incredible

THERE are some places that thrive in the summer, but others are best explored when there are crisp orange leaves on the ground, and the grass is littered with frost.

On my recent adventure to Northumberland, I discovered sprawling National Parks, living museums, quaint village and plenty of cosy pubs.

My adventure took me to the site of the former Sycamore Gap tree – the story that seemed to upset the entire nation.

The famous tree was mysteriously cut down in the middle of the night in September 2023. Something about the hateful environmental crime captured the public imagination globally.

Before and after pictures appeared in the media around the world and tears were shed.

It would later emerge that the 120-year-old specimen tree – which had featured in the 1991 Robin Hood film as well as countless holiday snaps – had been felled by two oddball friends as some kind of warped prank.

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The pair were eventually jailed this summer for four years and three months each.

The episode initially seemed to spell the end of one of the North East’s greatest tourist attractions – but in fact it hasn’t.

The following year, the area earned nine per cent more from recreational visitors than it had before the tree was felled.

But if that makes it sound like the area is overrun with tourists, it isn’t. Not at all.

Unlike rivals such as the Lake and Peak Districts or the Yorkshire Dales, rural Northumberland doesn’t have quite as much mass appeal and it’s big and desolate enough to absorb the visitors it does get, so seldom feels busy.

Autumn is a particularly good time to go because the landscape and vernal colour palette seem to blend harmoniously together. 

If you go at low season (and now that half-term week has passed, that’s pretty much right now) you will find it feels most of the time as if you have the place to yourselves.

And it won’t cost much either – there’s excellent value for money.

Like the Sycamore Gap itself, much of what you will see is dotted along or near Hadrian’s Wall, the 2000-year-old fortification line that snakes its way up hill and down dale through all this glorious countryside.

And, of course, it joins up various other Roman sites that pepper the area with historic interest.

Our favourites were Vindolanda, an excavated village, the museum at Corbridge and the Temple of Mithras which has a counterpart in the buzzing heart of the City of London.

But naturally this one has a very different vibe as it’s out on its own on windswept moorland, miles from anywhere – and so superbly atmospheric.

We based ourselves in an Airbnb in converted outbuildings of a farm just outside the small town of Riding Mill, about 20 miles to the east of the Gap.

It was modestly priced but very pleasant and made an ideal base when motoring.

A couple of times we went east towards Newcastle or Beamish museum, with its charming recreation of streets and buildings from different periods.

We could also explore the coast, from the sweeping sands at Tynemouth to the more dramatic cliffs northwards.

Heading inland to the west it was more remote. Even at more managed spaces like the stunning National Trust park at Allen Banks, we scarcely saw another walker.

Our dogs loved it as much as we did. And after every walk we seemed to find ourselves conveniently close to a decent pub.

The area teems with them. I even compiled a top ten of the many boozers we went to during our week in Northumberland.

Here are John’s top 10 pubs in Northumberland…

1. Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland – Ancient, spooky, cosy, perfect.

2. The Ship Inn, Low Newton – Understated gem on a gem of a beach

3. The Rat, Anick – Just a perfect country food pub.

4. The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman Rest, Brampton – Wild location, good food, well done.

5. The Pele, Corbridge – Not named after the footballer but the circa 1350 tower it is set in. Wonderful.

6. Crown Posada, Newcastle – Lavish and delightfully intact interiors.

7. The Free Trade Inn, Newcastle – Grog on the Tyne. Amazing cityscape view.

8. Langley Castle Hotel, Hexham – Surrounded by suits of armour.

9. The Tynemouth Castle Inn, Tynemouth – Art Deco seaside gorgeousness.

10. The Sun Inn, Beamish Museum, Stanley – Technically a fake pub in a theme park- but so well done

Pubs aside, there was still the question of actually visiting Sycamore Gap itself – or what’s left of it.

We had put this off as it felt a bit sad but we had to face it before leaving.

It’s a short and very scenic walk from the village of Once Brewed, up to and then along in parallel with the surprisingly intact Roman Wall.

And going back to the question of its surprisingly enduring popularity, we saw more people here than on any rural outing.

It was still not exactly crowded but busier – and you realised that others too wanted to pay tribute to the lost tree, whether that was with a selfie or a quiet thought or two.

Even in this remote corner we weren’t far from not one but two decent pubs: The Twice Brewed Inn at Bardon Mill and The Milecastle Inn at Haltwhistle, both of which were delightful.

Visiting here is a way of putting two fingers up at the vile pair who are now languishing in prison, it’s also an absolute treat.

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If you want to head to the beach, check out the Northumberland coast that is one of the world’s trending destinations.

Want to see the most beautiful scenes in one trip? A must-do country European road trip will take you to six countries, where you will see the sea, mountains, castles and breath-taking views

Hopping on a plane and getting to your holiday destination in hours is a luxury, but one thing that everyone should do at least once in their lives is a road trip.

TikTok account Living Our Memories shared the perfect itinerary, where the key stops included France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium. The total route is 23 hours and 49 minutes, non-stop.

Gathering over a million views, the couple, who shared their travels with their 5K followers, captioned the video: “An epic road trip across 6 countries you must have to do at least once in your life.”

Champagne, France

First stop, the French region of Champagne, known for its scenic vineyards. Located in the northeast of France, their sparkling white wine is what makes them so well-known. Visitors can see the cities of Reims and Épernay, as well as the villages like Hautvillers and Méry-sur-Ay.

Wine lovers can make a pit stop and tour the famous Champagne houses such as Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Taittinger. Those who prefer adrenaline can do some outdoor activities such as biking through the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims.

Stausee Steg, Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein’s turquoise waters in the middle of the most gorgeous greenery scenes, facing the mountains. It’s the perfect place for a swim in the lake or a picnic with your loved ones.

If you’re feeling sporty or want to capture the perfect shot, you can hike the mountains and get the perfect scene. According to AllTrails, it’s best to bring water shoes for those who plan to swim or walk near the rocky edges.

Lake Eibsee, Germany

Nature lovers will love Lake Eibsee in Germany. The waters are crystal clear with views of the Zugspitze mountains.

Some of the activities for visitors are hiking the 7.5 km (4.6 miles) walk around the lake, as it provides stunning views. You can also rent a boat or a canoe to explore the lake and the surrounding islands. If you’re brave enough, you can also swim in the waters – but it’s super cold.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Located in Bavaria, Germany, in the foothills of the Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle is just the exact layout as the ones in the Disney movies. In fact, it’s best known for the inspiration behind Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

The 19th-century historic castle overlooks the narrow Pollat gorge, and it’s close to the Alpsee and Schwansee lakes. Therefore, it makes it an ideal place to visit on the way to the upcoming location of the road trip.

