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I SKULK swiftly through the labyrinth of shrubs. The grass is so tall it strokes my shoulders with each stride.

Fresh dung and paw prints in the sandy pastures point to South Africa’s most famous mammals lurking nearby — but they stay hidden.

Suddenly, among the chorus of bird call, a rustle and a huff from the nearby shrubs sends adrenaline surging through me.

My feet spring into action before my brain, as I pelt in the opposite direction, following the urgent calls of my rifle-carrying guide.

We had found ourselves mere metres from two wild buffalo, part of the elusive Big Five and one of Kruger National Park’s deadliest animals.

In the east of South Africa and arguably the most famous park for safari in the world, Kruger is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

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It’s not been much of a start to its birthday, though.

Severe floods ripped through the plains in the early days of this year, wreaking havoc.

But nature is resilient and the wildlife here always bounces back fast.

That’s in part thanks to the committed rangers, who are continually working on the park’s infrastructure and a fierce anti-poaching programme.

And their work meant my chances of spotting wildlife hadn’t been diminished.

In fact, within 24 hours of checking into Rhino Walking Safaris’ Plains camp, I ticked off the Big Five — lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino and elephants — almost twice over.

Full credit goes to the guides accompanying me, James and Orance, who know precisely how to spot clues, including claw marks on trees, with their hawk-like eyes.

Earlier that day, we had pulled to a halt for a lion sleeping in the road.

He was within touching distance.

Not that you’d risk extending an arm beyond the truck.

You have a greater chance of a lion fleeing than attacking, though.

Guide James tells me the Kruger lions are used to seeing trucks of humans.

They’re still very much wild, but they generally feel safe in our presence, which makes for spectacular observing — that’s if you manage to spot one (more tips on that).

Next it was hippos braving dry land after the blistering heat had subsided, an agile leopard creeping through the long grass, then elephants shaking the last of the green fruit from the branches of a Marula tree.

Smiling broadly, I returned to my luxury safari tent, which featured wooden twin beds, a private bathroom with a shower head that dangles from a tree branch and a large decking area from which you can lazily watch wildlife, beyond the small electric fence.

Rhino Walking Safaris owns a 12,000 hectare private concession within Kruger and its Plains camp is near a popular watering hole, so the chances of spotting creatures even during downtime is high.

Buffalos, a wildebeest named Steve, baboons, and even a duo of young rhinos called by.

With only four tents and no wifi, strangers become friends and you’re wholly immersed in the experience.

The real highlight for me, however, was the morning walks.

A 4.45am alarm may sting, but observing the misty pink sunrise from beyond a buffalo’s resting place makes it all worthwhile.

There’s something magical about safaris on foot, treading the same path as the animal you’re tracking, away from all things man-made and with the exhilaration of imminent danger.

Guides carry rifles, although they’re so knowledgeable about the creatures around us, they’ve never had to fire them.

Morning walks come with snacks and coffee, followed by a brunch feast at camp, a few hours of downtime and high tea.

Then it’s the afternoon game drive with sundowners (in my case a healthy pouring of gin), an 8.30pm three-course dinner back at camp and 10pm stargazing — or bedtime for those whose eyes are too weary.

Exhaustion is combatted by sheer adrenaline, but there are also plenty of less rural camps offering more laid-back itineraries where lazy mornings can be enhanced by spa treatments or dips in the pool.

Mdluli Safari Lodge, on the western periphery of Kruger, has a spectacular infinity pool overlooking a watering hole.

The very large safari tents, of which there are 50, are raised on stilts and come with greater levels of creature comforts such as aircon, plugs in rooms, internet access and a swinging egg chair on the decking.

Choice of game drives is plentiful. You can head out at pretty much any time of day, on short sunset safaris or day-long drives.

We even managed to squeeze in a final early sunrise ride before our transfer to the airport, admiring a mob of dwarf mongoose rustling at the edge of the road.

Before heading home or ahead of your safari, a day in Johannesburg is worthwhile.

