East at the age of just 10 so he could star as Michael in the West End production of Billy Elliot: The Musical, and Lewis explained that he went in a completely different direction to his brothers, who chose to go in boxing. Speaking about his family, he said: “They believed in me more than I believed in myself to be honest. The first person I called when I found out I was doing Strictly was Nana Dot. She’s the queen of the family.”

His grandmother then made an appearance, where she noted how ‘proud’ she was of Lewis, and the whole family spoke of how important it was that they gathered around every week to watch him. Following the dance, the audience cheered. Craig simply clapped and said: “As it’s Halloween, darling, that was spooktacular!”

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Motsi said: “I’m so glad I had a few moments to calm down. This is one of those moments that we’re going to look at in five or ten yeas and say ‘Remember when Lewis Cope did that thing?!’

Shirley added: “I’m having an emotional moment so I’m just going to hold my skeleton. Leaving home at 10, my message isn’t for you, it’s for our Nana Dot, for your mum, siblings and for everybody for giving you to all of us so we could enjoy that brilliant, phenomenal work. Well done you!”

Anton said: “It is [the best] dance of this series, by about a million miles. But Craig and I have been here since the very, very beginning and that dance was as good as anything we’ve seen on any series. There was nothing you could have done to make that any better!” All four judges then awarded Lewis a 10, making him the first to receive a perfect score.

At home, viewers were equally as thrilled and flooded social media with their reactions. One said: “Been a long long time since I’ve seen a dance on #Strictly that I’ve wanted to watch again immediately! Lewis and Katya! Holy fucking s***!,” and another said: “Outstanding!!!!! Lewis & Katayka ! We have first perfect score! 40!”

A third said: “Lewis was always going to get the first 40!” With 13 siblings, life in the Cope household came at a frenetic pace, often centred around boxing. His brothers Adam, Danny and Peter all won the Northern area title as professional fighters. “I boxed and still train now, but back then it was more a social thing to be with my brothers – that’s what I enjoyed,” he says.

Instead dance became his passion which for some young boys could have led to derision. “Being from a working-class town 20 years ago, there was always that bit of pressure but my family were so supportive that I never felt it,” he says, before laughing: “Having so many brothers that did boxing also helped.”

In any case, the concept of particular sports being for specific genders is “outdated”, he says, adding: “I do think the world has changed from 20 years ago when it happened to me. We have come a long way.” Lewis has so far taken Strictly by storm, finishing second in the combined judges’ scoreboards of weeks one and two.

It’s even more impressive given he was a last minute replacement for Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn “I didn’t have time to really think….I just had to try and take it all in my stride,” he says.

“I have never done a TV show like this before. But it seems I’ve gone into the biggest one. There wasn’t even a warm-up. On a serious note, it’s been fine; everyone has been supportive and full of love.”

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WHEN Corfe Castle was besieged during the English Civil War, little else surrounded it bar rolling countryside and a narrow river below.

Today the rocky ruins of the 11th century fortress, perched high on a hill, watch over a jumble of wonky brick buildings housing antique stores crammed with dainty ornaments and cafes selling cakes piled high with whipped cream.

With such a chocolate-box look to it, I’m not surprised that this teeny Dorset gem, just a 25-minute drive south of Poole, is so frequently-named the prettiest village in the UK.

Autumn is a spectacular time to visit Corfe Castle village. In the coming months, the ivy that clings to the thatched cottages will have turned a fiery shade of red and the beginnings of the wintry chill can be soothed with a pint in front of a roaring log burner at the local pub.

Aptly named after the old fortress itself, this village is one of the many highlights of a post-summer visit to this area.

I return to this neck of the woods every autumn, in part because of the unspoilt beaches, which look just as beautiful in blustery season as they do in pure sunshine, and also for the cliff-top hiking trails that give way to jaw-dropping views over the rolling ocean.

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From the top of the South West Coast Path with nothing but ocean on the horizon, it can feel like you’re standing at the very edge of earth.

This time I am staying at a Dorset Hideaways property, the rather grand Grove Lodge in Osmington, close to Ringstead Bay.

Sleeping up to 11, this holiday home is completely geared up for large groups and families, with five contemporary country-style bedrooms.

As well as a spacious sitting room with a cosy fireplace, there’s a smart country kitchen, dining room, snug and a small annex, which comes with its own double bed and a mini kitchenette.

The standout feature of the property, however, has to be its cracking location, less than a 20-minute drive from family-friendly Weymouth beach and half an hour from Corfe Castle.

In summertime, Weymouth comes alive with holidaymakers chomping on candy floss, pushing pennies through the arcade’s slot machines and settling on the sands for a Punch and Judy puppet show.