Tickets cost 20 euros (£17.36), but children under the age of 18 can access the castle completely free of charge.

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Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s tourism has increased over the years, making it the perfect place for a city break or a day trip. The city has a unique blend of history and culture, with a lot to offer to visitors and locals alike.

Its historical sites include UNESCO World Heritage sites and famous landmarks such as the Grand Ducal Palace and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame. The best thing about Luxembourg is that you can enjoy it all year round, and the public transportation is free.

Dinant, Belgium

To conclude the road trip, what better way to do it than in Belgium? A more tranquil side of the country, with beautiful scenery and history. Its most popular tourist attraction is the Maison Leffe. The town’s location is also ideal along the River Meuse, as it overlooks the water and the pastel-coloured houses.

Visitors can walk through the cobbled streets, take a boat tour and even participate in water activities such as kayaking on the nearby Lesse River.

Bruges, Belgium

Perfect for a city break, a small yet fulfilling town with a lot to offer. If you’re a fan of medieval settings, this is the place for you. However, its popularity comes with big crowds and higher costs.

Bruges is also famous for its Belgian waffles, fries, chocolate and beer – so, come with an empty stomach to indulge the best sweet and savoury flavours.

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MAYA Jama and Ruben Dias looked more loved-up than ever as they transformed into pirates for Halloween. 

Presenter Maya, 31, took to Instagram to share snaps from her spooky night out with boyfriend Ruben, 28. 

The stunning Love Island host put on a busy display in a corset-style top and flowing skirt, finishing the look with a hat. 

Meanwhile Manchester City defender Ruben channelled Pirates of the Caribbean’s Jack Sparrow in his own get up. 

Maya captioned her upload: “First Manchester Halloween.” 

Fans rushed to comment on the photos, with one writing: “You guys smashed it!” 

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Another said: “Best looking couple ever.” 

And a third added: “You look so happy together.”

Maya and Ruben confirmed their romance in April this year and it’s been reported the Love Island host is planning a full-time move to Manchester to support him. 

A source said previously: “Maya loves the down-to-earth nature of Manchester, as well as the glamour of the football and WAG scene.

“Bristol and London will always be special to her but she is loving spending more time in Manchester with Ruben. The city has become a celebrity hub.”

Maya recently cleared up speculation she’s set to quit Love Island, reassuring fans she’s going nowhere right now. 

In a statement posted on social media, she said: “I did tell you if you were going to hear any news about it, it would come from me and me only.

“I will be hosting next year, I’ll be back for All Stars in January and then summer series in June and July. We go again, mother lovers.”

VICK Hope looked incredible as she made a return to work after giving birth to her first child with Calvin Harris.

The TV and radio host, 36, welcomed son Micah with the Scottish DJ in an Ibiza home birth back in July, and returned to the spotlight at the Glamour Women Of The Year Awards last night.

The mum-of-one, who looked radiant in a strapless pink satin gown, admitted she was “bricking it” as she stepped out on the red carpet for the first time since giving birth.

She pleaded that the crowd “be gentle” with her as she took to the stage to cheers following her return from maternity leave.

The star said she hadn’t slept for 13 weeks, and admitted that she’d been covered in “bright yellow s**t” since giving birth.

And addressing a graphic snap of her placenta, posted by hubby Calvin, she joked: “‘It was posted by my husband but placentas are amazing. I am keen to celebrate motherhood after what my vagina has done – it’s f***ing majestic. 

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“And now you’ve all seen my placenta too!”

The placenta pic was included in a series of snaps he posted, as he announced the birth of his son on Instagram back in August.

The post, which included images of Vick in a birthing pool, had snaps of her placenta with capsules, suggesting they had it encapsulated, which is an increasingly popular trend.

He wrote in the caption: ““20th of July our boy arrived. Micah is here! My wife is a superhero and I am in complete awe of her primal wisdom! Just so grateful. We love you so much Micah.”

Last week, Vick posted a series of summer highlights on Instagram, and looked radiant as she cradled the couple’s three-month-old son Micah at the couple’s sprawling Spanish residence.

Calvin, 41, bought the stunning 138-acre farm, known as Terra Masia, back in 2022, and the couple have spent much of the summer there, with Vick giving birth in the Ibiza property back in July.

Vick shared a series of snaps with hubby Calvin, along with close family and friends, as she marked the end of summer.

The Radio 1 host was still pregnant in a large chunk of the pics, before sharing adorable snaps with Micah post-birth.

In the caption, she wrote: “A womb with a view, a summer of love and another trip around the sun [sunshine emoji]”.

In one of the pics, Vick is seen cradling her huge baby bump in the Spanish sunshine, with a number of the snaps showcasing her and Calvin’s life as new parents.

The pair are seen pushing young Micah in a pram on the farm residence, along with Calvin holding their son during a seaside walk.

Vick is then seen beaming as she holds their three-month old, wearing a green and yellow halterneck one-piece bikini.

The post received over 40,000 likes as celeb pals and fans showered the new mum-of-one with love in the comments section.

The snaps also reveal a deeper look into Calvin’s huge rural Ibiza property, which he bought after selling his two multi-million pound mansions in Los Angeles.

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The chart-topping DJ and producer’s swanky pad is the largest organic farm in the White Isle.

It can produce veg, eggs, wine and farm-to-table meals, and also hosts special events such as weddings.

Under a two-hour flight from the UK is a ‘magical’ and ‘beautiful’ theme park, boasting 30 rides and attractions that offers a great alternative to Disneyland – and it’s much cheaper

Disneyland has long been dubbed ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’, but with that comes a hefty price tag, particularly if you’re taking the whole family. Thankfully, there’s a cheaper alternative for a fraction of the price, and it’s even been said to have been inspired by Walt Disney itself.

Less than a two-hour flight from the UK is Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, known for its “cosy, wholesome and magical atmosphere.” It claims to be the second-oldest amusement park in the world, having opened in 1843, and boasts around 30 fun-packed rides and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

Located in the heart of the city and set within the stunning backdrop of the Danish capital, it has been labelled “the most beautiful park” by one avid traveller and content creator called Emily. And one of the most appealing qualities about this theme park is that tickets start from as little as £11.10 per person.

