The popular murder mystery series will undergo a huge format change for its highly anticipated sixth season
17:02, 28 Oct 2025Updated 17:25, 28 Oct 2025
Only Murders in the Building is headed to London to film the sixth season of Hulu and Disney+’s hugely popular crime comedy.
The hit series starring Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez has just wrapped up its fifth season with another jaw-dropping finale.
This time, the podcasting trio have been investigating the mysterious murder of the Arconia’s beloved doorman Lester (played by Teddy Coluca) they suspect is connected to the New York mob.
Meanwhile, a rival trio of powerful billionaires, portrayed by season guest stars Christoph Waltz, Logan Lerman and Renée Zellweger, quickly become their prime suspects when they arrive to sabotage their detective work.
With the fifth season coming to an end with another show-stopping finale this Tuesday (28th October), countless fans are already itching for the next instalment, which has now been officially confirmed.
Disney+ and Hulu have also confirmed that Only Murders is eyeing a change of scenery next time as the series is heading to London.
This is the first time the trio will venture out of the United States as part of their investigations, which rarely leave New York.
Season four saw them vacate the confines of the Arconia to head to Hollywood, California, though season six will be at least partially set on a whole new continent.
Spoilers won’t be revealed here, but fans may discover a hint towards Charles, Oliver and Mabel’s next case in the recently released finale.
This is the biggest shake-up to the series yet, as all five seasons of Only Murders so far have revolved around murders in their iconic apartment block.
Whatever awaits in season six, the series is expected to continue to prove a monster hit for Hulu as an army of fans have already devoured the latest episode.
Viewers have already been singing the episode’s praises on X, where one user posted: “What a finale!!! I can’t say everything cuz of spoilers but this is what Television is all about.”
“What a season finale, what a cliffhanger,” another shared. “I didn’t see that coming, can’t wait to see season 6.”
Someone else teased: “That last scene of the Only Murders in the Building finale?! I literally gasped when they revealed who’s the victim next season.”
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Disney+ now starts at £5.99 per month, but members can get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront on the ad-free Standard or Premium plans.
And a final fan exclaimed: “A perfect season finale! I love this show so damn much!
“Definitely the best show on @hulu without a doubt! I really appreciate the team’s commitment to releasing each season every year.”
Stay tuned to find out if more details about the show’s sixth season are revealed soon.
Only Murders in the Building is available to stream on Disney+.
A popular Australian radio show has been axed following a much-discussed controversy involving Keith Urban, in which he hung up on the programme amid an interview
A popular Australian radio show has been axed following a much-discussed controversy involving Keith Urban(Image: CBS via Getty Images)
A popular Australian radio show has been axed following a much-discussed controversy involving Keith Urban. The Aussie musician, 57, made an appearance on Australian Radio Network (ARN)’s Hayley & Max In The Morning, which has been hosted by Max Burford and Hayley Pearson for just under a year.
The interview took place just weeks before it was revealed that he and Nicole Kidman had called time on their near-20 year marriage, and that the Hollywood actress had filed for divorce herself. It all seemed to be going well until he was asked about Nicole’s sex scenes with Zac Efron in their film A Family Affair
He was asked: “What does Keith Urban think when he sees his beautiful wife with beautiful younger men like Zac Efron, having these beautiful love scenes on TV?” Keith’s only response was to end the interview then and there. A member of the crew was heard saying he and his team didn’t like the line of questioning and pulled the chat.
Less than six months after the viral moment took place, the radio broadcaster announced that the Mix102.3 show would air for the final time on December 12. A representative said: “In 2026, the station will launch a new live and local breakfast show as part of a refreshed whole station strategy focused on bolder content and bigger moments that really set the station apart.”
It comes just days after the news that Brisbane breakfast show Robin, Kip & Corey Oates had also been axed by the network. The rep also thanked the on-air team for their “hard work, creativity and commitment to the Brisbane audience” during their time in production.
According to an email seen by Mediaweek, the network ‘can’t reveal details just yet’ of what is to come for the broadcaster. Following the controversial moment with Keith, Max Burford, the radio show’s host, then remarked that he thought they were ‘vibing’ with the country music star and wondered if Keith now disliked them.
He added: “I thought we were vibing with Keith. Do we have beef with Keith Urban now?”
His co-host, Hayley Pearson, added that she thought their line of questioning would make Keith “hate” them: “He hates us. I knew that was going to happen.” Keith’s angry response to questions about his wife’s films came just after their 19th wedding anniversary.
The couple, who married in Sydney in 2006 after meeting at a Los Angeles event in 2005, have two daughters, aged 17 and 14. The divorce documents include a detailed parenting plan, with Kidman set to be the primary residential parent for 306 days of the year. Urban will have the remaining 59. The filing states both girls will remain in Nashville, where they’ve lived their whole lives.
“The mother and father will behave with each other and each child so as to provide a loving, stable, consistent and nurturing relationship with the child even though they are divorced,” the agreement reads.
“They will not speak badly of each other or the members of the family of the other parent. They will encourage each child to continue to love the other parent and be comfortable in both families.”
Reports claim that neither will seek child or spousal support, with the filing noting both earn over $100,000 per month. Assets, including royalties and copyrights, will be split equally, with each keeping what is in their name.
The parenting agreement was signed by Urban on August 29 and by Kidman on September 6 – suggesting the split had been planned well before it became public. Under Tennessee law, the divorce will take at least 90 days to be finalised.
This was Urban’s first marriage and Kidman’s second. She was previously married to Tom Cruise, with whom she has two older children. Just last year, at a Netflix premiere, Kidman told the Associated Press, “You’re heading for trouble if you consider yourselves the perfect couple. I’m not a believer in perfect.”
Earlier that year, Urban emotionally paid tribute to Kidman at the AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony, saying, “Four months into our marriage, I’m in rehab for three months. Nic pushed through every negative voice, I’m sure even some of her own, and she chose love. And here we are 18 years later.”
Robbie Williams wants to open ‘a University of Entertainment’Credit: Getty
“I want to open a University of Entertainment,” Robbie, right, revealed. “I did notice nobody else is doing it.”
He said of the inspiration behind his dream school: “I grew up as a vaudevillian. That’s what I am. I am cabaret.
“I spent all of my youth watching my dad do cabaret and watching all of the acts that he would bring off and on stage — and how talented and hard-working they were, and how genuinely funny the funny acts were, and how genuinely amazing the vocalists were.”
Robbie, who left Take That in 1995 before launching his hugely successful solo career, added: “I arrived in 1995, after Take That, I want to be Oasis.
“I want to be Radiohead. Then, when I opened my mouth and my mind, I came out instead and I’m not cool. And you go, ‘OK, so what am I? Oh, I’m all of these people that I loved — Tommy Cooper, The Two Ronnies and Morecambe and Wise.
‘In a different place’
“The way they made me feel is how I want to make people feel.”
Robbie will be back on stage next year, kicking off a mini-tour in Glasgow on February 4, before playing three more intimate shows in Liverpool, London and Wolverhampton.
And until then, he said he’s going to be busy working on his new plans.
He told the Heretics podcast: “I’ve got so many fingers in so many pies, giving me so much to peruse. My ambition and my want and my need and my desire has not abated. But the oxygen I once had in my career, where I couldn’t miss every time I went to the table, has been taken away from me just because I’m an older pop star now.
“The rise was a long time ago, 1990 till, say, 2010.
“It’s only different as it’s different for everyone else lucky enough to have had my kind of career. I was the most played artist for ten years in a row.
“And, you know, thank you. I’ve had a nice run, but I’m in a different place now.
“And it’s not over. Where does all of that naked ambition and drive go?
