huge

Mark Chapman led the BBC’s live coverage of the second World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina

The BBC unveiled a major change ahead of the second semi-final.

Mark Chapman hosted the broadcaster’s live football coverage on Wednesday (July 15), as England prepared to take on Argentina in Atlanta.

England reached their fourth World Cup semi-final with an extra-time victory against Norway in the quarter-finals, and were victorious in the Atlanta stadium in the last 32, when they came from behind again to defeat DR Congo.

Meanwhile, reigning champions Argentina have managed to score three times in each of their knockout matches so far, with Lionel Messi set to face England for the first time in his career.

Mark was joined by regular pundits Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Micah Richards during the build-up to the anticipated match, with BBC viewers quickly noticing a huge change.

Up until now, BBC stars Mark, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan have hosted the coverage live from a state of the art immersive studio in Salford, which transported viewers to 16 cities across three host nations.

But for the latest encounter, the team travelled to Atlanta Stadium in person, after the BBC announced that it would be leaving its domestic studio to head across the pond.

Viewers were quick to share their verdict on X (formerly Twitter), as Mark introduced the coverage from inside the spacious stadium for the first time.

“The BBC finally arrive at the World Cup. Only about a month late,” one person wrote, with another adding: “I see that the BBC pundits have finally bothered to travel out for the World Cup.”

A third said: “Remember all that nonsense about the BBC presenting the World Cup from Salford while ITV1 was actually IN one of the host countries?! Tonight, one of them presents LIVE from a stadium for the first time. What one? Yes, the BBC!”

Someone else wrote: “BBC actually made it to the World Cup. Crazy.”

Mark began the coverage by saying: “Evening, don’t look back in anger. Sometimes it’s hard not to.”

A montage of some of England’s most devastating footballing moments against Argentina was then played, including Diego Maradona’s Hand of God moment and David Beckham’s 1998 red card.

Some viewers weren’t impressed with the negative start to the coverage, with one angry fan writing: “The BBC could not hate us more! We play Argentina tonight in the World Cup semi-final and how does the [BBC] open its coverage?

“Some inspiring footage of England’s past triumphs? Of course not. They open with a montage of some of our most devastating footballing moments. With the soundtrack of a post apocalyptic horror movie playing in the background.”

Someone else wrote: “The rest of the build up is just one big [Lionel] Messi love in! It’s sickening, FFS if I was Kane or Bellingham I’d be fuming, let’s have some god damn positivity please BBC.”

Meanwhile, former Football Focus host Dan Walker praised the BBC team’s build-up, writing on X: “Brilliant build-up from the BBC. Pundits all on it, Chappers superb, in the stadium, on the pitch… best of the World Cup so far.”

Coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 airs on the BBC and ITV

The tower was once London’s tallest building, but has been closed to the public other than for special events for decades. Now, it’s becoming a hotel as well as opening a whole new tourist attraction for the capital

For decades, the BT Tower has been an icon in the London skyline, a 1960s structure that has been everything from a revolving restaurant to a news display for the capital.

But the tower’s doors have remained closed to the public since 1981, other than a handful of special events. Unless you worked in telecoms you won’t have been able to appreciate this London landmark up close.

The Grade II-listed building, based in Fitzrovia, was completed in 1964 and originally named the Post Office Tower. At 177 metres high, it was the tallest building in London for years, but was damaged by a bomb in 1971. Its tower-based restaurant and viewing galleries had to close as a result.

The public has been unable to access the building since 1981. It was renamed the British Telecom Tower a few years later. Since then, it has been used as a communications hub. Most Londoners know it for its breaking news alerts, which play on a huge 360-degree screen wrapped around the tower.

Now, architecture firm Orms has revealed plans to turn the London landmark into a luxurious hotel with a rooftop pool. Its plans were shown at a public consultation earlier this week, with visuals showing how the completed project will look.

In addition to the hotel, the tower would include a visitor experience space giving views across the London skyline. On the ground floor, the retro 1960s buildings would be converted into shops and cafés, with plans to remove “unsightly” modern additions.

Other plans include a new public square with pedestrian routes through the complex, according to the Architects’ Journal. This is where the entrance and exit to the new visitor experience will be found. A new staircase would open up the main body of the tower, and hotel rooms would be arranged around its core.

Past consultations have also speculated on the uses for levels 24 to 30, which could become “spaces for art and cultural engagement”, although no solid plans have been revealed just yet.

Camden Council is set to receive the planning application for the site this autumn, and if successful, work could begin in 2029, once BT decommissions and removes equipment from the site.

The BT Tower isn’t the only London landmark being brought back to life as a hotel. Custom House on the River Thames, a beautiful Georgian structure, is set to become a 179-room luxury hotel including a basement spa with a 25m pool, waterfront restaurants, and quayside areas open to the public.

Admiralty Arch on The Mall, long associated with royal parades, is also set to open as a Waldorf Astoria hotel this autumn, and will offer views of Buckingham Palace in some of its rooms as well as restaurants and a spa.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

South Korea will further boost its airborne electronic warfare capabilities, buying another two platforms based on the Bombardier Global 6500 bizjet. These will eventually complement the four Global 6500-based airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft that Seoul has already ordered, and which you can read about here.

Canada’s Bombardier Defense announced today that its Global 6500 had been selected for a second South Korean special mission aircraft program. The aircraft have been acquired by Korean Air, which will modify them for the electronic warfare role. Specifically, these will be standoff jammer (SOJ) aircraft, intended to disrupt enemy electromagnetic signals from a safe distance.

“The Global 6500 aircraft is in demand around the world because of its performance and versatility, and we’re extremely proud that it was chosen for two very advanced, yet different defense missions in South Korea,” said Michael Anckner, vice-president of worldwide sales at Bombardier Defense. “This aircraft is trusted because of its proven military track record, yet it remains highly adaptable as defense needs evolve.”

The Global 6000 series is already a popular choice for military special missions adaptations. Outside of South Korea, prominent examples include the Saab GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft, as well as the German Luftwaffe’s PEGASUS signals intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft. Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force opted for a Global 6000-based solution for its E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) program, and the U.S. Army ordered a Global 6500-based solution for its ME-11B High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES), which will be the service’s next-generation intelligence-gathering aircraft. 

All these applications are aided by the Global’s relatively high-altitude flight profile, which provides a significant standoff capability, increasing line of sight for the sensors, and helping keep the jet and its onboard operators further away from enemy air defense systems. In general, bizjet platforms are also becoming increasingly cost-effective, helped by steady improvements in jet engine technology.

Both Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Korean Air had presented offerings for the SOJ to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), which serves as the central administrative agency of the South Korean Ministry of National Defense.

DAPA had approved the plan for the development of the so-called Block I Electronic Warfare System Development Project in April 2025, with around $1.2 billion earmarked for the program by 2034.

As of September last year, KAI was teamed with Hanwha Systems and was pitching a design based on the Global 6500 airframe. Meanwhile, Korean Air was partnered with LIG Nex1 and, according to some reports, was proposing a platform based on the Gulfstream G550. Other reports suggested that both teams favored the Bombardier bizjet, which provides commonality with the new South Korean AEW&C aircraft.

KAI had argued that it was the best fit for the requirement based on its previous involvement in the Peace Eye program, which provided South Korea with a version of the E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft, as well as the forthcoming Baekdu II intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform. KAI is also an established airframer, building the T-50/TA-50/FA-50 series as well as the KF-21 fighter and various helicopters.

Meanwhile, Korean Air is involved in heavy aircraft maintenance, military aircraft upgrades, and the development of drones, while LIG Nex1 developed advanced electronic warfare systems for the KF-21, as well as for warships, submarines, and reconnaissance aircraft.

From relatively early on, there had been indications that the Korean Air bid was favored. Reports in the South Korean media said that the proposal “scored higher” in the bid evaluation process by DAPA, which had been “evaluating each company’s electronic warfare equipment technology and airframe integration capability, among other factors.” 

In the past, DAPA had said that the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) required four aircraft capable of “paralyzing enemy air-defense networks and wireless command and communication systems in times of crisis.” While Bombardier has said it is providing two Global 6500s for the program, it remains possible that more might be added. We have approached the company for clarification.

South Korea becomes the latest nation to invest in an SOJ platform, reflecting the growing interest in these capabilities, especially as higher-end and longer-range air defense systems proliferate.

The U.S. Air Force has introduced the EA-37B Compass Call as a standoff electronic attack platform, while earlier this year we looked in detail at Turkey’s HAVA SOJ, based on the Global 6000 airframe and intended to undertake a similar kind of mission.

Typically, SOJ platforms are intended to support air operations by suppressing enemy air defense radars, disrupting command-and-control networks, and interfering with communications through long-range deception and noise jamming, all while remaining outside hostile airspace. By degrading an adversary’s sensing and coordination capabilities, they enable friendly aircraft to penetrate defended airspace through safer access corridors. In modern warfare, the effective use of SOJ platforms has become a critical capability, serving as a force multiplier and delivering significant asymmetric operational advantages.

In addition to jamming systems, the SOJ aircraft generally also have a surveillance capability, with passive electronic support measures (ESM) equipment, while some might include an onboard radar or other sensors. ESM, which is a passive system, can geolocate threats and communications nodes, and that data can be shared in real time with tactical aircraft and missile units to prosecute strikes.

In its rendering of the aircraft, Korean Air presented a platform with prominent fairings alongside the fuselage sides as well as a canoe-type fairing below the fuselage. The fuselage fairings likely contain conformal antennas, which may well be associated with active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology.

AESAs can be used to send out highly focused beams of electromagnetic energy to jam hostile radars and other radio-frequency sensors and emitters in the air, on land, and at sea. This is a capability we have talked about before in relation to the U.S. Air Force’s EA-37B. Potentially, these same AESA antennas could be used to trigger cyber attacks, a capability you can read more about here.

According to South Korean outlet Chosun, the aircraft should have a jamming range of “at least 200 kilometers [124 miles] to cover the entire Korean peninsula.” Additionally, “high-performance transmit-and-receive antenna technology is required to secure enemy electronic signals while disrupting the enemy by emitting powerful radio waves.”

While designed to work from outside hostile airspace, there have been increasing questions about the ability of specialized aircraft like these to survive against more capable air defenses, with the threat of long-range anti-air missile systems only set to grow. However, this kind of platform makes unique sense for South Korea, which has a very specific threat to counter: North Korean air defenses are becoming more capable, and hardened borders mean the geographic area that the new SOJ is expected to cover is clearly established. Criticism of aircraft survivability and range is less of an issue in this case.

At the same time, although South Korea has long relied heavily on the United States for defense, Seoul has increasingly emphasized greater strategic autonomy. This includes developing sovereign electronic warfare and AEW&C capabilities, reducing its reliance on U.S. military assets and American-provided equipment for these critical missions.

As well as the new SOJ and AEW&C platforms, the ROKAF is also set to receive four Baekdu II ISR aircraft. KAI is developing these in partnership with LIG Nex1 under a $675-million contract, with the mission equipment to be installed on the Dassault Falcon 2000LXS bizjet airframe.

The contract is due to be completed by the end of 2026, and the new ISR jets will replace the four Hawker 800XP Peace Pioneer signals intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft that first entered service with the ROKAF in 2001. These are known locally as the RC-800B Baekdu and are operated alongside a similar number of RC-800G Geumgang imagery intelligence (IMINT) aircraft provided under the Peace Krypton program.

Photos show the RC-800B Baekdu SIGINT aircraft:

A photo shows the RC-800G Geumgang IMINT aircraft:

Meanwhile, the ROKAF also operates two modified Dassault Falcon 2000S bizjets in a SIGINT role. These RC-2000s were also procured under the Baekdu project between 2011 and 2018 and incorporate a greater proportion of Korean-built electronics than the RC-800Bs. These aircraft are also specially equipped to detect North Korean missile launches.

A photo shows the RC-2000 SIGINT aircraft:

Then there is the AEW&C fleet, currently comprising four Boeing E-737s, and set to be bolstered by four new aircraft based on the Global 6500 airframe, valued at roughly $2.2 billion. As we have discussed in the past, these will be outfitted by L3Harris and will include the EL/W-2085 AESA radar from Israel’s Elta. This series of radars is already used in AEW&C aircraft operated by Israel, Italy, and Singapore. The new radar planes are due to be introduced by 2032.

Returning to the new SOJ aircraft, the fact that North Korea possesses dense, layered air defenses concentrated near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) makes an electronic attack platform like this a key enabler for military operations. This is only becoming more important as North Korean defenses continue to mature.

Beyond enhancing operational effectiveness, the SOJ program strengthens South Korea’s defense industrial base, which is fast becoming a true global player.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com

THE abandoned BT tower is set to be turned into a fancy hotel – and the first images of what it could look have been revealed.

The London attraction first opened in 1964 as the Post Office Tower, and was the city’s tallest building until the NatWest Tower opened in 1980.

The BT Tower then closed in 1981 to the public, bar some private events.

It has since been bought by MCR, an American hotel chain who also owns the High Line Hotel and TWA Hotel in New York, for £270million in 2024.

And new images released by architect Orms (behind The Outernet and The Standard Hotel) show what to expect from the 177m tower when it reopens.

The main attraction will be the rooftop swimming pool on the fifth floor, and open to both hotel guests and the public.

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The ground floor will be used for retail and food and drink spaces, while the hotel will take over the first and second floor. 

The Howlands Building will get a three to four storey extension upwards, which will be the hotel space as well.

Levels 24-30 are unconfirmed as to what they will be used for but could become art or culture areas.

And a public space will be part of the exterior as well, to make it more easily accessible. 

Designers Orms are behind the renovation, who has replaced Heatherwick Studios.

They said in the application: “While maintaining the overall structure, we will remove unsightly modern additions to the 1960s exterior on the ground floor.

“We will then introduce retail on the ground floor and add a modest pavilion structure on the roof.”

A planning application will be submitted in September, although works cannot start in 2029 due to BT decomposing on equipment inside.

Expected opening dates of the hotel are in 2033.

The tower was once known for its rotating restaurant, although this was forced to close after an IRA bombing.

A HUGE new attraction set to open in a trending seaside town has finally been given the green light.

Morecambe was named the fastest-rising place for Brits going on a staycation last month, according to Booking.com.

And the new Eden Project Morecambe in Lancashire is set to go ahead after securing planning permission.

It comes as the £100million attraction in the often overlooked town created new designs that needed approval from Lancaster City Council.

As for the attraction itself, everything will be centred around the Realm of the Sun, Realm of the Moon and an area called Metronome.

In the Realm of the Sun, visitors can expect a tropical landscape that adapts to both hot and cold seasons, with vertical plants, hanging mini gardens, a multi-sensory area and a waterfall.

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Then in the Realm of the Moon, the space will be darker with a “hyper-real rock pool” that has sped-up cycles of tides.

Outside, there will be a number of landscaped gardens and an arena to explore too.

And of course, there will be shops and restaurants for the visitors as well.

In the most recent announcement, there will be a £4.5million immersive experience called The Elder Tree.

The tree will stretch nearly 20 metres and take visitors on a journey from its roots to its hollows.

The attraction is expected to get around 585,000 visitors a year, with a capacity of up to 740,000.

Outside, in the arena, the capacity will be 6,000 people.

Parts of the attraction are expected to open in 2027, with other parts opening at a later date.

Plans originally approved in 2022 included four domes, but in the most recent plans this was reduced to two domes.

BRIT comedian Alex Kealy and his wife Mhairi Beveridge have announced the arrival of their baby girl.

He took to Instagram to share the news with his fans as he unveiled the first pictures of the little bundle of joy.

In one video, she could be seen fast asleep as her little chest moved up and down slowly.

The stand-up star also shared pictures of himself and Mhairi posing with their baby daughter.

In one snap, Alex and the baby twinned in matching England tops as he tuned into a match.

Revealing her name, he captioned the post: “She’s here and she’s huge!

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“Our daughter Ada Robyn Kealy arrived last week weighing 9lb3oz. We love our pig.”

His fans flocked to the comments section to congratulate the pair as one gushed: “Congratulations she’s beautiful.”

Another person enthused: “She’s gorgeous!!! Look at her hair! A princess! Biggest congratulations to you both Alex!!!”

Somebody else commented: “What a cutie pie.”

Yet another penned: “She is gorgeous! Look at that hair!!!”

While a fifth added: “Congratulations mate! Very happy for you.”

Alex rose to prominence as a comedian after reaching the final of the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny? competition.

He debuted his first show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2016.

Alex is a writer and regular contributor for BBC Two’s Mock The Week.

The performer and his wife Mhairi tied the knot in June 2024 as he revealed the news on Instagram a few weeks later.

He shared snaps of them from their big day as he told his fans: “Belated “I got married last month and it was the best day of my life”

“Post: snaps from ceremony and speeches (Mhairi’s was so good it led to panicked last minute rewrites from those who had to follow her).”

Alex has previously revealed that the pair met on on X, formerly known as Twitter.

During his Edinburgh Festival Fringe show The Fear in 2024, he joked that he now sees X as “a dating app where people should create an account, get a wife, and then leave.”

Before Paul Mescal became a blockbuster star in films like Gladiator II and Aftersun, he played a supporting role in a gripping Irish psychological thriller now streaming on Channel 5

Fans of the Heartthrob Irish actor, best known for his break out role in Normal People, should turn to this lesser known thriller for the perfect binge-watch.

Actor Paul Mescal who has since appeared in the likes of Gladiator II, Hamnet and Aftersun plays a supporting role in this TV series, portraying the character of Sean McKeogh, a local builder in Ireland and volunteer firefighter.

He serves as Ophelia, the protagonists’ confidant and the person she turns to for support as she attempts to uncover the truth behind a devastating death.

The Deceived, released in 2020, follows her time as a university student who becomes romantically entangled with her married lecturer Michael Callaghan, at Cambridge University. Although, her Irish lecturer is from the fictional village of Knockdara in County Donegal, where most of the show is set.

Inevitably, their affair spirals into tragedy, leaving her ensnared in an ever-growing web of deceit and gaslighting, caught up in a dangerous power struggle with her secret lover, and now, a murder case.

Written by the same writer behind the award-winning Irish television series Derry Girls, this show offers something entirely distinct, yet is every bit as deserving of a binge-watch session.

The Deceived is a 2020 mini-series that unfolds a psychological thriller across four episodes. Since its release, the Irish-British production has largely slipped under the radar, despite having a popular actor.

A review of the programme on IMDb compares the story to that of Rebecca, claiming that the show clearly draws on it as inspiration. They wrote: “This is a spooky thriller with obvious references to Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. I loved it.

“I don’t get the negative reviews. It had good twists and turns. I thought the acting was very good. I looked forward to each episode.

“It was rather unsettling at times, best watched in the company of someone else, not by yourself. If you like Rebecca you’ll love this. Loved the ending.”

Another reads: “This was a truly excellent four part drama, The Deceived is a smart, creepy, sinister series, which will have you gripped until its conclusion. I would agree with the comments about this having more than a hint of Rebecca about it, very much so, and despite being set in modern day, the story has a wonderful vintage feel to it, it could have been written in 1946.

“Very nicely produced, well made, very well acted indeed, Emmett J Scanlan gives a very good, captivating performance throughout.”

Joining Mescal in the cast are Emmet J Canlan as the lecturer and Emily Reid as the student, alongside Eleanor Methven, Catherine Walker and Ciara Berkeley. While critical reception has largely celebrated the performances of those involved, the majority of complaints appear to be directed at weaknesses in the script and storyline.

A critic points out: “The script is very underwhelming as some conversations are awkward and cut way too short with unanswered questions. It’s very unnatural and makes everyone seem odd and disconnected from each other.”

As a series that flew largely under the radar following its ill-timed release during the pandemic, it seems the show is still waiting to reach the wider audience it deserves. If nothing else, devoted Paul Mescal fans would do well to seek it out and witness one of his lesser-known early roles, before he rose to become the Hollywood heavyweight he is today.

All four episodes of The Deceived are available to stream now for free on Channel 5.

YOU don’t need to empty your pockets to visit big-name theme parks and resorts this summer.

Especially not when these major UK attractions are offering free extra return tickets and 89p admission for kids.

We’ve rounded up the very best offers at popular resorts like Alton Towers, Chessington, Legoland and Butlin’s that you can book this school summer holidays.

From half-price entry offers to kids tickets for less than £1, here are the ultimate theme park bargains for summer 2026.

Legoland Windsor Resort

Legoland are running a summer promotion that lets you unlock an extra day of theme park fun for the price of a single ticket.

There is an absolute mountain of things to do at this resort to keep both little ones thrill-seekers happy all day long.

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Tackle the park’s 55 rides and live shows, marvel at the Lego models in Miniland, or let the kids’ imaginations run wild in the brick-building zones.

While trying to cram the entire resort into a single day can feel like a mad rush, knowing you can return means you can relax and take in the park at your own pace.

The best part about this offer is that the free ticket you unlock doesn’t have to be used only at Legoland.

You can also redeem your free ticket for a trip to Chessington World of Adventures, Alton Towers or Thorpe Park instead.

Book your tickets to Legoland Windsor Resort from £29.75pp + claim an extra FREE return ticket

Gulliver’s Theme Parks

Save a massive 48% off a trip to a Gulliver’s Theme Park this summer at any of their four theme parks: Milton Keynes, Rother Valley, Matlock Bath, or Warrington.

With this Wowcher deal families can bag a ticket for £12.50 each, nearly halving the cost of buying a ticket direct for £25.

Whether you want to conquer the dizzying Gyrosaur, board the Rocky Ridge Railway, or meet live animals at the farm park, there’s plenty to do across all locations.

Throw in completely free parking and free entry for toddlers under 90cm, and you’ve got an affordable school holiday treat for the family.

Book your tickets to Gulliver’s Theme Parks for £12.50pp

Alton Towers Resort

Alton Towers is slashing the cost of a visit this school summer holidays with two theme park visits for the price of one.

The sprawling theme park is packed with world-class, white-knuckle rollercoasters for adrenaline junkies, alongside family-friendly rides like the new Bluey kids coaster.

There’s also exciting events this summer, such as the Minecraft Meet the Mobs from July 18 – August 28 plus the Bluey live experience with meet and greet, running throughout the summer.

To get the offer, make sure to claim the deal before July 27 and save your ticket and barcode from your first visit. Then you can claim yourself another visit to Alton Towers, or a free trip to Legoland, Chessington or Thorpe Park.

Book your tickets to Alton Towers resort from £29.75 + claim an extra FREE return ticket

Flamingo Land

Families heading to North Yorkshire this summer can slash up to 50% off their day out at Flamingo Land Resort thanks to a Wowcher deal.

Here you’ll find hair-raising rollercoasters like the 10-inversion Sik Coaster and the lightning-fast Velocity motorbike ride, which launches from 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds.

Smaller thrill-seekers in tow can explore the Peter Rabbit Adventure, brave the river rapids, or take a quick break from the rides to stroll the zoo.

Tickets can be used on any date until November and start at £29pp, plus there are extra discounts available if you purchase multiple tickets. For example, if you book for a group of six you will save an extra £18 on top of the deal, while groups of four can save an extra £19.

Book your tickets to Flamingo Land from £29pp

Chessington World of Adventures

Score two visits for the price of one on your next trip to Chessington World of Adventures.

Visitors can test their nerve by hurtling backwards on the terrifying Mandrill Mayhem in the World of Jumanji, or fly through the treetops on the popular Vampire coaster.

You could even tick off the World of Paw Patrol, a colourful themed land new for 2026 with gentle rides such as Chase’s Mountain Mission.

To claim the deal, buy a ticket online before July 27 to snap up a free return ticket that is valid for visits until September 25. As part of a combined summer promotion, you could also use your tickets at Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, or Legoland Windsor instead.

Book your tickets to Chessington World of Adventures from £29.75 + claim an extra FREE return ticket

Butlin’s

Kids can bag a day visit to Butlin’s for 85p when visiting with a full-paying adult this summer, plus under 2’s go free.

This means that for one adult and one child, your entire family day out would cost a total of £19.85.

A day pass drops you straight into the action with unlimited turns on the traditional fairground rides and access to massive outdoor play areas.

You can also pack your swimsuits and tackle the flumes and wave pools at the subtropical Splash Waterworld, before catching a live daytime stage show starring the kids’ favourite characters.

Available across their Bognor Regis, Minehead, and Skegness resorts, it’s a ridiculously cheap way to enjoy a fun-filled family day out.

Make sure to get in quick, because this offer is only available until July 16. However, from then, day tickets during the school summer holidays will be discounted by 15%.

Book your day tickets to Butlin’s – with kids tickets from 89p

*Prices correct at the time of publication. Terms and conditions apply.

The Israeli military has released video showing huge explosions and detonations in villages in southern Lebanon. Israel says they were targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and tunnels. Meanwhile a US military delegation has met with Lebanon’s army in Beirut to discuss Israel’s planned withdrawal from a ‘pilot zone’ in occupied territory.

RICKY Gervais banked £16.2million from his sell-out 80-date live Mortality tour, accounts show.

The Brit comedy legend, 65, raked in £311,500 a week for the stint.

It meant the 2025-26 financial year was his best earner to date.

His firm, Red Lion 99, has £17.9million in assets and he has another £33.9million in his TV and film firms listed on Companies House.

Gervais will earn even more from a new nationwide tour, Legend, which starts this autumn.

Yet the Reading-born star is known to be disinterested in wealth.

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He once said: “People ask me why I dress like a tramp.

“And I say, ‘My clothes are clean and comfortable.

“Who am I trying to impress?’

“I don’t wear £50,000 watches. I don’t collect cars. I can’t drive.”

“Nothing gives me more of a buzz than to help an animal. I don’t get excited about things.

“I’m not a hippie or communist, I think money’s for the safety of your family and friends, and you can’t take it with you.”

A HUGE Hollywood actor was spotted by eagle-eyed fans amongst commuters at a busy London train station.

The A-lister and Oscar nominee, was snapped on the platform and getting off the tube – but would you have noticed him ?

Commuters at a train station in Hackney were left stunned this week, when they spied a famous film star among themselves. 

The video uploaded onto TikTok showed none other than actor Stanley Tucci, 65, standing amongst the crowd. 

As the onlooker zoomed into the star the camera quickly pans down before he notices. 

The star is then snapped again as he’s shown making his way off the train and walking across the platform. 

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Stanley whilst attempting to be inconspicuous in a pair of black sunglasses is noticed by a few Londoners, who were left in shock.

The video was captioned: “(Started in Hackney, he got off in Canonbury) Saw a bald man and knew who it was straight away.”

Fans rushed to the comments, stunned to see such a famous actor at a station, one user said: “It’s always when I don’t take the train !”

“I beg ur finest pardonnnnnnn,” penned another.

A third added: “He lives in London. He’s everywhere.”

While his famous bald look might have blown his cover, it was him wearing a jacket in the brutal heatwave that had fans really talking.

Another commenter said: “Stanley is too hot for that blazer mate,” with a second adding:”It’s too hot for that jacket omg.”

Tucci is a well established American actor, director, producer and author known for his versatility and acting range. 

From The Devil Wears Prada to The Hunger Games series, he has appeared in over 70 films. 

He is widely recognised for his appearances in Spotlight, Captain America: The First Avenger and his Oscar nominated performance in The Lovely Bones.

Over the course of his career, the acting star has picked up multiple different awards.

These consist of six Emmy’s, two Golden Globe Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.

He has also been nominated for an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Tony Award.

TUCKED away in the English countryside is a town that sounds like it should belong in France.

Ashby-de-la-Zouch isn’t somewhere you’d find in Normandy or the Provence region – it’s actually in Leicestershire.

But the town actually does have connections to France.

Originally, it was just called Ashby, until the noble French family de la Zouch moved there in the 12th century.

After the Norman Conquest of England, the family took ownership of the area and named it after themselves too.

The de la Zouches built their own manor house home there and generations of the family lived there for hundreds of years.

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Later on, the manor was transformed into a castle by William, Lord Hastings who made it his home.

The site is now in ruins and is run by English Heritage, with tickets from £8.50.

One visitor called it a “lovely hidden gem” and added that it was “well worth a visit.”

In its history, Ashby was known as a fashionable Regency health resort after the discovery of spa waters.

With lots of wealthy visitors, Ashby built the Ivanhoe Baths in 1822 which made it a must-visit destination in the Georgian era.

The grand bathhouse ended up closing in 1884 due to a drop in visitor numbers and was demolished in 1962.

The grounds are still open to the public and are completely free to roam about.

The castle is famous too after featuring in Sir Walter Scott’s 1819 book Ivanhoe.

The romantic novel has a grand tournament scene at the estate.

The town has its own outdoor swimming pool too – in fact it’s the only lido in Leicestershire.

The pool first opened in 1929, more recently underwent a £1.2million redevelopment and after a 20-month closure, it reopened in 2021.

New additions included a sandpit and climbing frame, refreshment spots and upgraded changing rooms.

The 30 metre heated lido is seasonal and usually open between May to September for general swims and lane sessions.

Swims cost £6.10 for adults and £4.05 for juniors.

Like most UK towns Ashby has a high street filled with independent shops, cafés, pubs, and restaurants.

It hosts a street market on Thursdays and Saturdays too.

The town itself is in the National Forest in the Midlands that spans 200 square miles across parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Staffordshire.

Being surrounded by greenery means it’s an ideal spot for keen walkers and cyclists.

AS the train rumbles out of the station, our heads turn to admire the stunning views from the dining car’s windows.

When the conductor announces each new destination, a feast of flavours is served up while we admire the changing landscapes.

But what’s even more incredible is the fact I am currently on board the largest cruise ship in the world — and sailing the calm blue waters of the Mediterranean.

The Royal Railway is the latest immersive dining experience to be savoured on board Legend Of The Seas.

You’ll begin your journey at the station — with the chance to pick up a cocktail or two from the bar — before entering an authentic train carriage and sitting down to a five-course feast as the train travels along Marco Polo’s ancient Silk Route including China, India, Turkey and Italy.

With some culinary corkers on the menu such as butter chicken, grilled lamb chops and Silk Road Shrimp, plus to-die-for Italian desserts, it’s a world away from a soggy sarnie on platform three at Clapham Junction.

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Like everything on this gargantuan ship — the third Icon-class vessel from Royal Caribbean — the attention to detail is staggering.

With 28 restaurants, eight neighbourhoods, six waterslides and room for 5,610 passengers, the multi-billion-dollar floating city certainly made an entrance in Malaga earlier this month. And I was one of the first on board the largest cruise ship in the world.

Billed as the ultimate family vacation, this next-generation newcomer is a riot of colour and energy from dawn to dusk, and there is something to float everyone’s boat, from lazy beach retreats to thrilling theme parks.

Holidaymakers of all ages will easily keep hunger pangs at bay grazing on food from 28 venues — the most you’ll find at sea — with every neighbourhood bringing something to the table.

Other new eateries include Hollywoodland Supper Club. Inspired by old Hollywood, this multi-course dinner is accompanied by live jazz and craft cocktails, giving guests the chance to get glam.

While this and the Royal Railway come at quite a hefty extra cost — around £144pp — there are a staggering 13 complimentary eateries included in the price of your cruise.

In the AquaDome Market you can take another global foodie tour with stalls serving up everything from Korean rice bowls to tapas bites and crepes, plus a new juice and smoothie bar for health-conscious sailors.

I also worked my way around some of the bars including 1400 Lobby Bar, which is inspired by the history of shipbuilding, and Lou’s, which evokes moody New Orleans and New York jazz bars with live performances and cocktails.

Those wanting a livelier tipple should head to the brilliant Dueling Pianos, which buzzes well into the early hours.

Outside, the mega resort facilities are designed for non-stop family fun — minigolf, rock-climbing and a surf simulator can all be found on decks 16 and 17 — and thrillseekers can dangle daringly over the water on Crown’s Edge, a part skywalk, part zipline experience 154ft above the ocean.

This playful ship is certainly making a splash, with Category 6 holding the crown as the largest waterpark at sea, while Royal Bay is the largest pool on the waves.

Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay are nestled in the purpose-built Surfside family neighbourhood, while it’s strictly adults-only at The Hideaway with its suspended infinity pool and DJ, and Swim & Tonic swim-up bar.

Early nights are out — the last thing you’ll want to do is sleep for fear of serious FOMO.

The ship’s entertainment offering is next level and I was captivated by everything I watched. This included Roald Dahl’s West End-worthy Charlie And The Chocolate Factory complete with a 15-strong live orchestra, AquaTheater’s Shockwave, where synchronised swimmers, high divers and aerialists highlight the power of water, and the ice-skating spectacle with drones at Absolute Zero’s show, Fusion.

Alongside live music and tribute bands, there are themed parties including a Y2K dance party, karaoke sessions, live trivia and silent discos.

Those familiar with Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships will be pleased to see the return of well loved spaces including Royal Promenade with its floor-to-ceiling ocean views.

There’s also the Pearl — the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture — weighing as much as a Boeing 747 — and the open-air Central Park, with over 30,500 lush plants as well as restaurants, live music, and pick-up windows for sushi and champagne.

With 29 types of accommodation, when it comes to hitting the sack, you and your tribe will slumber in style. On Legend Of The Seas, there are more rooms with ocean views and for groups of three, four, five and more.

The Surfside Family Suites are ideal for two adults and two kids, with the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony cabins accommodating six, and Surfside Family View Balcony cabins sleeping three or four.

To really push the boat out, check into the exclusive four-deck Suite Neighbourhood or the Ultimate Family Townhouse, a three- storey pad that can sleep up to eight people.

Inside there’s a slide, dedicated entertainment spaces, and three balconies — lucky residents even get a money-can’t-buy experience with Royal Caribbean’s second Chief Dog Officer, a playful golden retriever pup named Skipper.

This showstopper of a ship is truly the stuff of Legends.

PINK was feeling in a very generous mood at the O2 Silver Clef Awards in London.

The American superstar forked out £16,000 on Harry Styles tickets during the auction on Thursday, only to hand them back to the charity — so they could have someone bid on them again.

An onlooker said: “Pink paid £16,000 to win the lot. She then donated it back. It was an incredibly generous gesture.”

Pink wasn’t the only one to dig deep at the bash — which raises money for music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins — with Jessie J pledging £500 while Icon Award winner Lily Allen handed over £1,600.

Price Tag singer Jessie was handed the Outstanding Achievement award and opened up about her breast cancer diagnosis in her acceptance speech.

She said: “The last 18 months has been the most incredible, the most magical of my life. Also the hardest. But I believe we find the truest parts of ourselves in hard times.

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“So when you are faced with them, it’s life trying to teach you something.

“To become a mum after not thinking I would, having one tt just get chopped off out of nowhere. “You never know when a tt is going to be taken from you, so enjoy your t*ts while you’ve got them.”

Encouraging other celebs to get their cash out and raise some money, Jessie added: “You’ve obviously been invited because some of you are rich as f***, don’t be a vibe killer.

“I know I wrote Price Tag, but if you’ve got money now is the time to get it out.” It was an evening of revelations too, with John Bishop telling the crowd he had renewed his vows with wife Melanie.

The pair split for 18 months in 2000, but rekindled their romance after she went to watch one of his stand-up shows.

As he handed David Gray his Silver Clef gong, John said: “I could never have imagined that I’d get the opportunity to say thank you to this artist. “My marriage had failed, everything had gone s***.

“When I was at my lowest I was introduced to David Gray and he’s been a constant part of my life ever since.

“He was there at the lowest point of my life but then when me and my wife reconciled and went on to renew our wedding vows we played Sail Away as we walked down the aisle.”

Melanie C was handed the Global Impact Award and paid tribute to her Spice Girls bandmates, after a feud put paid to a proper celebration of their 30th anniversary of Wannabe earlier this week.

She said: “We’re all in touch obviously, all of the girls, we’re so grateful and respectful of each other.

“We came together, and we achieved our wildest dreams, and we changed our lives forever, and the world forever, some would say.”

ELLIE OF A GAME FOR OUR BOYS

ELLIE GOULDING has thrown her support behind the Three Lions as we take on Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The Burn pop star announced she had been booked to perform during the clash.

Ellie shared the news on Instagram last night and added: “Performing at half time for England vs Norway has me feeling like truly anything could happen.

“I already know the boys will make England proud. It’s coming home.”

Insiders confirmed that Ellie would play a medley of songs inside the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

KASABIAN are giving fans an early Christmas present – with five huge shows later this year.

The band, fronted by Serge Pizzorno, will kick off their run at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on December 11, followed by gigs in Glasgow, Cardiff, London and Manchester.

The announcement comes after their sold-out headline date in front of 45,000 fans at London’s Finsbury Park last weekend.

SCHULTZ: TRACK IS PERSONAL

CAGE THE ELEPHANT’s new single has special meaning for frontman Matt Schultz.

The US rockers, who supported Oasis on tour in America last year, released Beaches In Tennessee yesterday – their first new music for two years.

Matt, said: “It’s no secret I went through a mental health crisis a few years back. This song symbolises me finally being able to move past it.

“I was hospitalised for nearly three months, and the song addresses it by creating a fictionalised account of it.

“It was my attempt at reclaiming the ability to write about something serious that happened in my life, from a place of genuine experience.

“As a band, we were able to reclaim the ability to write a song rooted in a difficult and turbulent real-life event, but do it in a lighthearted way.”

TEN FANS ON SIDE

DECEMBER 10 celebrated the launch of their debut EP, On Your Side, by playing two intimate gigs at Circuit in Kingston upon Thames.

The fast-rising group ­– Nicolas, John, Josh, Sean, Cruz and Hendrik – celebrated the release as more than 1,000 fans packed the south-west London venue across the sold-out shows.

The six performing members, with Danny currently taking some time out, treated the crowd to stripped-back versions of tracks from the EP including Angel and Run My Way.

AHEAD of Iron Maiden’s historic show at Knebworth tonight, support act The Hu went on a sightseeing trip.

The Mongolian metal band, whose third studio album, Hun, drops on July 24, visited Buckingham Palace and Big Ben in London before heading to the venue.

Temka, who plays a traditional Mongolian guitar called a tovshuur, is a huge Chelsea fan and is thrilled to be performing here while the World Cup is on.

He said of tonight’s game: “I hope England play Argentina in the semi-final. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are great, and Anthony Gordon.”

GOLDEN GIRL ZARA

IT’S taken Zara Larsson over ten years since her debut hit, but she is a now a true pop superstar after this sizzling show.

She oozed charisma in this strappy gold top and denim shorts at Madrid’s Mad Cool Festival on Thursday night.

Zara was lifted into the air by her dancers to sing Midnight Sun.

She then did the splits during Ain’t My Fault, drove a car on stage for Hot & Sexy and also got a fan up to do her viral Lush Life dance with her.

With amazing vocals and dance moves, Zara deserves to be the biggest pop star in the world.

Mad Cool also hosted Lorde, Jennie, Cmat and Florence + The Machine, proving female pop music is thriving.

MATTY TO KICK OFF STAG DO

IT is turning into the summer of celebrity weddings – and I’m told Matty Healy will tie the knot with American model Gabbriette a week today.

The 1975 rocker will kick off the festivities in LA with a huge stag do tonight.

Matty and his pals will watch England play Norway in the World Cup quarter-final – and hopefully they will still be celebrating by the time the final whistle blows.

On Instagram last week, Gabbriette shared a video of the couple watching England take on Mexico, where her mum is from.

Thankfully, they were still on good terms afterwards.

The pair started dating in 2023 after Matty’s split from Taylor Swift – but their nuptials will be a lot more low-key than Taylor’s which took place earlier this month.

A source said: “They are flying out their nearest and dearest but it’s an intimate ceremony.

“The spectacle of Taylor’s wedding isn’t their thing.”

His bandmate George Daniel with his wife Charli XCX will be there, along with Matty’s mum Denise Welch –  so I’m sure there will be plenty of tales to tell.

CAUGHT LIVE

Johnny Marr @ Castlefield Bowl, Manchester

★★★★☆

JOHNNY MARR was at his mercurial best for his sellout homecoming gig in Manchester.

There were plenty of Smiths classics, a couple of seriously decent new singles and a stunning disco-ball moment that turned the baked concrete of Castlefield Bowl into a club dancefloor.

It was the indie icon’s biggest solo show to date, ahead of the release of his fifth album The Age Of Everything in October.

Marr kicked off with Generate! Generate!.

It was a rousing opener, but it was the second track, The Smiths’ Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before, that got the crowd going.

New Town Velocity, from his 2013 album The Messenger, was a welcome moment of reflection while new track Spin went down a storm.

The finale was epic. The juddering riff of How Soon Is Now brought the curtain down on the main set, before a trio of classics – Panic, Iggy Pop’s Passenger, and There Is A Light That Never Goes Out – culminated in arms wrapped around shoulders.

DAN CAIN

A EUROPEAN theme park that mums have compared to Disneyland is getting a new ride that will be the first of its kind at the park.

Efteling theme park in Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands is getting a €50million (£42.6million) new ride in 2029.

The new ride, called Missie Luminar, is themed around the challenge of travelling at the speed of light and will be the theme park’s first suspended launch rollercoaster.

This means all the seats will hang beneath the track.

The rollercoaster will start by launching passengers out of a ‘science lab,’ before they go on a mission with a goal of breaking through the light barrier.

The ride will last two minutes, with parts of the ride focusing on science experiments and discoveries from the 19th century.

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Fons Jurgens, CEO of Efteling, said: “Missie Luminar will be a fantastic addition to our collection of thrill rides. This type of roller coaster is new to Efteling.

“The top speed reaches 80 km/h, but it may feel even faster. All of this creates excitement from start to finish.

“It will be a truly unique and distinctive experience, even more so because of its location.

“Missie Luminar completes the Island of the Five Senses themed area.

“Visitors will see the vehicles racing past as soon as they enter Efteling, setting the tone for their day at the park.

“We still have a little while to wait, but we’re looking forward to seeing our visitors’ first reactions.”

Guests have previously compared Efteling to Disneyland, with one saying: “If you are travelling to the Netherlands, we highly encourage visiting Efteling. I prefer it now to Disney because of the variety it offers.”

Another said it was a “European twist” on Disneyland.

Death in Paradise fans were left doing a double take as they instantly recognised the show’s guest star

A Widow’s Bay icon once played a huge role in Death in Paradise.

Currently, the BBC is airing repeat episodes of Death in Paradise and Wednesday night saw series 11, episode five play. In the 2022 season, Ralf Little was playing the main character of DI Neville Parker before his exit in 2024.

The repeat episode saw a young popstar found dead at a rehab clinic, where it initially looked like a tragic accident. However, Neville was convinced that there was more to her death than meets the eye…

In the episode, it saw the arrival of Neville’s sister, Izzy. However, Neville wasn’t best pleased to see his sister especially as she had kept her arrival a surprise and she soon interfered in his life.

The character of Izzy is played by actress Kate O’Flynn, who appeared as the character for three episodes. Of course, viewers will instantly recognise Kate, 40, for her iconic role of Patricia Moyer in the recent hit series Widow’s Bay.

Other roles include Fiona Lewis in Everyone Else Burns, Princess Mary in My Lady Jane and Alice in Bridget Jones’s Baby – to name just a few.

At the time of the episode airing, viewers were quick to instantly recognise Kate playing Izzy. One person said: “I recognise Izzy from somewhere!”

While another person wrote: “Where have I seen Izzy before!? @deathinparadise she looks very familiar #DeathInParadise!”

However, it looks like there will be no return of Izzy on Death in Paradise in the future due to her on-screen brother Neville’s exit. Back in 2024, Neville decided to leave Saint Marie for good after four years and explore the world.

Since then, Don Gilet has taken over the lead role as DI Mervin Wilson. Talking about joining the show in 2024, Don said: “Being offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel has been placed in my hands.

“This is a big show, with a big heart and the love continually grows for it. It is my intention to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled and dedicated.

“Even during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, swimming pool or an ice-cold beer – whichever happens to be closer at the time!”

Death in Paradise is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has been in the public eye for decades, but there’s one project she wishes she never did.

EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy has revealed the one project she regrets doing during her career.

The actress has remained in the public eye for decades, having joined the BBC soap aged just 10.

Best known for her portrayal of Sonia Fowler, fans have watched her depart and return to the soap numerous times, with her latest exit occurring last year.

Since then, she’s appeared in the BBC documentary series Natalie Cassidy: Caring Together, in which she undertakes training to become a qualified carer.

This isn’t her only venture beyond her EastEnders role, as she released a workout video back in 2007 called Then And Now, reports the Daily Star.

Yet, discussing the making of the fitness video with Ed Balls and Susanna Reid on Good Morning Britain, she admitted it’s a major regret.

She told the two ITV presenters: “Huge mistake, I never thought about my weight before that time.

“I was very happy-go-lucky, didn’t get on a scale, didn’t do anything. I was offered that job, go and do it, earn loads of money and lose loads of weight.

“I did that job, lost loads of weight and put it all back on again. It was really hard, which is why this campaign, what I’m doing at the moment, is really important to me.”

Natalie revealed to the GMB presenters that she doesn’t think people discuss their feelings about weight with genuine honesty, as Ed questioned what someone ought to have said to her when she was contemplating the DVD all those years ago.

She replied: “That it will change, you’ll start having food noise. I felt very alone after the DVD. I felt very alone. The job finished, and I was on my own. I wish I had someone to talk to, somewhere to go, wherever that would be.”

Susanna pointed out that people appear to be in a rather bewildered place currently when it comes to weight, given that a body positivity movement emerged just before weight loss drugs.

Natalie added: “The culture changes and shifts every 10 years; we have those ups and downs. But, I think what I’m saying is, it’s about being able to talk to somebody, be it a friend, family member, whoever, about how you’re feeling.

“How things are making you feel. It’s not just about getting on the scale and seeing a number and keeping that within you, feeling depressed all day and worrying about what you’re going to eat. We should have conversations about it.”

Good Morning Britain is available to watch weekdays on ITV from 6am

THERE is a huge theme park that is often dubbed the Disneyland of Turkey – and it has opened a whole new land.

The Land of Legends in Turkey has opened Waterfly, a new water-themed world with 14 slides inside.

The main attraction is the Dragonfly Tower, a 52m tower that is one of the tallest of its kind.

The tower itself has an number of slides, such as the Dragonfly Jet with a helix twist slide.

Other slides include Golden Wing Spiral, Emerald Blue and Sunset Drop, all a range of intensities depending on your bravery.

There is also the family-friendly Butterfly Beach, for younger kids wanting water play without the thrills.

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Outside of this there are two waterparks – Aqua Land and Tropic Lagoon – which have a combined 70 waterslides.

Thrill seekers can head to Aqua Land as this is where the faster rides are.

For a more relaxed visit, Tropic Lagoon is better for younger guests with pools and gentle splash parks, as well as heated pools and wave pools.

Although save time for Turtle Coaster, one of the biggest waterslides in the world which has 14mph speeds and up to four passengers at a time.

The waterparks are open from April to October, during the busier summer season.

But if you want to stay onsite, it is super cheap too.

Seven-night stays at the Land of Legends theme park start from £809pp on an all-inclusive basis, and it includes your return London flights.

Sadly, this is just out of the waterpark season in November, so if you want to be able to access the waterparks, prices jump to £1,339pp.

Visitors all say the same with one writing on TripAdvisor it was their “best ever family holiday” another added that it was the theme and waterpark that made it “paradise for kids”.

Also at the resort is Nickelodeon Land, Adventure Land and themed hotel rooms.

A MAJOR seaside destination is set to undergo a multi-million upgrade over the next few years.

The Victorian arches along Brighton seafront will soon get a £22million refresh.

The arches can be found along King’s Road, which sits on the seafront and the project will take place over two phases.

The first phase will focus on the area between the bandstand and the i360 which will be completed in 2027.

And the second phase will focus on the area by Shelter Hall and is set to be completed by 2029.

The arches were originally built in the 1860s and 1880s to store fishing boats.

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When Brighton then became popular, the spaces were then used as photography studios and lounges.

Today, the arches are home to independent shops and beachfront cafes .

Back in March it was also announced that the nearby Grade II listed Madeira Terrace would reopen this winter following a £750,000 revamp.

The promenade was built back in 1890 and features 151 arches in total.

And parts of the iron on the arches feature Poseidon – the Greek god of the sea – and Aphrodite – the goddess of love.

Brighton is also getting a huge get 53,819sqft of waterfront shops and 1,000 new homes.

It is part of the eight new developments across Brighton Marina

Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood, said: “Brighton is home to a whole host of attractions, from its iconic beach and legendary pier to the fantastic local businesses dotted across the nearby lanes.

“This funding will mean that everyone can continue to enjoy all of these for the next 120 years by revamping the Victorian arches that dozens of businesses along the seafront call home – boosting growth across Brighton.”

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure, said: “This funding means we can strengthen the Victorian-era arches so they can support the road, pavement and cycle lane on one of the city’s busiest routes for another 100 years.

“But we’ll also be able to create a better home for local businesses in this vibrant space on the seafront and, working with local communities, look at options for a new and improved King’s Road paddling pool area.”

SCISSOR SISTERS added some Spice to their set supporting Duran Duran – by inviting Melanie C to join them on stage.

Gushing over landing Sporty Spice as a special guest at the BST Hyde Park Festival on Sunday, frontman Jake Shears said: “We love Melanie C, she’s always been the loveliest person.

“She loves what she does, she’s a killer singer, so we’re so happy she could join us.

“We’re all big show ponies!

“We’ve had a blast.”

Jake told the audience he still can’t believe the group are still going strong and selling out arenas this far into their career, adding: “It’s been 25 years for us this year, and we’ve gone from literally singing along to CDs to being a fully fledged band in that time.

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“Showmanship takes a long time to learn, as does enjoying yourself on stage.

“Our favourite moments on stage are when we achieve a sense of, ‘What the hell is going on here?’”

Reflecting on their sometimes chaotic live shows, Jake spoke of a particularly memorable performance with the late Dead or Alive singer Pete Burns.

He recalled: “One of our best collaborations has to be in the early days with Pete.

“He was such a special, special human being.

“He was a fierce, amazing character – in stilettos – and we like that, we like a little bit of chaos.

“That show was dangerous, scary, and fun.

“We look back at those times and feel like that was another era, those are people that are gone now.

“It’s very special to know we could do that with someone we looked up to before even becoming a band.”

CAUGHT LIVE: LONDON ROCKED BY METALLICA

FOR a band 45 years into their career, Metallica were still full of life as they tore through the final night of their three-year M72 World Tour.

The rockers turned London Stadium into a theatre on Sunday with an in-the-round stage in the centre of the venue as part of their “no repeats” weekend.

They also played there on Friday night but vowed there would be an entirely different setlist.

That meant they didn’t play many of their hits, but still had plenty of material to keep going for over two hours.

The gig fell on the one-year anniversary of the Back To The Beginning concert at Birmingham’s Villa Park, which the band performed at and where Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne played for the final time.

Honouring the late rocker as his widow Sharon watched on from the crowd, they covered the Sabbath epic, Electric Funeral.

Ending on their biggest UK hit Enter Sandman, it was clear Metallica are still at the top of their game.

★★★★☆

Thanks a bunch, Sara

SARA COX kicked off her tenure as the host of the Radio 2 breakfast show by blasting out Lizzo‘s About Damn Time just after 6.30am.

Full of beans, she was congratulated on air over her new job by Hollywood star Tom Hanks, before leaving the studio with flowers just after 10am.

It sounds like Sara’s taking it old school with a new feature called SurpRise And Shine, where she will phone up listeners who have to answer with a specific phrase to win a special prize – either orange socks with her face on or a Sara-branded toothbrush.

One person who definitely wasn’t listening to Sara’s debut though was sacked host Scott Mills.

His husband Sam Vaughan posted a rare story on Instagram which showed he had snubbed the show and was tuning in to Heart Radio instead.

Can’t say that I blame him . . . 

Hot Tyla, so cool

IF this heatwave carries on, I might have to start dressing like TYLA just to stay cool.

The South African singer took to the stage at Afro Nation festival in Portugal at the weekend wearing this miniscule white top and the tiniest of black miniskirts.

She is gearing up to release her second studio album A*Pop on July 24, which includes her recent singles Chanel and She Did It Again featuring Zara Larsson.

I’ve got a sneaking suspicion we can expect a tour announcement in the not-so-distant future, too.

Tyla was forced to cancel her first headline tour in 2024 due to injury, but she was back on stage last year and is earning rave reviews for her festival sets.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed it isn’t long until she’s back here in the UK.

Shania ends in Styles

HARRY Styles had a smile on his face and the Three Lions on his chest before taking to the stage for the 12th and final night of his record-breaking Wembley Stadium residency.

He posed backstage with Shania Twain, who has been opening for him at the shows, which have been seen by almost one million fans.

Writing on Instagram after the concert – where fellow singer Kylie Minogue and actress Rosamund Pike were spotted in the audience – Shania said: “Thank you again @harrystyles for the memories. You have the greatest fans! Leaving London with an overflowing cup – happy and grateful.”

MADONNA’s Confessions II is now outselling the rest of the Top Five combined in the UK album charts, as it races to become her first No1 record in 14 years.

It came out on Friday and is also on track to land two singles in the Top 40 – Danceteria and her Sabrina Carpenter collab, Bring Your Love.

A UK city that is often overlooked and at the centre of brutal jokes could welcome back a beloved lido following concerns over open-water deaths amid the balmy heatwaves

A UK city that has often been ridiculed is planning to restore its mega lido after it was demolished almost 40 years ago.

For countless years, Hull has been the subject of mockery, partly due to its previous reputation as one of the ‘UK’s worst places to live’ and its sharp industrial decline in the fishing and shipping industries. Even those who have never visited the East Yorkshire city find themselves going along with the unfair narrative, despite its significant progress.

Today, the city, officially called Kingston upon Hull, boasts lively independent bars, restaurants, art galleries, and hidden gems dotted along the waterside, as well as the mega amphitheatre Stage@TheDock. It’s also home to one of the ‘UK’s best wildlife attractions’, The Deep, a colossal aquarium with more than 3,500 marine animals. It has ahistoric quarter, the Old Town, with cobbled lanes, medieval architecture and museums.

Proving just how far it’s come as a city, Hull was named as one of the ‘best places in the world to travel to in 2026’ by National Geographic, and was the only UK destination to make the acclaimed list. And there’s much more to come from the city, with proposed plans to welcome back its once thriving lido.

During the summer months, the open-air swimming pool in East Park, which opened in 1964, was a haven for locals looking for a refreshing dip. But after 24 years, the lido closed in 1985 and was demolished in 1988.

While East Park maintains a children’s water play area, an Animal Education Centre, the Pavilion Cafe, a boat house, play areas and an outdoor gym today, its former lido is still yearned for. Even more so now, in the hope of providing another safe, outdoor swimming environment after tragic events unfolded during the UK’s recent hot weather, which has seen at least 18 people die in open water.

Now, the local council in Hull has agreed to look into the prospect of restoring the former lido in East Park. According to the BBC, Councillor Jessica Smith said: “As the weather gets warmer, we see the same tragic stories repeated year after year. Open water is unforgiving; it doesn’t matter how confident you are, it doesn’t matter how fit you are.”

The proposal, put forward by Jessica during Drowning Prevention Week, has been supported by Councillor Kalvin Neal, who noted that it might need to be relocated. “Although it is something that could be looked at, potentially that isn’t the best place, it could be somewhere else that might be better,” he commented.

It would undoubtedly be a welcome addition back to Hull, with the city’s only council-run lido located at Albert Avenue Pools and Fitness. This outdoor heated swimming pool, which was opened in 2023 after a £10.5 million refurbishment, is available to use from May to September, and has proven to be a huge success in the city.

On swimming safety, Cllr Jessica previously commented: “As local councillors we have a duty to do our best to provide safe swimming facilities and adequate education to our young people,” as reported by Hull Live.

“In a city surrounded by water and home to many lakes, drains and other bodies of water, this is a crucial issue for our communities this summer.” Councillor George Grozav is seconding the proposal. “Every death in open water is a tragedy, and far too many of these incidents involve children and young people.”

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The former theme park has remained vacant since it closed in 2016, but plans to transform the site into a ‘Center Parcs-by-the-sea’ style holiday resort with a Lidl supermarket have been recommended for approval

A theme park that was shuttered back in October 2016 and has been left abandoned ever since could be given a new lease of life in new holiday park plans that have been dubbed “Center Parcs-by-the-sea”.

Pleasure Island in the seaside town of Cleethorpes opened in 1993, and in its heyday it was much loved by locals and tourists thanks to its selection of 50 rides, live shows, and family-friendly entertainment.

After being closed, most of the rides were sold off, and the land has lain abandoned, with only a few rotting buildings and rusting structures giving away that this was once a vibrant attraction. However, there are now plans to redevelop the former Pleasure Island site into a £70million complex featuring a Lidl superstore, hotels and holiday park.

The plans have been put forward for approval by council officers. The proposal for the 60-acre location is expected to generate approximately 400 jobs for the local area, with a further 400 during the construction period. An application to overhaul the disused theme park was originally lodged in January 2023. Environmental assessments, flood risk evaluations and ecological impact studies have needed to be completed before councillors could fully consider the scheme.

At North East Lincolnshire Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, July 8, councillors will be urged to support the plan, subject to conditions.

The site changed hands six years ago, with developers unveiling their ambition for a “Center Parcs by the sea” featuring 272 lodges, hotels, restaurants and retail units with car parking. Lidl GB Ltd, YPG Fab2 ltd, Seaside Getaways and Church Lane Humberston Ltd sought permission in January 2023 to demolish the site and establish the new holiday centre, Lidl superstore and hotels, reports Grimsby Live.

The agent, Lichfields, based in Leeds, has put forward plans to clear the theme park site of the remaining structures and replace them with a large Lidl store and garden centre. The total size of the site within the proposal is around 60 acres.

Pleasure Island covered approximately 25 acres. Two hotels are proposed for the site, one boasting 58 rooms and another offering 148 rooms, both standing at five storeys tall. A drive-thru coffee shop, widely expected to be a Costa, features in the application, alongside a reception area serving 272 lodges, which will offer holiday accommodation ranging from two to four bedrooms.

Retail units and a cycle hire centre are also part of the plans. A lake remains at the heart of the site, and developers are keen to build an anglers’ hub beside it, complete with toilets, lockers and changing facilities for fishing enthusiasts.

Councillors gathered at Grimsby Town Hall to consider objections raised by rival retailers Tesco and Aldi, as well as local residents who have flagged concerns over traffic and the potential impact on wildlife. However, a significant number of people have voiced their support for the development, citing job creation, a boost to tourism and the removal of a long-standing eyesore from the area.

In a report presented to councillors, officials said: “It is considered in principle that a large proportion of the scheme, if not all of it, would support tourism and the visitor economy, in line with the policy aims, widening the choice and availability of such uses as a comprehensive scheme.

“The main site and overflow car park have been vacant for many years since the unfortunate closure of Pleasure Island in 2016. The main site has a derelict appearance which is now beginning to degrade the character and appearance on this key route through the resort.”

The comprehensive planning application report examined the ecological impact alongside access and traffic concerns, but found no serious or harmful effects.

Officials also evaluated the impact of expanding the Meridian Showground, situated next to the proposed holiday development. The Showground may soon accommodate crowds of up to 15,000 people and draw more prominent musical acts.

The noise assessment determined there would be no adverse impact on residents of the lodges or hotels. They described the proposal as “an effective use of the land” and stated it would “contribute to the local economy and the vitality of the resort.”

Adrian Smith, Director of Church Lane Humberston Limited, which is spearheading the development, told Grimsby Live: “We’re delighted that the proposal has been recommended for approval and has reached Committee stage.

“Together with our partners Lidl UK, and with great thanks to planning consultants Lichfields and to Cheryl Jarvis who heads NELC’s planning team, we are thrilled that the recommendation for approval of this £70m project, which will create nearly 400 jobs in the local market and provide an unprecedented boost to the local economy is nearer to delivery.”

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