The full line-up for Celebrity Hunted on Channel 4 has been released, with stars from Strictly Come Dancing, EastEnders, Love Island and more battling the Hunters.
Brian Conley is going on the run(Image: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty I)
Celebrity Hunted is officially returning to our screens, with a fresh batch of stars going on the run to help raise money for Stand Up To Cancer.
More than a decade after the first series of Hunted aired on Channel 4, the hit show will be returning to our screens very soon – as a string of famous faces will become fugitives in August.
EastEnders icon Brian Conley will be competing with his daughter Lucy, while Strictly Come Dancing stars Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu are also hoping to go unnoticed by Ray Howard and his “elite team of Hunters”.
Love Islanders Chris Taylor and Toby Aromolaran will be taking part, beside JJ Chalmers and Sophie Morgan, and presenters and siblings Scarlette and Stuart Douglas. Comedians Jen Brister and Laura Smythe also make up the line-up.
The celebrity pairs will have to “vanish into mainland Britain, cutting themselves off from the lives – and the fame – they’ve always relied upon. For 14 relentless days they must stay hidden, think fast and trust no one because the moment they leave a trail, the hunt is on.
“In a world where almost every movement leaves a footprint, can these celebrity fugitives escape the glare of the spotlight and remain under the radar, or will the Hunters bring every fugitive into custody before the 14 days are up?”
While Hunted first aired in 2015, the celebrity version began two years later – The Wanted singers Jay McGuinness and Siva Kaneswaran outwitted the Hunters to take home the crown in 2017.
The most recent season aired at the beginning of last year, with Christine McGuinness and Duncan James defeating the Hunters.
Shedding light on the upcoming season of Celebrity Hunted, which will begin filming next month, Factual Entertainment Commissioning Editor for Channel 4 Ian Dunkley said: ”When celebrities go on the run and are forced to engage the help of us mere mortals, chaos and comedy inevitably ensue.
“Hunted down by a motivated team of police and security professionals, this series reveals what it takes to remain hidden when everybody knows what you look like.’’
Matt Bennett, Director of Programmes for Shine TV, added: “Celebrity Hunted is the only TV series – alongside its cousin, Hunted – which continues to remind us of the powers of the state in an entertaining and engaging way.
“This is our most ambitious series yet, beginning with a breathtaking aerial launch amongst the skyscrapers of London, then a daring escape at the end of the run for any who evade capture… with a great deal of entertaining mischief in between.”
Love Island fans have taken to social media with celebratory posts as original couple Lola and Sean chose to self-dump after a public vote and a feud with Julia
Lola Deal and Sean Fitzpatrick(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Love Island fans have decided shared their shock after Lola and Sean, who have been together since the beginning, dumped themselves from the villa. Fans, who had been pushing for the couple to leave amid a feud with Julia, were excited to see them head out of the villa.
Taking to social media after the couple volunteered to leave, one fan said: “SEAN AND LOLA TAPPING OUT I DID NOT EXPECT THIS #loveisland #loveislanduk.”
“Wait they actually dumped Sean and Lola?? wtf oh my goddddd #loveislanduk,” said another.
Many felt that it was time for the couple to leave with one viewer sharing: “It was honestly their time to leave.” Others were a bit more ecstatic, with another saying: “War is over, Lola and Sean are gone.”
A third said they were “so happy” Lola had left the villa and hoped she would look back at her feud with Julia and how her behaviour, which included telling Julia to “be scared” to talk to her and refusing to join a peace chat amongst the girls, could be seen as “nasty”.
A fourth jokingly said “Pack those bags angel”, referring to the nickname Lola gave everyone. Meanwhile, several mentioned the England World Cup win from Saturday and implied Lola and Sean leaving was on the same level. “What a time to be British,” said one fan.
But some were on Lola and Sean’s side, respecting them for taking the decision to leave. As one fan said: “Fair play to Lola and Sean they weren’t actually playing a game and left. The other couples would NEVER.”
A second said that “no one deserves to be done dirty” the way Lola and Sean had been and that they hoped Lola really had found love, as she thought she had. A third said they respected the couple for leaving when the point was to get to the end as a couple and win the prize money.
The exit comes after a public vote. At the end of Friday’s episode, Julia and Lorenzo were voted the favourite couple. This came after several episodes of strife between Julia and Lola – Casa girl Julia had briefly hit it off with Sean, and when Lola found out she was livid.
Fans slammed Lola for her reaction to Julia, with many saying it was overly harsh and even Sean telling her not to be “petty” when she wanted to say Julia was only in the villa for “air time”.
So when a vote came up for fans to pick their favourite couple, they rallied behind Julia and voted her couple the best. The bottom three were Lola and Sean, Mica and Samraj and Martha and Jordan.
In Sunday’s episode, Julia and Lorenzo were told to pick a couple to send home, but before they could, Lola and Sean stepped forward to volunteer to go home. They said they’d found what they wanted and were happy to head home.
Lorenzo teared up as he agreed to send Lola and Sean home. Sean later said that it would’ve felt “selfish” for him and Lola to stay when they’d been together since the start and were already exclusive.
I BET you’ve heard of Istanbul – but did you know a short boat ride from the city there is a hidden gem island?
Meaning ‘Big Island’ in Turkish, Büyükada is the largest of the three Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara, which is near Istanbul.
Meaning ‘Big Island’ in Turkish, Büyükada is the largest of the three Princes’ Islands in the Sea of MarmaraCredit: Alamy
Despite being the largest, the island itself only spans two-square-miles.
And from Istanbul, you can hop on a ferry (there are two different companies that head there) with tickets ranging from £2.50 to £3.20 per way and taking between 45 minutes and an hour and a half to get there.
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Tie in your visit to Buyukada, with the other two islands – Heybeliada and Burgazada – before heading back to Istanbul.
As for what to see and do on Buyukada, until recently the only public transport on the island were horse-drawn carriages.
But now, thanks to the island becoming more popular with tourists, you can hop on a number of electric buses – with no cars allowed on the island.
At the north end of the island, you can expect to see streets lined with 19th century, wooden villas.
Famous ones in particular include the Con Paşa Mansion, which was built by a Venetian merchant and Mizzi Mansion, which boasts a red brick tower.
Make sure to stop by the Nizam neighbourhood too, where you’ll find more Ottoman era villas including white buildings draped in vibrant, purple flowers.
The area isn’t too big, but do make sure you head down Cankaya Caddesi which is often named the most beautiful street in Turkey.
History fanatics should also drop by Trotsky House, which is where Leon Trotsky lived in exile between 1929 and 1933.
You can get a ferry from Istanbul to the islandCredit: AlamyWhen there you can explore historic wooden mansionsCredit: Alamy
On the other hand, the southern end of the island is mostly home to great walking and hiking routes, thanks to being home to the Büyükada Ecotourism Area.
You’ll find Mediterranean pine forests and the island’s highest peaks to explore.
You’ll also find Prinkipo Greek Orphanage, which is the largest wooden building in Europe and the second largest in the world.
The island is home to some beautiful beaches as well, including Aya Nicola Beach.
For around £6.40, you can hire a lounge chair with an umbrella and also access showers and changing rooms, making it the ideal spot for a beach day.
Alternatively, you could head to Viranbağ Plajı, which also boasts a restaurant.
Many of the mansions date back to the Ottoman eraCredit: GettyAnd the southern end of the island is known for hikingCredit: Getty
While you do have to pay an entry fee to the beach (which usually is a few quid), it is often less crowded than other spots on the island.
A popular way to explore the entire island is by hiring a bike – and thanks to its size, it only takes a couple of hours to cycle around.
The best way to get to the island is by flying to Istanbul and then taking a short and scenic ferry ride across to the island itself.
Flights to Istanbul cost from £108 per way in July.
And if you want to extend your time on the island, you can stay in one of the hotels or guesthouses.
