night

Sarah Findlay, travel expert from Total Travel Protection, has highlighted this affordable and fun European city as one that should receive more visitors from the UK

A European city is an underrated destination for a getaway, offering return UK flights from £100 per person and a five-star hotel for two for £65 a night.

Sarah Findlay, travel expert from Total Travel Protection, believes that many UK holidaymakers are sleeping on an Eastern European spot that can deliver amazing value for money and an awful lot of fun.

“Located on the Baltic coast of Poland, Gdańsk is an underrated and affordable holiday destination Brits should look to book, “she told the Mirror.

The flight time from the UK to Gdansk is between two and 2.5 hours. This can vary slightly depending on your specific departure airport, for example, a flight from London Stansted is around 2 hours and 5 minutes, while a flight from Bristol is about 2 hours and 52 minutes.

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Ryanair, Wizz Air and Jet2 all fly to Gdansk, with direct flights available from airports including Newcastle, Stansted, Leeds, Belfast, Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool, Aberdeen and Birmingham. Right now there are direct flights available in December for £15.

There are buckets of good deals available in terms of accomodation. Right now, a room at the five-star Hotel Podewils Old Town Gdańsk in December can be yours for £65 a night.

“While in Gdańsk, you can stroll through the Old Town, visit the Museum of World War Two, and admire the architecture with a walking tour or city cruise. You can try traditional Polish dishes such as pierogi (Polish dumplings) and żurek (sour rye soup). If you’re after the beach, you can visit the relaxing Jelitkowo Beach, located just 6 miles from the city centre,” Sarah continued.

“As Gdańsk is located in the Baltic with summer temperatures in the low 20s, you won’t need to worry about extreme heat, which was the case for many popular destinations this year. Our recent analysis of Total Travel Protection insurance claims revealed a 15% rise in heat-related travel insurance claims in summer 2025, highlighting how important it is to consider rising temperatures.”

What to do in Gdansk

• Long Market (Długi Targ) — This is the heart of Gdańsk’s Old Town: an elegant historic square lined with Renaissance / Baroque townhouses, full of character and charm.
• Neptune’s Fountain — A famous and photogenic landmark right in the Old Town. Great for a classic snap and a bit of city history.
• Wander through Mariacka Street, one of Gdańsk’s prettiest streets — packed with old merchant houses, amber shops, cosy cafés and boutiques. Evening strolls here, when the streetlights glow, feel especially magical.

• Visit the National Maritime Museum, which showcases Gdańsk’s maritime history, shipbuilding, trade, and sea-related culture. Great for history buffs or maritime-curious.
• Walk along the waterfront — along the river and port areas, where you’ll get sea breezes, views of old-town spires, cranes, and historic shipyards.

• Gdańsk Zoo — Poland’s largest zoo by area. If you travel with kids (or simply enjoy animals), this is a lovely place with many species and space to roam around.
• If the weather’s good, head to one of Gdańsk’s nearby beaches. Perfect for a relaxing walk by the Baltic, some fresh air and a break from city sightseeing.

Milo Boyd went to check out if £55 for a room at one of the 55 Spoons hotels that are dotted across the UK is good value, or if the price point really is too good to be true

Love it or loathe it, Spoons is a British institution.

The mega-chain has around 800 joints across the UK and raked in £2 billion last year. Everything from its unique-to-the-venue 70s-inspired carpets to its weirdly cheap drinks, from its very outspoken CEO Tim Martin to its ability to buy up grand Victorian buildings and turn them into drinking dens, is etched into the British psyche.

But what you might not know, and what I didn’t, is that Spoons not only runs hotels, but has been doing so since 1998. Its first venue, in Shrewsbury, had 22 rooms for customers as well as the better-known drinking side of the business. Since then, 54 other Spoons Hotels have opened.

Put off by Mr. Martin’s intervention in British politics and the idea that it’s out-competing independent boozers with its mass buying power, in recent years, my trips to Spoons have been limited to bouts of airport necessity and, occasionally, using its bathrooms without buying anything. However, after its hotel was judged to be the most affordable in the country by Which? earlier this month, I decided to put past gripes behind me and give it a go.

On a cold Wednesday in November, I turned up at Thomas Ingoldsby in Canterbury, freezing and bedraggled following a long bike ride from Broadstairs. What I experienced warmed my chilly cockles and turned my view of Spoons on its head.

The offering is, quite simply, incredible. Here is the breakdown:

Price

Clearly price is a strong point in Spoons pubs, and the same is true in its hotels. In the Which? survey it was one of only two hotels to score 4* for value for money, the other being the overall winner, Coaching Inn Group. While Coaching’s average room rate is £128 a night, Spoons charges just £70 on average. A double room at the Thomas Ingoldsby, booked for next Wednesday, is just £55.

I tucked into a £2.99 veggie breakfast in the morning after an evening of £1.89 pints of ale. Both were pretty good. Maybe it’s been too long since I ventured outside the M25, but those prices just seemed absurdly low. In 2025, when stepping outside alone seems to rob you of at least £20, the budget friendliness of this experience was by far the most significant factor.

Vibe

Before my hotel stay, the last time I ventured into a Spoons had me wander into the cavernous and eerily quiet Coronet on London’s Holloway Road. The difference in vibe could not have been more stark on this particular frosty Wednesday night in Canterbury. The drinkers were out in full force in East Kent. University students, groups of jolly OAPs, lone men reading books and eating onion rings. All of life was there.

The hotel rooms are a short flight of stairs from the pub, which means you can easily stumble up at the end of it all or treat yourself to a deli wrap and chips in the bath. A member of staff told me it is possible to rent out a room spur of the moment, although overly drunk guests may be refused.

The room

The room itself was pretty faultless. I’ve been to a lot of budget hotels in my time, and this one was up there with the best of them. The (likely) worst-case scenario when staying at the lower price-range establishments is furniture that’s falling apart, a room that feels dirty and bedbug traces. The best case is a room in which everything feels well looked after, new or new enough, clean and well considered. The Ingoldsby delivered all of that, while having double rooms that were comfortably big enough for an impromptu last-orders party (although I imagine such things aren’t encouraged or allowed).