Holidaymakers travelling from the UK will fly into this city and it’s a poignant area for delving into South Africa’s troubled past.

June 2026 marks 50 years since the brutal killing of Hector Pieterson, a 12-year-old schoolboy, who was shot by police during the Soweto student uprising.

You can learn all about this tale, and the apartheid regime, on a tuktuk tour with Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers (£35pp, sowetobackpackers.com).

We rolled through modern-day communities and old hostels, before passing Nelson Mandela’s former home, now a museum.

It’s a humbling experience.

Top it with a ride through untrodden pastures with the Big Five for an adventure of a lifetime.

Watching a David Attenborough documentary back in the UK, I feel a little smug.

A TV screen can’t quite capture that magic.

TEN TIPS FOR BUSH HOLS 

1. BRING LOTS OF CLOTHES: You’ll sweat a lot and clothes get grubby on both walks and game drives because of the dust. I often changed outfits twice a day. 

2. EARTHY COLOURS: When you’re in the truck, it really doesn’t matter what you wear – although bring a fleece or jacket, even in summer, as it gets chilly. On walks you should wear neutral, earthy tones like beige, green or brown – no whites or brights. And don’t worry about buying chic or stylish garments for walks; comfort is key. 

3. WAKE UP FOR THE EARLY SAFARIS: Even if you’re knackered and desperate to stay in bed, those early-morning  game drives or walks are some of the most spectacular. This is when a lot of animals come out and some of the sunrises were even more impressive than the sunsets. 

4. IGNORE THE WEATHER FORECAST: The Met Office and BBC Weather forecast rain for every day I was in Kruger. Yet it didn’t rain once. It’s best to come prepared for all eventualities – rain jacket, shorts, trousers and  binoculars. 

5. CASH FOR TIPS: Bring more than you think you’ll need. If you run out of money, it’ll be a struggle to get more and gratuities, although not always expected, are very common. We tipped our guides 200-250 rand per day. You’ll likely want to tip other staff too, such as  cooks, cleaners and waiters.  

6. BRING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT: Worldwide adaptors rarely work in South Africa – the sockets aren’t common. So order one online before you go and make sure to pack a battery pack if you  plan to  use your phone to take pictures and videos.  

7. DON’T SELF-DRIVE: Self-drives are popular in Kruger and do give you a greater level of independence, but if you’re going for the first time, you’ll see heaps more with the help of a guide. These guides are experts and are connected with all the other guides in the area so will be first to hear of a sighting. They live on site so know exactly where certain herds rest. 

8. BRING EARPLUGS: Remember, you’re in the wild, so if you’re a light sleeper, ear plugs are a must. I thought it would be sleep-inducing listening to the hum of animals at night. They were much louder than expected and I was woken up several times by a relentless owl. 

9. DON’T JUST CHASE THE BIG FIVE: Everyone likes to say they’ve seen them, but some of my most magical experiences were with creatures I’d never heard of. Even the trees and flora we spotted were fascinating, as were the birds. 

10. CHOOSE YOUR STAY WISELY: Camps have their own guides – and each guide or ranger varies in skill and expertise. Do your research and try to book a camp where two guides accompany you on safari as opposed to one – double the people means double your chances of spotting wildlife. We’d met people who were yet to spot a single one of the Big Five in a week, but we’d seen them all in a day and that’s thanks to our guides. 

A FLIGHT attendant has opened up on secrets of the trade and revealed how you can earn brownie points in the air to score freebies.

The flight attendant, who has been serving major airlines for two decades, said it is easier than you think to win the favor of those working on planes.

Sandra White has lifted the lid on her veteran experience serving the skies.

“You draw more bees with honey,” she said, meaning rude or impatient flyers will likely not get anything for free – especially not any “off-menu” items.

She shared several tips with Shermans Travel, ranging from how to get a free drink, how to score a better seat, and how not to be the most annoying person on the plane.

