Aug. 11 (UPI) — At least six people were killed Tuesday when Houthi militia attacked a cargo ship with missiles in the Red Sea, the Yemeni government said.
The Yemeni Transport Ministry said in a statement that the ship was carrying food and was hit while traveling through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. One Indonesian and three Pakistani crew members were killed in the attack after a fire broke out on board the Tihamah.
The Yemeni coast guard said later Tuesday that two members of the armed forces were also killed during a rescue mission when another Houthi missile was launched at the ship.
The Houthis have not commented on the attack, but the group has recently fired on Saudi Arabian vessels in the Red Sea as part of a blockade against its northern neighbor.
It’s unclear who owns the ship. The Transport Ministry described the Tihamah as a Yemeni commercial vessel, but Equasis, a shipping database, said it’s a small cargo ship owned by Egyptian company Thubab for Marine Services and flies the Tanzanian flag, The New York Times reported.
Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014, though a 2022 cease-fire had slowed conflict. In 2014, the Iran-backed Houthis took over the Yemeni capital Sanaa. A Saudi-led coalition intervened but failed to remove the Houthis. Now, the Houthis control the northern half of Yemen, including Sanaa.
The Red Sea has become increasingly important since the Strait of Hormuz has been blocked by Iran after the United States and Israel began a war on the country.
On Sunday, the Houthis attacked a Saudi state-owned oil refinery in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, as well as the Red Sea port of Mokha, which is controlled by the Yemeni government. The attack on Mokha killed at least seven people. It was the most recent in a spate of attacks by the rebels.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for fewer routine childhood vaccinations. Among the changes, Trump wants the MMR vaccine split into separate doses, falsely claiming the combined shot could be ‘quite lethal’.
WE ALL like to be beside the seaside and the UK is home to some wonderful seaside spots.
With the UK summer still giving us heaps of sunshine, what better way to spend a day out?
The UK is home to some amazing beaches, but have you heard of these must-visit spots?Credit: Alamy
And Uber has revealed the top 10 bucket-list beaches to visit this summer, as part of UberSeaside, where you can get discounted local rides to head to overlooked beaches.
So here are their top spots you should visit this summer.
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Lantic Bay, Cornwall
Lantic Bay in Cornwall is often dubbed one of the county’s “best kept secrets”Credit: Alamy
Dubbed one of Cornwall’s “best kept secrets”, head to Lantic Bay where you’ll find white sand and crystal clear waters.
Owned by the National Trust, the cove never gets crowded making it the ideal spot to sunbathe in peace.
Swimming is not recommended at the cove though, as they can often be strong rip currents.
The beach itself can be accessed by a 20 minute walk from a National Trust car park.
One recent visitor said: “Lantic Bay is absolutely stunning – one of the most beautiful spots I’ve visited in Cornwall. The walk down is definitely long and steep, so good footwear is a must, but once you reach the bay, it’s completely worth it.
“Crystal-clear water, peaceful surroundings, and incredible views. It felt like a little slice of paradise. I would definitely do it again!”
Pedn Vounder, Cornwall
Pedn Vounder Beach in Cornwall sits between towering cliffsCredit: Alamy
Also in Cornwall, you could head to Pedn Vounder, set between the cliffs of Treryn Dinas.
The beach itself boasts turquoise water and white,sand making it look more like it is somewhere in the Mediterranean.
A recent visitor said in an online review: “Possibly the best beach in the UK!
“At low tide, the fairy pools open up around the rocks and are just magical! It was quiet, even in July and is definitely worth the walk down. Going back up is much easier.”
Chapman’s Pool, Dorset
Chapman’s Pool in Dorset is a great spot for fossil huntingCredit: Alamy
Chapman’s Pool is a secluded beach that rarely gets crowded.
The stoney beach is home to crystal clear waters that are often calm enough to go snorkelling in.
When on the beach, make sure to have a look at the rocks as you may spot some fossils.
The beach is about a 20 minute walk from a free car park.
Mupe Bay, Dorset
Mupe Bay also in Dorset, is another good fossil hunting spotCredit: Alamy
Also in Dorset on the Jurassic Coast, you can head to Mupe Bay.
The beach is a mix of sand and shingle.
It is also surrounded by dramatic chalk cliffs and there is also the Fossil Forest nearby.
Expect far fewer crowds compared to the busier Durdle Door.
Achmelvich Beach, Highlands
Achmelvich in Scotland isn’t far from the North Coast 500 routeCredit: Alamy
Up in Scotland, you could head to Achmelvich Beach which is an award-winning white sand beach with clear water.
It is also the ideal stop off if you are travelling on the North Coast 500 route, as it is just three miles from the route.
While at the beach you can head swimming or have a go at different water sports.
A number of visitors have compared the spot to looking as if it is in the Maldives or in the Caribbean.
Botany Bay, Kent
Over in Kent, you could head to Botany BayCredit: Alamy
Botany Bay is one of the more well-known spots on this list, but is still stunning to visit.
When the tide heads out, the beach is a great spot to go fossil hunting as well as exploring the numerous rock pools.
Often called one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, Botany Bay is also one of the warmest beaches in the UK in winter thanks to its location on the Channel.
And it gets the least rain in the country too!
Singing Sands, Isle of Eigg
Singing Sands Beach in Scotland has white sand and crystal clear waterCredit: Alamy
Another spot to visit in Scotland is Singing Sands Beach.
This is found on the northwest coast of the Isle of Eigg.
It is known for its white sand that makes a ‘singing’ noise when you walk on it.
The beach also boasts views of the neighbouring Isle of Rum.
Luskentyre, Isle of Harris
In Scotland, you can head to Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris, which some visitors say feels like the MaldivesCredit: Alamy
Often named one of the best beaches in the UK and Europe, Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, features miles of white sand and turquoise water.
The beach is often quiet with no crowds as well.
One visitor said: “Breathtaking beach felt like I was in Maldives!
“A must visit! Loved the stunning scenery! If you don’t visit you are really missing out!”
Traeth yr Ora, Anglesey
In Wales, you can head to Traeth yr Ora BeachCredit: Alamy
Over in Wales, you could head to Traeth yr Ora in Anglesey – a large beach with a mix of sand and shingle.
The nearest parking is around a mile away so it is a bit of walk to the beach, but this usually results in it being quiet.
The beach is also known for being a great spot to watch the sunset.
If you are there at low tide, you might be lucky enough to see a shipwreck emerge from the water.
Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire
At low tide, you can explore a number of rockpools at Marloes SandsCredit: Alamy
Also in Wales, you could visit Marloes Beach which stretches for over a mile.
Cliffs surround the beach and at low tide you will find lots of small rockpools to explore.
From the beach, you can often spot seals in the water too.
A recent visitor said: “Wow. This absolutely is the most beautiful beach I’ve ever been.”
WHEN booking a holiday there are three specific factors you must consider that can completely change the cost.
Get one of them wrong and you could pay hundreds more for an almost-identical week away… however if you get all three RIGHT you’ve found what I like to call the holiday “magic equation”.
You could save hundreds, depending on what day you flyCredit: On The Beach
The three key ‘ingredients’ to getting the best deal are where you go, when you fly and how long you stay.
I’ve been digging through thousands of On the Beach holidays to find the best-value combination of departure date, destination and duration for every remaining holiday window before November.
I didn’t just pick whichever holiday had the lowest price, though.
My analysis also compared each option against similar holidays, prices from last year, hotel ratings, customer reviews and the number of hotels still available – and what I’ve been left with is four very specific recommendations.
There’s one for families escaping before the end of the school holidays, two for couples and families with toddlers who can travel outside term time, and one for the October half-term scramble.
So here are the four magic holiday combinations I’ve uncovered – plus a deal you can book right now for each one.
Mahdia is lesser known, but has both the history and the holiday resortsCredit: On The Beach
Fly to Tunisia on… August 20
If you’re still hoping to get away with school-age children this summer, August 20 is the date I’d be circling, especially for trips to Tunisia.
The best-value August combination in our analysis was a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Mahdia, departing on August 20 and returning on August 27.
The average price was just £698 per person – 22.6% cheaper than similar holidays and 9.2% less than people paid last year.
That’s particularly impressive because it gets you back before the end of August too, so no breaking the school holiday rules.
It’s a historic coastal town with a beautiful old medina and long stretches of pale sandy beach.
The sea here is often wonderfully clear and shallow, while hotels tend to be large, all-inclusive and built around keeping children occupied.
In other words: much of what families book Turkey for, but frequently at a lower price.
I found a particularly good deal at the four-star Mahdia Beach & Aqua Park from £623pp (and it’s all-inclusive).
It’s a huge beachfront resort with several pools, waterslides, and children’s activities, as well as a high Tripadvisor score – more than 1,900 gave it 4.2 out of five.
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Sharm el Sheikh has some great bargains for couples and families who can travel off seasonCredit: On The Beach
Fly to Egypt on… September 23
September is where holiday prices start to calm down from the summer surge.
For couples and parents with children below school age, the best-value combination was a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Nabq Bay in Sharm El Sheikh, departing on September 23.
The average holiday cost £709 per person, which was 12.3% below the price of a comparable break.
More importantly, it was a massive 22.2% cheaper than last year – the biggest year-on-year drop of any winning combination in the data.
Nabq Bay is one of my favourite recommendations for anybody wanting a proper fly-and-flop holiday in September.
Temperatures are normally still well above 30C, so the weather stays beautifully warm and the resort is full of enormous all-inclusive hotels with private beaches, waterparks and enough swimming pools to require a map.
Most of the holiday happens inside the resort, so you’re not repeatedly folding a buggy into taxis or attempting a cultural walking tour at precisely the moment somebody decides they need a nap.
My deal is at the Parrotel Aqua Park Resort is all-inclusive for £450pp when flying on September 23.
As the name rather usefully suggests, the main attraction is its enormous waterpark, but there are also several pools, restaurants, children’s facilities and a private beach area.
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The three-star Supreme Hotel in Turkey is our biggest bargain on the listCredit: On The Beach
Fly to Turkey on… October 13
October delivered the strongest overall value score from all the data I sifted through, especially when flying to Turkey.