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Sharing details of the beloved and overlooked Disneyland alternative, Emily posted a TikTok video on her page, @upfoldadventures, during a family day out. At the start of the video, she told her 10.9K followers, “If Disneyland Paris is out of your budget this year, I have the next best thing, and no, it’s not Efteling.

“If you love Disney but you hate the crowds and you want the magic but at half the price, well this park has those Disney magical storybook vibes but without the chaos and when it gets dark and all the lights come on, you will understand why this is called ‘Europe’s hidden Disney.'”

She added: “It is one of the world’s oldest theme parks and it is truly magical – it is honestly like stepping foot into a storybook.

“The rides are classic and stunning, the park is spotless, there’s live music, there’s shows and the food is phenomenal – don’t just think this is gonna be theme park junk, no, it is genuinely some of the best food I’ve ever eaten in my life.”

One of the main attractions at Tivoli Gardens is the giant Ferris Wheel that was built in 1943. It also offers views 63m above the ground on the Golden Tower, and a thrilling ride on its wooden Roller Coaster, which was erected all the way back in 1914.

In addition, visitors can whiz around on their bumper cars and carousel rides, or admire the picturesque surroundings in the Hanging Gardens. And that’s not all, as the theme park is also packed with shops, stages, theatre spaces and a food hall to keep the family happy.

While the savvy saving mum is a huge fan of Disneyland Paris, she was left delighted after a day out at Tivoli Gardens. In the video she added: “So if you love the Disney vibe, well then you’re gonna fall in love with it, because it is such a cosy, wholesome, magical atmosphere at a fraction of the cost of Disneyland Paris – and before Disney even existed, this park was creating all the magic.”

Standard weekday tickets for Tivoli Gardens start from just £11.10 for children aged 3-7, while a standard adult ticket costs just £22.21. A weekday ticket and ride pass, offering full access to all the attractions, will set you back £25.01 for children aged 3-7 and £50.14 for an adult ticket.

Children under 3 are free at Tivoli Gardens. Prices can vary, so it’s best to check their website for more details.

Netflix has released the trailer for the upcoming live-action Japanese original and fans are already obsessed with the epic action-packed series

Netflix enthusiasts are already going wild over a forthcoming live-action series set in the late 19th century.

The Japanese Netflix original, which is also adapted from the novel of the same name penned by Shogo Imamura, unfolds during the Meiji period.

The synopsis states: “During the Meiji era, 292 fighters came together at Tenry-ji Temple in Kyoto after sunset, drawn by the chance to win a grand prize of ¥100 billion.

“The challenge was clear: take each other’s wooden tags and make it all the way to Tokyo. The winner would get the prize. One of the warriors, Shujiro Saga, joined the dangerous contest with a personal mission: to help his sick wife and child.”

The programme in question is Last Samurai Standing, and Netflix has just dropped a trailer, reports the Express.

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Junichi Okada plays the aforementioned Shujiro Saga, alongside Yumia Fujisaki as Futaba Katsuki.

Netflix posted the trailer on X, formerly Twitter, declaring: “An epic battle royale. 292 samurais. One point per life. Last Samurai Standing premieres November 13.”

The trailer depicts Shujiro caring for his ailing family, reluctantly admitting he would be prepared to raise his sword once more to earn some cash.

He vows he will return, as he learns of the brutal rules of the competition.

Packed with spectacular fight sequences, the trailer has already captured the interest of genre enthusiasts.

Responding in the comments, Temilade simply declared: “I am definitely watching this.”

Tryp expressed their excitement, saying: “Kinda stoked for this,” while MidLifeCrixix chimed in with: “Can’t wait for this. Looks like the next big hit.”

Akin was equally enthusiastic, stating: “Oh my days, my kind of series,” and @mikaelvelli added: “I like what I see. Definitely can’t wait to see this.”

The show also features Junichi Okada, who not only stars but also serves as the producer and action choreographer.

The six-part series boasts a cast of nearly 300 actors, each donning their own unique costume. The original story was described on Amazon Reviews as “incredible” and “set us up for the series beautifully”.

Last Samurai Standing is set to premiere on Netflix on November 13.

MICHELLE Keegan gushed over Hollywood superstar, Reese Witherspoon, at a glitzy event in London.

The Brassic actress posed with the Academy Award winning star and they were seen getting on very well as they chatted excitedly.

She met Reese at an event for her new book, Gone Before Goodbye, which she co-authored with best selling crime author, Harlen Coben.

Michelle recently starred in Fool Me Once, one of Harlen’s many adapted series on Netflix.

She shared a series of photos of her posing closely with Reese and another video of her chatting with Reese as Harlen watched on happily.

“When two genuises collide.. ‘Gone Before Goodbye’ is made! 📖 (I can confirm Reese Witherspoon is everything you’d imagined her to be, what a woman),” Michelle captioned the post on Instagram.

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Reese later responded to her post writing, “So wonderful to meet you .. finally!”

Gone Before Goodbye is Reese’s debut novel and tells the story of surgeon Maggie who after a series of personal tragedies is offered an intriguing opportunity by a former colleague.

Michelle also shared a series of her posing at the Southbank Centre in London where the event was held.

Her brush with Hollywood royalty comes after The Sun was first to reveal how Michelle’s BBC series Ten Pound Poms had been scrapped after two series.

The show’s axe comes as the ex-Coronation Street star waves goodbye to hit comedy Brassic on Sky, just as she’s returning to work after becoming a first time mum, to daughter Palma Elizabeth.

Period drama Ten Pound Poms followed a group of British citizens who emigrated from post-war Britain to Australia in the 1950s, with Michelle playing nurse Kate Thorne.

A BBC spokesperson said: “It’s been a joy to bring the story of the Ten Pound Poms to life for BBC viewers and we are really grateful to Danny Brocklehurst, Eleven and all the cast and crew who have worked on the series.”

The gentle drama made a splash when it first aired in May 2023, with 6.37million viewers but that had halved to 3.15million by the end of series two in April this year.

She is busy on a new thriller called The Blame for ITV, though, after time off to have baby Palma with husband Mark Wright.

THERE are plenty of quirky pubs around the UK, and some of the best are the ones that take you by surprise.

I recently stumbled on one of the most extraordinary pubs I’ve ever been in – only to discover it’s unlikely to be around for very much longer.

We had gone for a walk on a fine autumn day on the North Kent Downs, that ridge of hills which runs along the southern edge of the M25 and are crisscrossed by ancient pathways.

There’s the Green Sand Ridge Path and The Pilgrims Way which was used by those walking to Canterbury Cathedral from London and beyond since the time of Chaucer and his tales.