But some may say it’s even better in autumn when beaches are empty and dogs almost outnumber humans, splashing about in the frothing waves (pooches are banned from the main section of the beach in summer months).

Staggering views

Those visiting without kids, on the other hand, should head to Lulworth Cove, just a 20-minute drive in the opposite direction from Grove Lodge, where the deep blue sea is framed by a horseshoe of pebbles.

The walk from here to the famous Durdle Door — named after a natural limestone arch protruding from the ocean — is a popular one, mainly because of the staggering views.

Just come prepared for a steep climb, and make sure you’re well-fuelled for it. In my opinion, there’s no better way to do that than with a top-notch Sunday roast.

One of the best portions of fish and chips you’ll ever eat will set you back £20, while a fresh crab brioche roll served with chips costs £16

Head to the nearby Weld Arms, where plates of pillowy Yorkshire puddings accompany slices of rare roast beef doused in meaty gravy. Or for a lighter bite, the Boat Shed Cafe, right on Lulworth Cove, dishes up fish finger sandwiches, jacket spuds and home-made soups, all for around a tenner.

If you’re after something really special, nothing beats The Anchor Inn in Seatown, which sits at the edge of a relatively isolated pebble beach, further west of Lulworth.

Fresh and local is the order of the day here and the fish-focused menu is one that keeps foodies coming back. I devoured a big bowl of bouillabaisse (French fish stew) which was packed with prawns the size of my fists and flaky salmon, served with a hunk of sourdough.

One of the best portions of fish and chips you’ll ever eat will set you back £20, while a fresh crab brioche roll served with chips costs £16.

And for dessert? Tea and cake is best consumed in Corfe Castle. The cafe serves generous wedges of raspberry cake and caramel shortbread coated in a thick layer of chocolate.

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This is the place to pick up holiday souvenirs, too. Trinkets are aplenty in the little shops that line the main street, from home-made soaps to coffee table books, detailing the best UK surfing spots, many of which are in the surrounding areas.

Well . . .  when in Rome.

CELEBRITY Traitors star Tom Daley is diving head first into a pool of cash courtesy of a lucrative side hustle.

The champion diver raked in more than £100,000 from his knitting hobby in 2024 – two years on from setting up his Made With Love label.

Profit eluded him for the first couple of years, but his woolly items are now coining it in.

Annual accounts for MWLTD Ltd show he made a six-figure profit in 2024 and left £57,000 in cash in the firm’s coffers.

He sells £8.99 balls of wool, patterns and leisurewear via his website and would-be buyers are told by Tom: “A lot of you know that I absolutely adore knitting.

“It’s been a journey for me that started when I first picked up my knitting needles in March 2020. Fast forward and I’m so proud to introduce these kits to you all so that you can experience the joy I found learning to knit.

“I designed these knit kits to help encourage you to pick up those needles, learn the basics, and fall in love with knitting at the same time – all whilst creating something to show off or pass on.”

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Wool vest kits start at £53. A pattern and wool for a sweater costs up to £72.

Tom, who hosts Channel 4’s Game of Wool, has said he was banned from wearing his own knitwear when appearing on Celebrity Traitors.

The Olympic gold medallist, 31, revealed in a new interview that self-promotion was prohibited during filming for the BBC gameshow.

The former diving champion appeared as a Faithful contestant on the programme alongside singer Paloma Faith, presenter Stephen Fry and broadcaster Kate Garraway, with the Traitors being Jonathan Ross, Alan Carr and singer Cat Burns.

He also added that he was constantly knitting when they weren’t filming scenes for the show.

“Any time I was in the hotel, I was just knitting, knitting, knitting,” he said.

His latest foray into entertainment TV saw him murdered early on in Celebrity Traitors – and he wasn’t happy about it.

He told the Guardian: “They got rid of people who probably would have figured it out.”

Tom clashed with the show’s producers when he put forward the idea of returning from the dead so that he could continue to take part.

He explained: “I think what they should have considered is a resurrection, bringing someone back from the dead after, like, the first four murders.”

However, his novel suggestion was met with a disappointing no.

A COUPLE from a huge rock band have SPLIT after 22 years of marriage and historic “sexual misconduct” allegations.

The two members of a Canadian indie group have decided to call time on the relationship after over two decades together.

The couple in question are Arcade Fire‘s Win Butler and Regine Chassagne, who wed in 2003.

The pair announced their shock split on the band’s official Instagram page.

The statement read: “After a long and loving marriage, Win & Regine have decided to separate. They continue to love, admire and support each other as they co-parent their son.”