The winning combination, by far, was a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Marmaris, flying on October 13 and returning on October 20.
This is just before the half term holidays so is suited for couples or families with little kids not yet in school.
The average price was just £537 per person – that’s 21.4% cheaper than similar holidays and 11.6% below last year’s price.
Marmaris works brilliantly in October because you get the best bits without quite so much of the summer chaos.
The resort wraps around a huge bay backed by pine-covered mountains, with a long waterfront, beaches, boat trips and a seemingly endless supply of restaurants.
Daytime temperatures are typically still warm enough for the pool and beach, although evenings are cooler and there’s a greater chance of rain than during summer.
It’s also a great month for exploring. You can walk the marina without melting, take a boat along the coast or visit Marmaris Old Town without needing to stop for emergency air conditioning every ten minutes.
The deal I found is at the three-star Supreme Hotel, a simple but well-reviewed base with a pool, restaurant and a useful location for reaching the centre of Marmaris.
The best deal I found was an all-inclusive week at the Supreme Hotel from £235pp when flying October 13. At £33.57 per person, per night – including your flights, hotel, food and drinks – that’s my standout bargain of the lot.
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Try Kos with the kids for a bargain in the October half term holidaysCredit: On The Beach
Fly to Greece on… October 25
If you’ve got kids, you’ll know that October half-term is always difficult.
Once every family in Britain needs roughly the same handful of departure dates, the chances of finding a bargain tend to disappear faster than the good flight times.
But the data did uncover one combination that stood above the rest: seven nights all-inclusive in Kardamena, Kos, departing on October 25.
The average price for a deal here was £740 per person – 13.4% cheaper than comparable half-term holidays and 13.2% below last year.
Kardamena is one of the livelier resorts on the Greek island during summer, but by late October it becomes considerably calmer.
You still have its long beach, waterfront and marina, while Kos Airport is only around a 15-minute drive away.
That short transfer here is a serious half-term advantage too – nobody wants to follow a four-hour flight with a two-hour coach tour of every other family’s hotel.
The weather is the slight gamble, as late October brings warm sunny days, but you might see some businesses closing for the season.
So, this is one where I’d choose a hotel with plenty happening on site.
Lucky for you, the deal I found does exactly that, which is an all-inclusive seven-night stay at Canvas by Mitsis Family Village, for £558pp when travelling on October 25.
It’s built on a hillside overlooking the coast, with pools, waterslides, family entertainment and access to a beach below, and it scores a very impressive 4.4 out of five from almost 2,500 Tripadvisor reviews.
That’s £181.60pp below the average price uncovered by the half-term analysis, and proof that the school-holiday premium can still be beaten if you get the date, duration and destination exactly right.
Aug. 8 (UPI) — Overnight Russian attacks on Kyiv and the surrounding region killed at least 4 people, one of which was a 3-year-old child, officials said Saturday.
Two of boy’s grandparents were also killed in the strike from Russian drones in the Brovary district of the Kyiv region, northeast of the capital city. Four others — the boy’s 15-year-old brother, his parents and a neighbor — were injured as they tried to help the three. They were all hospitalized.
Ukraine‘s air force reported that it had downed or intercepted 135 of 151 drones launched by Russia overnight. The attack also involved six ballistic missiles and other guided missiles, CBS News reported.
“Last night, Russia killed three people in Pukhivka, Kyiv region, with drone strikes — a grandfather, a grandmother and their grandson. The boy was only 3 years old,” Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyposted on X. “Four more people were hospitalized: the child’s parents, his 15-year-old brother and a neighbor who came to the family’s aid and was wounded in a double-tap strike. The victims suffered thermal burns and shrapnel wounds. My condolences. It was an ordinary residential building. The Russians could not have been unaware of this. There was also a strike involving six ballistic missiles against civilian infrastructure in Kyiv. As of now, one person has been reported dead. My condolences to the family and loved ones. The Donetsk, Kharkiv, Sumy, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv and Poltava regions also came under attack.”
Zelensky went on to reiterate that Ukraine needs more support, including stronger sanctions on Russia and anti-ballistic missile weapons.
The Ukrainian president is on an official visit to Serbia, a close ally of Russia. It’s a first for Zelensky, and the two countries agreed to work toward closer economic ties. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said his country will support Ukraine’s territorial integrity with “no buts” during a joint press conference, The Kyiv Post reported. Serbia is trying to join the European Union.
The U.S. Senate passed a bill Friday that imposes new sanctions on Russia and Iran. The bill was once championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. On Friday, the Senate voted 86 to 11 in favor of passing The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.
A drone also entered Bulgarian airspace Saturday after crossing from Romania and exploded near an international gas pipeline, the BBC reported Bulgarian prime minister Rumen Radev said. He said there was a “significant” amount of explosives aboard the drone, but that there were no casualties or reports of damage. It’s not clear where the drone originated.
Visitors pray during a ceremony for atomic bomb victims at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park that marked the 81th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 2026. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
A MAJOR European airport is set for a huge, multi-billion expansion.
Rome Fiumicino Airport in Italy is a major European hub with around 51million passengers travelling through the airport each year.
Rome Airport is set to undergo a multi-billion-pound transformationCredit: Aeroporti Di RomaThere will be a new terminal and a fourth runway as part of the projectCredit: Getty
And now the airport has revealed plans for a €9billion (£8.48billion) project to make the airport bigger.
Plans include adding a fourth runway to the airport, as well as opening a new terminal.
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The new 3,400-metre-long runway will partially replace runway one, which will be shortened by 900 metres with this area being turned into a park that is open to the public.
Other upgrades will be carried out on the taxiways, aprons and connecting roads.
Then, the new 350,000sqm terminal will be spread across several levels, with two new boarding areas, 76 gates and an exhibition area showcasing local culture.
The new terminal will also have a number of shops, green areas and public spaces.
The money will be split between €5billion (£4.28billion) being spent on expansion and the other €4billion (£3.4billion) being spent on upgrading existing facilities.
The aim is that the airport will be able to handle up to 100million passengers a year by 2046.
The airport is aiming to complete the project by 2033Credit: Aeroporti Di Roma
The project is set to be complete by 2033, which will mark the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s death and resurrection.
According to The Financial Times, the airport’s chief executive Marco Troncone said: “If this happens, the new runway may be ready in 2033, in time, ideally, for the next iconic event . . . to mark 2,000 years after the death of Jesus Christ.”
There are several airlines that fly between the UK and the Italian capital.
For example, you could fly with Ryanair or easyJet that both offer flights from a number of regional airports.
EUROPE is sizzling through a major heatwave, but that doesn’t need to melt your getaway plans.
These waterpark hotels will ensure kids stay cool in the sun — and they are all in areas currently deemed safe from wildfires.
These waterpark hotels will ensure kids stay cool in the sun — and they are all in areas currently deemed safe from wildfiresCredit: GettyMake waves at Aqualand in CorfuCredit: Supplied
With plenty of deals still out there, Sophie Swietochowski picks some of the top waterpark resorts across the continent.
TURKEY – The Land Of Legends Kingdom Hotel and Aqualand
Slide on in at Aqualand at The Land Of Legends KingdomCredit: Jet2Holidays
Thrill-seeking teens will be bowled over by this giant theme park in Antalya, on the southern coast.
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Often labelled as the Disneyland of Turkey, it is home to a thrilling 62metre Hyper Coaster, a mega shopping district and a waterpark.
Typhoon Coaster is the highlight, hurling riders at mega speeds from 43-metres up, in to a splash basin.
There’s plenty for youngsters too, including a mini wave pool and slides, and a lazy river.
Guests staying at the onsite Kingdom Hotel get unlimited access to the parks.
GO: Four nights’ all-inclusive at the 5* The Land Of Legends Kingdom Hotel is from £972.50pp for a family of four sharing, flying from Stansted on August 26. Details at onthebeach.co.uk.
This resort, attached to the well-known Aqualand park, offers round-the-clock ice cream, pizzas, and burgers for hungry little mouths, as well as tasty Mediterranean-inspired grub for the grown-ups.
Guests get unlimited access to the waterpark where the whole family can get stuck in, thanks to the massive mishmash of rides.
Mum, Dad and the youngsters can head for the family rafting ride, down a 180metre tube, while the brave can tackle the 24metre-high free-fall slides and the open flume “kamikaze” slides.
With 15 pools and swimming areas, the kids will never get bored.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4H Aqualand Resort and Waterpark is from £943pp, based on a family of four sharing and including flights from Liverpool John Lennon on August 17. See firstchoice.co.uk.
For adventurers, Tui offers a special package that combines a stay at the 4* Evenia Olympic Park with complimentary access to adjacent WaterWorld Lloret, one of Europe’s largest waterparks.
If it is too hot for the ten- minute walk, you can catch a free shuttle and then cool off straight away in the splash lagoon.
Meanwhile, older kids will want to make a beeline for X-trem Mountain, a 260metre watercoaster with steep drops, dark tubes and sharp bends.
There is also an onsite waterpark at the hotel with multi-lane racer slides, and a pirate ship.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Evenia Olympic Park and Waterworld Lloret is from £876.53pp based on a family of four sharing and including flights from Manchester on August 22. See tui.co.uk.
One of the best holiday destinations for waterpark fans, but don’t just take my word for it. It is frequently ranked among the best in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards.
The kids’ activity pool, featuring a series of mini slides and water jets, will ensure under-12s don’t miss out, while adrenalin junkies are catered for by the Tornado King ride.
When you are not splashing around, there are five onsite restaurants as well as kids’ clubs, an escape room and cinema.
GO: Four nights’ all-inclusive at the 4* Leonardo Laura Beach & Splash Resort is from £965pp based on a family of four sharing and including flights on August 12 from East Midlands airport. To book, see thomascook.com.
At least three people are dead and more than 20 injured after a bomb exploded outside a restaurant in central Moscow. Russian authorities say a woman carrying an explosive device was stopped by a security guard before it exploded. It’s not clear who the target was.
WHAT’S better than a hotel stay? One that comes with a free meal of course.
During the summerholidays, Premier Inn is offering free kids meals throughout the day in over 370 locations across the country.
