officially

Earlier cases of the disease were wrongly attributed to malaria and typhoid, WHO said.

The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record started in February, months before it was officially declared in mid-May, said the World Health Organization (WHO) as responders in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) battle the surge in cases.

Mohamed Janabi, the WHO’s regional director for Africa, told a news conference on Monday that sequencing indicated the outbreak’s start, with some cases early on wrongly attributed to malaria and typhoid.

“So we are chasing the virus, the virus is ahead of us,” Janabi said.

Confirmed cases of Ebola in the DRC have reached 4,200, including at least 1,900 deaths, according to latest government figures.

The Ebola outbreak declared on May 15 is unlike most previous ones because the rare Bundibugyo virus has no approved vaccines or treatments. Early testing was conducted for the more common type of Ebola, contributing to delays.

The outbreak is unfolding in challenging conditions, with strikes by some unpaid health workers, threats by rebel groups, anger among long-traumatised communities and misinformation asserting that Ebola isn’t real.

Health teams travel on remote, unpaved roads and have reported shortages of protective gear, while the vast population of displaced people struggles to find reliable water sources for washing hands hygienically.

This Ebola outbreak has killed more people at a faster rate than any other, including the 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa that is considered the worst on record with over 11,000 deaths in at least 28,000 cases. That outbreak took about eight months to reach 1,000 deaths.

Ebola is rare but highly contagious and can be contracted via contact with bodily fluids, such as blood or semen, and with contaminated surfaces and materials, such as bedding and clothing. The disease it causes is severe and often fatal.

Cases doubling in some regions

Last week, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Ebola is spreading faster than efforts to fight it. New cases are doubling in some hotspots, Tedros said on X after meeting with officials in the capital, Kinshasa.

Access to healthcare in the region had already been challenged by years of rebel conflict in one of the DRC’s most remote and vulnerable areas.

On Friday, the WHO recommended the start of full-scale human trials for the Ervebo vaccine, the only licensed Ebola vaccine. While Ervebo has proven to be safe and effective against the more common Zaire strain of the Ebola virus, WHO experts said early data showed it may also give some protection against the rare Bundibugyo strain.

A specific Bundibugyo vaccine is the preferred option for fighting the current outbreak, according to experts from the United Nations’ health agency. Two potential Bundibugyo vaccines are in the early stages of clinical trials on people, while a third is being worked on to get it to that stage.

Several previous Ebola outbreaks have also been declared weeks or months late, including the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak. That was declared in March 2014, although the first human case was later found to have occurred in December 2013.

ENGLAND’s longest zip wire has finally opened to visitors after more than 15 years in development.

The new attraction boasts sweeping views of an iconic national park.

Honister Slate Mine, in Cumbria, has revealed a brand new zip wire attraction, said to be England’s longest.

Visitors will now be led more than 2,000 feet up to the summit, before soaring 1,200 metres across from Honister Crag to the valley below.

Set amid sweeping views of the Lake District and reaching speeds of up to 65 mph, the record-breaking ride follows the old Lancaster aerial flight that once carried Honister slate.

For more than a century, the area housed a historic slate mine, built on the foundations of more than 450million year old Westmorland Green slate.

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The site briefly closed in 1989 before being reopened in 1997 by Mark Weir, who aimed to develop the area as not only England’s last working slate mine, but also an adventure site.

Weir’s sons, Prentice and Piers Wilkinson Weir, who now run the business, told the Cumbria Crack: “As we celebrate 30 years since our dad bought Honister, we’re proud to continue building on his vision while looking firmly to the future.

“This zip wire represents our commitment to investing in Honister, creating unforgettable experiences for our visitors, supporting the local economy and ensuring this incredible place continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Taking more than 15 years to develop, the zip wire will also continue to transport slate from the mountain as it was originally intended to do.

Tickets start from £110 for the 60-second experience, although only a limited number of riders will be able to go this year.

Other attractions at Honister include The Infinity Bridge, a 190m high-wire bridge strung between two mountains, and Via Ferrata, a 2,000ft semi-vertical ascent.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has fired a Tomahawk land-attack cruise missile from one of its warships for the first time, marking a significant development in Tokyo’s efforts to field a long-range conventional strike capability at sea. The launch, conducted by the Kongō class Aegis destroyer Chōkai in the Pacific Ocean with support from the U.S. Navy, is the result of years of work to integrate the U.S.-made cruise missile into Japan’s surface fleet and significantly expands the country’s standoff attack options.

