Longtail

LIAM Gallagher isn’t a fan of sharing his food – just ask Paul Gascoigne.

The Tottenham and England legend told FourFourTwo about snaffling a steak from the Oasis rocker – and it didn’t end well.

Recalling a run-in during the Nineties, Paul said: “I was in a restaurant and a guy said, ‘Liam Gallagher’s over there’.

“I went up to him, he was sitting on his own having a steak.

“He said, ‘F***ing hell sit down mate, how are you doing? Do you want something to eat?’

“I said, ‘No I’m not hungry, I’ll have a drink though’. He went for the drink and I ate his f***ing steak. He went f***ing off at me, going ‘Where’s my f***ing steak, man?’ I went, ‘I’ve ate the c***t.

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“He said, ‘You c***t, I’ll go and get another one’. But he didn’t.

“He came back around the corner with a fire extinguisher, set it off and absolutely slaughtered us with it.”

Tonight, Liam and his brother Noel will kick off the final leg of their Oasis tour in Buenos Aires.

They will play a second show in Argentina’s capital tomorrow before a concert in Santiago, Chile, on November 19 and their final two shows in Sao Paolo in Brazil on November 22 and 23.

Tay note To 1D idol for sale

A handwritten letter from Taylor Swift to Liam Payne supporting his solo career is going up for auction.

She gave the late One Direction singer the note ahead of his performance at Capital’s 2017 Jingle Bell Ball.

Taylor headlined the annual bash at London’s O2 Arena. Liam, who died in October last year, was also on the bill.

The letter reads: “Liam, long time no see.

“I’m so excited for you, you’re crushing it out there.

“I’m obsessed with Bedroom Floor.

“It’s so cool to see you from afar.

“I’m always cheering you on.

“Good luck tonight!”

Speaking on the red carpet at the event eight years ago, Liam revealed Taylor also sent him a “lovely little hamper of new Reputation gear”.

He added: “She’s got very good handwriting if she did write it.”

British auction house Omega Auctions will sell the letter on December 2.

It is expected to fetch between £5,000 and £10,000.

Gabriella Cilmi is back, 12 years after her last album.

She had a string of hits in the late Noughties with Sweet About Me, Warm This Winter and On A Mission.

The Aussie singer, who is name-checked by Ed Sheeran on his 2011 song You Need Me, I Don’t Need You revealed she has been living in the English countryside and is returning to music.

She said on TikTok: “I’m super-excited to announce I’ve recorded a new record.

“We recorded it under the full Harvest Moon and it was a magical experience, going back to basics, playing live.”

Ellie: My break-up torment

Ellie Goulding has opened up about the breakdown of her marriage to Caspar Jopling.

Speaking about her new song Destiny, Ellie said: “I first heard this track when I had recently separated from my husband.

“This was at a really turbulent time for me because I was trying to navigate what felt like a separation of all separations.”

The singer added to NME: “It was a marriage, not just a relationship.

“I didn’t know what else to do other than make music.”

Ellie and Caspar tied the knot in 2019.

They had their son Arthur in 2021, but sadly separated in 2023.

Emeli Sande was joined by acts including Boy George and Ali Campbell of UB40 at a charity gig for victims of Hurricane Melissa.

They played A Concert For Jamaica, at Koko in Camden, London.

DJ Robbo Ranx praised Jamaicans for standing strong after being battered by the storm.

Much of the island is still without water or electricity.

Aussie accused of Ari scare

I was pleased to learn the brain-dead idiot who almost knocked Ariana Grande flying – when he stormed the Wicked: For Good red carpet premiere in Singapore – has been charged by police.

Australian-born Johnson Wen boasted about meeting the pop star at the event, when in actual fact he scared the living daylights out of Ariana.

Ariana was thankfully protected by the one-woman muscle machine that is Cynthia Erivo.

Wen has been charged with being a public nuisance, which is the understatement of the year.

He is known for his d**kish antics and has previously disrupted a Katy Perry concert and the men’s 100m final at the Paris Olympics last year.

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The jail term for being such a deluded berk is anything up to three months.

Sadly, I doubt being locked up would stop him being less of an idiot in future.

THE CHARTS

Taylor Swift bounces back to the top on both the singles and album charts.

It comes five weeks after the release of The Life Of A Showgirl, and following signed copies of the record going on sale online.

Rosalia has the highest new entry on the album chart, going to No4 with Lux.

Singles

1. The Fate Of Ophelia – Taylor Swift
2. Golden – Huntr/x, Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami & Kpop Demon Hunters Cast
3. Where Is My Husband! – Raye
4. Man I Need – Olivia Dean
5. So Easy (To Fall In Love) – Olivia Dean
6. Opalite – Taylor Swift
7. Raindance – Dave & Tems
8. Rein Me In – Sam Fender & Olivia Dean
9. Elizabeth Taylor – Taylor Swift
10. How It’s Done – Golden – Huntr/x, Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami & Kpop Demon Hunters Cast

Albums

1. The Life Of A Showgirl – Taylor Swift
2. The Art Of Loving – Olivia Dean
3. West End Girl – Lily Allen
4. Lux – Rosalia
5. Man’s Best Friend – Sabrina Carpenter
6. The Highlights – The Weeknd
7. +-=÷x Tour Collection – Ed Sheeran
8. The Essential – Michael Jackson
9. 50 Years: Don’t Stop – Fleetwood Mac
10. Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party – Hayley Williams

ARGUABLY the most famous waterfalls in the world is Niagara Falls – but did you know that just a few hours away in Europe there is a miniature version of the natural wonder?

In under three hours Brits can fly to Bosnia and Herzegovina where you’ll find the beautiful Kravica Waterfall.

The pretty natural site is tucked away in the village of Studenci which is near the country’s border close to Croatia.

The smaller waterfall is 82 feet high and 393 feet wide.

In comparison, the Horseshoe Falls, which is one of the three Niagara waterfalls is about 188 feet high and 2,200 feet wide.

Visitors to the Kravica Waterfall have called it “spectacular” with one of the highlights being able to swim in the natural lake.

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One person wrote on Tripadvisor: “It’s a magical and surreal place with lots of streams as you walk down for kids to play in.

“It was like a scene from Jumanji or journey to the centre of the earth. The waterfall is hidden in a basin, surrounded by lush trees.”

Surrounding the falls are on-site restaurants and a few shops.

Bosnia and Herzegovina itself was named a top trending destination for 2025 – and a cheap one too.

The capital, Sarajevo, has some of the cheapest beers in Europe with a local pint costing £1.81.

According to Wise, you can get a three-course meal for two for 50.00 KM (£22.61) and a regular cappuccino 3.29 KM (£1.49).

In Sarajevo, you can visit Baščaršija which is the city’s oldest bazaar and is considered the cultural centre of the city.

Here you can try traditional dishes like cevapi, flatbreads filled with grilled meat, and burek, flaky pastries filled with cheese, spinach or even sour cherry for dessert.

Also in the capital are attractions including the War Tunnel, or Tunnel of Hope, left over from the Bosnian war that was originally built in 1993 to get aid and humanitarian supplies into the city.

Further south is the city of Mostar which is home to the historic Stari Most otherwise known as the Old Bridge.

Stari Most was first built in 1566, destroyed in 1993, and rebuilt in 2004. It is huge and towers 78 feet above the Neretva River.

Another famous site in the south is the Blagaj Tekija Monastery in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The monastery is built into a cliffside just above the very blue Buna River and is known to be a spiritual retreat.

Tourists are allowed inside year-round as long as they adhere to the dress code.

Men must wear long trousers below the knees and women must be covered with a scarf and wear a long skirt.

The monastery is usually included in tours of Mostar, and during the summer there are short boat rides into the cave at the bottom of the cliff.

From the UK Brits can fly to Sarajevo in two hours 45 minutes. With Ryanair you can fly to the capital with flights starting from £16.

If you opt to take a trip during the summer the average daily high temperatures across the country generally range from 24C to 32C.

During the winter 15C to -3C – temperatures range a lot within the country with the coldest spots being in the mountains.

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Here’s more on the tiny European hotspot so much cheaper than Croatia – but just as beautiful with 25C temperatures in autumn.

Plus, here’s Croatia’s largest island has hilltop towns, sandy beaches and it’s own airport with direct UK flights.