Premier Inn has launched its new Kids Eat Free deal on breakfast, lunch and dinnerCredit: Mike Egerton/PA WireUp to two children under 15 can eat for free with every paying adultCredit: Premier Inn
Premier Inn’s new Kids Eat Free deal is in place from now until September 1 at hundreds of its hotels – and you can check which ones here.
With the offer, up to two children aged 15 or under can eat for free with every paying adult.
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So in the morning when an adult orders a Full Breakfast with all the trimmings from £10.99, kids can fuel up too.
Premier Inn offers unlimited cooked breakfast and continental with unlimited soft and hot drinks.
In the afternoon or evening, up to two kids can choose from the children’s menu and have one free main meal per each paying adult.
On the children’s menu are dishes like 10-veg tomato pasta, spaghetti bolognese, pizzas, burgers, fish bites and poppin’ chicken.
Adults can opt for one main dish or a Meal Deal from £27.99 – it’s a two‑course dinner with a selected drink in the evening.
Adults can choose from dishes like fish and chips, curry, steak, salmon, pizza and a variety of burgers – which Sun Travel gave their verdict on.
There are lighter options too like the house Caesar salad, sweet and sour kings prawns and nourish bowls.
Premier Inn has also reduced the VAT on children’s meals saving 20 per cent on any additional kids’ meals not included in the free deal.
Premier Inn’s new Kids Eat Free deal ends on September 1Credit: Premier Inn
Here are the Ts&Cs for the Kids Eat Free Deal…
Kids Eat Free Breakfast: Up to 2 children (aged 15 and under) can enjoy a free breakfast for every adult purchasing a Full Premier Inn Breakfast.
Kids Eat Free Lunch/Dinner: Up to 2 children (aged 15 and under) can have one free main from the kids’ menu (small or large, if available) per adult.
The adult must order a main course from the core evening menu and a drink priced at £1.99 or more. For guests who have purchased a meal deal, this will count as a ‘main’.
Drinks will be charged at full price. This offer is only valid until September 1, 2026 inclusive across selected Premier Inn Thyme restaurants.
For more details of which locations are included please visit the website.
The reality TV regular has landed her own show which arrives on Disney Plus in a matter of days
Stassi is back with a new reality show releasing soon to Disney+(Image: Stassi Schroeder/Instagram)
Fans of the Real Housewives and Vanderpump Rules have a new must-see show for their watch lists.
House of Stassi premiered in the US this week with its UK release now just days away. The eight-episode series will be available to stream on Disney Plus from August 12.
It documents former Vanderpump Rules star, Stassi Schroeder, as she returns to the spotlight after her sacking from the show back in 2020. While she previously dipped her toe back in to reality TV with spin-off Vanderpump Villa, her own series will take fans deeper into her life and inner circle.
As per the Disney Plus synopsis: “House of Stassi follows reality TV icon Stassi Schroeder as she steps into her next act. In this meta-docuseries, Stassi navigates her long-awaited return to television – this time with the people she loves most by her side.
“As her ambition pulls her back into the spotlight, those around her level up. But as cameras roll and truths surface, her closest relationships are put to the test.”
Why is Stassi Schroeder famous?
She got her big break on the long-running reality series, Vanderpump Rules. A spin-off of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the show began in 2013 and follows fan favourite housewife Lisa Vanderpump and the lives of the staff working across her restaurants and bars.
Stassi was on the show from the very start as a worker at Lisa’s West Hollywood restaurant, SUR. Her outspoken nature made her a standout personality across the eight seasons she featured in. She has also launched a successful podcast and has written three best-selling books.
Stassi Schroeder controversy explained
Back in 2020, Bravo confirmed it had fired Stassi and her co-star Kristen Doute from Vanderpump Rules. It came after a past incident from 2018 resurfaced in which the pair had called the police on black TV personality, Faith Stowers, for a crime she did not commit, claiming she resembled a suspect.
Stassi later issued a statement addressing the “racially insensitive comments”, writing: “I did not recognise the serious ramifications that could have transpired because of my actions. What I did to Faith was wrong. I apologise and I do not expect forgiveness.”
She added: “I am going to continue to look closer at myself and my actions – to take the time to listen, to learn, and to take accountability for my privilege.”
Meanwhile Kristen did the same, saying: “Although, my actions were not racially driven, I am now completely aware of how my privilege blinded me from the reality of law enforcement’s treatment of the black community, and how dangerous my actions would have been to her,” adding that she would “do better.”
Meghan Markle feud
Stassi claimed on her podcast in 2025 that she was “furious” at Meghan Markle and was boycotting her Netflix show With Love, Meghan. It came after she was allegedly refused freebies from Meghan’s As Ever brand, despite Stassi publicly supporting her in the past.
“The way she moves through social media, I think that she’s stuck in 2017, and she just thinks I’m a lowly reality person,” Stassi told her podcast listeners. “That’s what I think, and I am furious, and this is the last straw. I’m not watching her show anymore.”
Noticing that a PR package had been sent to another podcast host who had been critical of Meghan in the past only added fuel to the fire, and Stassi vowed: “I’m going to unfollow her right now. Literally, I’m unfollowing her. Done!”
Meghan has never commented on the supposed PR package snub nor the remarks made by Stassi.
House of Stassi arrives on Disney+ from August 12.
Jared Leto has denied allegations of criminal sexual conductCredit: Getty – ContributorFour women accused Hollywood actor of criminal sexual misconductCredit: Getty
He said: “I have never sexually assaulted anyone in my entire life. These claims are absolutely and categorically false.”
The allegations against the Oscar winner, 54, date from when the women were aged between 16 and 19.
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One accuser alleges she had sex with Leto when she was 17, which under Californian laws would be classed as statutory rape.
The Hollywood star, aged 34 at the time, invited the woman and a friend to his Californian home, the alleged accuser told the BBC.
She claims Leto told her friend to wait in a separate room as the alleged rape took place.
A second woman claims she was sexually assaulted in a “dingy” Las Vegas motel bathroom when she was 17.
A third claims the Dallas Buyers Club star threatened her with sexual assault when she was 19 after the pair were left alone in a hotel room.
The allegations came after a Thirty Seconds to Mars concert at London’s O2 Arena in 2013 when Leto would have been 41.
A fourth accused Leto of grooming her and alleges he once took advantage of his celebrity status by making repeated sexually explicit phone calls to her when she was 16.
He suggested they should have sex on at least one occasion, the alleged victim claims.
The accusations all come from a new BBC documentary titled Jared Leto: Hollywood‘s Dark Secret.
The BBC claims they have seen at least one non-disclosure agreement (NDA) sent to a woman aimed at preventing her from talking about her relationship with Leto.
Another woman also accuses the Morbius lead of ordering a security guard to take her backstage at a music festival when she was 14.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
CARDI B is about to let everyone in on the story of her rollercoaster life — including working as a stripper.
I can reveal the rapper is the subject of a major new documentary from the same team behind programmes on Victoria Beckham, Pamela Anderson and Coleen Rooney.
Cardi B is about to let everyone in on the story of her rollercoaster life — including working as a stripperCredit: GettyRapper Cardi is the subject of a major new documentaryCredit: Getty
Production company Dorothy Street Pictures is secretly working on the special, in which she will speak about her rags to riches story.
Cardi, who wore this eye-popping pink catsuit and matching hat for a performance in New York on Sunday, has quite a backstory, so I’m sure it will be riveting viewing.
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She started off her working life as a stripper, and would entice men to hotel rooms and steal their money.
Her fortunes changed when she became a viral sensation a decade ago on apps such as Vine and Instagram, and eventually got signed to a label and scored hit songs including Wap and I Like It.
Cardi has not been short of controversy during her time in the showbiz spotlight, famously throwing a shoe at rival Nicki Minanj during a spat in 2018.
She has also had a difficult love life, getting married to Migos rapper Offset in 2017, and having four kids with him before they separating in 2023.
A source said: “Cardi is one of the most in-demand rappers in the world and is also one of the most interesting.
“She has lived her life in the public eye to some degree. But there’s a lot that she’s never opened up about, and this is her chance.
Cardi, who wore this eye-popping pink catsuit and matching hat, has quite a backstory, so I’m sure it will be riveting viewingCredit: GettyCardi released her long-awaited second album Am I The Drama? last year and then went on a tour across North AmericaCredit: Instagram
“Next year will mark a decade since she released her major-label debut single Bodak Yellow and so there’s a documentary in the works which will mark that.
“There’s a lot to talk about and she wants the public to see who she really is, because she often feels misunderstood.
“It’s expected to air on a big streaming service like Netflix, but the deal is still being hatched out.”
Cardi released her long-awaited second album Am I The Drama? last year and then went on a tour across North America.
And I won’t be surprised if we see her back on stage at British festivals next summer.
KOJO: LADIES RULE
Kojo Funds has worked with acts ranging from Wizkid and Tion Wayne to Kano and Bugzy Malone since bursting on to the music scene a decade agoCredit: Nana Kinq
Kojo Funds has worked with acts ranging from Wizkid and Tion Wayne to Kano and Bugzy Malone since bursting on to the music scene a decade ago.
But the British singer has saluted the work ethic of top women in the industry and says they have inspired him.
His biggest chart hit to date is 2017 collaboration Finders Keepers with Mabel, and has also worked with Raye on a 2018 track called Check.
Kojo said in an exclusive interview: “Female artists who are operating at that level take their craft seriously. Put effort into what you’re doing, don’t do it anyhow.
“They’re very hard-working, I respect them for that. The work ethic… that’s the kind of thing I took from them.”
Kojo’s new single How Many will be on his EP Hello It’s Me Again, which is out on August 21.
And one person who’s bound to be giving it a spin is Cardi B.
Recalling how the US rapper discovered his music, he said: “Her first time in London, she went to a club and they were playing my music.
“Dun Talkin’ came on and she saw how people were hyping her up while she was moving to it.
“The next morning, she’s on Instagram singing it, with her hair messy, a little bit tipsy.”
They’ve since performed together and hung out, so I’m hoping a collaboration with her is on the cards next.
Vanessa Bauer has been tipped for a career in Hollywood by Football Factory and The Business actor Tamer HassanCredit: Getty
The World Cup anthem will be her third chart-topper if she can hang on to the lead until Friday.
