SITTING in her ex-fiance’s car, Sydney Sweeney looked a far cry from her usual glamourous self as she screamed during a very heated row.
And now we can reveal that the secret meeting with Jonathan Davino sparked a huge row with her new boyfriend Scooter Braun, who was left feeling “furious” and “disrespected” – and the fallout could have grave consequences.
We reveal the truth behind Sydney Sweeney’s car showdown with ex-fiance Jonathan DavinoCredit: GettySydney was spotted arguing with former fiance Jonathan over the weekend in Santa MonicaCredit: BackGridIt forced her to hold crisis talks with her new man Scooter BraunCredit: Getty
The 28-year-old Hollywood star had been enjoying dinner with friends and her ex in Santa Monica over the weekend when things appeared to turn sour.
She was later seen in Jonathan’s car and, according to reports from TMZ, she could be heard screaming and telling him: “I don’t believe you. Please leave, leave me alone.”
The unlikely scene raised eyebrows, even more so when just days later Sydney headed out for dinner again – this time with Scooter, putting on a united front after the pair held crisis talks.
“He’s made it clear that he wants her 100%, that she needs to compromise on some things, and that seeing her ex like that crossed a line.”
Scooter Braun insider
An insider close to the couple told us how Scooter, 44, made it clear to the actress that she had ‘crossed a line’.
They explained: “Scooter got really mad. He doesn’t like that kind of behaviour at all, especially knowing the history between her and Jonathan.
“He knows they had a serious relationship, were together for a long time, and even got engaged. So, seeing her with him again — and getting caught on camera getting into his car — really set him off.”
Scooter’s upset is said to stem from just how much he loves the Euphoria star, who we previously revealed he is planning to move in with.
The insider continued: “He’s not controlling, but he wants her to know that he truly cares about her and that his feelings are real.
“He’s deeply in love and serious about building a future together. Scooter’s a man with strong values and morals — and for him, it’s not acceptable for his partner to be seen with other men, especially exes.
“He thought what she did with Jonathan was disrespectful and not cool, and he didn’t want to stay silent about it.
“He was hurt and wanted her to know. What he wants is full transparency between them — and for her to be the same way, but also to act like someone who’s in a committed relationship, not single anymore.
“He’s made it clear that he wants her 100%, that she needs to compromise on some things, and that seeing her ex like that crossed a line.”
Scooter is said to be aware that, given their age difference, he could be considered “old fashioned”.
Our insider says he “does a lot” for the star, stating he’s “present, supportive, and fully committed”.
‘Public humiliation’
Sydney was due to marry businessman Jonathan, 41, earlier this year but called off their engagement after mounting speculation over the state of their relationship.
The pair met in 2018 and got engaged in February 2022.
At the time, the actress spoke at length about their wedding and future before things came to an end.
Sydney had been planning to marry businessman Jonathan this yearCredit: GettyShe is understood to have left Jonathan to concentrate on her careerCredit: Getty
Our insider added: “It has to be a blow for Jonathan that she has moved on so publicly and seems really ready to settle down this time.
“He feels like he was a huge part of her career to start with, really building up her confidence but now she’s flying without him. It’s painful to see.”
At the time it was reported that they split so she could concentrate on her career.
“He thought what she did with Jonathan was disrespectful and not cool, and he didn’t want to stay silent about it.
Scooter Braun insider
She certainly did that – she’s currently promoting Christy – her new biopic about the female boxing trailblazer Christy Martin – and there’s already been some Oscar buzz round her role.
It hasn’t just been work and no play though… over the summer she was first linked to Scooter – the billionaire businessman and record executive who became public enemy number one for Swifties worldwide in 2019 after he bought pop megastar Taylor Swift’s master recordings.
They started dating back in August after being seen spending time together at Jeff Bezos’s wedding in Italy two months before.
In August they were seen together in public for the first time on a date after having dinner at Jon & Vinny’s restaurant in Los Angeles.
The romance has proved to be more than just a summer fling, and Scooter seems to have well and truly fallen for her charms, even after the public humiliation of her arguing with her ex.
Will her new romance survive?Credit: Getty
Get the look: Expert tips to swoon like Sweeney
Looking to create that doe-eyed look at home? Here, pro make-up artist Sarah-Jane Froom shares her exclusive top tips on how to achieve Sydney’s signature eyes…
TOP TIPS
Start with a good primer: This ensures the eye shadow stays in place all day and gives a smooth base for blending.
Define the crease: Use warm, neutral shades such as soft browns or terracotta to add depth to the crease. This helps enhance the natural shape of the eye without it feeling too heavy.
Smoky eyes: Sydney often favours a smoky eye, typically with dark eyeliner along the lash line. I recommend blending a dark brown or black shadow into the liner to soften it and create that sultry, lived-in look.
Lashes are essential: To get Sydney’s eye-popping lashes, I always recommend a volumising mascara. For a more dramatic effect, you can add some natural-looking false lashes that provide length and lift, but without being too over-the-top.
Highlight the inner corners: This little trick instantly brightens the eyes, making them look more awake and larger – perfect for achieving Sydney’s signature bright-eyed gaze.
REMEMBER those big rectangular pre-digital VHS tapes?
Well, Shooter Jennings, son of late country music great Waylon, has held on to a few of them.
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Waylon Jennings is remembered as a pioneer of the ‘Outlaw’ country sceneCredit: HandoutWaylon with The Dukes Of Hazzard stars Tom Wopat and John Schneider in 1984Credit: AlamyWaylon’s son Shooter Jennings
Now I’ll explain why they’re so precious to him.
They contain episodes of a TV show almost as popular as Dallas in the early Eighties — The Dukes Of Hazzard.
As the opening credits roll, you see “The General Lee”, a souped-up 1969 orange Dodge Charger, careering into view.
Inside are outlaw cousins Bo and Luke Duke, on the run from crooked officials, Boss Hogg and Sheriff Rosco P Coltrane.
You hear the rollicking theme tune, Good Ol’ Boys, being sung in commanding, if tongue-in-cheek fashion by — you might have guessed — Waylon Jennings.
He also serves as the show’s laidback narrator, The Balladeer, and one of his pearls of wisdom is about poster girl Daisy Duke, remembered for her skimpy denim shorts.
“She drives like [stock car racer] Richard Petty, shoots like Annie Oakley, and knows the words to all of Dolly Parton’s songs.”
But he doesn’t appear on screen until season seven when, after demands from fans, he is presented as an old friend of the Dukes in an episode titled Welcome, Waylon Jennings.
‘A massive cultural moment’
“Just last night, my wife and I were watching some episodes,” Shooter tells me via Zoom from America’s West Coast as we discuss a fabulous new project involving his father’s previously unreleased music.
“It made me think what a massive cultural moment the show was,” he continues. “Just how perfect my father’s voice was for it.
“I think he loved doing those shows and it wasn’t a lot of work for him. He’d be on the road and just stop by a studio and do the voiceovers.
“There’s real humility about them. He seems to be making fun of himself the whole time. It’s really funny to hear.”
Waylon is remembered as a pioneer of the “Outlaw” country scene, a singer who wrestled the Nashville music-making machine and won control over his recorded output.
Hellraiser, maverick and bearer of a rich baritone, he was an obvious choice to join fellow renegades Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson in Eighties supergroup The Highwaymen.
Born in Littlefield, Texas, in 1937, he was consumed by music at an early age and, in 1958, came under the wing of Buddy Holly, who arranged his first recording session.
Shooter says: “If my dad had got on the plane, the music world would be quite different. I often think what it must have been like for him to have survived that.
“Throughout his life, Buddy was huge to him and he used to talk about him all the time.
“A lot of his spirit and energy came from rock and roll, from Buddy, who gave him little lessons in songwriting.
“But he also loved country music, the beauty and sentiment of it, and his voice was just so vulnerable and awesome.”
From the mid-Sixties onwards, Waylon would become a fixture at the top of the country charts but his best work appeared after he gained creative control from RCA Records in 1973.
He delivered a string of fine unvarnished albums including Lonesome, On’ry And Mean, Honky Tonk Heroes, Dreaming My Dreams and Are You Ready For The Country.
In 1979, he and fourth wife Jessi Colter, a fellow “Outlaw” country singer, had their only child together, Waylon Albright “Shooter” Jennings.
The Albright comes from Richie Albright, Waylon Snr’s right- hand man and drummer in The Waylors.
And the main reason I’m talking to Shooter is because he has unearthed a goldmine of unreleased Waylon recordings, taped between 1973 and 1984.
This has resulted in the appearance of Songbird, the first of three albums culled from the material and lovingly restored by him with the help of surviving members of his dad’s band, along with younger musicians and backing singers.
‘Passion and soul alive today’
“It’s been surreal,” says Shooter, a singer in his own right and in-demand producer. “Everything has lined up for me to have this purpose.
“This project has given me an entirely new chapter in my relationship with my father and working on this music has brought a whole new understanding about how, when and why my dad made music.
“The hard work is there on the tapes and the passion and the soul within is as alive today as it was the day it was recorded.”
I guess the reason The Dukes Of Hazzard cropped up in our chat is because much of the Songbird album’s music was recorded around the same time as the show aired.
Then I just kept finding these hidden albums,” he says. “It didn’t feel like stuff that was not meant to be released and there were songs I never knew he’d attempted.
Shooter Jennings
Shooter became aware of Waylon’s buried treasure in 2008, “about six years after he died” aged 64 from complications of diabetes.
But the project only began in earnest last summer when he started sorting through hundreds of high-resolution multitrack transfers of his father’s personal studio recordings.
What Shooter discovered blew his mind.
Listening to his dad performing with his ace band became “a wild adventure”. When Shooter heard their cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours track Songbird, written by Christine McVie, he realised he was on to something “really exciting”.
“Then I just kept finding these hidden albums,” he says. “It didn’t feel like stuff that was not meant to be released and there were songs I never knew he’d attempted.”
Shooter says that much of the material was “professional cuts with a lot of attention to detail, much more than sketches”.
“My mom told me that my dad always said that every song he recorded should be good enough to be a single when it was done. He had a great work ethic.”
Hellraiser, maverick and bearer of a rich baritone, he was an obvious choice to join fellow renegades Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson in Eighties supergroup The HighwaymenCredit: RedfernsShooter Jennings discovered his late father Waylon’s haunting cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Songbird while restoring hundreds of lost studio tapes — inspiring a new album that brings the legend’s voice back to lifeCredit: Getty
Shooter settled on Songbird as the opening track and album title because he realised that Waylon “was a kind of songbird”.
