issues

The Israeli military has ordered residents of 20 Lebanese towns and villages to leave their homes immediately.

Israeli air raids across southern Lebanon have killed one person as attacks continue despite a United States-brokered “ceasefire”.

Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that the person was killed in an Israeli air raid in the municipality of Maarakeh, in the Tyre district of southern Lebanon.

Al Jazeera’s Heidi Pett, reporting from Beirut, said that over the course of Friday and into the evening, there were continued Israeli air attacks on towns and villages that are well north of what the Israelis call the “Yellow Line” – the part of southern Lebanon that they have been seeking to control and to occupy.

The attacks come after an announcement by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday that the United States and Iran have agreed on the wording of an agreement aimed at ending their war, and that mediators were working with both sides to finalise a deal.

Iranian media report the initial agreement would declare an end to the war “on all fronts, including Lebanon”.

This has led to fears that Israel’s actions in Lebanon could scupper a deal, since Israel is not a party to the negotiations between the US and Iran, and its leaders have said they do not plan to withdraw from Lebanon.

The attacks also come amid a supposed ceasefire, agreed between Israeli and Lebanese officials earlier this month, that would require a “complete cessation” of fire by Hezbollah, yet the fighting continues.

The next round of talks between the two countries is expected on June 22, with a view towards reaching a comprehensive agreement.

Israel issues forced displacement orders, demolishes homes

Israeli attacks at dawn have demolished homes and government buildings in southern Lebanon’s Bint Jbeil, the country’s NNA reports.

The Israeli military also ordered residents of 20 Lebanese towns and villages to leave their homes immediately and move “north of the Zahrani River”.

The forced displacement orders apply to Deir al-Zahrani, al-Namirieh, al-Sharquieh, al-Dewayr, Harouf, Habboush, Kfarjoz, Zibdine (Nabatieh), Nabatieh al-Tahta, Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Kfar Rouman, Al-Mahmoudieh, Sajed (Jezzine), Reihan, Aaramta, Kfarchouba, Mlki, Al-Lawiza (Jezzine), Jarjouh and Arab Salim.

On Saturday, the Israeli military said an air raid alert had been activated in the northern town of Metula due to the “infiltration of a hostile aircraft” from Lebanon, but did not name the armed group Hezbollah.

BBC expert Steve Fletcher was given the task of restoring a sentimental item on the latest episode of The Repair Shop.

Emotions were at an all-time high during The Repair Shop as BBC’s Steve Fletcher and Dominic Chinea welcomed Robin into the workshop.

The guest had a large globe with him, which he explained was a ‘world clock’ and was built by his great-grandfather.

He commented: “It’s based on a grandfather clock mechanism. The idea is that the clock makes the globe rotate once every 24 hours. Then, using the numbers on the ring around the equator, you can see what the time is anywhere in the world.”

The BBC stars were blown away as they both called it ‘amazing’ before Robin confessed that he’s never known it to work in his lifetime.

Curious, horologist Steve asked if his great-grandfather was a clock-maker, as the guest explained that he wasn’t, he had been a mechanical engineer, but made the item in his spare time in the 1930s after retirement.

He added: “There’s a little newspaper cutting in here, according to the newspaper it’s supposed to chime every half hour. It took him five years to perfect.”

Sadly, Robin shared that his great-grandfather died when he was one year old, but he has memories of the item in his grandad’s dining room.

When asked what he wanted them to do with the unusual clock, Robin stated the idea would be to get it working, which is something his own father had wanted to do but never was able to.

He added: “If he’d have seen it working, I think it would have really been special to him if I could get it working now, in his memory, but also, grandfather and great-grandfather before that. Just to keep the family legacy going, as it were.

In the end, after the item was worked on by both Steve and Jonathan Wright, it was time for Robin to return to see the final restoration.

When the globe was revealed, which the experts managed to get working once again, Robin was blown away. He commented: “Wow! Well, it looks gorgeous, it really does look gorgeous. I’m… I am stunned, I really am stunned. Thank you. That’s a lovely sound, isn’t it?”

When Steve turned the clock strike on, Robin laughed as he struggled to hold back his emotions. He added: “Wow, that is so sweet. Sorry. I’d have loved my dad to have seen it and heard it. He’d have been thrilled. It’s really, it is emotional.

“Extremely emotional, but it’s magical, fabulous. We shall treasure it until it’s time to hand it on to the next generation.”

Steve added: “It’s been a real great challenge, so thank you very much for bringing it in.

The Repair Shop is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

June 10 (UPI) — The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released its recommended maternal vaccine schedule Wednesday, breaking for the first time on advice from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The group advises four vaccines during pregnancy, including a COVID-19 shot; a flu shot; a tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine; and a vaccine that protects the fetus against respiratory syncytial virus, commonly called RSV.

“Changing national recommendations coupled with rampant vaccine misinformation are resulting in confusion for both patients and healthcare professionals,” Camille Clare, ACOG president, said in a statement.”It is incredibly important for the public to have access to reliable,evidence-based information on maternal immunizations from a trusted source.”

The schedule also includes additional vaccines for those with certain risk factors and for those postpartum and breastfeeding. Thirteen other medical societies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Nurse-Midwives, endorsed the list.

The CDC, under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, changed its recommended maternal vaccine schedule last year, removing the flu and COVID-19 shots, The Hill reported.

In changing the schedule in 2025, the CDC did not its usual process of using a panel of vaccine experts to review studies and make advice. The American Academy of Pediatrics and some U.S. states have also broken with the new CDC guidelines.