But if Rein Me In can clinch it, it will become the longest-running No1 of all time, with 19 weeks at the top.
ROMCOM TOO TOUGH FOR CHRIS
Christopher Nolan says there’s one genre that’s too hard for him to tackle – the romcomCredit: Getty
OSCAR-winning director Christopher Nolan says there’s one genre that’s too hard for him to tackle – the romcom.
The man behind movies such as Oppenheimer, Interstellar and The Dark Knight would be “terrified” at the prospect of making one.
The Brit whose new epic The Odyssey is No1 at the box office, explained: “I think doing a romcom would be incredibly difficult.
I love watching those movies. But no, I think people who direct comedy, people who do comedy . . . that’s one of the hardest things in the world, to make people laugh that way.
“If I show a film to people and maybe they don’t respond to bits of it, I’m like, ‘Ah, they don’t get it. Whatever’. There’s no hiding behind that when you do comedy, so I would be terrified.”
TYLA POPS TO UK ON TOUR
Tyla is hitting the road for a 34-date global tour following the release last week of her second album A*POPCredit: Getty
TYLA is hitting the road for a 34-date global tour following the release last week of her second album A*POP.
The Chanel singer has announced she will open the tour in Paris on October 12 before shows at London’s O2 Academy Brixton on October 15 the O2 Apollo Manchester on October 19 and O2 Academy Glasgow on October 18.
Tickets will go on sale at 10am this Friday through tylaworld.com.
Zara’s latest feet
Zara Larsson wore these slippers as part of a campaign for re-sale site DepopCredit: Depop
THERE was no chance of Zara Larsson getting cold feet about her latest brand deal with these slippers.
She wore the funky footwear – designed as giant feet in flip flops – while reclining on a sofa as part of a campaign for re-sale site Depop.
Zara put 30 pieces of clothing from her own wardrobe up for sale, and they sold out almost straight away.
She said: “I’m not particularly sad about releasing anything of mine into the world because I know I’m gonna get many more beautiful things back. Fashion is fun in that way.”
Given all the designer brands desperate for her to wear their clothes, I am sure she has plenty of options.
LIFE OF RILEY FOR RAY AND DANNY
Danny Dyer and Ray Winstone are teaming up again, two decades after appearing in TV film All In The GameCredit: Getty
DANNY DYER and Ray Winstone are teaming up again, two decades after appearing in TV film All In The Game.
The hardmen, pictured together in 2006, have been cast in UK crime thriller Going Under, which is due to hit cinemas next spring.
Production on the film has just been completed, after being shot in secret.
It will follow Ray’s gangster character Riley and his right-hand man Don, played by Danny, trying to pull off one final deal.
Charli’s bra-t summer
Charli XCX is ready for our fourth heatwave of the summer – and has stripped off to prepareCredit: InstagramThis image of Charli will go on display at the National Portrait Gallery in LondonCredit: PA
CHARLI XCX is ready for our fourth heatwave of the summer – and has stripped off to prepare.
She shared this photo of her wearing a bra and sunglasses on Instagram, just as it was revealed there will be a picture of the singer going on display at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
A 2024 photo of Charli in a white crop top, which was taken by Harley Weir and used to promote her album Brat, has been added to the gallery’s collection and will be in its History Makers Now space.
Senior curator Brandei Estes said: “We are delighted to acquire this striking portrait of Charli XCX, which captures one of the defining cultural figures of her generation.”
WILD Child actress Emma Roberts has tied the knot to afellow screen star Cody John.
Emma, who appeared in American Horror Story and is the niece of Hollywood A-lister Julia Roberts, wore a Monique Lhuillier dress, and told Vogue: “I’ve been married in a movie before, and I tried out wedding dresses for that, which feels so weird. Now, it’s the real deal.
“I wanted it to feel very vintage-inspired.”
The couple started dating in 2022.
LIZ & BILLY LOVE BIRDWATCHING
LIZ HURLEY has revealed the secret to her romance with Billy Ray Cyrus is a shared love of birdwatching.
She said: “We’ve been together nearly 18 months, but we spend the vast majority of our time in the countryside, whether it’s in England or Tennessee.
“We like doing the same things, which some people would think is a little odd. We like bird watching. We’ve got binoculars, we’ve got long lenses.”
The relationship has been especially good for her son, filmmaker Damian, who has been able to meet Billy’s superstar daughter Miley.
Liz added on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live in the US: “When he was a young teen, he used to love all her music. I used to have to watch her music videos like Wrecking Ball a zillion times with him, so we were very familiar with who she was, and I knew I was going to like her, and I do like her.”
TRYING to fill the long school holidays without spending an absolute fortune can seem impossible.
However, the recently launched Great British Summer Savings scheme is offering loads of deals and discounts until September 1 – meaning family days out will cost a lot less at a whole host of attractions across the UK.
Hundreds of attractions across the UK have discounted entry this summerCredit: AlamyFrom waterparks to theme parks, here are the top offersCredit: Sandcastle Waterpark Blackpool / Facebook
The temporary scheme is slashing VAT from 20 per cent to five per cent on family activities, children’s meals in restaurants, children’s tickets for theatres and cinemas and tickets for everyone for soft play, adventure centres, and theme parks.
And along with free local bus travel for kids aged between five and 15 this August, you can easily find an affordable day out.
With nearly 2,000 spots across the UK taking part in the scheme, we’ve found some of the best, with the biggest savings.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort
With wooden rollercoasters and dark water rides, there is something for everyone at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, with an All You Can Ride eTicket costing £29 per person, instead of £60 on the gate.
You can also get an ‘Ultimate Ticket’, which includes Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Sandcastle Waterpark, The Blackpool Tower Eye, Blackpool Tower Dungeon and Madame Tussauds for £56.88, down from £65.
Savings: Up to £124 for a family of four
Make the most of the savings at Blackpool Pleasure Beach ResortCredit: Alamy
Zip World (various locations)
Across the eight different Zip World locations, families can now save money including ziplines and underground trampolines.
The biggest savings offered are on Velocity, which is the world’s fastest zip line. Instead of £124, tickets now cost £99 per person.
Savings: Up to£100 for a family of four
Save £25 on the world’s fastest ziplineCredit: Zip World
The Crystal Maze Experience, London or Manchester
Fans of the Crystal Maze TV show should try out the Crystal Maze Experience where you compete in a number of different challenges across an hour.
Tickets now cost £26.50 per person, instead of £39.50 – although you must get a minimum of three tickets per order, with one being a child (over nine).
Savings: Up to £52 for a family of four
Fans of the TV series Crystal Maze should head to the live experienceCredit: � 2024 The Edge, all rights reserved.
Woodlands Adventure Park, Devon
Spread across 100 acres, Woodlands Family Theme Park is home to water coasters, rides, animals and a giant indoor soft play area.
If you book online in advance, tickets will cost just £20 instead of £29.15 per adult, and £15 instead of £21.45 per child.
Savings: Up to £31.20 per family of four
Buy tickets online to save cash for your trip at Woodlands Family Theme ParkCredit: Alamy
Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
You can capture panoramic views from the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, right to the Isle of Wight.
An all-day adult ticket now costs £12 instead of £19.25, and an all-day child ticket costs £10 instead of £15.50 or a family of four ticket also now costs less – £40 instead of £68.50.
Savings: Up to £28.50 for a family of four
Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower is 170m tall and has panoramic viewsCredit: Getty
Go Ape (various locations)
Want to make the most of the sunshine? Go Ape has 37 sites across the UK, with up to 15 per cent off.
Tickets cost from £36.95 – prices may vary depending on location, and you need to use the code ‘VATSUMMER’.
Savings: Up to £26.96 for a family of four
Get 15 per cent off at Go Ape by entering the code ‘VATSUMMER’Credit: Alamy
Chaos Karts, Manchester
If you want to live out your Mario Kart dreams, then head to Chaos Karts in Manchester.
You can compete in immersive themed races with tickets now costing £21 per person, instead of £27 (though you must get a minimum of three tickets per order, with one being a child).
Savings: Up to £24 for a family of four
Drayton Manor, Staffordshire
Spread across 180 acres, Drayton Manorfeatures four themed lands, including Thomas Land, Vikings, Adventure Cove and Frontier Falls and across these lands visitors can head on rides ideal for smaller children.
Day tickets cost from £39 instead of £45 per person.
Tickets cost £23.50 per adult instead of £29.50, if you use the code ‘SUMMER’. Kids tickets then cost £4.80 each and youth (13 to 15-year-olds) cost £11.20 each.
Savings: Up to £24 for a family of four
Harry Potter Studio Tour, Watford
For Potterheads who haven’t been to the Warner Bros studio tour yet, now is the perfect time with five per cent off tickets.
Instead of £58.50 per adult, you now pay £51.19 and instead of £47 per child, it is now £41.13. The family offer, which used to be £188 per family of four, is now £164.52.
Savings: Up to£23.48 per family of four
Blenheim Palace
There are three different ticket types for Blenheim Palace but if you want the ultimate experience, opt for the palace, park, gardens and adventure play for £44.63 per adult (was £51) and £35.88 per child (was £41).
Alternatively, you could get a family ticket for £144.38, instead of £165.
Savings: Up to £20.62 for a family of four
Waterworld, Stoke-on-Trent
Waterworld is the UK’s number one indoor tropical aqua park with more than 30 rides and attractions, including a huge wave pool and the thrilling Thunderbolt trap-door slide.
Tickets now cost £20 per person over 1.1 metres tall, instead of £26 per person. Kids under 1.1 metres tall, cost £18 now instead of £22.
Savings: Up to £20 for a family of four
RockReef, Bournemouth
Found at the end of Bournemouth Pier, you can head to RockReef with 28 Clip ‘n Climb walls suitable for all ages and PierZip – which is the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire.
A Clip ‘n Climb session now costs £15 per person, instead of £20.
Savings: Up to £20 for a family of four
Coronation Street Experience, Manchester
Corrie fans should use this summer to head to the world of Coronation Street in Manchester, where you can step onto the famous cobbles.