“I wanted to hit home how good a song interpreter he was and how he could make a song his own,” he says. “And I wanted to bring him back with an emotional song, one that’s going to make you cry.
“Every time I play it for anyone, they tear up at the bit which goes, ‘And I feel that when I’m with you, it’s all right’.
“It’s such a beautiful take that people are shocked they haven’t heard it before.”
In order to take Songbird to even greater heights, Shooter enlisted contemporary country singers Ashley Monroe and Elizabeth Cook to provide backing vocals.
‘Obsessed with Hank Williams’
“They’re the funniest people, like a duo, and they’re hillbillies like me,” he says.
“Elizabeth and I have been really good friends for 15 years plus and she brought Ashley to my studio around the time I was going through this.
“And they were so moved by Songbird. I realised their airy, birdlike voices could elevate it to some fantasy realm.
“So I asked them to come back and do some background vocals and they really killed it.”
Also adding finishing flourishes to the album’s ten tracks are some surviving Waylors including guitarist Gordon Payne, bassist Jerry Bridges, keyboardist Barny Robertson, and backing vocalist Carter Robertson.
The second song The Cowboy (Small Texas Town) is credited to Johnny Rodriguez but Shooter suspects his father had a hand in writing it.
These telling lines back up that theory: “My long shaggy hair, and the clothes that I wear/Ain’t fit for no big fancy ball.”
The song fits with Waylon’s image of staying true to his humble origins — a quality Shooter sees in today’s stars such as Charley Crockett, Tyler Childers and Benjamin Tod.
He credits his father with blazing a trail for these independent spirits thanks to his battle with RCA Records. “My dad really opened it up. And even though Nashville got their grip back on it for a little while, they’ve been blown apart now.
“They’re just scrambling to find anyone who’s like one of these guys.”
I ask Shooter what Waylon used to tell him about growing up in Littlefield, Texas.
“He would tell me how poor they were, for sure, that they had dirt floors, that his mom would put him in places the rats wouldn’t get to.”
When Waylon became famous, the town would hold a Waylon Jennings Day and their favourite son “would go back there and do a show”.
Shooter adds: “I loved my dad’s family, his brothers and his mom. I got to know all of them and his brother James is still around and runs this little gas station there.”
Unbeknown to the residents of Littlefield in 2025, Shooter decided to put up billboards around town featuring lyrics to some of the Songbird songs.
He and Johnny [Cash] came from the exact same background. They both picked cotton. They both listened to Hank Williams on the radio and both journeyed to Mecca [Nashville] to make music.
Shooter Jennings
“I didn’t even tell them. But when we put out that song, The Cowboy, I really wanted to put the focus on Littlefield.”
We’ve heard about Buddy Holly but I’m keen to find out from Shooter who else was his father’s music hero. He instantly mentions country music’s first superstar — Hank Williams, who lived fast and died young.
“My father was obsessed with Hank Williams. He was similar in a way because of the vision he had for his songs.”
As for Waylon’s reputation as a hellraiser, Shooter has this to say: “It’s funny, he didn’t drink. People always get that wrong.
“He only did the uppers but we had an empty alcohol cabinet in our house because he just didn’t get any.”
And what does Waylon’s recently remarried widow Jessi Colter, Shooter’s mother, think of the Songbird project?
“She has helped us,” he replies. “I had to borrow money from her to do it because I didn’t want to get a label involved.
“She was also a great emotional support to me, even if she wasn’t emotionally tied up in the project.”
Hearing Waylon sing “didn’t make her sad but she loved it. She’d say something like, ‘They sound like they were having a good time that day.’ ”
Before we go our separate ways, Shooter opens up about Waylon’s famous friends, notably his Highwaymen buddies Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson, still touring and making records at 94.
Waylon and Cash shared an apartment in Nashville in the mid-Sixties and had a strong, if sometimes tempestuous bond.
“They loved each other,” says Shooter. “Just like anybody else, they would have little bicker fights and not talk for a couple of weeks here or there.
“But he had a great relationship with Johnny and June [Carter Cash].
“He and Johnny came from the exact same background. They both picked cotton. They both listened to Hank Williams on the radio and both journeyed to Mecca [Nashville] to make music.”
Shooter continues: “And I loved Cash. We used to go to his house when I was little. He was always very nice to me.”
Shooter in the studio with his father in 1995Credit: Beth Gwinn1995
He also remembers hanging out with Nelson’s daughters Amy and Paula. “We were all around the same age and together on the road during the Waylon and Willie tours.
“And then The Highwaymen happened and I was around Kristofferson’s kids because they lived in Tennessee.
Iron Maiden rocker Bruce Dickinson has revealed the surprising reason behind his decision to take up fencingCredit: GettyBruce has told how he used the sport to help him fend off sex-hungry groupiesThe rocker spent months training with Team GB and represented a semi-pro club – and was once an outside contender for the OlympicsCredit: Getty – Contributor
Run to the Hills singer Bruce — worth about £100million – was at one point ranked No7 in the UK and an outside contender for the Olympics.
He tried fencing as a teenager and then took it up as a hobby in 1983 to distract himself from the temptations of sex, booze and drugs after finding fame.
He spent months training with Team GB and represented a semi-pro club.
Asked why he picked up the blade, he told Classic Rock mag: “I was busy sh*****g everything that moved and none of it was healthy.
“I remember something that (The Who guitarist) Pete Townshend once said about groupies — ‘The moment you realise you can click your finger and manipulate people into having sex with you, that’s the moment you’re going down the slippery slope’.
“You can’t believe women are throwing themselves at you. You think, ‘Well this is nice’. And it is. It’s f*****g great. But there’s a dark side to this.
“Where do you stop? When does it become a prop, like alcohol or cocaine?
“So that’s when I started doing extracurricular activities like fencing.
“I was thinking, ‘I’ve got to do something to keep my brain clean’.”
Bruce, also a qualified pilot who flies Iron Maiden’s private 747 on tour, still takes part in fencing competitions for his age group.
The band has sold more than 130million albums since forming in London in 1975.
POSING in the exclusive £300-a-night Soho Farmhouse wearing a pair of £100 wellington boots, Elle Swift proudly showed off her latest brand – a collection of oversized tracksuits.
But what should have been a defining moment swiftly turned sour and sparked a huge backlash. It’s the latest scandal to engulf the 29-year-old star after she was accused of racism, her American dream collapsed, and both her and husband Connor’s dads’ prison stints came back to haunt them. Here, we take a look at the struggles Elle and Connor have faced along the way.
Elle Swift has launched a new clothing brand – but it hasn’t been plain sailingCredit: @elleswift / instagramElle and her husband Connor moved to America for a year – before relocating back to the UKCredit: @elleswift / instagram
Three years ago, popular TikTok influencer Elle was close to losing it all when a series of highly offensive racist tweets she had written as a teenager re-emerged online – she was dropped by her management, lost over 100k followers and was forced to publicly apologise.
Elle and Connor – who she married that same year in 2022 – made the decision to relocate to America for a fresh start, but after just 12 months the pair returned to the UK, with their future very much up in the air.
Eight months on, Elle was finally ready to reveal her rebrand. And last weekend, after much teasing, she finally unveiled Our Good Sunday, her new clothing line and latest bid to secure fame and fortune.
She was once very down to earth and while people get she wants to be aspirational, it is in fact just unaffordable.
Insider on her launch
But almost immediately, a notably slimmed-down Elle was hit with criticism, with an insider telling us: “The launch of Our Good Sunday wasn’t as good as they had been hoping at all.”
Fans questioned the extortionate price point and a rival social media couple teased their own very similar product.
While she has waxed lyrical about the high quality materials used to make the clothes, the price tag is nothing short of eyewatering.
A plain hoodie will set you back £66, the sweatshirt is £60, a t-shirt £40 and a tote back £45.
The aesthetic Elle is aiming for is clear – the luxury location she shot the collection in and the expensive clothing she’s used to accessorise it are a clear sign.
But the move has left her fans feeling angry and alienated – with one person commenting: “I was hoping the prices would be a bit more affordable, as a parent myself I can’t afford this luxury.”
Another added: “Most women/Mums won’t be able to afford this. Such a shame. I really think you should review the prices.”
The insider explained: “People are very confused about the whole launch and are struggling to understand why she would be charging so much for simple clothes. She was once very down to earth and while people get she wants to be aspirational, it is in fact just unaffordable and pricing out her core audience.”
Further questions were raised when she initially told her followers there was limited stock – but days later said they had ordered lots of stock to ensure fans would be able to get their hands on it. Her fans speculated that she had been hoping to sell out, so backtracked over how much stock she had.
A representive from Elle’s legal team told us: “We are informed by Elle Swift that she is proud to launch Good Sunday. The first limited edition collection is made in small batches from certified organic fabrics in Portugal, reflecting Good Sunday’s commitment to ethical production and sustainable practices. Each piece is designed to be special, and once sold out, it won’t be restocked.”
RIVAL CLOTHING LAUNCH
Negative comments appeared to have been deleted and a week on – plenty of stock is still available despite Elle and Connor relentlessly plugging the brand and hinting there will be more than just tracksuits.
And in a twist that the couple weren’t expecting – social media’s most famous couple, Alfie Deyes and Zoe Sugg used this weekend to tease their new brand, which rather unfortunately is called Dear Sunday.
Our insider said: “Zoe knows Elle well and actually stood by her when a lot of people didn’t. There is no way she knew that Elle was doing something so similar but it’s all very bad timing. At the end of the day Zoe and Alfie still have the ultimate pulling power.”
The couple are now parents to three children and have completely rebranded themselvesCredit: @elleswift / instagramElle is now selling jumpers for £66 – and fans aren’t too happy about itCredit: @elleswift / instagram
Those who have followed Elle for a while will know it’s not the first time she’s launched a clothing brand.
The social media star, who went by the name Elle Darby before she tied the knot, was initially known for posting vlogs about her trips to the gym, plus the usual make up tutorials and get ready with me videos.
She launched Angelle clothing in 2019 – it featured a range of tracksuits and tote bags and was affectionately named after her followers, who she refers to as angels. It was a huge hit.
I didn’t speak to my dad for an entire year when he was in prison because he was too emotional to speak on the phone to his kids.
Elle on her dad
But in 2022, she announced that the brand was taking a break and she wasn’t sure what its future would hold.
Elle married Connor earlier that year after the birth of their son Romeo.
They went on to have son Saint in 2023 and in December 2024 they welcomed daughter Honey Jane.