“It goes into purpose. It goes into creating.”
If it ever gets off the ground, I’ll make sure to sign up for a night class.
Little Mix have reunited for a backstage snap, pictured Leigh Anne Pinnock with Jade Thirlwall and pregnant Perrie EdwardsCredit: Instagram/leighannepinnock
Leigh-Anne shared this sweet snap of them together, and one of my mates spotted them dancing and singing along to Angel Of My Dreams.
Jade, whose debut album, That’s Showbiz Baby, peaked at No3 when it came out last month, is now preparing to head Stateside in the New Year.
Let’s hope she can do what Little Mix couldn’t and crack America.
Jade kicks off a run of 14 shows in San Diego on January 30.
Fergie up fur reunion
IT looks like Fergie can’t decide if she’s too hot or too cold.
The Black Eyed Peas singer teamed this crop-top with a faux fur jacket as she performed at One Musicfest in Atlanta, Georgia.
Fergie teamed this crop-top with a faux fur jacket as she performed at One MusicfestCredit: Getty
The I Gotta Feeling singer wowed fans at the event in Piedmont Park, belting out some of her biggest hits including amazing 2006 single London Bridge.
Earlier this year, I revealed that Fergie had created a whole new music video for the track in the capital as part of Lena Dunham’s Netflix series, Too Much.
Fergie left the Black Eyed Peas in 2018, but I told you this summer that discussions are under way about a possible reunion with her bandmates Will.i.am, APL.DE.AP and Taboo.
I’d love to see this happen.
Jovi’s got the Midas Tuchel
I TRIED my hardest to make Jon Bon Jovi a Spurs fan when I hung out with him last week, but his legendary PR Alan Edwards – a die-hard Gooner – persuaded him to follow the reds.
Jon was obviously something of a lucky charm as Arsenal managed a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Bon Jovi met England boss Thomas TuchelCredit: Supplied
And the apparent snub is now the talk of the town.
Our source explained: “All people are still talking about what happened with Geri that night.
“She was seated away from Mel C and Emma, which seems weird given they were there to support Victoria. Inside the party she only seemed to talk to Victoria, too. It all felt rather frosty. No one has seen a photo of the four of them together either.”
And last week, The Sun reported the band – completed by Mel B – were planning on implementing a “rule of four”, to allow the show to go ahead even if Geri wasn’t on board.
A telly insider said: “Geri has been dragging her heels for almost a year now and the rest are keen to plough ahead, as next year marks the 30th anniversary of first single Wannabe.”
Get it together, Ginger.
UpBeat
THE BEATLES raked in £31.8million last year – thanks to their “new” final track Now And Then.
With four biopics in the pipeline and a new Disney+ documentary series, The Beatles Anthology, which is starting next month – I reckon this year will also bring even more bumper profits.
Cops get Raye on track
RAYE has revealed the police have found her stolen car – with her songwriting books on the backseat.
The Where Is My Husband! singer was forced to push back her second album after the thieves nicked her motor last year.
Raye has revealed the police have found her stolen carCredit: Getty
But now Raye is busy putting the finishing touches to the record after getting them back.
Appearing on Global’s Big Top 40, Raye, right, said: “It was a rollercoaster journey but what I didn’t tell people is that the police called me two or three months ago and said, ‘We’ve found your car.’
“Not only did they get it back but not one thing had been taken out of the car.
“All my songwriting books were there untouched.
“There was so much important stuff in there and when I was flicking through it I was like, ‘Thank God this has been returned to me’.”
Mark: I still get nervous
MARK RONSON has a load of hits to his name but has admitted he still questions if he’s any good every time he gets into the studio.
On Radio 2’s Tracks Of My Years, which airs all this week on Vernon Kay’s morning show, Mark said: “Every time I get into the studio with somebody for the first time, or even if it’s someone like Dua Lipa, or someone I’ve worked with a lot, it’s that combination of like, before the first day of school meets a blind date, meets every insecurity.
Mark Ronson still questions himselfCredit: Getty
“Am I going to think of an idea? Am I going to be able to deliver?
“I still have that and I know people might be like, ‘That’s ridiculous, you’re good, don’t worry about it’.
A nostalgic follow-up to one of Nickelodeon’s most beloved comedies is in the works at Netflix
Netflix confirms long-awaited spin-off to hit Nickelodeon series(Image: NICKELODEON)
Netflix has just announced a highly anticipated spin-off to one of the most popular classic Nickelodeon shows over a decade after it came to an end.
The original series ran for four smash-hit seasons and introduced young fans to several major stars, including one of the world’s biggest pop icons.
Now, filming is currently underway in Vancouver for Hollywood Arts, which will return fans to the world of Victorious.
Starring the likes of Victoria Justice, Elizabeth Gillies and Wicked’s Ariana Grande, the original series took place at an elite performing arts high school where ambitious teens learn the ropes of showbiz.
Original star Daniella Monet, who starred as Trina Vega, the older sister of Justice’s Tori, will reprise her role for the long-awaited follow-up.
Several years after the events of the series, Trina still hasn’t gotten her big break, so she heads back to her alma mater to teach a new generation of fame-hungry students.
Monet shared via Tudum: “Coming back as Trina alongside such a dynamic, powerful cast of newcomers is something I feel very lucky and grateful to do.
“Victorious was in a lot of ways life-changing for all of us. Our cast is forever bonded by that experience, and to think that I have an opportunity to steward anything close to that is a feeling I can’t begin to describe.”
A synopsis reads: “Trina is back at Hollywood Arts High School, and this time she’s stepping behind the desk.
“The struggling performer finds herself filling in as a substitute teacher at the prestigious school, where she surprises herself by inspiring a group of ambitious teens.”
Joining Monet is a talented crop of up-and-coming stars, including Alyssa Miles (Hanging out with Alyssa and Xavier), Emmy Liu-Wang (Raven’s Home), Peyton Jackson (Woman in the Yard), Erika Swayze (Workin’ Moms) and Martin Kamm (Unsung Hero).
Plus, Community’s Yvette Nicole Brown will also be making a guest appearance as Principal Helen, having appeared during Victorious’ original run as well as Nickelodeon’s equally beloved teen comedy, Drake and Josh.
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Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.
This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like House of Guinness.
Jake Farrow (Victorious, iCarly) and Samantha Martin (Henry Danger, Danger Force) will be showrunning and executive producing, and Monet is also on board as an exec. producer.
An exact release date has yet to be revealed, but Netflix has confirmed Hollywood Arts will be dropping its first season in 2026.
In the meantime, streamers can currently catch up with every episode of the original series while they wait for the sequel.
ONE of Scotland’s Wetherspoon pubs could soon house guests as it has been proposed that it turns into a hotel.
If approved the pub that’s in one of busiest areas in Aberdeen could have 29 hotel rooms an a beer garden.
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The Archibald Simpson Wetherspoons in Scotland is set to become a hotelCredit: JD WetherspoonThe chain is hoping to convert some of the floors into space for hotel roomsCredit: JD Wetherspoon
The boozer called The Archibald Simpson sits on one of the busiest streets in Aberdeen and could well become a place for city explorers to have a good night’s sleep as well as a beer.
It has a grand entrance with huge columns, and was designed by local architect Archibald Simpson – who also designed St Andrews Cathedral.
Built in the 1800s it was originally home to the Head Office for the North of Scotland Bank.
It later became the headquarters of Clydesdale Bank, before opening as a Wetherspoon pub in 2003, and could soon be a hotel too.
Earlier this year, the pub submitted proposals for development which would see its unused first and second floors being converted into 29 hotel rooms.