Japan becomes the third country outside the United States to fire a Tomahawk from a surface combatant, with Australia and the Netherlands having previously done so. The other operator of the missile, the United Kingdom, has only fired Tomahawks from submarines.

Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced that Chōkai, which has been deployed to the United States since late last year for modifications and crew training, carried out the live-fire event on July 29 Japan Standard Time (July 28 Pacific Daylight Time). According to the ministry, the test confirmed not only the ship’s ability to launch the missile but also the proficiency of its crew in operating the weapon, clearing another major hurdle toward operational service.

The firing represents the culmination of a process that began in October 2025, when Chōkai arrived in the United States. In March, Japan announced that the destroyer had successfully completed the structural upgrades, software integration, and crew instruction required to employ the Tomahawk, making it the first Japanese warship capable of launching the missile. At the time, officials said a live-fire demonstration would follow before the capability entered operational service.

“This live-fire test demonstrates steady progress in the Tomahawk project, and the Ministry of Defense will continue to work towards the early establishment of stand-off defense capabilities,” the ministry said in a statement.

Chōkai is expected to return to Japan around September 2026.

For decades, Japan’s Aegis destroyers have been optimized almost exclusively for fleet air defense and ballistic missile defense missions. Integrating the Tomahawk fundamentally changes this by giving the ships the ability to strike fixed targets hundreds of miles inland, and potentially other ships at sea over great distances, extending the reach of the JMSDF far beyond traditional maritime operations.

The Tomahawk acquisition forms part of Japan’s broader effort to build what Tokyo describes as “standoff defense capabilities” in response to an increasingly challenging regional security environment. Under Japan’s revised National Security Strategy, the country has embraced a limited counterstrike capability intended to hold hostile missile launchers, command nodes, and other military targets at risk if Japan comes under attack. Officials have repeatedly stressed that these weapons remain consistent with Japan’s exclusively defense-oriented security policy and are intended to strengthen deterrence rather than enable offensive military operations.

Japan is purchasing up to 400 Tomahawk missiles from the United States, including both Block IV and newer Block V variants, at a cost of around $1 billion. The Block IV Tomahawk can hit targets nearly 1,000 miles away with a 1,000-pound unitary warhead. It is capable of rerouting mid-flight and can loiter over an area to hit targets as they emerge, featuring an imaging infrared seeker capability. The Block V variant is an improved version with survivability upgrades that can be used to also hit moving targets, especially in the long-range anti-ship missile role.

Tomahawk is seen as a bridge capability while indigenous long-range weapons — including Upgraded Type 12 anti-ship missiles and other domestically developed standoff systems — enter service. Tomahawk deliveries have already begun, and additional Aegis destroyers are expected to receive the modifications needed to employ the weapon over the coming years.

Japan’s four Kongō class destroyers already feature the Mk 41 vertical launching system (VLS) and an Aegis combat system closely aligned with U.S. Navy architecture, requiring modifications rather than wholesale redesign to operate Tomahawk. Future installations are expected across the remainder of Japan’s Aegis destroyer fleet, including the two Atago and two Maya class ships.

Tokyo has already allocated funds of close to $700 million for the appropriate modifications to four more Aegis destroyers: Kirishima, Haguro, Myoko, and Atago.

Japan’s future Tomahawk fleet is likely to extend beyond its existing destroyers.

The country is constructing two massive Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEVs), due to enter service in fiscal years 2027 and 2028, respectively. Although the ships are being designed around the ballistic missile defense, or BMD, mission, Defense Ministry officials say that a Tomahawk capability will be added later.

Swedish defense firm Saab announced today that it had signed a contract to provide 16 Gripen E fighters to Ukraine. Once they arrive in the country, the jets will likely provide Ukraine with its most capable combat aircraft, and the development comes after Stockholm agreed to donate up to 16 of the previous-generation Gripen C/Ds to Ukraine. Handover of the Gripen C/Ds in Ukraine is slated to take place in early 2027, while the Gripen Es are scheduled for delivery starting in 2029.

The deal was signed between Saab and the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV), the governmental procurement agency acting under the Swedish Ministry of Defense. The order is valued at around SEK 24.6 billion (approximately $2.5 billion) and will be booked in the third quarter of this year.