The room also had a large desk with a well-stocked tea tray, a sizeable TV and a view of Canterbury Cathedral I suspect few hotels in the city could compete with. Only two of the Ingoldsby’s rooms have that view. Not only do those on the other side of the hotel not look out onto the seat of Anglicanism, they’re a little disturbed by morning lorry movements, I was told. If you can bag it, room 110 is the one to get.

After a long, cold day of cycling across Kent, I was happy to discover the thermostat could be turned all the way up to 25 C, and delivered on that promise. It was like being on holiday.

What’s included

Sadly, Spoons hotel does not have an all-inclusive package. Who knows what mania would break loose after that many bottles of Hooch and triple-cooked chips. But the actual offering is not meagre.

Decent Wi-Fi, a couple of packets of biscuits, fresh towels, two bottles of water and enough tea, coffee and hot chocolate sachets to keep you going before check-out at 11. A morning bite is not included, but with breakfasts that cheap, it didn’t seem worth complaining about.

In conclusion

A friend’s wise dad once told me that Spoons is the closest thing to a real social institution that this country has left. As nightclubs go under and members’ societies close, there are fewer and fewer places for people to meet. Spoons might be one of the last remaining true third spaces we have left in the UK, where all sorts from all demographics want to go. And now that it’s delivering rooms this good and cheap as well, it’s even harder to deny its pull.

REALITY TV star Kim Kardashian takes wet-look fashion to a whole new level.

The 45-year-old went for a night-time dip in a haute-couture dress by the late Alexander McQueen.

But the gown, first modelled in 2003, appeared far from waterproof.

Seeing the photo on Instagram, sister Khloe said: “You are such a freak for being in that water at night. Are you well?”

Kim was in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to promote her Hulu drama All’s Fair.

Last month, The Sun revealed the reality star had brought out a Skims ‘Panties’ advent calendar which included 25 “luxury” pairs.

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The price had raised eyebrows, setting shoppers back an eye-watering £476 ($450).

The lingerie advent calendar featured a cheeky image on the front, with the panties hidden behind 25 doors in the luxe packaging.

While many websites gave shoppers a sneak peek of what they can expect concealed inside, the Skims offering left it a complete surprise.

What we did know is there would be 25 styles across signature fabrics, including Fits Everybody, Cotton Jersey, Stretch Lace, and Ultra Fine Mesh.

The description on the Skims website read: “A limited-edition luxury: unwrap something special every day. 

“This premium advent calendar is filled with surprise panties to treat yourself all month long-because every day deserves a little SKIMS.”

Hoseasons has launched its Black Friday sale, which includes discounts on thousands of breaks, and there’s one near The Tolkien Trail.

Hoseasons, who operate 750 holiday parks across the UK, has launched a huge Black Friday sale, with discounts on a number of its family-friendly staycations.

The holiday park operator will be offering up to 30% off over 10,000 of its breaks, and 40,000 with discounts of up to £250. The sale will include self-catering accommodation at holiday parks, lodges, and even their boat holidays.

Best of all, parents on a budget will be able to find some bargains even during school holiday weeks, with a range of inexpensive breaks available, including some that work out at just over £50 a night during the summer holidays.

A family of four could book a seven-night break at Beacon Fell View in the Ribble Valley of Lancashire for just £295, with accommodation in a silver three-bedroom caravan.

This is based on a break starting August 21, 2026 and works out at just £52.14 per night. The park is close to the Lake District and Blackpool, meaning there’s plenty for families to do nearby.

It also has an indoor swimming pool, so kids can enjoy the water even if the British summer doesn’t bring warm weather, plus lots of entertainment facilities.

The Ribble Valley

The Ribble Valley is a beautiful place to explore with lots of open countryside and lush green hills. Bring the kids bikes along and try the family friendly cycling trail at Gisburn Forest.

At just over 5.5 miles long, the route has plenty to see along the way from a horse farm to the calm waters of Stocks Reservoir.

Just down the road is the The Tolkien Trail where you can follow in the footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien, and see the sights that inspired the author to write books such as Lord of the Rings.

Take a day trip to Blackpool for traditional seaside vibes and lots of family fun. Visit the SEA LIFE Centre where the new Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse is bound to thrill the younger members of your group.

Kids will love climbing and crawling through the deep, dark woods and finding their favourite characters in this immersive experience.

Another option for families is a seven-night break available at North Shore Holiday Park, just a short walk from Skegness, starting July 22, 2026.

This is priced at just £285 for four people. This is a one-bedroom apartment, but it has additional sleeping space in the lounge for two.

The site has its own pub and restaurant, playground, and amusements, plus Skegness’s North Beach is just a 15-minute walk away with golden sands and a seal sanctuary.

Skegness Beach was recently voted the best in East England by The Times, who rated the water quality as excellent, and said of the beach: “It’s big, soft and golden, with views across the Wash to the Norfolk coast.”

Skegness also has the Pleasure Beach, a seafront theme park with rollercoasters and lots of family fun. There’s also Skegness Aquarium which has lots of colourful and exotic sea life to spot.

It also has Jurassic Falls, a dinosaur-themed area where you can meet life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that bring the past to life.

If you can’t wait until summer to get away, how about an Easter break? You can book four nights for four sharing at Hemsby Beach Holiday Park for March 30, 2026, which is in most schools’ Easter break dates, for just £135.

This bargain price includes accommodation in a two-bedroom chalet, and includes access to an indoor pool and the show bar with daytime and evening entertainment for all ages.

The park is located in a lively part of Norfolk, with lots of amusements, classic seaside fun, plus long sandy beaches for spring walks.

Great Yarmouth is just a 20-minute drive away with its sandy beach, historic pier, and Joyland, an old-school amusement park that has classic rides the kids will love.

Yarmouth is also home of the Hippodrome Circus, a unique venue from the early 20th century which has huge events and water shows, with the summer months bringing a popular circus to the town.

For May half term week, you can book a four-night break arriving May 25, 2026 near the Yorkshire Dales for just £249 for four people.

Stay in the highly-rated Badgers Retreat Holiday Park, with accommodation in a cosy two-bedroom traditional lodge that has everything you need for a family holiday.

The lodge is set in 26 acres of grounds with plenty of space for the kids to play, and the market town of Richmond is nearby with historic sites to explore.

Visitors can explore the local Swaledale Museum, a quaint local spot that focuses on preserving the history of the lead mining community who used to live in the area.

