STRIKES across Portugal are set to go ahead tomorrow causing widespread disruption across the country.
Rail workers, cabin crew and public transport staff are all staging a walkout.
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easyJet has said it is expected to have some flights impacted by the strikeCredit: AlamyPublic services like Lisbon Metro will be affected tooCredit: Alamy
At its airports in Portugal, strike action is predicted to affect hundreds of flights with 500 at risk of being cancelled and delayed.
Over half of these flights are operated by TAP Air Portugal, as well as other Portugália and SATA services.
On social media, TAP Air Portugal said it would still operate a minimum of 79, it is also rebooking travel options for affected passengers.
The airline Air Europa has cancelled all of its flights between Madrid and Lisbon and Porto.
The union added that easyJet and Ryanair flights are also expected to be impacted.
easyJet told Sun Travel: “Due to a national strike in Portugal on 3 June, like all airlines operating to and from the country we can expect some disruption to our flying programme.
“We will be doing all we can to minimise the impact of the strike action and will contact customers directly with their options if their flights are affected.
“While this is outside of our control we are sorry for any inconvenience this strike action may cause.”
Ryanair however told The Independent that it did not expect any disruption and would operate as normal.
Away from airports, staff working for FECTRANS are expected to walkout.
Around 500 flights could be cancelled due to strike action across Portugal tomorrowCredit: Alamy
This is expected to limit service on the Lisbon Metro and will disrupt those with travel plans across the city.
Union members include those working on the Porto Metro, so Porto is another city set to be majorly affected by the strike action.
Due to the sheer volume of staff strikes, it’s thought that the delays could impact travel on the following days, too.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
June 1 (UPI) — At least seven people, including the suspected shooter, are dead Monday following a series of shootings in an Iowa city that authorities said stemmed from a domestic dispute.
The suspect was identified as Ryan Willis McFarland, 52, of Muscatine, located along the eastern Iowa border with Illinois.
Authorities said he shot six people, all believed to be family members, before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound that was fired after being confronted by police on the Riverfront Trail near a pedestrian bridge.
“Today, I simply do not have the words [for] this act of evil and what it has done to our community,” Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies told reporters at a press briefing.
The identities of the victims were not made public, but Kies said they are all believed to be related to McFarland.
The investigation began at about 12:12 p.m. CDT when police received a report of a shooting at 210 Park Avenue. Officers arrived to find four people who had sustained gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene.
McFarland was identified as a suspect and was then confronted. EMS personnel rendered aid after McFarland shot himself, but he was soon after pronounced dead at the scene, Kies said.
As the investigation progressed, investigators developed information indicating there may be additional victims, leading to the discovery of two men dead from apparent gunshots — one inside a 1509 Mill Street residence and the other inside a 808 Grandview Avenue business.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the shootings stemmed from a domestic-related dispute,” Muscatine Police Department said in a release.
Kies told reporters that the suspect had a criminal record, but would not elaborate. The weapon used in the shooting was also not mentioned.
The investigation is ongoing, authorities said.
According to The Gun Violence Archive, the Muscatine incident is the second mass shooting involving four or more victims in the United States in the last 24 hours. There have also been more than 163 mass shootings in the country so far this year, the organization’s statistics show.
The low-cost airline is reducing the number of flights at 19 airports across Europe, including in the UK, and passengers have been warned to check their itineraries and alternative routes
Ryanair has cut flights from 19 airports (Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ryanair has slashed flights at 19 airports across Europe, including in the UK, ahead of its summer timetable.
The decision comes as the budget carrier attempts to streamline its operations and tackle seasonal overcapacity, according to Travel and Tour World.
Travellers departing from or arriving at the airports facing reductions must verify their schedules to confirm their booking remains valid.
Full list of airports facing cuts:
United Kingdom
London Stansted
Manchester
Ireland
Germany
Berlin Brandenburg
Cologne Bonn
Hamburg
Italy
Portugal
Belgium
France
Poland
Hungary
Romania
Bulgaria
Spain
The budget carrier has implemented the reductions to optimise its strategic network, ease economic pressures and manage rising costs.
The widespread cancellations form part of the airline’s efforts to safeguard profitability as the fuel crisis continues to fuel inflation worries.
The cuts come after Brits heading to Europe were caught in hours-long airport queues, with some passengers reportedly missing flights as new border checks continue to cause disruption across the EU.
The delays come following the rollout of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which officially launched on October 12, 2025. Under the new system, non-EU travellers including Brits are required to register fingerprints and have their photograph taken when entering or leaving the Schengen area.
Anna Maxwell Martin takes on an intimidating new role that’s miles away from Motherland in this gripping Apple TV drama
Motherland’s Anna Maxwell Martin as KGB surveillance head Lyudmilla Raskova (Image: APPLE TV)
The new Cold War thriller features some very recognisable names.
Apple TV’s highly anticipated For All Mankind spin-off Star City is finally here and has received rave reviews across the board.
Taking viewers back to the 1970s in this alternate version of history in which the Soviet Union won the space-race, the series picks up with the Russian politicians, engineers, cosmonauts, and KGB agents overseeing more missions to the Moon.
While the USSR is still basking in the victory of becoming the first nation to put a man on the Moon in 1969, tensions are running high as the threat of the US still looms large during the Cold War.
The series begins today (Friday, 29th May) with six more episodes coming each Friday until a riveting finale on 10th July.
But who is in the cast of Star City? From a major sitcom star to actors from some of the most acclaimed dramas of the past few years, let’s take a closer look at where you’ve seen them before.
Star City’s main cast
Rhys Ifans – Chief Designer
Welsh film and TV icon Rhys Ifans portrays the secretive figure at the head of the Star City program, known only as the chief designer.
You’ll have seen him recently as Otto Hightower in House of the Dragon, HBO’s popular Game of Thrones spin-off, as well as portraying Xenophilius Lovegood in the Harry Potter franchise and as Curt Connors/The Lizard in The Amazing Spider-Man, a role he reprised in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
His performance as comedy legend Peter Cook in Channel 4’s Not Only But Always won him a BAFTA TV award, and he is also well-known for his role as Spike in Notting Hill opposite Hugh Grant.
Anna Maxwell Martin – Lyudmilla Raskova
Anna Maxwell Martin plays the head of Star City’s KGB surveillance department, Lyudmilla Raskova, in a performance the Guardian has described as “terrifying”.
Martin has appeared in a huge range of popular British dramas, including Line of Duty, Ludwig, and ITV’s Until I Kill You, which won her an International Emmy Award.
She has also won BAFTA TV Awards for her roles in Bleak House and Poppy Shakespeare and is well-known among comedy fans for playing Julia Johnstone in the hit BBC sitcom Motherland.
Agnes O’Casey – Irina Morozova
Irina Morozova, a recent KGB recruit at Star City, is portrayed by English and Irish actress Agnes O’Casey.
O’Casey has landed supporting roles in major dramas in the 2020s, including Dangerous Liaisons, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, and Netflix’s Black Doves.
On the big screen she has appeared in Small Things Like These with Cillian Murphy and in The Miracle Club, Dame Maggie Smith’s final film.