Saab is scheduled to deliver the new jets to the FMV between 2029 and 2030, after which they will be transferred to Ukraine.

In addition to the 16 Gripen E fighters, the contract also includes spare parts and associated items and equipment.

“I am deeply proud that Sweden and Saab can now enable the provision of Gripen E to Ukraine, bringing a world-class fighter that will transform the Ukrainian Air Force’s capability. This will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s air defense and help ensure the nation can protect its people and safeguard its future,” said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, in a statement from the company.

The same statement also outlined particular features of the Gripen series that it says make it ideal for operations with the Ukrainian Air Force:

“Gripen is designed to address advanced threats in demanding environments. Operational flexibility and resilience enable operations from short stretches, temporary runways or roads, supporting dispersed operations and high availability. The software-based architecture facilitates continuous upgrades and adaptation to evolving operational requirements. With low maintenance requirements and fast turnaround, Gripen provides an advanced and cost-effective fighter capability that is easy to operate and maintain.”

These qualities, not restricted to, but notably baked into the Gripen design philosophy, are something we have explored as long ago as 2022, in the context of potential deliveries to Ukraine. In our previous coverage, we noted:

Designed during the Cold War to meet the Soviet threat, the Gripen was engineered for efficiency, durability, and ease of operation under wartime conditions. It was specifically designed to be serviced and rearmed by small teams — often including conscript personnel — while operating from dispersed locations such as roads and improvised airstrips instead of traditional air bases. The aircraft’s entire concept centers on maintaining combat operations in demanding environments, including prolonged cold-weather conditions.

Gripen – Always combat ready

Even with its existing fighters, the Ukrainian Air Force has developed tactics and equipment to operate these jets from dispersed locations around the country. Prior to the current conflict, Ukrainian fighters were training to make use of highways as alternatives to traditional runways.

Already, the Gripen C/D represents a significant advance, but, as noted, these are previous-generation jets, and they are secondhand aircraft drawn from Swedish stocks to expedite delivery.

Compared to the Gripen C/D, the Gripen E, as you can read about here, is a very different proposition, despite its superficially similar appearance.

In contrast to the older jet, the Gripen E has a bigger fuselage that accommodates approximately 30 percent more fuel and has a more powerful General Electric F414 engine, plus a total of 10 hardpoints for weapons and other stores. The cockpit is entirely revised, and the pilot is provided with a single Wide Area Display (WAD), replacing the three separate displays in the Gripen C/D.

The Gripen E can carry up to seven MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, weapons also compatible with the Gripen C/D, although in the new aircraft these are integrated with the Leonardo ES-05 Raven active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and the Leonardo Skyward G infrared search and track (IRST) sensor.

The ES-05 Raven is set to be the first AESA fighter radar for Ukraine. Arrays of this kind bring a significant boost to modern combat aircraft. In comparison with traditional mechanically scanned array technology, an AESA can find and track a target at a much greater range, more quickly, and with a greater degree of accuracy. This also applies to smaller threats, including those with limited radar signatures, or flying at very low levels, which older radars find much harder to detect. This makes it especially relevant to hunting drones and cruise missiles, which are small targets often encountered by Ukraine en masse.

One particular feature of the ES-05 Raven on the Gripen E is the fact that the radar is mounted on a rotating repositioner, also known as a swashplate. As you can read about here, this enables the electronically scanned antenna, which is normally fixed in a forward position on fighter aircraft, to be slewed to the left and to the right in order to increase its field of view.

As we have discussed in the past, the Meteor would provide Ukraine with a class of air-to-air weapon that it badly needs to redress the balance against Russian fighter jets.

The Meteor is among the most capable air-to-air missiles in operational service anywhere in the world. Thanks to its ramjet propulsion, which can be throttled during different phases of flight, the Meteor is generally considered to be effective against certain types of targets out to around 130 miles.

The Meteor also features an active radar seeker for the terminal phase and a two-way datalink that feeds it with in-flight updates as it flies out to its target and provides information to the pilot in the launch aircraft.

Meteor

All Gripens can also be armed with the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) that arms Ukraine’s F-16 fighters as well as several of its ground-based air defense systems.

The jet also includes a new Saab Electronic Warfare System (EWS), featuring a 360-degree spherical Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS).

Less obvious is the Gripen E’s avionics architecture, which is designed to enable the rapid insertion of new hardware and updated software applications to take on new missions. Customers are also able to design and develop their own software to introduce new technologies and systems to keep pace with ever-evolving threats.