DUBAI has finally cracked open its £10billion mystery islands to sun-seeking holidaymakers after they lay deserted for more than two decades.

The city has long been recognised for its architectural wonders including the 828m tall Burj Khalifa.

But the glamourous city has revealed its latest gem, known as ‘the world’s islands’, which is now officially open to tourists after years of development.

Rocky beginnings

The £10.6bn fantasy archipelago was supposed to reshape the coastline into a giant world map made from 300 man-made islands.

The mad dream began as a sketch on a cocktail napkin and back then, ambitious tycoons queued up to claim their slice of the fantasy.

There were even plans for a Giant’s Causeway on the ‘Ireland’ island and a fashion paradise overseen by Karl Lagerfeld himself.

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Bit in 2008 the crash hit and money vanished, turning the whole thing into a sandy graveyard.

The pricey stunt had costed enough dredged sand to fill Wembley nearly 100 times over.

Developers soon went bust, investors fled, and by 2011 officials were admitting the project was basically “in a coma.”

For years, the only excitement came from tourists peering out of plane windows, gawping at the ghostly outline of a world that never was.

The only resident for years was Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who quietly bagged ‘Greenland’ for a private palace in 2011.

But in true Dubai fashion, the city has refused to give up and the forgotten islands are back, open for business, and dripping in luxury.

Open for business

The islands are now open to tourists, offering a game-changing new experience.

Travellers can enjoy the World islands, which consist of 300 islands, situated just off the cost of the mainland.

Each island has been designed to mimic different countries or continents, including luxury resorts, fine dining spots and high-end beach villas.

While many are still under construction, a select few are fully accessible to tourists.

‘Heart of Europe’

Austrian developer Josef Kleindienst, snapped up half a dozen islands and nearly two decades later, his sprawling resort, ‘The Heart of Europe‘, is now open.

The islands resemble popular European destinations, including ‘Sweden,’ ‘Switzerland,’ ‘Germany,’ ‘Monaco,’ and ‘St Petersburg’.

Guests can take a trip to the glitzy Voco Monaco hotel, blasting out endless techno, offering visitors a luxury, high end party experience.

The star attraction is the bonkers “raining street,” where sprinklers blast out a fake downpour every 15 minutes.

In 35°C heat, it creates a misty, Paris-in-August atmosphere.

Further along the map, the mood shifts from rave to relaxation.

The Anantara World Islands resort offers a Maldives-on-Sea escape full of private pools, beachfront villas and pampering sessions.

Guests can even have breakfast served in their own pool.

There are also 133 floating seahorse villas, making up a £5billion floating city in the middle of the sea.

This new wave of luxury comes as Dubai doubles down on its quest to be the world’s go-to playground for the rich and restless.

More resorts and mansions are set to come through soon.

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Even a former “dead” island, ‘Chile’, is now hosting parties, while another has been reborn as ‘Zuhha Island’ with luxury villas on sale.

The World Islands were once written off as an embarrassing folly, but the new development is bound to be a game changer for the cities’ already bustling tourist scene.

MORE Brits than ever are ditching the UK for Dubai, tempted by the warmer weather and tax-free incomes.

But there is a spot closer to home that more UK residents are heading to instead.

Malta is the sunny southern European archipelago that’s fast becoming a popular destination for Brits, competing with Dubai.

Aesthetically, Malta and Dubai are very different with one covered in new high rises and the other stone and medieval buildings.

But the look of the place isn’t the only aspect that’s encouraging Brits not just to visit Malta but to live there too.

Brits are packing up their belongings and flying to the sunny island country because of the lower tax rates.

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The Times reported that one Brit who moved to Malta secured a retirement visa which had a flat 15 per cent tax rate on any income remitted to the country.

The visa includes access to statutory healthcare. Malta also doesn’t tax on gains from assets like inheritance, unlike in the UK.

Housing doesn’t necessarily break the bank either.

To get this particular visa, Brits must buy a property of at least €275,000 (£242,800) or rent somewhere at least €9,600 per year (£700 a month).

Malta has cheaper private school fees compared to the UK. One woman revealed that her son’s fees had been cut in half after moving.

The government in Malta offers tax breaks to parents who go private too.

Louise Salmond Smith, the head teacher of a private school called Haileybury Malta told The Times: “The cost of living versus quality of life is often, perhaps usually, cited as a reason to think about moving elsewhere, and many say they don’t think things are likely to improve very soon.”

And while Dubai is drastically different to the UK, Malta has a taste of Britain.

The British retiree who spoke to the Times revealed: “They drive on the same side of the road, there are red postboxes, HSBCs on the corner and they have Marks & Spencer.”

One woman who moved to Malta spoke to The Sun recently revealing she loves her new life in Malta.

Dayna Camilleri Clarke and her partner have started a new life in Valletta where she revealed some of the biggest perks is that there’s council tax, no TV licence, and car insurance costs are much less.

Dayna added: “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.

“Life doesn’t grind to a halt in winter either. 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.”

Head here to read more on Dayna’s move to Valletta from the best places to eat to the best street for bars.

You don’t have to pack up your life though, just pack up a suitcase like one Sun Writer did in her recent trip to the country.

Nuria Cremer-Vazquez visited Malta in sunny July, where she found you could have a very familiar meal to Brits.

Nuria said: “It was intriguing how easy it is to come across a full English on this faraway archipelago.

“The British stopped ruling Malta in 1964, but they left behind a love for this breakfast along with other cultural footprints such as UK plugs, driving on the left and speaking English (an official language here alongside Maltese).

“I got used to the unexpected sight of red telephone boxes on the streets of cities like Mdina, an ancient fortress which otherwise looked like something out of Game Of Thrones.”

Nuria also discovered you can get Aperol Spritzes for just €4 – and that there are underground tunnels under the city.

Malta carries pieces of British culture in its streets, but there’s one thing that trumps it completely – the weather.

Malta experiences mild winters where the lowest temperatures will be around 9C – but can also be as high as 16C

In the summer, you can walk about in the sun as the archipelago has average highs of 32C.

If you fancy checking out Malta for yourself, you can fly to Valletta from £16 in November.

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Plus, check out Europe’s ‘Grand Canyon’ that looks more like America with huge mountains and bright blue rivers.

For more adventure, this man left the UK to travel on £35 a day – and discovered an unheard of destination with fairytale canyons.

WHEN it comes to winter city breaks most Brits will look to the likes of Lisbon, Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels.

But there’s another contender coming for the crown, and it’s usually known for having glorious summers – but it has incredibly mild winters and is less touristy then too.

Time Out named Athens as ‘Europe’s most underrated winter city break‘ with the publication saying that the city “never goes into hibernation”.

The capital of Greece is known more for being a summer destination as it has scorching temperatures of around 30C.

However in winter, Athens can still be very mild. In November, Athens can still have highs of 20C and through the rest of winter, there are still highs of around 14C.

In November you can get one-way flights from £28 with Ryanair, and in January there are even cheaper flights from £20.

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With flights taking around three and a half hours it’s easy for Brits to go there for a weekend before returning to the UK.

Writer Jonathan, who visited Athens during the low season revealed it was better for getting about with there being less tourists.

He said: “It’s not hot, there are no queues, flights and hotels are cheap and we can get the best seats in any bar, café or restaurant.

“Why come a cropper up the Acropolis in August when you can beat the crowds and heat by visiting mid-winter?

“Athens is the perfect Greek city for an all-year-round mini-break, with lots to see and do.”

Thanks to its rich history, archaeological sites are the most popular places to see in Athens from Parthenon to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium.

Plaka is another popular spot, and it happens to be the oldest neighbourhood in Athens.

Jonathan visited Plaka, and revealed that just like the historical spots, it’s better in autumn and winter.

He said: “With narrow pedestrianised lanes, tourist shops and tavernas, it’s no surprise that the area is heaving in summer, but we had plenty of space to breathe and enjoy glimpses of The Acropolis in peace.

“For an even less crowded view, head to 360 Cocktail Bar where you can soak up not just the city’s sacred rock but views of the pastel-coloured buildings below, too.”

If you fancy a drink while in Plaka, check out the Brettos which is famous for a distillery that has made liqueurs and ouzo since 1909.