Inside would be comprising 21 double rooms, three family suites, two twin rooms and two singles.
It wouldn’t just be built upon though, as part of the project would require some demolition.
At the back, the pub’s rear extension would be knocked down to make way for a 51-seat beer garden to encourage al fresco dining and drinking during the summer.
On Tripadvisor, most of the reviews go on to compliment the pretty building. One visitor wrote: “Huge building high vaulted ceilings marbled pillars and tiled floors. Lovely bar.”
If the plans go ahead, it will join the other 55 Wetherspoon hotels across the UK.
The Archibald Simpson pub could get a huge beer gardenCredit: JD WetherspoonWeston-super-Mare hotel is right on the beach front and is in the CAMRA guideCredit: Alamy
One Wetherspoon pub that has been converted is The Cabot Court Hotel in the coastal town of Weston-super-Mare
All of the rooms are en suite with Freeview TV, tea and coffee making stations, and unlimited free Wi-Fi.
In the morning, visitors can head down to the bar to enjoy a Wetherspoons breakfast and classic pub meals at dinner.
The pub sits right on the waterfront, on Knightstone Road, so it’s in a great spot for anyone heading onto the beach or taking a walk along The Grand Pier.
WHO can say no to a Wetherspoons? And what if I told you the smallest one in the world is just as good as the rest, if not better.
Not only is it the smallest Spoons, but it is also in a rather bizarre location – a train station.
Of course, some UK airports have Wetherspoons, but I have never come across one in a train station before.
Sat at one end of Cannon Street Station in London, you will find the Sir John Hawkshaw, complete with just 42 tables.
Whilst that might sound a lot, compared to the usual London Spoons, this is considerably less.
And the obscurities about this spot just continue – if you need to use the toilet, well then you’ll need to head to the other end of the station and down a set of stairs.
For those who love to train spot, sit outside on the terrace, which is essentially like sitting on one of the platforms.
Despite its small size, the pub still features Spoons’ extensive menu and the service isn’t impacted either.
LILY Allen and David Harbour are selling their Brooklyn townhouse just days after her new album and are set to make millions in profit.
The stunning property has hit the market for a whopping $8 million (around £6m) after the pair bought it for just $3.3 million (£2.5m) in 2020.
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Lily Allen and David Harbour are selling their Brooklyn townhouse and are set to make millionsCredit: The U.S SunThe property was listed on Sunday, just two days after the release of Lily’s new albumCredit: Getty
The 19th-century townhouse only went on sale yesterday – two days after Lily, 40, released her breakup album which has been branded her “revenge” album by fans.
David had even made a shock “cheating” joke while doing a tour of their New York City home two years prior.
Lily and David bought the property under two separate trusts as co-owners, according to documents seen by The U.S. Sun, and made several renovations worth thousands.
Lying at the heart of Brooklyn and spread across four levels, the house has five bedrooms and four bathrooms interspersed throughout.
The property listing eloquently describes the home as a “layered narrative of traditional English charm, modern Brooklyn sensibilities and rich Italian influence”.
The main level opens out into an exotic living room wrapped in high-end Zuber wallpaper and “detailed crown mouldings”.
With a fireplace at its centre, the room is framed by glass doors that lead to a private backyard with a sauna and cold plunge at the owner’s disposal.
The kitchen is described as spacious with “plain English cabinetry” and houses a huge island as well as a custom-built banquette beneath is windows with natural light flooding the room.
Walk upstairs and you’ll find another sitting area with a fireplace as well as dual walk-in closets alongside the main bedroom.
There are two well-equipped guest bedrooms on the third floor as well as a skylit lounge and a home office.
There’s an additional guest suite on the garden level too with a powder room and casual living room, another fireplace and access to the backyard.
And a fully-furnished basement see’s a gym, ample storage and closet areas as well as a laundry room.
The pair took out a big mortgage on the house which they first purchased on November 16 2020 for $3.35 million.
The loan is listed for $2,512,500 with City National Bank in 2021, and they had until February 1, 2051 to pay it back.
They made extensive renovation on the property filing several building permits, many for tens of thousands, with the most expensive being for $282,600 and $265,600 for general construction.
Lily had moved to New York to start a new life with the US actor, who she wed in 2020 a year after meeting oncelebritydatingappRaya.
But five years later, one local resident said: “It appears no one has been home for quite some time”
“Every house on the street has Halloween decorations, but not Lily and David’s”
“It’s a very family-friendly neighbourhood, Lily was very active in the community when she lived here with David.”
The Smile singer has now moved back to London with her two daughters from her first marriage.
The pair wed in 2020 and moved into the Brooklyn townhouse in November of that yearCredit: AFPLily had moved to New York to start a new life with the US actorCredit: Getty
Halloween is nearly upon us which means most of us are enjoying a season of spooky horror films. And when we’re listing the classics, of course Hocus Pocus is one of them
Christine Younan Deputy Editor Social Newsdesk
12:59, 26 Oct 2025Updated 12:59, 26 Oct 2025
Hocus Pocus returned for a second film in 2022(Image: Matt Kennedy)
The spookiest time of the year is nearly upon us, AKA Halloween, and it’s the season for pumpkin spiced lattes, dressing up and of course, scary horror movies. But luckily for those scaredy cats among us, there are some Halloween films which aren’t so terrifying.
If you know your stuff, then Hocus Pocus has definitely been on your watchlist in the past, but have you ever noticed this teeny-tiny detail in the movie? The 1993 film is a fantasy comedy film, released by Walt Disney, which follows the Sanderson sisters who are resurrected from the dead after Max Dennison lights the black-flame candle three centuries later.
These three witches, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, are on mission to suck the souls of children in order to keep themselves young.
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Just three years ago, the film released a sequel which then follows on from the iconic 90s movie. Now the TV detective, known as Ivan Mars, couldn’t help but notice one detail about the two storylines.
Posting with his 961,000 Instagram followers, he said: “It took me 30 years to realise this in Hocus Pocus…
“So we know back in 1693 the Sanderson sisters brew their potion to steal a child’s life… And after adding everything, the spell calls for a piece of each witch’s tongue, that’s why all three become younger.
“Now check this out… centuries later in 1993 the witches reunited to do the same with Dani but something’s off… this time only Winnie adds her piece of tongue to the potion and she doesn’t tell her sisters to add theirs…
“So according to the book the potion would have worked for her alone. Does it mean it was Winnie’s plan all along as she never meant to share eternity with anyone else?
“That’s why the second movie focuses on the importance of a Coven as she finally realises she’s nothing without her sisters!”
The post racked up 24,500 likes and hundreds of comments from people who were equally amazed. One said: “Does make sense a lot.”
Another added: “Yeah this makes sense. Winnie was never really about her family, but in the second one she does have a moment of growth.” While a third chimed in: “Good observation.”
And a fourth chimed in: “And they could have waited and released the second one in 2023 to mark 30 years later.”
It was a who’s who of the British heavyweight scene in the arena with Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, Moses Itauma, Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte among the onlookers.
Usyk was not here, but he was the man this bout was all for.
Wardley walked to the ring decked out in Ipswich Town colours with the football club’s crest emblazoned on his kit.
He spoke in the build-up how it was remarkable that when Parker was winning the WBO heavyweight title in 2016, he was only competing in white-collar boxing.
Yet here he was on the same stage as the veteran Kiwi in a fight to determine the next challenger for Usyk, the greatest heavyweight of this era.
With Lee in his corner, Parker was a red-hot run coming into this bout of six wins including victories over the likes of Zhilei Zhang, Deontay Wilder and Martin Bakole.