Furthermore, Ukraine will be able to maximize the potential of its Gripens by operating them in conjunction with its two Saab 340 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft equipped with Erieye radar that have been donated by Sweden.

The Saab 340 AEW&C can serve as an airborne fighter control platform by detecting and tracking Russian targets, prioritizing threats, and directing friendly fighters to intercept them. Using its datalink system, the aircraft can also provide mid-course guidance updates to missiles after launch. This allows fighter pilots to engage targets without necessarily activating their own radar. Instead, a missile can be assigned a target before launch, fired, and then receive continuous guidance updates from the AEW&C aircraft until it reaches the target. The Erieye radar is also notably effective when tracking ground and maritime targets.

Brazil was the first export customer for the Gripen E (also taking the two-seat Gripen F version), with its decision to buy the fighter influenced to a significant degree by the opportunity to establish a domestic production line. It was followed by Thailand, which secured a small batch of Gripen E/Fs to bolster its existing Gripen C/D fleet, and Colombia, which is also buying Gripen E/Fs. Meanwhile, Sweden has ordered 60 Gripen Es, the first of which was delivered to an operational unit last year.

Otherwise, the commonality between the aircraft will ensure that the Gripen E is easier for the Ukrainians to introduce.

According to Swedish officials, the training of Ukrainian pilots and technicians on the Gripen C/D is already underway and will be expanded this fall.

These Gripen Es could be just the start of a much bigger program.

The long-term ambition remains 100-150 Gripen aircraft. However, this transfer only exists as a statement of intent for now, as we have previously reported.

A similar letter of intent covers a plan for Kyiv to buy up to 100 Dassault Rafale F4 fighters from France over the next 10 years. These Rafales are at least as advanced as the Gripen Es, and superior in some respects, but there remain glaring questions about whether they can both be procured, especially in such numbers.

The Gripen E is an even bigger deal for Ukraine than the Gripen C/D. The Ukrainian Air Force has already received Western-supplied F-16s and a smaller number of Mirage 2000s, but still relies heavily on its Soviet-era fighters. The MiG-29 Fulcrum, in particular, has been continually adapted to carry new weaponry, both Western-supplied and locally developed, but these are all aging jets and the fleet overall has been steadily reduced by attrition.

Taken together, the Gripen C/D and Gripen E will provide Ukraine with a modern, networked fighter force unlike anything it has operated before. Combined with long-range Meteor missiles and Erieye AEW&C support, the aircraft will significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to challenge Russian airpower and defend its airspace, and it will also be able to deliver precise attacks against surface targets.

Perhaps more importantly, these Swedish-made jets will bring the Ukrainian Air Force into a new era in which it is spearheaded by advanced, Western-made combat aircraft.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com

Jeremy Clarkson took to Instagram this weekend with an exciting update on his hit Prime Video series

The update comes days after his cancer diagnosis was revealed.

Clarkson’s Farm Season 6 is officially in the works at Prime Video, Jeremy Clarkson has confirmed.

The news comes days after the fifth outing of the former Top Gear star’s hit series concluded with the devastating news that he has been diagnosed with cancer.

Jeremy took to Instagram this weekend with a filmed update in front of a Lamborghini tractor.

“So, bit of a year,” he began. “But, I am delighted to tell you that Season 6 of Clarkson’s Farm is currently being filmed. It’s in production.

“And that’s particularly good news for me because… well, if you know, you know.

“And, if you don’t know, you need to watch Season 5.”

Despite Jeremy being diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer, which devastated his farming colleagues Kaleb Cooper and Charlie Ireland in the seventh episode of season five, he’s now confirmed to be cancer free.

The presenter took to Instagram just a couple of hours before the Season 6 announcement to assure fans he’s “perfectly fine” and urging men to get tested.

His update also arrives after Jeremy was spotted with camera crews on Diddly Squat Farm, leading to speculation that Season 6 was almost certainly underway.

Fans can now rest assured that the upcoming instalment is officially in the works and is likely to be released in summer 2027.

One of his followers replied: “I love you Jeremy, love the show and the rest of the crew.”

Someone else exclaimed: “Best news of the day!” And another said: “Wonderful news [heart emoji].”