You’re also close to the 14th century Bolton Castle, a well-preserved medieval building that has vast gardens including a maze. Eagle-eyed TV viewers may recognise it as a filming location for shows including Heartbeat and All Creatures Great and Small.

All these deals are subject to availability, with popular dates and parks likely to sell out quickly. The Hoseasons Black Friday sale ends on December 4. Find out more and book breaks here.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at [email protected].

Back in 2024, Universal conjured a pink and green tornado that swept pop culture.

From themed drinks at Starbucks and dolls of Elphaba and Glinda, to joint appearances by stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande at the Olympics and throughout a heavily-publicized press tour, “Wicked” was everywhere.

As the conclusion of the two-part film franchise heads to theaters at the end of the week, the marketing for “Wicked: For Good” has accelerated.

There are still themed Legos, but now also Gain laundry scent boosters, Swiffers and Pottery Barn bedding. There was a “Wicked” night on rival network ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” and a “Wicked: One Wonderful Night” musical event broadcast on NBC.

The complete takeover of culture was all part of Universal’s plan to build one of its biggest and most important franchises, which has already brought in nearly $759 million in worldwide box office revenue for the first film, not to mention the haul from merchandise sales, theme park tie-ins and other categories.

Beyond the immediate revenue, “Wicked” also gives Universal a rare, female-focused franchise, an underserved audience, particularly as so many recent films have been geared toward men.

The success of the Broadway play, which has run for more than two decades, gave Universal the confidence in its potential for the big screen, said David O’Connor, president of franchise management and brand strategy at Universal Pictures. He’s also been a fan of the stage production almost from the beginning — he watched a table reading on the Universal lot, saw the musical additions to the script and finally, its run in San Francisco.

“For us, you had this potential to really take the fanship and really make ‘Wicked’ into a cultural imperative,” he said in a call from New York ahead of the film’s premiere. “When you think about the characters, the two leads, the themes of friendship, identity and empowerment, and how that resonates universally, and then, of course, the fantastical worlds of Oz and Shiz and Munchkinland, it just seemed like such a great opportunity for us.”

“Wicked” has proved to be a key boost to Universal’s lineup of blockbuster franchises.

Though the studio boasts series like “Jurassic Park,” “Despicable Me” and “Fast & Furious,” it has lacked the deep roster of intellectual property that rivals like Walt Disney Co. and Warner Bros. have, said Brandon Katz, director of insights and content strategy at data firm Greenlight Analytics.

The series “has really emerged as a much-needed, fresh tentpole for Universal,” he said. “There’s such a waterfall of value that this two-part franchise creates that Universal will be banking out on this for years to come.”

The two films were shot back-to-back, with a combined production budget of $300 million, reportedly split evenly between the two.

So far, interest for the second film is high — as of Thursday, “Wicked: For Good” was the highest ticket pre-seller of the year, according to Fandango. It is also the highest PG-rated ticket pre-seller ever on the Fandango platform, passing 2017’s live-action “Beauty and the Beast,” 2019’s animated hit “Frozen 2” and the first “Wicked.”

The film is tracking to haul in $150 million to $160 million in its opening weekend, according to estimates from industry analysts.

And the film’s appeal to women is crucial, particularly in a year when there were few films geared toward female viewers. Despite the persistent debates about the dearth of female-focused films, there have been few big, recent hits, other than 2023’s “Barbie” and last year’s “Wicked.”

“Every three or four years, female audiences are rediscovered with some hit,” said Alisa Perren, professor in the department of radio-television-film at the University of Texas at Austin’s college of communication. “It’s kind of striking how little mainstream female [films] have been released.”

To court all audiences, including those who were familiar with the play as well as those new to the story, Universal leaned into its so-called Symphony program to leverage all arms of the company to promote a film.

The program has been used previously for films like “Despicable Me” and has become a critical part of the marketing campaign, O’Connor said.

One new strategy the company used for supporting this franchise was building a “Wicked” fair, which was held on set in 2023 in London and allowed more than 200 partners to get a feel for the story, see the filmmakers and actors and meet heads of departments, like costumes and props. The studio has done set visits in the past, but nothing like this.

That open house was pivotal in driving partnership agreements and started to fuel the franchise’s success, O’Connor said. One of those was Lego, which signed on with “Wicked” after the fair and has been a partner on both films with product lines and an episode of “Lego Masters.”

Because not all geographic markets had the same built-in awareness of the Broadway play, getting corporate brands on-board was key to increasing knowledge of “Wicked” around the globe, he said.

Though “Wicked: For Good” marks the conclusion to the two-film series, O’Connor was coy about what’s next for the franchise.

“Our focus remains on building experiences that will deepen that connection to ‘Wicked,’” he said. “And all I can say is, we are very committed to ‘Wicked,’ but it’s probably too early to share much more than that.”

IT’S never too early to book a holiday for next year – and with Butlin’s launching its Black Sale Friday, you might want to look now.

The holiday park is offering bargain breaks for families to adults-only weekends with up to 40 per cent off.

Butlin’s Black Friday sale, or as they like to call it, the Red Friday Event, hasplenty of great offers for breaks next year, including family-friendly holidays across its three resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness.

You can book now for up to 40 per cent off – and that includes getting to see their new headline acts for 2026 if you book before December 2, 2025.

From Maximum Pro Wrestling to The Masked Singer Live and Diversity, which will perform their brand-new, exclusive show ‘Time Capsule’.

Peppa Pig and her baby sister Evie Pig will trot into the spotlight in a brand-new live show for 2026 during school holidays and Showtime breaks.

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Another new addition is The Dinosaur that Pooped, a Rock Show that’s a high-energy live musical and will be at all resorts.

And Fireman Sam will be solving clues and saving the day in The Lost Pirate Treasure show.  

February Half Term breaks start from £67 based on a family of four staying in a two bedroom Comfort Room on February 23, 2026 in Bognor Regis for four nights.

The Showtime midweek breaks start from £39 which across four nights works out at just £2.44pppn.

It’s not just for kids though – adults can also book themselves onto a Big Weekender for 2026.

Big Weekenders, which are exclusively for adults, and also has savings of up to 40 per cent.

These start from £54 per person which includes three-nights’ accommodation, access to all music venues and plenty of daytime and evening activities. 