For example, there’s Hillora Hotel Buyukada, which has views, a sauna, a sun terrace and a garden.
The ferry to from Istanbul takes up to an hour-and-a-half and costs a few quid each wayCredit: GettyFlights to Istanbul in July cost from £108 per wayCredit: Getty
Plus it is just a six-minute walk from the beach.
The hotel costs from £149 per night.
For something more historical but also cheaper, head to Büyükada Anastasia Meziki History Mansion, which has its own restaurant, bar, terrace, patio and mountain views.
Katie had a very cheeky answer when asked for her thoughts on disposable camerasCredit: InstagramThe former glamour model is promoting her new Sky documentary Nothing To HideCredit: Instagram
Former Gogglebox star Joe fired off a series of 90s trends to Katie and asked her if she would bring them back or ditch them.
When he suggested disposable cameras, the mum-of-five suggested she’d used them to snap naughty photos back in the day.
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She said: “Nowadays, because you’ve got your phone, I think people take more explicit photos.
“With a disposable, you have to be careful and remember you have to take them somewhere like Boots.
She stood by her man when he recently spent time in Dubai’s Al Awir jail, where he was held over unpaid debts. Katie said on the Reign podcast this week: “There will be a documentary coming out about Lee, and he knows it.
“He’ll be appearing in it and yes, there is scandal around me — there always is. Not only now, there’s years of it.”
If you’re looking for a crowd-free holiday, this island is the perfect option.
03:14, 11 Jul 2026Updated 08:18, 11 Jul 2026
This beautiful island is in the UK(Image: Daily Record)
As the summer holidays approach, the excitement of planning a getaway often comes with the puzzle of picking the perfect spot. Luckily, being in Britain puts the diverse beauty of Europe just a stone’s throw away.
Navigating the sheer volume of stunning destinations on our doorstep can be quite the task. For those who crave peace and quiet, the secret is finding those hidden gems tucked away from the main tourist paths that still promise a sun-soaked, relaxing experience. To help you out, the travel pros at Solmar Villas analysed over 160 locations to pinpoint the absolute best spots for a crowd-free break.
Whilst most of the destinations are overseas, there is one place right here in the UK that made the list.
The Isle of Harris in Scotland came in at sixth place on the list of the quietest places to enjoy a summer holiday. Harris is the southern island of Harris and Lewis which are in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.
Despite being the third biggest island on the British Isles, Harris and Lewis has a population of just 20,500 people. Known for its white-sand beaches, dramatic landscapes and low population density, it remains one of the UK’s quietest summer staycation escapes.
One of the most famous sights on the island is Luskentyre Beach which is frequently mentioned on lists of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
This long stretch of bright white sand looks as if it’s been plucked straight from the Caribbean — although the water is likely a little bit colder.
Luskentyre Beach sits on the north coast of South Harris and is protected by the island of Taransay, which you can see across the water.
Taking a wander down the white sand you can spot dolphins, seals, otters, eagles and sometimes even whales. The Isle of Harris is a gorgeous spot for a relaxed summer holiday without having to bother about airport security or expensive international flights.
To get to the island, ferries go daily from the Scottish mainland and you can take a car with you too so you can better explore what the island has to offer.
Sharon Bradbury, a travel expert at Solmar Villas , said: “Many families don’t have the option of travelling outside the school holidays, so choosing the right destination becomes even more important.
“What stands out from this research is that some of the world’s most enjoyable summer destinations don’t necessarily attract the biggest crowds. For families looking to make the most of their summer break, it can be worth looking beyond the usual hotspots.
“A quieter destination often means a more relaxed experience from the moment you arrive.”
The 20 quietest places to visit on school holidays
Saulkrasti’s long beaches and scented pine forests are an hour from Riga on the frequent local train. The forests come right down to the long, long sandy beach and the relaxing and well-marked trail takes you the 4km from Saulkrasti station through the trees to the big dune and blue river at Balta Kapa. We enjoyed a July picnic in the forest and occasional dips in the Mediterranean-warm Baltic, before returning happy to Riga. Bruce
Brittany’s cool sandy beaches
Dinard. Photograph: Hemis/Alamy
We went on a lovely family holiday on the Côte Emeraude in Brittany last August. It was perfect weather, in the low twenties. We stayed in an Airbnb in Dinard with our three-year-old. It was the perfect starting place for day trips to this lovely part of Brittany. Just opposite St Malo, but less touristy, it has amazing family-friendly beaches, crepes and cidre, fun street parties and cool sandy beaches. There are also great art galleries and markets. You can get to St Malo easily from Paris on the train. Gaia
A Finnish beach – with volleyball and a sauna
Yyteri, Finland. Photograph: Pavel Dudek/Alamy
I was lucky enough to chance upon Yyteri beach while cycling around south-west Finland last summer. I intended to spend a day there resting from the saddle but found it so relaxing and uplifting I stayed a week. Being around 3km long meant the sands were never crowded. I was asked to join a local beach volleyball team who then invited me for a sardine, song and sauna evening later on! The beach is also right next to the Yyteri nature trail, which had spectacular sand dunes. Impromptu swim and song parties start at midnight as the sun sets – don’t be afraid of joining in! Pete
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Exploring the far north-east of Norway
The Steilneset memorial to executed ‘witches’ in Vardø, Norway. Photograph: Daniela Baumann/Alamy
In June, I spent a week way up in Varangerfjord in north-east Norway with four friends, where we took a 10-minute boat trip to the island of Hornøya (booking required, from £95 per person with Explore 70 Degrees or Skua Nature). Another day trip involved taking the road leading north to the abandoned fishing village of Hamningberg with its pristine timber homes, left untouched by German troops in the second world war as they retreated in 1945. The village became deserted in the 1960s as fishing from its small harbour became unviable and there are free-roaming reindeer along the roadsides. And in Vardø itself is the magnificent Steilneset Memorial commemorating the 91 people, mostly women, burned at the stake for witchcraft in 1621. Natalie Keene
A family beach break in Poland
Sopot pier is the longest wooden pier in Europe. Photograph: Kamil Suchta/Getty Images
My kids and I spent a glorious week in Poland last August, enjoying the fine white sand beaches of Sopot, a 20-minute train or taxi ride from the beautiful Hanseatic city of Gdansk. We enjoyed strolling the Sopot pier (the longest wooden pier in Europe at 511.5 metres) and sampling pierogi on Monte Cassino Street, with its crooked house. OK, the Baltic Sea was a bit “refreshing”, but it was a small price to pay for such a fun (and good value) beach break. Kate
Spectacular vistas on Donegal shores, Ireland
Fanad Head Lighthouse. Photograph: Zoonar /Alamy
If you want quiet unspoilt beaches alongside spectacular scenery, you can’t beat the Fanad peninsula in Donegal, where my father grew up. The Rathmullan and Ballymastocker beaches on Lough Swilly are long strands of pale sand. The road between them offers spectacular vistas as the lough heads into the Atlantic. Visit Fanad Head lighthouse before settling on the peaceful Atlantic beaches of Ballyhiernan. For somewhere just a little busier head farther west to the Gaeltacht village ofDownings. As you travel you’ll be able to admire the lovely mountainous landscape affording views across the Mulroy and Lough Swilley estuaries and the Atlantic. Brendan
Akureyri in summer. Photograph: Noppawat Tom Charoensinphon/Getty Images
Although Iceland is expensive, we found many attractions in the northern town of Akureyri to be good value. Staying at Saeluhus hotel in one of its bungalows we had a great view across the spectacular Eyjafjörður fjord, which teems with whales in the summer. City buses are free, so travelling around town is easy. We found the Forest Lagoon to be a haven of peace, unlike Reykjavik’s more crowded Blue Lagoon. It’s a set among trees, with blissful pools, saunas and swim-up bars. Even cheaper is the municipal geothermal pool, brimming with activities. The city is walkable and friendly, dotted with cool restaurants and cafes. Hannah Angle
Blissful rain in northern Spain
Sculpture on the promenade at Gijón. Photograph: Marit Xu 22/Alamy