“Absolutely thrilled,” another fan commented. “Thrilled as your show is one of my all time favourites, but even moreso that you’re all clear health wise! Excitedly awaiting season 6.”

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Season 5 was a rocky road for the Diddly Squat crew, which also includes Jeremy’s partner Lisa Hogan and dry stone walling expert Gerald Cooper.

In addition to Jeremy’s cancer diagnosis, the latest instalment kicked off with Jeremy’s emergency heart surgery in late 2024 and saw one of his toughest farming experiences yet as his pregnant cow was slaughtered due to “inconclusive” tuberculosis tests.

However, there were plenty of uplifting moments too as the AI-powered AgBot tractor proved a success and Kaleb welcomed his third child with fiancée Taya.

Clarkson’s Farm is available to stream on Prime Video.

PERRIE Edwards has shared a behind-the-scenes wedding video, as she officially changed her name after getting married.

The stunning singer, 32, tied the knot with footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, also, 32, over the weekend in a lavish ceremony in Portugal.

For her big day, Perrie had six bridesmaids which included her sister Caitlin, her cousin Ellie, twins Lucy and Lydia Connell, manager Sam Cox and dancers Claude and Renae.

In a video shared on TikTok, they were first seen all dancing by the pool in their matching white pyjamas to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, by Cyndi Lauper.

Then in a quick transition, which saw Perrie go towards the camera and flash her HUGE engagement ring, the camera zoomed out to show the star now in her stunning wedding gown.

The singer was then seen dancing on a staircase with her bridesmaids, who are now wearing blue satin gowns.

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It comes as Perrie has also officially changed her name to reflect her new marital status as Alex’s wife.

On social media, the singer now goes by Perrie Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Meanwhile, joining Perrie on her big day were her two Little Mix bandmates, Jade Thirwall, 33, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 34.

Jade proved the ultimate multi-tasker, staying to watch the I Dos but leaving early into the evening celebrations to perform 335 miles away at Primavera Sound in Porto.

Leigh-Anne remained at the ceremony, with newlywed Perrie telling Vogue they hit the dancefloor together.

She told the publication: “We were absolutely going off to En Vogue… we still remembered all of our harmonies and the choreography!”

Other showbiz guests included ex Arsenal footballer Carl Jenkinson and Fulham‘s Harrison Reed.

Perrie and Alex wed in the Igreja Matriz de Estoi church, close to where they own a villa.

After their nuptials they headed to their wedding reception at the nearby restaurant Parrilla Natural.

The newlyweds shut down the Faro venue for the lavish event, which saw the place transformed with fresh flowers and white linen.

A source told The Sun: “Perrie and Alex’s wedding day could not have been more special.

“It was intimate and emotional.

“Perrie and Alex’s son Axel had a special role to play in the ceremony. It was adorable to see.

“She looked absolutely radiant and Alex didn’t stop smiling. It was a truly beautiful day.”

Insiders revealed Perrie and Alex had chosen to wait until after the birth of their daughter Alanis to wed.

“Perrie and Alex love the Algarve and have a home there, so they knew they wanted to get married there,” a friend added.

“Their guests were driven from their hotel to a top-secret venue for the ceremony, before being taken to Parrilla Natural for the reception.

“The weather was absolutely perfect too. The pictures are amazing.”

Insiders also said that generous Perrie and Alex put their guests up at the five star hotel Conrad Algarve, where it costs up to £2,800-a-night.

The newlyweds have been dating for over ten years and were engaged four years ago, after Alex proposed on a beachfront while they were on holiday.

They share two children – Axel, four, and Alanis, six-onths.

The pair first started dating back in 2016, with their big day falling close to their 10-year-anniversary.

June 8 (UPI) — On Monday, President Donald Trump officially nominated Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general, to take over the job for good, sending the nomination to the Senate. Blanche would replace Pam Bondi, the attorney general Trump fired in April.

Trump said several days ago that he would officially nominate Blanche, who used to be one of the president’s personal defense lawyers, for the role.

Now, the Senate must confirm Blanche through a majority vote. In a statement, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley said that he will support Blanche, CNN reported.

“Blanche is well-qualified and has shown his dedication to restoring law and order across our country,” Grassley said. “The Senate Judiciary Committee’s work to process Blanche’s nomination is underway.”

CNN also reported that Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who is also a member of the committee, said that he will ask Blanche about Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, which was created after a settlement between the Internal Revenue Service and the president, his sons and the Trump Organization.