Performers include the likes of Peter Andre, Cascada and B*Witched; these are all included in the price.

During the day guests can check out the Saddle Up Line Dancing, Soul Stroll and pool parties to Club Classic Nights and silent discos in the evening.  

Next year, four brand-new Big Weekenders will begin across all three resorts.

My Generation Weekender, devoted to Mod culture, will kick off in Minehead in early 2026.

Meanwhile, Skegness resort will be immersed in the ‘neo-soul’ era at the Soul Power Weekender.

Bognor Regis will host the Don’t Tell Mama LGBTQ Weekender and Bugged Out! will return after 10 years with the biggest names in the EDM space.    

Soul Power Big Weekender starts from £54pp based on a two bedroom Comfort Room that sleeps four on January 16, 2026 in Skegness.

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One writer checked into Butlin’s for a Big Weekender…

“Clutching my bottle of Smirnoff Ice in the middle of a packed dancefloor wearing silver combat trousers and a bum bag, I felt like I had been transported back to my youth.

“And for a fleeting moment, I forgot I was a mother of three with a job, a mortgage and a pile of laundry to tackle when I got home.

“This is part of the joy of a Butlin’s ’90s Reloaded Weekender where garage legends DJ Luck and MC Neat were belting out the floor fillers from my teen disco days.

“Held across Butlin’s resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness, each “weekender” break celebrates a different era or genre, from the Ultimate ’80s to I Love Ibiza.

“I was at the Bognor Regis Resort with three old school friends, which only enhanced the nostalgia of the Nineties-themed weekend.

“The fancy dress aspect alone provided plenty of entertainment. Luckily, the Nineties are enjoying something of a fashion revival, which means it was easy to source some party gear.

“And the trends of the decade were out in force — from bucket hats and Kappa tracksuits to cycling shorts and, of course, shell suits.

“There were plenty of hilarious costumes celebrating Nineties icons, too. The winner had to be one ingenious reveller who dressed head-to-toe as a bottle of Nineties alcopop Hooch, an outfit she ran up on her own sewing machine.

“In true Nineties style, midnight felt too early to go to bed so we hit the silent disco at the resort’s sports bar venue Hotshots where we could flick between channels on our light-up headphones, blasting everything from Whigfield to Warren G.

“The brilliant thing about a Butlin’s Weekender break is you know exactly what you’ll be spending. All entertainment and accommodation is included in the price of your visit so it’s great value for groups like ours.

“If you do have a little extra cash to splash, you can book additional activities like the ’90s Bottomless Brunch in Butlin’s restaurant The Diner.

“The bottomless prosecco and cocktails, accompanied by a live DJ, were a great way to kick off our Saturday, and my delicious build-your-own burger perfectly set me up for another day of drinking and dancing.

“In the afternoon, Butlin’s huge swimming complex opens for pool parties, also complete with DJ.”

Hear from one reporter who tried out the Butlin’s new all-inclusive holidays where food and drink is free and said “it was better value than a Spanish resort”.

And Travel Reporter Helen Wright tested the Butlin’s all-inclusive drinks package to its limit – here’s everything she drank in one day for £30.

If you agree with filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu that Tom Cruise “doesn’t just make movies — he is movies,” then the Oscar that Cruise received at the motion picture academy’s annual Governors Awards wasn’t just long overdue. It was a restoration of balance, a necessary correction, not to mention a nod to the sheer weight of Cruise’s body of work in the collective imagination.

When multi-hyphenate Debbie Allen, herself an honoree, worked in a reference to the “tighty-whities” Cruise wore sliding across the floor in “Risky Business” into her own acceptance speech, you could understand why he received the night’s longest ovation. He really is movies. In one way or another, he completes us.

Cruise, 63, was still shaking hands and posing for pictures long after the ceremony ended Sunday night. He may in fact still be in the Ray Dolby Ballroom, listening to people tell him giddy and sometimes teary stories of when they first saw him in a movie. After Iñárritu introduced him, Cruise delivered a gracious, cinema-booster speech, at one point asking everyone in the room who had worked with him to stand.

“I carry you with me, each of you, and you are part of every frame of every film I have ever made or ever will make,” Cruise said. And yes, he was in alignment with Iñárritu. “Making films is not what I do. It’s who I am.”

Trailblazer Wynn Thomas, widely recognized as the first Black production designer in film, and Dolly Parton also received Oscars at the Governors Awards ceremony. These honorary Oscars, once part of the televised Academy Awards, were spun off into their own event in 2009.

Parton, 79, was given the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Health issues, which led to a postponement of her December Las Vegas residency, prevented Parton from attending in person. But she thanked the academy by video, saying, “We didn’t have too much to share, but my mama and daddy showed me that the more you give, the more blessings come your way. And I have been blessed more than I ever dreamed possible, like with this award tonight.”

Lily Tomlin, Parton’s “9 to 5” co-star, gave a delightful, digressive introduction. Capping the presentation, Andra Day sang a spine-tingling cover of Parton’s classic “Jolene.”

The Governors Awards are not televised and, as Will Arnett, introducing the evening, noted, “There are no commercial breaks. The orchestra is not waiting to play anybody off. There is nothing stopping us from doing this until the sun comes up.” The relaxed nature of the show gives honorees room to roam with their speeches and also offers current Oscar contenders a chance to schmooze with voters.

In one corner of the ballroom, you might find filmmakers Richard Linklater, Noah Baumbach and Joachim Trier engaged in a debate over who is better, Jean-Luc Godard or Francois Truffaut, a French New Wave throwdown inspired by Linklater’s sly homage “Nouvelle Vague.” Across the room, Sydney Sweeney, meeting Cruise for the first time, compared notes on broken bones. Outside, Iñárritu told director Ryan Coogler (“Sinners”) about his upcoming movie, starring Cruise. (“It sounds crazy,” Coogler said.)

Cruise was on everyone’s mind, except perhaps Spanish filmmaker Oliver Laxe, director of the superb thriller “Sirāt,” who did not know the actor was receiving an honorary Oscar. People offered me their favorite Cruise movies. Director Eva Victor (“Sorry, Baby”) went with “Edge of Tomorrow.” Shih-Ching Tsou (“Left-Handed Girl”) chose “Top Gun.” (“I fell in love,” she says.) And Coogler went with a wild card, picking the compulsively rewatchable 1988 comedy “Cocktail.”