A workmate in Madrid came back from his June holiday in Gijón, on Spain’s north coast, and announced with glee that it had rained all seven days of his break. Desperate to escape the oven that is Madrid in July, we followed suit. Unfortunately it only rained on three of our days but it coincided with the Semana Negra literary festival, which was a great way to spend those wet days (including an interview with John Banville in which he detailed his hatred of summer!) It never gets cold up there in July, but one day it reached 27C and some of the daytime events were cancelled due to “extreme heat”. We stayed at the Silken Ciudad hotel (doubles from £300 for 2 nights). Eve
Baltic beauty and Hanseatic history in north Germany
Eldena Abbey. Photograph: Gacro 74/Alamy
The beautiful Hanseatic town of Greifswald on the River Ryck is only a few miles from the Baltic coast along a well-kept path. As well as a quiet and extensive beach, the village of Wieck also features both ancient and modern attractions: a state-of-the-art flood barrier system; and the ruins of the 12th-century Eldena Abbey, which local Romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich introduced into many of his landscapes, no matter where they were situated geographically. From Greifswald, the local train takes you parallel to the coast to the bustling port of Stralsund, with yet more majestic gothic brick churches, and a ferry across to the island of Rügen – a popular destination in its own right. Barbara Forbes
Winning tip: soft white sands of southern Sweden
Powdery sand and dunes at Sandhammaren on the Baltic Sea. Photograph: Juniors Bildarchiv/Alamy
Sitting on the soft white sand of Sandhammaren beach in the far south of Sweden last summer, gazing out at clear aqua marine waters made me feel as if I was on a Greek island – without the stifling heat. The beach is on the south-eastern tip of Skåne province and offers so much more than swimming and sunbathing. We explored the nature reserve behind the beach, home to elk and a wide range of birdlife. The 19th-century lighthouse is open for guided tours and there’s a pop-up kiosk for drinks and snacks, such as sardine rye bread and sandwiches for under £5. The beach stretches forever up the coast and nearby Löderups Strandbad made for a great base – a peaceful seaside location full of white wooden cottages. We shared some mornings with stray elks and deer before heading on to the sands. Nicholas
A new hovercraft route is being trialed this summer – and has already proved popular with travellers.
A number of extra dates have been added for crossings this summer, meaning even more passengers can make their way to a sun-drenched UK island from just £12.
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A new hovercraft has been introduced this summer, with visitors able to visit a popular UK island in just 15 minutesCredit: AlamyOwing to the popularity of the new crossing, a number of extra dates have been added through the summerCredit: Getty
A brand new hovercraft route has been introduced connecting Hampshire to the Isle of Wight.
In just 15 minutes, travellers can journey from Lee-on-the-Solent to Ryde, soaring across the waters at speeds of 46mph and hovering 1.5m above the Solent.
Run by Hovertravel – the world’s oldest and longest-running hovercraft operator – the new route to the Isle of Wight is currently being trialled over the summer.
The crossings take place on the travel operator’s two-craft fleet: the Island Flyer and the Solent Flyer.
For those looking to book onto the high-speed crossing, an adult return ticket (16+) will set you back £24.
Seniors (60+) can snap up a crossing for £18.00 and children’s tickets (aged between 5-15 years) will cost £12.
Infants aged between 0 and 4 ride free on the hovercraft.
Crossings were originally planned for June 28, August 22 and September 5, but a number of extra dates have now been added thanks to the popularity of the new service.
Travellers can now book onto crossings on July 23, August 7 and August 21.
Departures take place twice a day, at both 10am and 3.25pm.
Return routes back from Ryde leave the island at 9.30am and 2.30pm.
Dates had also been extended to today, July 9, but at the time of publishing this article, The Sun found that the journeys could no longer be booked.
Hovertravel was established in 1965 and still provides the fastest way to cross the Solent, between Southsea in Portsmouth and Ryde.
Maya Jama looked stunning in her leather dress and matching bootsCredit: GettyThe sexy star turned heads as she headed to a TV interview in New YorkCredit: Getty
Love Island host Maya is known for her sexy looks, and her latest one in the Big Apple didn’t disappoint.
Taking to her latest Instagram Stories, the stunning star showed off her tight leather dress in a mirror selfie video.
The racy outfit clung to her tiny figure, and she completed the daring look with knee high boots.
In the next clip, Maya told fans that she felt she looked “very Matrix”.
Yesterday, Maya was on Good Morning America for her first ever television interview stateside.
Once again, she pulled out all the stops in a leather mini-skirt and top co-ord, paired with high heels.
The Love Island host is in New York to appear on US chat showsCredit: Shutterstock EditorialYesterday, she appeared on Good Morning America to discuss her TV workCredit: GMA
It came after fans noticed the host had been in the ITV2 villa much less this series, so the GMA hosts quizzed her on it.
Explaining her absence, she said: “It’s not up to me, it’s up to the producers that you need to speak to!
“I think this series has just had so much drama that they didn’t need me to intervene, it’s been so entertaining, so wild – as usual.”
Maya is known for her sexy looks and is taking the States by stormCredit: GettyAhead of her GMA appearance, she posed for a mirror selfie in her hotelCredit: Instagram
It comes after Maya responded to fans asking where she had been, as one joked she was on a “zero hour contract”.
She said on Instagram: “Jokes aside it’s not up to me how often I enter the villa.
Although she couldn’t give too much away ahead, she said: “This is the first time I’ve ever been a contestant and not a host. And I can’t say much, because it’s Traitors – you’re not allowed to say anything.
“But I’m excited! We’ll see how I act. It’s the biggest, one of the biggest shows in the UK, and in America also.
“It’s so much fun, whether you’re a traitor or a faithful, what an experience to get to do that. So, yeah, fingers crossed it goes well.”
Strictly Come Dancing is back for a brand new series and there’s some celebrities already signed up for the hit BBC show
Strictly Come Dancing is back for a brand new series(Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing is back for a brand new series and some famous faces have already signed up.
The BBC show is returning this year with a brand new look after hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down. Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis and Josh Widdecombe have taken over hosting duties in a new look for the show.
Also, five professional dancers will step in to replace the five that have departed. Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas have all departed the show in recent months.
Here’s a look at the line-up so far – and who might be rumoured for the show.
Speaking about joining the show, she said: “I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing! I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!
Dani Dyer
Love Island star Dani Dyer was forced to exit the competition last year due to injury but is back this year again with a bang. She was supposed to appear in the last series but an ankle injury before it kicked off meant she had to pull out.
“I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one! I’m just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!” she said.
“I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor! I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can’t wait to get started!” she said.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new,” he said.
“I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story – and I can’t wait to get started.”
Known for her role as Gwen West in Gavin & Stacey, Melanie has also starred in Hollyoaks and had guest roles in a string of shows including Doc Martin, Casualty and Beyond Paradise.
TV and radio presenter Roman Kemp is also in the mix. During an appearance on The One Show, Emma Barton – who plays Honey on the BBC soap – was chatting with Alex Jones and Roman Kemp about the upcoming series after her own successful stint on it.
As Alex announced Lacey joining the show, she asked her co-star Emma: “Have you spoken to her? How is she feeling?” Emma then replied: “She’s such a gorgeous wonderful woman and the audience are going to love her.
“And I’m so proud of her because it’s nerve-racking, isn’t it. And it’s scary.” Emma then went on to say: “Roman you know as well” but he quickly stuttered as he said: “I have never done it. I’ve never done it.”
Olympian Sarah Storey is also rumoured for the show and “really excited to be learning a new skill”.
“She is obviously very competitive and hopes to give the contest her all, while letting viewers get to know her personality. She’s also keen to embrace the glamour of the show and is looking forward to getting dressed up,” a source said.
Maya Jama looked stunning in snakeskin on Tuesday as she arrived for her first ever live US TV appearanceCredit: Shutterstock EditorialPictured in New York, the Love Island host beamed for snaps before heading into the studioCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
The star donned a mini-skirt and top co-ord for the appearance, paired with black court heels, as she left her brunette tresses sleek.
She appeared on Good Morning America for her first ever television interview stateside, and divulged on the current season of Love Island on the show.
After Love Island fans noticed Maya has been in the ITV2 villa less this series, the GMA hosts quizzed her on it.
Explaining why she has been seen less, she said: “It’s not up to me, it’s up to the producers that you need to speak to!
She appeared on Good Morning America to discuss her TV workCredit: GMAAhead of the appearance, she posed for a mirror selfie in her hotelCredit: InstagramMaya also addressed why she has been seen in the Love Island villa much less this seriesCredit: ITVMaya has made less trips to Majorca this time around, admitting she doesn’t think she’s needed due to all of the drama going on in the villaCredit: ITV
“I think this series has just had so much drama that they didn’t need me to intervene, it’s been so entertaining, so wild – as usual.”
It comes after Maya responded to fans asking where she had been, as one joked she was on a “zero hour contract”.
She said on Instagram: “Jokes aside it’s not up to me how often I enter the villa.
While she couldn’t give much away ahead of the show airing, she did say: “This is the first time I’ve ever been a contestant and not a host. And I can’t say much, because it’s Traitors – you’re not allowed to say anything.
“But I’m excited! We’ll see how I act. It’s the biggest, one of the biggest shows in the UK, and in America also.
“It’s so much fun, whether you’re a traitor or a faithful, what an experience to get to do that. So, yeah, fingers crossed it goes well.”
Ahead of the interview, Maya took to Instagram to share some snaps to her Stories.
“Going on live American TV for the first time, ABC and Good Morning America. Wish me luck,” she wrote over a mirror selfie in her hotel.
If you want a quiet and peaceful summer break, this island needs to be on your list.
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This island is a must-see(Image: Getty)
The summer holidays are approaching, and if you’re planning a holiday, then you know it can be tricky to decide where to go. Living in the UK means we’re lucky enough to have Europe on our doorstep.
With so many dream locations to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to go. If you value peace and quiet, it’s a good idea to look for places that are a little off the beaten path while still providing a relaxing, sunny getaway.
That’s why travel experts at Solmar Villashave researched data from more than 160 places to reveal which are the best for a crowd-free holiday.
Where to visit for a peaceful holiday
Coming in first place was Alonissos, Greece. This stunning island is located in the northern Sporades and is famous for its laid-back charm and unspoiled beauty.
It’s the smallest of the inhabited islands in the Sporades archipelago and offers a totally relaxed holiday.
It’s home to the largest marine protected area in Europe which offers birds, reptiles and mammals a safe breeding ground.
You can visit the park and perhaps catch a glimpse of the rare Mediterranean Monk Seal as you dive beneath the crystal clear water.
There’s no shortage of gorgeous beaches to spend a day at, and the Old Town is well worth a visit too.
The Old Town sits above the island on a hill 200 metres above sea level. There’s narrow winding alley ways, colourfully painted doors and plenty of charming cages and tavernas to stop in for a bite to eat or a drink.
You can enjoy awe-inspiring views out over the island and the sea that surrounds it while sitting in the shade of the island’s greenery.
How to get there
There is no airport on the island, so the best way to get there is to get a ferry from the neighbouring island of Skiathos. The ferry takes around two hours to the largest town on the island – Patitiri.
From Patitiri you can explore the rest of the island, whether you want to lounge on the beach, explore the marine reserve or soak up the rich history of the city – all without the crowds that flock to other Greek islands like Mykonos and Santorini.
Sharon Bradbury, travel expert at Solmar Villas said: “Many families don’t have the option of travelling outside the school holidays, so choosing the right destination becomes even more important.
For families looking to make the most of their summer break, it can be worth looking beyond the usual hotspots. A quieter destination often means a more relaxed experience from the moment you arrive. “
The 20 quietest places to visit on school holidays
Many holiday hotspots have seen anti-tourism protests thanks to overcrowding and the issues it causes for locals. But the European island that’s the most overcrowded wants to pack more visitors in
The island has a tourist to local ratio of seven to one(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The most overcrowded island in Europe has seen no over-tourism protests – and bosses want more visitors.
A study has named the Continent’s most packed island, based on tourism density, and it’s not in the Balearics or Canaries.
In fact, the local tourism board wants to bring more visitors to the island and triple the tourism sector’s contribution to the economy. The plans would see the island’s visitor numbers rise from just over four million last year to 4.5 million by 2035.
With a total area of 316 km², Malta is roughly a fifth of the size of London and has a population of around 575,000, about a third of which are foreign residents. This means there’s a ratio of roughly seven tourists for each resident, so locals are already outnumbered.
The study was carried out by BookRetreats.com, which “analysed the latest data from the European Commission, focusing on overnight stays in tourist accommodation per square kilometre (km²)—a measure of tourism density.”
While Mallorca (Majorca) had the most visitors out of the islands in the study, nearly 14 million last year, Malta’s mainland came on top as the most overcrowded island due to its relatively small size. Brits account for the largest number of visitors year-round, and the island has long been a winter sun destination thanks to its 16C days in January and a majority of the island being fluent in English.
The capital, Valletta, has become a popular spot for sun-soaked city breaks thanks to its colourful 16th-century architecture, and the ancient walled city of Mdina is also a hit with tourists thanks to its winding medieval streets. It’s also famous for its beaches, especially in the north of the island, which has turquoise blue seas and calm, shallow waters.
But there have been some measures put in place on Malta’s islands to help ease overcrowding. For example, the Blue Lagoon on Comino used to get daily crowds of up to 12,000 in the summer, and in response, authorities capped tourist numbers to the white sand beach at 4,000 a day. There have since been calls to halve this number to protect the delicate ecosystem.
The islands of Gozo and Comino came 14th on the list, meaning while they’re still overcrowded, they don’t have the same tourism density as Malta’s mainland.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Spanish islands dominated much of the list of the most overcrowded spots, with Lanzarote, Ibiza, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria ranking highly. Greek islands including Corfu and Zakynthos (Zante), also made the top ten, as well as the Portuguese island of Madeira, which is also a winter sun favourite with Brits.
As someone with Cypriot roots and distant Greek heritage, I’m often asked the question: which is the best island? People lean in, expecting a secret – some tiny, untouched haven, known only to locals. My answer is always the same: Crete. With its fiercely proud identity, warm communities and exceptional food, it feels both deeply Greek and entirely itself.
For our anniversary weekend, my husband and I head to Lassithi, in the island’s far eastern corner. As a chef and food writer, I’m drawn to the area’s reputation for exceptional produce: Sitia extra virgin olive oil, creamy xigalo cheese, mountain honey and an abundance of excellent tavernas.
After an early start, we check into our hotel and freshen up. The Sand Suites is a new, adults-only retreat with just seven suites and a pathway leading directly to the wide, sandy Almyros beach and its clear shallow waters. Our suite is a serene hideaway with a private pool overlooking dramatic mountains.
Photograph: Guardian Graphics
For our first evening, we head to Karnagio in the pretty harbour town of Agios Nikolaos, a 10-minute drive up the coast (or a 45-minute walk). We’re told it offers the perfect introduction to the flavours of Lassithi. Despite a warning from Dimitri, the knowledgable manager at the Sand Suites, we order far too much food. We begin with Cretan classics: dakos (barley rusks softened with grated tomato, olive oil and mizithra cheese), alongside mizithropitakia (delicate mizithra-filled pies). More plates arrive. Spring onion-topped fava, tender horta (wild greens dressed generously with lemon), followed by melt-in-the-mouth sauteed lamb with locally made pasta and torched anthotyro cheese. Weeks later, and I am still thinking about that lamb.
Sand Suites, near Agios Nikolaos.
Eventually, we admit defeat. Unfazed by the unfinished dishes, the waiters arrive with a tray of complimentary sweets. Then comes a small carafe of raki. “Only if you join us,” I tell our waiter in my Cypriot-Greek. He needs little encouragement. “Yamas!” we declare, raising our glasses before downing the fiery spirit. The glasses are refilled. I know I’ll regret it in the morning, but we drink again, buoyed up by good food and excitement.
The next morning, fuelled by a delicious breakfast of fresh juice, coffee, pastries and freshly cooked eggs, delivered to our room, we jump in the car and drive half an hour south-east down the coast to Evotry, a roadside bakery that we are told to visit early to stand any chance of getting the best of the day’s bakes. Inside, it is a treasure trove: cakes and biscuits, alongside trahana (cracked wheat fermented with yoghurt), are all made by Stefanos and his wife Maria. Like many families in Greece, they press their homegrown grapes each September to make petimezi – a dark, naturally sweet grape molasses. As well as being sold in bottles, it also forms the base of many of their bakes, most notably kalitsounia (traditional Cretan sweet cheese pies). Found all around Lassithi, here they are distinct: Stefanos does not use refined sugar, relying solely on his petimezi for sweetness. We leave with a box and some cookies, and regret travelling with hand luggage only.
En route to our next stop of Mochlos, we are told about a 3,000-year-old olive tree so make a detour. The road climbs into the mountains, winding and steep. The tree is exactly as expected – vast and commanding, yet somehow gentle, like a great grandmother rooted in the landscape. We sit beneath its branches and eat the kalitsounia, surrounded by birdsong and the hum of bees.
We carry on east to Mochlos, a peaceful fishing village steeped in Minoan history on the far side of Mirabello Bay, and settle into Ta Kochilia, a waterfront taverna, for lunch. Octopus hangs drying in the sun; the sea sits just beyond the edge of the path. We keep things simple: grilled squid, horiatiki (Greek salad) and bread with local olive oil. The squid is tender, slightly charred, perfect. As always, there is fruit at the end, followed by something sweet – here, halva dusted with cinnamon – and strong Greek coffee, which briefly resets us before we continue inland.
Dakos at Karnagio, in Agios Nikolaos. Photograph: Georgina Hayden
After a 10-minute drive into the hills above Mochlos, we arrive at Nektaria’s Kitchen, an open-air cookery school where every detail, from the rustic tables and benches built by Nektaria’s father Tassos, to the wood-fired oven and herb-filled demonstration kitchen, feels considered.
On Nektaria’s website a range of four-hour cookery classes are on offer, from vegetarian and meat menus to olive oil tours and local wine tastings. However, I get the impression that whatever it is you want to learn, Nektaria will be able to teach you.
Over coffee, we chat with Nektaria, her partner, her father, her best friend. We are offered homemade treats: more kalitsounia, this time perfumed with orange blossom, and mounds of biscuits – spiced melomakarona and almond honey patouda, both traditionally made for celebrations. A slow-cooked joint of pork is pulled out of the wood oven to entice us to stay and join them for a meal later on. And while the food is delicious, it is Nektaria herself who is the star of the show. Having left a career in finance just four years ago, it is clear what she has created is less a cookery school than a gathering point – a life reorganised around food, hospitality and community.
We begin our last full day in quaint Kritsa, one of Crete’s oldest villages, just a 15-minute drive inland from our hotel. A winding main street is dotted with a range of shops, traditional cafes and a fascinating natural history museum and tapestry centre.
We begin at the women’s cooperative, where biscuits and cakes are being prepared for nearby restaurants. A demonstration is also being set up in the outdoor kitchen and dining area. We stock up on boxes of syrupy sweet pastries and a bag of skioufichta, a type of rolled Cretan pasta, ready to recreate the lamb dish from Karnagio on our return home.
The writer with the eponymous chef of Nektaria’s Kitchen, in Kavousi. Photograph: Georgina Hayden
Our penultimate stop is an olive oil tasting at the family-owned Mourello, where visitors can book a range of olive oil experiences. Escaping the midday heat, we’re seated in a cool, quiet room overlooking valleys of olive groves. Over two hours, Eleni guides us through her family’s growing, harvesting and pressing process in such detail that I leave feeling I could semi-confidently turn my hand to making my own olive oil. We taste and compare different grades and types. Mourello’s Vedema oil is outstanding – peppery, punchy and silky. We leave with several bottles under our arms.
For our last evening we drive up into the hills again to the village of Kroustas. Sitting at 520m above sea level, the view over Mirabello Bay is dramatic. We’ve booked a table at Xatheri, a destination restaurant that feels deeply rooted in family life and is much loved in the area. Chef Konstantinos has built the menu around recipes from his parents and grandmother, who we are told has just stopped by to check in on service. We start with one of her recipes, dolmadakia, small, delicate stuffed vine leaves. Goat stew arrives rich and slow-cooked, tossed through spaghettoni and topped with aged graviera cheese. And finally gamopilafo, also known as “wedding rice”, which feels appropriate given it’s our anniversary. It is deeply comforting and impossibly rich.
Despite protesting, dessert appears – a generous slice of galaktoboureko, a just-set vanilla cream encased in crisp syrupy filo, which is somehow light enough to avoid being cloying. There is dessert wine, then raki, of course. We leave not just full, but slightly reoriented – already thinking about returning to this calm corner of Crete.
The trip was provided by Simpson Travel, which offers a week at the Sand Suites from £1,124pp B&B, including flights and car hire
“I’ve been doing that before because, like the story said, that’s legal in Puerto Rico,” Díaz said.
USA Today published a story in May highlighting social media posts advertising cockfighting tournaments that picture Díaz in his Dodgers uniform. The story also referenced a story in El Nuevo Día, the largest circulating newspaper in Puerto Rico, quoting Díaz.
No one from Major League Baseball has reached out to Díaz about a possible suspension, he said.
“They didn’t reach out to me because I wasn’t doing anything illegal,” Díaz said.
In 2019, a federal law banning cockfighting took effect in Puerto Rico. Before the law, the blood sport had been made illegal in all 50 states, but not U.S. territories. Many Puerto Ricans saw the ban as an attack on their culture and vowed to defy the law.
Puerto Rico responded by passing a law saying that it’s legal to host cockfights as long as people don’t export or import the animals or any goods or services related to cockfighting. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2021 declined to hear a challenge to the federal law brought by a group that argued Congress exceeded its power by applying the ban to Puerto Rico.
Anyone found guilty of taking part in cockfighting faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Spectators could receive a one-year prison sentence.
Still, some Puerto Ricans such as Díaz view the topic as part of the island’s history, initially brought to the Caribbean by 16th-century Spaniards when the island was first colonized.
“It’s a pastime I’ve followed since I was a child,” Díaz told El Nuevo Día in March. “It’s legal in Puerto Rico, thank God. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.”
Diaz is on track to return to the Dodgers after the All-Star break, although his exact return date remains unclear. His fastball felt good, so locating his slider was the next step toward his return.
Times staff writer Hannah Fry contributed to this report.
The Love Island villa welcomed Movie Night as secrets were exposed, but viewers ‘spotted’ a problem
Mica on Love Island(Image: ITV)
It didn’t take long for fans to flock to social media with their complaints.
Fresh drama erupted in the Love Island villa on Sunday evening (July 5) as the notorious Movie Night descended upon the ITV2 reality programme.
The twist enables the Islanders to assemble in the garden and view a giant screen displaying video footage from across the series. It’s during this event that private discussions are laid bare and startling romantic encounters are completely unmasked.
It provides the contestants with an opportunity to uncover whether their partners and romantic interests have been wholly honest, and discover what fellow Islanders have been remarking about them while they were away.
This year’s Love Island Movie Night sparked especially heated rows, particularly for the boys who stayed faithful following Casa Amor yet still snogged and chatted up the bombshells.
The selection for the Movie Night footage featured scandalous headings such as ‘The Affair’, ‘Mamma Mica’, ‘The Princess Jasmine Diaries’ and ‘Samraj Like It Hot’, reports OK!.
It was ‘The Affair’ that thrust Jasmine and Lorenzo’s developing bond into the limelight, leading Kavan to announce, “It’s all there, the affair is clear”. Yasmin also wasted no time in telling Lorenzo, “You don’t have a leg to stand on”.
Mica was next to appear on the big screen, and she promptly faced criticism as the islanders witnessed her burgeoning romance with Samraj unfold. The jaw-dropping scenes left Priya doubting everything as she confessed to other islanders, “I look like a mug all the time.”
‘Samraj Like It Hot’ once more placed Mica and Samraj at the centre of attention, courtesy of their developing romance. As Mica tried to justify herself, Priya remained unconvinced and said, “That’s so dishonest of you.”
Yet Mica and Samraj weren’t the sole islanders to come under fire as Kavan drew parallels between his and Jasmine’s situations following their choices during Casa Amor.
Immediately standing her ground, Jasmine told Kavan, “I did not do the same thing”, which didn’t land well, and the friction escalated.
Despite all the expected fireworks, some Love Island fans grumbled as the ITV programme broke for adverts just minutes into Movie Night.
Heading to X, one Love Island fan exclaimed: “Hydration break and ad break at the exact same time, alright man #loveisland.”
A second stated: “A break!? Seriously!? #loveisland #loveislanduk”, while a third chimed in: “BREAK ALREADY?? #loveisland.”
“Break after break after break, this is why there’s so much unused footage, mate #LoveIsland #LoveIslandUK,” commented one viewer.
“AFTER A 10MIN AD BREAK?! ANOTHER ADVERT?!!! ITV R U TAKING THE P*** ?? @ITV #LoveIsland #LoveIslandUK,” asked another, while another echoed the sentiment: “Did we not just come back from a break?! #loveisland #loveislanduk.”
July 5 (UPI) — Eight people were shot in Coney Island, N.Y., during a Fourth of July fireworks display Saturday as four children were among the wounded.
Four boys, ages 14, 12, 7 and 6, were shot, as were a 37-year-old man, 33-year-old man, 25-year-old woman and 21-year-old woman. The identities of the victims have not been made public.
“All victims were transported by EMS to local area hospitals where seven people were listed in stable condition, the NYPD said in a statement. “The 21-year-old woman is listed in critical condition.”
The 6-year-old victim was shot in the abdomen and the 7-year-old was shot in both of his legs. Both are expected to recover.
Police responded to the call of a shooting near the Coney Island boardwalk at 10:37 p.m. EDT. They have not named a suspect and have made no arrests as of Sunday morning. The motivation behind the shooting remains unknown.
I HAVE normally necked far too much Ouzo the night before to rise with the sun during a holiday in gorgeous Greece.
But my eyes are being opened, literally, to a much more wholesome and healthy way to start the day here on the island of Crete.
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This Crete resort right on the beach has lagoon pools and island day trips, pictured Old Venetian HarbourCredit: GettySteve Corbett takes to the blue MedCredit: Supplied
While my downward dog should arguably be put down, as my balance has gone walkies, the sound of the Cretan Sea gently lapping at the shore does make a sunrise yoga session surprisingly satisfying.
Never mind sinking sambuca shots, this is how holidays should be — relaxing, restful and geared towards recuperation.
I’m staying at Giannoulis Santa Marina Plaza, a 4* adults-only hotel tailored to a quieter and more authentic Cretan vacation.
Superbly serene, with a calming, child-free environment, it’s right on the golden, sandy, Blue Flag-rated Agia Marina beach.
My double room is small but comfortably formed, with an ensuite bathroom, TV and compact balcony to enjoy the sunrise over Kri-Kri island (more on that later).
With just 51 rooms and suites at this boutique hotel, even at full occupancy you’ll always get a sun bed.
The food is as good as you’d expect in Greece — super souvlaki, terrific tzatziki, outstanding olive oil — but the jewel in the crown is the hospitality.
From reception staff to the waiters and cleaners, this family-run resort is full of welcoming faces, attentive and always ready with a friendly “kalimera” (good morning) or “kalispera” (good evening).
The majority of guests are couples, over 50, enjoying the easy-going vibe.
By day, the only activity is people rising from a sun lounger for a refreshing dip in the pool or sea.
By night, it’s all about a game of cards on your balcony or a casual al fresco dinner by candlelight.
Crucially, this tranquil base is only 20 minutes — by bus, right outside the hotel, or taxi — from Chania, Crete’s charming old town, where ancient architecture meets a more modern city.
It’s an easy-on-the-eye cultural hub, with shops carved into honey-coloured stone walls, restaurants, cute cafes and churches.
After a few relaxed hours searching for souvenirs down its narrow, cobbled streets and snapping away at the beautiful Venetian harbour and 16th-century lighthouse, it’s time for a change of location, as I head west along the coast to Giannoulis’s sister hotel, Cavo Spada.
A much larger complex, with 150 deluxe rooms and suites, this sporty 5* leisure and spa resort is more suited to active holidaymakers. With tennis and padel courts, an assault course, a running track and indoor and outdoor gyms kitted out with top-quality equipment, its facilities are so good that the Swedish Olympic team use it for their training camps.
You can take part in a calendar of events ranging from spinning to body combat.
Sprawling pool is great for relaxing eveningsCredit: SuppliedCavo Spada offers excellent dining facilitiesCredit: Supplied
But that’s not my idea of a holiday.
Instead, I take advantage of the all-inclusive board to sample the decent cocktail menu at the bar overlooking the huge lagoon pool at the heart of the resort.
After over-exerting my right arm with the repeated lifting of a pina colada from table to mouth, I head to the on-site spa for a full-body massage, followed by a sauna and steam room.
Clearly a gem of a resort for keep-fit couples, it’s also a good option for families, with a kids’ outdoor playground and indoor play room.
And it’s just a short taxi ride from Kolymbari port, where I clamber aboard a catamaran for a half-day at sea. Destination — Kri-Kri island.
Our deckhand tells us of the ancient Greek mythology that Kri-Kri — AKA Thodorou island — was created when a massive sea monster and its child were turned to stone by Crete’s protector Poseidon, God of the Sea.
Now it’s a breeding ground for the protected Kri-Kri wild goat.
And while anchoring up for some paddleboard play and a snorkel in clear azure water, it’s fun to see if you can spot any of the cliff-climbing goats.
Having worked up an appetite thanks to all that, well, relaxing, back at the hotel’s Azzuro restaurant I really get stuck into a sensational a-la-carte option with Michelin star-worthy food.
After another cocktail workout (my right arm really is doing the heavy lifting on this break), I educate myself with two mainstays of Greek culture.
A complimentary olive-oil tasting session (FYI: trust the Cretan chef and store your olive oil in the fridge) is followed by wine-tasting with the hotel’s maitre d’.
I could quite easily finish a bottle of the white — an indigenous Vidiano.
But like I have done since arriving in Crete, I’m taking it easy — I’ve got another yoga session at sunrise.
Relax in style at Cavo Spada spaCredit: Supplied
GO: Crete
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ half-board at Giannoulis Santa Marina Plaza is from £913pp, including flights from Birmingham on October 20, transfers and 20kg hold luggage.
Seven nights’ half-board at Giannoulis Cavo Spada Sports & Leisure Resort is from £782pp including flights from Bournemouth on October 9, transfers and 20kg hold luggage.
Swimming ashore from the boat I can see a narrow shingle beach covered in driftwood. There are logs, bamboo canes and the sundried planks of an old shipwreck. The steep climb up the hill behind is not easy. I skirt thick clumps of thorn and abandoned ancient olive trees, scrambling over jagged outcrops of limestone. Every time I curl my fingers into a rocky niche I think about snakes. The only residents, however, are spiders. Their webs are strung between the trees, and so thick and strong that I grab a stick to slash through them. No one has been here for a long time.
Near the hilltop I stumble on a ruined stone building. Who lived here, I wonder? And where have they gone? A few steps further and the land abruptly ends in a vertical white cliff that plummets into an improbably blue sea. Far away, in the haze, there is a stack of Ionian islands and one of them, I know, must be Ithaca.
Illustration: Guardian Graphics
At that moment I feel footsteps running across my forehead and let out an involuntary scream. An arachnid Achilles has come to take revenge. I leap up, arms flailing. The eight-legged hero heads for the underworld of my left armpit.
In the original epic tales of human adventure, the action starts in the middle of the story, a rule first identified by the Roman poet Horace. At that central moment our protagonist is in a terrible state: probably lost at sea, often naked, and always alone. We want to know: how did things get to this nadir, and where will they go now? It’s a pattern repeated over and over. Take, for example, that ancient classic The Bourne Identity, a 2002 film starring Matt Damon, who appears in the opening sequences floating in the Med like a stunned octopus. He doesn’t even know who he is, but with the hospitality of strangers and cathartic bouts of extreme violence, he inches towards his happy place.
Matt Damon as Odysseus in the Christopher Nolan film. Photograph: Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures
Now Matt gets to do it all again, in a pleated skirt and bronze helmet, appearing as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, a $250m blockbuster due for release on 17 July in the UK and US and starring almost every deity in the Hollywood heavens. Go back to the literary Odysseus, however (with Emily Wilson’s brilliant recent translation), and he is much more than a Hollywood action hero. This home-loving husband is also a pathological liar, serial philanderer, murderer, carpenter and, most famously, a traveller. And like all travellers, sitting around the campfire at some later date with listeners agog, he is forced to confront the thorny problem of how to convey the full visceral impact of what happened on his journey and hold his audience. Traditionally, there are two options: the full truth, or the fuller truth.
Back on the clifftop, tickled to death by Achilles, I dive into the improbably blue sea only to find that my assailant has become a six-headed monster that’s dragging me towards a giant whirlpool. And I’ve lost my glasses.
I had come a few days earlier to the Greek mainland and set sail for Ithaca. This is actually easier than it might seem. First, track down a friend with the correct sailing credentials (or get them yourself at the Royal Yachting Association), then gather a crew and search out a boat. Alternatively, pay the extra and hire a skipper. We sailed with Neilson Holidays, which has a mainland base near Palairos on the Ionian Sea. Depending on experience and qualifications, you can either follow a flotilla or go it alone. We arrive and find our boat, Cafard, which my multilingual skipper friend, Fabian, translates as Depressed Cockroach. I wonder if it’s a misspelling of Cavafy (Constantine P), the Greek poet who wrote:
When you set out for Ithaca Ask that your way be long, Full of adventure, full of instruction
Kevin Rushby and crew en route to Ithaca. Photograph: Kevin Rushby
We stock up and set sail. Adventure and instruction is our hope. My wife, Sophie, has never sailed before and is scoffing seasickness tablets faster than Odysseus’s men gobbled down the sun god’s cattle, and that did not end well. Can we discover a Homeric sense of wonder and novelty on our voyage to Ithaca? And report back truthfully?
Despite the yacht name, the beginning is auspicious. Leaving Palairos we sail into a pod of dolphins, swarming around the bows, close enough to make eye contact. That night is spent on Kalamos, a steep-sided wooded island with a tiny port. In the taverna, cats stretch out under chairs where old men are making a glass of ouzo stretch out too. There is talk of a crashed military drone found by fishermen in a sea cave north of here. The engine was still running and there were 100kg of explosives on board. Is this story also getting stretched a little, I wonder? Or is it connected to the presence of unfriendly Russians on some islands, hiding behind warning signs for savage dogs? Odysseus would not like that. He was fine-tuned to any abuse of hospitality, and perhaps a tad oversensitive when it came to other men flirting with his wife.
The next morning we sail out, stopping at Porto Leone, a village on Kalamos abandoned after the 1953 earthquake. The plan is to stop again at the island of Atokos, where wild pigs reputedly swim off the beach, but the wind picks up and we are properly smashing through the waves. Fabian is loving it. Sophie, amazed not to feel seasick, is letting out shrieks of joy.
We head for Kioni on Ithaca, little more than a scattering of old houses around an exquisite harbour. In August, I’m told, the berths are all taken before lunchtime. The waterfront is a lovely mix: a corner shop that stocks everything, a top-notch bakery, tavernas and some swish boutiques all tied together with colourful plumes of bougainvillaea. In one arty studio, a yachtie with auburn hair and a regal manner is demanding the price of a swordfish sculpture.
“It’s €15,000,” purrs the assistant.
Not everything is so pricey: we find that a good dinner with wine can be had for less than €25 each.
The next day, I walk some of the island’s footpaths, a network that badly needs a strimmer. In the town of Stavros, the tiny museum holds an astonishing array of Homeric treasure that was found in a nearby cave: a second-century BC shard of pottery bearing the inscription “pray to Odysseus” and several pieces of bronze tripod cauldron dated to the ninth century BC. In local minds these are some of the Phaeacian gifts mentioned in The Odyssey.
Exploring Meganisi’s caves by paddleboard. Photograph: Kevin Rushby
A mile further up the trail, at a site known as the School of Homer, are the ruins of what may have been a palace – sufficient evidence for locals to build a model in Stavros town square and confidently identify the bedroom of Odysseus. Listen closely and you can almost hear him: “Honestly Penelope, they both bewitched me. I was a sex slave. I couldn’t wait to get home.” The tradition of Odyssean tall tale-telling is in robust good health.
In the highly recommended Margarita Cafe there is another fine tradition on display: cakes. The local speciality is rovani, a delicious spicy concoction served with ice-cream.
Our voyage takes in Kefalonia and the noisy mainland port of Sivota, but the highlight comes with that lonely anchorage off the mysterious island of Meganisi. Parts of the Ionian coast are undergoing a building boom – glass and concrete palaces spreading across the hillsides like a nasty rash. But here we find tranquillity: snorkelling through shoals of fish, exploring vast sea caves and raising a toast to that magnificent poet Homer, and the inspiration he has given to so many for almost three millennia. After a week on the water, we sail back to Palairos. We have all had a great time, even the nervous first-time mariner. I leave with vivid memories, not least that desperate underwater struggle with the deadly spider woman who stole my glasses.
MAYA Jama has revealed she risked being arrested in Ibiza after she accidentally took something from a bar without paying for it.
The Love Island host, 31, shared a new vlog on her YouTube channel as her hairdresser got her ready for a photoshoot to be a cover girl on a magazine.
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Maya Jama has revealed she nearly got arrested in IbizaCredit: Instagram/ @mayajamaShe made the revelation during her latest vlog on her YouTube channelCredit: @mayajama / YouTube
Her hairstylist divulged: “We were in Ibiza and the bar was closing and we were walking back to the hotel, but we took our glasses and then the Spanish lady, she was chasing us down the road.”
Maya added: “So we came and gave them back! Otherwise we would get arrested!”
The hairdresser expressed: “We’d get arrested in Ibiza and that’s not what we want.”
Maya told the camera: “They weren’t even proper glass cups, they were plastic.”
She admitted she took drinking glasses from a bar in SpainCredit: @mayajama / YouTubeIt comes as she returned to the Love Island villa for the Casa Amor recouplingCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
When Jasmine saw Kavan, who she was in a couple with, walk back into the main villa with the stunning Irish influencer – she was left taken aback and quite frankly, fuming.
After she processed the information, Jasmine asked Kavan if he had slept in bed with girls during Casa.
She also asked him if he’d kissed any girls outside of challenges.
His brother Aidan was quick to butt in, saying how he thinks this is a conversation for them to have in private.
“I’m allowed to speak to him. That’s who I was in a couple with,” Jasmine snapped at Aidan.
“Yeah, Aidan, let them two speak,” Maya then added in a stern voice.
Reacting to Maya’s hilarious snap back at Aidan, one person penned: “The fact even Maya’s sick of Aidan acting like the spokesperson.”
“Maya Jama is so real telling Aidan to let Jasmine and her couple speak. That’s a REAL ASS HOST,” said a second.
I was lucky enough to visit this gorgeous island and I can’t wait to go back.
14:46, 02 Jul 2026Updated 14:48, 02 Jul 2026
Kolymbithres beach is a must see(Image: Vita Molyneux)
Summer is here, and with that comes summer holidays. Living in the UK, we’re blessed to have Europe on our doorstep – but with so many options, how can you decide where you want to go? There’s the popular spots of course, places like Barcelona in Spain or Mykonos in Greece.
However, these destinations can quickly become overrun with other tourists who have had the same idea as you and what should have been a relaxing break can soon become an overcrowded nightmare.
Luckily, there are plenty of places that are just as beautiful but without the sky-high price tag and teeming crowds. One such place is a charming Greek island, just a few hours ferry ride from the bustling capital of Athens.
I was lucky enough to visit this island a few years ago, and it absolutely blew my mind.
It’s got the bright blue and shining white buildings that are iconic of Greece, as well as the crystal clear beaches – some of which look like they’ve been plucked straight from another planet.
There’s charm in every corner of the cobbled streets, as well as delicious food and laid-back beachfront bars.
This paradise is Paros, a pear-shaped island in the middle of the Aegean Sea. It’s the perfect spot to base yourself if you fancy a bit of island hopping, with its even quieter sister island, Antiparos, just minutes away by boat.
When you step off the boat at the main Paros port in Parikia, you are greeted by gorgeous beaches and a market square lined with tavernas and bars.
Bougainvillaea grows across the narrow streets, and there are plenty of boutique shops to explore, too.
Sleepy cats wander to and fro across the alleys, and if you fancy taking a day trip, you can hire a car, scooter or even a buggy to travel across the island to the other village of Naoussa.
Here, the town buzzes with life, and you can eat some of the tastiest seafood, freshly caught. It’s also home to one of the island’s most stunning beaches.
Kolymbithres looks alien due to its large, clay rock formations that line the bright blue, calm ocean.
If you fancy it, you can hire a sunbed – but the rock formations make a perfectly good bed in of themselves.
Some sections are small enough for one or two, while other, larger recesses can fit dozens. It’s a fabulous place to spend the day, dipping in and out of the water and sunning yourself on the white-washed cliffs that surround it.
Behind the bay, there are a few bars and taverns where you can buy drinks and snacks, then carry them back over to the beach. Make sure to take all your rubbish with you to avoid spoiling this beautiful bay.
Another former bombshell has apologized for past use of a racist slur that got her ousted from the villa.
Fired “Love Island USA” contestant Alannah Keyser posted a video to TikTok on Saturday addressing a past video that showed her using the N-word as she sang along to the Roddy Ricch song “The Box.” On Friday, Peacock confirmed to The Times that Keyser had been dismissed from the hit reality dating show after the resurfaced video began circulating online.
“I do want to begin by addressing the video of me singing along to a Roddy Ricch song that contains a racial slur,” Keyser says in her video. “I’m sorry to whoever has seen that video and has been offended by it; that was never my intention. The video is from six years ago, and that word is just not in my vocabulary anymore.”
A USC film student from Miami, Keyser also addressed some of the other social media chatter about her that had been making the rounds prior to her dismissal. Included were accusations of racism due to screenshots of her alleged use of the racist slur on Snapchat and Instagram as well as observations that alleged she had interacted less with Black men on the show.
She said those screenshots had been “falsified.”
“What has been shared does not reflect the truth, and it’s never been in my character to discriminate against anybody’s skin color,” Keyser said. “I do want to say directly that I do not support racism or discrimination of any kind, and I never have.
“When I first found out that these things were going around online, it really broke my heart, and I couldn’t do anything about it. But this has definitely been a learning lesson for me, and it sucks that I didn’t get a chance to really show my personality and who I am,” she added.
In the caption of her TikTok video, Keyser wrote that “reality tv is HEAVILY edited & [her] chats/kisses with the other boys were unfortunately not aired.”
Keyser was the second “Love Island USA” contestant who was dismissed from the show this season after video of them using the N-word surfaced on social media. Earlier this month, Peacock axed Oregon-based beauty technician Vasana Montgomery just days after it announced its slate of Islanders for the show’s eighth season. She has since apologized, saying, “There is no excuse” for her use of the slur.
Last year, contestants Cierra Ortega and Yulissa Escobar were dismissed from the show for their use of racist slurs. Ortega had been caught repeatedly using a derogatory slur for Chinese people (and Asian people in general) on social media, while Escobar had used the N-word in a couple of podcasts. Both have since apologized.
June 30 (UPI) — The Trump administration has filed lawsuits challenging Massachusetts and Rhode Island laws that offer in-state tuition benefits to certain undocumented immigrants, alleging they unlawfully discriminate against U.S. citizens.
The lawsuits announced Monday are the latest the Justice Department has filed against state laws that offer in-state rates, financial aid or scholarships to certain undocumented immigrants who meet state residency or education requirements, which generally consist of living in the state for a number of years and attending high school there.
Justice Department lawyers allege these laws are illegal because they offer noncitizens benefits denied to U.S. citizens from other states.
“The Department of Justice is committed to fulfilling President Trump’s promise that illegal aliens will not receive taxpayer benefits or preferential treatment over America’s own citizens,” Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said in a statement.
“As our nation marks 250 years of freedom, we will continue to challenge state laws that place aliens over citizens in clear defiance of Congress’ commands.”
Massachusetts has extended eligibility for in-state tuition benefits, financial aid and scholarships at Massachusetts state schools to qualifying undocumented immigrants since 2023, while Rhode Island has allowed qualifying undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition costs going back to 2011. Rhode Island then codified this law in 2021.
The lawsuits filed Monday ask the courts to enjoin enforcement of these laws, saying they violate a federal statute, enacted in 1996, that specifically bans offering in-state tuition to any noncitizen “unless a citizen or national of the United States is eligible for such a benefit … without regard to whether the citizen or national is such a resident.”
Proponents of these laws, sometimes referred to as Dream Act laws, argue that without offering in-state tuition rates, post-secondary education will be kept out of reach for undocumented immigrants living in the United States, while such laws can reduce high school dropout rates as well as raise student incomes and tax contributions, among other economic benefits.
The Trump administration has been targeting these laws as part of President Donald Trump‘s aggressive immigration policy that has seen mass roundups and deportations of noncitizens.
In April 2025, Trump signed an executive order directing the attorney general to identify and stop the enforcement of state laws and policies “favoring aliens over any groups of American citizens,” specifically highlighting laws that “provide in-state higher education tuition to aliens but not to out-of-state American citizens.”
Since then, federal prosecutors have challenged laws in 12 states. Four lawsuits, against Texas, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Nebraska, have resulted in orders permanently enjoining the states’ in-state tuition laws, while Kansas last week joined the Justice Department in seeking a proposed consent decree that must be approved by the court.
The remaining challenges are pending against Illinois, Minnesota, Virginia, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, all Democratic-led states.
According to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal, about 20 states and Washington, D.C., provide in-state tuition to undocumented students, while 18 and the nation’s capital also provide state financial aid.