As cries of ‘Oh Fabio Wardley’ rang around the arena, Parker established control with a ramrod of a jab that soon brought blood from the bridge of the Ipswich fighter’s nose.
The finish to the first three minutes was emphatic from the favourite as Parker powered through with a rocket of a right hand.
Parker’s control vanished when a right hand from Wardley rocked him in the second.
It would be a precursor to what would follow later in the fight. It was a beautiful shot and brought those ringside to their feet as the New Zealander looked unsteady on his.
The experience of Parker, in his 40th professional fight, looked like it was going to be crucial here. Wardley was always dangerous, but Parker was landing the better shots through the middle rounds.
The Kiwi’s left uppercuts to the body and right hands over the top were a particular highlight, but Wardley’s own backhand remained a threat.
The fight appeared to be fizzling out in the eighth before it burst back into life and swung firmly back in Wardley’s favour in the 10th.
He ensured his stunning story would get another chapter against Usyk when he swarmed Parker in the 11th with a barrage of shots which forced Foster to step in.
It may have been early but Wardley will argue that Parker was taking significant punishment.
For fans of the director, one iconic location lies much closer to home and it is guaranteed to take your breath away
08:00, 25 Oct 2025Updated 08:28, 25 Oct 2025
You may recognise Henrhyd falls from a Hollywood hit(Image: Getty)
When you think of Christopher Nolan’s films, your mind might wander to the Parisian boulevards from Inception, New York’s skyscrapers doubling as Gotham in Batman, or even the expansive New Mexico desert featured in Oppenheimer.
However, for devotees of the groundbreaking British director, one iconic location is much closer to home and it’s sure to leave you breathless.
Nestled deep within a wooded gorge on the fringes of the Brecon Beacons, there lies a waterfall so spectacular that it was chosen as a filming location for a major Hollywood blockbuster.
Yet, many Welsh locals may not even be aware of its existence.
Henrhyd Falls, the tallest waterfall in South Wales, was selected by Christopher Nolan as the entrance to the Batcave in his entire The Dark Knight trilogy. Scenes featuring the Black Tumbler – the massive tank-like Batmobile – soaring through the Welsh waters into the superhero’s clandestine lair were filmed here, reports the Express.
But fear not, you don’t need to be the Caped Crusader to visit this waterfall. There’s no need for any of Bruce Wayne’s gadgets, perhaps just a sturdy pair of boots will do.
Your journey begins with a walk along a path through verdant woodland near the village of Coelbren. Here, you can already hear the sound of rushing water in the distance.
A steep yet well-maintained footpath then guides you down into the gorge, winding towards the waters.
After a 20-minute stroll, you’re greeted by the breathtaking sight of a 27-metre waterfall cascading into a moss-lined gorge.
This might trigger memories of Batman’s secret lair from The Dark Knight Rises, as this very waterfall was featured prominently when John Blake, aka Robin, stumbles upon the hidden entrance to the Batcave.
What transforms Henrhyd from just a picturesque scene to a location with Hollywood status is its inherent drama. The waterfall tumbles over a hard sandstone ledge, known locally as the “Farewell Rock”, into a narrow gorge enveloped by dense forest.
It’s slightly off the beaten path, giving it that elusive “hidden lair” feel.
One recent visitor was utterly captivated by the experience, leaving a glowing review: “Henrhyd Falls is absolutely stunning – a hidden gem surrounded by beautiful nature. The walk down to the waterfall is scenic and peaceful, and standing behind the falls is an unforgettable experience. The sound of the rushing water and the lush greenery make it feel magical.”
The optimal time to visit is after a light rain shower, when the waterfall is at its most dramatic, although the paths can be slippery, particularly if you venture behind the curtain of water.
Early mornings are usually quieter, and sturdy footwear is essential – along with a waterproof if you plan to get close enough to feel the spray.
Henrhyd Falls is a must-visit for nature lovers and Batman enthusiasts alike. Even if the Batmobile isn’t spotted in the shadows, visitors will undoubtedly leave with the sense of having uncovered one of Wales’s most captivating hidden gems.
The USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest warship, can carry up to 90 aircraft
Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro has accused the US of “fabricating a war”, after it sent the world’s largest warship towards the Caribbean in a major escalation of its military build-up in the region.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, which can carry up to 90 aircraft, to move from the Mediterranean on Friday.
“They are fabricating a new eternal war,” Maduro told state media. “They promised they would never again get involved in a war, and they are fabricating a war.”
The US has been increasing its military presence in the Caribbean, sending warships, a nuclear submarine and F-35 aircraft in what it says is a campaign to target drug traffickers.
It has also carried out ten airstrikes on boats it says belong to traffickers, including one on Friday when Hegseth said “six male narco-terrorists” had been killed.
That operation took place in the Caribbean Sea, against a ship Hegseth said belonged to the Tren de Aragua criminal organisation.
The strikes have drawn condemnation in the region and experts have questioned their legality.
The Trump administration says it is conducting a war on drug trafficking, but it has also been accused by both experts and members of Congress of launching an intimidation campaign in an effort to destabilise Maduro’s government.
Maduro is a longtime foe of Trump, and the US president has accused him of being the leader of a drug-trafficking organisation which he denies.
“This is about regime change. They’re probably not going to invade, the hope is this is about signalling,” Dr Christopher Sabatini, a senior fellow for Latin America at the Chatham House think tank, told the BBC.
He argued the military build-up is intended to “strike fear” in the hearts of the Venezuelan military and Maduro’s inner circle so that they move against him.
In its Friday announcement, the Pentagon said the USS Gerald R Ford carrier would deploy to the US Southern Command area of responsibility, which includes Central America and South America as well as the Caribbean.
The additional forces “will enhance and augment existing capabilities to disrupt narcotics trafficking and degrade and dismantle TCOs”, or transnational criminal organisations, spokesman Sean Parnell said.
Watch: The US is “fabricating an eternal war”, says Nicolás Maduro
The carrier’s deployment would provide the resources to start conducting strikes against targets on the ground. Trump has repeatedly raised the possibility of what he called “land action” in Venezuela.
“We are certainly looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control,” he said earlier this week.
The aircraft carrier last publicly transmitted its location three days ago off the coast of Croatia, in the Adriatic Sea.
Its deployment marks a significant escalation in the US military buildup in the region. It is also likely to increase tensions with Venezuela, whose government Washington has long accused of harbouring drug traffickers.
The carrier’s large aircraft load can include jets and planes for transport and reconnaissance. Its first long-term deployment was in 2023.
It is unclear which vessels will accompany it when it moves to the region, but it can operate as part of a strike group that includes destroyers carrying missiles and other equipment.
The US has carried out a series of strikes on boats in recent weeks, in what President Donald Trump has described as an effort to curtail drug trafficking.
Pete Hegseth on X
The US said it had destroyed a drug trafficking boat earlier on Friday
The strike announced on Friday was the tenth the Trump administration has carried out against alleged drug traffickers since early September. Most have taken place off of South America, in the Caribbean, but on 21 and 22 October it carried out strikes in the Pacific Ocean.
Members of US Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, have raised concerns about the legality of the strikes and the president’s authority to order them.
On 10 September, 25 Democratic US senators wrote to the White House and alleged the administration had struck a vessel days earlier “without evidence that the individuals on the vessel and the vessel’s cargo posed a threat to the United States”.
Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, a Republican, has argued that such strikes require congressional approval.
Trump said he has the legal authority to order the strikes, and has designated Tren de Aragua a terrorist organisation.
“We’re allowed to do that, and if we do [it] by land, we may go back to Congress,” Trump told White House reporters on Wednesday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that “if people want to stop seeing drug boats blow up, stop sending drugs to the United States”.