“It was my parents’ favorite movie, so I saw it all the time,” Coogler says. “I know it’s nonsensical.”

Ethan Hawke, who made “The Last Movie Stars,” a six-part documentary on Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, recalled how Newman didn’t want his honorary Oscar in 1986. He hoped to win one outright. A year later, he took the lead actor trophy for “The Color of Money,” which, yes, co-starred Cruise.

“Cruise should have won for ‘Magnolia,’ one of the best performances of my lifetime,” Hawke told me. “My suspicion is that this will be the first of many Oscars for Tom Cruise. He’ll get this honorary one and then four more in the next 20 years.”

Thomas, it could be argued, should have won a competitive Oscar years ago for any number of movies, including his striking work creating the single block setting in Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy neighborhood for Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing.” Relating his journey to becoming a visual storyteller, Thomas recalled growing up in “one of the worst slums of Philadelphia,” sitting on his front stoop reading Shakespeare, James Baldwin and Tennessee Williams, immersed and transported.

“The local gangs looked down on me and called me sissy,” Thomas said. “But that sissy grew up to work with some great filmmakers.”

Presenting Allen with her Oscar, “Wicked’s” Cynthia Erivo said “to know Miss Debbie is to know that she refuses to let dreams fade and has a determination to make them happen.”

“I myself am fortunate enough to consider her my auntie,” Erivo added.

Allen’s five-decade career includes choreographing the Oscars seven times, as well as films including “Forget Paris” and “A Jazzman’s Blues.” Her producing credits include Steven Spielberg’s 1997 historical drama “Amistad.” She’s probably best known as an actor on the ’80s television series “Fame,” for which she also served as a choreographer. Her nonprofit dance academy is a Los Angeles institution.

Allen namechecked the Dodgers, her husband (the Los Angeles Lakers legend Norm Nixon) and, of course, Oscar.

“It’s like I got married … sorry, Norm,” she said, cradling the statue. “I’m definitely taking him to work with me and keeping him close to remind me, not of what I’ve done, but what I get, need and have to do.”

Halloween is over and Bonfire Night has been and gone so there’s only one thing helping us all through the cold, dark winter – and that’s the thought of Christmas.

Sparkling lights, cosy pubs, nights out with friends and family – it’s all to look forward to in the run up to the festive season.

However, I have to admit the thought of being packed into hot and sweaty pubs with hundreds of other people, all equally as full of Christmas cheer is starting to lose its shine somewhat.

And with that in mind, I’ve found the perfect festive fun for an alternative night out filled with all the cosy and candlelit feels which will also give you a rare moment of tranquility and peace amongst all the present buying and Christmas menu planning.

Skuna Boats, based in Canary Wharf in east London and Bristol, offers a night out with a difference. Instead of fighting your way to the bar while Last Christmas blares out for the 895th time, you could be floating serenely around the docks in Canary Wharf in your own, private igloo.

Lit by (fake) candlelit – let’s be sensible people we don’t want any fire hazards here – and decorated like an alpine dream, each Skuna igloo boat comes with the option of either cheese or chocolate fondue with you able to pre-order your drinks from the bar.

We gave it a whirl and it was a cosy lovers dream. The experience starts with a leisurely meal – we opted for cheese fondue, which came with delicious garlic potatoes, loads of bread, crudites and meats and was absolutely fantastic. One of the best things is the igloos all come with their own smart speaker so you can pick your own playlist – no tired and old festive tunes for us.

Then, your own personal driver takes you around Canary Wharf while you chat, drink, finish off the delicious fondue and gaze in amazement at the glittering lights of the sky scrappers as you calmly float past.

Once docked back at the pontoon, you’re given more time to happily soak in your surroundings while chatting, drinking and giggling with your friends in candle-lit gorgeousness. It really felt like something out of a fairy tale and when we all hopped out of our igloo at the end of the experience, we felt refreshed, cosy and ready for the festive season.

If you’re looking for a festive night out with a difference, run don’t walk to book your igloo boat now.

The Alpine Feast igloo boat experience starts at £49 per person.

Nov. 9 (UPI) — The Senate was poised to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history Sunday night as Democrats and Republicans said the two sides have reached a tentative budget agreement.

Axios and The Hill reported on Sunday afternoon that 10 Senate Democrats are expected to vote in favor of the House bill to fund and reopen the government through January. Politico reported Sunday night that there are “more than enough” votes for passage.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., who said that the Senate would remain in session until the impasse is resolved, said earlier Sunday that he expected a 15th vote on the bill Sunday night.

The vote would include a “minibus” package of legislation, which, if it is approved by the Senate, would then be amended to include a full year of government funding.

The deal also includes a vote, on a date established in the package, on extending tax credits for people who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act — agreement on which has been the linchpin in the 40-day federal government shutdown.

Democrats are set for a caucus meeting tonight, CBS News reported.

Some lawmakers expressed hope that they may be able to end the shutdown after Senators discussed three bills that would fund the government for a full year.

Programs for veterans affairs and agriculture subsidies were released early Sunday, and a more complete funding measure for the legislative branch was released later in the day.

The extended shutdown has put SNAP benefits on hold and snarled air traffic at the nation’s busiest airports amid the ongoing impasse, which has stretched well into its second month.

Staffing shortages and flight cancellations have caused travel disruptions and forced many air traffic controllers to work without pay.

Senate Democrats have been holding out for a one year extension of Biden-era subsidies for health insurance premiums for people who buy coverage on the federal Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. Thune promised Democrats a vote on extending the subsides in December as part of the agreement.

The shutdown also prompted the Trump administration to cancel scheduled military flyovers at a handful of NFL games, including at the Washington, D.C, area stadium that hosts the Washington Commanders, where President Donald Trump attended the game Sunday between the Commanders and Detroit Lions.

Trump has expressed wishes to have the Commanders name the stadium after him. ESPN reported that it would be discussed between the president and team ownership during the contest.

ZARA McDermott looked incredible as she showed off outfit for ‘date night’ with Louis Tomlinson in Los Angeles.

The Love Island alum, 28, shared a duo of snaps on Instagram from her GRWM process, showing off her simple yet stunning outfit.