If you wanted to be especially bold, from Athens you can easily hop over to one of the nearby islands like Mykonos, Santorini or Paros.

The closest islands to Athens are Aegina and Agistri which are both reachable in about an hour by ferry from the port of Piraeus.

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Check out the stunning Santorini-dupe village hidden inside Greece’s capital…

Anafiotika in Athens is the cutest little neighbourhood that until recently flew completely under the radar for most visitors to the Greek capital.

On a recent trip to the city, Travel Writer Hope Brotherton made sure to stop by the area that has been likened to Santorini by visitors, thanks to its whitewashed properties and winding lanes.

Located on the northeastern side of the Acropolis Hill, Anafiotika was built by a group of construction workers from Anafi, a tiny Cycladic island near Santorini and Ios.

The area has become a star on social media and has been praised by travel bloggers and influencers alike – but I spotted the whitewashed area when I was having a drink at the MS Roof Garden.

Here you’ll find whitewashed buildings, but they are inhabited by locals. The streets are very narrow, making it hard to walk around without feeling like you’re invading someone’s privacy

For more on Greece, read more from an expert who visits the country 10 times a year and these are her favourite beaches.

Plus, the ‘Caribbean of Greece’ will soon be easier to get to thanks to new £3million marina.

WHILE holiday destinations in Spain and Portugal remain popular with Brits, one woman is on a mission to visit places a bit further afield.

Hannah Fry’s new series, The Infinite Explorer, sees her take a different approach to travel, looking at quirks of history and geography behind the locations of some of the world’s lesser-visited spots.

Hannah Fry, who is a traveller and professor, went around the world with National Geographic filming her new six-part series.

She headed to some off-the-beaten-track places within La Gomera in the Canary Islands, and an island off South Korea.

But one of the places she went to were first-time visits for her – and one spot that particularly impressed her was Vietnam.

She told Sun Travel: I wasn’t expecting to like Vietnam as much as I did. In my head, I haven’t really updated my opinion of it from like watching war movies, to be honest.

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“So I think I was expecting somewhere that was really poor, that was like struggling quite a lot and actually, that’s not what you find.

“Once you get there, there’s like skyscrapers and really posh hotels.

“There’s bustling tourism. I was really surprised by how quickly they’ve managed to kind of turn the story around from what it was in the past.

“It’s an amazing country, really beautiful, and the people were so like almost ridiculously friendly.”

Vietnam is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable countries for holidays.

The Post Office declared Hoi An in Vietnam as the top best-value long-haul destination when looking at the price of items from a cup of coffee to local lager, a cocktail to a three course evening meal.

It’s also affordable when it comes to luxury accommodation – Which? analysed five-star listings on Hotels.com and found the cheapest in Vietnam.

The Emerald Bay Hotel and Spa in Nha Trang, Vietnam was priced at £22 per night.

It has sea views on a rooftop terrace, two pools, and complimentary access to a private beach.

Meanwhile back in the UK, the average cost for a luxury hotel in London is around £535 to £580 per night.

Or in the likes of the Maldives and Dubai ,luxury resorts can set you back thousands.

Hannah also found that in Vietnam you don’t need to spend a fortune to get great food.

She told us: “To be honest, in Vietnam, you don’t even really need to go anywhere to get nice food – you could stop off at like what is effectively a motorway service station.”

Authentic food in Vietnam can cost as little as £8 and beers around £1 as one Sun Writer discovered on his recent trip to the country.

Another spot that Hannah ventured to was South Korea’s largest island, Jeju.

Talking about it, Hannah explained: “Jeju is absolutely stunning. Imagine Thailand, right? That’s what Jeju is like.

“It’s where all of the Koreans go on holiday, so it’s full of really fancy hotels. It’s got a proper jungle, rainforests, and lush greenery.

“There are unbelievably beautiful white sandy beaches – it’s stunning. Like paradise vibes, and with good Wi-Fi.”

It wasn’t all long-haul destinations, Hannah went to one of the most popular tourist spots for Brits, the Canary Islands.

However, she did go to one of the lesser-visited islands, La Gomera.

“It’s definitely much lesser known, especially compared to Tenerife -it was so quiet and much less drunk tourists!

“I can’t explain how beautiful these landscapes were – absolutely stunning, and lovely beaches.”

Hannah revealed that her travels were slightly less glamorous than she hoped.

She confessed: “I was freezing for most of it. Naturally, I was excited when they said – you have an entire series get to travel the entire world.

“But we filmed it all in winter – I was freezing. The warmest place we probably filmed in was Ireland.”

Back in the UK, Hannah actually likes to embrace the cooler weather.

“I love going to Cornwall – and when it’s grey and drizzly with the leaves on the ground I can just turn the fire on, have a cup of hot chocolate and read a book under a blanket.”

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The Infinite Explorer with Hannah Fry airs Thursdays at 8PM on National Geographic

Hannah’s adventures continue with her trip to South Korea, and you can catch up on previous episodes on National Geographic too.

I USED to fancy the pants off of Charlie Hunnam.

But after seeing him turn into creepy serial killer Ed Gein in the latest instalment of Ryan Murphy’s Monster series on Netflix, I have cooled a little.

Luckily for Charlie, his girlfriend Morgana McNelis was spotted with a huge diamond on her ring finger, so it looks like she said yes top being his wife.

She was seen wearing the enormous rock during a day out this week.

A photographer friend of mine in the US said: “Charlie and Morgana have been together for almost 20 years so it’s about time he popped the question.

“She had this huge diamond on her ring finger, so it seems like Charlie has asked her to be his wife.

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“This is the first time she’s ever been seen wearing it too, so maybe that Netflix pay cheque came in handy.”

Charlie previously admitted Morgana had been pushing him towards the aisle, despite the actor feeling “indifferent” about getting married.

He said: “She does not feel the same. She’s very eager.

“I’ll do it because it’s important to her but I don’t have any great romantic feelings towards it.”

After feeling the heat from social media, Charlie later clarified his comments and said: “That really hurt my girlfriend’s feelings and I really regretted saying that.

“I actually didn’t mean it at all, it was, frankly, just stupid s**t I said in the heat of the moment.

“I’m, like, so romantic, and the reality is I sort of consider myself married. I’ve been with my girlfriend for 14 years.

“I suppose what I was trying to articulate is the official government sanction of it doesn’t mean anything to me, but the romance of it means an enormous amount.”

After that hoohaa, I wouldn’t be surprised if Charlie went all out with his proposal.

Ellie’s beau strips for vid

ELLIE GOULDING has roped in a favour close to home for her new video – by enlisting her real-life boyfriend to play the love interest.

She will drop the visuals to Destiny at 3pm today and my exclusive first look shows her with muscly actor Beau Minniear, who I told you she was dating in July.

It features a series of steamy scenes, including Ellie hugging the topless hunk, straddling him with a camera in hand, and, in one of the quirkiest parts, snogging with veils over their faces.

Now I’m excited for the next album.

Gaga lithium breakdown

LADY GAGA had a psychotic episode after shooting A Star Is Born, which is why she cancelled much of the European leg of her 2018 Joanne tour.

She told Rolling Stone magazine: “I did A Star Is Born on lithium.”

On breaking down afterwards, she said: “There was one day that my sister said to me, ‘I don’t see my sister any more’.

“And I cancelled the tour. There was one day I went to the hospital for psychiatric care.

“I needed to take a break. I couldn’t do anything. I completely crashed, it was really scary.

“There was a time where I didn’t think I could get better . . .  I feel really lucky to be alive. I know that might sound dramatic, but we know how this can go.”

Thankfully Gaga, who said she is on “some, but not as many” antipsychotics now, is in a much better place.

And she’s got a surprise career away from music, having co-founded a skin-health research firm in the US alongside her fiancé Michael Polansky.

It’s called Outer Biosciences and 20 employees.

Meanwhile, the couple are more eager than ever to tie the knot.

Michael said: “We’re talking about it all the time. We have these breaks, and they’re tempting.

“It’s like, ‘OK, can we get married that weekend?’ We don’t want a really big wedding, but we want to enjoy it.”

Sara sis surprise

IT’S the final day of Sara Cox’s epic Radio 2 Great Northern Marathon for Children In Need – and she has absolutely smashed it.

Through tears and triumph, the teatime presenter proved that with great support, physical resilience and pure grit you can achieve so much.