“Immunization is an essential part of preventative care forpeople who are pregnant, postpartum and lactating — and for their infants,” ACOG said in its recommendations. “OB-GYNs can reduce the frequency of vaccine-preventable diseases by being aware of current vaccine recommendations, counseling patients to receive appropriate vaccines and integrating vaccination into routine clinical practice.”

June 10 (UPI) — The U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued a travel advisory for American citizens who plan to attend soccer matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning of security risks, mobility restrictions and significant differences in risk levels among Mexican states.

The diplomatic mission urged travelers to review current advisories for each Mexican state before traveling and reminded them that Mexico includes states classified from Level 1 (“exercise normal precautions”) to Level 4 (“do not travel”).

“If you scored tickets for a FIFA World Cup 2026 match in Mexico, check the latest travel advisory level and risk information before you travel,” the embassy said in a message released this week.

Although the Mexican government has announced deployment of nearly 100,000 security personnel to protect the World Cup host cities of Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, international travel advisories remain in place because of cartel-related violence and organized crime, which vary by state.

The State Department maintains a Level 2 advisory for Mexico, recommending travelers “exercise increased caution” because of risks related to terrorism, crime and kidnapping.

However, the agency noted that specific areas of the country remain under Levels 3 and 4, the highest risk categories.

According to the advisory, violent crimes including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault and robbery occur in Mexico.

The U.S. government also said there is a risk of terrorist violence and reminded travelers that consular assistance may be limited in certain regions.

U.S. authorities recommended that citizens follow the same restrictions that apply to U.S. government personnel stationed in Mexico.

Those measures include avoiding intercity travel at night, using only regulated transportation services or ride-hailing applications such as Uber and Cabify, avoiding solo travel in remote areas and refraining from driving between border cities and the country’s interior except in specific circumstances.

The advisory also says that emergency services may be limited or unavailable in rural and remote areas.

In addition, it advises travelers to cooperate with highway checkpoints and roadblocks, warning that ignoring instructions or attempting to flee could result in violent situations.

The State Department recommended that travelers enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, obtain travel insurance and review security conditions in the states they plan to visit during the tournament.

Tomorrow marks the start of Emmy nominations voting, and we’re marking the occasion with with not one but two issues this week.which means twices as many series, and stories, to catch up with. So let’s get to it!

Cover stories

(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

It’s rare for an awards roundtable to spark a real debate, but the thoughtful group of actors to appear on our 2026 Emmy Drama Roundtable — Katherine LaNasa (The Pitt”), Billy Magnussen (“The Audacity”), Zahn McClarnon (“Dark Winds”), Tom Pelphrey (“Task”), Michelle Pfeiffer (“The Madison”) and Karolina Wydra (“Pluribus”) — captured my attention with their layered conversation about runaway production.

Considering the economic boon Hollywood has brought to popular shooting locales like Atlanta and New Mexico, the dire consequences for the L.A. film industry and the increasing threat from production zones overseas, the group didn’t agree on one diagnosis, much less solution, to the problem. But in their conversation, these top names in the industry all showed deep concern about what such changes mean for showbiz’s shrinking middle class. “Our crew doesn’t get to go — the people that we know that we need, that we work with, that we make these things with,” as Pelphrey acknowledged. “We get to go wherever the f— we want, actors, directors, but the crew doesn’t.”

(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

For the guests on our 2026 Emmy Limited Series/TV Movie Roundtable — which included Jamie Bell (“Half Man”), Linda Cardellini (“DTF St. Louis”), Camila Morrone (“Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen”), Michael Peña (“All Her Fault”), Andrew Rannells (“Miss You, Love You”) and Constance Zimmer (“Love Story”) — there’s no predicting which performances will resonate with viewers — or when.

The 2002 live-action adaptation of “Scooby-Doo,” in which Cardellini starred as Velma, has taken on cult status since its premiere, and enjoyed a revival of interest as a new Netflix version announced the cast. Rannells (“Girls”) and Zimmer (“Entourage”) have each seen their roles in epochal HBO comedies revisited by younger generations, who are often viewing the series through a very different lens. Peña, whose comedic flatulence on an “Eastbound & Down” blooper reel is now a viral meme, even wonders if he’ll be remembered for that over more serious fare like “Crash” and “World Trade Center.”

“Is that going to be your In Memoriam thing?” Rannells jokes.

At least Peña, laughing, takes it in stride: “Can you imagine?”

Digital cover: ‘The Boys’

(Bexx Francois / For The Times)

There’s plenty to chew on in contributor Max Gao’s digital cover story on Prime Video’s twisted superhero satire after the conclusion of five gloriously gory seasons, but my personal favorite feature may be the sidebar of memorable from key cast members. Chace Crawford’s on-set snacks of choice? Check. Jack Quaid’s surprising craftiness? Also check. Karen Fukuhara’s struggles with nausea? Ditto. If you are already missing “The Boys” and want to re-live it vicariously through some of its central figures, be sure to read the full piece, which already includes creator Eric Kripke and actors Laz Alonso and Erin Moriarty.

The mayor is in

(Ebru Yildiz/For The Times)

Speaking of double duty, Welsh actor Matthew Rhys showcases his range this season in two very different performances, last fall as a real estate scion suspected of killing his wife in Netflix’s “The Beast in Me” and right now as the put-upon mayor of a possibly cursed island town in Apple TV’s “Widow’s Bay.” One man is menacing, the other faintly absurd, but Rhys embraces the challenges of each role with aplomb — in particular, his physical comedy in the latter has gotten several big laughs out of me.