RACISIM SCANDAL
The break from Angelle came shortly after her horrifying racist comments, which she wrote when she was 15, circulated online. She has since apologised.
In March of last year the couple decided to start afresh in America and set up home in Houston. It ended up being an incredibly expensive relocation and after having her third child, Elle and Connor decided to move back home.
Our insider said: “The whole America move ended up being a bit of a disaster really and Elle really didn’t want to admit defeat.
“It cost them a lot to move out there but also life there was very pricey and at the end of the day they were homesick. It’s also a lot harder to be a stand out social media creator in a country with many established names.”
Since coming back to the UK, Elle has been inundated with comments about how ‘glowing’ she is and how happy she looks.
Fans also questioned how trim Ellie has been looking just months after giving birth, with one person commenting: “Girl we need a weight loss journey.”
Another added: “I can not get over your hair and your body transformation, mum goals and motivation.”
Elle has come a long way from when she first started posting on social mediaCredit: @elleswift / instagramThe star previously had a rather different aestheticCredit: @elleswift / instagram
AMERICAN DREAM AND PRISON DADS
The move to America was tinged with sadness – her mum Deborah had passed away in 2020 and her dad – Giles – is prohibited from visiting the States, so it meant she would be completely isolated from her family.
Elle’s love of America actually started when her dad – a multimillionaire banker – was convicted of fraud and extradited to the US, in the wake of one of the biggest scandals in businesshistory.
The family spent nearly two years in and out of court in the US and Elle has admitted she loved that time, saying her dad made it a ‘positive’ experience.
Giles, along with Gary Mulgrew and David Bermingham, was one of the NatWest Three – a trio of British bankers convicted of fraud and sentenced to 37 months in separate American jails in 2002.
Elle – who is one of five girls – was 10 when her dad went to prison for two years but has insisted it didn’t affect her.
The brave influencer explained: “I think surrounding issues caused a lot more impact on my childhood than him actually being a prison.
“I missed him, I didn’t speak to my dad for an entire year because he was too emotional to speak on the phone to his kids.”
Elle’s dad Giles Darby in 2004 with four of his daughters and his now late wife DeborahCredit: RexFormer NatWest banker Giles Darby served two years in prisonCredit: Getty
Interestingly, Connor’s dad was also in prison – and was absent from the first two years of his life, even missing his birth.
The insider said: “The fact that both Connor and Elle’s dads have been in prison was a bonding experience for them. It does however haunt them both and no matter how hard they try to portray a picture perfect image, it does hang over them.”
In 2020, Elle suffered more heartache when her mum Deborah passed away on Mother’s Day after battling a brain tumour for five years.
The moment changed her life forever and while she spoke about gratitude a fair bit before, it took on a whole different meaning to her.
As she remembered her mum this year, she told her followers: “Five years ago this week my entire life changed forever. I said goodbye to my mum and had a humbling life lesson that the things we ‘think’ matter.. just don’t. Here’s your reminder that if you’re lucky enough to have love, you have it all.”
Elle might have had a few hiccups along the way – and her latest launch might not have had the impact she hoped, but she’s determined to succeed. And despite everything, it looks like this time she might just.
THERE are plenty of quirky places in the US, but did you know that one state has its very own miniature England?
It even has its own piece of the capital there as the original London Bridge was bought and reconstructed over the Bridgewater Channel Canal in Arizona.
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The village has red telephone boxes and little English-looking shopsCredit: Go Lake Havasu Visitor CenterThe English Village is on the outskirts of the original London BridgeCredit: Alamy
You’ll find all this in Lake Havasu City three hours outside of Phoenix, where there’s a miniature England, and it’s literally called ‘The English Village’.
The resort was built when the actual London Bridge was brought over from the UK.
Back in the 1830s, London Bridge was constructed in the UK. But years later in the 1960s, it was deemed unsuitable for modern traffic.
In 1968, London Bridge was bought by American entrepreneur Robert P. McCulloch.
He had the exterior granite blocks from the original bridge cut and transported to the United States to construct a new bridge in Lake Havasu.
Robert was actually the founder or Lake Havasu City, and its English village tourist attraction was built in 1971 – to coincide with the instillation of London Bridge.
It wasn’t just the original bridge that made it across the water. Vintage lamps on the bridge are made from the melted-down cannons of Napoleon Bonaparte’s army.
The bridge has been used for movies too like Bridge Across Time also known as Terror at London Bridge, and Day of the Wolves.
The English Village was built like a Hollywood set with pretty shop fronts, all made to look quintessentially English.
The village even has a vintage gate from an English castle, and there are red telephone boxes scattered about.
In the middle is a fountain which is surrounded by four lion statues which strikes a resemblance to the one you’ll find in Trafalgar Square.
In previous years there were costume paradesCredit: AlamyThere’s even a fish and chip shop underneath London BridgeCredit: Alamy
It was anchored by Hog in Armour Pub and City of London Arms Restaurant and a cinema was later added – but sadly these have since changed.
One restaurant there today is The Chair which looks out at London Bridge and the village’s fountain which serves the British classic, fish and chips.
There’s also a pizza restaurant called Papa Leone’s Pizza as well as an ice cream parlour and fish and chip shop under London Bridge.
With average summer highs of 33C in Arizona, there’s plenty of outdoor seating and lots of boat tours along the canal.
In the middle of the village is a fountain surrounded by lionsCredit: AlamyIt has a resemblance to the one in Trafalgar Square – just a lot smallerCredit: Alamy
On Tripadvisor, one visitor wrote: “It’s iconic, it’s London Bridge. A great job has been done in integrating a piece of England into the desert 5000 miles away, in it is almost seamless.”
Another commented “Authentic fish and chips offered at a nearby restaurant and a bit of English kitsch”.
At Christmas, the area around London Bridge, including The English Village, is decorated for Christmas.
The area is lit up for the yearlyFestival of Lightswith one of the main events being theHoliday Boat Parade of Lightswhich takes place on the water under the bridge.
Love Actually star Thomas Brodie-Sangster has signed up for Google Pixel’s new festive adCredit: AlamyMartine McCutcheon will star alongside Thomas 22 years after they appeared together in Love ActuallyCredit: Alamy
They filmed the top-secret project in London yesterday afternoon — 22 years after appearing opposite each other in the 2003 hit film.
A source said: “Nothing says Christmas like Love Actually, and so Google Pixel are bringing a sprinkling of it back to insert some nostalgia into the festive period.
“It’s still such a firm favourite with millions of people, so they tapped up Martine and Thomas for the sweet reunion.
“The ad is going to be packed full of throwbacks — especially because Thomas was only 13 when he was in Love Actually.
“A whole street in London was transformed into a winter wonderland and Martine and Thomas were in great spirits.
“They’re really happy with how the ad worked out. It’s going to be one people are talking about for a while.”
If you’ve lived under a rock and have never seen Love Actually, it’s one of Richard Curtis’s best films.
Martine plays hapless PA Natalie, swept off her feet by the Prime Minister, played by Hugh Grant.
And Thomas took on the role of sweet, love-stricken Sam, who went all out to impress his teen crush.
Google Pixel isn’t the only brand getting in on the Love Actually nostalgia for their Christmas ad.
Aldi revealed their famous Kevin the Carrot will propose to his sweetheart Katie in their festive offering this year using cue cards — inspired by the scene in the film where Andrew Lincoln’s character Mark professed his love for Juliet, played by Keira Knightley.
Without wanting to be too sentimental, it proves love really is still all around us.
And I’m definitely going to be renting it on Prime Video tonight.
KYLIE MINOGUE used a stocking from the filming of her CBeebies bedtime story last Christmas in the music video for her new festive single Xmas.
The Aussie pop star is celebrating the tenth anniversary of her Christmas album with a new version of the record, Kylie Christmas (Fully Wrapped), which features four new songs.
Kylie is celebrating the tenth anniversary of her Christmas album with a new version of the recordCredit: Alamy
Speaking to Scott Mills on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show about the video, Kylie said: “Because I was on the road we didn’t get to go so Christmassy.
“I think it was from a CBeebies Christmas story | did and they gave me a Christmas stocking.
“I thought, I have got to take something Christmassy and I think that’s it. That’s the one thing that you may see.
“We didn’t get to do fairy lights. We didn’t get to do paper chains. But in spirit we were very Christmassy.”
JOSH’S TOP DAY WITH SPINAL TAP
JOSH GROBAN was one of a few artists asked to perform with Spinal Tap for their next film, Stonehenge: The Final Finale.
I exclusively revealed the parody band had shot a concert alongside Eric Clapton and Shania Twain at the landmark in August, and now US star Josh has told me all about taking part.
Josh Groban was one of a few artists asked to perform with Spinal Tap for their next film, Stonehenge: The Final FinaleCredit: Getty
He said: “Singing with Spinal Tap at Stonehenge – I don’t care how much you’ve done, that’s an experience for anybody. Eric Clapton felt it, Shania Twain felt it.
“Everybody was going, ‘I can’t believe we’re doing this’. I can’t tell you the song but it was ridiculous and amazing.”
Josh is returning to the UK on April 1 next year for a date at London’s O2 Arena, with tickets on sale tomorrow.
And on November 14 he will drop his next record, Hidden Gems.
The album is a collection of fans’ favourite tracks not available on streaming platforms.
Speaking after an intimate show in London at Union Chapel, Josh says: “These are all songs from my past.
“They’re B-sides and special-editions. I’ve also been working on new music.”
MUMMY’S THE WORD, BRENDAN
BRENDAN FRASER and Rachel Weiz are teaming up again for The Mummy 4, 17 years after the last film in the franchise.
They both starred in 1999’s The Mummy and 2001’s The Mummy Returns, below, but Rachel skipped 2008’s The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor.
Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weiz are teaming up again for The Mummy 4,Credit: Getty
Plans for a fourth film were ditched in 2012 before Tom Cruise tried to reboot the series in 2017 with another movie called The Mummy, but it lost millions at the box office.
The original followed treasure hunter Rick (Brendan), who wakes up an ancient Egyptian priest with special powers.
The latest news comes three years after Brendan’s career comeback in The Whale, which landed him a much-deserved Oscar for Best Actor.
YUNG HIT IN TRANS PIC SHOW
YUNGBLUD has provided the soundtrack for a new photography exhibition that tells the stories of 13 trans people from across the UK.
His song Hello Heaven, Hello will be used on screens at Outernet, right outside Tottenham Court Road Tube Station in central London, for the free exhibition called Trans Is Human from November 17.