The six deaths in the operation Hegseth announced on Friday brings the total people killed in the US strikes to at least 43.
Brian Finucane, a former US State Department lawyer, told the BBC the situation amounted to a constitutional crisis that the US Congress, controlled by Republicans, has not appeared willing to challenge Trump on.
“The US is experiencing an Article 1 crisis,” said Mr Finucane, who now works at the International Crisis Group. “It is the US Congress that has principal control over the use of military force. That control has been usurped in this instance by the White House, and so it’s up to Congress to push back.”
FEUD rumours have reignited inside a huge UK boyband after fans spotted a major clue on their social media.
The group had massive hits between 2009 before it was disbanded in 2014, with plans to bring the boys back together.
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Fans are sharing theories about The WantedCredit: GettyMembers Max and Nathan have unfollowed each otherCredit: GettyThey formed The Wanted 2.0 after Tom’s tragic deathCredit: Getty
But now it seems The Wanted aren’t reuniting, and stars Max George and Nathan Sykes might not be talking at all.
Fans on Reddit noticed that the pair have unfollowed each other on Instagram, cutting off social media communication.
One wrote, “Not to sound parasocial or anything, but for some context, I have been a fan of The Wanted since 2012.
“I have been following all 5 of them on Instagram from 2014 before their breakup.
“I remember vividly most of them unfollowing each other and specifically Max unfollowing all of them and then ofc all of them followed each other back after Tom announced his diagnosis.
“I couldn’t help but just check for fun to see if the boys are all following each other, and couldn’t help but notice Max and Nathan unfollowed each other?
“I wonder if there’s any beef between them lol.”
The band was first formed in 2009 by Max, Nathan, Jay McGuiness, Siva Kaneswaran and the late Tom Parker.
Max and Siva made The Wanted 2.0 following the death of Tom after his shock death back in 2022.
Another fan replied to the Reddit thread, saying, “I’ve always suspected Max and Nathan had a falling out before they broke up the first time.”
A third said, “It’s a real shame because teenage me loved Nathan and Max’s interactions.
“I remember when Nathan used to comment on Max’s ig posts around 2 years ago.
“They haven’t followed each other in a very long time.
“I think there’s some beef there but I don’t know what.”
The show, at the M Resort Spa Casino’s events space, M Pavilion, marked the duo’s first show in the US since reforming as The Wanted 2.0.
Nathan Sykes and Jay McGuinness did not appear on stage for the Vegas gig.
Comments have spread on The Wanted’s RedditCredit: GettyMax has been keeping busy lately in the U.S.Credit: GettyNathan just tied the knot with girlfriend Charlotte BurkeCredit: Getty
DAVID and Victoria Beckham have publicly thrown their support behind their eldest son Brooklyn in a rare social media move that has tongues wagging.
Brooklyn, 26, showed off his kitchen skills in a new Instagram video, flipping fluffy buttermilk pancakes to Eric Clapton’s Wonderful Tonight.
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David and Victoria Beckham have supported eldest son Brooklyn on social media amid their family feudCredit: GettyBrooklyn shared another cooking video on Instagram last nightCredit: InstagramDavid and Victoria were seen to be liking the postCredit: Getty
While he’s been keeping his distance from the famous family for months, both Posh and Becks quietly “liked” the clip in a huge hint that the frosty feud could be thawing.
The gesture comes after Brooklyn and wife Nicola Peltz failed to publicly support Victoria on socials as her hit Netflix documentary landed earlier this month.
They were also notably absent from her Paris Fashion Week show and the premiere of the documentary.
The couple snubbed David’s lavish 50th birthday celebrations earlier this year in a move that left the family heartbroken.
Sources previously claimed the rift had reached breaking point, with Victoria and David having “accepted they won’t see Brooklyn for the foreseeable future.”
Meanwhile, the Beckhams’ other children are busy making their own mark in the spotlight.
Romeo, 23, is following in his dad’s football footsteps, Cruz, 20, has formed a band and is gigging around London, and 14-year-old Harper is said to be keen on following in her mums footsteps into fashion and beauty.
Victoria recently defended her kids from “nepo baby” criticism, telling The Sun: “It’s not their fault — give them a chance.”
Cruz is releasing his first single today and has already received critical acclaim, being signed to a top music management company — all off his own bat.
“Cruz has got music coming out soon,” Victoria told The Sun.
“He’s spent the last ten years learning his craft — much like I did with Roland — learning to play instruments.
“He taught himself to play about seven instruments. He writes his own songs, he’s put a band together.
“He’s properly done it from the grass roots up. He hasn’t just come in and sung his songs, or demanded anything.
“I mean I can’t really give him any advice — the industry has changed so much.
“But I told him, ‘Don’t expect immediate success’. It’s almost better if it isn’t an immediate success.
“You know, it’s like with my fashion thing — it’s taken me 20 years to get it to where it is.
“You’ve got to start small and build it up. And that’s exactly what he’s doing, playing tiny venues, no fuss, doing his thing.
“I am so proud of him.”
She added: “But he is a nepo. I mean, I feel sorry for these kids that are considered nepo-babies.
“The kids are simply the kids of their parents. It’s not their fault.
“Give them a chance. What matters is that people are good and kind.
“It is fine to be ambitious, but it is more important to be kind. Let the music speak for itself before you judge.”
Cruz Beckham’s new singles “Optics” and “Lick the Toad” are out today.Credit: cruzbeckham/TikTokCruz teased the single earlier this weekCredit: Instagram
WHEN Brits think about the best cities in the UK, the ones that come to mind are probably the likes of York, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, Brighton or London.
But according to National Geographic, one of ‘best places in the world to travel to in 2026’ is Hull – all thanks to its lively bar scene, award-winning aquarium, and completion of a huge project costing millions.
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The city of Hull is full of museums and Dutch architectureCredit: GETTYHull has a very rich maritime history and has put money into conserving itCredit: ALAMY
Hull, is a port city in East Yorkshire that sits on the north bank of the riverHumber.
National Geographic has named it as one of the best places in the entire world to visit next year, but it’s not always been so up and coming.
For example inHull took top spotin the book Crap Towns: The 50 Worst Places to Live in the UK back in 2003.
However, it’s set to become more popular in 2026, and National Geographic mentioned that one of the reasons why is Hull’s investment into conserving its rich maritime history.
Hull was a very important trade route during the 13th and 14th centuries.
Thanks to this, you can see Dutch-influenced architecture buildings that line the streets of the quaint Old Town.
Since 2020, the Maritime Museum has been undergoing a huge revamp worth £11million, but it will finally reopen to the public next year.
This has been part of a wider £27.5 million project to promote Hull’s maritime history which has gone into restoring the museum and ships.
Another reason is the city’s new leisure spots that have transformed warehouses and the old waterside Fruit Market to become bars, restaurants, and art galleries.
The publication added: “There’s also a spectacular performance amphitheater, called Stage@TheDock, overlooking River Hull where it meets the Humber Estuary.”
The Deep is one of the country’s best aquariums and looks over the HumberCredit: GettyYou’ll be spoiled for choice trying when looking for a pubCredit: Alamy
It continued: “And a former shipyard has for over 20 years been the base for The Deep, one of the United Kingdom’s most highly respected aquariums and marine conservation centers.”
The Deep is one of the country’s best aquariums, and the attraction is listed as one of top thing to do on Hull’s TripAdvisor.
Inside, visitors will be able to see sharks, turtles, penguins, and the UK’s only Green sawfish.
Head into the city and you’ll find the towering Hull Minster, the largest parish church in England (by floor area), it’s over 700 years old and is known to have some of the finest medieval brickwork in the country.