As contributor Emma Fraser reveals in her interview with Rhys, though, there is one stage direction capable of sending a chill up his spine: dance. “That still makes me shudder,” he says of a line-dancing scene in “The Americans” from 8 years ago. Let’s hope Widow’s Bay doesn’t have an underground swing dancing club.

More stories from this week’s issues

MoneySavingExpert has shared important safety advice for holidaymakers

MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has issued a travel warning to millions of people. Founded by journalist and broadcaster Martin Lewis, MSE regularly posts consumer advice for Brits. In the latest Money Tips Email, the experts offered advice for anyone booking holidays.

In the email, the team told readers: “Summer is coming, and if you’re booked to go away and haven’t got your insurance yet, you need to do it NOW, today, straight away!” As the experts pointed out, booking travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday offers the maximum protection, including cover if something happens that prevents you from travelling.

Before setting off, it’s also advised to get a Global Health Insurance Card if you’re travelling to Europe. In the alert, MSE revealed that over two million cards are expected to expire this year. As a result, millions could miss out on the benefits if they don’t renew ahead of upcoming holidays.

The UK Global Health Insurance Card enables holidaymakers to access healthcare without paying more than a local resident would while travelling in the European Economic Area.

The NHS explains: “The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.

“The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it.”

While people are advised they should also take out travel insurance, it could help you avoid paying the excess if you need medical treatment during your trip. MSE said: “Going to the EU? Ensure you’ve a valid (free) GHIC/EHIC – over 2m expire this year.

“The ‘Global Health Insurance Card’ (GHIC) and its predecessor, the EHIC, give access to state-run hospitals or GPs, mainly in European countries, for the same price as a local. So if they don’t pay, you don’t either. Over two million expire this year, check yours.”

A UK GHIC is free, and you can apply through the NHS website. The NHS advises avoiding unofficial websites, which may charge an application fee. People can apply for a new card up to nine months before their current card expires.

The NHS says: “You can apply for a UK GHIC if you’re a resident in the UK. You can also add your family members to your application when you apply.”

A Ryanair passenger claims she was recently told it was “unlikely’ she’d be able to board a plane for an unexpected purpose. Aisling Finlay was left taken aback and has since issued an alert

A Ryanair passenger was left concerned after she was reportedly told she’d be “unlikely to board a plane”, and it’s not the first time someone has claimed they were denied a seat with the airline. Aisling Finlay recently opened up about her alleged travel issue, as she wanted to alert others to the fact that it could happen.

Aisling recently shared her story on TikTok, where she claimed she didn’t know something like this was possible when travelling with Ryanair. The clip has since gone viral as people couldn’t believe how events unfolded in the unlikely air travel tale that left many taken by surprise.

It’s not the first story of its kind to be shared either. Previously, a four-year-old boy was said to have been told he couldn’t board a plane either.

In the clip, she said: “There’s a high chance we’re not getting on this flight. So, a reminder to everyone to check-in way in advance, as they’re overbooking the planes.

“So, we’re flying to Spain at 11am. So, I checked in last night at about like 10pm, and weren’t able to like reserve a seat or allocate a seat, so I was like ‘strange’.

“And then our boarding card came up saying ‘seat allocated at the gate’, and then we arrived there, and they’re basically like ‘we’ve overbooked the flight by nine seats’.

“We’re number five and six to get on the plane. So she was like ‘it is unlikely you’ll get on the flight’. Brilliant.”

The video has been viewed over 27,000 times since it was shared, and people were quick to comment too. Hundreds have since offered their thoughts on the matter.

One said: “In all my years travelling bumping has never happened to me, and I’ve never seen it happen. It must be a very new thing with Ryanair.”

Another added: “I had that once. Due to fly from Dublin to Bristol. They couldn’t get me on so they flew me to Birmingham and then paid for a taxi to Bristol, and a few weeks later I got £250 compensation. More than I paid for my whole trip.”

A third replied: “This is becoming so common. Happened two weeks ago. One member of our party didn’t get on, and was lucky to get a seat the next day. Check in as early as possible and book seats to make it safer.”

Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “Most airlines do this!” One more also noted: “Every airline does this.”

What you need to know

When Ryanair was approached for comment, it stated as a policy the airline does not overbook flights. The airline also claimed the passenger travelled on the flight from Dublin to Palma de Mallorca on June 3.

However, some more information is available on its website. It states: “Ryanair, as a policy, does not overbook its flights. However, in the unlikely event that a seat is not available for a passenger with a confirmed reservation, we will seek volunteers to surrender their seats in exchange for benefits that we and the volunteer may agree upon before involuntarily denying boarding to other passengers.

“If there are insufficient volunteers, and we deny you boarding involuntarily, you are entitled to the rights set out below.” These rights are outlined on the website.

Ryanair has highlighted some ‘commonly affected routes’

Ryanair has issued an ‘important’ alert to passengers with upcoming bookings ahead of a major change that came into force earlier this year.

Emails to Ryanair customers read: “From 10 April 2026, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is in place at all Schengen Area external borders. As a result, passport control may take longer for some passengers.” The messages add that passengers are affected if they hold a non-EU/non‑EEA /non‑Swiss passport and are flying into or out of the Schengen Area.

The correspondence continues: “Commonly affected routes include flights between the Schengen Area and countries such as: UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Türkiye, Egypt, Israel and others.” Holidaymakers and other travellers may need to scan their passport, provide fingerprints, and have a facial image taken at passport control.