She will today complete the 135 miles, heading past my old University digs in Headingley, Leeds, for the final mission of getting Pudsey Bear to the Yorkshire town of Pudsey.

Sara was yesterday given an extra boost as her sister Dot turned up to give her a cuddle, with Sara telling me: “That was a lovely surprise.”

And she got another when her mum Jackie rang her, saying: “We’re tracking you from India.”

Sara said: “It’s been amazing and painful. My shins are so sore.”

Speaking to me ahead of the final day, Sara paid tribute to the thousands of people who have turned out for her along the route.

Some have driven miles to catch a glimpse of her.

Sara told me: “The people coming out in the villages made me skip along a little bit faster. It’s been tough finishing in the dark because miles in the dark just seem to go so slowly.

“It has been brutal and tough but I’ve been given such a boost from people. It’s been amazing.”

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Sara was this morning starting to push her fundraising to over £3million. I expect donations to go through the roof as she appears live on BBC One’s Children In Need tonight.

If you can, join me in donating at donate.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/sara.

THE Canary Islands are popular with Brits wanting winter sun, so it can be hard to know where to find the lesser known hidden spots.

So we’ve spoken to a local who was born on the island of Fuerteventura for everything from the best beaches to cool neighbourhoods.

TUI rep Samuel Gonzalez was born and raised in Fuerteventura – here are his best kept secrets.

Island Towns

When it comes to beautiful towns – there are plenty scattered all over the island.

But some of Samuel’s favourite include El Cotillo which he loves for its fantastic beaches and little lagoons.

Betancuria was historically the capital of the Canary Islands and then the capital of Fuerteventura for over 500 years.

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So it’s no surprise that the town is steeped in history – Samuel even says you can “travel back in time” while strolling through.

He also calls it one of the “most beautiful places in Spain” as it has white-washed buildings with terracotta roof tiles.

Gran Tarajal is a main town with pitch black sand where locals live a slow lifestyle and there aren’t many tourists around.

There’s also a marina and lots of local restaurants where you’ll find classic dishes.

Beaches

You’re pretty spoiled for choice with beaches thanks to Fuerteventura being an island, of course.

Majanicho is a small, off-the-beaten-track village known for surfing, a calm lagoon, and it even has a unique beach made of coral – often called “Popcorn Beach”.

Samuel called Majanicho an “untouched coastal area” that’s a “surfer’s paradise” thanks to its shape.

When it comes to beach day fun, look no further than Corralejo .

The lively resort has plenty of beaches including the Grandes Playas which has golden sands and bright blue waters.

Villages

There are villages scattered throughout the island, but these are the ones Samuel said needs to be on your hit list.

Ajuy on the west coast is a remote fishing village where pirates used to hide – and there are plenty of secret spots to explore like the volcanic caves.

Plus, you’ll be able to see some fantastic sunsets here.

Also on the west coast of the island is Los Molinos, a secluded village with sea caves and as Samuel points out – the only place where you can see ducks.

Tiscamanita is a farming village where Samuel revealed they make the best matured goat cheese of the island.

It’s also home to a traditional Canarian windmill.

Exploring

There’s plenty of exploring to be done around the island too, and Samuel said that Lajares, a small inland town, is “as indie as it gets” with “plenty of artisan shops”.

The town that’s popular with surfers is known for having a chilled out vibe.

Tindaya is a sacred mountain on the island for the aboriginal people of the island.

It’s a site worth seeing but visitors can only drive by or walk around a small part of the mountain.

Punta de la Entallada is an active lighthouse on the island and from there you get some incredible views – it’s also the nearest point to mainland Africa.

Samuel also recommended Jandia which has white sand beaches and it has even been used in a few films like Star Wars and Wonder Woman.

He also added that Antigua is worth a visit for its historical windmill and Cheese Museum with a guided tasting.

Another is Isla de Lobos, an island to the north of Fuerteventura – a natural park only reachable by boat with an archaeological site and incredibly clear water.

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For more on Fuerteventura, read more on what Head of Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire got up to when she visited the much-loved Spanish island last year.

Plus, one man has visited 100 countries but he always go back to these Spanish islands – they love Brits & have the best food & beaches.

FOR 21 years, Jasmine Harman has been finding Brits their dream home abroad on A Place in the Sun, and recently decided to take the plunge herself.

In an even bolder move, Jasmine and her family decided to renovate their own property on the Costa del Sol and documented it all on the Channel 4 show, Jasmine Harman’s Renovation in the Sun.

Talking to Sun Travel, Jasmine has revealed what her new life in Spain is like, and the renovation mishaps she wishes she knew sooner.

Having been advice on property since 2004., it was in October 2023that Jasmine and her family were relocated from the UK to Spain, buying a run-down villa to transform it into their dream home.

It took around one year to transform the casa, and for anyone who wants to do the same, Jasmine has some words of warning.

Jasmine said: “It’s not for the faint hearted. If anyone was considering taking on a renovation project, I’d say be prepared.

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“It’s going to be harder and more expensive than you think. There will be things that will come up that you weren’t expecting and you’ll need to leave yourself a financial and time buffer.

“We had rough figures that we were trying to stick to, but I reckon we ended up going over by around 50 per cent.”

Another huge challenge that Jasmine warned people against is living in the house whilst undergoing a renovation – especially during demolition.

Jasmine along with her husband, Jon, and their two children Joy and Albion, transformed the villa which wasn’t without its setbacks – including serious health scares.

The work however started long before the actual renovation when Jasmine and Jon had to choose exactly where to live.

For the family, Jasmine revealed that moving abroad to the Costa del Sol was also the only logical option.

She explained: “The Costa del Sol was a practical decision because we film A Place in the Sun here all year round.

“There would be no point in me moving abroad somewhere to be with my family more, which was the whole idea, and say we moved to Italy.

“When deciding whereabouts on the Costa del Sol, we chose the western side of Malaga. Then Estepona we chose mostly for the schools – I found one I thought my kids would be happy in.”

Now she and her family have been living in Estepona for some time and have really settled in.

Jasmine shared: “I love Estepona because of the vibe in the town. Where we are, the beaches are quiet all year round. It’s a lovely Spanish town – very authentic.

“Although there’s quite a big international community here, it still maintains its Spanish feel.”

As for what she loves most about her move to Spain, like most Brits would find, it’s the good weather.

In the summer season, Estepona has highs of 28C and even during the winter it can still be as mild as 17C.

Jasmine told us: “I know it’s a cliche, but the weather is so much better and more predictable and reliable.

“I had never really understood the pull of why people want to live by the sea, but I get it now. I love being this close to the sea, the mountains, and being able to see the horizon and that big, beautiful blue sky.”

Thanks to her new home being so close to the sea that they can see it from their home, Jasmine makes the most of it by taking regular dips in the ocean.

She and her children sometimes walk across the beach after school.

There are also plenty of spots for day trips from Tarifa where you can spot dolphins and whales, to Malaga City.

It’s not all sun and sand though; Jasmine is also very close to the Sierra Nevada mountains in the Granada province.

Jasmine said: “For the last two years that we’ve lived here, we’ve driven to Sierra Nevada, which is a few hours away, to go for a little skiing weekend.

“We don’t have to fly there, we just chuck everything in the car.”

Jasmine Harman’s Renovation in the Sun continues on Thursday November 13, at 5 PM.

To catch up on previous episodes, head to Channel4.com.

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And A Place In The Sun’s Laura Hamilton’s surprising favourite holiday destination… despite her job travelling abroad.

CAMPING isn’t just for summer as there are still some amazing European destinations you can get some winter sun for a bargain.

Caravan and Motorhome Club has revealed some of the best campsites across Portugal and Spain to Sun Travel with outdoor pools, play areas and access to popular cities.

Here are some of the very best which are just a few hours from the UK.

Turiscampo, Portugal

You’ll find Turiscampo at the very bottom of the Algarve in the city of Lagos.

If you fancy visiting in November, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how warm it is still with highs of 18C.

What will draw most visitors in is the enormous swimming pool lined with sun loungers.

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There’s an on-site restaurant with a varied menu, a snack-bar, bistro and a-la-carte options.

And guests can also use the indoor heated pool, gym, sauna, hammam and check out the various beauty treatments.