If visitors want to get a panoramic view of Hull, they can choose to climb the 180 steps up the spiral staircase.
It’s not just all about history, as Hull is a star of the screen having been used in the backdrop of lots of well-known TV shows and movies.
It even has its own showbiz trail called ‘It Must Be Hullywood‘, a walking route designed for tourists to see sites of their favourite shows.
Visitors to Hull can download a guide or grab a leaflet to follow the trailat their own pace.
It’s not the first time Hull has been revealed to be a city on the rise, it was even named one of Time Out’s best places to visit in 2024. In 2017, Hull was named the UK City of Culture.
Hull Minster is one of England’s biggest churchesCredit: AlamyHope Brotherton visited Hull last year where she climbed Hull Minster towerCredit: Supplied
For shopping, Hope suggested heading to Humber Streetwhich used to be lined with fruit and veg traders but now has cool independent clothing and homeware shops, an art gallery and some of the city’s trendiest restaurants.
When it comes to things to do, head to Dinostar, an interactive dinosaur museum designed specifically for inquisitive kids where there’s everything from yrannosaurus Rex skull to Triceratops bones.
After spending a weekend in the city, Hope said: “From its maritime history to its free walking tours and other cultural attractions, Hull has it all for a great weekend break.
After 48 hours in the city, I could see why the locals I met are so proud to come from Hull – I would be, too.”
National Geographic’s ‘best places in the world to travel to in 2026’…
The Dolomites, Milan, Italy
Québec, Canada
Beijing, China
Dominica
Rabat, Morocco
Hull, Yorkshire, England
North Dakota Badlands, U.S.
Manila, Philippines
Black Sea Coast, Türkiye
Khiva, Uzbekistan
Akagera National Park, Rwanda, East Africa
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
Route 66: Oklahoma, U.S.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Oulu, Finland
South Korea
Guimarães, Portugal
Basque Country, Spain
Maui, Hawaii, U.S.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Coastal Oaxaca (Costa Chica), Mexico
Fiji
Medellín, Colombia
Banff, Canada
Hull in Yorkshire is set to become incredibly popular in 2026Credit: Alamy
Alaska Airlines, which operates regular flights across both the United States and Mexico, says passengers should check before they travel amid heavy delays today
And when Marcus Skeet, the record-breaking charity runner and mental health champion received his Special Recognition Award, he got an extra surprise. After handing Marcus his trophy, pop star Anne-Marie, and podcast duo Pete Wicks and Sam Thompson revealed Pride of Britain had launched a special GoFundMe for mental health charity Mind in Marcus’s honour.
Money raised will pay for special mental health walking and running groups all over the country called Marcus’s Movers. The groups, which include mental health practitioners, cost £2,500 to set up.
Sam and Pete kicked things off with a £5,000 donation on stage, and then Pub Landlord Al Murray took to the floor to persuade some other famous faces to chip in too.
Dragons Den tycoon Duncan Bannatyne donated £20,000, bringing the total raised on the night to £50,000, enough to fund 20 potentially lifesaving Marcus’s Movers groups. A stunned Marcus told Ashley Banjo: “From the bottom of my heart, that means the absolute world. I’m lost for words.”
Now you can help by donating to the GoFundMe to help Mind set up even more Marcus’s Movers groups in communities all over Britain. The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises celebrate unsung heroes like Marcus. His own life was transformed by walking and running – the teenager went from the lowest possible ebb to becoming a record-breaking charity fundraiser and Pride of Britain winner.
He was 12 when his dad was diagnosed with early-onset dementia. Marcus’s physical and mental health rapidly declined and he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and intrusive thoughts which dramatically impacted his life.
At 15 he was in “one of the darkest places”, and attempted suicide after spending months alone in his room with no contact with the outside world. Desperate to turn his life around, Marcus, now 17, started walking short distances at first, before building up distance and speed until he was jogging longer routes. He says: “My mental health was at an all time low so I decided to run, not just for mental health but to raise awareness. Running pushed my body and mind and the feeling after a run was like nothing else.”
Since then, Marcus has raised more than £200,000 for Mind through running, including a run from Land’s End to John O’Groats. The gruelling 874 mile challenge saw him become the youngest person ever – and the first under 18 – to run the entire length of the UK.
Marcus has documented his journey on social media in the hopes of inspiring others who are struggling with their mental health. He says: “Life is brutal, sometimes you feel like you’re in a place you can’t get out of. But I promise you, every road may have speed bumps but you’ll get over them. Mental health is such a big thing, everyone is different but I find running helps mine.”
ELON Musk’s ex Grimes has left her fans stunned after revealing her very unusual face tattoo.
The performer showed off her interesting new inking on Instagram but fans were immediately left confused.
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Grimes has shown off her new face tattoo – but many fans think it looks like ringwormCredit: InstagramThe singer is known for her wacky looksCredit: Twitter/GrimesShe famously dated Elon Musk and has three children with himCredit: Getty
Many were quick to comment to insist they thought the star had Ringworm as opposed to a new facial inking.
In a brand new selfie, a bare-faced Grimes showed off the tattoo which appeared to mimic a scar on her face.
A light circle has been inked on around her eye prompting much discussion from her followers.
Writing on Instagram about her interesting inking, Grimes said: “Spent like ten years emotionally working up to a face tattoo but I guess I drew on my face too much and literally no one noticed, not even my parents, not even after the video lol.
“That said I think @glyphomancer is onto something truly novel and innovative with her work esp on face tats- there’s a true beauty, delicacy, and innovation here imo.
“Feel like tats are in a crazy renaissance period that’s sort of under appreciated atm.”
However, her comments were littered with confused fans mistakenly thinking Grimes had ringworm.
One wrote under the snap: “THE RINGWORM?!.”
Another added: “It’s the ringworm on her eye I think.”
Someone else echoed: “That looks like ringworm.”
With a fourth penning: “Only ringworm.”
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin that often presents in a ring shape – very similar to Grimes’ inking.
It is often described as an itchy and red ring-like rash.
It can often be treated through antifungal medication or creams and gels prescribed by doctors and pharmacists.
Grimes first rose to fame through being a singer and musician but achieved more notoriety through her marriage to Elon Musk.
She began dating the business magnate in 2018 and welcomed a son with him in 2020, who is called X Æ A-Xii.
A year later, the pair had a daughter via surrogacy and were reported to have welcomed a second son in September 2023.
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
The long-running saga of Saab Gripen fighters for Ukraine took a dramatic new turn today, with the Swedish and Ukrainian leaders unveiling a plan to export as many as 150 Gripens to Kyiv. While no timeline has been set, and the financing is yet to be determined, the deal, if it goes ahead, would provide Ukraine with its first new-built fighter jets since it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the aim of “deepening air force cooperation.” The cornerstone of this is a potential major export deal covering “likely between 100 and 150 fighter jets,” according to Kristersson. The LOI was signed in front of a Gripen E at Linköping, the site of Saab’s manufacturing facility for the fighter.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced the signature of the letter of intent in front of a Gripen E at Linköping today. Swedish Ministry of Defense
“Sweden supports the development of Ukraine’s future air force,” the Swedish government said in a statement. “This new Swedish–Ukrainian cooperation will include exchange of experience and knowledge on air combat and defense and on the use of advanced capabilities in this area, for example, fighter aircraft.”
🇺🇦🇸🇪 Ukraine and Sweden signed the first agreement to bring a fleet of Swedish-made Gripen jets to Ukraine – powerful aircraft ready for a wide range of missions! We look forward to the future contract, which is expected to bring at least 100 of these fighter jets to Ukraine.