Because of the more extensive checks, longer queues may form, particularly at busy airports. Queues may also form before security.

If you are affected, Ryanair suggests you arrive at the airport early to allow for queues, have all travel documents ready, and follow signs marked ‘EES / Passport Control’. EU, EEA and Swiss passport holders are not affected, and neither is anyone flying within the Schengen Area, for example from Spain to Italy, or from Germany to France.

Ryanair added: “If you are denied entry, this will be due to EU policy, not Ryanair’s rules. Find out more about how EES may affect your travel plans.”

June 3 (UPI) — People in the United States have pulled back from support of LGBTQ+ issues over the past few years, with 65% percent showing support for same-sex marriage now as opposed to 71% in 2022-2023, a Gallup poll released Wednesday shows.

The percentage of U.S. residents saying that gay or lesbian relations are “morally acceptable” also fell to 62%, the lowest that percentage has been since 2016.

This comes after a surge in acceptance in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Gallup said that between 1996 and 2022, the percentage of those in favor of legal same-sex marriage increased from 27% to 71%. However, that percentage has declined since.

The poll (Gallup’s annual Values and Beliefs survey) first asked about same-sex relationships and morality in 2001. Then, 40% percent said they were “morally acceptable.” That percentage grew to 71% by 2022, dropping to 64% in 2023.

The Gallup release noted that Republicans are largely responsible for the decline in acceptance. In 2021 and 2022, it said, 55% of Republicans expressed acceptance for same-sex marriage, but that has now dropped to 37%. Democrat views, however, are the same today as in 2022, with 87% in favor. Independents dropped from 73% to 67%.

There is a similar trend in opinion on the overall morality of same-sex relationships. In 2022, a high of 56% of Republicans said same-sex relationships were morally acceptable, but that percentage has now fallen 21 points to 35%. Democrats remain at 81% for that measure, while Independents have fallen eight points to 64%.

Gallup noted that Republican views on that measure are now where they were between 2005 and 2014.

The poll also asked about the perceived morality of changing one’s gender. The percentage of those in support has decreased from 46% over five years to 38 percent. Among Republicans, 22% expressed support in 2021, the first year the question was asked, compared to 5% today. Among Independents, the percentage decreased from 48% to 42%, and among Democrats, it decreased from 67% to 60%.

“The change has come as conservative leaders have pushed back against diversity, equity and inclusion programs that were intended to foster greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ people and other historically disadvantaged groups,” a Gallup release said.

The Trump administration has worked against protections for LGBTQ+ people in both terms, including ending civil rights settlements with college and school districts intending to prevent discrimination against transgender students.

Gallup surveyed 1,001 adults between May 1-17 with a 4% margin of error.

The travel expert says ‘thousands upon thousands’ of Brits have had their holidays ruined

Travel expert Simon Calder has issued a stark message to anyone who is going abroad in June, July and August. Many Brits are counting down to their summer holidays and the peak travel season.

However, Simon has urged everyone to do a vital check before travelling to avoid “wrecked holidays”. Simon explained that “thousands upon thousands” of people have already been caught out and missed their booked holidays.

He took part in a discussion on BBC Radio 2, where a holidaymaker explained that he had been turned away from his flight at the boarding gate.

James Luton was due to fly to Portugal last week for his 50th birthday but was denied boarding at the airport gate because his passport was issued more than 10 years ago, even though it was not expired.

Brits heading to the EU or Schengen areas cannot have passports older than 10 years when they arrive at their holiday destination. It must also be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to return home.

Simon appeared on the show to urge everyone with holidays booked to check their passports before it is too late. He said: “Unfortunately, he [James] is just one of thousands upon thousands of people who have fallen foul of this.

“As we speak, there will be people who have headed to the airport, and the same thing happened to them. It is just absolutely miserable.”

Simon urged: “You must remember, if you are going to the EU apart from Ireland, you cannot have a passport older than 10 years on the day you enter. It is the only part of the world that cares about when your passport is issued.

“Everywhere else only cares about the expiry date. Please, if you are going away in June, July and August please check that your passport is going to comply.

“Has it had its 10th birthday on the day you plan to go away, and has it got at least three months left on the date you plan to leave? That way, we can hopefully avoid too many more wrecked holidays.”

Before 2018, passports could remain valid for as long as 10 years and nine months.

This was because months remaining on old passports were rolled over to new passports, but the system was discontinued in 2018.

The problem mainly affects those holding burgundy passports, as anyone with a blue passport received it in 2020 or later.

It is still worth checking children’s blue passports, as they are typically only valid for five years.

Sunday Brunch hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer returned with a new guest panel

A Sunday Brunch guest issued an apology on Sunday’s show as they admitted “I sound terrible”.

Tim Lovejoy and his co-host Simon Rimmer once again welcomed several famous faces onto the show, including Boyzone, Michael Ball, Priya Kansara, Anna Dimitriadis, Celyn Jones and Freya Ridings.

As usual, they also served up a variety of delicious dishes for their guests to enjoy, alongside chef Paul Leonard. At the start of the show, Tim and Simon introduced this week’s guests as many viewers were excited about the line-up.

Previously taking to social media, one person said: “What a line up”, as another echoed: “Love Michael Ball so will watch this one.”

However, it wasn’t long before one guest issued an apology live on air after they made a “showing off” admission.

During the introduction today (Sunday, May 30), Welsh actor and director Celyn Jones was asked about his impressive moustache where he revealed it was “for a role I’m doing at the moment.”

He added: “I lost my voice yesterday.” When asked what he had been doing to lose his voice, he continued: “I’m just trying to win another BAFTA really.”