Zara opted to wear a pair of high waisted denim jeans with embroidered navy patterns on each knee.

She finished off the outfit with a plain black tank top that hugs her waist to perfection.

Her beauty spoke for itself as she posed for two mirror selfies, in one fully facing the mirror and in the other using a hand to playfully touch her hair.

Zara elevated the look with a soft glam makeup look featuring a natural pink overlined lip, clean brows, and a flick of eyeliner.

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Her freshly styled hair falls down her shoulders in a gorgeous balayage of blonde and brown tones.

“date night vibes, ft my new jeans,” Zara penned in the caption.

The star loves a good casual-come-cute outfit, as shown in her other Insta posts, and fans adored this one just as much as any other.

“Oh wow, glowingggg girly,” gushed one user in her post’s comment’s section.

Others followed suit, adding: “Gorgeous,” “Where are you jeans from!!!,” “I hope you and Louis have fun on your date.”

Zara and Louis, 33, were first seen out together back in March of this year, though it wasn’t clear whether the pair were dating.

It was only in July that Zara and Louis made their relationship public, where Louis posted a subtle pic of them handing out.

Zara hardlaunched the romance on Instagram the following month though by posting a snap of them kissing.

The pair have kept a relatively low profile, though last month Louis couldn’t help but gush about his stunning girl on Steven Bartlett‘s The Diary of a CEO podcast, hinting at how much she’s inspired his new music.

“I’m a deeply, deeply romantic person,” began the musician.

“It’s easy to be romantic when you are a creative… [but] I really struggle to write in a fictional sense, I really struggle.

“For me, I have to have been living it, it has to be real to me.

“So, if I wasn’t feeling so good, like right now, I wasn’t feeling so in love… the record probably would have a slightly different feel to it.”

Before sparking up romance with Louis, Zara dated Made in Chelsea star, Sam Thompson.

The former flames dated for five tumultuous years before calling it quits in 2024.

Whereas Louis last girlfriend was Danish model Sofie Nyvang who he dated for a couple of months at the beginning of 2023.

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HOLLYWOOD royalty Ariana Grande has arrived in the UK on a whirlwind stay fit for a princess.

The singer and actress flew in from Paris yesterday by private jet ready for the Wicked: For Good premiere in Leicester Square tomorrow.

The pint-sized pop queen touched down at Farnborough airport in Hampshire and was whisked away with her entourage to the five-star Raffles London at the OWO hotel.

I’m told the star, who plays Glinda, has hired six suites at £5,000 each a night for her trip — and chose the stunning building in Whitehall because she can easily enter and exit via the underground car park.

A source said: “Ariana’s team and the production crew from Wicked put their heads together to ensure Ariana is in luxury and comfort and has plenty of privacy.

“She will need plenty of time and space to prepare for her big red-carpet moment with her glamour squad.”

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Ariana is believed to be attending the movie premiere with her boyfriend and Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, having ignored rumours that they have split.

But she will be mostly joined at the hip with British actress Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba.

Production company Universal has splashed out £100,000 on hiring art deco French restaurant Brasserie Zedel in Piccadilly for the after-party, where Ari will let her hair down.

On Friday night, Ariana showed off her hand tattoos at the film’s Paris premiere, and many fans believe the inkings are linked to the movie and her friendship with Cynthia.

She was joined by another co-star, Michelle Yeoh, as she greeted the crowds.

In just over a week’s time, Ariana is due back in America for the film’s premiere in New York.

Ariana was last week forced to miss the Wicked premiere in Brazil due to flight issues.

She had been expecting to walk the red carpet at the Sao Paulo event on Tuesday evening but was forced to get off the plane because of safety issues.

Taking to Instagram to share her disappointment, Ariana said that her team failed to find an alternative arrangement to get her to Sao Paolo in time.

Hopefully her stay in Blighty will be much smoother.

LILY TO CLEAN UP WITH GIRL BRAND

LILY ALLEN is certainly soaking up the success of her latest album, West End Girl.

She released the 14-track record last month following her split from husband David Harbour, who appears in supernatural TV series Stranger Things.

I can reveal Lily, pictured here in her bra enjoying a bubble bath and pulling a funny face for a magazine shoot, has now applied to trademark the name West End Girl ahead of a tour that kicks off in March.

The trademark covers beauty items including cosmetics, fragrances, perfumery, sun cream and shampoo.

It also includes sunglasses, jewellery, bags, clothing, footwear and headgear.

Her album jumped to No2 in the Official Albums Chart this week.

Lily was left devastated when her four-year marriage to American actor David broke down last December.

The couple met on celebrity dating app Raya and moved to New York after tying the knot in 2020.

However, she has since moved back to London with her two daughters from her first marriage.

It comes as the Not Fair singer is gearing up for her 14-date tour in March, which starts at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall.

Fans are begging for more dates after the tour sold out in minutes this week.

If I can’t pin down a ticket, at least I’ll be able to get my hands on some Lily Allen bubble bath instead.

AFRICA A WINTER WONDER LAND

FORMER Love Islander Faye Winter is swapping her beach bag for a backpack to do community and conservation work in Africa.

The reality star, left, who found fame on the ITV2 dating show in 2021, is running a volunteer trip to Zimbabwe this month.

She has already given up the party lifestyle in London to return to her roots in Devon, where she lives with her golden retriever Bonnie and two rescue ponies, Keith and Kevin.

Faye told me: “I was out of my comfort zone living away from the countryside.

“The only thing that kept me going was my guide dog volunteer work. I find it so fulfilling, I’m not a party girl at all.”

Looking back on her life after the show, Faye admits that she wasn’t happy.

She said: “I struggled with the fact it was all about where you were seen.

“It felt materialistic. Giving back is so much more meaningful.”

HOLLY’S HAPPY MEALS

HOLLY WILLOUGHBY is a woman after my own heart when it comes to hangover cures.

The TV presenter said only a McDonald’s can soothe her after too many drinks the night before.

Asked what her go-to recovery meal is, Holly told a magazine: “I want a McDonald’s quarter pounder with cheese and if it hasn’t got a pickle on it, I’m gonna throw it back at you.

“I order extra pickles every time. Then I want skinny fries that are as salty as possible.