If you fancy exploring the city, visits are organised by the campsite to Lagos and the Market of Lagos as well as walks to Praia da Luz or Bugau.

It’s a great spot for golfers as it has nearby courses with views of the open countryside, vineyards, and coastline.

The site is ideal for motorhomes, but you can pitch a tent too.

Pitches range from electric hook-up to special pitch and bathroom pitch – prices start from £25.51pn.

Alannia Els Prats, Spain

The Mediterranean coast of Spain just outside of Tarragona is where you’ll find Alannia Els Prats.

If you love the beach, then this campsite is ideal as it’s seconds away from the coast.

With highs of 19C in November, you’ll still be able to enjoy frolicking on the sands and splashing about in the water.

There’s a pretty terrace restaurant with views over the Med as well as a huge slide and a shallow splash park for kids.

There’s also an outdoor and inside play area, teen club, games room as well as a sports area with a basketball hoop.

On the front line of the Costa Daurada and close to the Ebro Valley, just fifteen minutes from Port Aventura.

Alannia Els Prats has an entertainment team that puts on performances for families.

Nearby is the Botanical Garden, Gaudi Centre, Port Aventura Theme Park and Aquopolis Costa Daurada Aquatic Water Park.

Pitches vary from serviced to large, premium and sea view with prices starting from £23.94pn.

Los Escullos, Spain

If you want a break surrounded by nature then Los Escullos is for you as it’s found tucked away in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park.

In the low season it’s quiet so it’s also a great spot if you fancy a less frantic atmosphere.

Activities range from the multi-sports court to the entertainment program, and there’s an outdoor pool surrounded by loungers and cosy cabanas.

There’s a focus on wellbeing so make sure to explore the gym, sauna, Jacuzzi and massage treatments.

And if you fancy taking a stroll, there are plenty of trails that run through the National Park.

When it comes to meals, the Oasis Restaurant overlooks the pool and offers guests the opportunity to try traditional Spanish cuisine or check out the pizzeria menu.

The site is around a 40-minute drive from Almería too if you want to explore the city.

Los Escullos offers electric hook-up pitches from £22.53pn.

Costa do Vizir, Portugal

This campsite is on the western coast of Portugal where temperatures reach highs of 18C in November.

Called the Costa do Vizir, it’s ideal for anyone seeking a peaceful camping break by the coast.

The campsite is just 450m from Praia Grande beach, a popular watersports location.

On-site is a fine dining restaurant, and on the beach is the second restaurant which makes for great sunset views.

There’s an outdoor pool and children’s play area.

The country’s capital, Lisbon, is one hour and 30 minutes drive away where you can hop on a tram and eat a tasty Pastel de Nata.

Also nearby is Porto Covo, Pessegueiro’s Island, the Natural Reserve of Costa Vicentiva, Zambujeira and the town of Odemira.

It has electric hook-up and serviced pitches from £24.66pn.

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Read more on camping from one Sun Writer who stayed at the UK’s original glamping destination with alfresco massages and farmhouse style tents.

And check out the tiny campsite with safari lodges and nearby beach named one of the fanciest in the UK.

A HUGE car race track, retro arcade games and private Singpods – it certainly doesn’t sound like your classic pub?

Calling itself the ‘modern playhouse for Battersea,’ it recently reopened after a £1million refurbishment and I was one of the first to go down.

Formerly known as the Four Thieves, the ‘adult playground’ now called The Thieves, sits between Battersea and Clapham Common.

You can do everything you can do at a usual pub, like grab a cocktail, beer or bite to eat from their menu – from brunch to a hearty Sunday roast.

But beyond the pretty bar and plush velvet seating is also a plethora of other activities.

Let’s face it, the main event is upstairs inside The Thieves Gambit.

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Heading inside the arcade, you’re immediately greeted by a buzzy atmosphere, laughter, and of course, plenty of competitive jibes.

It’s slightly overwhelming at first because of the sheer amount of games – and the sound effects that go with them.

There’s air hockey, golf putting, Mario Kart, pool tables, virtual darts, basketball, and classic games like Pacman, Space Invaders, Tetris and Mortal Kombat.

Crazy Light was another favourite, buttons light up and you have to press them – the faster the better, obviously.

The main event though is the TRBO Raceway, previously called Moonshine Raceway, where players sit in gaming chairs and literally race cars around the track.

It might remind some of old Scalextric games – there’s even an MC hyping up drivers and if it’s possible, making everyone even more competitive.

It’s not easy either as I found out when coming last.

To play the games you need to add credit to your TRBO card which starts at £10 for 500 coins and you can top up throughout the night.

Downstairs in the basement is where you can sing your heart out inside the karaoke room.

If you fancy, you can book out a Singpod to privately belt out some ballads with your mates.

Not being much of a singer myself, this is one that I decided not to take on.

When you’re done with the games, head back down to the bar area where there are a host of live performances.

It’s not just a guy singing with a guitar either, I’m talking mega party vibes.

There will ABBA parties, Taylor Swift socials, cabaret shows, and themed brunches all under spinning disco balls and and flashing lights.

Coming up on the calendar are 70s dance parties to ‘Twisted Time Machine’ with tunes from the party eras, comedy nights, quizzes.

For guaranteed entry, time at the arcades, or a table for eating – make sure to book before you go.

Otherwise, happy playing!

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For more fun, check out the new adult-only indoor playground with pub games and prosecco-flavoured candyfloss to open in the UK.

And for when the sun is shining, check out the best riverside pubs across the UK including a moored boat and one ‘that feels like the south of France’.

ZOE Ball has moved a new man into her home – a mystery “lodger” who has “won more awards” than she has.

The Radio 2 presenter hinted at a new romance on her Dig It podcast, two years after her split from construction worker Michael Reed.

Zoe, 53, revealed her new living arrangements to co-host Jo Whiley when discussing Christmas gifts.

She said: “I’ve got this thing that I bought online, which is sort of like you hold the handle and it’s loads and loads of different bits of wood and you whack your legs and your underarms with it.

“It really helps circulation. I think it’s quite good for lymphatic drainage.

“I bought loads of them for people for Christmas …”

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Zoe continued: “I remember the first time the lodger walked in and saw me doing it, and just sort of turned on his heels.”

When Jo asked if the lodger was “still around,” Zoe replied: “He’s still here at the moment. He’s still lodging.”

Zoe did not reveal the man’s identity, but said he has “won loads of awards.”

Speaking about her own accolades, she said: “I did get a Sony and it was given to me by Marianne Faithfull. I was well chuffed.

“And I think Caner of the Year for something I can’t remember. 

“We won a BAFTA for the last ever Live and Kicking, which was amazing. But I don’t even have a copy of it …

“Yeah, the lodger has won loads of awards…”

The Sun has reached out to Zoe’s reps for clarification on whether the relationship is romantic or platonic.

Zoe’s ex-husband, DJ Norman Cook – better known as Fatboy Slim – recently spoke about their continued close friendship. 

The pair were married for 18 years before splitting in 2016 and share two children, Woody, 24, and Nelly, 15.

The DJ, 62, recently described Zoe as his “soulmate” while promoting his new photo book reflecting on his music career. 

“Zoe is a very kind, thoughtful person and she just had this way of checking my ego, like ‘We are still human beings. 

“We are still nice to people,’” he told The Sun.

He said Zoe helped him navigate fame in the 1990s: “In the 90s, I was having too much fun to think about the next day. 

“It became a whirlwind, but Zoe helped me through it as she knew that level of fame before. 

“It was nice to have a soulmate in there with you.”

Zoe’s last public relationship was with construction worker Michael Reed. 

The pair dated for five years before splitting in 2023. 

At the time, The Sun reported she had asked him to move out of her £2 million Sussex home after the relationship began to break down.

A source said: “Zoe is gutted but she’s better off without Michael. This is a relief to many of her friends, who think she has done the right thing.”

Before Michael, Zoe dated cameraman Billy Yates, who tragically died by suicide in 2017 after a battle with depression.

BALLSY MOVE

Zoe sold her countryside pile and moved closer to her ex Fatboy Slim last year.

The fan-favourite broadcaster previously lived there with her ex Michael yet it appeared she was eager for a fresh start.

Zoe called time on her relationship with the model in May 2023 after five and a half years together – with pals at the time saying they had “run their course”.