When asked more about how the new role is going, he said: “It’s a film called Oh Magnus”, with a new filmmaker, he then teased: “I play the worst teacher that ever lived.”

Hosts Tim and Simon later sat down with the Welsh actor, who has previously won a BAFTA, who teased his new role, as well as revealing all about upcoming period drama Madfabulous, which will be released in cinemas next week (June 5).

After sitting down for his interview, Celyn added: “I’m so sorry, I sound so terrible. I’m not in pain, I should’ve been more disciplined on set yesterday, I was showing off.” He then continued: “I was over acting.”

A brand new Instagram page was previously set up for the Oh Magnus film account, which shared an exciting post this week of a directing clapper. Captioning the post: “It begins…”, Celyn Jones and others were tagged as excitement starts to build.

One person wrote: “Can’t wait can’t wait can’t wait.” Another said: “Don’t know what you’re making but it’s bound to be good!”

A third added: “How exciting, so looking forward to the progress.”

Also on the Sunday Brunch show today was Freya Ridings who opened up about her new album release, which she admitted took three years to perfect, as well as Boyzone who opened up about their final farewell tour.

Sunday Brunch airs every Sunday at 10am on Channel 4

MUSIC star Frankie Valli has sadly cancelled his upcoming 2026 tour dates amid ongoing health issues. 

The Four Seasons frontman, 92, made the decision to end his highly anticipated farewell tour early, leaving fans devastated. 

The singer, who had been embarking on his tour The Last Encores, took to his Instagram to reveal that he would now be ‘focusing on health’ before performing again.

In a touching statement alongside a photo of him onstage, he penned: “I’m so sorry to disappoint the folks who have purchased tickets to my shows.

“But I have decided to take the rest of the year off from touring to focus on my health.”

He went on to reveal that he would hopefully will be back once his health returns. 

SWIFT IN AND OUT

How Taylor Swift secretly jetted 3,500 miles to film new video in Croydon

NED-FLIX

Netflix lands mega deal as Ed Sheeran and Madonna lined-up for huge documentaries

“I’m looking forward to getting healthy and seeing you all again soon. Thank you for all your good wishes,” he added.

The music legend was met with floods of comments from fans sending him well wishes. 

One user said: “Stay healthy! We will work around whatever schedule keeps you going! You are a treasure.”

Another added: “Thank you for all these years of fabulous music. It’s been wonderful. Sending prayers that we will once again see you in concert next year!”

“No need to apologize. You’ve given us some of the greatest songs ever written. Take care of yourself,” wrote a third.

With a fourth commenting: “We love you, Frankie! (heart emoji)”

Valli is known as one of the founding members of the 60’s group The Four Seasons. 

The group dominated the music industry and delivered classics such as Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night) and Sherry.

Valli’s rep Victoria Varela in a statement to Variety revealed the decision was made to keep fans out of ‘limbo’, as the star continues to regain his health.

She said: “Promoters want to prolong things and not give people their money back, but he needs to not keep rescheduling these shows. 

“He realized he needed to take a break and get his health in order, and that is the true issue – he wants to get better without prolonging, through the rescheduling process, the pain of people who’ve bought these tickets.” 

She also confirmed that throughout the next six months Valli will be spending time getting well and may well consider touring again in 2027.

The Hawkstone Farmers Choir was crowned the winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2026 after they sang an original song called This Is Home in the final on ITV last night

Amanda Holden has expressed her delight following the crowning of the 2026 Britain’s Got Talent winners, The Hawkstone Choir.

The 10 acts, which include Golden Buzzer winner and singer Matty Juniosa and PowerPoint comedian Ted Hill, performed again for the judges – Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI. The winner, Hawkstone Farmers Choir, won £250,000 alongside the Royal Variety spot, and was ultimately decided by a public vote.

For the final, The Hawkstone Farmers Choir sang an original song called This Is Home. The choir sang the emotional song whilst stood in front of a backdrop of the local countryside through the changing seasons. They dedicated the song to anyone who is struggling.

In a video shared to Simon Cowell’s Instagram, Simon and Jeremy Clarkson could be seen celebrating together moments after Hawkstone Farmers Choir’s win.

“Wow, wow, wow,” Simon started before panning the camera so that Jeremy could join in from over his shoulder. That was incredible,” Jeremy said. Simon remarked that he could see how nervous Jeremy got upon seeing the choir perform and whislt waiting to see in they would win. Jeremy continued: “They worked so hard, thank you for having us.”

Simon added: “They did deserve it.” He wrote in the caption: “Wow wow wow. I am genuinely thrilled. A very very very happy choir, and so they should be.”

Amanda Holden also took to social media to express her joy that her golden buzzer act won for a second year running. Captioning the post: “Omfg. I couldn’t be more delighted that the brilliant @thehawkstonefarmerschoir won the whole thing @bgt!! I haven’t stopped crying. They deserve every second of the elation and joy!!! So BLOODY PROUD!!”

One user commented: “Sooo super happy they won! Well done. I couldn’t hold back the tears. So glad they have a voice – what a special final,” another said: “So bloody proud of them all absolutely smashed it, massive congratulations guys such hard working worthy winners chuffed to bits for them.”

Follow our live blog for the latest updates by clicking here.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Brits to a number of destinations as a new Ebola outbreak has been declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for a number of countries after an Ebola outbreak earlier this month in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

On May 15, the country’s Ministry of Health confirmed an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo in the North-Eastern Ituri Province, while cases have also been confirmed in Uganda. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has since declared Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

As a result, a number of destinations to introduce stricter measures for travellers from health screenings for foreign nationals to quarantine for residents in certain cases.