Our starting point was Kemsing, a pretty village of historic redbrick cottages sitting at the foot of those hills.

Our walk was supposed to start from the Wheatsheaf pub – only for us to discover it closed in 2011. But Kemsing’s other pub, The Bell, is still going and looked rather nice.

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From there, the walk was quite a climb to get up to the top of the Downs, but when you get there you are rewarded with the most spectacular and far-reaching views across the Weald of Kent.

You can see as far as the counterpoint South Down hills many miles away by the coast.

Once up there, our route was to take us along a couple of those old paths in a loop across the hill top and back down again – about five miles in total.

As we walked, I was looking at the map on my phone to check we were on the right lines.

On Google Maps, I noticed the words “The Rising Sun” with no further explanation – as if a landmark just off the path we were on.

Could this indicate a still-functioning pub? Our walk guidebook hadn’t mentioned one but the name suggested ‘pub,’ and after climbing that hill the idea of a cheeky mid-walk pint was becoming increasingly appealing. 

If it was open, it had no website or social media footprint – but there were a few reports of ‘a time warp pub’ and ‘eccentric’ that sounded encouraging.

And then there it was, an old flint building, with a painted sign literally showing the sun rising, a slightly overgrown garden and no lights on inside.

We went up to the door and turned the handle with some trepidation… and it opened onto a dim room with just an older lady and her cat inside.

It was almost spooky, in a haunted public house kind of way, to be in this dark and slightly cluttered room that must be 400 years old – or it would have been spooky if landlady Michelle Hunter wasn’t so chatty.

But she was, so we talked to her at some length. She was very entertaining company, full of stories as a landlady should be. 

Michelle serves local beers from nearby Westerham, ciders too. She does have a card machine but it’s on the blink, so cash is advisable. They used to do food but not for years. 

She has been living in and running The Rising Sun for over 30 years, often single-handedly as when we met her.  

And this isn’t her first appearance in The Sun: there’s a newspaper cutting on the wall above the fire about the unexplained death of pet bird Charlie in the pub many years ago, headlined “Hercule Parrot”. 

Her cat has a story too – it just turned up one evening when she reopened after lockdown and stayed, then kept coming back for opening time, like a regular now it never leaves. It still has no name, just “cat”. 

She also has other animals – including 20 cows. Quite the menagerie. 

But there was a sad end to Michelle’s story. It’s hard work keeping the place going on her own and she barely breaks even.

Her state pension comes through in three months and after that she intends to give the pub another year, but if business doesn’t pick up dramatically she’s going to stop opening at all.

She’ll just live there with her animals in what will become yet another ‘former pub’. 

I reckon this plan gives The Rising Sun about 15 months more of opening. So I strongly urge you to go while you still can. 

There’s lots of stuff locally to combine with a visit. It’s just around the corner from one of the finest stately homes in the South East for example – Knole Park, with its magnificent deer park.

Kemsing, where we started from, down the hill, is just a short hop from the attractive commuter belt town of  Sevenoaks. But it feels like an altogether more old fashioned place – and The Rising Sun is its secret gem. 

The Bell isn’t bad either we discovered on our way back but it’s this quirky gem that will live on in memory. 

The CAMRA Good Pub Guide calls it ‘a remote hilltop pub that is difficult to find without the help of a map’. But even with one you may not find it open much longer. 

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CELEBRITIES have stepped out in their finery for tonight’s Pride of Britain Awards.

Looking sensational while hitting the red carpet, the likes of GK Barry, Amy Dowden and Helen Flanagan, Maura Higgins, Tasha Ghouri and many others have posed up a storm ahead of the emotional night.

The Pride of Britain Awards is an annual event that honours unsung heroes from up and down the United Kingdom.

The awards celebrate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage, bravery, and achievement.

They are awarded to those who have overcome adversity or made a significant difference in their communities. 

Stepping out on Monday night for the event, many famous faces gathered at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

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Helen Flanagan left onlookers stunned as she wowed in a black and white ensemble.

The very chic gown she donned was black with white edging and accents.

Sailing down to the ground, the sleek fitted dress was adorned in sparkling diamantes that glimmered beneath the lights.

Helen wore her blonde locks in an up-do and posed up a storm with her hand on her hip.

The dress had an ample amount of drama to it, and sailed down to the ground, trailing behind her.

Love Island and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! beauty Maura Higgins stole the night in a completely sheer lace number.

Another Love Island alum, Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu dared all in a very risque ensemble.

The stunning star wore a cut out black frock, which bared her hips and midriff.

She looked sensational in the corseted black gown, which was see-through and left little to the imagination.

Though the dress was made from lace and incredibly fitted, Maura’s frock boasted of a huge billowing train which jolted out from her bottom.

GK Barry was one of the first arrivals of the night, and turned heads in a sexy black lace gown.

The lace dress featured a high neck and sailed all the way down to the ground.

GK, whose name is Grace, wore her blonde locks in a sleek up-do.

Another early arrival of the night was Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden.

The Welsh dancing sensation wore a striking purple frock for the occasion.

Ashley James was next to arrive, looking sensational in a metallic frock.

Posing for the cameras before heading inside to watch the prestigious and heartwarming ceremony, Ashley smiled as she displayed her stunning dress.

With a sweetheart neckline, the strapless silver gown had a corset-style upper and ruching on the midsection.

Love Island‘s Tasha Ghouri also brought the glamour on Monday night.

Stepping out in a strapless powder blue dress, Tasha looked amazing as she showed off her leg thanks to the thigh high split.

The dress had a drop waist and was ruched to one side, with the thigh high split showing off Tasha’s endless pins as the dress trailed behind her.

The Only Way Is Essex hunk Joey Essex also attended the star-studded evening.

He rocked a black suit with a white shirt, and looked ultra suave in the process.

Freddy Brazier and his pregnant ex-girlfriend looked content as they cosied up to one another on the red carpet.

He wore all green, while she opted for a lemon figure-hugging gown that displayed her bump.

Television starlet Carol Vorderman looked sensational in a sleek and slinky black gown.

Standing on the red carpet the former Countdown siren smiled sweetly as she showed off her slender curves in the understated frock.

Montana Brown channelled her inner autumn goddess as she wore a burgundy frock on the red carpet.

Looking amazing as she posed outside of the event, the former Love Island starlet held a black clutch bag as she rocked a neutral makeup look on Monday night.

Laura Kenny followed Montana’s lead in a wine-coloured frock.