Yungblud has provided the soundtrack for a trans photography exhibitionCredit: Getty
Yungblud said: “I’m honoured that Hello Heaven, Hello will be a part of this exhibition.
“Trans Is Human is all about celebrating truth, identity and the beauty of being yourself.
“That’s something I’ve always tried to celebrate in everything I do.”
BABYSHAMBLES have returned with their first song in 12 years, Dandy Hooligan.
The band, fronted by Pete Doherty, dropped the track yesterday ahead of the launch of their comeback tour.
Pete Doherty’s Babyshambles have dropped their first song in 12 yearsCredit: Getty
Pete said: “It’s a well turned-out, elegantly crafted reggae-ska-pop song . . . with a sweet melody to bowl along to with your sharpened walking cane.”
They were back on stage in Hastings last night for a warm-up gig ahead of their tour later this month.
ED’S PERFECT PITCH MEANS ALL KIDS CAN LEARN MUSIC
ED SHEERAN has once again proved he is a voice for good after a successful campaign to give all kids access to creative subjects at school.
Back in March, the Shape Of You singer wrote to No10 urging the government to look at the critical state of music education – and, incredibly, they’ve listened.
Ed Sheeran wrote to Keir Starmer about the critical state of music educationCredit: Splash
Keir Starmer yesterday heralded Ed’s letter, which was backed by stars including Harry Styles, Stormzy and Annie Lennox, as “powerful”, and told him: “I wanted you to know that your voice has been heard.”
In a letter to Ed which has been shared with me, the PM said: “The review places creative subjects firmly at the centre.
“We are revitalising arts education, strengthening music and drama, and launching a new National Centre for Arts And Music Education to support teachers and raise standards.
“We will make sure every child has access to those experiences – from arts and culture to nature and civic engagement – so that creativity isn’t a privilege, but a right.”
It is a huge victory for Ed and the Ed Sheeran Foundation, which has campaigned for accessible, meaningful education for all young people.
In a statement, Ed said: “I set up the Ed Sheeran Foundation because every child deserves to have access to a meaningful music education, and the chance to experience the joy and confidence that musical expression can bring.
“Shortly after setting up my foundation, I wrote an open letter to the Prime Minister about the critical state of music education in the UK and the fact it was slipping through the cracks.
“With the help of the letter and everyone who signed it, I’m happy to say that some of the key points we raised have been recognised by the government, marking the first change to the music curriculum in over ten years.”
All power to you, Ed. This is brilliant news.
COAT AND TAYLS
TAYLOR SWIFT has gone quiet since dropping her album The Life Of A Showgirl last month, but she re-emerged in New York for a night out with Gigi Hadid on Monday.
The singer wrapped up in a coat and knee-high boots alongside the model who is a long-time friend.
Taylor Swift had a night out with Gigi Hadid in New York on MondayCredit: GettyGigi and Taylor Swift are long-time friendsCredit: Getty
I’m sure they had plenty to catch up on, with a wedding to plan for Taylor, while Gigi’s romance with Bradley Cooper seems to be going from strength to strength after two years together.
Perhaps wedding bells will be ringing for her, too, before long.
JENNIFER LAWRENCE has let slip that she’s co-producing a movie with Emma Stone based on Miss Piggy, being written by US comedian Cole Escola.
Asked on the Las Culturistas podcast whether the actresses will also star in the film, she said: “I think so, we have to.”
On working with Emma for the first time, she added: “It’s f***ed up. It’s dark that we haven’t done a movie together.”
CYNTHIA’S IN GOOD MOOD FOR PREMIERE
CYNTHIA ERIVO was grinning from ear to ear at the premiere of Wicked: For Good, despite the fact her co-star Ariana Grande missed the big launch.
The British actress, who returns as Elphaba in the second flick, wore this quirky, tummy-baring outfit and was joined at the event in Sao Paulo by co-star Jonathan Bailey ahead of the London premiere on Monday.
Cynthia Erivo was all smiles at the Wicked: For Good premiere in Sao Paulo, BrazilCredit: GettyCynthia posed with co-star Jonathan BaileyCredit: Getty
Hopefully, Ariana will make it over here after a fault with a plane meant she couldn’t get to Brazil in time for Tuesday’s event.
She apologised on Instagram, but was then subjected to vile abuse.
Heidi Klum and daughter Leni posed together for the new Intimissimi campaignCredit: IntimissimiThe pair previously caused controversy for posing in lingerie togetherCredit: Intimissimi
The mother and daughter duo wore long sleeve pyjama tops and pants from the new range.
There is one spot in the UK where it is guaranteed you will have snow at ChristmasCredit: Jason SeniorFamilies can meet alpacas tooCredit: Jason Senior
Being a ski and snowboarding attraction, this means there is real snow inside, all year round.
Returning from November 15, this includes a Winter Wonderland trail with 1000 tonnes of real snow.
There will also be a Christmas Village with alpacas, a carousel and festival games.
Guests will be able to meet Santa and the elves as well as watch down go down the Summit Slide and have snowball fights.
New this year is a live pantomime show of Beauty and the Beast, running for 25 minutes so little guests won’t get bored.
Also new this year is the immersive attraction SledEx HQ.
Families can explore Santa’s post headquarters, complete with a letter writing station to send to Father Christmas.
Otherwise if you need a food break, there is the woodland lodge-style Aspen’s Bar and Kitchen as well as The Lifthouse Coffee Co with everything from festive snacks to hot chocolate
Launching from next week, the festive experience runs until January 3, 2026.
Tickets start from £20 and it is advised to book ahead, with the experience lasting around two hours.
The attraction is known for its snowboarding and skiiingCredit: TripadvisorIncluded is a 25 minute panto tooCredit: Jason Senior
SnowDome Director, Isabelle Chadbourne said they were “delighted” to be returning for their 20th year.
She added: “With our new SledEx HQ, expanded layout and continued focus on immersive fun, families are in for an unforgettable experience.
“It’s a joy to see so many return year after year – and we cannot wait to welcome new visitors to the magic.”
Families have previously raved about the experience.
One mum wrote last year: “This is our 8th year visiting Winter Wonderland at the Snowdome and I’m yet to be disappointed.”
Another commented: “Santa’s Winter Wonderland at SnowDome is truly enchanting.
“The magical atmosphere, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, creates a perfect holiday escape.
MOST childhoods for Brits were made up of reading books like The BFG, Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Next year, you’ll be able to experience some true nostalgia as a new museum showcasing the work of famed illustrators, like Sir Quentin Blake, will open in the UK.
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The new House of Illustration will be in ClerkenwellCredit: Tim Ronalds ArchitectsSome of Quentin Blake’s own work will be shown in the museumCredit: Sean Dempsey/PA Wire
Sir Quentin Blake is well-known for illustrating lots of Roald Dahl’s books, as well as his own like the Mrs Armitage series.
Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will open in May 2026, and it’s an attraction that has been 20 years in the making.
On the project, Sir Quentin said: “I have long dreamt of a permanent place with ‘illustration’ above the door, and now the amazing reality is that we have it.
“I am proud to think the centre has my name on it – illustration is a wonderful universal and varied language.
“Here we shall celebrate its traditions and welcome the astonishing diversity of visual language from across the world. Hurrah!”
Once open, the museum will have exhibitions that will feature rarely-seen works from all over the world.
Original illustrations from leading and emerging illustrators, including work loaned from Quentin Blake’s own archive, will be on show.
There will be open spaces and a cafe for visitors to grab a bite to eatCredit: Tim Ronalds ArchitectsOn-site will also be a gift shop full of illustrated goodiesCredit: Tim Ronalds Architects
Also on the site will be free spaces, including public gardens, displays and an illustration library.
You can take a seat at the café which will serve up fresh food and drinks, and there will be a shop stocked with illustration gifts.
There will be illustrator residencies in London‘s oldest surviving windmill which is also on the old waterworks site in Clerkenwell.
Other events at the museum will be illustration workshops and learning programs.
Previously, the House of Illustration was in Granary Square from 2014 to 2020.
A BAN has been placed on tobacco on a popular island to stop people of a certain age from ever buying it.
Called a ‘generational ban’ it means that anyone born after January 1, 2007 is prohibited from buying or using tobacco.
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The Maldives is attempting to stamp out smoking for good by implementing a generational banCredit: AlamyThe Maldives is hugely popular and full of luxury hotelsCredit: Alamy
The destination that’s implemented the new rules is the Maldives, and it’s the only place in the world to have done so.
The measure makes it the only country with a generation-wide tobacco prohibition in an effort to promote a ‘tobacco-free generation’.
The ministry said: “Under the new provision, individuals born on or after 1 January 2007 are prohibited from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products within the Maldives.
“The ban applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify age prior to sale.”
The health ministry called the measure a “historic milestone in the nation’s efforts to protect public health”.
It added that the prohibition “reflects the government’s strong commitment to protecting young people from the harms of tobacco”.
The measure is not just for locals, it applies to any tourists visiting the islands.
So for Brits heading to the Maldives, you might find yourself being asked for ID in shops if buying tobacco.
Selling cigarettes to minors will carry a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa (£2,470) for the sellers.
Ahmed Afaal, vice chair of the archipelago’s tobacco control board, told the BBC that he didn’t expect bookings to reduce due to the ban.
Shop owners will face a huge fine if caught selling cigarettes to minorsCredit: Alamy
He said: “People don’t come to the Maldives because they’re able to smoke.
“They come for the beaches, they come for the sea, they come for the sun, and they come for the fresh air”.
And then added that the Maldives was projecting more than two million tourists in the next year making it one of the world’s most popular destinations.
The banning of tobacco is a new rule, but the Maldives also banned the import, possession and use of vapes last year.
Electronic cigarettes and vapes are completely banned no matter what age you are – and you aren’t allowed to bring them into the country.
You won’t be denied entry if caught bringing one into the country, but it will be confiscated at the border and a customs officer will provide you with a receipt which you must present when you depart the country to have your items returned to you.
Anyone caught vaping in the Maldives will face a 5,000-rufiyaa fine (£247).
These measures apply to all of coral islands in the Maldives, of which there are over a thousand.
THERE are some places that thrive in the summer, but others are best explored when there are crisp orange leaves on the ground, and the grass is littered with frost.
On my recent adventure to Northumberland, I discovered sprawling National Parks, living museums, quaint village and plenty of cosy pubs.
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Northumberland is even better in November – especially for autumn walksCredit: AlamyYou can take a stroll past where the Sycamore Gap once stoodCredit: Alamy
My adventure took me to the site of the former Sycamore Gap tree – the story that seemed to upset the entire nation.