For example, Kenya has introduced enhanced health screenings for passengers arriving from Uganda, Ethiopia, and DRC, while Tanzania has also introduced increase public health measures for incoming travellers.

Now the Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Uganda, Angola and the Central African Republic, with warnings around new health screenings and entry requirements for anyone travelling to those destinations.

In its Angola advice, it warns: “On 15 May the Democratic Republic of Congo Ministry of Health announced an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo in the North-Eastern Ituri Province. Read more about the Ebola outbreak on TravelHealth Pro and see information on Ebola and similar diseases. World Health Organisation (WHO) have declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Due to the outbreak, you may experience heightened health screening at international borders in the region. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.”

The Foreign Office has already been advising “against all travel to parts of Central African Republic” before the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda, but has updated its advice due to the country sharing a border with the DRC.

Virginia Messina, Group CEO of African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA), said: “Established protocols are in place within countries bordering the DRC and as a result tourism operations and business trips across the wider African continent continue normally. As of 27 May, no other cases have been detected outside of Uganda and DRC. The risk to travellers on standard itineraries outside affected areas remains very low, and it’s important to highlight that Ebola is not easily transmitted through casual contact.

“However, travel rules and screening measures may change quickly. The WHO (World Health Organisation) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) are scaling up efforts to contain the virus but continue to advise against blanket travel restrictions and neither the UK, nor any European country has introduced entry bans.”

MSC Cruises has announced its commitment this summer and offers for UK passengers

MSC Cruises has issued an update today, Thursday, May 28, with bosses announcing a commitment to UK passengers this summer. The cruise line offers various voyages spanning the globe and currently operates a fleet of 23 cruise ships, with plans for further expansion in the coming years.

On Thursday, MSC Cruises said it is inviting guests to experience the ‘best holiday ever’ over the coming months, with the “peace of mind” of no added fuel surcharge for summer 2026 and low deposits until the end of June. Antonio Paradiso, Vice President of International Sales at MSC Cruises, said: “MSC Cruises ‘Best Holiday Ever’ commitment reinforces our position as the leading choice for UK and Irish holidaymakers seeking an effortless, all-in-one travel experience.

“Backed by dedicated support every step of the way, guests can book with confidence and peace of mind in today’s changing travel environment and relax knowing that their holiday is taken care of. With our low deposit of just £50, no-fly cruises from Southampton, Fly and Cruise packages with the reassurance of no added fuel surcharge for 2026, and the option to change your cruise date or destination if required, we are making it easier than ever for guests to secure their next holiday.”

Guests can book a trip with MSC Cruises with a low deposit of £50 per person, extended until the end of June. This applies to all cruises (excluding World Cruise and MSC Yacht Club cabins).

Passengers have a wide variety of amenities on board. There is full-board dining across the main restaurants and buffets, evening shows, multiple swimming pools with aquaparks, fitness facilities and family entertainment programmes.

There are many cabin types to choose from, including comfortable and economic inside cabins and connecting cabins for larger groups, which combine inside and balcony cabins together. Ocean View cabins offer sunset views, or for that sea breeze, opt for a balcony cabin.

A spokesperson added: “An MSC Cruise offers so much in one transparent price and, despite recent increases in global fuel prices, the cruise line will not be introducing a fuel surcharge this summer, giving guests extra confidence there are no unexpected added costs. The price guests see at the time of booking is the price they will pay, part of the best holiday ever commitment, just peace of mind and a seamless holiday experience this summer.”

MSC Cruises offers a range of Fly and Cruise packages that combine flights, transfers, and a cruise into one holiday. Designed to ‘simplify the journey from start to finish’, the cruise line says these packages are built in partnership with some of the world’s most renowned airlines.

Flights align with cruise schedules, with transfers between the airport and the ship included. Guests can select their preferred cruise itinerary, choose the Fly and Cruise fare, and confirm flights during the booking process. Fly and Cruise holidays in 2026 depart from:

• Belfast to Palma and Tenerife
• Dublin to Barcelona, Rome, Venice and Tenerife
• Edinburgh to Rome, Naples and Tenerife
• Glasgow to Tenerife
• Newcastle to Tenerife
• Manchester to Rome and Tenerife
• Birmingham to Tenerife
• London Heathrow to Seattle and Barbados

MSC Cruises also offers a selection of no‑fly cruises from Southampton year-round. Some standout destinations include the Norwegian Fjords, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. And on selected dates, well-known TV stars and sports legends are on board, giving guests complimentary classes and talks:

• June 6, 2026 – Southampton to Iceland and the Norwegian Fjords (14 nights), with TV personality Anthea Turner onboard.
• August 8, 2026 – Southampton to the Canary Islands (12 nights), with Rugby Legends Ben Cohen, Neil Back and Ben Kayplus dance star Kristina Rhianoff onboard.
• October 19, 2026 – Southampton to the Netherlands, Belgium and France (5 nights), with Football Legend Gianfranco Zola on board.

It comes as hundreds of thousands of Brits leave the UK for a break

Jet2 has released an update regarding its half-term travel operations. This follows ongoing concerns about the potential impact of the US-Iran war and jet fuel supplies, though airlines including Jet2 and Ryanair have maintained there will be no immediate disruption.

In its statement released today (Wednesday, May 27), Jet2 revealed it had experienced its busiest weekend on record. It announced that it had seen an unprecedented number of passengers departing from airports across the UK for the May half-term break.

The most popular destinations during half-term included the Balearics, Canaries, Turkey, Mainland Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Croatia and Bulgaria, as travellers capitalised on the key holiday period.

Jet2 is preparing for a hectic summer season and has an extensive programme available, with a fleet of 139 aircraft transporting passengers on their getaways from 14 UK airports to locations across Europe, the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and North Africa.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: “This weekend saw us operate a record-breaking weekend, as customers took advantage of the bank holiday weekend and May half-term and took off to the sunshine. Given the number of customers who travelled with us over the weekend, it is very clear how much people want to get away and enjoy their well-deserved holidays. With our famous Red Team looking after customers, holidaymakers can look forward to creating memories and be assured of a wonderful holiday.

“Everything is geared up and ready for a busy summer and our message to holidaymakers is that summer is very much on. We have always been very clear about our plans to operate as normal this summer, and the busy weekend shows just how eager customers are to get away.”

This follows the firm reassuring passengers that ‘summer is on‘ despite mounting concerns over jet fuel availability. The optimistic stance comes after the airline and tour operator received encouraging updates from fuel suppliers, who have confirmed increased production and extra imports of jet fuel.

It follows a report published just last week which saw Jet2 top a UK resilience ranking as the best protected UK airline against elevated fuel costs.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary echoed similar views on jet fuel, stating he had ‘no issues over jet fuel supply right now through to the end of September‘. However, he cautioned that he was ‘very concerned about the price of oil’ due to the ongoing disruption at the Strait of Hormuz.

This could result in ‘airlines failing all over Europe’, he warned. Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers, announced on Monday that future profits would also likely take a hit.

Good Morning Britain paid tribute to Jules Fielder, an inspirational lung cancer campaigner who appeared on the ITV show to raise awareness

Good Morning Britain honoured a campaigner who had featured on the programme multiple times following her tragic passing this month. Jules Fielder, a lung cancer advocate who channelled her own diagnosis into raising public consciousness.

She was recognised for her tireless efforts surrounding the condition. And following her death, the programme delivered a heartfelt tribute.

Jules’ constituency MP, Helena Dollimore, appeared on the show to discuss preserving her work. The GMB Twitter/X account posted a moving message, saying: “Jules Fielder was an inspirational lung cancer campaigner who used her own experience of being diagnosed as a motivator to raise awareness around the symptoms of the disease.

READ MORE: Zoe Ball reveals daughter Nelly has moved in with dad Fatboy Slim saying ‘my house is so quiet’READ MORE: I’m A Celeb’s Gemma Collins poses in swimwear saying ‘confidence is not a dress size’

“Sadly, she passed away earlier this month. Jules appeared twice previously on Good Morning Britain, speaking about her advocacy work.”

During the broadcast, Dollimore stated: “The thing about Jules is she made whoever she spoke to sit up and listen, whether it was the audience here on Good Morning Britain, whether it was politicians, and I raised her case in parliament.

“She met the health secretary, the prime minister, and she also made companies like Boots sit up and listen. And she had this vision that actually companies like Boots had a big role to play in raising awareness of these symptoms.”

She went on: “She won that campaign by getting them to roll out on-shelf awareness labels in 200 stores. So now, when people go into the Boots in Hastings, they see these signs saying, have you had this ough for longer?

“But actually, if Jules were here, she would be saying, okay, what next? Where do we take this next? And is that your job now? And I feel very much that she lit the torch and it’s up to those of us still here to carry that torch forward. There is so much more that could be done.”

Heartfelt tributes flooded in, with one supporter writing: “What a pity she died.” Another shared their own painful experience, posting: “Lung Cancer: my friend was 46 and was diagnosed with lung, liver and bowel cancer. She never smoked or vaped. Started her treatment in August 2023. Passed away January 2023.”

Jules had recently been praised by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. In the letter he sent her on March 30, the PM said he was ‘moved’ by Jules’ campaigning.

She had stage 4 lung cancer, the most advanced stage, and was diagnosed with the disease in November 2021. She was aged just 37 and had found a lump in her neck.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

The ferry operator has urged passengers with trips booked to ‘plan ahead’ when travelling

P&O Ferries says passengers need to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling over the bank holiday weekend. The popular ferry operator issued the alert for customers, as families across the country head off on their half-term holidays.

The travel company operates routes between Dover and Calais, Hull and Rotterdam, and Larne and Cairnryan. P&O Ferries shared the message for passengers in a post on X. Taking to @POferriesupdate, the travel update included essential advice for anyone travelling today (May 24).

P&O Ferries said: “Ahoy half-term heroes and Bank Holiday adventurers! The port will be busier than usual, so pack your bags with a travel pillow and those extra snacks you’ve got in the cupboard.”

The post explained: “We expect the ports to be busy today so please plan ahead and use our top tips.” In the travel advice, P&O Ferries said passengers should:

• Check traffic and their route before setting off
• Bring refreshments and snacks
• Exercise pets before entering the port
• Bring entertainment for children
• Keep documents to hand and remove passports from cases

Families driving to the port should be aware that the bank holiday is set to be the busiest on the roads in two years, according to the RAC. Research suggests almost 19 million Brits are travelling over the long weekend, with 3.4 million journeys expected on Sunday and 3.1 million trips planned for Monday.

The RAC said: “Drivers looking to spend less time in the car should consider making their getaway outside of peak hours. According to transport analytics experts INRIX, the worst jams this weekend will be on the M1, M25, M5, M6.