Alice Englert – Anastasia Belikova
Anastasia Belikova is an untested female cosmonaut in the Soviet space program and portrayed by Australian actress Alice Englert.
Previously best known for her film roles, she has appeared in Ginger & Rosa with Elle Fanning, Beautiful Creatures with Alden Ehrenreich, and Netflix’s The Power of the Dog with Benedict Cumberbatch, which was directed by her mother Jane Campion.
Englert also appeared with O’Casey in Dangerous Liaisons, as well as BBC’s The Serpent and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, and made her directorial debut with the 2023 film Bad Behaviour starring Jennifer Connelly.
Solly McLeod – Sasha Polivanov
Sasha Polivanov is described as “a reckless cosmonaut who has yet to live up to his potential” and is portrayed by Solly McLeod.
McLeod is a British actor known for playing the title role in ITV’s adaptation of Tom Jones, and has also played Ser Joffrey Lonmouth in two episode of House of the Dragon with Star City co-star Ifans.
He is also set to appear in the major upcoming films Practical Magic 2 and Anxious People, adapted from the bestselling novel by Fredrik Backman.
Adam Nagaitis – Valya Mironov
In contrast to Sasha, Valya is a respected cosmonaut in the Star City program brought to life by British actor Adam Nagaitis. Nagaitis previously portrayed a Russian firefighter in HBO’s acclaimed miniseries Chernobyl.
He has also appeared in the film The Last Duel with Matt Damon and Adam Driver, as well as TV series The Responder, The Agency and A Thousand Blows.
Ruby Ashbourne Serkis – Tanya Mironova
Ruby Ashbourne Serkis is the actress daughter of The Lord of the Rings star Andy Serkis and will be portraying Tanya, the wife of one of Star City’s cosmonauts.
She has previously appeared in TV series Shardlake and I, Jack Wright, as well as two recent Cillian Murphy films; Netflix’s Steve and the Peaky Blinders movie, The Immortal Man.
Josef Davies – Sergei Nikulov
Josef Davies portrays Sergei Nikulov, a young engineering prodigy working at Soviet Ground Control. Davies is best known as Sören in Young Wallander and he has also appeared in Andor, Grace, and Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials, as well as the hit WWI film 1917.
Supporting cast and guest stars
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WITH the sun shining brightly across the country, many families are itching to get out to a waterpark and cool off from the soaring spring heat.
And there’s no more fun way to cool off than in a waterpark – and the UK is home to plenty of world-class ones, with thrilling slides, rides and even their own spas.
We’ve rounded up the top waterparks for families of all agesCredit: Getty
Whether you want to try an adrenaline-fuelling trap-door waterslide, tackle a Total Wipeout-style obstacle course, or let a lazy river do all the work – we’ve got you covered.
From indoor tropical waterparks with adults-only spas, to the UK’S largest wave pool and water rollercoaster, we’ve rounded up the top waterparks for families of all ages.
And to top it all off, the entry prices start from £5.31pp – proving you can have an action-packed summer day out on a budget.
Here are some of the best on offer across the UK…
Waterworld, Stoke-on-Trent
Have a go on waterslides, Hurricane or Tornado Alley at Waterworld in Stoke-on-TrentCredit: Waterworld
Crowned the UK’s number one indoor tropical aqua park, Waterworld is a massive water wonderland packed with over 30 different rides.
The top attraction for adrenaline junkies is Thunderbolt – the UK’s very first trap-door drop waterslide.
You stand inside a capsule, wait for the floor to drop beneath your feet, and plummet straight down a vertical flume at a staggering 25mph.
For more thrills, you can tackle Hurricane, a high-speed slide that hurls you down at 17mph through glow-in-the-dark neon lighting.
For something a little more family-friendly, the newly refurbished Python ride has plenty of slithery twists and turns that are gentle enough for toddlers.
You’ve also got a classic wave pool and fast-flowing rapids that swirl you around the tropical temperature waters.
Plus, if you visit when the weather‘s hot, you can soak up the sunshine outside.
The park has an outdoor pool and sun loungers where parents can relax while kids splash around.
You can also wind down in the calming bubble pools and relaxation areas, or hit the on-site restaurant to refuel the family on fresh pizza, bubble waffles, and thick milkshakes.
Single tickets start at £17.50 online for adults and children, including spectators. Baby tickets cost £7. Make sure to book online in advance, as walk-in tickets will cost you up to £8.50 extra.
Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool
Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool is the largest waterpark in the UKCredit: Sandcastle Waterpark
Sandcastle Waterpark is the UK’s largest and home to Britain’s longest indoor water rollercoaster and 18 thrilling rides.
If you want to feel like you’re on holiday abroad, head here for a 29C tropical climate.
The Masterblaster holds the record for the UK’s longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide, with a 200m stretch of water tubing fun.
Meanwhile, the Sidewinder is the world’s first indoor half-pipe waterslide, resembling a giant, slippery skating ramp.
For the little ones, there’s the Treetops Water Chutes, multi-lane slides perfect for racing, and the HMS Thunder Splash – a giant pirate ship packed with water activities.
Another kid-friendly favourite is the Caribbean Storm Treehouse, a massive water climbing frame complete with a giant coconut that dumps 600 gallons of water onto unsuspecting swimmers every few minutes.
If you need a breather from the screaming and splashing, grown-ups can escape to the Sea Breeze Spa.
For an extra £7, adults can spend three hours unwinding in the sauna and steam room while making use of the foot spas and aromatherapy room.
For £60pp, adults get access to a private oasis with their own hot tub, a flatscreen TV, a fridge packed with cold drinks, and a dining and seating area.
You also get full-day admission to the waterpark and a meal deal included in the price.
Tickets start at £25.50 for ages 8+, £16.50 for children aged 3 -7, with under 3s going free. Make sure to book online in advance, as same-day tickets can cost you £2 extra.
Alton Towers Waterpark, Staffordshire
Alton Towers Waterpark at Splash Landings Hotel has Caribbean temperatures and a range of ridesCredit: Alamy
You don’t need to brave the theme park’s rollercoasters for an action-packed day out at Alton Towers.
The Alton Towers Waterpark at the Splash Landings Hotel is a massive, tropical-themed park with Caribbean-type temperatures in the middle of the Staffordshire countryside.
TheWacky Waterworks Treehouse is a sprawling interactive play area packed with more than 70 interactive features, including water cannons, pull-cords, and buckets.
Thrill-seekers can twist and turn down the Rush ‘N’ Rampage waterslides, or slip down the outdoor Flash Floods slides into a giant pool – perfect for a sunny day.
And if you just want to take it easy, you can drift along the lazy river or laze on a lounger while the kids hit the slides.
When you want something to eat, head to the Calypso Cave for lunches like burgers and chicken tenders, or grab an ice cream float or sundae from the Ice Cream Shack.
Tickets start at £18 online for adults and children, with those under 90cm going free. There are also parent and toddler tickets from £23. Make sure to book online for the best rates.