Guided tour tickets cost £35 instead of £40 per person.
Savings: Up to £20 for a family of four
You can enjoy Alton Towers’ 40 rides and attractions for less now, as tickets now cost £34.13 for a day pass instead of £39Credit: Alamy
Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent
You can enjoy Alton Towers‘ 40 rides and attractions for less now, as online tickets now cost £34.13 for a day pass instead of £39 (guests under 90cm still visit for free) when bought online in advance (you’d save £135.48 for a family of four compared to the original on the gate tickets).
You can save even more by getting the ‘twice the fun’ ticket that allows you into two theme parks for £34.13 until the last weekend of July, including Alton Towers, Legoland, Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park.
A day ticket online costs from £34.13, instead of £39 per person (you’d save £127.48 for a family of four compared to the original on the gate tickets).
Savings: Up to £19.48 for a family of four
Legoland, Windsor
Great for little kids and Lego fans alike, online tickets to Legoland now cost from £34.13 for a day pass instead of £39 and guests under 90cm still visit for free (you’d save £135.48 for a family of four compared to the original on the gate tickets).
The park has 11 themed lands, with more than 55 rides as well as live shows.
Saving: Up to £19.48 for a family of four
Thorpe Park, Chertsey
With over 25 rides and attractions including rollercoaster The Smiler, there’s loads to see and do at Thorpe Park, with online tickets instead costing £34.13 for a day pass instead of £39 (you’d save £127.48 for a family of four compared to the original on the gate tickets).
With the day pass, kids under 1.2 metres tall go for free still and all day tickets include a free return visit.
Saving: Up to £19.48 for a family of four
All English Heritage properties have discounted entry across the countryCredit: Handout/Craig Hickey
English Heritage properties (various locations)
All English Heritage properties across the country are taking part in the scheme.
This means you can get 12.5 per cent off the ticket price, which is automatically applied at check out.
Savings vary depending on the attraction you are heading to, but for example, if you went to Stonehenge, an adult ticket would cost from £23.65 and a child ticket would cost from £11.82.
This is instead of £27.20 per adult and £17.20 per child.
Saving: Up to £17.86 for a family of four
Paultons Park
Often dubbed the UK’s most affordable theme park, Paultons Park is now even cheaper to visit – and thanks to a new £12million themed world – Valgard: Realm of the Vikings – there could not be a more perfect time to visit.
Tickets were previously £46.75, and now cost from £43.
Savings: Up to £15 for a family of four
Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
History buffs can head to Warwick Castle, which is home to over 1,100 years of history and inside the castle, you will find immersive experiences as well as a bird show.
Online tickets cost £25.38 instead of £29 per person (you’d save £54.44 for a family of four compared to the original on the gate tickets).
Savings: Up to £14.48 for a family of four
You could head to any of the four Gulliver’s World resorts for less this summerCredit: Gullivers World / sidekick
Gulliver’s World (all four locations)
Gulliver’s World has four locations across the UK including Milton Keynes, Matlock Bath, Warrington and Rotherham.
Ticket prices vary per park, but you could get half-day tickets for as little as £13.75 per person. Day tickets cost from £22.50 per person, instead of £26 per person.
Savings: Up to £14 for a family of four
London Eye, London
One of London’s landmarks sat on the banks of the River Thames is suitable for all ages and offers great views of the city.
Tickets now cost £25.38 per adult instead of £29, and £22.75 per child, instead of £26.
Savings: Up to £13.74 for a family of four
If you fancy heading to a waterpark, Quaywest is the UK’s biggest one outdoorsCredit: Alamy
Splashdown Quaywest, Paignton
Fancy cooling off in all this heat? Then you could head to the largest outdoor waterpark in the UK, with 18 slides.
A day ticket used to cost £31 per adult or £26 per child under the age of nine-years-old but now, day tickets cost £27.15 per adult and £22.75 per child.
Savings: Up to £13.50 for a family of four
Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool
Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool is the biggest indoor waterpark in the UK, with 18 slides and attractions as well as a spa.
Tickets cost from £22.31 instead of £25.50 per adult or child aged eight to 11 and £13.96 instead of £16.50 per child aged three to seven.
You can also get an ‘Ultimate Ticket’, which includes a range of attractions in the seaside resort.
This includes Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Sandcastle Waterpark, The Blackpool Tower Eye, Blackpool Tower Dungeon and Madame Tussauds for £56.88, down from £65.
Savings: Up to £12.76 for a family of four
Madame Tussauds, London
You can spend the day up close to 150 lifelike wax figures of celebs, royals and historical figures at Madame Tussauds in London.
Instead of £27, you’d now pay £23.63 per adult and instead of £24, you’d pay £21 per child.
Savings: Up to £12.74 for a family of four
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, Edinburgh
Located across five floors, you can visit Edinburgh‘s oldest visitor attraction with more than 100 interactive exhibits and the attraction even has panoramic rooftop views.
Adult tickets used to cost £24.95 and are now £21.85 per person, while children’s tickets used to cost £17.95 and are now £15.70 per person.
Savings: Up to £12.70 for a family of four
Perfect for a sunny day, you could head to Kew GardensCredit: Getty
Kew Gardens, London
Sprawled across 326 acres, Kew Gardens features a myriad of different gardens to explore, including indoor gardens and there’s also a giant kids play area.
Tickets cost £21.85 per adult instead of £25, £1.75 per child under 16-years-old and £8.75 for those aged between 16 and 29-years-old.
Savings: Up to £12.60 for a family of four
Rugby Football Union, Twickenham
You could head to the World Rugby Museum in Twickenham, which is home to the world’s most prestigious collection of rugby memorabilia.
Family tickets have been reduced from £80 to £67.50 in the case of two adults and two children.
Savings: Up to £12.50 per family of four
Butlin’s (various locations)
Butlin’s has three resorts in the UK, all of which are taking part in the scheme.
Visitors can get reduced day visits during the school summer holidays, with access to the Splash Waterworld pools, unlimited fairground rides, all live shows on the Skyline Pavillion stage, playgrounds, soft play and paid-for activities.
Day visit tickets now cost £13.60 per child instead of £16 and £20.40 per adult, instead of £24.
Under two’s still go free.
Savings: Up to £12 for a family of four
Butlin’s is doing discounted day visit passesCredit: Free for editorial use
Eden Project, Cornwall
Down in Cornwall, you could head to the Eden Project where you can explore the world’s largest indoor Rainforest.
Adult tickets cost from £31.06 instead of £35.50 and children’s tickets cost from £10.94, instead of £12.50.
Savings: Up to£12 for a family of four
Frameless, London
For something different, you could head to Frameless, which is the UK’s largest permanent immersive art destination with masterpieces including by Van Gogh and Monet.
Flexible adult tickets cost £31.06 instead of £35.50, and flexible child tickets cost £22.75 instead of £26 each. You can also get a family of four ticket for £19.69 per person, instead of £22.50.
Savings: Up to £11.24 for a family of four
Wake the Tiger, Bristol
You could head to an immersive ‘amazement park’ in Bristol, which meshes theatre with art and an immersive experience to make you feel as if you are in a different world.
Adult tickets cost £21.88 instead of £25 each and children’s tickets cost £17.50 instead of £20.
Adult tickets now cost £25 each instead of £28.60 and children’s tickets cost £10 instead of £11.40 each.
Savings: Up to £10 for a family of four
Flamingo Land, North Yorkshire
With over 40 rides, 140 species of animals and even a holiday park, you won’t be short of things to do at Flamingo Land Resort in North Yorkshire.
Tickets now cost £43.50 instead of £46 per person.
Savings: Up to £10 per family of four
Shrek’s Adventure has a 4D flying bus ride and 10 immersive showsCredit: Supplied
Shrek’s Adventure, London
At Shrek’s Adventure in London, you can walk through an immersive experience with a 4D flying bus ride, mirror maze and 10 live shows.
Instead of £21 per adult, tickets cost £18.38 and for kids, tickets cost £14 instead of £16.
Savings: Up to £9.24 for a family of four
Cadbury World, Birmingham
If you are based in the north then you could head to Cadbury World for the day to find out about the history of the iconic chocolate brand – the self-guided tour features exhibits as well as a 4D cinema experience.
Tickets cost from £15.75 per person, instead of £18.
Savings: Up to £9 for a family of four
A family of four can save £9 when visiting Cadbury WorldCredit: Supplied
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
For Naval history fans, you could head to the Historic Dockyard Chatham and explore the ships, galleries and exhibitions – including Steve Backshall’s Awesome Oceans Family Trail.
Tickets for a family of four cost £70 instead of £79.
Savings: Up to £9 for a family of four
Techniquest, Cardiff
Techniquest is Wales‘ largest science discovery centre, spread across three floors with live shows and lab workshops.
Tickets used to cost £17 per adult and £15 per child, but are now £14.87 and £13.12 respectively.
Savings: Up to £8.02 for a family of four
The Big Sheep, North Devon
The Big Sheep family theme park in Bideford is home to both farm animals and rides, as well as live entertainment for when the weather isn’t great.
Tickets cost £14.95 per person instead of £16.95 and £6 instead of £8 per child under three-foot tall.
Kyiv says Russian strikes killed six, including a child at a supermarket, as Moscow says Ukrainian strikes killed four.
Published On 27 Jul 202627 Jul 2026
Russian forces have killed at least six people in Ukraine, according to officials, after launching ballistic missile attacks on the capital, Kyiv, and strikes on other regions, including a supermarket in the northern city of Chernihiv.
The attacks on Sunday came as Russian officials said that Moscow-occupied areas of Ukraine had also come under fire, with four people killed in a Ukrainian drone strike on the occupied city of Horlivka.
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Ukraine’s air force said Russia had launched seven ballistic missiles and 136 drones at Ukraine overnight. Kyiv, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv cities were all hit.
In northern Chernihiv, officials said a Russian drone hit a supermarket, killing two people, including a nine-year-old girl, and wounding 25 others.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as a “deeply cynical drone strike on an ordinary supermarket”.
In the eastern city of Kharkiv, one person was killed and 16 others required medical attention after a daytime drone attack, the local mayor said.
“This is deliberate Russian terror with absolutely no military justification,” Zelenskyy said.