The famous tree was mysteriously cut down in the middle of the night in September 2023. Something about the hateful environmental crime captured the public imagination globally.
Before and after pictures appeared in the media around the world and tears were shed.
It would later emerge that the 120-year-old specimen tree – which had featured in the 1991 Robin Hood film as well as countless holiday snaps – had been felled by two oddball friends as some kind of warped prank.
The pair were eventually jailed this summer for four years and three months each.
The episode initially seemed to spell the end of one of the North East’s greatest tourist attractions – but in fact it hasn’t.
The following year, the area earned nine per cent more from recreational visitors than it had before the tree was felled.
But if that makes it sound like the area is overrun with tourists, it isn’t. Not at all.
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Unlike rivals such as the Lake and Peak Districts or the Yorkshire Dales, rural Northumberland doesn’t have quite as much mass appeal and it’s big and desolate enough to absorb the visitors it does get, so seldom feels busy.
Autumn is a particularly good time to go because the landscape and vernal colour palette seem to blend harmoniously together.
I love walking in Northumberland and found great pubs along the wayCredit: John SturgisThe local drinking holes are cosy in the autumn with crackling log firesCredit: John Sturgis
If you go at low season (and now that half-term week has passed, that’s pretty much right now) you will find it feels most of the time as if you have the place to yourselves.
And it won’t cost much either – there’s excellent value for money.
Like the Sycamore Gap itself, much of what you will see is dotted along or near Hadrian’s Wall, the 2000-year-old fortification line that snakes its way up hill and down dale through all this glorious countryside.
And, of course, it joins up various other Roman sites that pepper the area with historic interest.
Our favourites were Vindolanda, an excavated village, the museum at Corbridge and the Temple of Mithras which has a counterpart in the buzzing heart of the City of London.
But naturally this one has a very different vibe as it’s out on its own on windswept moorland, miles from anywhere – and so superbly atmospheric.
We based ourselves in an Airbnb in converted outbuildings of a farm just outside the small town of Riding Mill, about 20 miles to the east of the Gap.
Dogs are allowed back on beaches during the low season tooCredit: John Sturgis
It was modestly priced but very pleasant and made an ideal base when motoring.
A couple of times we went east towards Newcastle or Beamish museum, with its charming recreation of streets and buildings from different periods.
We could also explore the coast, from the sweeping sands at Tynemouth to the more dramatic cliffs northwards.
Heading inland to the west it was more remote. Even at more managed spaces like the stunning National Trust park at Allen Banks, we scarcely saw another walker.
Our dogs loved it as much as we did. And after every walk we seemed to find ourselves conveniently close to a decent pub.
The area teems with them. I even compiled a top ten of the many boozers we went to during our week in Northumberland.
Here are John’s top 10 pubs in Northumberland…
1. Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland – Ancient, spooky, cosy, perfect.
2. The Ship Inn, Low Newton – Understated gem on a gem of a beach
3. The Rat, Anick – Just a perfect country food pub.
10. The Sun Inn, Beamish Museum, Stanley – Technically a fake pub in a theme park- but so well done
It’s still worth going to see the former site of the Sycamore GapCredit: John Sturgis
Pubs aside, there was still the question of actually visiting Sycamore Gap itself – or what’s left of it.
We had put this off as it felt a bit sad but we had to face it before leaving.
It’s a short and very scenic walk from the village of Once Brewed, up to and then along in parallel with the surprisingly intact Roman Wall.
And going back to the question of its surprisingly enduring popularity, we saw more people here than on any rural outing.
It was still not exactly crowded but busier – and you realised that others too wanted to pay tribute to the lost tree, whether that was with a selfie or a quiet thought or two.
Even in this remote corner we weren’t far from not one but two decent pubs: The Twice Brewed Inn at Bardon Mill and The Milecastle Inn at Haltwhistle, both of which were delightful.
Visiting here is a way of putting two fingers up at the vile pair who are now languishing in prison, it’s also an absolute treat.
IN A lesser-known corner of Europe is an amusement park with its own mini Colosseum, a nightclub on a plane… and a helicopter observation tower.
The park has no traditional rides, replacing thrilling rollercoasters and carousels with giant building bricks, a farming village and 18-metre high slides.
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Irrland adventure park has a mini airfield with disco rave planesCredit: IrrlandThere are climbing towers and huge slides around the parkCredit: Irrland
Irrland in Kevelaer, Germany is a huge hit with families – with one parent who goes by thestrongmamaphysio on Instagram describing it as a “kids’ dream” and one of the “best days out we’ve ever done”.
At the park, her kids helped to build an enormous mountain with over-sized Lego-style bricks, and had a rave in a disused plane.
They also enjoyed enormous slides, sand and water play, mazes and a go-karting track.
Plenty of other parents agreed, with one saying: “Best place we have ever been to – we managed to go in the summer and spend two full days at the park.
“I genuinely think you’ll struggle to find anywhere as good as this and for £10 per head is ridiculously cheap.”
Irrland i park is split into three parts – Irrland-West, North and South, with more than 90 different attractions.
In the West part of the park is where you’ll find the Disco Plane, it also has a huge Trojan Horse climbing frame and jumping pillows.
There’s also a waterslide and an Airport Tower with 18-metre tall slides.
Irrland North has a helicopter observation tower, a toddler play barn, and a huge treehouse.
It’s also home to the world’s largest building construction site – with enormous Lego-style bricks.
One of the best bits for @thestrongmamaphysio was the hall the huge building blocksCredit: IrrlandThe park is split up into three parts – West, North and SouthCredit: Irrland
In the South is a toddlers’ farming village with pedal tractors and petting zoo, bamboo mazes, even a mini-colosseum, and a small splash park called ‘South Sea’.
The cut off in the park is for children who are 12 years old.
An online day ticket is €12 (£10.53) per person, children under two years old won’t need a ticket.
Any child’s whose birthday it is on the day of their visit can also enter for free – but they will need a form of ID to prove this.
If you’re in a large group and want to spend time together during the day, there are on-site villas which have lockable rooms and fenced areas – perfect for outdoor picnics.
These are available for the day only as the park doesn’t offer overnight stays – you can enter from 10am with the key needs to be handed in by 5.30pm.
During the summer, barbecue areas are available to book too – the cheapest spot being €25 (£21.94).
Before you look at booking a ticket, the park is closed for the winter season.
Currently, it looks like it will reopen on Saturday March 14, 2026. But check back nearer the time as it’s likely to be weather dependent.
The closest airport to Irrland is Weeze, but you can’t get direct flights to there.
For direct flights, head to Eindhoven in the Netherlands and from there it’s just an hour away by car.
ONE of the UK’s prettiest seaside villages is losing one of it’s Christmas events for good.
Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire is holding its traditional Victorian Weekend event later this year – and it’s a very important one.
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The Christmas event in Robin Hood’s Bay will end this yearCredit: FacebookThe event sees locals and visitors dress up in Victorian outfitsCredit: Facebook
For over 30 years, locals and visitors have flocked to the seaside village in their period costumes to celebrate what’s known as Victorian Weekend.
Robin Hood’s Bay completely transforms to look as if it’s in the Victorian era – and it’s free to enter.
It’s a Christmas event too, so expect big festive trees, brass bands playing Christmas tunes, and stalls selling handmade gifts, mince pies and mulled wine.
There will also be games and plenty of mini-events will take place around the village.
Everyone gets into the spirit of it and you’ll feel like you’re in a Dickens novel seeing people dressed up as Victorian noblemen and women, to chimney sweeps.
There’s a best-dressed competition, so looks do matter on this occasion.
If you’re interested, then you need to visit this year, as unfortunately, the event will not be held again.
Over December 6-7, Robin Hood’s Bay will hold the final ever Victorian Weekend due to current organisers stepping down and there being no one to replace them.
The news was announced in October 2025 with a lengthy Facebook post that read: “After more than 30 years of tradition, fundraising, and community spirit, Victorian Weekend 2025 will mark the end of an era for Robin Hood’s Bay.”
It continued to add: “We hope you will join us to make the last Victorian Weekend truly memorable. Expect all your favourite traditions, plus some exciting new additions.”
The event is completely free and you can pop into local pubs and visit the gift stallsCredit: Facebook
The news was a sad shock to locals and visitors. In the comments, one wrote: “We’ll be deeply saddened to see it go after visiting it for 10 years or so. It’s become its own little self-contained Christmas in its own way.”
Another added: “This is such sad news. My husband and I have stayed at the Bay Inn every year for the past few years and the first time, purely by chance, it was the Victorian weekend.
“Since then we have come every year. Such huge amount of work. We love it. See you in December for the last one.”
Robin Hood’s Bay is a well-known fishing village known for being very beautiful as it sits on the edge of the water.
It has cobbled streets, that are car-free, and little stone cottages and shops.
The village has an interesting history too as during the 18th century, it was home to the busiest smuggling community on the Yorkshire coast.
There’s music and carol singing around the Christmas treeCredit: Facebook
Ships would stop there in the night to pass tobacco, tea and rum through secret tunnels underneath the cottages – some of which still exist today.
If you want to carry on exploring, you can head up to Whitby which is just 13 minutes away by car – and according to a UK seaside expert, is even better in winter.
“There are lots of great restaurants and lovely warm cafes in Whitby, and there’s also lots to see when you’re not battling with the crowds around the harbour.
“From long bracing walks along the beach to warm cafes and indoor attractions, there’s plenty to do in Whitby even in the winter.”
Set in Yorkshire, Whitby is known for its beaches and historical sites – although they can be quite busy during the warmer months.
THE clocks have gone back and we are facing months of dark skies, morning and night.
But long-stay holidays are perfect for those able to escape for the dreariest months of the year.
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Beat the winter blues with a long-stay holiday and escape months of dark skiesCredit: Getty
Whether it is retirees or workers on a career break, heading off for a longer trip can often mean less money spent on energy at home as well as the chance to boost your vitamin D.
Lisa Minot picks some great multi-week options from just £25 a night.
21 NIGHTS IN FLORIDA
from £38pp per night
Orlando’s thrills with a 21-night stay at the 3* Grand Hotel Orlando at Universal BlvdCredit: Getty
ESCAPE the chills and head for Orlando’s thrills with a great-value 21-night stay at the 3* Grand Hotel Orlando at Universal Blvd.
Perfectly positioned for those seeking theme park adventures, there are complimentary shuttle services to Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World and SeaWorld and there is a golf course a 15-minute drive from the property.
With 334 rooms across four floors, there’s a spacious outdoor heated pool with loungers and fitness gym.