“Scoring a free beer on a flight is not all that hard,” she admitted.

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According to White, there are a few reasons why she’ll give a customer a free drink, but it all comes down to one thing: being nice – really nice.

If a plane is having mechanical problems and passengers have been sitting on the tarmac for hours – without being rude – she’ll likely comp them a drink.

“I’m sure they need it,” she said.

She noted that if a flyer happens to only have cash on them, while most airlines only accept cards, she’ll just hand you the drink.

“Basically, kindness goes a long way,” she said.

And as far as a better seat goes, politely asking if there is any availability could help you to win big.

White shared that she’s more than happy to make sure a guest is as comfortable as possible.

When it comes to seats on the plane, that typically comes down to the gate agent’s discretion – but occasionally, flight attendants will send you up to first class if there’s space, and if they ask nicely.

It is not a guarantee, but it never hurts to be friendly to the person serving you peanuts.

The worst passengers, however, are those that come onto the plane having had too much fun while in the airport.

That is, flyers who are already drunk on the flight.

“Annoying drunks” are the bane of a flight attendant’s existence, according to White, thinking their funnier than they are and ordering more drinks before beverage service has even started.

White said these flyers should not even bother getting on the plane.

“I’ve only had to cut off two people – you really don’t want to make a drunk angry at 36,000 feet,” she said.

“They might defecate on the beverage cart. Yes, this really happened to a co-worker.”

With a two-mile long beach, a charming high street and great food, it’s the perfect spot for a day trip

A coastal suburb located just 15 minutes from a major UK capital city deserves a spot on your spring getaway list right now. Although it’s not quite warm and sunny yet, a seaside trip is an excellent way to clear your head, and nothing quite compares to those stunning views across the water.

I visited Portobello near Edinburgh late last year, and I’m amazed I hadn’t made the journey earlier. With a high street packed with independent retailers, fantastic cuisine, and excellent transport connections, it’s truly an ideal destination if you’re looking to venture slightly off the tourist trail.

The bus journey from the city centre took just 15 minutes, dropping us directly in the town’s centre, and it was instantly apparent that this location was something special.

Unsurprisingly, our first port of call was heading straight to the waterfront for a leisurely stroll along the coast. The conditions were gloriously sunny and clear, albeit cold, but it was quite invigorating following the hour-long train journey from Glasgow.

Portobello’s shoreline stretches for two miles, boasting a Victorian-era promenade and panoramic views across the Firth of Forth. Given it was a bright Sunday morning, the area was reasonably busy, with numerous families out strolling and dogs bounding across the sand.

The first thing that struck me about the beach was its cleanliness. It’s evident that the locals of Portobello, or ‘Porty’ as it’s fondly referred to, take immense pride in their environment.

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I regret not visiting during the summer months, as I can see this being a fantastic spot for sunbathing and perhaps even taking a dip in the sea. But it’s not long now until it’ll hopefully be warm enough to do just that.

In 2024, Portobello was named the second-best coastal town in the UK by JoJo Maman Bebe, and its beach has also been honoured with a Keep Scotland Beautiful award, proving its allure.

After a leisurely stroll along the beach and working up an appetite, we decided it was time to grab a bite to eat. The seafront at Portobello beach is lined with a huge array of dining options, from enormous pizza slices at Civerino’s to brunch and coffee at The Beach House.

Many of these places offer outdoor seating, allowing you to dine practically on the beach, and it was lovely to see so many people doing just that.

We chose to visit Shrimp Wreck, a seafood joint boasting a small yet appetising menu. This street food stall was featured on BBC’s My Million Pound Menu and is renowned for its fish finger sandwiches – even securing a finalist position in the Birds Eye Fish Finger Sandwich Awards in 2017.

Naturally, this is what I opted for, and I can see why it’s so popular. Battered flaky fish fillets, mushy peas and the best chips I’ve ever had, all served in a soft roll, was perhaps the messiest meal I could have chosen, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Next, it was time to properly explore the high street where the bus had left us. It’s situated just behind the promenade, and whilst it wasn’t as bustling as the beach itself, there were still plenty of people milling about – and importantly, a good number of shops open for business.