Separately, Regional Governor Ivan Fedorov said a glide bomb attack killed one person and wounded six in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, which has been under heavy bombardment in recent months.
In Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said one blaze had broken out on the seventh and eighth floors of a multistorey apartment block in a central district after the overnight missile attack. Three people were wounded in the capital, and images released by the state emergency services showed vehicles in flames.
In Sloviansk, one of several targets of Russia’s slow advance through eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, the national oil and gas company Naftogaz said two of its employees died in a Russian attack while trying to help residents affected by an earlier strike.
In Horlivka, a city in the Russian-occupied part of the Donetsk region, Russian-installed Mayor Ivan Prikhodko said four civilians had been killed in a Ukrainian drone strike. Prikhodko later said a Ukrainian drone hit an emergency vehicle, injuring three medics and another resident.
At least 12 people, including two children, were also hurt in a Ukrainian drone attack on Belgorod, a Russian city close to the Ukrainian border, Russian authorities reported.
The attacks came a day after Moscow said a Ukrainian strike on a Russian-occupied town on the Azov Sea killed 12 people.
Both Moscow and Kyiv deny targeting civilians in the war that started with Russia’s full-scale invasion of its neighbour in February 2022. But civilian casualty rates have climbed sharply in 2026 in both Russia and Ukraine, according to the United Nations.
Analysts say this is because of the growing use of short-range drones, glide bombs, and intensified strikes on infrastructure in both Russia and Ukraine.
UN officials say 1,396 civilians have been killed and 7,978 wounded in Ukraine in the first six months of 2026. In Russia, 250 civilians have been killed and 1,596 injured.
United States-led talks on ending fighting have stalled. The Kremlin occupies swaths of eastern and southern Ukraine and has repeatedly said it intends to seize the rest of eastern Ukraine by force.
THE school summer holidays are upon us, with six weeks to fill to entertain the kids.
If you’re looking for fun for the whole family without breaking the bank then this bumper list is for you – we’ve scoured the country for some of the best cheap and free attractions.
Cityscape views from the Inverness WalkCredit: GettyBritish Museum in London has free admissionCredit: Getty
Summer of Play, Various Locations – from £9
The National Trust brings back its Summer of Play programme running from July to September across the country.
The events on the schedule are free but admission fees are around £10 and under.
At Arlington Court in Devon, find activities such as archery, giant slingshots, and a water play zone – great for keeping everyone cool in a heatwave.
Gibside near Tyne & Wear is packed with experiences such as racket sports, axe throwing, and classic games like a bean bag toss.
Pokémon fans will also delight in recognising their favourite character in trails across different National Trust sites.
Expect to get involved with trading card games and collect Mega Evolution stickers.
To find a site near you visit the National Trust’s Summer of Play website.
Free entry but admission fees into National Trust sites apply
National Racehorse Week, Various Locations – free
From 22 to 31 August during National Racehorse Week, families have a chance to grab a free ticket for over 85 behind-the-scenes events across the country.
Choose between meeting racehorses or exploring training yards to learn more about a side of British racing that is often overlooked.
To find an event near you visit the National Racehorse Week website.
Free tickets availableon the National Racehorse Week website
North of England
Starry Nights in Lake District, Cumbria – free
Stargaze in Lake District and catch the glittering skiesCredit: Alamy
The Lake District in Cumbria is home to many low-light Dark Sky Discovery Sites making it the perfect place to go on a stargazing trail.
Grab your camping gear and find budget-friendly campsites for £15-£17 on pitchup.com.
Some favourites includes North Lakes Campsite in Deanscales, Blaithwaite House in Wigton, and Cardewless in Carlisle.
Find the most isolated lake of Lake District at Ennerdale Water and venture east for the darkest skies in Cumbria. Look out for free stargazing events a few times a year.
For those looking for a nighttime walk, head to St Bees Beach on the west coast when the tide is out.
Sitting above the Bassenthwaite Lake, Whinlatter Forest offers lucky stargazers a chance to spot the Milky Way.
Free but campsite charges apply
National Railway Museum, York– free
The National Railway Museum in York is free to visitCredit: Supplied
Visit the Great Hall for the gold leaf stripes of Duchess of Hamilton, the Japanese high-speed rail nicknamed ‘bullet train’ or ‘Mallard’, the world’s fastest steam locomotive.
For something extra special, check out Wonderlab:The Bramall Gallery for an interactive experience to test your engineering skills.
Free Entry. Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery day passes start from £8.60.
Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire – free
Spot a variety of butterflies fluttering around at Mere Sands Wood in Lancashire on a guided walk through the reserve.
Perfect for all members of the family, go on an easy two-hour walk and stop by different sites to find a range of beautiful butterflies and insects.
Alternatively if butterflies aren’t for you, go on the Tomato Soup at the Cafe Loop which is a 1.3 mile walking trail that ends with a bowl of soup.
Experiences are free but adults pay £6 for the Butterfly Walk
Manchester Museum, Manchester – free
Visit Manchester Museum for freeCredit: TripAdvisor
Manchester Museum is a great way to take the family out for a day and learn about what makes us human and how we connect with nature.
Don’t forget to say hi to the giant T.rex, Stan, explore the lives of ancient Egyptians or marvel at archaeological objects.
This summer, discover the world of bugs from 21 July to 28 August in Bugtastic!
Take part in producing insect prints, designing comics starring superbugs, and make bug-like costumes.
Free entry although booking is advised for the Exhibition Hall.
South and West of England
WhizzFizz 2026, Buckinghamshire – free
From 27 July to 1 August, WhizzFizz is holding a free summer festival across Buckinhamshire in Aylesbury, Chesham, and High Wycombe.
The schedule includes an interactive board games show, collage workshops and poetry workshops for children.
Sessions are free but participating kids are expected to be registered for the events. Adults are required to stay but don’t need a ticket.
Free admission
Boating in Regent’s Park, London – from £3.40
Boating in Regent’s Park starts from £3.40Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Hop on a boat from now to September in Regents Park and take in the beautiful surroundings.
A 30-minute boat journey ranges from free for toddlers to £6.50 for adults during off-peak hours.
Alternatively, the Children’s Boating Pond is £5.20 for a 20 minute session.
Prices start from £3.40. Off peak hours are 11am-1pm on weekdays and 10am-noon on the weekends.
British Museum, London – free
The British Museum is at the heart of Central London with a large worldwide collection dating back two million years and the best part is that general admission is free.
This summer celebrate the 25th anniversary of John Constable’s birth with a free exhibition.
Explore a collection of Constable’s paintings where he depicted British landscapes from fields in East Anglia to the clouds of Hampstead Heath.
Free Admission
Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre, London – from £10
Watch Shakespeare for £10 at the Globe TheatreCredit: Alamy
Experience 400 years of history in London’s original theatre district and transport yourself back into the time of Shakespeare.
Enjoy classics such as Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Julius Caesar this summer for £10 if you grab a standing ticket.
Prices start from £10
Mudchute Park and Farm, London – free
Families with animal lovers in the group will delight in this free family farm on the Isle of Dogs.
Find over 100 animals in the 32 acre farm including goats, pigs, and even llamas.
Before leaving, stop by the Mudchute Kitchen Cafe for delicious home-cooked food, cakes and tea.
Free Admission
Smithsonian Starstruck at the Science Museum, London – free
The Science Museum in London has free admission to the Smithsonian Starstruck experienceCredit: Alamy
Experience this free virtual reality experience at the Science Museum in London.
Visitors embark on a cosmic journey discovering galaxies, constellations and watch volcanoes on an exoplanet erupt into glitter.
Free Admission
Summer in the Square, London – free
Taking place in Portman Square Garden in Marylebone from 7th – 12th July, this free festival brings families together with a range of activities.
Choose from Wimbledon open air screenings, wellbeing sessions, and opportunities to get creative with watercolour sessions.
Kids can get involved with workshops hosted by Marylebone Youth Theatre, opt for Fairytales in Oz or The Tempest Tale.
Free Admission
Uber Boat Audio Guide, London – £2.50
Uber Boat Guides along the Thames cost £2.50Credit: Getty
Board on to an Uber Boat and cruise down the Thames with a funny and educational twist.
For £2.50, learn history, TV and cinema facts that you can later impress friends and family with.
£2.50 for audio guides
Lady Vale Walk, Bodmin – free
Take the family out for a chance to spot some of their favourite characters from The Gruffalo.
Follow the signs for the Lady Vale Walk in Cardinham Woods near Bodmin to hunt for the Gruffalo characters along the path.
Don’t forget to bring the camera and take a picture next to the sculptures as you venture deeper into the forest.
Free admission
Brighton Beach and Pier – £1
Brighton Palace Pier is a £1.00 admission feeCredit: Getty – Contributor
Brighton Beach is one of England’s top beach destinations with plenty of activities for the whole family.
This summer until 31 August, Silverstone Museum in Towcester is offering Kids Go and Eat Free for children ages 15 and under.
Explore immersive exhibits, iconic cars and learn about racers that have shaped the history of motor sports.
Highlights include a Mixed and Virtual Reality behind the story of Alberto Ascari, racing Scaletric cards on a 25-meter long track and a collection of championship winning vehicles.
Prices start from free to £24 for adults when booking at least 1 day in advance.
Norwich Theatre Family Festival, Norwich – free
On 4 August, Norwich Theatre brings a dramatic schedule for the whole family with free workshops and interactive experiences.
Those interested in crafts and set design should check out workshops in puppet-making and set-art.
For the thespians and vocalists in the group, there are storytelling workshops and community singalongs.
All workshops apart from Storytelling and Sensory Stories don’t require a booking and are available to drop in.
Free admission but Storytelling and Sensory Stories workshops require booking.
Now open for the summer, there is something for everyone looking to cool down from the heat.
Little ones under the age of 8 can enjoy splashing in a paddling pool (while accompanied by an adult).
If there are older kids in the group, slide down the playground of inflatables.
Catch the inflatables during the weekends from 1pm to 3pm in early and late season or all throughout the week from 3 July – 18 August.
During the early and late season there is live music which can be enjoyed by everyone after the inflatables close.