They added that their “bond as creative soulmates will endure, as will Arcade Fire. The band send their love and look forward to seeing you all on tour soon.”

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Their split comes three years after Win was hit with misconduct claims from three women and a gender fluid individual.

The allegations included the sending of unsolicited explicit messages, coercive control, emotional abuse and physical assault.

Win responded to the allegations in 2022, admitting to having had relations with all of the claimants, however, he insisted each was consensual.

In a statement given to Pitchfork, he said, “While these relationships were all consensual, I am very sorry to anyone who I have hurt with my behaviour.

“As I look to the future, I am continuing to learn from my mistakes and working hard to become a better person, someone my son can be proud of. […]

“I’m sorry I wasn’t more aware and tuned in to the effect I have on people – I f**ked up, and while not an excuse, I will continue to look forward and heal what can be healed, and learn from past experiences.”

The band’s avant-garde sound has always been an acquired taste, though they have conquered the mainstream, headlining festivals such as Glastonbury and scoring three number one albums in the US.

It comes after Arcade Fire were recently slammed when they appeared on US TV show, Saturday Night Live.

The band performed two tracks from their forthcoming sixth album, Pink Elephant, in what was their second appearance on the show this series.

However, musically, their performance on May 10, left many viewers cold.

Others weren’t comfortable with the band getting such a prominent television gig after the troubling claims.

One person wrote on X, “If different people accusing you of sexual misconduct is not enough to prevent you being on this show twice in one season, how many people is?”

Another said, “Arcade Fire landing on SNL in the big 2025 is wild. Who the hell did Win Butler pay?”

A MAJOR new museum is opening and it will be the largest archaeology museum in the world.

The Grand Egyptian Museum based in the winter sun spot of Cairo, will officially open to the public this weekend, after a decade of set backs.

The new museum traces the history of ancient Egyptian civilisation and cost around $1billion (£761million) to build.

One of the main attractions are the Tutankhamun Galleries, which are home to 5,000 objects that were discovered when the famous pharaoh’s tomb was back in 1922.

Visitors will even be able to see his golden coffin, discovered more than a century ago.

In another wing, visitors will find two of King Khufu’s (the pharaoh who commissioned the construction of the Pyramid of Giza) solar boats, which were found near the Pyramids.

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And if you want a glimpse of the pyramids, just look out the building’s sprawling windows.

The galleries are split by eras of Egyptian civilisation and include Predynastic, the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, the Late Kingdom, Ptolemaic Egypt and the Roman Period.

Throughout the museum, there are many interactive features such as pyramid building and papyrus making, and there is a children’s museum too.

According to Time Out, the museum features around 250,000 triangular stone pieces that make up its north facade.

There is then a pyramid-shaped entrance, with gold hieroglyphics.

As you enter, you will then see a huge atrium with an 11 metre tall statue of Ramses II – the pharaoh of Egypt between 1279 and 1213 BCE.

Also in the atrium, is a collection of restaurants and shops.

In total, the museum is the same size as 93 football pitches and once it is fully open, will house over 100,000 artefacts.

After exploring the museum, you can then head to the Pyramids of Giza which are just over a mile away.

Ahmed Youssel, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, told Time Out: “It’s not a museum, it’s a cultural hub.

“You don’t see history. You live history, you experience history.

“That’s the idea. When we build new museums, we have this concept of virtual reality, augmented reality – electronic things everywhere.”

The museum was originally meant to open back in 2013, but it has been delayed several times due to a variety of reasons including politics, regional conflict, budget and the Covid-19 pandemic.

And last year it then opened for its soft launch, ahead of the official opening this weekend.

Tickets to the museum cost £23.36 per adult and £11.76 per child, and they can either be bought in advance online or at the museum.

Cairo has highs of 21C during the winter months, and lows of around 11C.

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The park, home to Peppa Pig World, is opening a new land in 2026 with thrill rides and a themed restaurant. Paulton’s Valgard zone is sure to be a hit when it welcomes in the public

Paultons Park, a theme park known for being the home of toddler favourite Peppa Pig World, is set to expand with a new land as part of a whopping £12 million development.

The new addition, Valgard – Realm of the Vikings, is designed for older children and teenagers and is scheduled to open in spring 2026. The Viking-themed land will feature two new adrenaline-pumping rides: the inverting rollercoaster Drakon, and Vild Swing, which will whirl riders 12 metres into the air in a first-of-its-kind ride in the UK.

A sneak peek video on the park’s official YouTube page offers thrill-seekers a taste of what to expect from Drakon, promising plenty of twists and turns. An existing ride, Cobra, is also set for a revamp and will be rebranded as Raven to align with the Viking theme.