Dorset Adventure Park
Dorset Adventure Park has giant inflatable obstacle courses on lakes beside Corfe CastleCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
If you prefer muddy knees, fresh air, the sun on your back and giant outdoor obstacles, Dorset Adventure Park is for you.
Set across two massive lakes on the grounds of Corfe Castle, Dorset Adventure Park is home to an action-packed outdoor inflatable course.
The Total Wipeout-style floating playground has huge trampolines, balance beams, wobbly bridges, and high-flying slides that launch you straight into the lake.
Plus, little ones even have their own inflatable, Splash Castle, manned by lifeguards and designed for kids aged 2 to 6.
If that isn’t muddy enough for the kids, the park is also home to a legendary Mud Trail.
On this 2km assault course, you can tackle mud pits, climbing walls, cargo nets, and tyre crawls that guarantee nobody leaves clean.
Back on dry land, the grounds have plenty more to see and do. There’s everything from axe throwing to relaxing woodland sauna pods.
For a bite to eat, the Snack Shack and Watering Hole have hot food, ice-cold drinks and ice creams with views of Corfe Castle.
The park provides wetsuit and buoyancy aid hire too, so you don’t need to worry about bringing anything other than a towel and a change of clothes.
Tickets start at £22pp for waterpark admission, £11 for the Mud Trail and £5 per child for Splash Castle.
The Wave, Coventry
The Wave in Coventry is home to the largest wave pool in the UK, plus plenty of slidesCredit: The Wave
Home to the largest wave pool in the UK which cycles 20 million litres of water per day, The Wave in Coventry is a high-tech indoor waterworld.
Above the huge pool are six speedy waterslides, including the colourful Cascade with its bright lights and The Rapids water coaster, described by the park as the ‘Big Dipper’ rollercoaster on water.
There’s also The Riptide, a rubber-ring ride that launches you down an exhilarating 90-degree angle.
The Cyclone, on the other hand, hurls you around a massive open bowl before dropping you out of the bottom.
Families with toddlers can head straight to The Reef, a colourful splash zone packed with mini-slides and water jets away from the big flumes.
Adults can slip away to the dedicated lane-swimming pool, work out at the fitness centre, or book into the luxurious Mana Spa to use its steam room, sauna, or enjoy a relaxing massage.
Tickets start at £15 per adult, £13 for ages 11 and under with under 1’s going free.
Time Capsule Water Park, Scotland
The Time Capsule Water Park in Lanarkshire has a Tornado Tantrum area with twisting ridesCredit: Time Capsule Water Park
The Time Capsule Water Park in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire is an affordable option with plenty of activities for mixed-age families.
Plus this waterpark is attached to an indoor ice rink, making it an ideal spot to visit and cool off on a hot day.
Inside you’ll find a lazy river, splash zones and waterslides, plus water cannons and a giant tipping bucket.
The most unique attraction here is the Tornado Tantrum – a setup of 10m-high Storm Chasers, thunder and lightning effects and twisting water flumes.
For families with young children, the Cove Island area has plenty of splash play zones for toddlers.
There’s also a Tiny Tots Play Zone on site, a soft play area for children aged 5 and under.
Head to the Tsunami Café for poolside burgers or a sit down with a cold drink.
The Time Capsule Water Park is one of the most affordable on the list, costing £6.50 per adult to enter and £4.50 per child. There is also free parking available.
LC Swansea Waterpark, Wales
Try out surfing on the Boardrider at LC Swansea in WalesCredit: LC Swansea
LC Swansea is Wales‘ biggest water park, packed with exciting rides, relaxing pools and even an indoor surfing machine.
Try out surfing or body-boarding on the Boardrider – a never-ending wave machine built for those who want to learn to ride waves like a pro.
Here you’ll also find the MasterBlaster water coaster, launching rubber ring riders uphill before gravity plummets them back down into the pool.
Younger kids can make a splash at Volcano Bay, an interactive zone with fountains, a smaller slide and tipping buckets.
For a slower pace, you can drift along the peaceful, lazy river or soothe your muscles in the bubbling whirlpool.
There’s a range of sessions to book, including Toddler Splash early mornings, women’s only and evening splash sessions.
To burn off some energy outside of the pool, there’s a water-themed Climb and Play area with four storeys of obstacles plus a 30ft climbing wall.
There’s also a Costa Coffee on site, plus a shop where you can pick up any extras you might need like swim hats and goggles.
Tickets start at £5.31 per adult or child for a General Splash session, with infant tickets for ages 1 to 3 starting at £2.97 and under 1s going free.
Tens of thousands of Brits are set to jet off to Spain this summer, but it’s vital to know what travel documents you might need to show at border control to enter the country
Anyone heading on holiday to Spain should check they have the right travel documents(Image: Getty Images)
There are four key documents you should make sure to pack when heading off on holiday to Spain.
Spain has long been a firm favourite amongst British holidaymakers, boasting vast stretches of golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and that much-coveted Mediterranean climate, all just a few hours’ flight away from the UK. With the May half-term already underway and summer just around the corner, tens of thousands of tourists are gearing up to jet off to Spanish resorts, beaches and cities throughout the region.
Before travelling overseas, it’s crucial to check whether any travel documentation is required to enter the popular European destination. While Brits can visit Spain with a valid passport and without a visa for up to 90 days, they may still be asked to produce additional documents at the border, reports Wales Online.
Proof of sufficient funds for the stay. They outlined that “the amount varies depending on your accommodation.”
A hotel booking confirmation or proof of address where you’re staying, including your own property.
An invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friend, or family member. For example, a ‘carta de invitation’ completed by your hosts.
In addition, Brits must also make certain that their passport has a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the arrival date. The FCDO states: “If you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area.”
The passport must also carry an ‘expiry date’ of at least three months beyond the date you intend to depart the Schengen area. The Foreign Office confirmed that the expiry date “does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue”.
When entering Spain, British nationals are now required to pass through the European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES), which was fully rolled out at airports on 10 April 2026. The new system requires all British visitors travelling to the Schengen zone to “create a digital record” and submit their biometric details, including fingerprints and a photograph.
This process must be completed when they first arrive at a Schengen area border, and following the initial registration, the EES remains valid for three years. The complete list of Schengen areas includes: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
With a valid passport, British citizens can visit Spain without requiring a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This covers tourists, those visiting relatives or friends, those attending business meetings, cultural or sporting events, and anyone undertaking short-term studies or training.
The Foreign Office further advises: “If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.”
Love Island have confirmed the first three singletons for the upcoming series, and it’s set to get even hotter this summer with a DJ being thrown into the mix
Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
09:09, 26 May 2026Updated 09:29, 26 May 2026
Love Island has confirmed the first three singletons(Image: ITV)
Love Island is back – and the first singletons have been revealed. These include Robyn, a quantity surveyor and DJ, Lorenzo, a businessman and Mica, a student from Barbados who lives in London.
The series is just days away from starting, with a fresh batch of singletons hoping to find the love of their life in the Majorcan villa during the summer of love and ITV is pulling out all the stops this year. But one thing is certain, one singleton will not be played by any men in the villa.