A source revealed she then traded in life in her rural Sussex home – complete with a swimming pool and tennis courts – for the more “lively” surroundings of Brighton and Hove.

Zoe sold up after the sad death of her beloved mum.

Also in her podcast with fellow BBC Radio 2 anchor Jo, Zoe revealed the heartbreaking impact of her loss.

She told her pal on the podcast last month: “I couldn’t work.

“I was on the floor in the kitchen. I couldn’t, I couldn’t move

“I had a proper emotional breakdown, you know, I haven’t really talked about it actually.

“But it was, yeah, it was brutal.

“I had an amazing doctor who turned up at my door with coffee and bagels and said, ‘so, we need to get you some help’, and he was wonderful.”

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She admitted the process of grief was ongoing.

Zoe told how she struggled particularly on the anniversary of her mum’s death and said there was “a lot of crying and pain” that “still has to come out.”

A MASSIVE new £37m waterfront park with a skateboard site and tightrope has been unveiled just minutes from a town centre.

Tourists and residents will be able to walk across a 55-metre bridge from the High Street to the revamped riverside, which will also feature a huge amphitheatre for live events.

In Stockton, the local authority is overseeing one of the most ambitious regeneration projects in Europe as it buys up swathes of land in the struggling town centre. 

The amphitheatre – with 402 granite steps – will gaze down on the River Tees, home to the Teesside Princess pleasure boat, the North-east town’s iconic tourist attraction, which hosts everything from Taylor Swift-themed boat parties to birthday celebrations, weddings and wakes.

The huge site – three times larger than London’s Trafalgar Square – will also include 10m watchtowers, an oval lawn and a land bridge.

“That’s going to mean people can mean people can walk from the High Street to the riverside, which is quite exciting,” councillor Paul Rowling, deputy council leader and cabinet member for resources and transport at Stockton Borough Council, told Teesside Live.

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Activities for children will also include a toddler trail, swings, climbing nets, trampolines and “exhilarating” slides connecting the amphitheatre to the riverside.

On its website, Stockton Council says “significant work has also progressed” on changes to Riverside Road, which will pass under the land bridge, reduced to a single carriageway each way.

Stockton Council says it has worked with members of the Stockton Parent Carers Forum to ensure that the park features meet the needs of as many families as possible. 

The final design has been shaped to incorporate their advice and feedback.

The site is set to open in spring 2026.

It includes tactile and sensory experiences, motion, sounds with musical instruments, social interaction and quiet spaces.

Councillor Richard Eglington, cabinet member for regeneration and housing at Stockton Council, said: “We know how popular our play areas are with families and that’s why we’ve ensured Stockton Waterfront will be a unique space like no other in the region for residents and visitors to spend quality time outdoors.

“The park’s feature elements, two huge play towers, will take children to new heights and we are looking forward to welcoming families when it opens.

“The play areas will complement the numerous exciting additions in the urban park, which is set to transform the town centre. 

“It’s part of our commitment to make the borough a great place to live, work and visit, providing an environment where all generations can thrive.”

The waterfront park is the latest regeneration project for Stockton – which straddles two English counties and six separate towns.

Work to refurbish the Globe Theatre in the town began nearly 15 years ago and was completed in 2021 at a cost of nearly £30m.

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With a capacity of 3,000 it is the largest live entertainment venue between Newcastle and Leeds.

Acts to have played the venue recently include Paloma Faith, The Waterboys and Fontaines DC.

DUA Lipa helped music boost the UK economy to the tune of £8billion last year. 

The singer — whose hits include New Rules and Levitating — was one of the industry’s biggest money-makers as its contribution to the country’s coffers leapt by five per cent. 

She saw album Radical Optimism debut at No1 in the charts, while dates in Singapore, Japan and Malaysia took export revenues to a new high of £4.8billion. 

Tours from Taylor Swift, Liam Gallagher, Take That and Bruce Springsteen also drove the figures, along with Charli XCX’s global success with album Brat. 

Of the £8billion total — up from £7.6billion in 2023 — £1.49billion came from physical sales, downloads and streaming.  

A record £1.02billion was paid out in songwriting royalties while merchandise sales rose too.  

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The findings are in UK Music’s annual economic report This Is Music 2025.  

It said the industry employs 220,000 people here, but warned growth was slowing down after taking off immediately after the pandemic. 

UK Music’s Chief Executive Tom Kiehl welcomed the figures but issued warning signs amid the challenges faced by the sector. 

He said:  “In recent years UK Music has reported that the music industry has enjoyed double-digit annual growth. 

“That growth has now halved indicates a levelling off of the immediate post-pandemic boost that we experienced, as well as other underlying issues set out in this report.  

“This points to the need for urgent action. If problems are not addressed then future growth cannot be guaranteed.” 

Dua, 30, is in Argentina on tour.  

She shared a snap of her with sister Rina at River Plate’s match against rivals Boco Juniors after two gigs at the Buenos Aires stadium.   

DESPITE claims Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater had called it quits after two years, I can confirm they are very much still together.

But the speculation surrounding their relationship is taking its toll.

Insiders have told me the pair were aware of the talk around their romance and spent the night after the Wicked: For Good premiere in London holed up in her suite at the Mandarin Oriental hotel.

A source said: “Ariana and Ethan are still a couple but they’ve seen the chatter online and it’s not been easy.

“They were both at the ­Leicester Square premiere and the ­after-party at Brasserie Zedel but made sure they weren’t seen together.

“Obviously it fuels the ­speculation around them but they don’t want their relationship to play out in public.

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“When Ariana left the after-party, she went back to her hotel suite.

“Not long after, Ethan was taken there and went up to see Ariana to spend time with her.

“They are aware of what is being said and it’s not easy for them but they’re doing the best they can to snatch some quiet moments when no one is watching.”

Yesterday they rejoined the rest of the cast, including Cynthia Erivo, to fly to Singapore for the next leg of the promo run ahead of the second movie’s release next Friday.

It has been a couple of months since speculation about their relationship went into overdrive, with fans questioning why Ethan didn’t join Ariana at the MTV VMAs in New York in September.

The pair, who met on the set of Wicked in 2022, have also not been ­photographed together since before the summer, leading to an explosion of rumours on social media.

My insider added: “Once this next round of promo is completed for Wicked: For Good, Ariana and Ethan will be spending some time together out of the public eye.

“They’ve always preferred to be low-key and are happier just chilling at home together.

“No one is saying the past few months have been totally rosy but their relationship is still very much on.”

Hopefully this will shut down the TikTok trolls for a while.

Jacob Elordi – the star of ­Saltburn and Frankenstein – will next year star in a Wuthering Heights remake opposite Margot Robbie.

But the Australian actor admits his own film tastes are much simpler.

He told French website brut.media: “I watch a lot of Scooby Doo.

“I love the Scooby Doo movie Spooky Island so much.

“It’s a great film – a great whodunnit.”

Bonehead teases Oasis tour return

Oasis guitarist Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs is back with the band and raring to go.

I’m thrilled he is returning to the reunion tour after he dropped out of the global jaunt to undergo cancer treatment.

He will be on stage in Buenos Aires this Saturday, having missed the legs in Asia and ­Australia.

He had to step away from the gigs last month for prostate cancer treatment.

Bonehead was diagnosed with the disease before the tour kicked off in July and was “responding well” to treatment.

He then took a planned break for the next phase of his care.

Teasing his return, he tweeted an image of a flight path from London to Rio de Janeiro with the caption, “Incoming”, which was then reposted on Oasis’s official website.

The band have pulled off the seemingly impossible by making it through the tour without a mammoth bust-up between Liam and Noel Gallagher.

With that success, I’m sure these final five shows in Argentina, Chile and Brazil won’t be the last we hear from them.

You too can now look like Shakira – well, get locks like her anyway – as she has launched her award-winning haircare brand Isima in the UK.

It has been made available for the first time in Selfridges stores in London, Birmingham and Manchester after winning a string of awards in the States.

Kelly blasts boss’s boob

Kelly Clarkson has revealed she was once told to get a boob job by her manager.

Speaking on stage during her Las Vegas residency, the US singer said: “I had some d**k manager one time tell me to get a boob job. I was like, ‘Why don’t you get a d**k job?’