One of the standout spots for me was The Portobello Bookshop, a delightful independent bookshop brimming with novels, cookbooks and much more. The space was light, cosy and inviting, the sort of place where you could easily spend hours browsing without getting bored.

They also host events, such as Q+A’s with authors, so it’s worth checking out their schedule if you’re planning a visit.

Cove is another must-see if you’re a fan of gift shops. This one was packed with every trinket imaginable, from Jellycat toys to candles and shampoo bars, not to mention lovely cards and tempting chocolate bars too.

Portobello’s high street might not be the largest, but it’s certainly one of the most charming I’ve seen. There are additional food and drink options here, as well as pubs and even an Aldi, so you’re unlikely to run out of options anytime soon.

One spot we didn’t manage to visit, which I’m eager to return for, is the swim centre. Here in Portobello, you’ll discover a genuine Victorian Turkish bath, one of only 11 in the UK, as well as a gym and fitness studio, so this is certainly on the list for our next trip.

If you’ve never been to Portobello, it truly is the ideal location for a weekend getaway – even in chillier weather. Its proximity to the lively city of Edinburgh makes it perfect if you’re looking to escape the city rush and spend some time dining, drinking and unwinding by the water.

WE were all set for a summer beach holiday until a massive passport mishap saw my poor son turned away at the airport check-in desk.

So to make it up to him, I took him to Disneyland Paris — but in the depths of winter, would it be a hit?

As the mercury plunged across Europe, Rufus and I set out to enjoy a “tropical” break at Europe’s most famous theme park.

Tropical? Well, Disneyland Paris has 300,000 plants which create microclimates and as we wander in, the Arctic chill noticeably lessens. It is actually HOTTER in Disney than outside.

But how do the prices compare to sand, sea and sunshine?

January, February and March are certainly the best time to go for value.

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In March this year, stays in a Disney hotel cost from £132pp per night including park tickets, which is a darn sight cheaper than the Christmas and summer peak times.

And the post-Christmas drop in park attendance also means shorter queues — great when you’re with youngsters.

The tropical holiday style of much of Adventureland extends beyond the themed music and decor.

Home to the Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Peril roller coaster, it is a medley of the Africa of The Lion King, the Caribbean of Pirates Of The Caribbean and the Agrabah of Aladdin. All are brought to life with tropical bamboo, ferns and palm trees.

Not that I’ve got much time to appreciate the foliage, as Rufus drags me from one big ticket roller coaster to the next.

After tackling the multiple loop-the-loops of Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain and Avengers-themed Flight Force plus the pitch-black twists and turns of Crush’s Coaster, I decide we need a break. Despite Rufus’s insistence that the Mickey the Magician show is going to “babyish”, he loves it.

The 20-minute song medley is like a mini West End show, bringing the classic film hits to life, with can-can girls in gold frilly knickers playing the tableware in Beauty And The Beast and dancers weaving through the crowds operating giant puppets of giraffes, zebras and tropical birds to the Lion King soundtrack.

Thoroughly thawed out, we tackle the Tower Of Terror — even scarier in the fading light.

As we rattle around on my favourite ride, Thunder Mountain’s runaway mine train, we soak up great views of faux-gothic Phantom Manor and the beautifully lit steamer which pootles up and down the lake.

We scoff chocolate churros while watching the early evening Disney parade.

By the time it hits 6pm it’s time for a stiff drink — not to mention a sit down which doesn’t involve over-the-shoulder straps.

So we head to the Pirates Of The Caribbean restaurant, whose pina colada cocktails, humid air and splashes of the river ride moving past us add to the holiday vibes.

After this brief pit stop, we then make the most of the shorter evening queues, racing around everything from Spider-Man Web Adventure to the gentle joys of Peter Pan’s Flight over a minature London.