Liverpudlian Robyn, 21, a quantity surveyor and DJ, says that everybody in the villa will be equal and she’s hoping that nobody will think they’re better than another person. She said of the type of person she doesn’t want to meet: “Someone full of themselves or someone who thinks they’re better than everyone. You’re never better than anyone next to you. Also, people who eat with their mouth open – it’s a no from me.”
But Robyn has her eyes firmly set on one type of man, although she admits she finds personalities attractive too. She’s hoping to meet a man who is “tall, fair, muscles, nice teeth, pretty boy.” A situationship is also off the cards for her. She explained: “Finding love is my only goal. There may be a little bit of drama but I’m going in there for myself so I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do. But I would like to think I’m a girl’s girl and that I handle situations quite well. I’ve got a mature brain.”
Robyn also says she won’t be quick to jump into a relationship; instead, she wants to really get to know her next partner. She explained: “I like to observe first. I wouldn’t say I’m a slow burner, but I like to take in someone’s personality, how they carry themselves, and how they interact with other people. I won’t just rush into something; I have to genuinely like someone. And I’m an absolute star, they’ve got to tick all the boxes before they even have a chance with me.”
And that leads us on to business owner Lorenzo, 28, from Hertfordshire. He admits he’s looking for a blonde girl, but hasn’t ruled out any other hair colours. And he’s partial to dating a “posh girl”. Lorenzo admits he has a “niche” attraction to one part of a woman’s body – her arms.
“I don’t know why,” he said, adding: “It’s really strange! Imagine like a Jessica Alba or an Angelina Jolie kind of arm and neck, I find that very elegant. Very niche, I know!”
And like Robyn, he has no time for ill-mannered people; instead, he prefers high maintenance when it’s “done right”. “If someone is rude with it and not good fun or good vibes, I’d find that quite irritating,” he commented. But unlike Robyn, Lorenzo admits he’s hoping for drama in the villa.
“As long as no one is crying, all is fair in love and war,” he said. Speaking of the competition he’ll be up against, he went on to say: “I’m very much a self-deprecating person, so if I and another guy were interested in the same girl, I’d encourage her to go and speak to him, that’s how I’d navigate the situation. Sometimes it ends up working, reverse psychology!”
Mica, 21, a student from Barbados but living in London, says she’s after a tall man, as she’s quite tall herself. “I like a little bit of a buffer, a bigger guy,” she said, adding that personality is most important when it comes to finding a boyfriend.
One type of person she will not entertain is an “egotistical cringey” man; instead, she wants her boyfriend to be totally obsessed with her. And although she’s looking for love, she also wants drama. She revealed: “Obviously the whole point is finding love and that’s going to be my main goal. I’m not saying I’m going to start drama but if there is drama going on, I would obviously be a little bit nosey and want to know what’s going on.”
And she’s not going to hold back on the quest to find a partner. “If I have my eyes set on someone, obviously I’m going to pursue them,” she disclosed, before adding: “But if they’re not reciprocating that then I’m going to take a step back, have a think, and change directions and think about who else I could explore with.”
Love Island returns Monday 1st June at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX
The deadpan comedian sailed through to the Season 2 finale, outlasting the show’s returning champion, Bob Mortimer. He went toe-to-toe with David Mitchell in the final episode, with neither comedian breaking as they fed each other buffet food.
It resulted in an unprecedented tie-breaker in which the person who made the most people laugh over the course of the series was awarded the crown, meaning David scooped the win while Sam was awarded the runner-up title.
Sam is set to return to TV screens again in just a few days with his brand new comedy series, but what is it about, when is it released, and who is in it? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Make That Movie about?
The six-part Channel 4 comedy series follows a director called Sam (played by Sam Campbell) who attempts to make feature films based on the weird and wonderful ideas of everyday people. He goes on a trip around the country seeking out people to share their ideas with him, before attempting to make their movies in just three days.
While Sam appears to play himself, the series is a scripted comedy show and not real life. Alongside Sam in the cast are Michell and Webb Are Not Helping star Lara Ricote as runner Jess, and Am I Being Unreasonable’s Helen Bauer, who plays sound engineer Pat.
Meanwhile Aaron Chen (Fisk) plays intimacy coordinator Sebastian and This Country’s David Hargreaves takes on the role of cinematographer Winnie.
The series is directed and co-written by Joe Pelling who may already be known to some as the director of nightmarish comedy-horror puppet show, Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared.
Make That Movie’s release date and time
The very first 30-minute episode will air on Channel 4 on Thursday, May 28 at 10pm. The second episode will be broadcast immediately after at 10.30pm.
Announcing its release date, Sam posted: “This show is on channel 4. 28th of May ~ so pretty soon in fact. We hope it wets so many people’s whistles. Hopefully not a dry whistle left in the whole world. Hopefully. Please watch.”
A flurry of excited fans were quick to comment, with one penning: “I don’t understand any of this but that’s okay, I trust Sam,” in reference to Sam’s surreal comedy style.
“Nathan Fielder has been real quite since this dropped,” joked another. “Can’t wait for this dynamite series!” a third fan remarked.
Make That Movie begins on Channel 4 on May 28 at 10pm.
Mohammad Abu Mallouh, Alaa Zaqlan and their child, Osama, killed in the attack on the Nuseirat refugee camp, medics say.
Published On 24 May 202624 May 2026
An Israeli air raid on a home in Gaza has killed three members of a family, including a six-month-old child, medical workers said, as Israel continues to violate the “ceasefire” brokered by the United States last year.
Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah in central Gaza said it received the bodies of a couple and their young child in the early hours of Sunday morning.
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Medics identified those killed in the attack on an apartment in the Nuseirat refugee camp as Mohammad Abu Mallouh, his wife Alaa Zaqlan, and their child Osama, the Reuters news agency reported.
Medical workers said about 10 people were wounded in the attack.
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.
Since the “ceasefire” came into effect in October, Israel has continued with its near-daily attacks across the besieged Palestinian territory, which Gaza health authorities say have killed nearly 900 people.
Reporting from Gaza City, Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud said Israeli bombing began on Sunday as Palestinians were fleeing following forced displacement orders. He said many people ran while carrying personal belongings, including mattresses.
Separately, Israeli forces continued demolishing homes and civilian infrastructure in eastern Gaza on Sunday behind Israel’s so-called “Yellow Line”, referring to Israeli-designated military zones and buffer areas inside the enclave, he said.
Israeli jets also carried out air raids on Deir el-Balah in central Gaza on Sunday, causing extensive damage near a hospital, Mahmoud said.
Earlier this month, the Gaza Government Media Office said it had documented at least 2,400 Israeli violations in the first six months of the ceasefire, including more than 1,100 air raids and at least 921 shootings targeting civilians.
More than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023. Israeli officials acknowledged the data was broadly accurate in January, after casting doubt on their credibility for two years.
On Saturday, five police officers and a 13-year-old boy were killed in an Israeli attack.
Talks between Israel and Hamas aimed at reaching a permanent end to the war have stalled, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire. Israel says Hamas’s refusal to disarm is a key obstacle, while the Palestinian group says negotiations have been paused due to continued violations and restrictions on aid entering Gaza.