Breakfast is included and features pastries, pancakes, fresh fruit and yoghurt.
Three weeks’ B&B is from £789pp including flights from Gatwick on January 15. See loveholidays.com.
29 NIGHTS IN CYPRUS
from £65pp per night
This 29-night holiday in Cyprus, departing Manchester on December 15 or Gatwick on December 16, includes all your food and drinksCredit: Getty
SWAP grey skies for golden sands this Christmas and see in the New Year with a sun-kissed escape to the all-inclusive Paphos Gardens Holiday Resort.
Set amid beautiful, lush gardens and close to the beach, there’s plenty to tempt you to relax by the pool and in the spa.
And this 29-night holiday, departing Manchester on December 15 or Gatwick on December 16, includes all your food and drinks.
The extended break also comes with six excursions, such as a winery tour with tasting, and guided tours of Paphos, Episkopi, Kourion, Kolossi and Omodos. Prices from £1,899pp. See justgoholidays.com.
30 NIGHTS IN GOA
from £107pp per night
This all-inclusive stay at the 3* ocean-front Clarion Ocean Palms resort costs from £3,199pp and includes flightsCredit: Getty
SPLASH out a little more and you could be enjoying a month in the sunshine in North Goa.
With its mix of Portuguese and Indian influences, you’ll get to explore Calangute and the surrounding areas, with a choice of three excursions included on this holiday.
Enjoy a Latin quarter food trail, Old Goa heritage walk and trips to Saligao Village and Fort Aguada.
This all-inclusive stay at the 3* ocean-front Clarion Ocean Palms resort costs from £3,199pp and includes flights from Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester in November, February and March. Plus all transfers and excursions.
A three-week room-only stay in Bangkok’s Old Town district is yours from £879ppCredit: Getty
HEAD to the bright lights of Bangkok to enjoy sizzling temperatures and all the excitement of a big city.
Comfortable 3* The Orchid House is a great choice for couples looking for a budget stay, with colonial-style rooms complete with air conditioning.
Set in the historic Bangkok Old Town district, there’s a peaceful garden and terrace to return to after busy days exploring the sights, including the famous Khao San Road, just an eight-minute walk away.
Three weeks room-only is from £879pp, flying from Gatwick on November 26.
Prices are from £603pp with flights from Heathrow between November 14 and December 21Credit: Getty
ENJOY three weeks of pampering for the price of two at the 4* Preluna Hotel and Spa in the coastal town of Sliema.
The hotel is known for its Feel Good Wellness Spa with heated pool, whirlpool, sauna and beauty salon.
Standard rooms feature satellite TV, minibar, free wifi and tea and coffee-making facilities.
And if you upgrade, you’ll enjoy balconies and sea views.
This 21-night break includes B&B as well as a free third week.
Prices are from £603pp with flights from Heathrow between November 14 and December 21, and then from January 4 up until March 1, 2026, at mercuryholidays.co.uk.
34 DAYS IN BENIDORM
from £59pp per night
Once in Spain, relax with 28 nights all-inclusive at the 3* Hotel Port Fiesta Park in BenidormCredit: Getty
IF you’re not a fan of flying, this is the one for you.
Travelling by coach from the UK, you’ll enjoy a leisurely journey to sunny Benidorm, with overnight stops in the charming French towns of Troyes and Montpellier, plus a lunch stop in picturesque Macon.
Once in Spain, relax with 28 nights all-inclusive at the 3* Hotel Port Fiesta Park in Benidorm.
You’ll also get to head out and explore with guided tours of Guadalest, Valencia, Villajoyosa, Alicante and Elche and excursions to Altea, Albir and Calpe markets.
The 34-day trip, including return coach travel, is from £1,999, departing on January 7 or February 4.
AROUND the world there are plenty of train stations – but not all of them can be classed as ‘beautiful’.
However, some look less like a place full of commuters and more like a work of art and have been given a prestigious award by Prix Versailles.
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‘The World’s Most Beautiful’ train stations have been revealed and one of Saint-Denis PleyelCredit: UnknownAlso in Paris is Villejuif – Gustave Roussy StationCredit: Michel Denancé
Prix Versailles is a series of architectural competitions, which includes airports, hotels and other buildings.
Now, it’s released the finest train stations that make up the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Passenger Stations List 2025’.
Two of these are in France, and both in the suburbs of Paris, so Brits can visit them in just a few hours.
Saint-Denis is a commune in the northern suburbs of Paris, France and its impressive train station opened last year.
Saint-Denis Pleyel was designed by Japanese studioKengo Kuma and Associates.
The station is tiered on different levels and decorated with wooden slats and floor to ceiling glass windows, so the inside is flooded with light.
Above the station itself is a rooftop park, and inside, is a huge open space with plenty of multi-level escalators.
Gustave Roussy Station in Villejuif, which is 40-minutes south of Paris opened in January 18, 2025.
The station was designed by the architectural firm Dominique Perrault Architecture.
It’s an underground cylindrical station with an open-air, multi-layered roof and is in the style of an ‘upside down skyscraper’ – it’s one of France‘s deepest passenger stations.
The design of KAFD Station resembles sand dunesCredit: HUFTON AND CROWJudge said Mons station is ‘cathedral-like’Credit: Supplied
Over in Belgium is the Mons railway station which has a suspended canopy which is a nod to the Galerie de la Reine shopping arcade in Brussels.
The station originally opened in 1841, but went through its most recent transformation in 2025.
The judging panel said: “It’s a streamlined style made up of steel and dazzling white to form a cathedral-like walkway”.
Other stations receiving the award include Gadigal Station in Sydney, Australia.
The name honours the Aboriginal people who were original custodians of the land around that part of Sydney, and inside are bright tiles in colours such as yellow, purple, red and blue.
Baiyun Station in Guangzhou, China has also picked up the award for its recent transformation which has added shops and even an urban park.
It’s dedicated to 24 high-speed train lines, six subway lines and three bus terminals.
Inside Gadigal Station, Australia, is brightly coloured yellow and purple tilesCredit: UnknownQasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh has an inside gardenCredit: Unknown
Another is KAFD Station, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, which is very futuristic-looking with a wave-like exterior that is meant to resemble sand dunes.
Also in Riyadh is Qasr Al Hokm Station which has been described as being like a “periscope” as the glass roof reflects light throughout the station.
Bringing the outdoors in, there’s also a “luxuriant garden unexpectedly materialises within the subterranean space”.
Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles, underscores the grandeur of the ideals embodied by these edifices: “Excellence lends itself to recognition and humility, and is a necessary quality in this day and age, when there is such a need to extend the harmony manifested in these new passenger stations across entire continents.
“The commitment and the technical and aesthetic prowess demanded by these structures are the highest possible tribute to the building community.
“Already a part of this century’s heritage, this infrastructure is revitalising the role that we as a society attribute to mobility. At each site, beauty is given concrete form, like a lung breathing new life into the city, a shared symbolic territory in the service of its inhabitants.”
Baiyun Station in China has added shops and even an urban park to its designCredit: yang min
World’s Most Beautiful Station List 2025…
Gadigal Station Sydney, Australia
Mons Station Mons, Belgium
Baiyun Station Guangzhou, China
Saint-Denis – Pleyel Station Saint-Denis, France
Villejuif – Gustave Roussy Station
Villejuif, France
KAFD Station Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Qasr Al Hokm Station Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Seven stations across the world have been declared the most beautiful in the world – like Mons Station in BrusselsCredit: Unknown
There is also a small area for toddlers to explore.
The only bad news is that Hermit’s Cafe and on-site toilets which is located within the woodland playground will close.
It’s a popular spot for families, especially during the warmer weather with one mum writing on Tripadvisor that it’s the best place for a “perfect day out with the kids“.
Another said: “The walk is lovely not huge but the kids loved it, log walking, making dens, and they loved the woodland climbing.”
The climbing area is open between 10am until 4pm each day.
Aside from the climbing frame, there’s plenty to do in Coombe Abbey Park as it has plenty of woodland and lakeside walks as well as other activities, and even Go Ape.
There’s plenty to do on the 500 acres of Coombe Abbey ParkCredit: http://www.coombeabbey.comThere’s a hotel there too with pretty gardens and a pondCredit: Alamy
The adventure chain is found within the grounds and there’s plenty to do from Treetop challenges, to axe throwing, archery, drivingmini land rovers.
Or head closer to the huge Coombe Abbey Hotel where you can stroll around the pruned gardens and mazes.
Visitors can pop into Café in the Park at Coombe Abbey where they serve up breakfast offerings from the ‘Full Park Breakfast’.
There are as well as toasties, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, or main meals like fish and chips, chilli and there’s a dedicated kid’s menu.
Coventry itself has been labelled as an ‘underrated’ city in the UK, and it’s seeing an increase in the number of tourists.
Some of the biggest attractions there include The Wave in Coventry which is an enormous indoor waterpark with one of the biggest wave pools in the country.
It has six water slides, one being The Crestar, which has two giant spheres with lighting effects.
The Cascade is another ride at the waterpark, as is The Torrent, which is a ride where the floor drops from beneath – and is arguably one of the scariest rides.
The Rapids, which has been described as the “Big Dipper on water”, is the park’s water coaster, where powerful jets hurl riders uphill before dropping them down through tight corners and tunnels.
One writer reveals what his stay at the Coombe Abbey Hotel was like…
On 500 acres of renowned beauty, this historic hotel is in Coventry situated in Coombe Abbey’s Country Park, just off the M6.
What is it like?
Next time somebody wants to send you to Coventry, stay at this complex, which dates back to 1150 and has links to royalty, the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII and the Gunpowder plot. Enjoy a view of the moat, the lake and the courtyard to the Capability Brown designed gardens, depending on where you are in the hotel.
What is there to do at the hotel?
The corridors and communal rooms are packed with artefacts, art, history and heritage, that are well worth exploring as you wander from bar to room to
restaurant, while the scenic lake, gardens and grounds are perfect for a stroll.
Enjoy one of the many choices of afternoon tea, from Abbot’s Afternoon Tea to Sparkling Afternoon Tea as a post-walk treat. For kids, you can discover Go Ape in the woodlands.
What is there to eat and drink?
Unless you want to drive, you’d better eat here as it’s about a ten-minute walk to the edge of the grounds and some way beyond that to any restaurants. That being said, you really do want to eat here. The ambience is classy, the food is great, and the breakfast really sets you up for the day.
The dinner menu features meaty dishes of beef shin with fondant potato and confit duck leg with spiced braised cabbage, as well as vegan, vegetarian and fish options.