By 8pm we’ve done 22,000 steps and it starts to rain, but we dodge it by navigating the Victorian-style gas-lit arcades which connect different areas on Main Street USA.

Mercifully when it gets to 10pm, the rides shut. Sixteen roller coasters down, and I’m barely standing.

I’m not a big fireworks fan — too many years of my dad coming close to danger in the back garden — but the Disney display is incredible.

The clever drones and laser projections diminishing the firework fear factor.

When the show comes to a close, I’m glad we only have to stagger ten minutes back to our hotel in the park, the superhero-themed Hotel New York, The Art Of Marvel.

Not that Rufus’ energy or enthusiasm are at all dampened by either the weather or the marathon we’ve walked. As we fall into our beds, he’s already begging me to bring him back next year.

The summer’s passport disaster is a distant memory. Turns out we didn’t need a beach for a fab holiday.

Winter at Disney is the hottest ticket in town.

A leading travel journalist who visited 27 Greek islands has concluded which three are their favourite and which two they would not return to again with popular islands like Crete and Mykonos ignored

A travel writer who visited 27 Greek islands has concluded which of the islands she has visited are her favourites.

Hannah Logan, a full time travel writer, travelled the length and breadth of the islands to ascertain which they would return to and which they would avoid.

After much consideration, they identified three they’d try again and two they would skip. The three islands in question were Symi, Milos, and Skiathos.

Writing in Business Insider Hannah praised Symi because it felt “more lowkey” than other places such as Mykonos and Santorini. She described it as “the perfect place to relax”.

Meanwhile, Milos was highlighted for having “some of the most stunning beaches in Greece” with Sarakiniko Beach standing out. Hannah added: “Several tiny fishing villages also add a unique factor to this island. In some of them, traditional boathouses have been renovated into cozy, waterfront villas and hotels.”

The third island Hannah took a shine to was Skiathos which she described as “charming” with a “lively” nightlife element and some of the greatest food Hannah had experienced on her travels. Also noted was the open air screenings of Mamma Mia, as some parts of the iconic film were shot on the island.

Whilst Symi, Milos, and Skiathos were favoured by Hannah, she noted that Kos and Mykonos was not to her liking as much. She described Mykonos as “overhyped” and said she wouldn’t return to Kos because “it didn’t feel special” to her.

Hannah isn’t the only individual to comment on the beauty and majesty of some of Greece’s islands with Crete also attracting positive attention.

Recently, Elafonisi beach came second in Tripadvisor’s survey of the world’s best beaches with visitors entranced by its ‘pink sand’.

Although it was beaten by Mexico’s Isla Pasion beach, it was the highest placed in Europe in the table with users praising the area for its “natural beauty, crystal clear waters and unforgettable views”.

However, the beach’s prowess has come at a cost. Despite averaging 4.4/5 across 16,000 reviews holidaymakers have been advised to time their visit right to avoid the crowds with 8am to 11am the best window of time.

Even the official page on Tripadvisor warns visitors, it said: “The amount of pink on display varies with conditions and the season. Regardless, the crystal clear waters make this a popular summer vacation spot, attracting sunbathers and water sport enthusiasts alike.

“Visit in the morning to beat traffic and secure a chair and umbrella before the crowds arrive. Or come in the evening for a stunning sunset when most people have left.”

WHEN it comes to Spanish islands, trying to avoid the crowds can be near impossible.

But Menorca in the Balearics has far fewer tourists than some of it’s neighbours, and is a great alternative according to a TUI travel agent who has been in the biz for over 25 years.

Each year, Menorca welcomes around 1.5million tourists – a fraction of Ibiza that sees up to 4million visitors, or Majorca‘s 13million.

TUI Travel agent Claire Moye, who has worked in travel for 26 years, has booked over 1,000 trips to Menorca and has even dubbed it a great alternative to the lively Ibiza.

So why visit what Claire called ‘Ibiza’s chilled-out sister’?