Earlier this week, Human Rights Watch said the territory’s humanitarian infrastructure remained in peril, more than six months after the start of the ceasefire.
The holidaymaker revealed how he enjoyed a week-long holiday at a budget price
The traveller enjoyed a holiday in Mexico (Image: Getty)
A social media user has wowed travel fans after sharing how much he spent on a week’s holiday in Mexico. The holidaymaker explained his bargain travel hack in a TikTok post shared under the username @Byseyi.
In the viral video, Byseyi revealed he spent £360 per person on a last-minute holiday to Mexico. He said: “So this is one travel tip that I don’t really hear that many people talk about. And this is actually how me and my wife travelled to Mexico for a week for around £360 per person, and that’s flights and accommodation.”
The TikTok creator claims: “So if you’re able to travel last-minute, go and look at TUI’s last-minute flight deals on the flight section of their website. Because what happens is they’re trying to get rid of some of these last-minute flights and not have empty seats going. So we ended up booking a flight for two people to go to Cancun, Mexico, for £538 for both of us.
“Managed to find some good accommodation in Tulum that was cheap for £185. And even right now, if you go on the website, you’ll see a flight to the Dominican Republic for £384 if you’re able to travel in the month of May.
“So it’s really just for those people, maybe you had a holiday that got cancelled and you’re trying to plan a new thing, or you have the flexibility to just travel last minute. So it doesn’t apply to everyone, but for those that it can work for, you can get something good for cheap.”
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The video gained over 115k views and 14k likes on TikTok. Replying to the video, a viewer said: “Thanks for reminding me being fully remote is a win.” A second comment read: “A digital nomads dream lol …let me go check out TUI.” A third social media user wrote: “Yep! TUI got me to Aruba for £196 return, directttt! best!”
Someone else shared: “I always like these deals but they don’t work for people who like to explore more than one city in a country. But I think it’s great when you are simply looking for anywhere to go to.”
Another response said: “How close to the departure date did you book?” The travel lover replied: “Booked on the 23rd of Feb, flew out 3rd of March.”
Passengers looking for last-minute flights can browse deals on TUI’s website, where there’s a section dedicated to cheap flights. Customers can filter their search by departure date, with options ranging from within seven days to three months. Alternatively, customers planning further ahead can refine their search by month.
Chris Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK and Ireland, said: “If you’ve got a bit of flexibility, our last-minute flight deals can be a brilliant way to grab a great-value getaway. Flying from over 20 airports across the UK, making it easy to pick a date, pack a bag and set off from a nearby airport. There’s a great choice of destinations on offer too – from European favourites like Spain and Greece, to long-haul escapes across the Caribbean, including Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, as well as Florida.
“These direct flights include 10kg of hand luggage as standard, with the option to add more, upgrade for extra space or enjoy a more premium travel experience. It’s always worth checking back – you might find something that gets you away sooner than you think.”
Netflix picked up the rights to three more NFL contests amid government scrutiny over the migration of games from free TV to streaming.
The NFL’s first-ever regular season game in Melbourne, featuring the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, will stream Sept. 10 on Netflix, the company announced Wednesday at its upfront presentation in New York. Netflix will present another NFL game first on Nov. 25 with a Thanksgiving eve game between the Rams and the Green Bay Packers at SoFi Stadium.
The streamer is also picking up a Saturday game in the final week of the regular season. With the Christmas double header Netflix has carried since 2024, the additions bring the total to five games next season.
The five games were a part of ESPN’s NFL package. ESPN relinquished the rights after the league took a 10% stake in the Walt Disney Co.-owned entity.
It was widely believed throughout the sports media business that all five games would go to streamers, split between Netflix and YouTube. But the other two will go to Fox, an international game that will air in the morning in the U.S., and NBC.
The two additional games are going to its traditional TV partners after politicians in Washington, including President Trump, raised concerns about the number of NFL contests that are moving off broadcast and behind streaming paywalls.
The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Fox Corp. Chairman Emeritus Rupert Murdoch visited Trump at the White House in February to warn how traditional TV networks could be priced out of the NFL due to competition from deep-pocketed streamers.
The Department of Justice has also inquired about whether the NFL is violating the antitrust status given to leagues when their teams collectively negotiate TV rights deals.
An NFL executive familiar with the deal who was not authorized to comment publicly said the added broadcast games are not related to the issues raised in Washington. “We always are looking for ways to increase reach at the benefit of our fans,” the executive said.
In recent years, the NFL has carved out a number of games from the broadcast packages to sell to Netflix and YouTube. Those games primarily come out of the regional Sunday afternoon games carried on Fox and CBS.
But the NFL makes the case that it offers 87% of its games on free over-the-air television than any other major sport. Games sold to streamers are still made available on the local TV stations in the local markets of the teams that are featured.
Questioned about his father’s meeting at the White House, Fox Corp. Executive Chairman Lachlan Murdoch told Wall Street analysts on Monday there is no tension between the league and his company, which has carried the NFL since 1994.
Murdoch also said there have been no new negotiations with the NFL, which has expressed a desire to redo its current media rights package that runs through the 2032-33 season but has an opt-out in 2030. Murdoch has previously said the company is paying fair market value in its current deal.
In addition to the international game in Week 10, Fox is getting an extra Saturday game in Week 15.
The NFL believes its product is undervalued in light of the massive $76-billion, 11-year contract the NBA entered with NBC, Amazon and ESPN last year. The NFL is in the middle of an 11-year deal that pays the league $110 billion for games that provide much higher ratings.
The league has also said the move to streaming in recent years — which includes putting the Thursday Night Football package on Amazon Prime Video — is necessary to reach younger viewers who are not watching traditional TV. The Thursday games are made available on free TV in the local markets of the teams featured.
The NFL does have the right to renegotiate with CBS before that opt-out due to the network’s transfer of ownership. CBS parent Paramount was acquired by Skydance Media last year.
The NFL and CBS are not close on the new deal. The league is looking to increase the network’s fee from $2.1 billion a year to $3 billion, according to people familiar with the discussions who were not authorized to comment.
The NFL is currently a break-even proposition for CBS at the current price.
But the NFL is at a significant advantage as the broadcast networks and their affiliated stations are dependent on the league, which provides a vast majority of the highest-rated programming on TV. NFL games give major leverage to TV station groups when they are negotiating new carriage deals from cable and satellite providers.
EMMY award-winning actor William H. Macy has revealed the most difficult Hollywood stars, according to him.
The star, 76, has been acting for four and a half decades and has worked with the who’s who of Hollywood in his time.
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William H. Macy has revealed the most difficult Hollywood stars in his opinionCredit: SXSW Conference & Festivals viaHe shared his thoughts on the We Might Be Drunk podcastCredit: WE MIGHT BE DRUNK POD
He appeared on the We Might Be Drunk podcast with hosts Mark Normand and Sam Morril as they attempted to get some gossip out of him.
Mark asked: “We gotta ask, which actors do you really hate?,” before listing off some big names, including Tommy Lee Jones, who he acted in the 1994 film, The Client with.