“Like, what? I’m fine with my itty-bitty t*tties. Get out of here. Who says that s**t? People say that s**t.

“They say it all the time to people in the industry. They say the craziest s**t.”

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On how many stars in the music business have had cosmetic surgery, Kelly continued: “I’m like, ‘This is not normal. You’ve normalised crazy’ . . . everybody’s out here looking like they’re in The Capitol in The Hunger Games.

“[Just] do you. Don’t make me do you. I like my itty-bitty t*tties. They’ve served me well.”

WHEN it comes to Christmas markets, there are so many to choose from in the UK let alone Europe.

If you’re struggling to pick which you want to visit, one expert has named his top five across Europe.

Scott Lindsay, Cruise Experience Manager at TUI River Cruises has shared his top list of Christmas Markets Brits must visit this festive season.

Strasbourg Christmas Market

Complete with its own “Singing Christmas Tree”, ‘Christkindelsmarik’ in Strasbourg is one of Europe’s oldest and most iconic Christmas markets. 

Scott revealed that this festive market is for those who really love Christmas.

He said: “During the festive season, local choirs perform live French and German Christmas carols from platforms nestled within the tree’s branches.

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“The local carollers sing rich Alsatian heritage songs and allow the tree to come to life as it becomes a living concert stage for passers by to enjoy and watch.”

Colmar Christmas Market

You’ll find Colmar off the edge of Strasbourg. It’s a pretty town with multi-coloured timber houses and winding streets.

Colmar is famously known for being the inspiration behind Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ – even visitors have said the small town looks like its from a movie.

The narrow cobbled streets run either side of idyllic canals, all lined with pink cottages and cosy historical taverns.

One TripAdvisor reviewer said it was a “photographer’s dream” adding: “It’s like walking into Disney movie. The whole region is! I literally gasped walking around beautiful corner after corner.”

Scott stated: “Colmar’s Christmas Market is located in the historic city centre of Colmar and includes illuminated canals and fully decorated medieval buildings. A hidden gem not to miss!”

It’s in Colmar where you can get a unique mulled wine that’s actually white, rather than the classic red, made from Vin Chaud.

Rüdesheim ‘Christmas Market of Nations’

This festive market is based in the wine and brandy making German town of Rüdesheim.

Scott said: “This Christmas Market of Nations is known for selling over 20 different countries local cuisines across six continents from Hungarian Lángos to Spanish Paella.” 

He added that it’s perfect for those who are indecisive when it comes to different foods.

Those who love a festive tipple will love Rüdesheim Coffee, a traditional hot drink made with locally distilled brandy, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate – according to Scott it’s “a must-try”.

Cologne Christmas Market

Scott’s number one must-visit which should be at the top of everyone’s festive list this year is the Cologne Christmas Market.

First and foremost, Cologne packs a punch when it comes to variety and choice. 

Scott said: “Brits can spend a whole week in the city spending each day at one of seven different Christmas markets, from the famous ‘Weihenactsmarkts am Kolner Dom’ to the special Market of Angels.”

When it comes to the main event, don’t miss the ‘Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom’, which has a “stunningly beautiful sky of fairy lights”.

For those looking for a lesser-known Christmas market, Cologne’s Harbour Christmas Market, sells maritime themed memorabilia and fresh festive fish.

Scott encouraged those who wanted a more alternative experience in the city to check out ‘Markt der Engel’ or ‘Market of Angels’ Christmas market on Neumarkt.

The festive market is filled with real-life golden angels who walk freely around the market, and of course there are places where you can pick up a warm mulled wine.

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For more Christmas, here’s a full list of London’s best Christmas lights and when they will be switched on this year.

Plus, the one-of-a-kind tropical Christmas market in England with 35C temps – and it doesn’t matter if it rains.

POPPING over to France from the UK couldn’t be easier, and there are plenty of pretty cities and towns to explore along the Opal Coast.

The spot in the north of France is known for its natural landscape, beautiful beaches and being home to lots of charming seaside destinations like Boulogne-sur-Mer.

When Brits usually take day trips, it’s usually to bustling cities like Paris or Amsterdam.

But if you fancy somewhere quieter, then the Opal Coast is a great option, especially as it’s so easy to get there by car.

To get there, you can travel by Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais which takes around 35 minutes.

From there, it’s a 30 minute drive to the city.

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Brits can also take the ferry from Dover to Calais which takes 90 minutes and drive from there.

Boulogne-sur-Mer, once an ancient town, is a city that is still used as a major fishing port.

The old centre is a great spot for mooch around thanks to its pretty cobbled streets and quaint shops all surrounded by medieval walls.

The popular Boulogne-sur-Mer’s beach is common with sand yachters as well as kite surfers too.

Thanks to it being a fishing port, there are plenty of restaurants around serving local specialties like pickled herring, mackerel, and mussels.

According to Tripadvisor, the most highly-rated seafood restaurant in Boulogne-sur-Mer is Le Chatillon.

There, those who enjoy seafood can get a seafood platter from €38.90 (£34.26) which has half a crab, four langoustines, six organic pink prawns, whelks, grey prawns and five superior oysters.

A trip to Boulogne-sur-Mer doesn’t have to break the bank either, according to Numbeo, you can buy a bottle of wine there from between €5-8 (£4.40 to £7.04).

Domestic beer cost €2.06 (£1.81) and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is around €16 (£14.09).

If you’re looking for a place to amuse the kids, check out Nausicaá – Europe‘s largest aquarium where you’ll find tropical fish, sharks, sea lions and penguins.

One day tickets start from €30 (£26.41) for visitors over 12, and €23 (£20.25) for those between three years old up to 12. 

History buffs should check out the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, which was originally built as a church and later transformed into a cathedral.

It’s 100 meters tall and from there you can get a great view of the city.

Not to mention that lying underneath is the largest crypt in France where you’ll find over 400 artefacts like paintings and beautiful wall murals.

The cathedral is free to enter, with a small fee of around €6 (£5.28) to enter the crypt.

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Hear more about Nausicaa from one writer who visited…

Nausicaa, the French National Sea Centre, is Europe’s largest aquarium. It doubled in size in the summer of 2018 with a giant new tank housing thousands of tropical fish, manta rays and, yes, sharks.

But that barely scratches the surface — or beneath the surface — of what you can see there. That tank is certainly impressive. It is 65ft wide and 16ft high, and took a month to fill. As a veteran of many such outings, I have never seen anything like it.

Nor had the kids: Ten-year-old Miles and Ava were entranced by the quantity and variety of everything on show.

But even the sorts of things they had seen before — the touch tank with the smaller rays, glass tunnel (yet more sharks), penguins and sea lions and hundreds of clown fish  — it is like every aquarium you have ever visited, rolled into a gigantic piscine extravaganza.

Marine conservation is the overarching theme, but it is never rammed down your throat. You can even have a nice fish lunch in one of the cafés. Being French, they take this very seriously. And naturally, there is a good selection of wine.

For more on France, here’s a town that looks more like Italy – with Roman buildings and huge music festival.

Plus, for daytrips, one Sun Travel Reporter tested out the extreme-daytripping trend to Paris.

TODAY is Armistice Day, which marks the signing of the agreement to end the fighting of World War One. It came into force at 11am on November 11, 1918. 

Along with Remembrance Sunday, the day honours those who have died in conflicts, with the nation falling silent at 11am. 

This weekend the King led commemorations at the Cenotaph in tribute to the servicemen and women who defended our shores. 

But there are plenty of other ways to learn more about our wartime history on the home front. Lisa Minot highlights some amazing places to visit. 

REMEMBRANCE & COMMAND 

ALL eyes were on the capital on Remembrance Sunday as the Cenotaph parade saw more than 10,000 veterans march past. 

But you can pay tribute to the fallen year-round at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.  

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Set in 150 acres of woodland, there are more than 400 memorials honouring those killed on duty or by terrorism since World War Two. Entry is free. See thenma.org.uk.

A visit to the Imperial War Museum’s Churchill War Rooms is a chilling yet powerful experience. 

Hidden beneath Westminster, the underground bunker was where the Prime Minister and his government directed the war effort. The Map Room is exactly as it was in 1945.  

Tickets are best booked in advance and cost from £33 per adult and £16.50 for children five to 15. See iwm.org.uk.