What are the rooms like?
The minimum standard in basic rooms is real quality and comfort, while the decor and design in the feature heritage rooms are charming and characterful. Rooms start from £149 a night based on two sharing.
EVERY year an enormous – and free – parade takes place in London with floats and live bands – and something new is launching this year.
The Lord or Lady Mayor’s Show dates back to the 13th century and is full of of celebratory entertainment, and this year is a very special one.
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The Lord Mayor’s Show, or Lady’s Show, is being held this weekendCredit: AlamyDame Susan Langley DBE has been elected as the 697th Lord Mayor of the City of LondonCredit: Alamy
Dame Susan Langley DBE will be appointed as the Lady Mayor, which makes her only the third woman to hold the post in over 800 years, and the 697th Mayor of the City of London.
She will also be the first ever to be titled the ‘Lady Mayor of London‘.
To celebrate her inauguration, there will be a traditional parade of bands and 50 floats throughout the city.
Over 7,000 people take part in the event from all over the world – and the procession is over three miles long, which is longer than the actual route.
The event is completely free and you’ll get to see marching bands, a huge Cinderella carriage, dancers, even a resorted Bluebird K7 (a hydroplane) will make an appearance.
There are representatives of all three armed forces there too, Taiko drummers and mounted knights.
This year, the Lady Mayor’s Show will be held on November Saturday 8, 2025 between 11AM and 2.30PM.
Roads will be closed as people line up in the streets to see the event underway – so don’t travel by car as you’ll meet lots of no entry signs.
In the morning, the Lady Mayor’s Show will begin at Mansion House and go towards the Royal Courts through St Paul’s.
In the afternoon, the parade will come back through Embankment and Victoria Street.
There are around 16 marching bands expected to perform this yearCredit: GettyYou’ll also see vintage vehicles heading through London roadsCredit: Getty
The official website suggests for a ‘full experience’, to watch the outward procession between 11AM and 12PM between Bank and St Paul’s.
For a quieter experience with fewer crowds, watch the parade on its return to Mansion House between 1.15PM and 2.30PM around Embankment.
Historically, the Lord Mayor’s Show is the oldest and longest civic procession in the world.
It started as early as the 13th century when King John granted that the City of London could appoint its own Mayor.
There will be 7,000 people taking part in the processionCredit: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The condition being that each new Mayor would have to pledge loyalty to the Crown.
The journey then became a huge event that has been held for around 800 years and was eventually named the Lord Mayor’s Show.
Damon Albarn has opened up about his emotional journey while recording Gorillaz’ upcoming album.
The singer and his bandmate Jamie Hewlett poured the grief of losing their dads into their ninth record, The Mountain, and Damon revealed he scattered his father’s ashes in India while making the collection.
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Damon Albarn says he and bandmate Jamie Hewlett channelled the pain of losing their fathers into Gorillaz’ new albumCredit: AFPThe band’s new album, The Mountain, is their ninth recordCredit: check copyright
“Both Jamie and I lost our fathers,” Damon said.
“We did two quite amazing, magical trips to India.
“India is a very interesting place to carry grief, because they have a very positive outlook on death.
“England is just really bad at dealing with death.
“In a way, I think this record is in that tradition of celebrating their lives.
“I did things I’d never done before. I swam in the Ganges in Varanasi.
“I watched the bodies being burnt on the banks of the Ganges.
“In England when we cremate a body we don’t even look at the bodies, it’s covered up immediately and then it’s put in the fire, the little curtains close and that’s it.
“On the banks of the Ganges, every family is there with the body wrapped in a shroud and they’re burnt, and it’s going on everywhere. It goes on 24 hours a day and it’s been going on for thousands of years.
“I took my dad’s ashes there and I cast them in the river. It was very beautiful.”
Indian culture helped shape the record — which will be released in March — with the album’s cover art featuring the title in Devanagari, a script used to write the Indian Sanskrit language.
And this time around the pair will not make their famous, animated music videos and instead are creating a one-off production.
Damon visited the River Ganges in India during the making of the new recordCredit: Getty
Damon added: “We’re making a full eight-minute thing.
“This is why there are no videos at the moment, because it’s serious stuff. It’s really great that Jamie is concentrating on doing one animated thing.
“It’s a big amount of work, any animation. It’s kind of our Achilles’ heel because no other band has to spend that kind of time just to produce one small thing.
“So let’s make it a piece of art in itself and not really rely on it for the promotional aspect of things and let it breathe in its own way.
“I think fans are going to love every aspect of this record.”
Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson at the New York premiere of Die My LoveCredit: GettyJ-Law then changed into a blue gown before heading out for a night on the town with her palsCredit: Getty
Jennifer Lawrence put on her poshest frock to party in the Big Apple after promoting her new film, Die My Love.
The Hunger Games star appears alongside Robert Pattinson in the black comedy, out this Friday.
And the pair coordinated their outfits for the New York premiere at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater.
J-Law then changed into a blue gown before heading out for a night on the town with her pals.
The actress has a busy few months coming up. She is starring in and producing upcoming murder-mystery movie The Wives, before kicking off a new project with legendary director Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Jen and Leo are set to play the leads in a terrifying film adaptation of Peter Cameron’s ghost story, What Happens at Night.
Olivia Dean has a lot of goals in the future, though – including headlining Glastonbury and releasing an album of standardsCredit: Getty
She did the chart double last month but Olivia Dean is keeping her feet firmly on the ground.
The singer scored No1s with her album The Art of Loving and single Man I Need, becoming the first British solo female artist to top both charts simultaneously since Adele in 2021.
Asked whether she’s let her success go to her head, she said: “I don’t think so. I feel like I try really hard and think all the time about not becoming a p***k. That would just be horrible.
“I’ve met some and it’s just like, ‘Oh no, it got to you’.”
On how success depends on the people around you, Olivia continued: “A lot of people work really, really hard. It’s really important to recognise that yes, you’ve worked on your skill or your craft, but all the people around you had to believe in it and be there to make it happen as well.
“It takes a village of people to make an album or do a campaign. There’s a lot that people don’t see.”
It sounds like Olivia has a lot of goals in the future, though – including headlining Glastonbury and releasing an album of standards.
On theAnd The Writer Is… with Ross Golan podcast, Olivia was also asked if she had written a musical yet.
She said: “No, but I would like to in the future. It’s definitely on the bucket list for me.”
Time to say ’ello to Eli
Rising star Eli has dropped debut album Stage Girl – and it looks like her label, RCA Records – also home to Britney Spears, P!nk and Shakira – has unearthed another gemCredit: Press Handout
Hot prospect Eli released debut album Stage Girl at the weekend, jam-packed with infectious melodies.
It looks like her label, RCA Records – also home to Britney Spears, P!nk and Shakira – has unearthed another gem.
But her collection of tunes also features references to a battle with her identity, which the American singer has now overcome.
In an exclusive interview, Eli, who is a trans woman, said of her album: “It was made in a flow state.
“But that was after a year or two of complete wits’ end, last straw, end of the rope, repressing everything under the sun as a human being for 20 years of my life.
“I was just like, ‘I need this joy and I need this super-extravagant pop’.”
Part of her journey of discovery is related to listeners in album highlights Girl of Your Dreams and Falsetto, and Eli now hopes that her music will help people to accept those in the queer community.
She explained: “I like the idea that this is going to play in Walmart in Kansas, for the lady who thinks I’m the spawn of Satan.
“And she’s going to be like, ‘Wow, this song is so good’.
“I feel like there is a sort of trickle-down effect of awareness of my humanity and trans humanity in general.”
Eli is already feeling the love following her album release – Mark Ronson, Demi Lovato and Zara Larsson have all voiced their support and her fan base is growing and growing.
Eli added: “I feel so excited by the community I’m existing in in LA right now.
“I feel like everyone is so supportive of each other.
“And it’s so refreshing and so cool.”
THE WEEK IN BIZ
Today: Jack Whitehall and David Duchovny will be at the BFI on London’s South Bank for the world premiere of their new psychological thriller Malice,ahead of its launch on Prime Video next Friday.
Wednesday: Bastille launch their From All Sides tour in Plymouth, celebrating 15 years of the band.
Thursday: Bums on sofas for the finale of The Celebrity Traitors on BBC One at 9pm.
Friday: Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Sabrina Carpenter are all expected to receive nods as the nominations are announced for the Grammy Awards ahead of the ceremony in February.
Dazzled by Doja
Doja Cat joined A-listers for a night outCredit: GettyDoja attended the fundraising bash alongside a host of stars, including actresses Demi Moore, Salma Hayek and Cynthia Erivo all of whom dazzled in their oufitsCredit: Getty
Doja Cat looked a true member of the glitterati as she joined A-listers for a night out.
The rapper sported a sparkly orange dress at the LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles and completed the ensemble with a curly blonde wig in a nod to Marilyn Monroe.
This is not the first time she has gained inspiration from the Hollywood legend. At the 2022 Grammys, she wore a custom-made crystal Versace gown – which took 475 hours to make.
Doja attended the fundraising bash alongside a host of stars, including actresses Demi Moore, Salma Hayek and Cynthia Erivo all of whom dazzled in their ’fits.
Keep sparkling, ladies.
Robyn’s returnso sexi
Robyn is set to release a new single and tease her ninth album Sexistential after a seven-year breakCredit: Getty – Contributor
Singer Robyn is planning to drop a new single in the next few weeks, then her ninth album in 2026.
It is seven years since the Swedish-born star put out her last collection, Honey, and an industry insider tells me the new one, with alluring title Sexistential, promises to be bigger and better than ever before.
They said: “Robyn has spent years working on this music and has been really inspired by loads of up-and-coming artists.
“She has worked with some very cool people and all the stops are being pulled out for this to be her biggest record in decades.”
Robyn has joined Gracie Abrams and Charli XCX on stage for surprise performances over the past year.
But by the sounds of it, next year she will likely be performing plenty of big gigs of her own.
Cat Burns opens up about losing her grandad and breaking up with a long-time girlfriend on her new album How to Be Human.
The singer and Celebrity Traitors star told The Sunday Times’ Style mag: “While grieving, a quote that stood out to me was: ‘Grief is just love with no place to go’. That helped guide the message of the album.”
A Brum deal for Benson
Benson Boone is due to return to the stage at London’s O2 tonight after cancelling his Birmingham show due to voice problems.Credit: Getty
The Beautiful Things singer, who is on his American Heart World Tour, told fans he wouldn’t have been able to put on the show at the Utilita Arena due to problems with his voice.