William responded: “He was rough,” before adding: “I’m not letting out any secrets.”
The hosts then asked him what he thought about Jim Carrey, to which he replied: “I did not act with him, but I’ve just heard he can be really tough.
“You know, there are a lot of actors out there, it p****s me off, who make life miserable for a lot of people and they don’t get busted for it and it p****s me off.”
William began his career on stage in theatre, before building his career by starring in small, independent films.
His breakthrough role was in black comedycrime film Fargo in 1996 which got him critical acclaim and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
He went on to star in big Hollywood films in his career, including Psycho, Jurassic Park 3, Spartan and The Lincoln Lawyer.
He claimed Tommy Lee Jones was “rough”Credit: Getty – ContributorWilliam was asked what Jim Carrey is likeCredit: Getty
William’s television work includes playing Dr. David Morgenstern in ER for 15 years and as Frank Gallagher on the US Shameless for 10 years.
He is a two-timeEmmy Awardand four-timeScreen Actors Guild Awardwinner, and has been nominated for anAcademy Award, aDrama Critics’ Circle Award, and fiveGolden Globe Awards.
The Hollywood star married actress Felicity Huffman in 1997 after dating on and off for 15 years.
The pair went on to have two children together – daughters Sophia Grace and Georgia Grace.
She is appearing on the Channel 4 show as a surrogate partner therapist, a professional who can offer two-way touch with the cast and even engage in full sex if deemed appropriate. She is the third so-called ‘sex surrogate’ on the show alongside Kat Slade, 35, and Andre Lazarus, 42.
In tonight’s episode (May 4) fans will get a glimpse at Risdon’s work with 25-year-old accountant Tegan, with the pair trying out directed gazing. This involves staring at different parts of the body in a bid to stir up feelings of desire.
As Risdon gets more screen time, fans may be curious about the star’s background and her path to appearing on the Channel 4 reality series. Here’s everything to know.
How old is Risdon Roberts?
Risdon is 42 years old and was born in Japan. She is same age as fellow surrogate partner therapist, Andre, who she already knew before the show.
She is usually based in Los Angeles where she works as a surrogate partner therapist and an intimacy expert, also advising for events, film and TV. Her specialism is working with people new to intimacy, experiencing sexual dysfunction or who are coming out later in life. She herself identifies as a queer woman.
Explaining she she signed up for Season 2, she shared: “I was very impressed with Kat [Slade] on the show and how the show supported her when the work with one of her clients shifted, as that is something that comes up a lot in Surrogate Partner Therapy.
“Seeing Kat’s incredible work on the first season really inspired me to want to participate. Andre and I have been friends and colleagues for years as well, so his positive experience during the first season was a major reason why I signed on.”
She added: “As a queer woman I also appreciated how there was so much room on the show for the cast to explore their divergent identities, attractions, and sexualities. I also really enjoyed the sex education elements of the show because those are some of my favourite parts of the work.”
Why does Risdon Roberts look familiar?
If fans recognise Risdon already, it’s likely due to her background in acting. She started her career in film and TV and trained as an intimacy coordinator before switching to her current career path.
Her first big acting role was in the online web series, Bite Me, in which she starred as a character called Lauren. The show centred around three gamers who try and survive a zombie outbreak using their gaming skills.
According to her IMDB page, her most recent TV work outside of Virgin Island is a 2017 TV mini series titled This Place Is Weird where she is credited as ‘Risdon’ as well as an appearance as ‘Lulu’ in 2023 comedy short, Surprise!
Virgin Island airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 9pm on Channel 4.
A League of Their Own is going on tour – we take a look at three iconic moments from the beloved show including Jamie Redknapp, Jill Scott and Tony Bellew
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(Image: Sky UK)
A League of Their Own fans have had reason to celebrate this week with the hilarious TV show now doing a live tour across the country. The show, which has been enjoyed by millions since it started in March 2010 concluded at the end of last year after 20 series but now fans can enjoy a little bit more with the show now on the road.
The Jamie Redknapp-fronted show is returning as a live production for the first time this September, with a UK arena tour planned. The run includes seven dates in major cities such as London, Newcastle and Manchester, as well as a headline night at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Redknapp will be joined on stage by team captains Jill Scott and Tony Bellew, alongside familiar faces Tom Davis, Patrice Evra and Maisie Adam. More guests are expected to be confirmed in the coming months, and audiences can expect the same loud, chaotic challenges that made the show a hit on TV.
Over the 26 years, there have been many hilarious moments and gags on the show, whether that is from the studio or on the road, that many enjoy looking back on. Here are three iconic moments from the series.
Buy A League Of Their Own tickets from Live Nation
A League Of Their Own tickets are out now from major ticketing retailer Live Nation.
1. ‘You text Gary Neville haven’t ya?’
On a road trip with Freddie Flintoff, Romesh Ranganathan and Alan Carr, Jamie Redknapp was always going to be in trouble with a cricketer famous for his quips on the cricket pitch and two comedians.
Somehow, Romesh managed to get Jamie’s phone and text one of his fellow broadcasters Gary Neville in a tongue-in-cheek message that clearly got to Redknapp. Playing dumb Romesh pretended nothing happened and he had nothing to do with it.
Even when the former Liverpool midfielder reminds him they work together, highlighting the awkwardness, Flintoff did not hesitate to say “I’ve never seen him [Neville] at Fulham!”
The text sent read: “I know you were only here five minutes but what’s the best restaurant in Valencia?”
The hilarious moment would have put Redknapp in a sticky situation with Neville who had a torrid time in his one and only managerial job which included a match where he was thrashed and humiliated by Barcelona in the Copa del Rey.
Still, the Man United legend sent his recommendations over to his Sky Sports colleague.
2. ‘It’s typical Kopites once again, glory hunting’
It is a sensitive topic in the world of football caused by a very simple question: who do you support and why? For many, it is a simple question, for others it might fairly layered but then there are some that ignite the glory-hunting debate when someone supports a club miles away with zero affiliation other than they win.
But it always comes with a good laugh in these sorts of things as passionate Evertonian Tony Bellew laid into Micah Richards and Jamie Redknapp on who they support – with neither supporting their local team. Well kind of, which makes this moment even funnier when it started with Redknapp saying he’s a Red.
Tony Bellew said: “No you’re not, you’re not from Liverpool.” When Jamie jokingly hit back that Tony couldn’t tell him “who I support and who I don’t”, Tony upped the ante. He added: “It’s typical Kopites once again, glory hunting b*******. They’re not from the city. He’s just come in on a f******…if you shut the airports and shut everywhere else on matchday, f****** Anfield will be empty.”
He added: “He’s not a scouser – big Liverpool fan.”
3. ‘He’s one of them two-team w******’
Bellew did not just settle with Redknapp’s choice of who he supports and pressed Micah Richards, the opposition captain on the show. The Birmingham-born defender revealed he was a Man City supporter in front of the cameras but an Arsenal fan behind-the-scenes – which makes sense giving his long-time admiration of Thierry Henry!