At Linköping, Zelensky “got the chance to see first-hand the impressive capabilities of the Gripen fighter,” Kristersson said, describing the LOI as “a step towards a massive possible export deal regarding Gripen.”
Kristersson continued: “We fully realize it’s a long road ahead of us, but from today we are committed to exploring all the possibilities in providing Ukraine with a large amount of Gripen fighters in the future.”
As well as the plan to get Gripens into Ukrainian Air Force hands, the Swedish government said that it would harness Ukraine’s “unique experience of air combat and defense” as it continues to develop advanced systems, including the Gripen.
Even if Ukraine receives ‘only’ 100 Gripen E/Fs, this will mark by far the biggest export order for the type and Sweden’s biggest-ever arms sale. It is also significant that the Gripen has long been touted as very suitable for Ukraine, especially since it was built from the start with austere operations in mind; Ukraine is regularly conducting these kinds of operations to keep its fighters from being destroyed on the ground.
A Gripen E test jet. Saab Saab
So far, Brazil has ordered 36, Thailand has ordered four, and Colombia is set to buy between 15 and 24. For its part, Sweden has ordered 60, the first of which was delivered to an operational unit earlier this week.
The LOI covers the in-production Gripen E. Despite it having a similar outward appearance to the Gripen C/D, the Gripen E is regarded as a completely new aircraft type — as you can read about here.
Today Sweden takes an important step towards increasing air defence & JAS Gripen cooperation with Ukraine. We are one step closer to seeing Gripen protect Ukraine’s air space. Ukraine has asked for 100-150 Gripen E and we are looking into how this can be financed. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/j3hZJvs1dH
In the past, Ukraine has repeatedly been linked with a possible transfer of secondhand Swedish Air Force Gripen C/Ds, a topic that was reportedly discussed between Zelensky and Kristersson earlier this month.
Sweden’s long-term plan is to have 120 Gripens in service by 2030, with half being E variants. That would leave roughly 37 Gripen C/D models potentially available to Ukraine, but the number is likely somewhat lower due to airframe fatigue and other factors.
A Swedish Air Force Gripen C at a remote base. Saab SAAB
Kristersson has said it would take around three years for new-build Gripen Es to arrive in Ukraine. With an urgent need for fighters, Zelensky today said he would like to see Gripens delivered from 2026. That would almost certainly involve secondhand Gripen C/Ds.
An important meeting with the @SwedishPM Ulf Kristersson. We greatly value our relations with Sweden and all forms of support for our people. And today, one of the key topics of our negotiations was strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. We consider the JAS 39 Gripen… pic.twitter.com/iW5BxkSF6w
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 22, 2025
Ukrainian pilots have already been exposed to the Gripen C/D in Sweden, where test flights began in 2023.
Long-term, however, Ukraine has been looking to acquire advanced Western-made fighter equipment in more significant numbers than the secondhand F-16s and Mirages, stocks of which are limited. Meanwhile, the Mirages and F-16s are now old, approaching the ends of their service lives, and will need to be replaced before too long.
“Another option, and possibly the best of all, would be Sweden’s surplus JAS 39C/D Gripen multirole fighters. These light-to-medium-weight fighters are built with great efficiency and reliability in mind. They were designed to be turned around in the bush by tiny teams of mainly conscripted groundcrew and flown from roadways and rough fields during wartime. Distributed operations under very harsh sustained wartime conditions, especially in the cold, are literally what the design is all about.”
“Their single F404-derivative engine (license-built by Volvo) drinks comparatively small amounts of fuel compared to the other options, and the type has a wide array of available armory from multiple nations. It has all-around good performance, modern radar and avionics, and is small in size, making it hard to spot visually.“
“The Gripen really is well-suited for the current combat doctrine Ukraine is using in Ukraine today, although the fact that it is a Swedish design makes it a bit harder for the United States and NATO to supply and support it. Still, other NATO members operate the type. There is also the question of how many Swedish Gripens will be able to give up at this time.”
President Zelenksy says Gripen was chosen because it is the best fighter when it comes to money, maneuverability and how to use it.
While Gripen C/Ds might still be supplied in the short term, which would help considerably with training and transition, Ukraine would ultimately receive the more capable Gripen E (and potentially also the two-seat Gripen F).
The Gripen will also provide Ukraine with a notable opportunity to work with the two Saab 340 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft equipped with Erieye radar that have been donated by Sweden. A delivery date for the transfer of these aircraft to Ukraine has not been announced.
However, the Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft “will provide Ukraine with a completely new capability against both airborne and maritime targets,” the Swedish government has said. “Ukraine’s capability to identify and engage targets at long range will be strengthened. The package will also include a holistic solution that involves training, technical equipment, and methodological support for air surveillance and command and control.”
via X
Once Gripens are available to Ukraine, the Saab 340 AEW&C will be able to operate alongside them as a fighter control asset, detecting targets, prioritizing them, and then assigning them to the fighters for interception.
Today’s announcement could potentially yield the biggest overhaul for the Ukrainian Air Force since the country gained independence in 1991. How this will sit with other Western nations that are also supplying arms to Ukraine, and especially the United States, is far from clear. However, Sweden has long taken a more autonomous approach when it comes to defense exports.
But there are many more hurdles to overcome before the jets might start to arrive on Ukrainian soil. First, it has to be determined how Kyiv will pay for the fighters. Second, there are questions about how rapidly Saab might be able to start producing Gripen Es for export, and in what kind of numbers; potentially, it might be able to leverage the Brazilian Gripen production line. Lastly, and most critically, Ukraine still has to survive an existential conflict with Russia before it can get its hands on any of its much-anticipated Gripens.
BRITS could be set to welcome a new mega zipline after the world’s biggest tunnel flopped.
The Olympic Park’s iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit was crowned the world’s longest tunnel after it was built in 2012.
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A mega zipline could be opening in the UKCredit: AlamyThe Olympic Park’s iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit was constructed in 2012Credit: AlamyWelsh adventure company Zip World took over in SeptemberCredit: ZipWorld
But, despite all its glory, the site never attracted enough visitors to operate a sustainable business.
In a bid to save the location from ruin, Zip World took over in September and vowed to install a huge zipwire.
The company has submitted a planning application which, if accepted, would see a switchback zipwire made.
Tourists would be strapped into a chair that takes them from the top of the Orbit and back up again.
The wire would measure a whopping 440m and stretch over to London Stadium.
Plans need to be approved by Tower Hamlets and Newham council officials.
If they are given the greenlight, it is estimated the attraction would fetch 60,000 visitors each year.
Designed by Sir Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond for London 2012, the ArcelorMittal Orbit delighted visitors during the games before reopening to the public in 2014.
The ArcelorMittal Orbit isn’t just a huge sculpture, it’s also home to the world’s biggest tunnel slide, the Helix.
Standing at 76m and stretching for 178m, brave visitors can reach speeds of up to 15mph on the slide.
The huge tunnel slide also features 12 turns, which twist and snake around the Olympic Park sculpture, making for a dizzying journey.
If this sounds too stomach-churning, then visitors can also take in panoramic views over London from the ArcelorMittal Orbit 360 viewing deck.
Located at the top of the sculpture, the viewing platform boasts views for as far as 20 miles on a clear day.
Visitors have praised the attraction in their reviews on TripAdvisor, with one person writing: “The views across London are spectacular, and you get great views across the park, the stadium, and the city”.
ZipWorld boss, Andrew Hudson, said earlier this year: “We are excited to announce the re-opening date for the ArcelorMittal Orbit at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, ready for half term.
“This is just the start for Zip World in London, and we can’t wait to welcome both locals and thrill-seekers from around the world.