The park also plans to add a themed restaurant and a playground for younger guests to Valgard. Further expansion of Valgard is planned for 2027, including a new water ride, although details are currently being kept confidential, according to the Express.

James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, expressed his excitement about the project, stating: “We are thrilled to share our plans for our largest and boldest investment to date. As an independent, family-owned theme park, we’re incredibly proud of the investments we make to deliver the very best guest experience. We’ve opened two brand-new rides in the last two years and with the build of Valgard firmly underway, we’re excited to open a further three, bigger-and-better-than-ever-before rides, between now and summer 2027.

“Valgard promises an immersive, atmospheric, and action-packed experience for families and has been specifically designed to grow with our fans. The introduction of inversions and a vertical lift hill on Drakon certainly up the adrenaline levels at Paultons Park, but staying true to our roots, we haven’t forgotten about the little ones and there is something for all of the family in our new Viking village.”

The fresh Viking-themed area will join the park’s existing six themed worlds, including Tornado Springs with its American setting, and Lost Kingdom which focuses on dinosaurs.

Among the park’s most famous attractions is Peppa Pig World, inspired by the beloved children’s cartoon series, which Paultons Park has been crowned the UK’s top theme park, beating out competition from Alton Towers, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Legoland Windsor. The Hampshire-based attraction scooped the prestigious Theme Park of the Year award at the UK Theme Park Awards 2025, as well as being named Best Theme Park for Families (Large), and Best Theme Park for Toddlers (Large).

Its Ghostly Manor ride was also voted Best New Attraction.

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Visitors have been quick to sing the park’s praises on Tripadvisor, with one reviewer, Ste H, describing Paultons Park as a “brilliant” place that is “spotlessly clean”. He added that the staff are “some of the friendliest people” he has ever encountered at such a venue, and that “[G]enuinely everyone we met made it perfectly clear they love working there, which is great to see.”

Another visitor, Lizzie L, shared her experience of visiting midweek, writing: “All the rides in Peppa Pig world were a walk on and the only time we queued was to meet Peppa. The theming is great and perfect for little ones.”

MOLLY-MAE Hague has taken a major step in her relationship with Tommy Fury after the couple’s recent reconciliation.

The Love Island stars had been living separately for a year following their shock split.

Now The Sun can reveal the pair are “stronger than ever” and have decided to make their reunion official by living under the same roof again.

A source told The Sun: “Molly and Tommy are living together and sleeping in the same bed again.

“She’s been living between her house and his house but it’s too much so she’s making the jump to live full time with him. 

“They’re in a really good place and she’s really happy so feels comfortable that it’s the right thing to do.”

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The Sun has contacted Molly-Mae’s rep for comment.

Molly-Mae, 26, also dropped hints they’d moved in together again when she featured Tommy in her new YouTube vlog. 

In the video, the pair can be seen lounging in bed together eating chocolate with their daughter Bambi, looking relaxed and affectionate.

The influencer also opened up about their living arrangements, explaining that Tommy had temporarily moved back in with her while his own house undergoes renovation.

She said: “He’s doing building work in his master bedroom so it’s unliveable,” adding that he’s been spending most of his time at her Cheshire mansion.

The move marks a big milestone for the couple, who met on Love Island in 2019.

They welcomed their daughter, Bambi, in January 2023.

However, their relationship hit the rocks last year and Molly-Mae ditched her engagement ring as she kicked Tommy out of their home.

Despite the split, she confirmed they were working on their relationship in her Prime fly on the wall series Behind It All series one.

Then in Behind It All series two, Molly, 26, said: “Recently, we have been spending more time together.

“Going out together in public more which at first was scary because we didn’t know what we were going to say.

“We had literally broken up and then suddenly spending time together again.”

She explained: “We are back together. Like we are back together.

“We are, I don’t know what we are.”

Opening up about her fears the Maebe fashion designer explained that she wasn’t quite ready to wear her £600k ring again.

She said: “I’m not putting my ring back on yet just because I don’t feel quite ready.

“And also because I would kinda quite like for him to make a kind of a gesture.

“Not ask me again. That’s a lot but just a nice dinner or something.

“Just to like have that moment of ok, I’ll wear my ring again.”

Now, their reunion and Molly-Mae’s decision to live with Tommy full-time has fuelled speculation the couple could be planning for a second baby.

In her recent vlog, Molly-Mae hinted that family life is once again her top priority, telling fans she’s “in a really happy place.”

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Fans have also reacted to her latest photos from Dubai in their droves, insisting she could already be expecting.

She was forced to deny she was pregnant back in April after fans saw a “clue” in her home.