And just when the heat was going off Jamie, Bellew threw in a grenade that would cause many football fans to cringe with the added notion that he supports more than one club. This just egged Bellew further and kept that hilarious rant going.
TB: “Jesus Christ! What’s up with you people!? You’re not from there! Support where you are from. Support your own.”
JR: “I support Bournemouth as well.”
TB: “That’s even worse. Because he’s one of them two team w******. That’s the worst person in the world.”
It did not just stop there as the 43-year-old former world champion was asked why he chose Everton. When Big Meeks pressed Bellew on why he supports his beloved Everton and why his family do, he responded in the only way a proper football fan who supports his local team does.
Bellew responded: “I was chosen. I didn’t choose, I was chosen. Special kind to support my club mate. All my children are Evertonians as well. I’ve f****** told them it’s character building.”
How to buy A League Of Their Own presale tickets
A League Of Their Own tickets are on sale right now and can be purchased through Live Nation.
Once fans have registered, they will receive an access email, and tickets can then be purchased. Here’s the link:
ONE of the oldest lidos in the UK is set to undergo a huge expansion with a new spa and children’s water play area.
Droitwich Spa Lido near Birmingham originally opened in 1935 and is one of the few remaining open-air, saltwater pools in the UK and now, it will get a £12.5million facelift.
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Droitwich Spa Lido is one of the only remaining open air saltwater lidos in the countryCredit: Alamy
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There will be several new features at the lido including a spa experience, a new brine pool, a new reception and a new water play area for little ones.
Other parts of the attraction will be updated, including reintroducing Art Deco features, enhancing the cafe and refurbishing the changing rooms.
Councillor Richard Morris said: “The Droitwich Lido is seen as one of the best in the country and when the public were consulted about the Town Prospectus the residents in Droitwich rated it the area they were most proud of after fighting for it to be reopened in 2007.”
He added that the final design might evolve, but that the lido is expected to open in the first half of 2028.
Currently, the destination already includes a heated saltwater pool, children’s wet play area, sun terrace and a cafe.
The 40metre lido also sits on vast deposits of salt, which have been extracted from the ground for centuries.
In fact, the natural brine in the town is 10 times stronger than sea water and when the lido first opened, diluted brine was pumped from the local streams into the pool to keep it aseptic.
It was then heated to the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea and marketed as the ‘seaside of Droitwich Spa’, without actually being on the seaside.
The lido previously closed in 2000, but remained a popular attraction with many travelling to just see the once busy open air pool.
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Jubilee Pool, Penzance, Cornwall
Tinside Lido, Plymouth, Devon
Brockwell Lido, London
Hathersage Swimming Pool, Peak District, Derbyshire
Saltdean Lido, Brighton, East Sussex
Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Bristol Lido, Clifton, Bristol
Ilkley Lido, West Yorkshire
Gourock Outdoor Pool, Inverclyde, Scotland
Nantwich Outdoor Brine Pool, Cheshire
Then in 2007, the lido reopened having been completely refurbished, with the water still using a natural brine feed.
Previously, the pool was even named the fifth best in the country by The Times.
The pool is already open for the 2026 season and is heated to between 22C and 26C.
General swim sessions costing from £7.20 per adult for an hour or £9.40 for two hours and £7.20 per child per session.
Money expert on his ITV show said ‘there is a big risk in those circumstances’
11:08, 30 Apr 2026Updated 12:40, 30 Apr 2026
Martin Lewis has explained what people need to do if they’re booking for this summer(Image: ITV)
Martin Lewis has warned anyone booking their summer holiday that they won’t get their money back if their flight is cancelled and they’re unable to reach their hotel – provided they’ve booked in a particular way. During his Money Show Live on ITV last night, the financial expert was questioned by an audience member: ‘If my flight’s cancelled due to no jet fuel will you definitely receive all your money back even for your hotel booking as well.’
Mr Lewis clarified that travellers would forfeit their hotel booking fees if they’ve arranged it separately from their flights booked with operators like Jet2, TUI, Wizz, Ryanair, easyJet – as they won’t be protected by consumer regulations. He said: “No. And I think this is what people need to be very aware of. If you booked a package holiday where you booked everything in one, then under the package holiday regulations and rules and protections generally if your flight went you would get everything back.
“And so actually at the moment package holidays give you a certain level of extra security that you wouldn’t get if you did a DIY booking where you bought your hotel and flight separately.”
This is because there’s nothing amiss with the hotel reservation itself, he explained: “Because the point is if you lose your flight and you’ve DIY booked, there’s nothing wrong with your hotel. The issue is you can’t get there. Your hotel is still there. It’s not faulty. It’s not cancelling. So, you don’t have those consumer rights.”
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If the hotel hasn’t done anything wrong, then travellers might look at how they’ve arranged their booking – but there’s little relief to be found there. He said: “So, you would then say, ‘What about using a credit card or debit card protection?’ It won’t work because there’s nothing faulty. And that’s just giving you the same replica rights that you would have with the retailer.”
Finally, people may turn to their travel insurance. Mr Lewis explained: “So, you then say, ‘What about travel insurance?’ This is the bad bit. We were checking 40 travel insurance policies. Of those, only a few would have covered you for the knock-on eventuality of your flight being cancelled due to jet fuel and then your hotel costs.”
“Only about three or four and most of those were package bank accounts where it’s linked to your bank account. Only one standalone provider. So we need to be blunt at the moment. There is a big risk in those circumstances. If you’re booking, you want something with free or limited cancellation quite short before. So you could just cancel it. You should always talk to the provider.
“The reason this is important to know is if you are in that position once you understand you have no rights and they say, ‘Well, we’ll give you a voucher and you can come back in 6 months.’ You suddenly realise you’re doing well, not badly, right? If you didn’t have free cancellation and that this is going to be a problem if we get to that jet fuel shortage.
“Government are saying there isn’t one at the moment and they’re working on consolidating flights and doing things so there won’t be one, but people’s hotel costs if they book separately and other knock-on costs are potentially at risk.”
While the series predominantly centres on Mary’s individual journey, it does track some of the Jane Austen novel’s more central characters, including snobbish social climber Miss Bingley.
In this BBC adaptation, she is portrayed by none other than Sex Education star Tanya Reynolds, who now has two exciting productions on the horizon.
The first of these ventures is dark comedy Dog Person, a film which the 34 year old is not only appearing in but marks her directorial debut.
She will assume the role of Sally, a dental receptionist who is “overwhelmed by life’s pressures and develops a desire to relinquish control, leading to a dark, unsettling fantasy”.
Reynolds won’t be the sole recognisable face to appear in Dog Person either, as she will be accompanied by the likes of Happy Valley villain and Grantchester legend James Norton.
Completing the principal cast is ITV Downton Abbey and Twenty Twenty Six star Hugh Bonneville.
Dog Person isn’t Reynolds’ sole forthcoming project, with Ted Lasso enthusiasts thrilled to learn that she will feature in the highly anticipated fourth season.
Three years have passed since fans last caught a glimpse of the award-winning Apple TV comedy-drama, and a handful of fresh faces are set to join everyone’s beloved football coach.