“We’ve got many more epic adventures lined up that will redefine urban excitement in the heart of the city.
“We’ll continue working closely with LLDC as we expand our off world-class experiences to bring something truly unique to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.”
Entry tickets to the ArcelorMittal Orbit 360 viewing deck start from £7, with tickets for Helix starting from £14.
Adventure giant Zip World has a host of other attractions in the UK, including the UK’s first zipline rollercoaster at Penrhyn Quarry in Snowdonia.
The Aero Explorer ride opened in 2023 and offers thrill-seekers a “high-speed journey across the quarry” like no other.
An overhead track is connected to a harness on the rider, which enables them to glide around as if they’re on a rollercoaster.
The track is found high above the quarry, offering views of the landscape as people fly around connected to the circuit above.
Plus, how London’s newest tourist town in a “forgotten” district is a £1.3billion attraction with hotels, theatre and a rooftop bar.
It is estimated the proposed zip line would fetch 60,000 visitors each yearCredit: AlamyThe attraction is home to the world’s biggest tunnel slide, the HelixCredit: ZipWorldPlans need approved by Tower Hamlets and Newham council officialsCredit: Alamy
MANCHESTER and Birmingham could soon get Channel Tunnel trains.
Virgin has revealed that it wants to operate services from Manchester and Birmingham to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, if it wins the bid to run cross-channel services.
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Manchester and Birmingham could both get train services to Europe if Virgin wins the bid to operate cross-channel servicesCredit: Alamy
If the routes were launched, the trains would need to run via the West Coast Main Line and then divert across north London to join the Channel Tunnel route at Stratford.
A Virgin spokesperson said: “Reopening the stations to be able to accommodate international services requires commitment and resources from all parties and potential competitors involved.
“But if the stations are opened, Virgin will stop in Kent.”
Virgin has also pledged to reopen Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International stations, which have both been closed since 2020.
Virgin would then run 20 services each day from London St Pancras to Paris and Amsterdam via Brussels, within the next five years.
In the future, Virgin said it could also add services to Germany and Switzerland too.
In August, Virgin signed a deal for 12 new high-speed trains.
The “binding exclusivity” with Alstom means Virgin would get a dozen Avelia Stream trains to use for journeys into mainland Europe.
Virgin is just one of several companies bidding to run services across the channel; other companies include Gemini Trains and Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS).
The latter has said they would look to restart train routes from Ashford International Station as well.
Services would operate from the stations and head through Kent before heading to EuropeCredit: Getty – Contributor
If Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane was successful in its bid to gain a Channel Tunnel contract, they’d launch trains from between London and Paris from 2029 onwards, with a stop in Ashford.
Meanwhile, Gemini Trains has revealed plans to launch 10 trains from the UK to Europe, including routes to Paris and Brussels.
The ORR will make a decision about the future of cross-channel services, by either allowing a new operator to run services or allow Eurostar to grow its services.
If Eurostar did expand, the operator has expressed that it would like to run services to a number of new destinations, such as Frankfurt and Geneva.
A final decision is set to be made on October 31.
Why Virgin taking on Eurostar is good for consumers…
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot explains how this is good news for UK travellers
WHILE a second operator on the channel tunnel could only be a positive move for travellers, there are significant challenges before this could become reality.
Eurostar currently has a monopoly on the route and competition would potentially bring more choice, lower prices and new routes.
Eurostar itself is a shadow of the company it was in its glory days with direct routes to Disneyland Paris, Lyon, Avignon and Marseille plus its fabulous ski train to the Alps.
While the pandemic brought the company almost to its knees, it has been steadily getting back on its feet and the merger with Belgian operator Thalys has opened up fast train services to Germany.
But the constrictions on space at St Pancras and the maintenance depot at Temple Mills plus the potential disruption when the new European Entry Exit System finally arrives mean there are still significant problems that need to be addressed.
The announcement comes as the Office for Rail and Road will make a final decision on which company will become the Eurostar’s rival on October 31Credit: Getty
ONE of Yorkshire’s prettiest towns is set for superstardom this December, as it stars in a new Christmas film featuring some of Hollywood’s top actors.
Huge Hollywood stars descended on the pretty Yorkshire town earlier this yearCredit: SkyThe town of Knaresborough is the backdrop of a Sky Original Christmas movieCredit: Alamy
Between January and February 2025, cast and crew were spotted in the Yorkshire town, in areas like Castlegate,Riverside, andGreen Dragon Yard.
Filming of the Sky Original Christmas movie meant that the festive decorations were up for months longer than usual.
The film, set to be released n November 28, will see Kiefer Sutherland play Bradley Mack, a failed Hollywood action star ending up in a small, snow-dusted village to star in the town’s eccentric production of Cinderella.
It’s here that he encounters a number of oddball locals, one of whom is no-nonsense choreographer Jill, played by Rebel Wilson.
Knaresborough has pretty waterfront cafes and the opportunity to canoe down the river, while watching steam trains travel over the viaduct.
Katrina said: “If you venture down by the river from either Bond End or walking down the steps at the castle you’ll stand at the foot of the iconic viaduct.
“Amongst the cafes and houses are two boat hire places – Blenkhorn’s and Marigold Cafe & Boating. Both are open daily, weather permitting, and are a great way to soak up the stunning scenery.
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“No visit to Knaresborough is complete without heading to Knaresborough Castle for the best view of the viaduct.
“You don’t need to pay to enter the castle grounds, and I recommend seeing the view during the day and at night time, with the viaduct all lit up.”
Knaresborough was decked out for Christmas during January and February of 2025 for filmingCredit: SkyA popular activity during the summer is to go boating on the waterCredit: AlamyThe Yorkshire town could get its own tourist land train – like the one in WeymouthCredit: Alamy
Katrina also suggested checking out the many pubs in the area from Blind Jack’s in the market square, to Carriages.
As for attractions, there’s Mother Shipton’s Cave which is named after the Yorkshire prophetess who predicted many things, including the great fire of London and the black death.
It’s also the oldest tourist attraction to charge a fee in England, and has been open to visitors since 1630.
The town is also lobbying for cash to buy a tourist land train, which would mean visitors could easily go exploring without having to climb steep hills and steps.
A previous grant to get a land train was rejected due to “concerns over the scheme’s viability”, as reported by the BBC.
Now, the Knaresborough & District Chamber, which submitted the bid, is looking for alternative funding to get the service started.
The hope is that the land train would increase the number of visitors to all of Knaresborough, from the river to the main town.
One of the local council members told the BBC that visitors who visit usually wander around the castle and marketplace but don’t go down to the river because of the steep hill and steps.
If the land train becomes a reality, it would join other UK towns which run services generally during the summer.
Weymouth has its very own land train which runs across the promenade, meanwhile Bridlington has two trains, one which heads north, and the other, south.
And another Yorkshire destination to add to your To Do list…
Hutton-Le-Hole is said to be one of the last unspoiled villages in the UK, thanks to its very quaint houses and attractions.
Home to just 400 locals, it has been named one of Yorkshire‘s “best looking villages” by Lonely Planet, as well as one of the UK’s prettiest by Conde Nast Traveller.
Jane Austen fans will recognise it, having featured in the Death Comes To Pemberley BBC drama.
In the summer, locals sit on the village green, with the sloped grass leading into the river to cool off.
But the village is just as beautiful in autumn with the trees turning bright orange.
Most of the sheep are free-roaming, so expect to see a few munching on the grass.
If you fancy some retail therapy, The Chocolate Factory, which opened 20 years ago, is one of the top attractions.
Despite being small, there are a number of places you can stay like The Crown Inn and The Barn Guesthouse or a number of small B&Bs.