“I know some people think McDonald’s makes you feel rotten, but I just love it.

“You can tell how often I go because there are so many selfies of me sat in my car, taken by the drive-thru staff.”

Sounds like Holly is lovin’ it.

SLIMLINE JEN KIDS AROUND

HOLLYOAKS’ Jennifer Metcalfe has revealed the secret to her trim figure – she orders child portions.

The actress, who plays Mercedes McQueen in the Channel 4 soap, said smaller helpings mean she can have more of what she fancies.

During the show’s 30th anniversary celebrations at St George’s Hall in Liverpool, she said: “I eat what I want, when I want – small portions.

“Yesterday, me and my friend were out for five hours.

“We wanted a roast dinner, so I got a child’s portion, then we went to our local Indian and had poppadoms and all of the chutney.

“I have been eating loads recently, but my motto is ‘eat small amounts of everything you want’.”

Jennifer said she has just signed a year’s contract with Hollyoaks, adding: “We are making this 30th year count.”

PARTY OF THE WEEK

Tangle Teezer Festive pop-up, Vinyl Studios, Soho, Tuesday

WHAT WE ATE: Mini burgers, pigs in blankets and pick ’n’ mix sweets.

WHAT WE DRANK: Aperol spritz, Moscow mule and appletini cocktails.

WHO WAS THERE: Molly-Mae Hague’s hairdresser Jack Luckhurst, model Amanda Chrishell, influencer Tyra Baylis and our Emily, pictured with a handsome Santa.

TAYLOR & SABRINA’S HEIGHT ON THE TOWN

IT was the little and large show as chart superstars Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift went on a night out in New York.

Sabrina, who is 5ft, looked glamorous in a white roll-neck jumper and trench coat for the evening in SoHo restaurant.

Meanwhile, 5ft 9in Taylor showed off her long legs in a pleated mini-skirt and polo shirt.

It comes after Sabrina recently collaborated with Taylor on The Life Of A Showgirl track from her album of the same name.

CORKING HAT, LIAM

LIAM GALLAGHER gets into the Aussie spirit as he struts his stuff in a cork hat on tour Down Under.

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The Oasis singer, who is normally known for wearing a bucket hat, was on stage in Melbourne, complete with maracas, as part of the Live ’25 tour with brother Noel.

The band played in Sydney last night and will head to Buenos Aires in Argentina for a show next Saturday.

The house that served as the home of Doris in the hit BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey is now available to rent for holidaymakers who want to immerse themselves in the world of the show

Attention, Gavin and Stacey superfans – you can now book a stay in one of the iconic houses from the hit BBC One sitcom. Trinity Street in Barry, with views of the Island, was the fictional home to Gwen and Stacey, Uncle Bryn and their cheeky neighbour Doris, played by actor Margaret John.

When the show returned in 2019, Doris’ house became the family home for Gavin and Stacey and their children, after it was passed down to them following her death. Gwen’s house (played by Melanie Walters) has always been a fan favourite, but now the neighbouring property is available for rent for holidaymakers wanting to experience the world of Gavin and Stacey.

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The red-brick terrace, named Lush House, is owned by Lisa and Chris Molloy, who are huge fans of the show. They were the first to view the property when it went on sale and managed to buy it, having loved the sitcom since it first aired in 2008, according to Wales Online.

You can book Lush House through Sykes Cottages for as early as next week, with prices starting from £472 for a two-night stay. If split between five people, this works out at around £47 per person per night.

The house comfortably sleeps five guests in two bedrooms: one double and another with a three-person bunk. The snug living and dining area is equipped with an electric fire, TV and WiFi for cosy nights in after a day of exploring, along with a dining table – just don’t forget the salad!

The property is already fully booked for Christmas week (we’re sure whoever has nabbed it is planning a Gavin and Stacey marathon) but there’s plenty of other availability in November and December.

The house has been the setting for some of Gavin and Stacey’s most memorable moments, including saucy Doris snogging toyboy Scott, making a pass at Gav on the doorstep, and in the 2019 and 2024 Christmas specials, it was the backdrop for the whole gang to celebrate Christmas as Uncle Bryn’s military operation dinner was (part) cooked there.

Step outside the front door and you’re just minutes away from Barry’s vibrant high street and Barry Island – where Marco’s Café, the slots and the chip shops are at the beach front – is just a half-hour walk away.

You can book Lush House with Sykes Cottages here, and for other holiday lets in Barry, try Holidaycottages.com and Vrbo.

RAPPER Chris Brown footed a £160,240 booze bill during a wild night out in London.

The US star — on bail for assault — partied with his entourage in the capital ahead of his trial next year.

One session involved at least four bottles of £2,900-a-time Louis Roederer Cristal Magnum Champagne at the Selene nightclub, which promises “the epitome of ultimate pleasure”.

Days later, the West End club posted the anonymous megabucks receipt on social media.

Some of those who partied with him — including models and other rappers — have revealed Chris footed the bill.

His entourage also posted the receipt alongside shots of a private jet and luxury hotel suites from his ten-day visit, after he flew in on October 18.

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One insider told The Sun: “Chris lives life in the fast lane and thinks nothing of splashing out on the best there is.”

Brown is set to stand trial in London next October, accused of attacking music producer Abraham Diaw at the Tape club in Mayfair in 2023.

He denies ABH, attempted GBH and having an offensive weapon — a tequila bottle.

The rapper’s agents were approached for comment.

The BBC has confirmed the start date for the second series of The Night Manager, as a new trailer has been released for the upcoming series.

After nearly ten years of anticipation, BBC viewers were delighted to discover that a fresh instalment of The Night Manager was being developed.

In 2016, the gripping thriller proved hugely successful as it chronicled former soldier Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston) working as a hotel night manager who becomes enlisted by British intelligence operative Angela Burr (Olivia Coleman).

The eagerly-awaited second instalment will resume years following the dramatic conclusion, with audiences witnessing Jonathan as a junior MI6 operative managing a discreet surveillance team in London dubbed ‘The Night Owls’.

This week, the BBC unveiled a thrilling trailer for the upcoming series, confirming it will broadcast on January 1.

The preview reveals Jonathan in his fresh position, whilst a narrator directs him to ‘watch, listen and report’. Yet the voice then sternly warns: “You do not hunt down.”