“On Friday, the M25 anticlockwise will likely see the heaviest traffic from junction 10 to junction 6 around 4.45pm, as people clock off for the day. The same stretch of road could see a second spike on Saturday around lunchtime, with journey times more than twice as long than on a typical day.

“On the same day, queues of 45 minutes are expected at midday on the M5 southbound between the RAC tower near Bristol and junction 23 for Bridgwater.” As a result, there will be an extra one million Brits on the road compared to the same weekend last year.

RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin said: “With the weather looking like it may improve, millions are planning to make a getaway trip over the bank holiday weekend.

“And the fact our research shows it’s set to be the busiest late May bank holiday since 2024 shows that even though fuel prices remain uncomfortably high, it takes a lot to stop drivers taking to the roads to make the most of a long weekend.”

Shocking images caught the hours long queues bank holiday travellers faced in Dover and Folkestone on the hottest days of the year so far

Bank holiday travellers have been plunged into chaos as some drivers were forced to wait nearly five hours for ferries at Dover.

Brits looking to escape the UK for the long weekend and hot weather were dealt with a massive blow as thousands of cars were kept waiting in sweltering temperatures. Shocking images showed massive queues at the Port of Dover as people tried to catch ferries over to mainland Europe.

The port issued a warning to travellers and the new EU border checks were suspended to help ease the massive congestion on one of the hottest days of the year so far.

Motorists heading to the Eurotunnel for the LeShuttle railway reported delays of an hour or more to check-in in Folkestone.

READ MORE: UK weather live: Heatwave maps forecast 35C surge with 15 counties at 33C – listREAD MORE: Canary Islands issues heatwave weather alert and warns ‘don’t get too drunk’

Motorists, on Saturday morning, faced delays of up to two hours to reach the port then a wait of up to two and a half hours to complete immigration and processing before getting on their ferries.

The news entry/exit system (EES) involves people from third-party countries, like the UK, having their fingerprints registered and photograph taken to enter the Schengen Area.

The port, in a statement to holidaymakers amid the travel chaos, warned this bank holiday was the first major period it has faced with the new EES system in place.

It said: “We recognise that the border process is slower with the current EES system, and this May Half Term is the first peak period since its introduction.

“French border teams are doing their best within the parameters given and are working with the highest available resources. We are continuing to work hard with them and our other partners to reduce wait times and get you on your way as quickly as possible. It is extremely important to stick to main routes on your journey to the Port, as not doing so causes extra delays and access issues for our local community.”

‘Are you caught up in the Dover queues? Contact us at webnews@trinitymirror.com

In a desperate bid to ease congestion, the French authorities suspended extra EU border checks under the EES, the port announced. It also said anyone who has missed their ferry crossing because of queues can travel on the next available slot free of charge.

Holidaymakers also faced hours long waits at Dover on Friday, but the congestion has appeared to ease on Saturday afternoon. In an update around 1.15pm on Saturday, the port said the processing time for tourist traffic had dropped to 50 minutes.

Despite this, the port said there were “still queues in the check-in plaza for tourist traffic and approach lanes for all ferry operators”. More than 8,000 travellers are expected at the port on Saturday.

The travel nightmare comes on a long weekend where multiple temperature records could be broken – with parts of the UK possibly hotter than the Seychelles on Saturday. Records could be broken for the the hottest May day in the UK and England, currently 32.8C; the hottest May day in Wales, currently 30.6C ; as well as the UK and England’s hottest bank holiday, which sits for now at 33.3C, according to the Met Office.

Highs of 30C are likely to be seen in the south of England on Saturday after the UK saw the hottest day of the year so far when temperatures hit 28.4C in Heathrow, Cambridge and Cranwell in Lincolnshire on Friday afternoon. This would be hotter than the temperatures forecast for popular holiday spots like Split in Croatia and even Victoria in the Seychelles.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued amber heat health alerts on Friday morning for the East Midlands, West Midlands, the east of England, London and the South East. They will remain in place until 5pm on Wednesday and replace less severe yellow alerts which were previously issued.

The alerts mean there is likely to be “a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions” and increased demand on all health and social care services, according to the UKHSA website. Yellow alerts have been issued for the north-east and north-west of England, Yorkshire and Humber, and the South West.

May 21 (UPI) — Americans traveling back to the United States who have recently been in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan will be required to enter the country through Washington, D.C.

Citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been in any of the countries in the last 21 days will be required to fly to Washington Dulles International Airport for enhanced health screenings before continuing on to their final destination, the U.S. Department of State announced.

The announcement follows an Air France flight bound for the United States on Wednesday afternoon being redirected to Montreal Trudeau International Airport after a passenger on board was determined to be from the DRC.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday already had blocked non-U.S. passport holders from entering the United States if they had been to any of the three African nations in the last 21 days.

An American doctor, one of several exposed in the DRC, was also confirmed to be infected with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola on Tuesday and flown to Germany for treatment.

“The Dulles requirement applies to all passengers, including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, who were present in those countries,” the State Department said in a travel advisory.

“Please be prepared for flight changes or cancellations,” the department said.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a press conference that there have 51 confirmed cases of Ebola among the three countries, with nearly 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths.

Tedros said the scale of the epidemic is “much larger” in the DRC, and that there have been deaths reported among health care workers, which suggests health care-associated transmission.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that the doctor whose case was confirmed this week, with officials flying him to Germany because of their previous experience in handling Ebola cases.

Although contacts linked to the doctor also have been moved to Germany and Czechia for observation, there have been no additional cases in Americans, the CDC said.