Little has been revealed about Reynolds’ character, though she is set to play a new assistant coach for a women’s football team.
Fortunately, the wait is almost at an end, with Ted Lasso season four due to make its debut on Wednesday, August 5, on Apple TV, with episodes dropping on a weekly basis.
The Other Bennet Sister is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Barcelona is the ultimate city break. It’s less than two hours from the UK, compact, and yet absolutely full of things to do. Here are five suggestions from iconic sights to inexpensive trips
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Explore Barcelona’s iconic sights and its hidden gems(Image: Getty Images)
Barcelona continues to be one of the top city break picks for Brits. Not only does it offer short flight times, it’s a destination that packs in plenty to do. And as a bonus, you’ve also got sunny weather and sandy beaches to enjoy alongside history, culture, and authentic Spanish food.
If you’re one of the many Brits heading to Barcelona this summer, here are five things not to miss, and how you can make the most of your break.
1. Sagrada Família
What else can be said about the Sagrada Família? It’s a must-see, no matter how long you’re in Barcelona for. But there are different ways to experience this spectacular basilica.
Many people simply walk around the outside, but definitely get tickets to go in if you can. The interior is perhaps even more breathtaking than the exterior, bathed in colorful lights from stained glass and featuring high ceilings inscribed with hundreds of tiny emblems and intricate details. For this reason, it’s worth taking a small private tour of Sagrada Familia with priority entrance from £57 per adult, as your guide can tell you so much about the vision behind the building and point out all the things you’re bound to miss.
2. Casa Batlló
Another attraction that’s best enjoyed on a tour is Casa Batlló. This Gaudí-designed home is also packed with the little details that the architect became famous for, so again, a tour is really worth it. You can get Casa Batilo early access with audio guide that allows you to avoid the queues that build during the day at this famous attraction and learn about Gaudí’s creative process, his vision that sculpted his iconic architecture, and the history of this incredible home.
3. Funicular de Montjuïc
Montjuïc is a 176-metre high hill that offers stunning views across Barcelona. It’s a great place to see the skyline, appreciating the scale of the Sagrada compared to the buildings around it, and seeing where the city meets the sandy beaches. You can take a cab or bus to the top, but the easiest option is to take the metro. A ticket costs €3( £2.60) and takes you up the steep hill in just a couple of minutes. Visit at sunset and watch the sun go down and this buzzing city come to life.
4. Bouquet d’Alella
If you’ve enjoyed Catalan wines at your dinner table, why not see where the grapes ripen in the sun? Bouquet d’Alella is just a short drive from the city, and from this charming winery you can enjoy views across the countryside, take a tour and learn about the traditional methods of wine making still used today, before sitting down for a tasting under the shade of the knotted trees.
You can visit this winery as part of TUI Musement’s full day e-biking, wine tasting, and sailing experience, which costs £122 per person and includes tasting different varieties of wine, plus snacks, including the best pan con tomate you’ll find in Barcelona. You can also organise an individual visit or book your own tour.
5.
La Boqueria is an incredible place to try authentic Catalan cuisine. Voted the world’s best market, it’s a maze of stalls selling Spanish cheeses, jamón, olives, and lots of tapas dishes you can try as you wander around. It also has a selection of small, independent restaurants where you can sit and have lunch amid the buzz of this always busy market. You can opt for a Barcelona food market tour with tastings, or simply visit and explore the stalls at your own pace.
Book it
TUI offers 3 night city break packages to Barcelona staying at the 4* H10 H10 Madison Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, from £666 per person based on two adults sharing a classic double room travelling on Ryanair from London Stansted Airport on 15 September 2026. Price includes 10kg of hand luggage.
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The following day, services to Krakow will begin with departures on Mondays and Fridays every week.
On October 25 and 26, travellers can go from Belfast International Airport to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on Wednesdays and Sundays, as well as to Rome on Mondays and Fridays.
Anyone wanting to visit Reykjavik, Iceland, can travel from Newcastle from October 27 twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
You can fly to Iceland’s beautiful capital city from Newcastle with Easyjet later this yearCredit: Getty Images/Cavan Images RF
Easyjet’s Luton-Ljubljana flights start on October 26 three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The same day, the Southend-Budapest route also starts twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.
In an exciting update for Birmingham, the route to coastal city Agadir, in Morocco, will start on October 27. They will depart twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
The new flights, which include fares of £23.99, have significantly expanded the airline’s network from the north of England, and enabled more direct services to popular leisure and city destinations.
The airline’s UK country manager, Kevin Doyle, said: “Whether they’re looking for winter sun, or a weekend away in some of Europe’s most iconic capitals, this new batch of routes further expands the range of exciting destinations available for our customers to choose from at affordable prices.”
This deal from Wowcher means you could be enjoying the magic of Disneyland Paris, with the cost of the ferry and a two-night stay at a hotel close to the park, at under £200 per person
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This deal lets you visit Disneyland Paris for less than £200(Image: IAN LANGSDON/AFP via Getty Images)
Nothing beats the magic of a day at Disneyland, but it can be a costly choice just for the tickets alone. That’s why it often works out cheaper to book a deal that includes extras such as accommodation.
Wowcher has just launched a 4* Disneyland Paris Break which is now available to book that includes two-nights in a hotel, transport across the channel, and a one-day Disneyland Paris park entry for each guest, with prices that start at £189 per person.
You can check the availability calendar on Wowcher’s website to see the prices for each date. At the moment, the £189 deal is available in the first week of May with a 37% discount available. However, these dates are likely to sell out quickly, so you may need to snap them up soon.
Dates are available later in the year for November and December at around £249, and this can be an excellent time to visit the parks for the festive period. If you’re looking for summer holiday dates, then the last week in August is the cheapest, with dates from £309 per person.
Julie Delahaye
The package includes a stay at the 4* Paxton Hotel Paris MLV, just 10-minutes from the gates of Disneyland by car, which also offers a bus connection to the parks. The price also includes a return ferry crossing for a vehicle, and the drive from Calais to the hotel is just over three hours, mostly on motorways.
The one-day entry pass includes access to all attractions, shows, Character Encounters, parades, and more, so you can pack a lot into your trip.
Since the package has two nights in a hotel, you may also want to enjoy the onsite indoor pool, spa, and hammam, or even head to nearby Bussy-Saint-Georges station to get a train into Paris for some sightseeing. The city centre is about half an hour away by train.
If you’d rather stay onsite at the parks, you can book Disneyland Paris breaks via its official website, which gives you the option to stay in official Disney hotels. Staying in an official Disney property gives you perks such as early access to the parks and a quicker journey home at night, but it is a pricier option.
One night at the Disney Newport Bay Club in early May, with a two-day park pass comes in at £372.45 per person, and considerably more during peak times.
Another way to save money is to look for the deals that Disney offers throughout the year. For example, Walt Disney World in Florida has just relaunched its popular Free Dining offer, as well as offering up to £400 off breaks. This deal can be found on disneypackages.co.uk, and is available during most school holidays. This site also offers packages that include flights, making it easier to plan your trip.
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