Cutting to Colombia, the MI6 operative must investigate Teddy Dos Santos (Diego Calva), suspected of trafficking weapons into the nation with British Intelligence assistance, reports the Express.

Adopting a fresh identity, Jonathan becomes deeply entangled in a deadly conspiracy. Betrayal appears imminent as he challenges Agent Burr, declaring she ‘lied’ to him, prompting her reply: “I had no choice!”

A montage of rapid-fire sequences follows, featuring heart-stopping pursuit scenes and Jonathan fleeing through a structure as explosions erupt around him.

In a chilling moment, Jonathan is seen being restrained by Teddy as he questions, ‘Who are you, Matthew?Why are you really here?” While a woman’s voice accuses him of ‘playing her’.

The trailer, shared on social media, sparked an immediate reaction from fans, with many expressing their excitement for the show’s return. One fan exclaimed: “Wow wow wow wow.” Another chimed in: “FINALLY!!!!”

Speaking about the series, Tom Hiddleston told the BBC: “The first series of The Night Manager was one of the most creatively fulfilling projects I have ever worked on. “”The depth, range and complexity of Jonathan Pine was, and remains, a thrilling prospect.

I’m so looking forward to reuniting with Simon and Stephen Cornwell, David Farr and Stephen Garrett, and to working with Georgi Banks-Davies to tell the next chapter of our story. I can’t wait.”

The BBC has also confirmed that The Night Manager will be returning for another series following this upcoming one.

Tune into the new series of The Night Manager from 1 January on BBC iPlayer in the UK, and from 11 January on Prime Video where available.

About 300,000 UNRWA pupils have been deprived of a formal education since Israel’s war on Gaza began in October 2023.

Gaza’s classrooms are slowly coming back to life, following two years of relentless Israeli war and devastation that has destroyed the Palestinian enclave’s fabric of daily life: Homes, hospitals and schools.

Four weeks into the United States-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is in the process of reopening schools across the territory amid ongoing Israeli bombardment and heavy restrictions on the flow of aid.

Since October 2023, more than 300,000 UNRWA students have been deprived of a formal education, while 97 percent of the agency’s school buildings have been damaged or destroyed by the fighting.

What were once centres of education are now also being used as shelters by hundreds of displaced families.

Reporting from the central city of Deir el-Balah, Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum found families sharing classrooms with children striving to reclaim their futures.

Inam al-Maghari, one of the Palestinian students who has resumed lessons, spoke to Al Jazeera about the toll Israel’s war on Gaza has had on her education.

“I used to study before, but we have been away from school for two years. I didn’t complete my second and third grades, and now I’m in fourth grade, but I feel like I know nothing,” al-Maghari said.

“Today, we brought mattresses instead of desks to sit and study,” she added.

UNRWA is hoping to expand its educational services in the coming weeks, according to Enas Hamdan, the head of its communication office.

“UNRWA strives to provide face-to-face education through its temporary safe learning spaces for more than 62,000 students in Gaza,” Hamdan said.

“We are working to expand these activities across 67 sheltering schools throughout the Strip. Additionally, we continue to provide online learning for 300,000 students in Gaza.”

Um Mahmoud, a displaced Palestinian, explained how she and her family vacate the room they are staying in three times a week to allow students to study.

“We vacate the classrooms to give the children a chance to learn because education is vital,” Um Mahmoud said. “We’re prioritising learning and hope that conditions will improve, allowing for better quality of education.”

The war in Gaza has taken an immense toll on children, with psychologists warning that more than 80 percent of them now show symptoms of severe trauma.

The UN children’s agency UNICEF has estimated that more than 64,000 children have been killed or injured in Gaza during the fighting.

Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF’s Middle East and North Africa regional director, said “one million children have endured the daily horrors of surviving in the world’s most dangerous place to be a child, leaving them with wounds of fear, loss and grief.”

The Celebrity Traitors finale is almost upon us – however, the BBC hit show left some viewers confused when it didn’t air in its usual Wednesday slot last night

Fans of the Celebrity Traitors are on tenterhooks as they wait for the show’s highly-anticipated final, with the five remaining contestants competing for up to £100,000 for their chosen charities. However, many were left frustrated last night when they tuned into BBC One at 9pm to be greeted by Shetland’s Ashley Jensen and not the giggly Alan Carr.

Viewers took to social media to voice their disappointment, with one writing: “WHAT DO YOU MEAN TRAITORS ISNT ON TONIGHT??? #CelebrityTraitors.” Another said: “Gaslit myself into thinking celebrity traitors was on tonight. It’s not.

“I don’t even know why I thought that. I guess it’s time for big brother then. #BBUK.”

Thankfully, fans won’t have to wait much longer for their Celebrity Traitors fix – with the final set to air tonight. The show is airing its big finale on BBC One at 9pm tonight with a 70-minute episode.

“As the ultimate game of deception and trust draws to a close, the stakes have never been higher as the celebrity players face their final, explosive mission,” the BBC teases. “With the prize fund complete, will the pressure of winning cloud anyone’s vision?

“Will the Faithful banish all the Traitors to secure victory, or will the Traitors manage to deceive until the bitter end?”

The castle content doesn’t stop there, with Ed Gamble hosting the final episode of The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked immediately after the final at 10:10pm on BBC Two. All the finalists will be joining him for their exclusive first interviews alongside Claudia Winkleman as they reflect on the record-breaking series.

Earlier today, the Celebrity Traitors’ famous fans revealed who they’re backing ahead of tonight’s final – with Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas on the side of the Traitors. “Having watched every series of The Traitors, I’m hoping either Alan or Cat can win as Traitors,” she said.

“If they go, then I would love Joe to win for the Faithfuls. This year’s series has been absolutely spectacular and off the chart. My mother and I are engrossed in the whole thing.”

While Coronation Street’s Sally Lindsay said: “Alan, you have always been a legend since I met you 25 years ago and you have been the legend in this. You are the champion!”

Unfortunately, the winner has been spoiled for some fans, with the episode leaking early on Canadian streamer Crave a day early. “PSA: The finale of the Celebrity Traitors was accidentally leaked in Canada yesterday,” one concerned fan wrote on social media.

“Stay away from Traitors news and communities if you don’t want to get spoiled.”

The Celebrity Traitors airs tonight at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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