Blanche said last week that the fund, which some have called a way for Trump to reward his political allies (including those convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the U.S. Capitol), is dead. However, he refused to put that in writing. On Thursday, Senate Republicans stopped an attempt by Democrats to ensure the fund’s permanent demise through an amendment to a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

Blanche’s nomination also comes after he arranged for Trump and the other parties in the IRS lawsuit to have immunity from prosecution or enforcement actions on any tax returns filed before the settlement.

Blanche is also likely to face questions on the release of the so-called Epstein Files. Bondi told the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in May that she put Blanche, then deputy attorney general, in charge of releasing the files, CNBC reported. The department did not redact the names of some victims and withheld other documents.

DUA Lipa and Callum Turner tied the knot today during an intimate ceremony attended by a handful of friends and family.

The superstar singer and Hollywood actor exchanged vows at Old Marylebone Town Hall this afternoon, watched on by close friends and family.

Dua, 29, stunned in a white hat, dress and gloves hand in hand with newly wedded husband, 35-year-old Callum, wearing a navy suit and tie.

Eight friends and family stood on both sides of the stairs at Marylebone Registry and tossed confetti as the beaming couple headed into a black cab.

It was a low-key affair making them legally man and wife ahead of their second wedding – a lavish three-day event in Sicily.

The London registry office spot is a favourite amongst celebrities, with Sir Paul McCartney and Liam Gallagher both married there twice.

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The Sun this week revealed how the A-list couple were planning a star-studded bash on the Italian island, kicking off on Thursday.

Showbiz pals including singers Charli XCX and Tove Lo are on the guestlist.
There are even whispers that Sir Elton John, who Dua collaborated with on the 2021 song Cold Heart, could perform.

Inspired by pal Charli, insiders say the ceremony will be a massive, luxurious affair.

“They have rented out multiple huge venues for the multi-event extravaganza,” said a source.

Fashion designer Simon Porte Jacquemus, the man behind the label Jacquemus, is believed to have created at least one of the dresses Dua, 30, will wear for her wedding celebrations.

The Sun first revealed James Bond contender Callum, 36, had popped the question to New Rules singer Dua in December 2024 after just a year of dating, and she confirmed the news in an interview with British Vogue last June.

Dua, who completed her 81-date, £100million-grossing Radical Optimism Tour in December, said at the time: “I want to finish my tour – Callum’s shooting, so we’re just enjoying this period.

“I’ve never been someone who’s really thought about a wedding, or dreamt about what kind of bride I would be. All of a sudden I’m like, ‘Oh, what would I wear?’.

“This decision to grow old together, to see a life and just be best friends forever – it’s a really special feeling.”

The singer also revealed Callum had her engagement ring made especially for her, after discussing it with her sister Rina, who is expected to be a bridesmaid along with her best friends.

“It’s very exciting,” said Dua. “I’m obsessed with it. It’s so me. It’s nice to know the person that you’re going to spend the rest of your life with knows you very well.”

Just like friend Charli, Dua chose a legal ceremony at a UK registry office before jetting off to have an overseas bash.

Brat singer Charli married The 1975 drummer George Daniel at Hackney Town Hall last summer wearing a Vivienne Westwood mini-dress before saying ‘I do’ again in the picturesque coastal village of Scopello, Sicily.

Old Marylebone Town Hall in central London is a favourite amongst celebrities, with Davina McCall getting hitched to her hairdresser husband Michael Douglas there earlier this year.

Sir Paul McCartney was a big fan, marrying his first wife Linda there in 1969, then holding his third wedding to Nancy Shevell there in 2011.

Oasis singer Liam Gallagher did the same, tying the knot to Patsy Kensit there in 2011, then singer Nicole Appleton in 2001.

THE UK is basking in temperatures of up to 30C this bank holiday, it’s even going to be hotter than Greece, or as Sun Travel like to call it – perfect beach bar weather.

If you’re hoping to sip on a cool beer or salty margarita by the coast, check out our favourite spots in Kent, Devon, all the way to the Isle of Wight (and don’t forget your sun cream).

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel. 

Little Swift, Kent

“Sipping frozen margaritas on the beachfront as the sun sets behind you… there’s hardly a better way to spend a sunny afternoon in the UK.

“And Little Swift in Margate, Kent, is one of my favourite places to do it.
The tiny natural wine & cocktail bar has a number of tables on the pavement out front, overlooking Margate’s Main Sands beach.