In a statement, he told fans: “Birmingham I am so so sorry but I will not be able to perform. I have tried everything I can to revive my voice, but I cannot give you the show I’d like to be able to give you with the condition of my throat right now.
“I’m working with my team to find a date to reschedule as soon as possible. I promise I will do everything in my power to make it up to you. I love you guys so much.”
We’re sending you our best, Benson, and we hope you can make the show tonight.
A SEASIDE capital city a short flight from the UK, with no council tax or TV licence fees and you can eat outside in winter… what’s not to like?
That’s the score in my adopted home town which I moved to from the UK just over 11 years ago.
I ditched the UK for one of the world’s best cities a few hours from the UKCredit: Dayna Camilleri ClarkeIt has waterfront restaurants and Michelin-starred chefsCredit: Joel Gueller
Though it’s Europe’s smallest capital, Malta’s Valetta squeezes in 320 monuments and over two dozen churches into an area half the size of Hyde Park with more history per square metre than anywhere else on the Med.
But Valletta’s more than just a pretty face.
Since it was crowned the European Capital of Culture in 2018, the once-sleepy capital has roared back to life with millions of euros invested in attractions, architecture and nightlife.
Living here has its perks. I pay no council tax, no TV licence, and car insurance costs are a fraction of what I used to pay in the UK.
Public transport is free, a recent vet check-up for my cat cost just €25 (£21.74), and with 300 days of sunshine a year, I’ve never needed the heating or a tumble dryer.
In summer, it’s all alfresco dining and harbour views; in December, the city gate glows with a Christmas market – and you can still enjoy a lunch outside in the sun.
Come February, Carnival takes over with parades and costumes, and later the festas, Malta’s patron-saint celebrations, light up the streets with fireworks, brass bands and confetti.
Valletta knows how to celebrate, and food plays a big part.
For a real taste of Malta, start underground at Nenu the Artisan Baker that is hidden in a vault on one of the city’s backstreets, where even locals flock for the nation’s much-loved ftira bread.
Its founder, Carmel Debono, known as Nenu, was born into a family of Qormi bakers in the 1950s and still fires up a 100-year-old oven to make traditional Maltese loaves like Ħobża tal-Malti and ftajjar.
It’s a slice of Maltese history, served the old-fashioned way.
Nenu is a vaulted restaurant that serves up ftira bread and traditional Maltese loavesCredit: Nenu the ArtisanTribelli is a former warehouse dating back to the 1600s that’s been turned into a huge restaurantCredit: Joel GuellerThe streets in Valletta are steep, cobbled and colourfulCredit: Viewing Malta
Then head down to the Valletta Waterfront, where locals fill the tables, especially for Sunday lunch.
Stop at Tribelli, a former warehouse from the 1600s turned into a family-run Maltese restaurant serving traditional dishes like rabbit stew, fried pasta and platters of local cheeses, sausages and bigilla, a broad bean dip.
Order a bottle of Maltese wine and sit on an outside table with one of the city’s best views of the Grand Harbour.
If looking for more of a quick bite, Valletta’s full of cheap eats.
Grab a pastizz, a golden, flaky pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas – at under a euro each, they’re the best bargain in town and loved by everyone from builders to bankers.
Once stomachs have been lined, it’s time to head to Strait Street, which was originally Valletta’s red-light and sailors’ quarter.
Now lined with glitzy neon signs and balconies strung with fairy lights, it’s instead home to vintage shopfronts and cocktail bars like Tico Tico and Yard 32.
It’s also worth making a pit stop at The Pub, the tiny watering hole where actor Oliver Reed died while filming Gladiator.
The staff even wear his legendary last bar order on their T-shirts.
Public buses in Malta are free for residents, but the city is so compact that tourists can cover most of it on foot.
Don’t miss St John’s Co-Cathedral with its extraordinary Baroque interior, or the Upper Barrakka Gardens overlooking the Grand Harbour.
Day trips are easy too, with ferries running to the Three Cities or the sister island of Gozo.
But there are also dozens of boutique hotels, guesthouses and Airbnbs that keep things affordable.
Valletta is a far cry from the all-inclusive coastal resorts that once put Malta on the package-holiday map, but you can still get very affordable return flights from £40 to the UK.
With all this going on, it’s little wonder Valletta’s just been crowned the world’s best city by Condé Nast Traveller.
Ten years on, I still pinch myself, sipping a glass of local Girgentina wine up in a city rooftop bar, with the UK reachable in three hours on a plane, but feeling like a lifetime away.
You’ll see the Valletta Triton Fountain at the city gateCredit: Viewing MaltaValletta is a far cry from the all-inclusive coastal resorts that once put Malta on the package-holiday mapCredit: Getty
SOME places in the UK are especially memorable thanks to television series that have been filmed there, particularly in the south of England.
The pretty village of Looe is famous for being the backdrop of Beyond Paradis and Port Isaac was used for years in Martin Clunes‘ series Doc Martin – now the Lizard peninsula is set to be big thanks to the HBOHarry Potter series.
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Cast of the new Harry Potter series have been seen filming on the Lizard peninsulaCredit: AlamyThe peninsula has steep cliffs and hidden covesCredit: Parkdean
The beach on the cove is split in two, one part is where you’ll find the fishing boats, and the other is where visitors and locals will go swimming, snorkelling and rock pooling.
Further around Cadgwith Cove is a 200-foot blowhole called the ‘Devil’s Frying Pan’.
The village itself is full of chocolate-box looking cottages, and anyone wanting to stay in Cadgwith Cove can do so at the local inn.
Harry Potter is also expected to film in Kynance Cove, a tidal beach famous for its white sand, turquoise sea and rock stacks.
Most read in Beach holidays
Anyone can visit Kynance Cove, but there is a small fee for parking – unless you’re a National Trust member.
It’s worth the trip though with some visitors even describing it as “the best beach, give you Portugal vibes”.
Others describe it as a “Cornish gem”, however, there are warnings of strong waves and fast-rising tides.
While there aren’t many facilities, there is a cafe on the beach that serves sandwiches, salads, jacket potatoes, pasties and hot drinks.
For more budget-friendly holiday stay option on the peninsula, Brits can head to Lizard Point Holiday Park run by Parkdean Resorts.
The site is closed for the winter season, but reopens in March next year.
Actor John Lithgow who plays Albus Dumbledore was seen filming in Cadgwith CoveCredit: Alamy
A five-night stay in May on a Trelan Caravan with a flatscreen TV, comfy sofas and sleeps up to six starts from £219, which is £7.30pppn.
The Compass Bungalow is the same price but sleeps up to four people; however, it is more spacious and has a brand new kitchen and bathroom.
Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, kart and bike hire, children’s shows from PAW Patrol to Milkshake Mornings.
Kids can also check out the soft play, amusement arcade, bungee trampoline, adventure golf, high ropes, table tennis, football as well as art and craft sessions.
There are on-site bars and restaurants, an ice cream parlour, drinks van and Street Eats for takeaways.
Port Isaac further north became so well-known after being used as the filming location for the BBC Doc Martin series that ran for 18 years.
It became the fictional village of Portwenn, showing off its clusters of stone cottages and narrow streets.
Port Isaac on the Cornwall coast was used as the backdrop of Doc MartinCredit: Getty ImagesBeyond Paradise is filmed in the coastal town of Looe in DevonCredit: Red Planet Pictures, Joss Barratt
The spin-off to Death in Paradise started in 2023 and is set in the fictional town of Shipton Abbott. The beaches of Looe and Fore Street are popular locations and the Guildhall is what they use for the Shipton Abbott Police Station.
Martha’s restaurant, The Ten Miles Kitchen, is filmed in The Stables, Port Eliot House & Gardens a cafe 20 minutes inland from Looe in the parish of St Germans.
It’s a great place to pop in for a coffee or brunch and a look over the garden estate.
On Barry Island itself, there’s the famous Marco’s Cafe and the Arcade where Nessa worked the slots.
Just up the road is The Colcot Arms aka Smithy’s local Essex hangout and of course the Tadross Hotel which doubles as The Dolphin – where pints cost £4, according to reviews left by guests.
Midsomer Murders
In rural Oxfordshire there is one of the deadliest villages around, Midsomer. ITV’s Midsomer Murders is filmed mostly in the quaint and historic town of Wallingford.
Wallingford isn’t the only location used. Just 30 minutes up the road is the village of Thame which also doubles as Causton village.
In Thame, the Spread Eagle, a red-brick hotel that serves up four roast mains on a Sunday, has been used for filming. They’ve also used The Black Horse, which has monthly offers from Happy Hour to deals on main courses.
Rumsey’s Chocolaterie has also appeared on-screen, and it’s worth a trip there just for the hot chocolates alone. They also offer workshops where you can make truffles and chocolate figurines.
At the Thame Museum, they offer a free Midsomer Walking Tour leaflet and there’s an opportunity to have a photo taken next to the ‘Causton Town Hall’ sign.
Grassington becomes the fictional market town of Darrowby and there are lots of familiar sights, as most of the village is used for filming.
The production team dress up shop fronts, with The Stripey Badger Bookshop becoming G F Engleby Grocers and The Devonshire transforming into the Drovers Arms.
The traditional family pub is very highly rated and offers everything from hearty breakfasts to Sunday lunch. It even offers ‘Dining for Dogs’ with ‘Diced Chuck Steak Doggy Dinner’ or ‘Sausage Stew’ on the menu.
For the chance to spot some filming, plan a trip in late Spring, early Summer as the cast begin with the Christmas special around that time.
Call the Midwife
Call the Midwife has returned for series fourteen and there are plenty of locations from over the years to visit for free.
In the latest series, the ladies of Nonnatus house took a trip to the seaside which was filmed on West Wittering beach, in Sussex.
Another recognisable location is the lighthouse from the 2019 Christmas Special, where Nurse Val and Nurse Lucille go to Scotland.
It’s actually the Eilean Glas Lighthouse on the east coast of the island of Scalpay. To get there, park in the village of Kennavay and take the 30-minute trail. The building also operates as a small museum and serves tea and coffee during open hours.
Shetland
Talking of Scotland, Shetland is the filming location for Shetland, obviously. The TV series starring Ashley Jensen is filmed in the main town and port, Lerwick.
The most recognisable spot of Lodberries House, which was the home of former lead DI Jimmy Perez (Douglas Henshall).
Another popular location for the show is Commercial Street, which has featured in almost every single series of Shetland ever.
There are also lots of other iconic locations in Lerwick, including Lerwick Town Hall, Bain’s Beach and Lerwick Harbour.