In the summertime, Menorca can see highs of 30C, and thanks to the island’s smaller size, airport transfers are short.

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Not to mention it can be less expensive too. Claire revealed: “In peak summer, Menorca can work out cheaper than some of the more established hotspots. 

“A casual meal out for a family of four typically costs less in Menorca, with families often spending around €60 – €90 compared with €90 – €120 in busier hotspots. And a pint of beer can be a few euros less too.”

If that hasn’t sold you on a trip yet, check out Claire’s top beaches, restaurants and her favourite hidden gems…

Best beaches

“If you love those picture-perfect Ibiza beaches like Cala Comte or Cala d’Hort, then Cala Macarella is Menorca’s answer.

“It’s got those similar limestone cliffs and the most incredible turquoise water – honestly, it’s just as stunning but without lots of people fighting for a spot.

“The smaller sister cove, Macarelleta, is even more secluded and feels really special. I always tell couples to head there if they want that romantic, intimate vibe – although it is a nudist-friendly beach, so just be aware of that before you go.

“Cala Turqueta is another absolute stunner – the water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom, and there are pine trees for shade which is a godsend in the midday heat. 

“And if you want something a bit different, Cala Pregonda has this gorgeous reddish-golden sand that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a bit of a walk to get there, but that’s what makes it feel like a proper hidden gem.”

Bars and nightlife

Claire says if you’re after the party life of Ibiza with all its superclubs like the newly reopened UNVRS, then Menorca might not be for you.

But there is one very unique bar that is worth checking out – and it has plenty of room for dancing.

“Cova d’en Xoroi, is just magical. It’s a bar built into caves on the cliffsides, and watching the sunset there with a cocktail in hand is just so beautiful.

“They do have DJ nights too, so be prepared to bring out your Ibiza-style moves once the dance floor opens at 11pm.

“The port of Mahon also has a lovely string of bars along the waterfront where you can have drinks with beautiful harbour views. 

“It’s not about clubbing until dawn, but there’s definitely a buzz in the evenings and it has a lot in common with Ibiza old town – both are working natural harbours packed with history perfect for evening promenades. 

“I tell all of my customers to try a pomada while they’re there – it’s the local cocktail made with Menorcan gin and lemonade.

“The island actually produces its own gin called Xoriguer, and the gin and tonics there are massive.”

Restaurants

“For restaurants, Café Balear in Ciutadella port is legendary – it’s right on the harbour and the seafood is incredible. You’ll see locals queuing up alongside tourists, which is always a good sign.

“It actually started out as a tavern in the harbour back in the 70s, mainly for seafarers who would drop by in the early hours before they went to work. Nowadays I’d recommend booking ahead because it gets packed!

“Also in Ciutadella, for those who want Michelin standard fine dining like Ibiza’s famous La Gaia or Amante, you should book well ahead for Smoix; set inside a former shoe factory it’s called out as one of  the island’s best eateries.

“Or for Ibiza countryside-luxury vibes head for Cala en Porter and the Torralbenc Restaurant, set in a restored finca with vineyard and sea views, for organic farm to table food.”

Shopping

Make sure to take time away from the hotels and the beaches to explore the shops.

Claire said: “The markets in Menorca are brilliant. Mercat des Claustre in Mahón is a traditional covered market where you can get local cheeses, fresh fruits and sobrassada (which is a type of sausage that’s spreadable, a bit like pate). 

“Like Ibiza’s best markets, it’s less about shopping and more about soaking up everyday island life. It’s my personal favourite, and ideal for putting together a picnic or picking up gifts to take home.”

Hidden Gems

“One of my favourite hidden gems is Lithica Pedreres de s’Hostal – it’s an abandoned quarry that’s been transformed into gardens with a bit of a maze carved into the stone walls.

“It has the same slightly surreal, unexpected feel as some of Ibiza’s ‘alternative’ cultural spaces. It honestly looks a bit dystopian, but they often host concerts and events there.