“They specialise in frozen cocktails from £9, with flavours ranging from pina colada and margarita to Aperol sours.

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“Grab a drink, people watch, then make your way to Beach Buoys for some of the best fish and chips of your life.” – Caroline McGuire, Head of Sun Travel (Digital)

Bo’s Beach Cafe, Devon

“The atmosphere may be a little more mellow than some of the other spots mentioned in this list, but the views will surely trump them all.

“The decking from Bo’s Beach Cafe juts out over North Sands beach, a dog-friendly shore in Devon.

“Wooden picnic tables look out towards the bluest of oceans where you can watch the sea tractor roll in and out daily, collecting local passengers from the water and delivering them to dry land.

“Expect to mingle with a mix of laidback locals as well as tourists who prefer to escape the crowds of the nearby Salcombe.

“The pizzas are legendary and can be washed back with an ice cold beer.” – Sophie Swietochowski – Assistant Travel Editor

The Hut, Isle of Wight

“For a spectacular sunset cocktail or a chilled glass of rose, there’s no better place to be than The Hut at Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight.

“This chic, laid-back beachfront restaurant and bar combines the casual charm of a traditional British seaside pavilion with the vibrant, sun-drenched energy of a Mediterranean beach club.

“There’s panoramic views across the Solent from its open-air deck where you can enjoy the freshest seafood while the DJ spins mellow tunes and as night falls, the party really starts.

“The joint is popular with sailors too – and has its own dedicated tender service to bring people from their boats, yachts and dinghies.” – Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel

The Venus Cafe, Devon

“We all know Devon beaches have a lot to boast about, but at the red sand, Broadsands Beach near Paignton, you’ll find the fantastic Venus Cafe.

“With views of the bay, the Venus Cafe has a huge decking area with over 100 seats to soak up the sunshine.

“If you are here in the morning then they breakfasts are a must, but the cafe also serves locally caught fish such as mackerel and sardines at the weekend.

“From the beach bar you can also spot the two Brunel steam railway viaducts, where you will see steam trains chugging along.

“The cocktails are a must here – costing just £9.50, flavours include a tropical pineapple daiquiri with coconut and Salcombe’s Island Street rum.

“Prefer something with more of hit? Pick the Espresso Martini, which is made with local Tors Vodka and a pinch of sea salt (game changer!).” – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Rockwater, Hove

“Last summer during the July heatwave, I was sunning myself in Hove and stopped by Rockwater Beach Club on the promenade.

“The venue is rustic-looking on the outside and blends in with its surroundings with wooden- slatted exterior and huge glass windows.

“The inside is spectacular with plush chairs, a beautiful bar and a holiday-like atmosphere with both locals and tourists chattering away.

“I felt like I was in another country as I sipped on an Aperol Spritz whilst the sun shone through open windows looking over Hove Beach.

“When I go back next, I’m desperate to sit upstairs on the roof terrace which soaks up the sunshine and has sweeping views across the seaside.

“The drinks list is as long as your arm with everything from classic cocktails to refreshing summer coolers.” – Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Surf Side, Cornwall

“I can think of nowhere I’d rather be on a gloriously hot day than Surf Side on the Cornish shores of Polzeath.

“This lively rum bar is spread across two floors and spills out onto the sands with party goers stomping their feet late into the evening.

“I once heard someone refer to this spot as an “apres-sea” bar and it feels completely fitting with hordes of surfers stumbling in after hitting the waves.

“The food is decent, as well as the cocktails  – sample the local oysters, gorge on a steak sandwich or tuck into moules marnieres (mussels in a white wine sauce).

“Outside on the sands – and part of the bar – you’ll find a little old beach boat that’s been converted into a food van of sorts and sells outdoor BBQ bites and beach fries.” – Sophie Swietochowski – Assistant Travel Editor

Blackpool Sands, Devon

“At Blackpool Sands – which is already very picturesque – you’ll find Blackpool Sands Café, Lounge and Restaurant.

“The tropical-looking lounge has an interior and vibe that transports you to the Mediterranean, with straw umbrellas, floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a heap of natural light.

“And its so close to the beach that the sand even gets inside.

“Dishes on the menu all use locally sourced ingredients, so what you eating feels as good as what you see.

“But – as you are in Devon – make sure to get their cream tea.” – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter