huge

THERE’S a brand-new woodland playground opening this weekend with everything from slides and climbing walls.

The even better news is that they’re offering discounted tickets throughout the summer holidays.

Tucked away in the Helmingham Estate in Suffolk is Guildenacre – an immersive playground with slides, climbing walls and zip lines.

The play area is inspired by nature and animals is split into four.

The first part is Flint’s Hollow which is home to Flint the Badger and full of tunnels and burrows.

There are two-storey lookout spots too and a covered, twisty slide.

BOOK IT

UK fairytale villages that look like children’s picture books with stays from £20

TOP SEA-CRET

Locals’ guide to UK’s top seaside counties… best beaches & pubs and £15 stays

Up high in the trees is Eira the Owl’s Canopy Keep which has a rope ladder to climb and wooden walkways which lead up to a huge telescope on the stargazing deck.

The Elderglade is where kids will find Atlas the Stag.

It’s the largest play area featuring climbing walls, tunnels, ladders, multi-level walkways, bridges and impressive twin slides to race down.

Vex the Vixen’s Ember Den is designed for older children in mind, it has a more challenging climbing structure with monkey bars and balance beams.

It even has a zip line and the younger ones won’t miss out either as there’s a mini version for the youngsters.

Each area of the playground is linked through bark pathways – so anyone with pushchairs or wheelchairs can easily access it.

When it’s time to eat, visitors can pop into The Black Dog Deli for snacks, pastries, children’s lunchboxes and ice creams.

Tickets to the play area are discounted too thanks to the temporary reduced rate of VAT over the summer.

From when it opens until August 31, tickets booked online are £11.50 for children aged five and over, £8 for adults and £6 for children aged three and over.

You can buy tickets on the day too – these are £13 for children aged five and over, £9.50 for adults and £7.50 for children aged three and over.

Children under three go free.

There’s no restriction on how long you spend at Guildenacre either as there are no allocated time slots.

Guildenacre will be open for weekends from June 27 and then daily for the summer holidays from July 18 until August 31, before returning to its weekend opening.

The play area is set in amongst the four-acre woodlands at Helmingham Hall which is a moated 16th century manor house with a 400-acre deer park.

It has Grade I listed gardens surrounding the house – those who visit Guildenacre will also receive a 25 per cent discount on.entry to the gardens

From the playground the gardens are a short 10-minute walk away or a two-minute drive away.

KELLY Osbourne has signed up to star in a new reality show documenting her life and personal struggles after the death of her father.

The daughter of belated icon Ozzy Osbourne, 41, used to feature in the much-loved show The Osbournes alongside her family.

But this time around Kelly will be taking centre stage in a show focusing on her reinvention as a single mother to son Sid, 3.

Kelly and her fiance, Sid Wilson from Slipknot, split up in March of this year.

She’s since been romantically lined to hairstylist Kiinicki but according to The Daily Mail it’s been an “on and off” relationship.

Kelly’s family and friends, including Lily Allen and DJ Fat Tony, may also be making appearances in the new programme.

HATS OFF

Kelly Osbourne & Geri Horner wow at Ascot as glam racegoers steal the show

true story

Kelly Osbourne WAS on fat jabs for ‘other life problems’, claims DJ Fat Tony

Speaking about the show’s contract, a friend said: “The deal is done, and the production company is finalising which broadcaster this will go with; most likely Disney.

“It will focus on how she is stepping back into life after the trauma of Ozzy dying last year and after breaking up with Sid. It’s about her rebuilding.”

Kelly lost her father in July last year after he suffered a heart attack in his home in Buckinghamshire.

The Black Sabbath star, 76, had only finished his farewell tour Back To The Beginning a matter of weeks before passing away.

Despite suffering a heart attack, Ozzy struggled with numerous other health conditions including Parkinson’s and complication of a quad bike accident from 2003.

Kelly and her family have since been grieving and doing their best to stay strong.

In December, marking the first Christmas without her father, an emotional Kelly shared online: “Christmas will never be the same.

“I will never be the same. The person I was before he died does not exist any more.

“It changes you. He was magical. There is no one like him.”

The Osbournes premiered its first episode in 2002 on MTV, with its first season being cited as the most-viewed series to ever hit MTV.

A LONDON museum filled with vintage tube carriages, trains and buses is getting a multi-million makeover.

The London Transport Museum opened almost 50 years ago and will be getting an extensive facelift and will be getting additional exhibition space too.

Designs have been revealed for the Covent Garden attraction showing off its new and colourful entranceway.

It will also get an extra 500 square metres of space for galleries, and there will be environmental upgrades too.

The attraction that’s found inside a Victorian flower market will remain open throughout the works, so visitors won’t miss out.

Inside is a huge collection of historic vehicles, including buses, trains, and early tube carriages.

TOP SEA-CRET

Locals’ guide to UK’s top seaside counties… best beaches & pubs and £15 stays

CHEAP DATE

Our fave cheap European destinations with flights under £20 & hotels from £24pp

There are also exhibits on the 200 year history of London’s public transport, like original maps and posters.

The London Transport Museum also organises trips for the public down to the abandoned stations of Aldwych and Down Street.

The attraction is next to Covent Garden market and last year welcomed 450,000 visitors.

The entire project is predicted to cost £26million and is set to be complete before 2030.

Elizabeth McKay, LTM’s director and CEO told the Museum Association: “The capital project is £26m, but the good news is we are more than halfway there.”

Funders for the £26m project include Transport for London (TfL) and Arts Council England.

London Transport Museum Friends charity, is donating £300,000 between now and 2030 to support the redevelopment.

TfL commissioner Andy Lord said: “For more than 200 years, London’s public transport has shaped the capital and improved people’s lives in so many ways, from the world’s first underground railway to the iconic red bus, Oyster card and the Elizabeth line.

“I’m thrilled to support the new plans that showcase our transport heritage and the future of transport in the heart of Covent Garden.”

Visitors need an Annual Pass and a timed entry ticket to visit London Transport Museum in Covent Garden – these start from £22.50.

BIG news for families who travel on Ryanair flights.

The airline has announced that it has changed its policy so that families can sit together free of charge.

In a statement made today, Ryanair said that there will be free parent and child seats available together in the rear of its planes for families.

For adults travelling with children who choose this new seating option, they will be told of their seat allocation after they have checked in for their flight.

This is the case with most other airlines in Europe.

Families who opt for this are likely to be seated towards the back of the plane.

TOP SEA-CRET

Locals’ guide to UK’s top seaside counties… best beaches & pubs and £15 stays

CHEAP DATE

Our fave cheap European destinations with flights under £20 & hotels from £24pp

It’s still an option for families to choose their seats in advance, but this does require a seat reservation fee.

Previously, Ryanair’s Ts&Cs required at least one parent to sit with their children aged 2-11 when they fly.

This was done through what Ryanair calls a “mandatory family seat”, which the parent must pay for in order to secure a seat next to them for their child.

For all other passengers, reserving a seat is optional.

This fee applies to both outbound and return flights and typically costs around £8 each way.

Ryanair’s website refers to “Free reserved seats for kids under 12”, but the parents and guardians had to pay a booking fee to access these seats.

Typically, other airlines offer to seat children with a parent or guardian without the need for a paid-for adult seat reservation, or allocate seats together automatically during booking for free.

The new policy comes in on new bookings made from today.

The airline is facing investigation by the CMA to determine whether the practice is “in line with consumer law”.

On the policy change, a CMA spokesperson said: “Ryanair claims its seating policy now complies with the law, and we’ll test that thoroughly. If true, it’s a win for families – who will no longer have to pay to sit with their children – and it shows the impact our new powers are having.

“But it doesn’t change the fact families have been paying for ‘mandatory family seats’. Our investigation remains ongoing.”

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary commented on the changes…

Ryanair CEO, Michael O’Leary, said: “Turning a blind eye to the high fares charged by airlines on routes with no Ryanair competition, the CMA has now targeted our family seating policy which has been universally embraced by consumers as the most progressive and transparent in Europe.

“Instead of promoting competitiveness and lower fares for consumers, the CMA is on a mission to force Ryanair to adopt the less transparent and less consumer-friendly family seating policy applied by most other airlines – just because it’s the industry standard.”

He said that the airline will “reluctantly adjust” to the industry standard.

Michael explained that “families may have to wait until after they have checked in to find out their seat allocation”.

And that these seats are likely to be at the “rear of the cabin”

A HUGE Brit pop star has revealed his partner has suffered a devastating miscarriage.

Chart-topping British dance artist James Hype and his music artist partner Tita Lau shared their devastation after revealing their unborn baby has died just months into the pregnancy.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday afternoon, Tita shared a black and white snap of them hugging and wrote alongside it: “This week we thought we’d be sharing the happiest news of our lives. Sadly, life had a different plan for us.

“For the last two years, we’ve been trying for a baby. It hasn’t been easy, especially because James and I hardly see each other.

“We’d started planning our IVF journey & had meetings with multiple doctors. But just before we were due to begin, something felt different…
I can’t really explain it, I bought a pregnancy test & called James literally 1000s of miles apart…Positive.”

She then shared how they went through a range of emotions before heading for their first scan and hearing the baby’s heartbeat.

MIXING IT UP

Jesy Nelson set to join Towie as she pauses pop career after babies heartbreak

JOEL CORRIES ON

Joel Corry on brink of his biggest collab for new record with HUGE pop star

Tita, who also tours the world as a DJ, added: “Keeping it a secret was so hard, especially while touring. The first trimester is literally no joke!”

But a few weeks later, Tita said she felt “something wasn’t right” and went to get checked at another scan and “That’s when our hearts broke.”

She continued: “We were told I’d had what’s called a missed miscarriage, most likely caused by chromosomal abnormalities. My body still believed it was pregnant, but our baby had stopped developing.

“I don’t think a day has gone by that I haven’t cried. I didn’t know what happened next. It’s not something I’d ever thought about, but the next day, I had surgery & just like that, everything we’d been dreaming about was over.”

She then paid tribute to her husband, saying: “I’m still recovering, both physically & emotionally & I know James is too. I honestly don’t know how I would have gone through this week without you. This has been the hardest thing we’ve experienced together.”

James then commented underneath the post: “Proud of you for sharing this. Believe that everything will work out the way it should.”

The couple recently celebrated their sixth anniversary together.

James first hit the UK music scene back in 2017 when his song More Than Friends became a smash hit.

He has since had hit songs with global artists such as Craig David, Kim Petras and Pia Mia. 

JOEL CORRY is on the brink of his biggest collaboration yet, after striking up a bond with Jennifer Lopez.

He’s worked with, and remixed songs from, some of the biggest names on the planet, including Charli XCX, Raye and Sir Elton John.

But Joel caught J-Lo’s attention in December after remixing her 2005 single Get Right, before he remixed her David Guetta collaboration Save Me Tonight in March.

And after flying Bizarre’s Jack out to Ibiza to join him for a mad 24 hours on the party island, Joel says he’s working on getting a studio date with her.

“I’m still in touch with J-Lo and her team, and we’re trying to work on new music together,” Joel says.

“I could definitely see that happening.

LEGAL-LEE

Katie Price’s husband Lee Andrews named in newly unearthed explosive court battle

ONE IN A MILL

Millie Bobby Brown strips off to bikinis after hitting back at mum shamers

“She loves dance music and doing a remix for Get Right for her last year was an honour.

“It was amazing to meet her and build that friendship.

“I look forward to her doing more of that.”

Of his close friend David, Joel adds: “I talk to him all the time.

“I am playing with him in a few weeks at Ushuaïa.

“He books me back every year to support him at Ushuaïa.

“He’s the best.

“He’s the King of Ibiza.”

Before he nails down his time with J-Lo, Joel has another project up his sleeve — and we did not see it coming.

He has recorded a track with Aleksandr Orlov, the animated aristocratic Russian meerkat who has been fronting ads with his “simples” catchphrase for Compare the Market since 2009.

Together they’re launching a bid for No1 with Simples featuring Scrufizzer [Joel Corry Remix].

Joel says with a laugh: “Listen, you know I’m the king of the summer bangers.

“And for Aleksandr the meerkat, it’s always been his dream to have a summer banger.

“So I’m just helping him out.

“Aleksandr for No1.”

Joel has big ambitions for his animated pal too, and is hoping ITV calls him up for a performance in the Love Island villa, three years after he played there with Becky Hill.

“I’ve done Love Island but we need to get the meerkat on Love Island,” Joel says.

“He would clean up in the villa, wouldn’t he?

“I’d love to go back and, this time, we’ll bring Aleksandr.”

During Jack’s whirlwind trip to Ibiza, he joined Joel in the DJ booth for his set at Wayne Lineker’s infamous O Beach, where he premiered Simples live.

He was accompanied by his girlfriend Coco Lodge, who found fame on series eight of Love Island, the same year he performed.

While he kept tight-lipped as to whether a proposal is on the cards, Joel has his heart set on Ibiza for the big day.

He says: “I’ve always said if I was ever gonna get married, Ibiza would be the place to do it.

“It has a special place in my heart.

“The first time I came here was when I was in my early twenties, and I’ve been back every year since.

“I’ve had residencies here for the last few years, and this is definitely my happy place.

“I think it’d be a perfect place to get married.”

While I’m sure Joel’s brother will be his best man, I wouldn’t put it past Aleksandr to wangle himself a role as ring bearer if all goes well with their track.

THE longest outdoor tubing slide in the UK is due to open at an adventure park this summer.

Families will be able to enjoy the new attraction just as the school holidays kick off.

Spanning 315ft, Fossil Falls in Norfolk is even bigger than the 288ft-long Forest Tubing experience, which opened at Heaton Park’s Zip World in May.

Fossil Falls will be officially opened by Matty Campbell, better known as TV Gladiator Bionic.

Matty will cut the ribbon to the ride at ROARR! Dinosaur Park in Lenwade on July 18.

The launch of the mega ride will kick off the summer holidays with an action-packed day for families, who will also have the chance to meet the star.

GOOD MORNING VIETNAM

From Ha Long to Hoi An – unforgettable Vietnam trip you must book

SPLASH ZONE

Spain’s biggest theme park to open two new zones including first watercoaster

Ben Francis, park director at ROARR!, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have Matty here to open Fossil Falls.

“Having a real-life Gladiator launch our longest ever ride feels like the perfect fit – both are all about excitement, energy, and family fun.

“At 107 metres, Fossil Falls is the longest outdoor tubing slide in the UK and we can’t wait for families to experience it.”

The ride is part of a £250,000 investment in the park, which already features attractions such as Dippy’s Splash Zone.

Other attractions include Predator High Ropes, and Dinomite, billed as Norfolk’s largest indoor play area.

All attractions are included in the price of entry.

ADELE is gearing up to shock the music world by making a comeback – and is already hard at work.

The elusive superstar singer vowed to take a “big break” two years ago.

Now The Sun can reveal she secretly flew into London earlier this month from her LA bolthole and has been writing and recording at Church Studios in North London over the past week.

In even more exciting news for fans, other famous musicians have been spotted there while she has been inside.

It all leads to hopes the 38-year-old may have collaborations on her next record, having never done so on the core work of her four albums.

American singer-songwriter Justin Vernon, better known as frontman of indie folk band Bon Iver, was photographed outside the studios last Wednesday.

‘PEOPLE ARE WORRIED’

Inside Britney’s ‘lonely’ life as pals reveal fears for ‘lost’ star

happy for you

Dua Lipa shares stunning snaps from her and Callum Turner’s Sicily wedding

It is not known whether he is working with Adele, although in 2016 she tweeted: “Bon Iver’s music is one of the true loves of my life. Every. Single. Time.”

Gen Z heartbreak singer Gracie Abrams also appeared to be shooting a music video outside at the same time.

The studios are owned by producer Paul Epworth, who Adele has worked closely with throughout her career, and with whom she won an Oscar for James Bond theme song Skyfall.

Church Studios are also where she made parts of her 2015 album 25.

A source said: “Adele is spending at least a fortnight in London writing and recording music.

“She was in and out of sessions last week and will be back in there this week, but she is keeping a low profile while she is here.

“She feels safe at Church Studios and it’s where Paul is based, so it made sense to travel over for the ­sessions, rather than work somewhere else in LA.”

The studios were previously owned by Eurhythmics great Dave Stewart, and it was where the British band recorded their 1983 album Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This).

Industry insiders believe the move is an attempt to develop a more English-sounding album, after her most recent one, 30, was made in the States.

A second music source said: “Adele has been living in LA for a decade now and although she loves it, her roots in London are very important to her.

“People close to her have been encouraging her to reconnect with where she grew up for her new music, because they believe it will help inspire something different.

“Her last album was well received but it was very Hollywood.

“People loved Adele originally because she was down to earth and relatable, so she’s trying to bring that back by drawing on inspirations in her home town.

“Coldplay, Paul McCartney, Oasis, Mick Jagger, Florence + The Machine, Culture Club, The Streets, Tom Jones, and her close friend Jack Penate have all worked at Church Studios before, so she’s in good company.”

Adele was born in Tottenham, North London, and later moved to Brixton and West Norwood in South London.

On her third album 25, released in 2015 just before she relocated to the US, she had lyrics about the capital and a song called River Lea, about the waterway running through Tottenham.

But 2021’s 30 was written about her divorce from charity entrepreneur Simon Konecki, which happened in LA, and made no mention of the UK.

After releasing the record, she ­performed two sell-out shows in Hyde Park, followed by her two-year ­Weekends With Adele residency in Las Vegas and a ten-night residency at a purpose-built stadium in Munich.

Now it is clear the mum-of-one is trying to soak up some British ­culture while she is here.

Adele was photographed in London nine days ago arriving at the 36th birthday party of actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Then on Thursday night she attended Messy singer Lola Young’s concert at O2 Academy Brixton, and the youngster shared a selfie of them together.

Fans have also claimed Adele was in the audience at a production of Romeo & Juliet in London’s West End on Friday night.

In July 2024, Adele revealed she planned to take a break after her run of Sin City shows.

She said: “I don’t have any plans for new music at all.

“I want a big break after all this and I think I want to do other ­creative things just for a little while.”

But in February, she flew to Rome for her acting debut in Tom Ford’s upcoming historical drama Cry To Heaven, based on Anne Rice’s 1982 novel of the same name.

She spent several weeks there and will appear opposite Hollywood heavyweights including Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Nicholas Hoult and Thandiwe Newton.

Two months later, The Sun revealed she was being courted to record a single for the soundtrack.

But although work has brought her back to the UK, it looks unlikely that a move is on the cards.

The Rolling In The Deep singer paid £47million in 2022 for Sylvester Stallone’s former Californian home with her sports agent partner Rich Paul.

The following year Adele talked about how she would find it tough to move back to the UK.

The singer, who now only occasionally returns to London, explained: “I get really bad seasonal depression, so the weather is good for me here.

“It is strange sometimes, because I’m very British. Because it’s a bit harder for me to go out nowadays, what I love the most about LA is everyone goes to each other’s houses. I like that.

“And I actually have made a lot of really great core friends. I didn’t think I’d ever have a real friend group here. I don’t want a bunch of celebrities being my friends — well, only celebrities.

“And my friends are actually from LA, Before I moved here, I’d never met one person who was from LA.

“They’re not famous and they’re great. And having a kid at school, I’ve got great mum friends. I do like it.”

The same year, she had an ­emotional exchange with British actor and presenter James Corden on his final Carpool Karaoke ­segment on The Late Late Show, before he moved back to the UK.

James said: “It’s been a brilliant adventure but I’m just so certain it’s time for us as a family, with people getting older, people that we miss, to go home.”

A teary Adele responded: “I know. I’m just not ready to come back yet, otherwise I would come back with you.”

She also said she likes being left alone in LA, adding: “For anyone that has never been to LA, you assume it would be the opposite. But there are so many famous ­people here that they don’t waste their time,” she said.

“I really miss London, but I miss the London from before all of this happened in my life.”

Since releasing her debut album 19 in 2008, Adele has become one of the 21st century’s best-selling artists, and won 16 Grammys.

Her second album 21 racked up sales of 57million, while 30 sold 261,000 copies in its first week to become the fastest-selling album in four years.

Now the pressure is on for Adele to continue her streak of success.

Having named her first four albums after the ages she was when she wrote them — 19, 21, 25 and 30 — it remains to be seen whether her next record will be called 38, her age now.

When 25 came out, Adele said: “I think this will be my last age one.

“I’m sure I’m wrong with this but I feel there’s been a massive change in me in the last couple of years.”

She later decided to name her fourth album after the age she was when she got divorced, and reflected on the future of her titles in an interview at the time.

Adele said: “I am just like everyone else in the world. I can change my mind. And I haven’t got to stay true to something that I’ve said — you know, I think the age thing is a bloody good idea. And so I want to keep going with (the titles). Or I might not.”

Our music insider added: “Adele feels the pressure with her music and won’t rush anything out if it’s not up to scratch with her back catalogue.

“She has been writing for a while now but she is taking her time with it.

“She knows there are always grand expectations and she is determined to only return when the music is the best it can be.”

A MEGA new museum all about one major city is opening in the UK later this year.

Having been developed over the past decade, the London Museum will open in Smithfield, London, on November 28.

The £437million museum – which will be housed in Smithfield’s General Market – will become the world’s largest city museum.

There will be a total of three different spaces documenting the past 10,000 years of the capital with over seven million objects on display.

The first space, called ‘Real Time’, will be a covered street where visitors enter with real time data displayed around them about different parts of London.

Underneath the former market’s domed roof, visitors will then enter the ‘Our Time’ space, which will be the central area of the museum with events and activities including immersive theatre.

Read more on travel inspo

STAYCAY

Our travel experts’ best-kept-secret UK holiday spots for summer – from £37 a night

TRAVEL TIP

The £2.99 SIM hack that can save Brits HUNDREDS abroad

The area will have 13 installations about London, a restaurant and a bookshop, with festivals and markets planned for the future too.

Other activities at the museum will include dinner clubs and after-hours DJ sessions on Fridays and Saturdays.

And finally, the main permanent gallery, which will be known as ‘Past Time’, will be underground and take visitors through London’s history.

Most of the objects will be found on this floor and will range massively, including the recent ‘Piranhas’ artwork by Banksy on show as well as older pieces such as Charles I’s execution vest.

Other objects that will go on display include swimming trunks worn by Tom Daley for the 2012 London Olympics, loads of Elizabethan jewellery and Paul Simonon from The Clash’s bass guitar, which he smashed on stage.

A coffee stand – Syd’s Coffee Stall – that stood in Shoreditch for over a century will be in the museum as well, serving hot drinks as part of a Tuesday Tea Club at the museum.

There will be a unique feature on the lower level of the museum too, where visitors can look through a giant six-metre tall window to see Thameslink trains pass by the museum.

General Market opened back in 1883 as a meat market but has stood abandoned for the past three decades.

In 2028, the Poultry Market – which is next door – will also become part of the museum and will be home to exhibition spaces, a learning centre and collections store.

The spaces in the Poultry Market will be called ‘Temporary Time’, ‘Imagined Time’ and ‘Deep Time’.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The opening of the new London Museum will be a hugely significant moment both for London and internationally.

“Backed by one of the largest ever cultural investments in our capital, London Museum will attract millions of visitors and Londoners and reinforce our status as the cultural capital of the world.

“London Museum celebrates the past, creates opportunities in the present and will inspire future generations, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”

The MQ-9 Reaper and its associated Predator-B family of drones are in an interesting spot these days. On one hand, they are receiving new, highly relevant capabilities and missions at an accelerating pace. They also just proved to be an absolutely star asset for hunting and killing key targets, such as missile launchers and air defenses, deep inside Iran. On the other hand, their vulnerability to air defenses, not even modern ones, is glaring, with major losses in Iran and Yemen. Yet the USAF’s chronic lack of commitment to replace the MQ-9 has left it with dwindling stocks and nothing better to do the job.

Within this jumbled and often misunderstood narrative, one new capability stands out from the rest that would give the MQ-9 extreme value today and for years to come. This is turning the MQ-9 into a radar-toting airborne early warning (AEW) platform for detecting and tracking aircraft, drones, and missiles. A Reaper in this exact configuration just flew for the first time recently.

The MQ-9 sortie in question was the product of a partnership between General Atomics and Saab, with Saab, already a leader in AEW systems, providing the podded radar system named LoyalEye. This initial test flight took place on May 19th, and a full demonstration of the pairing’s capabilities is planned for next year.

GA-ASI President David R. Alexander stated the following about the MQ-9 AEW capability:

“AEW for MQ-9B will offer critical aloft sensing to defend against tactical air munitions, guided missiles, drones, fighter and bomber aircraft, and other threats. Operational availability for a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS is the highest of any military aircraft, and as an unmanned platform, its aircrews are not put into harm’s way.”

For many years now, I have discussed how the most glaring new mission set for a medium altitude, long-endurance drone is AEW. The idea is relatively simple in concept. Take a cost-effective drone that can fly at medium altitudes for long periods and bolt on some radar pods capable of air moving-target indicator (AMTI) functionality. Then configure the datalinks (both line-of-sight and beyond line-of-sight) aboard the aircraft to send the information the pods collect back to controllers, who also remotely operate the drone and the pods from the ground. Such an unmanned aircraft could fly its missions at relatively low cost, and operate in a distributed manner, near where its surveillance capabilities are needed most. Above all else, it would be able to persist for very long periods of time — think of loitering over its launch location for the better part of a day or more — providing persistent long-range look-down radar surveillance, which has never been more important than it is today.

One-way attack munitions, also known as long-range kamikaze drones, are a massive threat to confront on many levels. These unmanned aerial systems blur the definition between cruise missiles and drones. In this case, cruise missiles are also part of the same problem set. While the question of how to shoot down relatively cheap one-way attack drones cost-effectively gets a lot of attention, just spotting them in order to engage them at all, especially at a distance, is also a challenge. Their small signatures and low-altitude flight profiles, as well as their slow speed, can make it so ground-based sensors don’t detect them until it’s almost too late, and aging airborne sensors also have limitations in doing so.

The moment of one of Russian strikes with Shahed/Geran-type long-range OWA-UAVs in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Tuesday.

According to Ukrainian emergency services, at least 12 people have been wounded as a result of today’s attack. https://t.co/3lnQazYpWl pic.twitter.com/N7PdwrsK0I

— Status-6 (War & Military News) (@Archer83Able) September 30, 2025

This is where an advanced look-down airborne radar is critical. It can spot these objects from above at long distances and separate them from the ground clutter. The problem is that airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) manned platforms are hugely expensive, resource intensive, and are the very definition of high-value, low-density assets. Many of them can only operate from longer runways, meaning they can only be based far away from where the threats are. Even then, they are top targets, as we saw earlier this year in Saudi Arabia, and their airfields are prime targets too, which can leave them trapped or destroyed on the ground.

The USAF has a dwindling number of geriatric E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, which, despite upgrades, are not the best at spotting low-flying drones. The USAF is now moving begrudgingly forward with stalled E-7 procurement, but these aircraft are also very complex, expensive, and labor-intensive platforms that need long runways to operate from. The Navy has the E-2D Hawkeye, which is more modern and capable in some regards, and less in others, but is also not available in vast numbers as they have other critical taskings, especially to support carrier air wings. These aircraft are better suited to operate from remote forward airfields, and having a smaller logistical and crew footprint, but still require far more support than an MQ-9. Overall, these crewed aircraft are also increasingly vulnerable to long-range air defenses, and, while their sensor range is generous, it is still limited, making their utility questionable in a peer state conflict.

For higher-end missions, where command and control is a major part of what AEW&C platforms will be called upon to do, directing air wars and coordinating defenses, while also supplying networking support, a pod-equipped MQ-9 cannot replace an E-7 or E-2. For providing critical surveillance, especially in areas where there are gaps in crewed AEW&C coverage, or in places that just don’t require that level of support, the AEW-capable MQ-9 is a very attractive solution. Even pushing these uncrewed sensor nodes forward, into higher-threat areas, under certain circumstances, to provide high-fidelity radar coverage where no crewed platform would ever be risked, is a real use case. An MQ-9 is far more expendable than a manned AEW&C asset from human life, cost, and recovery operation requirements (combat search and rescue) perspectives.

The truth of the matter is that even if the E-7 replaces all 15 remaining E-3s, and even if the Navy adds E-2 Hawkeyes, in a future distributed conflict, there is no way these aircraft can give all the coverage needed, persistently, day and night, while providing surveillance for all threatened locales. Not even close. This is especially true as relatively cheap one-way attack drones, such as the Shahed-136, can travel over a thousand miles, drastically expanding potential threat areas at a very low cost to the enemy.

This is where the podded MQ-9 can shine, with a detachment of a few of these aircraft providing persistent coverage (“orbits”) over key areas 24/7 while retaining a small logistical footprint. This would also directly support the USAF’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) combat doctrine, where small groups of tactical aircraft will move quickly from one forward location to another in hopes of staying ahead of an enemy’s targeting cycle. While that may be the goal, these traveling road-shows of airpower will still need persistent look-down coverage, especially if they are positioned deeply within the enemy’s striking range. AEW&C aircraft will not be able to provide this coverage persistently (if at all). AEW MQ-9s could, and they could drastically increase the situational awareness, range, and overall effectiveness of other key defensive capabilities, such as surface-to-air missile systems and fighter aircraft, with the targeting data they provide.

General Atomics is also turning the MQ-9 family into drone killers themselves with the addition of laser-guided rockets. This could result in ‘hunter-killer’ teaming, where the AEW MQ-9 spots the threat and the laser-guided rocket-equipped MQ-9 intercepts and destroys it. Just the AEW MQ-9 on its own can also use its powerful MTS electro-optical sensor turret to visually identify potential enemy aircraft once they get close enough, allowing for a non-cooperative friend or foe identification capability.

Mojave STOL: Real. Rugged. Ready Today.

You can even look to the recent fighting in the Middle East, which saw Iran barrage allied bases on the Arabian Peninsula with one-way attack munitions and low-end cruise missiles. Reapers with LoyalEye pods could have provided persistent look-down radar coverage over threatened areas, especially as the USAF’s dwindling and rickety AEW&C fleet was overtasked. They could have also created a radar picket line across the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and eastern Iraq, providing high-fidelity look-down radar coverage and a true early warning screen for Iranian weapons heading towards their target areas, all without putting a crew at risk.

Now, it’s worth noting that the USAF envisions a future where AEW and general AMTI sensing is largely migrated to an orbital layer of satellites, and they are actively working to realize this capability, which would be absolutely revolutionary if fully realized. Yet, as of now, it’s still an if, and it will take years to fully come to fruition. Even then, relying on a space layer alone for this absolutely critical capability would be a huge vulnerability. Backing it up with a lower-end, flexible airborne solution will likely remain critical for a long time to come. AEW MQ-9s can help efficiently fill out a high-low AEW/airborne moving target indicator mix. This is especially true as the platform itself, the MQ-9, can be reconfigured for a huge range of other missions when AEW capabilities are not in high demand, so the USAF isn’t left with a single mission asset.

The AEW MQ-9s can also provide their capabilities here at home. America is dealing with a tough future when it comes to defending the homeland, and providing look-down radar capabilities is a major part of adapting to this reality. Outside of tethered aerostats, which have not proven to be a large-scale workable solution yet, AEW MQ-9s would provide flexible, efficient and persistent capabilities in areas where it may be needed, especially in times of heightened defense, like major public events and during a crisis.

The AEW MQ-9s can also provide their services during large force employment training exercises, including going some way to emulate more capable crewed AEW&C platforms, at least with target track generation, when those manned AEW&C assets are not available. They could also be very valuable in an opposition forces ‘red air’ role, which has historically been sorely lacking in AEW, especially as AEW capabilities proliferate around the globe, particularly with America’s primary pacing threat, China.

The naval side of this is a big deal too. The fact that General Atomics is modifying the MQ-9 family to operate from large deck amphibious assault ships and carriers presents another huge opportunity. It could provide LHA/LHDs with a truly organic fixed-wing AEW asset for the first time — one that doesn’t require large flight crews and that can loiter above the amphibious strike group for very long periods of time. This is becoming more important as enemy missile and drone technology evolves. Having to rely on surface combatants and a small contingent of fighter aircraft, if any at all, for air defense is limiting and can impart extra risk at inopportune times, especially in littoral environments. During a major conflict, these ships could operate too far out to sea to make land-based AEW support plausible and those assets will be over-tasked as it is. AEW MQ-9 seems like a relatively glaring off-the-shelf solution to this problem. It’s also worth noting that the USMC already operates the MQ-9 and integrating it into the shipboard Air Combat Element (ACE) of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force should be relatively straightforward.

Introducing MQ-9B STOL

AEW configured examples could also be extremely useful for the Marines’ Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) concept, which mirrors elements of the USAF’s ACE doctrine, but goes beyond just the aerial fight. Marines deployed forward in the enemy’s ring of fire under EABO will need look down protection more than pretty much anyone else, which the AEW MQ-9 could provide at low risk. The MQ-9 family is already capable of short field operations and that is only being enhanced with new STOL (short-takeoff-and-landing) members of the MQ-9 family, meaning they can fly from small, austere airstrips and could maintain sortie rates even if those airstrips receive partial damage.

For supercarriers, the AEW MQ-9 could augment the E-2D, providing constant look down radar coverage for the entire carrier strike group when E-2s are not up. This would deeply benefit the CSG’s entire air warfare mission, providing critical sensor data to Aegis warships, fighters, and the carrier. They could also augment E-2D coverage during high-threat periods of vulnerability, including putting additional sensor coverage farther away from the CSG over high-risk vectors of attack. We discussed in detail how an AEW capable version of the Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray could also serve in this general capacity.

All of this is from a very American point of view, but the AEW MQ-9 concept may be most attractive to foreign air arms that currently have no dedicated AEW capabilities at all, or are looking to augment the limited capacity they do have. Fielding a traditional AEW&C force is very expensive, even for a small cadre of crewed platforms, limiting the realistic application of such a force even if the country can afford it to begin with. AEW MQ-9 could help ‘democratize’ AEW and allow many allies to field such a capability, which a coalition force during multi-national operations could also benefit from, including the U.S. In this way, AEW MQ-9 could be a huge win not just for countries in need of this kind of capability at a lower price point, but also for the U.S., as this kind of sensor information will become far more widespread, putting less pressure on its own organic AEW force. This could be leveraged both in peacetime for surveillance and monitoring, but especially in a crisis.

Just look at what’s happening with the drone threat to Europe for instance. MQ-9s with the radar pods could provide sustainable airborne surveillance for NATO countries. Think of the AEW MQ-9 as the F-5 Freedom Fighter of AEW capabilities. And once again, these allies would be able to use the MQ-9s in many different ways when not configured for the AEW mission, including peacetime monitoring and patrols not related to airborne moving target tracking.

As it sits now, Japan has already expressed interest in the AEW MQ-9 and many other nations are sure to follow.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the idea of AEW functionality on an uncrewed platform isn’t exactly new. It has been experimented with before and China is thought to have added some of this functionality to its far more advanced high-altitude, long-endurance drones. But providing a robust, off-the-shelf solution for the more accessible and flexible medium-altitude, long-endurance drone class, and especially the most proven of all types in this class on the planet, the MQ-9 family, makes glaring sense for an extremely wide set of potential users, including the United States.

Contact the author: Tyler@twz.com

A MASSIVE indoor water resort the size of nine football pitches is set to open – and a similar one is coming to the UK.

Therme Singapore has confirmed that it will be opening in 2030, with works set to start.

The 720,000sqft attraction will be set across seven levels, with a range of activities based around water and wellness.

Set to cost S$1billion (£584million), inside will be 20 swmming pools, 18 waterslides and 70 treatment rooms for health and wellness.

There will be three zones – Play, Relax and Restore.

Play will be home to the water slides, as well as kids pools and a wave pool while Relax will have mineral and hydrotherapy pools.

SPLASH OUT

Mega £500m waterpark gets underway & will be UK’s ‘biggest paid-for attraction’

SPLASH OUT

Huge £500million indoor water resort to be ‘UK’s biggest paid-for attraction’

Restore will be the wellness area, with everything from steam rooms and saunas to cold punges and massage rooms.

Not only will there be hundreds of thousands of plants inside, but it will remain at around 30C all year round.

Inside will also be a huge dining area with restaurants and food spaces.

When it opens, it hopes to eventually welcome up to two million visitors.

But if Singapore is a bit too far for you, you can get excited by these images as a similar one is opening in the UK.

Therme Manchester is also opening in 2030, and claims it will be the biggest paid for attraction in the UK with three million tourists a year.

The £500million indoor water resort will be across 28 aces, with similar Play, Restore and Relax zones like the one in Singapore.

This will include a indoor beach, year-round 33C temperatures as well as pools and slides.

David Russell, CEO of Therme UK said: “There won’t be anywhere in this country that has the facilities we have.”

Other sides include Therme Bucharest in Romania and Therme Erdin in Germany.

FOOTBALL fans better strap in as there is a huge new attraction themed all around the sport landing in Europe.

Viva Mundo is a new football-inspired theme park in Santarém, Portugal, due to open in time for the next World Cup in 2030 – which will be hosted by Portugal, alongside Spain and Morocco.

The attraction won’t be themed around specific clubs but rather a love for the sport.

The theme park, which is expected to cost £389million, released a video this week showing potential rides and attractions that could feature at the park.

The video shows the park could include a Vegas-like sphere, a 4D cinema experience and even a water obstacle course.

Across Viva Mundo there will be 28 attractions in total.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

STAYCAY

Our travel experts’ best-kept-secret UK holiday spots for summer – from £37 a night

There will be rollercoasters including a dual rollercoaster, where families can race against each other and another that will launch riders at high speed.

Other rides will include a log flume and rapids as well as a drop tower.

According to Local Online, the theme park will be split up into six different areas – the entrance, the ‘Memory’, ‘Flavours’, ‘Fans’, the ‘Spectacle’ and ‘Football World’.

The Welcome Gate area will be where visitors enter the theme park, then Memory will be where they can visit a shop and museum, showcasing the sport’s history as well as iconic memorabilia from around the world.

In the Flavours area, fans will be able to grab a bite to eat with several different restaurants with food from around the world.

As for the Fan Zone, the area will replicate the energy of a stadium on a match day, with virtual reality experiences for fans.

In the Spectacle area, fans can expect a 4,000 seat arena for live concerts and performances.

And last but not least will be Football World, located around a central lake and divided into sub-zones that include: Passion – a tribute neighbourhood; Glory – a area dedicated to football legends with trophies; and Fantasy – a playground-like area for younger fans.

And visitors won’t need to stay outside of the park as there will also be a 300-room themed hotel onsite.

The park is planned to open on April 29, 2030, which would be in time for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Portugal is due to co-host alongside Morocco and Spain.

The park will be 40 minutes from Lisbon and an hour and a half from Porto.

Santarem, where the theme park will be located, is a historic city worth exploring in its own right.

Dubbed the ‘Gothic capital’of Portugal, the city boasts fascinating architecture as well as amazing views of the Tagus River.

One spot to not miss is the Portas do Sol Gardens, which is the city’s old castle.

The park expects to welcome between one and 1.5million visitors a year when open, according The Portugal News.

THE EU is in the midst of making huge changes when it comes to air travel and all of them will greatly benefit passengers.

These include no extra fees, better compensation rights and families heading on holiday can sit together at no extra charge – but now we’re out of the EU, the new rights will only carry weight for Brits on certain flights.

The new regulations were agreed by the EU Council and Parliament yesterday, making it the first overhaul in over 20 years and will come into play in 2027.

Some of the biggest changes include allowing families to sit together at no extra cost, as well as passengers having a free personal item to take onboard.

There also won’t be penalties for missing one leg of a booking, and hand luggage costs will be shown upfront in the fare.

There will also be a ban on additional fees for alterations like name correction.

JUST THE TICKET

Bag UK’s CHEAPEST Drayton Manor tickets & little-known tips on best rides

CHEAP DATE

Our fave cheap European destinations with flights under £20 & hotels from £24pp

It will be easier for passengers to get money back for delays or cancellations too.

Airlines will need to immediately acknowledge a claim and then reply within 30 days.

For those who experience delays, there is a right to assistance which includes refreshments every two hours of waiting time, a meal after three hours, internet access and phone calls.

When passengers need overnight stays, they should be given the hotel free of charge and get free transport from the airport to the accommodation and back.

After a cancelled flight or denied boarding, passengers who choose to reroute must be given an alternative journey within three hours.

This all sounds great doesn’t it? Well, there is some bad news – this won’t count for all British travellers leaving the UK.

As a result of Brexit, British holidaymakers won’t necessarily benefit from this as in some cases their flights will fall under passenger rights called UK261.

Whereas for those living in the EU, the new regulations count for all.

For Brits heading on holiday, taking advantage of these EU changes will depend on the route and the airline.

For example, a flight leaving the UK for Malaga with Ryanair will fall under EU rules as Ryanair is an EU airline.

The Malaga to UK return leg will also be under the EU rules – on the return journey, it doesn’t matter if the airline is EU or non-EU, because the flight departs from the EU.

Along with Ryanair, the likes of Wizz Air, easyJet and Lufthansa are all EU-airlines so the new rules automatically count for Brits on both journeys to EU countries.

There will however, be a gap on flights leaving the UK on a non-EU airline.

For example, if a British passenger flies from London to Madrid on a UK airline like British Airways, that outbound leg would remain under UK261 rules rather than the new EU regulations.

But the return would fall under the EU rules because it departs from Madrid in the EU.

So Brits heading on holiday will only get the new benefits if they are travelling on EU-covered flights.

They will not get them automatically on all flights from UK airports.

UK-airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Jet2 won’t fall under the new EU rules.

But these do have their own guidelines and policies regarding families sitting together and luggage costs.

AirAdvisor CEO Anton Radchenko, a renowned aviation lawyer, added: “This agreement is a meaningful step forward for European passengers, and it throws the position of UK travellers into sharp relief.

“For the first time since Brexit, we are looking at a real divergence in the
everyday rights of passengers flying from the UK versus those flying
from the EU.

“The headline compensation amounts remain broadly aligned,
but on the things passengers deal with on every single trip, being
penalised for a missed leg, paying to sit next to your own child,
comparing fares that hide the cost of a bag, EU travellers are about
to pull ahead, and UK travellers are at risk of being left behind.”

Minecraft fans can enjoy an immersive pop-up event during the school summer holidays that includes the chance to meet baby Mobs and other characters from the popular video game universe

Alton Towers will launch a pop-up event for the six-week summer holidays where guests can enjoy an immersive Minecraft experience, including meeting adorable all-new Baby Mobs.

Announcing the new arrivals with a Buckingham Palace-style sign, the theme park has promised fans the chance to “meet baby Minecraft Mobs in real life across the park” in a first-of-its-kind event. Minecraft Meet the Mobs will take place between July 18 and August 28, coinciding with the school holidays in England and Wales.

Character appearances will include the Iron Golem, Chicken Jockey and Creeper, plus baby Mob scenes featuring yellow axolotls, pandas, pigs, goats, chicks and wolf pups.

The baby Mobs will be positioned in six Minecraft-inspired scenes across Alton Towers, and as visitors find each one, they can stamp their game card. Those who complete the trail will unlock an exclusive downloadable in-game reward – only available to visitors who’ve been to the theme park.

According to Alton Towers, Mobs “are living creatures in the Minecraft videogames that move, interact with the environment and can be passive, neutral, or hostile.”

In addition to the Minecraft trails, visitors can enjoy themed snack stands featuring Minecraft-inspired TNT popcorn and ice lollies. There will also be a range of exclusive Minecraft merchandise to purchase in the park.

Minecraft fans can book tickets for Alton Towers online now for summer dates, and the Meet the Mobs experience is included with the regular price of admission for all visitors from July 18 to August 28.

Minecraft is one of the best-selling video games of all time, with 350 million copies sold, a number only beaten by the addictive puzzle game Tetris. Its first formal release was in 2011 for the PC, and since then, it has been released on a number of consoles and mobile platforms. A version for the Nintendo Switch 2 was recently announced, with many fans speculating it could be released by the end of 2026.

Howard Ebison, vice president at Alton Towers Resort, said in a statement: “Minecraft is loved by families around the world, and this summer we’re bringing that sense of play and discovery into our park. ‘Minecraft Meet the Mobs’ is set to delight our guests with interactive moments across the park, an opportunity to unlock exclusive in-game rewards, enjoy themed treats and plenty of surprises along the way.

“We are proud to offer this unique Minecraft event for our guests joining us over the summer, all within the price of admission to Alton Towers Resort.”

Recently, the Staffordshire-based theme park opened brand new Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies!, the world’s first rollercoaster based on the much-loved cartoon pup and her family. It’s also home to CBeebies Land, where kids can enjoy rides and experiences based on Hey Duggee, JoJo and Gran Gran, Go Jetters, and the Octonauts.

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

Jeremy Clarkson and Lisa Hogan ran into problems with their Guineafowl flock in Clarkson’s Farm season 5.

Jeremy Clarkson made his feelings known about a ‘massacre’ in the new episode of Clarkson’s Farm.

Clarkson’s Farm season five is back on Prime Video with two brand new episodes, and viewers discovered that Jeremy Clarkson had encountered yet another maddening setback — just one of many this series.

In earlier episodes, he revealed that Diddly Squat Farm had welcomed some unexpected new residents — a flock of Guineafowl donated by one of his daughters.

In episode five, which has just dropped, Jeremy explained how his partner Lisa Hogan had called him back to the farmyard because things had gone suspiciously “too quiet”.

Guineafowl are well known for being boisterous birds, so alarm bells rang when the pair couldn’t hear a single sound coming from the area where they were being kept.

Clarkson’s eldest daughter, Emily, had presented her father with the birds, but Jeremy soon concluded: “They are not in here, are they?”

As he and Hogan searched the surrounding area, Jeremy exclaimed: “Oh s***”, upon spotting Guineafowl feathers strewn across the grass.

Moments later, he uttered: “Oh no,” as he made the grim discovery of a dead Guineafowl. “Oh and another one, for god’s sake,” he added, as he uncovered more of the stricken birds.

“That’s a fox, isn’t it? Just killing for fun,” he concluded. “How am I going to explain this? Granddaughter comes for the weekend, ‘Can I go and see the Guineafowl?'”

He went on to brand the fox a “murdering b******”, though there was a glimmer of hope as one bird had managed to survive by flying up into a tree.

Later in the episode, Jeremy returned to check on the surviving bird, only to find it had also fallen victim to a fox. “I started the day by checking in on our one remaining Guineafowl,” he narrated, as viewers watched him calling out for the bird.

“Oh no, f*** sake, this is just beyond belief,” he exclaimed, holding up the stricken bird, which had been completely decapitated.

“It’s just bitten its head off, it hasn’t even eaten it. He’s had the lot.”

Jeremy rounded off his narration by saying “there was, though, only time to seethe, not mourn, because today was a big day on the ag-bot front”.

He was subsequently shown attending to his agricultural robot, a piece of kit he had purchased to ease the burden of farm life following his health scare.

Clarkson’s Farm season 5 is airing on Prime Video

Israel continues to expand settlements in the occupied territory, which are illegal under international law.

The Israeli government has allocated a first tranche of an expected $388m in new funds for the construction of settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The anti-settlement group Peace Now reported on Thursday that the government had allocated 152 million shekels ($51m) to prepare construction plans for 69 illegal settlements and outposts in the occupied West Bank.

The cabinet later reportedly postponed a decision about a 1-billion-shekel ($338m) allocation. That proposal, if passed, would mark one of the largest expansions of illegal Israeli settlements in decades.

“The government decided to postpone the decision [on the 1-billion-shekel allocation] and refer it to the Security Cabinet which is expected to convene on Sunday,” Peace Now wrote.

Under the yet-to-be-approved plan, construction for the settlements, including infrastructure and public buildings, would begin despite necessary planning protocols not having been carried out in accord with Israeli law.

Peace Now accused the government of intending to bypass planning and construction regulations.

“October 7 proved that the right-wing approach has failed: the conflict cannot be ‘managed,’ and the Palestinians cannot be ‘defeated’,” the group said in a statement.

“Israel must reach a political solution and diplomatic agreement, but instead the government is only sinking us deeper into the mire and condemning us to many more years of bloody conflict.”

Israel has come under growing condemnation for expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are illegal under international law.

On Tuesday, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France and Norway imposed sanctions on networks involved in financing, enabling and carrying out settler violence against Palestinians.

According to Peace Now, the current Israeli government has approved 103 settlements since it took office in December 2022. From that figure, 51 are entirely new settlements.

On Wednesday, Amnesty International published a report accusing the Israeli government of playing a central role in what it describes as the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The report described the government’s actions as “integral”.

At least 117 villages in the West Bank have been subject to either complete or partial displacement due to settler attacks, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Amnesty also condemned the upcoming “Great Israeli Real Estate Event”, which is due to take place in London on Sunday.

The event, which has also been held in the United States and Canada, promotes the sale of properties in the occupied West Bank, which campaigners say is in violation of international law.

PREGNANT Daisy Lowe showed off her baby bump as she joined Lily Allen and Vick Hope at a Royal Academy event.

The model and former Strictly star revealed she was pregnant with her second child in February.

Her pregnancy came just seven months after she tied the knot with husband Jordan Saul.

The couple already have daughter Ivy together, and as Daisy showed off her burgeoning bump on the red carpet, it looks like it won’t be too much longer until the family of three becomes four.

Daisy, 37, was attending the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition preview party at Burlington House, and wore a cream, lace dress which featured a large slit up the back, allowing her to show off her legs as she walked.

Daisy was joined at the event by Lily Allen, who wore a striking gown which featured a black mesh overlay and a cream feather drape detail running from her neck down her back to the floor.

HOT MAMA

Daisy Lowe shows off baby bump in sheer dress after announcing 2nd pregnancy

LOWE & BEHOLD

Daisy Lowe reveals she’s pregnant with second baby 7 months after wedding

Meanwhile Vick Hope wore a striking orange and pink tiered summer dress and accessorised with a gold clutch.

Also in attendance was Claudia Winkleman, who wore her trademark black alongside husband Kris Thykier, and Jenna Coleman.

When announcing her pregnancy,  Daisy shared pictures from her family holiday with Jordan and Ivy.

She wrote: “Heading home from our honeymoon with an extra stowaway.

“Little bump is growing FAST & Ivy is so excited to meet *her* baby.”

Daisy and property developer Jordan, 31 married in a “wild and romantic” ceremony last June.

The model, whose dad is Bush rocker Gavin Rossdale, wore a Vivienne Westwood couture gown and completed her stunning look with a gorgeous tennis bracelet by The Vault London, a Lulu Guinness shell bag and crystal-dotted Jimmy Choos.

Former EastEnders star Ben Hardy is returning to screens in an Agatha Christie film that also includes a Game of Thrones actor

Former Peter Beale actor Ben Hardy is set to start filming an exciting new ‘whounnit’ based on real-life events.

The new film Eleven Missing Days will also star Vincent Cassel and Felicity Jones and tell the story of Agatha Christie’s real-life disappearance.

The novelist’s disappearance made national and international headlines during the 1920s, with famous names joining the search to find her, including leading politicians and fellow writers such as Arthur Conan Doyle, according to Deadline.

There has been a lot of speculation over what happened to the author, and now 100 years on, some details still remain a mystery.

The synopsis reads for the film: “In December 1926, at the height of her fame, Agatha Christie became front-page news when she vanished in bizarre circumstances from her home.

“In a case of life imitating art, this whodunnit explores the investigation behind her disappearance, strangely resembling an Agatha Christie novel itself, where everyone in her life became a suspect.”

A stellar cast joins Ben Hardy in the forthcoming movie, including Say Nothing star Ryan McParland, Game of Thrones’s Alfie Allen, The Brutalist’s Stacy Martin, Nicole Elizabeth Berger from He’s Watching You, and The Gorge actor Oliver Trevena.

Currently in pre-production, the picture is on course to shoot this summer in the UK.

Who did Ben Hardy play in EastEnders?

The 35-year-old found fame on the BBC soap in 2013 when he arrived in Walford as legendary character Peter Beale. He had taken over the role from Thomas Law, who had played the part between 2006 and 2010 before returning in 2023.

Ben’s version of Peter was most memorable for being caught up in the ‘Who Killed Lucy Beale?’ saga and for dating Lola Peace (Danielle Harold) before rekindling his romance with Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa).

After finding out his own brother Bobby (Eliot Carrington) had killed Lucy, Peter struggled with life in Walford and moved to New Zealand to start a new life in 2015.

In an interview with The Independent, Ben said that he had “been battling it for a year, how to make things work” before ultimately deciding to leave the show.

“I have so much respect for everyone who works on that show, I felt myself getting lazy as an actor,” he explained. “I felt myself constantly going, ‘This scene doesn’t work’.”

Ben went on to say: “That laziness scared me. I said, ‘I have to get out of here’.”

He has since traded in his fruit-and-veg market stall for the bright lights of Hollywood and landed a role in the 2016 film X-Men: Apocalypse.

He also played Roger Taylor in the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody and portrayed the role of Four in the Netflix movie ‘6 Underground’ alongside Ryan Reynolds.

Ben also played Frank McCulled in the film Pixie, Seb in The Voyeurs, Simon in The Girl Before, and Tre in Tagged.

Most recently, he starred as Oliver Jones in the Netflix movie Love at First Sight (2023) and the 2025 horror movie The Conjuring: Last Rites.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer

A BELOVED UK holiday park is set to bring Wetherspoon pubs to almost of all its sites.

The popular bargain boozer will team up with the parks to bring affordable food and drinks to Brits enjoying a staycation.

Haven Holidays has 39 seaside parks spanning across the UK and have been welcoming holidaymakers since 1964.

After a successful trial that saw JD Wetherspoon pubs pop up at nine Haven locations, it’s been confirmed that most of the rest will follow suit.

The pub’s first collaboration with Haven came in 2025 with the arrival of The Five Stones pub at Primrose Valley holiday park in Filey, North Yorkshire.

The Humber Stone in Cleethorpes, The London Stone in Rochester, The Red Rocks in Exmouth and The Sir Thomas Haggerston in Haggerston also arrived last year.

ON HOLS

Brits reveal the things they ONLY do on holiday including the airport pint

FLY SAFE

Why do plane windows have tiny holes in them? 

Four more launched in early 2026, with Cornwall’s Riviere Sands welcoming The Bluff Inn and Cumbria’s Lakeland Leisure Park opening The Alfred Wainwright.

Hopton Holiday Village in Great Yarmouth also introduced The White Clover and Gala Cran in Blackpool opened The Springfield.

Speaking to the Mirror about the growing partnership, Simon Palethorpe, CEO of Haven Holidays, shared his hopes for all of the Haven parks to have a Spoons.

“I would like to see us growing this concept further across our estate. I definitely think there is an opportunity for the majority of our parks to have a Wetherspoons,” he said.

“I could only have dreamed at that point that it would be this successful with our guests as it has been”

Following the news that one million Wetherspoon pub meals have been sold at Haven over the past two years, Simon added, “We are here celebrating a million, but I expect it to be many millions in a couple of years time.”

The Sun has contacted Haven Holidays for more information.

A BRAND-NEW venue for Mamma Mia! The Party is set to be built in a major UK city.

It will be the third venue in the world and the second in England.

It’s been proposed that a new dedicated venue be built in Medlock Square in Manchester.

Medlock Square is the city’s entertainment district where visitors will find Co-op Live and the Etihad Stadium.

Inside, the venue would be space for 600 people to watch the theatrical show that is set up to look like a traditional Greek taverna.

Currently there are only two ‘Mamma Mia! The Party’ venues in the world – one in Stockholm and the other at the O2 Arena in London.

FLY IN

One of the cheapest family holiday spots has 89p beers & £279 all inclusive hols

IT’S A WASHOUT

UK indoor waterparks with VIP spas, mega slides and 30C tropical climates

It would mean that those who are a fan of ABBA living in the North of England wouldn’t have to trek down to London to see the show.

And while it’s still in its early stages, it could become a reality as the plans have been recommended to go ahead by the council.

Jessica Koravos, the Chief Executive of Pophouse, said: “Manchester is known for its innovation in music and entertainment and we cannot think of anywhere better to bring one of the world’s most popular and ground breaking theatrical productions.

“Mamma Mia! The Party has been hugely successful in London and we are excited to be able to expand on that success.”

Unlike ABBA Voyage – which is another themed experience, Mamma Mia! The Party is a little different.

Visitors sit down for a three-course meal all the while feeling like they’re in a restaurant on the island of Skopelos.

Around the diners, a story unfolds and there are many ABBA songs to enjoy from Mamma Mia to Dancing Queen, and lesser-known ones too.

When the show comes to a close, it’s still not over as there’s a disco where all guests can have a dance too.

Ticket prices for Mamma Mia! The Party start from £122.

If you want to read more about what the show is like, check out what Head of Sun Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire thought when she went to ‘Greece’.

AN ENGLISH town that was once considered one of the most important places in the country will get a massive train station upgrade.

This multi-million pound refurbishment is set to improve access for passengers and support businesses.

Bletchley Station will receive £17million to support the refurbishment of the eastern access to the station.

This comes after a lot of campaigning from both the Milton Keynes community and MPs to improve the accessibility to the station.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said on the announcement: “Labour is backing Bletchley – this investment will boost jobs and improve connectivity for local businesses and residents, maximising the benefits of East West Rail for the community here.”

Milton Keynes Council is also offering £5million towards the project, that aims to support the ongoing regeneration of Bletchley.

HAPPY HOLS

Haven holiday parks with beaches, waterparks and Wetherspoons from £12.25pn

SKY HIGH

UK airport DOUBLES drop-off fees ‘overnight’ – making it pricier than Heathrow

The project hopes to refurbish the eastern entrance of the station, creating a direct gateway between the station and Bletchley’s main high street, Queensway.

At the moment, passengers alighting at the station have a long walk under a bridge to get to the town centre, crossing a busy road.

The new entrance will be built on Saxon Street, on the other side of the station, with the existing entrance set to remain open.

Bletchley Station is located on the first section of the East West Rail line, which hopes to eventually connect Oxford and Cambridge by train.

Historically, Bletchley Station served as a vital transport hub for the World War II codebreakers, who would take the five-minute walk to Bletchley Park.

Now, Bletchley Park is one of Britain’s most vibrant heritage attractions, welcoming over 250,000 tourists a year.

Callum Anderson, MP for Buckingham and Bletchley, said: “This is a huge moment for Bletchley as it has never made sense that our station has turned its back on the town centre, making it harder for residents, commuters and visitors to access Queensway.”

David Hughes, chief executive of East West Rail, said: “We are really pleased to see that funding has now been confirmed to allow the construction of the new eastern entrance at Bletchley station.

“This investment underlines our commitment to working with partners to ensure East West Rail delivers lasting benefits for passengers and communities along the route.”

Details on the timeline and construction phases of the project are yet to be announced.