The former professional track and road cyclist who specialised in track endurance events, showed off her toned pins as she posed on the red carpet.

EastEnders star Louisa Lytton made a statement in a fitted black dress, featuring a sweetheart neckline and red statement sleeves.

The stunning brunette completed the look with a red lip as she beamed on the red carpet.

Love Island’s Faye Winter wore a powdery lilac gown for the occasion.

The silk frock had a structured mid section, a lace upper, no straps and a mini train.

She wore her blonde locks down and in a wavy style, with her makeup kept glowy and bronzed.

Liberty Poole, also from Love Island, left little to the imagination in a plunging silver gown.

Showing off her cleavage, Liberty looked stunning as she wore the revealing dress with cutout sections.

Yet another Love Island alum, Gabby Allen, rocked a dazzling frock.

Showing off her slender figure, Gabby stunned onlookers as she pouted while donning a dark purple lipstick.

Emily Andre, Junior Andre, Princess Andre and Peter Andre attended the glitzy event.

Posing for a family snap on the red carpet, the foursome looked ultra glamorous and suave as she beamed for the cameras.

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Recent Love Island stunners Yasmin Pettet, Toni Laites and Shakira Khan attended as a trio.

Yasmin wore all black, Toni wore a white frock, and Shakira stunned in gold.

Frinton-on-Sea in Essex is a charming seaside town that has been frozen in time, with a population of just 4,837 and a relaxed pace of life that has seen people move there from the capital and other major cities across the UK

A delightful coastal town is being praised by residents as a nostalgic glimpse into 1950s and 60s Britain.

Renowned for its charming, traditional atmosphere, Frinton-on-Sea in Essex provides a peaceful retreat from the heaving masses who descend upon neighbouring seaside resorts Clacton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze.

Home to merely 4,837 residents, it also enjoys a leisurely rhythm of life and close-knit community spirit that has recently attracted newcomers from London and other major urban centres nationwide.

Pet enthusiasts will be delighted to discover that its broad, sweeping sandy shores welcome dogs from September 30 until May.

The heart of the settlement is the Esplanade, housing The Rock, Frinton’s sole remaining operational hotel.

During the stroll towards the shore, visitors encounter a row of colourful beach huts overlooking the North Sea waves, which crash against the sea wall during high tide.

Becky Dance, 44, accompanied by her mother Linda Hartnoll and grandchildren Hugo and Greyson, ventured down for a day trip from Colchester, discovering the location picture-perfect.

She said: “It’s just lovely. It’s nice and quiet. The kids just love playing here.”

Linda also expressed her appreciation for the area’s topography, adding: “It’s safe here because it’s very flat.” Peter Wade, alongside his wife Pat, moved to Frinton following their retirement from local government roles in Enfield, North London.

Looking back on their former life, Mr Wade, 72, explained how he felt threatened after dark due to escalating crime in his previous neighbourhood.

He told the Express: “The area changed the last seven years we were there. There were two murders. The house next door was converted into a drugs den. We came here because this is England as we knew it as children. We can walk down this road and say hello to so many people. The community spirit we have here, in my mind, is second to none. It’s a spirit I grew up with in the 1950s and early 60s.”

Frinton is also home to numerous societies, including the fondly nicknamed Frinton War Memorial Club or “the Mem”, where locals congregate for pleasant conversation over beverages.

On the periphery, the Frinton Golf Club serves as another popular destination amongst residents.

The seaside town was recently branded as the country’s NIMBY capital by a Telegraph investigation, which highlighted the protracted procedure it required for Frinton to embrace the new Lock and Barrel gastropub.

However, Rob Morgan, a councillor on Frinton and Walton Town Council, maintained that the existing clubs adequately serve the social and drinking requirements of the community, clarifying why there aren’t numerous pubs in Frinton. Having resided in Frinton for nearly two decades, he admitted that the town has transformed, with the High Street now teeming with restaurants and cafes rather than the varied shops of old.

The automation of the level crossing gates, a unique feature of the town, sparked controversy as it led to the job loss of the manual operator. However, Mr Morgan is convinced that the town has retained its charm and is an ideal spot for those seeking a community-oriented lifestyle in their twilight years, adding: “It’s a really delightful town. I love living here… When you talk about older people being isolated, it doesn’t happen in Frinton.”

ANYONE seeking Christmas luxury can add a trip on this incredible train to your festive wish list.

For the seasonal period, the Northern Belle has launched three new offerings from exploring Edinburgh to wandering around Christmas markets, and indulging in dinner with all the twimmings.

From November 15 until December 20, the Northern Belle, is going all out for Christmas.

One of the experiences is for the ‘Christmas Lunch’ where guests are welcomed in style as a red carpet is laid across the platform.

Onboard there’s welcome Champagne and tasty canapés, once guests are settled into a comfortable armchair, they will be served a seven-course festive feast.

The sample menu includes a Scottish salmon roulade starter, roasted white onion potage and a turkey dinner.

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There’s a choice of three desserts; spiced apple and cranberry tart, dark chocolate and hazelnut delice, and a mandarin and gingerbread panna cotta.

To finish off the meal will be a seasonal dessert, cheeseboard and glass of Port.

Throughout the meal, live musicians will play festive tunes, and there’s even an onboard conjuror to entertain.

After the meal, passengers can relax with a Fortnum & Mason cup of tea and petite fours.

The Northern Belle is heading all over the country for the festive treat, and is heading to cities like Newcastle and York.

But it will also visit some market towns too. For example the journey from Norwich will also pick up passengers at Ipswich.

Heading up to Newcastle, the train will make two stops at Darlington and Durham.

On the journey to Preston, the train will make three initial stops at Chester, Liverpool and Wigan – but wherever you get on, the Northern Belle does a round-trip to each destination.

Tickets for Christmas lunch on the Northern Belle start at £395 and are available to book now.

The Northern Belle is known for its luxury experiences and was voted as being one of the best train trips in the world at the Conde Nast Traveller 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.

The Northern Belle came in fifth place between the Glacier Express at number four and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at number six.

Other trips onboard the Northern Belle include Historic Edinburgh at Christmas.

The journey begins in Hull at 7.25AM where passengers can enjoy a three-course brunch with a Mimosa or Bloody Mary cocktail.

Passengers will journey up to Edinburgh where they will have five hours to explore the city.

On returning to the train, guests can indulge in a champagne reception that awaits before enjoying a six-course dinner with fine wine – the price for this starts at £495 per passenger.

The other Christmas offering is exploring York’s festive markets for passengers who hop on in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The journey involves the same cocktail and three-course brunch offering as the Edinburgh exploration and then free time will be exploring York and the markets.

On the return journey guests will again get to enjoy a six-course dinner – tickets start at £495pp.

Next year, the train is offering Mother’s Day Lunches onboard, Afternoon Tea, as well as trips to Cheltenham, Chatsworth House, the Sandringham Flower Show, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Torquay.

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See if the Northern Belle will be making a stop at your local city or town for Christmas lunch…

Glasgow-Edinburgh: November 29

Liverpool-Crewe-Chester: December 4

Swansea-Cardiff: December 5

Norwich-Ipswich: December 12

London Victoria: December 13

Coventry-Birmingham: December 14

York-Doncaster-Sheffield: December 17

Darlington-Durham-Newcastle: December 18

Glasgow-Edinburgh: December 19

Manchester-Huddersfield-Leeds: December 20

Plus, check out what Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski made of her journey on the Belmond British Pullman.

And Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding took a journey up to Scotland on the Caledonian Sleeper – here’s everything she got up to along the way.

REALITY TV star Olivia Bowen has wowed the crowds in a striking outfit – just weeks after giving birth.

Mum-of-two Olivia looked sensational as she posed on the red carpet ahead of a screening for her and husband Alex’s new reality TV show.

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The former Love Island star dazzled in a short black dress and diamond-encrusted heels for the special occasion.

With her hair pinned up and sporting glamorous make-up, she accessorised with a black designer handbag and big smile as she posed alongside her husband.

She wrote on social media: “Not. Over. It. Our very special evening for our very special new show with @itv @itvxofficial.

“Thank you so so much to everyone who came & watched & supported our launch – we are so grateful & loved spending the evening with you all.

“And a huge thank you @angeleyemedia & our amazing sponsor @glade_uk.

“We had the most fabulous evening & are feeling so lucky – I just cannot wait for you guys to watch the first ep on Sunday.”

The mum shares three-year-old son Abel and daughter Siena, who was born in August, with husband Alex.

The ex islanders are set to star in their own ITV reality show called Olivia and Alex: Parenthood.

The series will offer intimate access to the couple’s real-life journey as they grow their young family from three to four, whilst dealing with the emotional aftermath of losing one of their twins during early pregnancy. 

Love Island 2016 star Alex told heatworld what to expect from the new series.

He said: “Before, being on Love Island, I was the serious one, and that’s really not me.

“Hopefully the new series will change people’s perception.”

He added: “When I’m on my Instagram, I’m quite serious when it comes to all my coaching and stuff and all that kind of jazz.

“I’m actually really immature and just daft. I’m quite a jokey person.”

In March, Olivia opened up to The Sun’s Fabulous magazine about finding out she was expecting twins, but then learning she had sadly lost one of the babies at eight weeks.

She revealed how she had miscarried after suffering from vanishing twin syndrome.

It occurs in the early stages, when one of the babies stops developing and is absorbed by the mother’s body, or the surviving twin.

Olivia and Alex first met on Love Island in 2016, coming second place to Cara De la Hoyde and Nathan Massey.

They married in 2018, and welcomed their baby boy Abel in June 2022.

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THIS is the incredible moment a 10-year-old hero sister with quick thinking stopped her younger brother from choking – saving his life.

Footage showed the siblings jumping on a trampoline in their backyard when the seven-year-old brother began choking.

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It all started when sister Lia and brother Logan started playing a game which involved eating sour candies while jumping on the trampoline.

However, Logan began choking as soon as he put one of the treats in his mouth and tried to swallow.

The clip showed him stopping abruptly and clutching his chest as the candy got stuck in his throat.

As Logan began choking on the candy, Lia quickly began patting his back and performed the Heimlich manoeuvre.

The candy then flew out of his mouth, relieving Logan from the discomfort.

The clip was shared by the local police, who revealed that Lia learned the life-saving technique from a babysitting guide and her mother. 

Her mum Heather James, told NBC News: “It was a hard watch,’ their mother.

“As much as it hurts my heart to watch, I’m just so proud of her.”

Mum Heather is a member of the Lavon Police Department’s special programs division, which teaches different life-saving courses.

She revealed she was in the kitchen when the terrifying ordeal unfolded, but said Lia rushed in to tell her everything.

She added that her son Lpgan “swore he will never be on the trampoline with a piece of candy again”.

It’s a parents worst nightmare to imagine a situation in which they have to save their child from choking.

But in that moment, it may be you who will have to step up and perform first aid.

The NHS says if you can see an object lodged in your child’s mouth, take care to remove it because blindly poking at it could make things worse.

If the child is coughing, encourage them to continue as they may be able to bring the object up. Don’t leave them.

If the coughing isn’t effective (it is silent or they cannot breathe properly), shout for help immediately.

If the child is still conscious, use back blows. 

First aiders at St John Ambulance give the following advice based on the child’s age.

NEIL ROBERTSON hit another huge snooker landmark on Tuesday – in front of a one-man audience.

The 43-year-old took on Umut Dikme in qualification for the International Championship at Pond’s Forge in Sheffield.

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And while leading 4-1 in the sixth frame, he achieved the 1000th century of his career.

After potting the final ball to confirm a score of 126 in the frame, Robertson walked back to his chair and raised his arms in front of the only spectator in the room.

The Australian became just the fourth player to reach the 1,000 century mark.

Judd Trump, John Higgins and Ronnie O’Sullivan have also achieved the feat.

Reflecting on the huge moment, he said: “It’s a wonderful milestone, as it takes an incredibly long time to do.

“It takes decades to do.”

The landmark is the latest in a long list of achievements for ex-world champion Robertson.

He was recently handed the Order of Australia award for his services to snooker.

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Speaking earlier this year, Robertson said: “Well to receive the award, you have to do something really special.

“What was quite surprising was, I think I must’ve been the youngest person receiving the award out of everyone there.

“So that was really special, to receive it and be around so many people that have achieved special things in their lives… it was very inspiring to see.

“It has to rank right up there [among his top achievements] because for me to get this award, I have to achieve everything in my career first. Without all those achievements, I wouldn’t be able to get it.”

Robertson went on to beat Dikme 6-1 in Sheffield.

SCARLETT Moffatt has wowed fans after showing off her incredible weight loss – revealing she’s ditched her size 18 clothes for good.

The former Gogglebox star, 31, left viewers stunned as she unveiled her slimmer figure on Big Brother Late and Live on Sunday.

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Scarlett looked happier than ever as she wowed viewers in a dark green co-ord top and mini skirt with feather deatiling at the trims.

She oozed confidence wearing a pair of leopard print block high heels and styled her dark hair in classy loose curls.

The reality star posted her look on Instagram, with the caption: “Always been a huge fan of big brother, in fact my guilty pleasure will forever be a chicken kebab and watching reality tv!

“So glad I got to do a major tick off my bucket list and be at a launch night at @bbuk“.

Fans flooded the comments gushing over her transformation, with one saying: “You look amazing.”

Another added: “Stunning!!🔥 😍😍 need outfit drop pls!”

A third penned: “Looking beautiful gal.”

This comes after Scarlett revealed she finally feels “happier” than ever after years of yo-yo dieting, brutal bootcamps and body battles.

She admitted she once dropped to a size 8 after punishing herself with 700-calorie days and a gruelling Swiss bootcamp involving six hours of exercise – all in a bid to stay slim after releasing her controversial fitness DVD in 2016.

But despite shedding three stone, Scarlett confessed she was still miserable and wracked with body image issues.

Now, she says she’s proud to embrace her curves – and is finally comfortable in her own skin.

“The thing with being body positive and having body confidence is just celebrating everybody’s body,” Scarlett previously told The Sun.

“As long as you are healthy, being yourself and you’re being nice to people, you do you.”

The I’m A Celeb star said she regrets the years she “missed out” on life because of low self-esteem, but now urges fans to stop being so hard on themselves.

Scarlett even revealed her own trick – imagining she’s speaking to her younger self whenever negative thoughts creep in.

“Would you ever say horrible things to a six-year-old?” she said. “Of course not. So don’t say it to yourself either.”

Now proudly flying the flag as a plus-size TV presenter, Scarlett says she’s thrilled kids today get to see more diverse faces and body types on screen.

Since bursting onto Gogglebox in 2014 aged just 23, Scarlett has carved out a successful career in telly.

And now she’s moving into hard-hitting documentaries, with her latest, Britain’s Tourette’s Mystery: Scarlett Moffatt Investigates, airing soon on Channel 4.

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RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has paid tribute to former World Nineball Pool champion Mika Immonen.

Immonen passed away at the age of 52 on Sunday after a long battle with cancer.

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Tributes poured in for the Iceman, who became a legend on the pool circuit.

O’Sullivan has now opened up about his bond with Immonen, who would stay at his house during his time in the UK.

The Rocket took to Instagram to say: “So sad to hear of the passing of my friend Mika, someone I did not see enough of but thought a great deal of.

“Stayed at my house on times in UK and enjoyed our runs in the forest, one of the greatest pool players of the generation, an honour to share a pool table with him but also the personal times together I will never forget.

“Sadly missed, devastated today.”

Immonen became the only Finnish star to win the World Nineball Championship in 2001.

He also won back-to-back US Open Pool Championship titles in 2008 and 2009.

The Iceman established himself as a pool icon with his appearances at the Mosconi Cup over the years.

He represented Team Europe on 15 occasions – the second-most of any European.

Immonen was named MVP for his performance in the 2008 competition.

Over 35 years ago, Warren Buffett told investors, “When we own portions of outstanding businesses with outstanding managements, our favorite holding period is forever.” Since then, he’s bought and sold dozens of stocks for Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A 0.55%) (BRK.B 1.06%), proving that even the Oracle of Omaha doesn’t have a perfectly clear crystal ball.

Even when Buffett has made extremely successful equity investments, he’s often had reason to sell at least some of Berkshire’s stake — either to maintain a more balanced portfolio, or sell a stock that’s become overvalued, or for any number of other reasons. Those are factors that have come to the fore recently for Buffett and his team of investment managers. Berkshire Hathaway has sold more marketable equities than it bought in each of the last 11 quarters.

Those sales include one stock that Berkshire first bought in 2008 and will go down as one of Buffett’s (and Munger’s) most successful investments of all time.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Powering massive returns for investors

In late September 2008, as the global stock market was reeling amid the Great Recession, Buffett and Munger took the opportunity to buy a 10% stake in a Chinese auto company called BYD (BYDDY -0.94%) (BYDD.F -1.20%). They gradually increased Berkshire’s stake in the business, reaching about 20% at one point. Today, the company is the largest EV manufacturer in the world, surpassing Tesla.

It was Vice Chairman Charlie Munger who brought the company to Buffett’s attention. He found CEO Wang Chuanfu’s engineering and managerial skills extremely impressive. He had developed one of the largest battery manufacturers in the world before transitioning to the automotive business in the early 2000s. With its battery expertise and other vertically integrated components made through acquisitions, BYD looked poised to do well in the nascent electric vehicle market.

Sure enough, BYD has developed a broad lineup of vehicles sold around the world. Its global sales of fully electric vehicles surpassed Tesla’s in the fourth quarter of 2023 and for the full year of 2024. It’s not just success in its home country, either. BYD’s European sales surpassed Tesla’s in April this year. Management aims to sell half of its cars outside of China by 2030. It’s worth noting BYD has yet to enter the U.S. market due to tariffs and the political environment.

It’s no surprise, then, that BYD’s stock price has soared amid its success. With the acceleration in sales over the last few years, BYD’s stock is up more than eightfold since the start of 2020.

Buffett started decreasing Berkshire’s stake in BYD starting in August 2022, after Berkshire’s initial investment had already climbed about 20-fold. At one point, Berkshire’s shares were worth $9 billion. Based on financial reports from Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, the company gradually sold off shares until completely divesting its stake in the first quarter of this year.

Is the competition too much?

Buffett may have missed the absolute peak of BYD’s stock price, but shares have certainly struggled in the latter half of the year, as Chinese competitors take market share from its domestic business. BYD’s August deliveries were flat year over year, as were July’s. Not only has the intense domestic competition hurt unit sales, but it’s also hurt BYD’s margins.

But the company stands at a distinct advantage over the competition thanks to its significant vertical integration. As mentioned, BYD is one of the leading battery manufacturers in the world. That, in and of itself, is a significant advantage over other EV makers who need to source batteries from third parties. But BYD also makes many other components in its vehicles, including the motors, semiconductors, and practically everything else except the tires and glass.

That allows the business to adapt quickly and maintain better margins than its competitors. With plans for an aggressive international expansion, it’ll have to replicate its manufacturing capabilities all around the world. But management has proven quite adept at building systems and scaling them.

After the pullback in price, investors can buy shares for just 1 times sales and less than 16 times forward earnings expectations. That’s an attractive price for the leader in a growing industry, even if it’s seeing some pressure from the competition weighing on revenue growth and margins. It’s certainly a better valuation than investors could get with Tesla. While Buffett may have sold out of the stock, it might still deserve a spot in your portfolio.

Many have praised the lavish costume drama with a twist

Viewers who love a cosy period drama to watch as the nights draw in should check out this series on Apple TV+, which has received rave reviews, after others have enjoyed a compelling historical movie and some have been blown away by a dazzling period drama.

The drama came out in 2019 and has been praised by audiences on IMDb.

One person posted in their 10/10 review: “I watch it and, re-watched it again. I understand this may not be for everyone. However, as far as myself, I wish there was more show like this. I enjoyed every character [sic].”

As a second declared in their top-rated review that the show was “incredible” and “a triumph”. The user continued: “I can not comprehend why this has such a low rating on here. I was mind blown. Tore through the series in a day [sic].”

A third viewer gave 10/10 and described the show as “fantastic” and added: “I am 3 episodes in and this show is a hilarious, anachronistic romp! Loving every second of it.”

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Someone else added in their top-rated critique: “It’s so good. But not for everyone!

“This show is really great. I love the mix of old & new. The jokes are funny and characters are enjoyable. The actors are doing tremendous job too.”

Someone else added: “Really really really Love this show. Honesty the best comedy in a while. Silly but respects and reflects her poems with dignity. She would be proud to be such a part of pop culture.”

The user concluded: “The mix of Drama and Comedy is perfect.”

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TV fans can get Apple TV+ free with a seven-day trial and stream acclaimed shows like Severance, Ted Lasso and Slow Horses, plus films including The Gorge. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends and you won’t pay a penny.

Meanwhile, a review of Google read: “My favourite show! I was unsure about watching this because I had watched the first episode before and wasn’t the biggest fan of the odd soap opera/over dramatic feeling to it but I rewatched about a year later and was completely blown away by absolutely everything!

“I love the way it depicts the supposed romantic relationship between Emily and Sue and the struggles they face trying to hide their affection from one another. Don’t watch expecting a history lesson or a biography of Emily’s life.”

Dickinson debuted on Apple TV+ on and reimagined the life of celebrated American poet Emily Dickinson (played by Hailee Steinfeld) at the start of her journey as a budding writer.

Over three seasons, viewers followed the angst of Emily for her love of her brother’s wife Sue Gilbert (Ella Hunt).

The show saw Emily trying to exist within the confines of the 19th century, looking at sexual identity, gender roles and the socio-political climate of the era.

The cast also included Halt and Catch Fire’s Toby Huss, Adrian Blake Enscoe, Anna Baryshnikov of Manchester by the Sea fame, Ally McBeal actress Jane Krakowski, Amanda Warren from The Leftovers, and Silo’s Chinaza Uche.

The show ran for three seasons and was filled with anachronisms and pop culture references, giving a new lease of life not only to Dickinson but the period drama genre as a whole, falling into a similar playful vein as The Great and The Favourite.

Dickinson is streaming on Apple TV+ now

You don’t need to be ultra-wealthy to start building wealth in the stock market. With just $1,000, investors can buy into promising growth stories and put their money to work in businesses shaping the future. The key is choosing companies with strong tailwinds, clear expansion potential, and the ability to multiply in value over time. Even a modest sum split between the right names can grow meaningfully over the years.

Two stocks that stand out right now are American Resources (AREC 0.72%) and Freshworks (FRSH 0.32%). By allocating roughly $500 to each, investors gain exposure to two very different but compelling growth opportunities: one in the critical minerals powering the clean-energy transition, and the other in software that helps businesses connect with customers more effectively.

Image source: Getty Images.

The critical minerals moonshot

American Resources exemplifies how quickly narratives can transform stock prices. The company spent years as a struggling coal producer before pivoting toward rare earth elements and critical minerals essential for clean energy infrastructure. That strategic shift coincided perfectly with Washington’s push to reduce dependence on Chinese mineral supply chains. The stock has responded accordingly, surging 173% in 2025 as investors price in a future where American Resources supplies the lithium, graphite, and rare earths needed for the energy transition.

The opportunity is massive. The U.S. imports nearly 100% of its rare earth elements despite their critical importance in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense applications. Government support for domestic production has never been stronger, with billions in federal funding flowing toward securing supply chains. American Resources is in a position to capture this spending through both its existing operations and development projects. The company’s ReElement Technologies subsidiary focuses on battery material recycling and purification, adding another revenue stream tied to the circular economy.

But small-cap stocks with market values under $500 million carry outsized risks. American Resources remains pre-revenue on many initiatives, burning cash while building out capabilities. Commodity prices swing wildly — what looks like a secular growth story today could become a cyclical disaster tomorrow if rare earth prices collapse. Ultimately, this is a high-risk bet on management execution and Washington’s support for critical minerals — not a play on today’s numbers.

The software discount special

Freshworks tells the opposite story — a profitable growth software company punished for sins it’s already addressing. The customer engagement platform posted over $200 million in revenue last quarter, representing low-teens growth year over year. That’s not hypergrowth, but it’s steady expansion in a market where Salesforce and ServiceNow leave plenty of room for competitors targeting small and mid-sized businesses. Yet the stock has shed 23% of its value this year.

The numbers suggest Freshworks deserves better. Gross margins exceed 84%, typical for quality SaaS businesses. Operating losses are narrowing each quarter as the company balances growth investments with cost discipline. The product suite keeps expanding with AI-powered features for customer support, IT service management, and customer relationship management — capabilities that smaller businesses need but can’t afford from enterprise vendors. With over 68,000 customers globally, Freshworks has proven product-market fit.

The bearish case centers on competition and profitability timing. Salesforce and ServiceNow dominate enterprise accounts with deeper functionality and stronger ecosystems. Reaching profitability might take several more quarters, and the market has shown little patience for companies still burning cash. If the economy weakens, small business customers could churn faster than larger enterprises. But at just 18.5 times forward earnings, much of this pessimism appears priced in.

The $1,000 portfolio

Splitting $1,000 between American Resources and Freshworks creates an intriguing barbell strategy. American Resources offers lottery-ticket exposure to the critical minerals boom — if the company executes and government support continues, the stock could multiply from here. Freshworks provides a more traditional growth story with improving fundamentals, trading at a discount to both the S&P 500 and its closest peers.