Also not to be missed is HMS Belfast, now moored on the Thames near London Bridge.  

Explore the nine decks of the ship that fired some of the first shots on D-Day, supporting the landings at Gold and Juno beaches in Normandy.

Tickets cost from £29 for adults and £14.50 for children, including a donation. See iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast. 

THE SECRET WAR 

AWAY from the traditional battlefield, explore the impact World War Two had on the homefront and the secret work of those who changed the conflict’s course. 

Bletchley Park near Milton Keynes, Bucks, was where Alan Turing, inset, and his team of codebreakers cracked the Enigma and Lorenz ciphers.  

Tour the historic country house and the rambling huts and discover the achievements of these brilliant minds through immersive films, interactive displays and faithfully recreated rooms.

Tickets cost from £28 for adults and £19.50 for children age 12 to 17. Under-12s go free. See bletchleypark.org.uk.  

The Blitz brought the war to the lives of civilians living in our biggest cities.

Tour the eerie ruins of Coventry Cathedral, destroyed by Nazi bombs.

This year marks the 85th anniversary of the devastating night that left the city in rubble.  

Visit the modern cathedral built in its place.

Entry is free but there is a £5 fee to climb the gothic tower. See coventrycathedral.org.uk. 

DEFENDING OUR ISLANDS 

THE south coast of Britain was the UK’s front line in World War Two and the staging ground in 1944 for the liberation of Europe. 

Medieval Dover Castle sits above a network of secret wartime tunnels where the 1940 evacuation of Dunkirk was masterminded and later served as a command centre and hospital.

You can join a guided tour of the tunnels before exploring the castle’s rooms and grounds. 

Book castle tickets online in advance and save 15 per cent – from £27.20 for adults and £17.20 for children. 

There’s also a Dover Bunker escape room that can be booked separately with prices from £30. See english-heritage.org.uk. 

The D-Day Story in Portsmouth is the only museum in the UK dedicated to the Normandy landings.

The city was the main embarkation point and the attraction tells the story through personal accounts of those who were there.

It also features the incredible 83-metre Overlord Embroidery and a restored Landing Craft Tank. 

Book online for savings, with tickets from £15.95 per adult and £8 per child. See theddaystory.com. 

BATTLE BY SEA AND AIR 

LEARN the critical role played by the Royal Air Force at IWM Duxford, Cambs – the former RAF base is now Britain’s largest aviation museum. 

Its hangars and airfield played a key role in the Battle of Britain, and the base now houses a vast collection of aircraft, from Spitfires to Lancaster bombers, and tells the story of those who flew them.  

Tickets cost from £26.80 for adults and £13.40 for children aged five to 15. See iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford. 

In Lincoln, the International Bomber Command Centre is a striking memorial to those who lost their lives in the skies.  

Its 102ft spire – the height of a Lancaster bomber’s wingspan – is inscribed with the names of the 55,573 men of Bomber Command who lost their lives. 

For a World War One focus, Scapa Flow on Orkney is the vast natural harbour that was the Royal Navy’s main base and is most famous for the scuttling of the interned German High Seas fleet in 1919.  

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In the World War Two it was the site of the sinking of HMS Royal Oak.

The wrecks are now popular dive sites. See scapaflowwrecks.com. 

A MOVIE star from a hit 80s box office smash looks so different from his hunky role.

At 79 years of age, the actor headed out on a walk in Los Angeles last week while looking unrecognizable from his heyday when he wore his hair in brown curls.

Sporting a full head of white hair – which is a far cry from his curls when he took on his starring role – the acting sensation looked casual as he walked his dog in some laidback attire.

The actor, who starred in Flashdance back in the 1980s, rocked a navy blue fleece with some denim shorts, blue socks and a pair of loafers.

Concealing his identity with a pair of sunglasses, the movie star smiled as he walked his dog around LA.

He starred opposite Jennifer Beals in 1983 before taking on roles in The O.C., Yellowstone, and many more. 

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Have you guessed who he is?

It’s Michael Nouri who played the iconic role of hunky Nick Hurley in Flashdance.

But despite his huge role in the box office smash hit, Michael has revealed his career stalled after his next movie Sea Trial was shelved indefinitely.

Speaking out on the Still Here podcast last year, Michael said: “After Flashdance, that was the time to strike while the iron was hot.”

He went on: “Billy Friedkin got in touch with me and told me he wanted me to be in his new movie with Barbara Hershey.

“It was called Sea Trial, and it was going to be done at 20th Century Fox, and Fox wanted to turn around and that movie was shelved, so the momentum from Flashdance was dissipated.”

After his career stalled, he landed a role in Bay City Blues alongside Basic Instinct star Sharon Stone. 

“But while I was in Tokyo promoting Flashdance I got a call from my agent who said that Steven Bochco was interested in having me be in a series of his called Bay City Blues, and Bay City Blues lasted for 13 episodes,” he explained. 

Michael went on: “It had an unknown, wonderful actors, including an unknown actor named Sharon Stone.

“So my point is that the momentum, the huge momentum, that Flashdance created, just you want to keep the momentum going.

“Hopefully, when you have one big hit, you want to follow it up with something else, something equally good or better, just to keep you out there.

“And that did not happen.

“So I went from Bay City Blues to a succession of TV shows, independent movies, and so on, but nothing of the magnitude of Flashdance.”

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Though he has had little success with finding another huge role like in Flashdance, he has still been successful.

He has starred in The Proposal, The Watcher and NCIS, as well as Kim Kardashian’s recent Hulu hit All’s Fair.

A MAN flew to Prague for the day for just £18 – and says it’s cheaper than his commute to work.

Luke Simmonds, 36, has been going on extreme day trips for the last since 2023 – and has completed 30 in two years.

For his most recent trip he jetted off to Prague, Czech Republic on October 11 on a Wizz Air flight at 6am.

Landing at 8.45am, he wandered round the city often nicknamed the Golden City for its beautiful buildings, tried a local chimney cake, and visited Prague castle.

He flew back at 5pm and says the whole trip cost him £52.65 – only £7.65 more than the cost of his commute.

Luke, from Guildford, said: “This is only a few pounds more than what my commute to work would be.

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“The commute to work is about £40 on the train and the tube on top so about £45 and it’s 60 miles to travel.

“A day out in London would have cost more.

“It just shows what’s possible having a look and a mooch about foreign capital in a day.”

Luke said Prague is his cheapest day trip and he visited with seven other travel enthusiasts who he met through Facebook.

Booking £8.99 flights each way 11 months in advance, his 6am Luton flight touched down in the city by 8.45am.

He said: “This one was very much a go and wander around trip, and we there was not really a set plan apart from going to Gediminas castle.

“We bought some local food and walked down to Charles Bridge, a famous part of Prague and then into the old town square.

“We didn’t do any paid activities we just walked around sightseeing which is why it was so cheap.”

“Clearly there’s a lot more in Prague and it was not enough time to tick it off and never go again but nice a introduction to the city.”

Luke also visited Lithuania the weekend before.

His Luton Airport flights with WizzAir took off at 7.55am on October 4, landing in Vilnius, Lithuania at 12.18pm and costing just £38.47 return.

After taking a 20-minute bus into the centre he visited Gediminas castle for free, taking in panoramic views of the city, before having a lunch of local potato pancakes and cherry beer in the old town.

He said: “Vilnius is one of those places you can wander around without really having a plan.

“The old town has got loads to look at. There’s a quirky art district that’s almost declared itself independent – called Užupis.

“It’s quite a famous site in Vilnius but I found it really underwhelming”.

The extreme day trip does come with risks however if your flights into problems.

Luke’s 23.20pm flight with Ryanair back to Stansted was delayed – meaning he was left at the airport all night, only leaving at 8:25am the next morning.

When it comes to his top extreme day trips tips, he said that he bags his cheap flights by booking at least three months in advance.

He said: “Three months ahead tends to be the sweet spot for trips, you can get really good deals.

“There’s no exact science to booking flights as the prices go up all over the place.”

Not only that, but being “flexible with airports” also helps.

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He finished by saying: “I’ve gone to places I’ve never even heard of because I’ve seen people write it up on Facebook and thought, I’ll go there then.

“Some places have definitely had a boost in tourism because of it. The price is the driver rather than where you want to go”.