Day tickets start from free for under 5’s to £10.40 for adults. £1 deposit required for lockers.
Inverness Walk, Inverness – free
If a hike up the hills at Inverness is on the itinerary, don’t forget to check out this walk around River Ness and Ness Islands.
Explore Inverness by finding key sights of the city close to the station.
Highlights include the Inverness Cathedral designed by Alexander Ross, the Inverness Castle, and the floating Ness Islands.
On the walk, cross footbridges and spot fishermen catching salmon and birds frolicking along the river.
Free Admission
Northern Ireland
Street Art, Belfast – free
Street Art in BelfastCredit: Alamy
Belfast is known for its colourful streets and going on a Belfast Street Art Walking Tour may be the perfect way to learn how this creative community became so famous.
Starting from the Duke of York, go on a 2 hour walk and discover the artists who have transformed the vibrant walls of the Cathedral Quarter for £10.80.
Alternatively, download the Street Arts Cities app on your phone and go on a self-guided tour at your own pace for free.
Prices start from free – £10.80
Ulster Museum, Belfast – free
Visit Belfast’s Botanic Gardens and drop into free workshops where kids can discover their inner fashionista or book into object handling sessions.
The interactive center offers ways to connect with creativity or learn about artefacts from different civilisations and natural wonders.
Free Admission
17th Century Walls, Londonderry – free
17th Century Walls of Londonderry is free to walk aroundCredit: Alamy
Marvel at the only walled city of Derry built in 1613-1618 and learn about the history and heritage it holds.
Check out the impressive collection of 7 gates and cannons which have been carefully looked after and restored.
Free Admission
The Giant’s Lair, Slieve Gullion Adventure Playpark – free
Transport your little ones to the land of giants, fairies, and pixies with this free fairytale trail at Slieve Gullion Forest Park in County Armagh.
Walk the same path of mischievous Flynn the fairy and be careful not to wake the sleeping giant, Slieve Gullion.
Find fairy houses, sip on dandelion tea at the Giant’s table, pass the ladybird house and catch a glimpse of the naughty witch, Calliagh Berra.
Free Admission
Wales
Caerphilly Cheese Festival, Caerphilly, Wales – free
Cheese Festival in Caerphilly is free to attendCredit: Alamy
Making a return, the Caerphilly Cheese Festival takes place on the 29th and 30th August at Caerphilly Town Centre and is free to attend.
Explore the packed schedule consisting of food, drink and craft stalls, funfair attractions, street and music entertainers.
Don’t forget to gorge on cheese while you are there.
Free Admission
Cardiff Bay Barrage, Cardiff – free
For something free, families can choose to go on a stroll or an easy bike ride while enjoying the views of Cardiff Bay and the Severn Estuary.
Check out other facilities such as the children’s play area, Skate Plaza and adiZone outdoor gym.
Free Admission
Margam Country Park, Port Talbot – free
Free admission into Margam Country Park in Port TalbotCredit: Getty
Near Port Talbot, there are plenty of fun activities for the whole family at this park with free entry.
Visit the Fairytale Village and step into miniature houses with whimsical themes, play a game of giant chess and draughts, or wander through the willow cathedral.
A unique feature is the Wood Vibrations Trail where kids have the opportunity to create music and appreciate nature.
Pass the giant musical instruments made from felled trees, grab a stick and watch them play their hearts out.
Free Admission, but car park charges apply (£8.90 for cars or £5.90 if arriving 2 hours before closing)
Holyhead Festival, Newry Beach – from free
From 23 July – 26th July, celebrate culture with the community at the Holyhead festival at Newry Beach with music, street food and craft stalls.
There is also a programme of fun such as the Family Foam Sessions (With Peppa Pig) and fairground rides, although additional charges may apply (£5 and under)
Free Admission. Foam Party tickets start at £2 for adults and £5 for children attending Peppa Pig sessions.
Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service said brothers Andrew (R) and Tristan (L) Tate are awaiting extradition to the U.K. to face a slew of charges over alleged sex crimes. File Photo by Robert Ghement/EPA-EFE
July 18 (UPI) — Influencer brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested in Miami Saturday on dozens of new charges stemming from alleged sex crimes in the U.K., including child pornography, British prosecutors said.
Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service said the brothers are awaiting extradition to the U.K. to face 21 original charges — as well as a slew of new accusations.
“We have decided to prosecute Andrew and Tristan Tate for further offences including rape, arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation and offences relating to indecent images of a child,” said Malcolm McHaffie, head of the Special Crime Division at CPS, in a statement.
Andrew Tate, 39, was charged with 19 counts related to indecent images of a child and extreme pornography. He is also accused of rape, arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Tristan Tate, 38, was charged with sexual assault, rape and arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation.
“These charging decisions followed receipt of a further file of evidence from Bedfordshire Police and bring the total number of alleged victims in this case to seven,” McHaffie said.
CPS said the new charges stem from offenses taking place between July 2010 and August 2017.
The Tate brothers, who hold dual British-American citizenship, were first charged in the U.K. last year for alleged rape and human trafficking.
They are former kickboxers with millions of followers on social media.
The brothers have denied all charges against them.
Away from Coronation Street, Dylan Wilson actor Liam McCheyne has a well-known sibling
Inside Coronation Street Dylan star’s life including famous sibling who appeared on soap(Image: ITV)
Dylan Wilson has been a staple on Coronation Street for years – but what do we know about actor Liam McCheyne?
Liam plays Dylan Wilson, the son of Sean Tully (Anthony Cotton) and Violet Wilson (Jenny Platt). He first arrived on the cobbles in 2011 and later returned in 2022.
In Wednesday’s episode (July 15) Betsy is found unconscious and rushed to hospital, with doctors confirming that she has suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot. So, with more drama to come on the cobbles we’re taking a look inside Dylan actor Liam’s life, including his relationship with his soap co-star brother.
Liam on working with his brother on Corrie
The character of Dylan was originally played by both Liam and his twin brother Connor. And while Liam has continued his acting career, Connor seems to have hung up his acting shoes in favour of sport.
Talking about him and his brother landing the role of Dylan on Corrie, Liam previously said: “We were three years old and it was a total fluke way to get it.
“My neighbour across the road was on work experience for a local agency and she asked my mum if we would want to go and do an audition for her. She said even if we didn’t get it, it would help her with her work experience.
“My mum, dad and even nursery teachers all thought we would be too shy to do it. When we got here, and were in the casting, as soon as the cameras were on, we were like totally different children with our confidence and were laughing away.”
Liam and twin brother’s close relationship
Liam is still very close to Connor and regularly shares photos of them enjoying time together. Earlier this year, Liam shared a special update with his brother as in January, the pair took to their Instagram to share a post celebrating their 19th birthday.
Alongside photos of the twins over the years, Liam wrote in his caption: “Happy birthday to you best mate and right hand man @connormccheyne1 Here’s to the best memories throughout chapter 19!” Meanwhile, Connor penned: “Happy birthday to this one. @liammccheyne here’s to a top 2026.”
Liam’s Corrie return ‘was hard to take for Connor’
Meanwhile in 2024, Liam revealed that fans often stop his twin brother thinking it’s him. He said: “The funnier story is when people think Connor, my twin brother, is Dylan.
The actor added: “He’ll get stopped in Manchester on his way to college and won’t have enough time to say it’s not him before someone has a camera asking for a picture.”
Liam also previously revealed that when Dylan returned to the soap in 2020, both he and his twin brother were up for the role – and it was a hard decision for Corrie producers.
“They couldn’t decide here at Corrie who would be cast, so they sent it to an external casting agency in London. They literally went off my CV, based on the fact that I’d just come off Last Tango,” he said.
“That was hard to take for Connor, because he was very good. But we’ve both agreed in the past, and we’ve said publicly in the press, that it’s led to another opportunity for him. Acting wasn’t his thing in the end and it’s opened another door for him.”
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX
Research shows there are six different personalities which make up a group trip, including the ‘Chief Vacation Officer’ (CVO) – but which one are you?
Vicky Pattison teams up with Samsung
Almost half of Brits consider themselves the ‘Chief Vacation Officer’ (CVO) in their circle of friends – the person who actually gets holiday plans moving beyond the group chat.
A survey of 2,000 adults revealed there are six distinct personalities that makeup a group holiday, including the ‘Busy Bee’ who’s never available, the ‘Ghost’ who vanishes until appearing at the departure gates, and the ‘Snap Happy One’ who can’t let a single moment pass without taking a photo.
Then there’s the ‘Fluent-ish Friend’, who confidently dives into the local language, and the ‘Window Shoppers’, who trawl social media for recommendations and share them with the group, but never actually get round to booking anything.
The study, commissioned by Samsung to spotlight the Galaxy Z Fold7 as the ultimate travel command centre thanks to its Multi Window functionality, discovered that 64% believe no trip would ever get off the ground without a CVO at the helm.
From kicking off the conversation to selecting destinations, 53% said the CVO plays an underappreciated role in making holidays actually happen.
To celebrate their unsung efforts, Samsung has teamed up with Vicky Pattison, a self-confessed Chief Vacation Officer, to examine how travel planning has transformed from a straightforward booking task into a complex juggling act across multiple apps.
Vicky Pattison said: “It’s safe to say I love a holiday, and in my friendship group I am absolutely the lead booker and honestly, I thrive from the challenge.
“What starts as a simple ‘we should all go away’ somehow turns into you sorting dates, comparing hotels, collecting passport details and reminding people to pay you back and I secretly get a kick out of it.
“Everyone loves the holiday once it’s booked, but very few people see what goes into making it happen.”
The study revealed that mobile phones have become an increasingly vital tool for today’s CVOs, with 67% depending on them to help coordinate trips, from using social media to scout out new destinations (40%) to AI platforms for crafting the ideal itinerary (42%).
Despite this, 46% still find it difficult to keep on top of group chats, bookings, and everyone’s individual preferences in one place.
This organisational balancing act is no longer limited to laptops or kitchen tables either, with Gen Z transforming everyday idle moments into personal admin sessions, as 24% admit to planning a holiday during their lunch break or daily commute.