“It’s the kind of place that surprises people because they don’t expect to find something so unique on a small island.”

For more on Spanish islands, here are the ‘best of the Balearics’ with Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot’s pick of unspoilt beaches and whitewashed fishing villages.

And here’s the Spanish destination that’s the ‘hottest’ place to travel with £15 flights and over 200 beaches.

Feb. 18 (UPI) — White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett on Wednesday said that employees at the New York Federal Reserve should face punishment for publishing “the worst paper I’ve ever seen in the history of the Federal Reserve System.

The research published Feb. 12 concluded that most of President Donald Trump‘s tariffs are being paid by U.S. businesses and consumers. The authors said 90% of the costs are being passed on, though it acknowledged that the effect had dropped slightly as the year went on.

In an appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Hassett, the director of the National Economic Council, called it an “embarrassment” and said of the four authors, “the people associated with this paper should presumably be disciplined.”

He argued that tariffs are responsible for a higher standard of living.

“Prices have gone down. Inflation is down over time,” Hassett said. “Import prices dropped a lot in the first half of the year and then leveled off, and [inflation-adjusted] wages were up $1,400 on average last year, which means that consumers were made better off by the tariffs. And consumers couldn’t have been made better off by the tariffs if this New York Fed analysis was correct.”

Harvard Business School, Yale’s Budget Lab, the Kiel Institute for the World Economy and the Congressional Budget Office have published similar findings, Politico reported.

“Our results imply that U.S. import prices for goods subject to the average tariff increased by 11% … more than those for goods not subject to tariffs,” the paper, written by Mary Amiti, Chris Flanagan, Sebastian Heise and David E. Weinstein, said. “U.S. firms and consumers continue to bear the bulk of the economic burden of the high tariffs imposed in 2025.”

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An exit is seemingly on the cards for Jack Hodgson in Silent Witness but how will this affect the show for good? Super fan Jasmine Allday gives her verdict

Call it a TV journalist’s intuition – but I can feel it coming. An exit is seemingly on the cards for Jack Hodgson – played by David Caves – on Silent Witness and every moment he’s on screen recently has drawn the same conclusion for me.

I’ve been watching Silent Witness for half of my life, when Dr Nikki Alexander (Emilia Fox) and Harry Cunningham (Tom Ward) were leading the charge at the Lyell Centre. It was always a ‘will they won’t they’ storyline with Nikki and Harry to the point that I’d be screaming at my TV and praying they finally realised.

So when Jack stepped foot in the Lyell Centre, FINALLY I was getting my wish. It was clear both Jack and Nikki matched each other in every way and it was a long road of flirty glances and close calls until they finally got together.

What makes this show so lovely – and different from similar ones – is the dynamic between the characters. Nikki and Harry initially, and the late Leo Dalton, and now between Nikki and Jack.

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Jack joined in series 15 and was a great addition to the cast, with everyone unsure how Harry could be replaced. Finally – in the 24th series – Jack and Nikki confessed their feelings for each other with a kiss. Not that we had to wait until the next series to find out what happened to them and if they were going to succumb to the relationship they both clearly wanted.

In series 27, we got a proposal between the pair – something fans from the start of the show will have wanted. Nikki finally happy and with someone who loved her, the world could rest.

However, a move to Birmingham following their wedding at the end of series 28 has seemingly caused quite a stir for the pair. It’s clear there’s trouble ahead as Jack finds himself preyed on by the people pulling the strings with AI deep fakes claiming he is racist.

With his job potentially in trouble – and spoilers revealing he faces a very uncertain fate – it looks like we could be seeing the end to the character of Jack Hodgson for good.

We’ve waited years for Nikki to find her happy ever after, let’s not kill him off and ruin their chance so soon after they got together. There’s a happiness and lightness in Nikki we haven’t seen in years and whilst the programme is very much about the job they do, it’s also about the people behind the job and their lives.

If Jack goes, don’t let Nikki’s sparkle go with it.

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