The greatest holiday planning headaches for those embarking on group trips included deciding where to stay (27%), gathering everyone’s passport details (11%) and pinning down dates that suit the whole group (42%).
When asked what would make the process simpler, 37% said they’d value being able to view flights, hotels, and messages alongside one another.
Others highlighted being able to see multiple apps simultaneously (38%), effortless multitasking between chats, bookings and itineraries (34%), and a larger screen for comparing options more conveniently (32%) as the device features they’d find most beneficial when organising a group getaway.
Over a third (37%) of those surveyed agreed that having improved tools to assist with holiday planning would motivate them to arrange more trips overseas.
TOP 10 HOLIDAY PLANNING CHALLENGES:
Finding dates that work for everyone
Agreeing on a budget everyone is happy with
Choosing where to stay
Making decisions when no one else will commit
Dealing with people changing their mind repeatedly
Getting everyone to reply in the group chat
Chasing people for payments or deposits
Comparing too many destination options
Aligning on activities so everyone feels the trip is worth it
AFTER a bargain family break? All-inclusive getaways to far-flung sunshine spots are seeing huge price cuts for this summer – so get booking.
The United Arab Emirates boasts the largest price drop, with holiday providers and hotels launching mega deals to entice Brits back after the outbreak of war in Iran, according to data from TravelSupermarket and icelolly.com.
Take a plunge and have a dip with some family funCredit: GettyUAE holiday favourite and sunshine city, DubaiCredit: Getty
All-inclusive family breaks in particular are looking cheap as chips, with the nightly cost of getaways down 25 per cent on the previous year in the UAE.
The study looked at all-inclusive seven-night family breaks departing in August to popular holiday destinations, factoring in inflation, and found that, on average, a Middle East holiday would set families back just £169pp per night in August this year.
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Last year, it would have been £226pp per night.
Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “Events in the Middle East have made some families think twice about where they travel this summer, and tour operators have responded by cutting prices.
“The result is destinations like the UAE and Egypt are offering some of the best value we’ve seen in years.”
The Dominican Republic has seen the second largest fall in prices, with dips of around 11 per cent on average from the previous year.
The average cost of a family getaway there would be £228pp per night this year, compared with £257pp per night in 2025.
Mauritius placed third in the price drop table, having seen a 10.9 per cent dip since 2025.
Mid-haul destinations such as Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are also looking more affordable than they were last year, with reductions of 8.1 per cent, 6.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent respectively.
Malta is the only European destination to see prices drop in 2026.
The average August cost fell from £137pp per night in 2025 to £136 in 2026, a dip of 0.9 per cent.
By comparison, some of Brits’ favourite European holiday hotspots have seen hikes since August last year.
Prices for Greece have risen by five per cent on all-inclusive family holidays.
Spain had the second-largest hike, with average costs rising by 3.9 per cent on the previous year.
But it was still one of the poll’s less expensive destinations for August 2026, with an average nightly cost of £155pp.
Overall, research shows Morocco looks set to be the cheapest destination.
An all-inclusive family holiday there will cost families as little as £120pp per night in August – a proper bargain when you consider flights, accommodation and all food and drink is included.
This was followed by Tunisia, Bulgaria and Malta, where the average August breaks are £124, £126 and £136pp per night respectively.
Chris said: “After a few years of holiday prices only seeming to move one way, it’s encouraging to see all-inclusive prices looking pretty steady for 2026.
“For families who are comfortable travelling further afield, there are genuine savings to be had — and comparing prices across providers is the best way to see where your budget stretches furthest.”
Jackie Dobbs was a firm favourite on Coronation Street as Tyrone’s jailbird mum who caused plenty of drama
20:55, 09 Jul 2026Updated 20:58, 09 Jul 2026
Where is Coronation Street Tyrone’s adopted mum star now including working in pub(Image: ITV)
Jackie Dobbs was last seen on Coronation Street in 2010 – but what has the actress Margi Clarke been up to since?
Jackie first turned up in Weatherfield back in 1998 after a stint in jail with Deidre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride), Jackie moved to the cobbles with son Tyrone (Alan Halsall) who had been a teenager at the time.
Jackie later returned in 2008 with bright pink hair and caused problems for Tyrone and Molly Dobbs (Vicky Binns) in the run-up to their wedding. Jackie then left the soap for the final time in 2010.
However, fast forward to 2018 and it was revealed that Jackie had been killed off and she isn’t actually Tyrone’s biological mum, instead it is Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney). And this week, Tyrone’s biological father Ross Wilkes (Ian Burfield) rocks up.
So, with Tyrone set for another family bombshell, we’re taking a look inside the life of the actress who played his mum Jackie…
Margi Clarke’s acting roles
Before actress Margi joined Corrie in 1998, she was best known for her roles in Channel 4 soap Brookside, and the 1985 cult British film Letter To Brezhnev. Other TV appearances include Casualty, BBC’s Making Out and she even appeared in the Pet Shop Boys’ video for their 1987 single, Rent.
The bubbly star also turned her hand to presenting, fronting her own daytime show, Swank, in the ‘90s. Trying her hand at stand-up comedy, Margi also took her show, 21st Century Scutt, to the Edinburgh Festival in 1994.
After leaving Corrie in 1999, she joined the cast of Five soap Family Affairs for just under a year. She also appeared in the 2002 film Revengers Tragedy and 24 Hour Party People, the biopic of the Factory/Hacienda days in Manchester.
And in 2008, she returned to a prime-time starring role in the second series of the British sitcom Benidorm on ITV, playing Dorothy, mother of long-running character Gavin (Hugh Sachs).
Margi’s health setback
In the nineties, Margi took a three year sabbatical following the death of her beloved mum Frances Clarke, in 1995. Around the time of her mum’s death, Margi battled a drinking issue – which she successfully overcame – and it led to a shock health setback.
“My drinking began in 1996 and was triggered by my mother’s death from lung cancer, which left me devastated,” she told The Northern Echo in 2010.
Margi added: “The drinking had a real impact on my health. I ended up with a nasty yeast infection which left me feeling really sick with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and covered in blisters on my skin and in my mouth, and with painful athlete’s foot.”
The actress previously told the Liverpool Echo she was still grieving for her mum when she took on the role of Tyrone’s mum Jackie in Corrie in 1998 and admitted she did not play the part to the best of her ability.
Margi worked in a pub
Unfortunately, Margi hasn’t graced our screens for several years. As IMBD reports, her last TV role was in 2014, playing Heaven Jones in the BBC comedy Puppy Love.
What’s more, in 2012, Margi revealed she was working as a barmaid at Ma Egerton’s pub in Liverpool. She told the Liverpool Confidential: “Every actor takes on other work when they are waiting for the next big job.”
Margi also revealed to Mirror: “With my strong accent getting roles in straight theatre has always been a bit difficult.
“But it’s become a whole lot harder now because the drama schools are packed full of so many talented kids. Everybody wants to be famous these days but there aren’t many roles for older Scouse women.”
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX
IF YOU are looking for your next European city break, then look no further as the best spots on the continent have been announced.
From popular Spanish spots to Italian hidden gems, the best 15 cities in Europe have been named – though it is bad news for the UK that didn’t feature on the list at all.
Florence in Italy has been named the best city in Europe by Travel + LeisureCredit: Alamy
Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are decided by readers’ votes and this year over 661,000 people took part.
Coming out on top is Florence in Italy, scoring 89.48 out of 100.
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Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey, who has previously visited the city, said: “There is no better place to go for art lovers, with Florence being home to famous works from Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci.
“You can also dine like a king, with slices of pizza for €1.50 (£1.29) and pasta dishes from €5 (£4.29).
“All of the major attractions are a short walk from each other although if you really need a break, you can book an electric golf-buggy eco-tour that traverses the narrow roads.
“Something unusual to keep an eye out for is Florence’s wine windows – ordering a glass of vino through a tiny hole in the wall was created as a way to socially distance during the plague in the 17th century.”
Then in second place is Prague, in the Czech Republic – nicknamed ‘jewel in the crown of Europe’ – scoring 88.89 out of 100.
Prague in Czech Republic came in second placeCredit: AlamyThe city is known for having the largest castle in the worldCredit: Getty
One Sun reporter who previously visited the city said: “Prague may be best known for its beer, but hillside winery Vini ní Altan is a great option.
“There are great views from inside the intricately carved wooden gazebo, and children can burn off some energy in the vine-strewn park below.
“Prague boasts the largest castle in the world — effectively a small town on top of a hill.
Rounding out the top three is Salzburg in Austria, scoring 88.31 out of 100.
Rounding out the top three is Salzburg in AustriaCredit: GettyThe city is known for being the home of the famous film The Sound of MusicCredit: Getty
The Sun’s Laura Purkess said: “Salzburg, the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music, sits in Austria’s beautiful Eastern Alps.
“While most of us associate the Alps with snow- caps and skiing, this city makes an ideal summer holiday destination — and it’s affordable.
“If you’re a keen hiker, it’s relatively easy to get from the city centre into the mountains which are filled with stunning, tree-lined trails that take anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours to complete.
“Hardcore fans of The Sound of Music should swap the free walking tour for a proper guided one of the film sets that takes you to locations beyond the city centre, including Church Mondsee, where Maria wed the Baron.”
Porto, Portugal and Ljubljana, Slovenia – nicknamed the ‘green jewel of Europe’ – then followed to round out the top five.
Two spots in Spain featured on the list with Seville in 10th and Madrid in 13th.
A couple of Spanish cities also featured on the list as wellCredit: AlamyAnd a lesser-known Italian gem did tooCredit: Alamy
Seville is the capital of Spain’s Andalusia region and is known for its Moorish architecture as well as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
As for the Spanish capital, Madrid, you can head to a number of museums and Royal Palaces.
Two spots in Italy also featured on this list with Rome in seventh, and for a lesser-known Italian spot, head to Siena which featured in 14th.
The medieval city found in Tuscany, boasts a UNESCO-listed historic centre, where you can head to Piazza del Campo – the main square – and Duomo di Siena – a cathedral with black-and-white marble.
And places like Funchal – nicknamed the Hawaii of Europe – snuck into the top 20.
Europe’s best cities, according to Travel + Leisure
